Agenda of Rangitāiki River Forum - Thursday, 23 March 2023

Rangitāiki River Forum

Membership

Chairperson	Bronco Carson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)
Deputy Chairperson	Terewai Kalman (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa)
Tangata Whenua Members
One appointed representative each:
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa	Karito Paul (Alternate)
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare	Jane Nicholas (Alternate)
Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust	Shaneen Simpson-Almond
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa	Miro Araroa Mihipeka Sisley (Alternate)
Hineuru Iwi Trust	Ngawai Crawford Tracy Bush (Alternate)
Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua	Ngapera Rangiaho
Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa	Whakaeke Ritete Ngatoru Wall (Alternate)
Council Members
One appointed member each:
Whakatāne District Council	Cr Tuwhakairiora O’Brien Cr Wilson James (Alternate)
Taupō District Council	Cr John Williamson Cr Yvonne Westermen (Alternate)
Up to five appointed members:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council	Cr Malcolm Campbell Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti Cr Kat Macmillan Cr Ken Shirley Cr Kevin Winters
Quorum	Three iwi members and three Council members and must include a Ngāti Whare member and a Ngāti Manawa member.
Meeting frequency	Quarterly

Other iwi and local authorities through consensus of the Forum, may join the Forum.

Vision

Te Mana o Te Wai – The First Right to Water is to the Water.

Mission

Te Reo o Te Wai - Te Mana – The voice of the Water, restoring Te Mana o Te Wai.

Purpose

To protect and enhance the environmental, cultural, and spiritual health, wellbeing and sustainable use of the Rangitāiki River and its resources, for the benefit of present and future generations.

Scope

The Rangitāiki River Forum’s scope covers the geographical area of the Rangitāiki River Catchment including the Rangitāiki River, Whirinaki River, Wheao River and Horomanga River as referenced in the following Settlement Acts: Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012; Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012; Tūhoe Claims Settlement Act 2014; Hineuru Claims Settlement Act 2016; Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Act 2018.

This is a permanent joint committee under the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA), and co-governance partnership between local authorities and iwi that share an interest in the Rangitāiki River, and must not be discharged unless all of the appointing organisations agree to the discharge.

Role

· Prepare and approve the Rangitāiki River Document for eventual recognition by the Regional Policy Statement, Regional Plans and District Plans.

· Promote the integrated and coordinated management of the Rangitāiki River.

· Engage with and provide advice to:

§ Local Authorities on statutory and non-statutory processes that affect the Rangitāiki River, including under the Resource Management Act 1991.

§ Crown agencies that exercise functions in relation to the Rangitāiki River.

· Monitor the extent to which the purpose of the Rangitāiki River Forum is being achieved including the implementation and effectiveness of the Rangitāiki River Document.

· Gather information, disseminate information and hold meetings

· Take any other action that is related to achieving the purpose of the Forum.

Decision Making

The Forum must make its decisions by a vote at a meeting and must seek to achieve consensus, be consistent with and reflect the purpose of the Forum and acknowledge the interests of iwi in particular parts of the Rangitāiki and its catchments.

Power to Act

The Forum has the discretion to determine in any particular circumstance whether to exercise any function identified and to what extent any function identified is exercised.

Power to Recommend

To the partner organisations on any matters within the Forum’s delegated role as it deems appropriate.

Rangitāiki River Forum members report directly to their respective organisations.

Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes

2 September 2022

Rangitāiki River Forum

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 2 September 2022, 10:30 am

Venue: Mātaatua room, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, 5 Quay Street, Whakatāne and Via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Heamana

Chairperson: Bronco Carson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Terewai Kalman (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Bay of Plenty Regional Council:

Cr Bill Clark, Cr Kevin Winters

Hineuru Iwi Trust

Mei Winitana, Brenda Lewis (Alternate)

Te Rūnanga o Ngati Awa

Miro Araroa, Tuwhakairiora O'Brien (Alternate)

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa

Karito Paul (Alternate)

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare

Jane Nicholas (Alternate) (Via Zoom)

Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua

Ngapera Rangiaho

Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust

Shaneen Simpson-Almond

Whakatāne District Council

Cr Alison Silcock, Cr Wilson James (Alternate)

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: Bay of Plenty Regional Council: Chris Ingle - General Manager Integrated Catchments, Charles Harley – Team Leader Eastern Catchments, Mieke Kapa – Land Management Officer, Gemma Moleta – Senior Planner (Water Policy), Reuben Gardiner – Senior Advisor, Andrew Pawson – Area Engineer, Shari Kameta - Committee Advisor
Jane Waldon – Co-Governance Secretariat;

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa: Maxeen Newton – Pou Taiao, Te Mana o Te Wai Project team members: Himiona Nuku, Wiremu Nuku, Hunter Mellon;

Whakatāne District Council: Cr Lesley Immink, Astrid Hutchinson - Infrastructure Compliance Specialist

Externals: Chris Pye, Projects & Development Manager and Melany Hunt (Todd Corporation); Craig Rowe (Southern Generation Partnership Limited/Pioneer Energy)

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti (Bay of Plenty Regional Council)

Cr John Williamson (Taupō District Council)

Cr Tangonui Kingi (Alternate) (Taupō District Council)

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia was provided by Miro Araroa.

