Ngā Meneti
Open Minutes
Commencing: Friday 30 September 2022, 09:30 am
Venue: Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Waiariki Room, Corner Fenton & Pukaki Street, Rotorua and via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)
Heamana Tuarua
Deputy Chairperson: Mayor Steve Chadwick (Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC))
Ngā Kopounga
Members: Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT):
Arapeta Tahana
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC Toi Moana):
Chairman Doug Leeder; Cr Kevin Winters
Observers from Ministry for the Environment (MfE):
Juscinta Grace - Manager – Funds; Caytion Wineera - Senior Analyst Fresh Water Investments (via Zoom); Mike Mitchell - Senior Solicitor (via Zoom)
Te Hunga i Tae Ake
In Attendance: TALT: Nicki Douglas – Environmental Manager; Soweeta Fort-D'Ath - Lakes Programme Coordinator; Troy Brown – Community Engagement
RLC: Stavros Michael – Deputy Chief Executive Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions; Gina Rangi – Deputy Chief Executive Te Arawa Partnerships; Regan Fraser - Infrastructure Business Manager
BOPRC Toi Moana: Cr Lyall Thurston; Chris Ingle – General Manager, Integrated Catchments; Kumaren Perumal – Chief Financial Officer (via Zoom); Helen Creagh – Rotorua Catchments Manager; Andy Bruere – Lakes Operations Manager; Ashleigh Grant – Kaikarere (Communications Partner); Rosemary Cross - Senior Projects Manager – Rotorua; Gemma Moleta – Senior Planner (Water Policy) (via Zoom); Reuben Gardiner – Senior Planner (Water Policy) (via Zoom); Merinda Pansegrouw – Committee Advisor
Other: Dr Deniz Özcundakci - Toihuarewa Waimaori, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair in Lake and Fresh Water Science (via Zoom); Dr Ian Kusabs - Principal Scientist, Ian Kusabs & Associates Ltd; John Gifford, Chair, LakesWater Quality Society; Phill Thomass –Rotorua Lakes Community Board Chair; Chris Sutton - Rerewhakaiitu Incorporated Society.
Ngā Hōnea
Apologies: Deputy Mayor David Donaldson, Nuki Nicholson and Chairman Leeder (early departure)
Declaration of Public Recording
Committee members and the public were reminded that the public section of the meeting was being recorded and would be made available on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website following the meeting and archived for a period of three years: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group – 30 September 2022 - YouTube.
1. Karakia
Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia
A karakia was provided by Arapeta Tahana.
Item 9.1 “Mihi for Sir Toby Curtis” was considered as the first item on the agenda.
3. Whakaaturanga
Presentations
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3.1 |
Mihi - Dr Sir Toby Curtis Presented by: Arapeta Tahana, Te Arawa Lakes Trust. |
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Dr Sir Nopera (Toby) Tamihana Curtis (Te Arawa, Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Pikiao) KNZM passed away on August 17, 2022. Mihi and kōrero presented by Arapeta Tahana and Mayor Steve Chadwick acknowledged Dr Sir Toby Curtis’ leadership, wisdom and unwavering commitment to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group, the region and in particular Te Arawa iwi and Rotorua. A sincere appreciation was given to Tā Toby for overseeing the co-governance arrangement of the Rotorua Lakes on Te Arawa’s behalf in partnership Rotorua Lakes Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and guiding the Strategy Group in his role as Pou Tākiwaiora. |
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That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group: 1 Accepts the apologies from Deputy Mayor David Donaldson and Nuki Nicholson and Chairman Leeder (for early departure) tendered at the meeting. CARRIED |
5. Wāhanga
Tūmatanui
Public Forum
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John Gifford, Chair, LakesWater Quality Society Tabled Document 1 - LakesWater Quality Society Symposium - 2022 Programme: Objective ID A4221437 Tabled Document 2 - LakesWater Quality Society Symposium Pamphlet 2022: Objective ID A4221514 |
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Presented by: John Gifford, Chair of the LakesWater Quality Society. Key Points: LakesWater Quality Society · LakesWater Quality Society (LWQS) Symposium scheduled for 10 - 11 November 2022 at the Millennium Hotel Rotorua (Refer tabled pamphlet) o Theme: ”Get on the Boat”; focus would be on lake restoration, changes, challenges and maintaining momentum o Overview of symposium topics (Refer tabled programme) o Much progress had been made across Rotorua lakes and their catchments in reducing nutrient inflows, controlling algae blooms and managing lake weed infestations. However, with climate change, significant land use change to production forestry, urban development pressures and the three waters infrastructure reforms, new challenges were emerging. Many of the lakes remained at risk of further degradation · LWQS involvement/participation in the proposed review for the Lakes Programme: highlighted the urgency of the matter and requested that every effort be made to speed up the process · LWQS submission on Plan Change 9 (RLC): stressed the importance of understanding the impact of urban development on the environment; LWQS would be making a submission; suggested that consideration be given by the Strategy Group to also make a submission to Plan Change 9.
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6. Whakapuakanga
o Ngā Take Whai Taha-Rua
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest
None
Kia
Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed
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Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 10 June 2022 |
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That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group: 1. Confirms the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 10 June 2022 as a true and correct record. CARRIED |
8. Whakaaturanga
Presentations (continued)
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Presentation: Dr Deniz Özcundakci – Toihuarewa Waimaori, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair in Lake and Fresh Water Science Presentation - Prof Deniz Ozkundakci - Lakes Strategy Group 30 Sept 2022: Objective ID A4221405 Presented by: Associate Professor Deniz Özcundakci - Toihuarewa Waimāori, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Chair in Lake and Fresh Water Science. |
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· Background/experience: PhD, Biological Sciences, University of Waikato/ Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Germany · Freshwater research themes: climate change impacts, ecological restoration; connectivity and sustainable catchments; monitoring technologies and Mātauranga Māori and mahinga kai · Climate change implications for the Bay of Plenty - modelled annual mean temperature to change by 2100 for RCP8.5 (Representative Concentration Pathway) · Projected annual hot day (maximum temperature >25°C) changes for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, by 2040 and 2100 · Climate change implications for the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes: o based on model simulations, TLI (Trophic Level Index) values in Lake Rotorua could be expected to increase by approximately 0.2 units by 2090 due to climate change o Numerous wild weather events o Winter 2022 was Aotearoa New Zealand’s warmest and wettest on record · Developing a nation-wide lake ecosystem modelling platform to assist lake management · Conclusions: o Climate change impacts were relevant across all the research themes o Long-term lake water quality would likely further deteriorate under climate change o Effects of extreme events were currently understudied o Climate change effects in catchments could be synergistic and antagonistic. Key Points - Members: · Highlighted the importance of reviewing the Deed Funding for the lakes to align with a changing landscape/incorporate latest research findings · Based on recent research findings, there was a valid argument for Deed Funding to be extended to include all lakes; multi-lakes studies would be beneficial/climate change would impact all lakes · Associate Professor Deniz Özcundakci’s presentation on climate change implications for the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes was very timely; needed to inform the review of the programme/be incorporated into the planned actions for the new triennium · The contents/message of Associate Professor Deniz Özcundakci’s presentation needed to be widely shared with the public/staff · Highlighted the need for individual councils to continuously review their respective climate change strategies; ensuring they were synergistically moving in the right direction. |
10:15am - The meeting adjourned.
11:30am - The meeting reconvened.
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Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update Tabled Document 3 - Te Arawa Lakes Trust Report - September 2022: Objective ID A4218965 |
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Presented by: Nicki Douglas, Environment Manager and Soweeta Fort-D'Ath, Lakes Programme Coordinator. Key Points: · Updated members on progress regarding the report to be prepared by Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) on the scope for the review of the programme/strategy group terms of reference (with the inclusion of an independent/objective overview as part of the process): o Development of scope was ongoing o Review would cover the existing programme, include science/research, consider the terms of reference of the Strategy Group and the future role of the Pou Tākiwaiora o Would engage with all parties who had been influential in getting the programme initiated, as well as previous members and new incoming members o Timeline for completion of the review: 30 June 2023 · Outlined the activities of TALT in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme and the wider Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy for the period June to September 2022. Key Points - Members: · Highlighted the urgency of progressing the review, commencing the participation/consultation process · Suggested scope include the broadened view on climate change, incorporating recent learnings/research findings · Scope to take into consideration the interconnectedness of all activities/mahi by all parties · Scope to review income processes/streams/funding sources/deed funding, based on science and future requirements for the next 20 years · Government’s once-off funding for the Jobs for Nature programme, aimed to promote economic recovery through nature based jobs; had been very effective; however, was concerned that the sustainability of the work commenced under this workstream would be under threat with funding coming to an end. Was imperative for initiatives to continue – required further funding for valuable mahi to be maintained. Would otherwise lose the momentum. Suggested the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) be approached, advocating for a possible match-fund approach to continue supporting the Jobs for Nature programme · Highlighted the importance of supporting smaller volunteer groups to unlock capability and capacity · Important that the next round of funding for the Lakes be extended to include all 12 lakes. |