Chair’s Opening Statement

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Forum members to Dean Flavell, Chair of Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority. Mr Flavell attended the meeting briefly to speak about the joint co-governance secretariat role, plans to hold a symposium in early 2023 and the opportunity for the two forums to work collectively in the future on potential matters of interest.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Accepts the apologies for absence from Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti, Cr Tangonui Kingi and Cr John Williamson tendered at the meeting.

Silcock/Simpson-Almond

CARRIED

3. Raupapa o Ngā Take
Order of Business

Agenda Item 8.1 – Noted a correction in the table of contents, which should have read: Todd Corporation/Nova Energy Solar Power Plant at Otamatea River

Members were advised that the following items were withdrawn from the agenda:

1. Agenda Item 8.2 – Presentation on Department of Conservation/Te Papa Atawhai Whitebait Conservation Regulations was withdrawn due to further details requiring to be worked through by the agency.

2. Agenda Item 8.5 – Presentation on Fonterra Edgecumbe Wastewater Treatment Plant Update would be provided as an informal ‘closed’ briefing for Forum members at the conclusion of the meeting.

4. Whakapuakanga o Ngā Take Whai Taha-Rua
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

None declared.

5. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 3 June 2022

Matters Arising

1. In relation to Minute Item 7.1 – Karito Paul provided a progress update on the Bill Kerrison Memorial Sculpture at Aniwhenua Reserve. Currently was still trying to source materials both locally and further afield. Due to the additional time needed for this, a funding application had been prepared to submit to the next round of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Environmental Enhancement Fund, and a list of other potential funding streams had been identified.

2. In relation to Minute Item 7.2 – it was requested that staff follow-up to investigate the installation of a fish passage at an irrigation scheme in the South Island.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Confirms the Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 3 June 2022 as a true and correct record.

Kalman/Rangiaho

CARRIED

6. Whakaaturanga
Presentations

6.1

Nova Energy - Solar Power Plant at Otamatea River

Presentation: Rangitaiki Solar Power Plant - Chris Pye, Nova Energy: Objective ID A4189982

Presented by: Chris Pye, Projects & Development Manager, Nova Energy and Melany Hunt

Chris Pye and Melany Hunt provided a presentation on Todd Corporation/Nova Energy’s solar power project in the Otamatea Awa at the headwaters of the Rangitāiki awa/river.

Key Points:

· Background introduction of Todd Corporation.

· New Zealand’s electricity generation 30-year forecast needed to move to renewable energy to achieve decarbonisation by 2050.

· Overview of the solar power plant project at Rangitāiki, State Highway 5.

· Outlined the project’s strong alignment with Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki, respect for the significance of the Rangitāiki awa, initial plans including restoration plans for Otamatea Awa, project update, stages and engagement.

· Wished to build genuine relationships with mana whenua, those that had a connection with the whenua/land, and to have further conversations in relation to the project’s design.

· Provided a progress update on:

o Consent applications lodged in April 2022

o Hearing scheduled in September in Taupō

o Working with local partners to develop a work readiness/career pathway in solar energy

o Initiating environmental improvement programme.

· Provided contact details for any queries.

In Response to Questions:

· Plans for wetland retirement would include identifying areas that would naturally revert back to watercourses.

· Various land conversion options from dairy were being considered, such as sheep grazing and were still to be decided and were open to suggestions and ideas.

· Nova had engaged with local iwi and hapū of Ngāti Hinerau, Hineuru, Hineuri and Tutemahuta of Tūwharetoa.

Key Points – Members:

· Sought consideration in regard to the identification of taonga species within the Rangitāiki awa.

· Ngāti Hineuru had discussed wetland revitalisation in that area and wished to be involved in the consent process.