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That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group: 1 Receives the tabled report, Te Arawa Lakes Trust Report. CARRIED 2 Notes and supports the benefit of the Mauri Tu Mauri Ora - Jobs for Nature Programme; encourages a sustainable funding approach for Mauri Tu Mauri Ora - Jobs for Nature. Chadwick/Leeder CARRIED |
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Rotorua Lakes Council Update to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - 30 September 2022 Presented by: Stavros Michael Deputy Chief Executive Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions. Key Points: · Thanked all partners for their contribution/commitment over the past triennium · Updated on Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC) activities that related to lake water quality in the following areas: o Wastewater treatment and stormwater projects o Planning Policy. |
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That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group: 1 Receives the report, Rotorua Lakes Council Update to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - 30 September 2022. CARRIED |
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Ministry for the Environment Update Tabled Document 4 - Letter from Minister Parker to Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - September 2022: Objective ID A4215313 |
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Presented by: Juscinta Grace, Ministry for the Environment (MfE) Manager – Funds, Sustainable Land Use Delivery. Supported by Caytion Wineera - Senior Analyst Fresh Water Investments and Mike Mitchell - Senior Solicitor, both present via Zoom. Key Points – Verbal Update: · Acknowledged the passing of Tā Toby · Thanked members for their contribution and oversight of the Te Arawa Lakes programme over the past triennium · Recognised the resolutions accepted by the Minister/letters of assurance and expectation received (Refer tabled item) · Next steps included amending the Deed to Transfer between projects ($10 million from Incentives Scheme to Rotoiti) · Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) – to reopen on 18 October 2022 and remain open year-round, unlike the short annual funding rounds of previous years · Freshwater Policy Reforms – guidelines for councils available on the MfE website: o high-level national objectives framework (NOF) infographic for Councils when engaging communities and tangata whenua o mahinga kai guidance and tools, case studies to support tangata whenua when facilitating mahinga kai values in their rohe, to ensure mahinga kai values were integrated during implementation of National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) o NOF guidance, councils obligations, Te Mana o te Wai (TMoTW) hierarchy, limit setting, environmental flows · Upcoming matters: o online workshops and seminars to roll out guidance o Fish passage mapping and monitoring support for councils o Survey on the Fish Passage Assessment Tool (FPAT) has also been sent to all councils for future potential upgrades and to incentivise councils to use the app to meet their fish passage National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-F) information requirements o Nutrients and sediment projects were nearing completion to assist Regional Councils to set target instream attribute states (NPS-FM), by providing robust nationally consistent technical methodologies in the form of guidance materials · Wetlands tools and guidance · Resource Management Act/Transitioning Treaty Settlement: Ministry was in ongoing discussions with Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa Trust and Te Arawa River Iwi Trust about how their Treaty settlements would be upheld in the future resource management system · New Legislation (Natural and Built Environments Bill and Spatial Planning Bill are expected to be introduced to Parliament in late 2022 / early 2023): While the Select Committee process was underway, the Ministry would continue to engage on developing the National Planning Framework (secondary legislation) and prepare for Implementation of the new system · Mauri Tu Mauri Ora - Jobs for Nature – acknowledged the need for additional funding to continue with Mauri Tu Mauri Ora - Jobs for Nature as well as the importance of providing sustainable funding to ensure that projects continued. |
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Resolved That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group: 1 Receives the verbal update by Ministry for the Environment; and 2 Notes and receives the letter from Hon Minister David Parker, Minister for the Environment dated 21 September “Letter of Expectations – Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme” (tabled at the meeting). Winters/Chadwick CARRIED |
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Programme Status Report, Purongo ā-tau 2021/2022, Change Request Presentation - Programme Status Report - 30 September 2022: Objective ID A4221411 Presented by: Helen Creagh - Rotorua Catchments Manager, Andy Bruere – Lakes Operations Manager and Dr Ian Kusabs - Principal Scientist, Ian Kusabs & Associates Ltd. Key Points: · To meet the requirements of the Deed of Funding for the Te Arawa Lakes Programme and the Programme Management Plan for the Programme, presented the following: o Status update for the Programme as at September 2022, in dashboard format o Purongo ā-tau (Annual Report) for the Programme for the 2021/2022 financial year, for approval o Change Request 71 for approval – relating to the Lake Rotoiti sewerage reticulation project, to implement the recent decisions of Strategy Group and the Minister in allocating further Deed Funding to this project · Current Lake Trophic Level Index (TLI) Results - Five lakes achieved their target TLI for the 2021-2022 year · In relation to the three-year rolling average TLI for the 12 lakes, four lakes have a three-year rolling average TLI which meets their target, six have a very small margin between their three-year rolling TLI and their target TLI (0.2 or less units) and only one (Lake Rotoehu) exceeded its TLI by more than 0.2 units · Lake Ecology status – kōura and kākahi monitoring as carried out by Dr Ian Kusabs · Catfish monitoring update · Low Nitrogen (N) Land Use Fund: pruned and harvested a trial block of hedged mānuka. 620kg of brush was sent off to be distilled in Ōpōtiki with 1.5 litres of mānuka oil produced. This equated to 2.5 litres per tonne (L/tonne) of brush. Expected about 3.5 L/tonne from planned summer harvest. Quality testing of the oil was currently being undertaken. Key Points – In response to Questions: · Phosphorous locking (alum dosing) - refinements to the way dosing was undertaken were required, further consideration would follow to determine what would be the most effective way to apply the alum dosing. |
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· To advise members on the role/impact of phytoplankton/micro-nutrients on the health of the lakes to understand if inclusion thereof on the dashboard/monitoring would be required. |
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That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group: 1 Receives the report, Programme Status Report, Purongo ā-tau 2021/2022, Change Request; and 2 Approves the Purongo ā-tau 2021/2022 and Change Request 71 as attached for submission to the Ministry for the Environment, as per the requirements of the Deed of Funding for the Programme. CARRIED |
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11:33 am - Chairman Leeder withdrew from the meeting. |
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Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update Presentation - Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update: Objective ID A4221415 Tabled Document 5 - Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes values, visions and environmental outcomes - RTALSG 30 Sept: Objective ID A4218966 Presented by: Gemma Moleta – Senior Planner (Water Policy) and Reuben Gardiner – Senior Planner (Water Policy) (both via Zoom). Key Points: · Provided an update on Toi Moana’s Essential Freshwater Policy mahi relevant to the draft Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) · Encouraged iwi involvement in the freshwater kaupapa now, prior to public engagement in 2023 · Online engagement on visions and environmental outcomes · Summary information and draft policy options were being developed; Toi Moana staff intend to invite iwi to provide feedback this year, prior to public engagement in 2023 · Next steps: o Would continue to invite and support involvement of tangata whenua in draft policy options for region-wide chapters, and in the preparation of draft long-term vision for freshwater and environmental outcomes o Continued support for various iwi led projects to advance their input and advice into this work programme o Invited tangata whenua to provide feedback prior to public engagement in 2023. Members to note that staff were available for briefings if required. Key Points - Members: · Based on research undertaken by Prof Chris Battershill warned that, similar to the negative grazing impact Cygnus atratus (black swan) numbers had on the health of Tauranga Moana, Canadian geese could impact on the health of the lakes; required further consideration - proactive action was critical · Since there would be a change in membership of the Strategy Group following the Local Government Election; would be critical for new members to be briefed on the status of the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme as a priority · In terms of biodiversity bylaws, TALT advised that, as part of its brief, Lake Ōkataina would no longer allow for trout. |
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That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group: 1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update . CARRIED |
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2022 Local Government Elections Update Presented by: Chris Ingle – General Manager, Integrated Catchments |
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That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group: 1 Receives the report, 2022 Local Government Elections Update . CARRIED |
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9.7 |
Acknowledgement of Mayor Chadwick and Deputy Mayor Donaldson Presented by: Arapeta Tahana, Te Arawa Lakes Trust. Key Points: · Provided a mihi and kōrero to Mayor Chadwick and Deputy Mayor Donaldson, acknowledging their leadership and service to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group/Te Arawa Lakes Trust during their time at the helm. Wished them well for their retirement. |
Deputy Chair Mayor Chadwick, in concluding the last meeting of the triennium, expressed appreciation to all (members/partners/staff) for their contribution in supporting the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group to achieve its goals, highlighting the value of working together.
10. Karakia
Kati
Closing Karakia
A karakia was provided by Arapeta Tahana.
12:10am – the meeting closed.
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Deputy Chairperson, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group