· Thanked the presenters for their presentation and looked forward to further engagement regarding the project

6.2

Ngāti Manawa - Te Mana o Te Wai Project

Presentation: Te Mana o Te Wai Project: Objective ID A4207286

Presented by: Himiona Nuku, Wiremu Nuku and Hunter Mellon – Te Mana o Te Wai Project Team, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa

Key Points:

· Background on Te Mana o Te Wai (TMoTW) Project team and their mahi which included: planting projects, eco-tourism, forest restoration, Kani Rangi plant .project, implementing community walking tracks.

· Outline of Ngāti Manawa values and principles: mana whenua, kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and kotahitanga; and primary principles for Wai Māori (natural water).

· Ngāti Manawa had important knowledge and Mātauranga Māori to bring to the management of natural resources and their tupuna awa/ancestral river and ensure the continued transmission of traditional knowledge.

· TMoTW Project kaupapa:

o Succession planning and building freshwater management capacity and capability

o Develop freshwater monitoring framework utilising Mātauranga tools

o Develop and implement tuna restoration plan

o Inform Regional Council of Ngāti Manawa aspirations for their waterways and Wai Māori as mana whakahaere (authority/mandate)

o Develop an agreed monitoring programme with Regional Council.

· Summary of mana whakahaere for Ngāti Manawa iwi/hapū.

· Aspirations: safe swimming and drinking water from the awa, plenty of koura, hinaki full of tuna, aiding the migration of tuna and placement of fish passage.

· The Project team had a lot to offer and wished to continue their mahi for the taiao and passing on knowledge to future generations.

· Showed a video of the project team’s training and daily operations.

· Acknowledged the support of Ministry for the Environment, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Department of Conservation, JFN Roopu and individuals.

In Response to Questions:

· Providing fish passage and natural passageways for tuna migration was the primary priority and aspiration for tuna for Ngāti Manawa.

· The Forum could support the project team’s mahi and aspirations through funding advocacy for implementing fish passage which was a key barrier.

Key Points – Members:

· Commended and thanked the project team for their work to protect tuna and restore Wai Māori and the taiao.

· Queried the cost of maintaining the project team to sustain the mahi for the tuna and awa.

· Noted there were wider funding avenues and science expertise available that had been noted at the recent Māori Freshwater Fisheries Conference.

6.3

Rangitāiki Wetlands Project update

Presentation: Rangitaiki Wetlands Murupara Update - Mieke Kapa: Objective ID A4207276

Presented by: Mieke Kapa, Land Management Officer, Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Key Points:

· Rangitāiki wetland restoration project was a five-year project (2018-2023) that was 50:50 co-funded by the Ministry for the Environment’s (MfE) Freshwater Improvement Fund and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC).

· Key objectives: improve indigenous habitat, reduce pest plant/animals and build capacity and capability.

· Provided background and progress at the three sites between Murupara and Aniwaniwa at Rangipō, Karamuramu and Hinengāwari wetlands.

· Project team made sure the project contributes to the local economy, mentorship and training.

· Future considerations:

o The environmental programmes (EPs) were due to finish in June 2023 and were currently being renegotiated with the landowners.

o No further funding was indicated from MfE, but a funding application was underway with Bay Trust.

o Overall funding would be substantially less and include $20K contribution from BOPRC per year and any funding from the landowners.

o Unless specific funding was found, Place Group consultants’ project management role would cease in June 2023 and be taken over by BOPRC or a nominated landowner representative.

· Acknowledged the landowners that had been involved in the project and funding contributors.

· With permission from the landowner, Mieke would be happy to take a visit to the wetlands for Forum members who were interested.

In Response to Questions:

· Opportunities for community or care groups to contribute and assist with ongoing maintenance was an option that BOPRC was happy to work with.

· With reduced funding the same activities would still occur, but not at the same intensity.

· The wetlands were on private land therefore access was subject to the landowners’ permission.

Key Points – Members:

· Noted there was opportunity for other contributions to support the wetlands’ restoration.

· Discussion needed to be held with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa to consider how Ngāti Manawa could support ongoing maintenance in the wetlands on their privately owned land.

· Regarding the need to seek landowner approval to access the wetlands, noted that Hinengawari and Karamuramu wetlands had cultural significant sites within and around those area.

· Acknowledged the work that had been undertaken, as well as the funding contributions and support that had launched the restoration work.

· Commended Mieke Kapa, who would be leaving the Regional Council in December 2022, for her work and passion that she had applied to her mahi.

7. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

7.1

Forum Members' Verbal Updates

Karito Paul – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa

· Ngāti Manawa would be holding a Tuna & Taiao Expo Day at Kani Rangi Park during Conservation Week on 9 September 2022.

Tu O’Brien – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa

· Rangitāiki Hapū Coalition were involved with the following mahi/work being carried out in lower Rangitāiki awa:

o River & Drainage work and riparian planting by Tāne Mahuta contractors below Te Teko bridge.

o Flood protection bylaw implementation and geotechnical work with Hemi Barsdell (Regional Council) around Kōkōhinau urupa and the adjoining stopbank.

· Noted that Te Mana o Te Wai/freshwater reforms were placing substantial workload and pressure on iwi/hapū and all involved.

· Commended Ngapera Rangiaho’s presentation (representing Kokopū Trust) at the 2022 Māori Freshwater Fisheries Conference held in Taupō on 31 August - 1 September 2022.

8. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

8.1

Rangitāiki Catchment Programme: Annual Report 2021-2022

Presented by: Charles Harley, Team Leader Eastern Catchments

Key Points:

· A correction was noted in the financial table headings on agenda page 38, which should read 2021-2022 (not 2020-2021).

· Progress and timing of fish passage and science work had been put on hold to ensure it aligned with changes made to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and Resource Management Act reforms. This work was anticipated to proceed in the coming year.

· Due to insufficient updates, the Dashboard report had not been reported to this meeting but would be circulated to members in December 2022 for information.

In Response to Questions:

· Work was scheduled to identify fish passage barriers in the lower reaches of the Rangitāiki awa/river.

Key Points - Members:

· Ngāti Manawa did not support the use of electric fish survey methods in the Rangitāiki awa/river.

· In the interest of taonga species, Fish & Game, Department of Conservation and Ministry of Primary Industries needed to collaborate and integrate on these matters rather than working in silos, noting it was difficult to navigate and work on desired outcomes.

· Fish & Game needed to speak with the respective iwi.

Key Points – Staff:

· All proposed activities and methods within the Ngāti Manawa rohe needed to be discussed and approved by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa, including any work/mahi in relation to Te Mana o Te Wai.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Advise if population surveys for shortfin and longfin tuna can be undertaken and provided for the lower Rangitāiki awa; as well as whitebait inanga migration numbers upstream at Matahina Dam. It was noted that Kokopu Trust may have some information.

· Follow-up with Fish & Game to seek trout populations for the river system.

· Requested an invitation be extended to Fish & Game to present to the next meeting on their work and responsibilities within the awa.

· Requested an update on Rivers & Drainage stopbank flood protection works at the Matahina block near Waiohau.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Rangitāiki Catchment Programme: Annual Report 2021-2022.

Simpson-Almond/Araroa

CARRIED

8.2

Rangitāiki Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2022-2023

Presented by: Charles Harley, Team Leader Eastern Catchments

The report was taken as read and comments were provided by members alongside the previous item, Rangitāiki Catchment Programme: Annual Report 2021-2022.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Rangitāiki Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2022-2023.

Simpson-Almond/Araroa

CARRIED

8.3

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Presentation: Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update - Gemma Moleta: Objective ID A4207280

Tabled Document 1 - Rangitaiki values, visions and environmental outcomes: Objective ID A4212695

Presented by: Gemma Moleta, Senior Planner (Water Policy)

Key Points:

· Outlined draft policy options that were currently available for feedback.

· The Kaitiakitanga chapter review would be available soon followed by Rangitāiki specific policy at the end of the year.

· An early draft working copy of a long-term vision, alternative (abridged) vision option, freshwater values and environmental outcomes was tabled (refer Tabled Document) and would circulated electronically to members for consideration and feedback.

· The alternative (abridged) vision had been drafted following previous hui with iwi and was based on the Regional Policy Statement objectives and Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki and highlighted the most important goals that were wanted within the Rangitāiki catchment.

· Elements of Te Mana o Te Wai hierarchy of obligations had been incorporated.

· Outlined feedback received from the ‘Participate’ online engagement tool, which also included the protection of Whirinaki forest park natural character and community to keep awa clean and available to all people – 10-50 years to achieve vision.

In Response to Questions:

· The assessment of values and their hierarchy would be established through limit setting and actions, which needed to be worked through before plan change notification in 2024.

· Provided clarification around National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management mahinga kai compulsory values, which provided more substantial and holistic values in regard to tangata whenua relationships to taonga species and environmental values.

· Regional Council had funding set aside to assist tangata whenua to define and establish mahinga kai values and provide support post-implementation.

Key Points - Members:

· Noted that whitewater rafting and kayak access had been provided below Aniwhenua Dam by Pioneer Energy.

· Wished to see tuna passage given the same priority as recreational access.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update.

Rangiaho/Silcock

CARRIED

8.4

2022 Local Government Elections Update

Presented by: Chris Ingle, General Manager Integrated Catchments

Key Points:

· Noted the Local Government elections process, which would require a hiatus to the Councils’ and Forum’s meeting schedules until early 2023.

· Staff would advise Forum members when the 2023 meeting dates were set.

Key Points - Members:

· The Chair noted that Cr Clark was not standing in the upcoming election and on behalf of the Forum, thanked him for his contribution to the Forum over the past six years.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, 2022 Local Government Elections Update.

Kalman/Araroa

CARRIED

9. General Business

Forum members requested the actions be followed up by staff:

1. Request a written letter/update from the Department of Conservation on the whitebait regulations.

2. Extend an invitation to Forum members and Chair of Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority to attend the LakesWater Quality Society Conference symposium being held on 10-11 November 2022 at the Millennium Hotel, Rotorua; and advise members if registration and accommodation will be funded.

3. A Forum Workshop in early 2023 to revisit Te Ara Whānui and refocus the Forum’s purpose. A pre-Iwi hui to be scheduled prior to the workshop.

10. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Miro Araroa.

12:35 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Bronco Carson

Chairperson, Rangitāiki River Forum



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	23 March 2023
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Shari Kameta, Committee Advisor
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Yvonne Tatton, Governance Manager Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To advise and update the Rangitāiki River Forum on membership changes

Change of Membership

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report is to advise and update the Rangitāiki River Forum (Forum) of changes made to the Forum’s membership following the 2022 local body triennial elections and Hineuru Iwi Trust’s trustee elections held in October 2022.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Change of Membership.

2 Confirms the following members appointed to the Rangitāiki River Forum:

· Crs Malcolm Campbell, Toi Kai Rakau Iti (reappointed), Kat Macmillan, Ken Shirley and Kevin Winters (reappointed) as the appointed members for Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana.

· Crs Tuwhakairiora O’Brien as the appointed member for Whakatāne District Council and Wilson James (reappointed) as the alternate member.

· Crs John Williamson (reappointed) as the appointed member for Taupō District Council and Yvonne Westermen as the alternate member.

· Ngawai Crawford as the appointed member for Hineuru Iwi Trust and Tracy Bush as the alternate member.

· Mihipeka Sisley as the alternate member for Te Rūnanga o Ngati Awa.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

Under the Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012, Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement 2012, Tūhoe Claims Settlement Act 2014, Hineuru Claims Settlement Act 2016 and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Act 2018, the Forum is a permanent joint committee of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana, Whakatāne District Council and Taupō District Council.

Following the local body triennial elections held in October 2022, each local authority appointed their members to the Forum, as part of establishing their new committee structure and appointments.

In addition to the above, changes in representation have occurred for the following appointing entities:

· Hineuru Iwi Trust undertook a review of its representation on the Forum following their trustee elections in October 2022 and has had a change in representation.

· Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa have appointed a new alternate member due Whakatāne District Council’s change in membership.

As this is the first meeting of the Forum since the above appointments were made, this report is to advise the Forum of these changes.

The Forum’s Terms of Reference has been updated with the membership changes.

2. Forum Membership

Under the Ngāti Manawa and Ngāti Whare Settlement Acts^{^[1]}, members are appointed and discharged by their appointing entities. A member appointed by an iwi may resign by giving written notice to their appointing entity; and where there is a vacancy on the Forum, the relevant appointer must fill that vacancy as soon as is reasonably practical.

2.1 Alternate Members

Although not specified in the legislation, alternate members may be appointed by each appointing entity. This is to ensure that if the primary appointed member is unavailable to attend Forum hui and workshops, their alternate can assume this role on their behalf.

Alternate members may attend and participate at Forum hui and workshops, but do not have voting rights or count as part of the quorum when the appointed member is present at the meeting.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this matter.

3.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature and there is no need to consider climate change impacts.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature and have no negative implications for Māori.

The Forum was established under the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 and the Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012 and is a permanent joint committee, and co-governance partnership between iwi and local authorities under the Local Government Act 2002.

Forum membership provides for alternate members to attend meetings and vote when the primary member is absent, allowing for representation of both iwi and local authority partners at meetings.

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

Engagement with the community is not required as the report is of a procedural nature.

3.5 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget. The establishment and implementation of the Forum’s governance and decision-making structure is budgeted for in Council’s Governance Services’ activity.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Membership update reports will be provided when changes are advised and fall due.



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	23 March 2023
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Kirsty Brown, Rivers and Drainage Assets Manager
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To provide an update from the Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group meeting.

Update from the Rangitaiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to facilitate good communication between the Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group and the Rangitāiki River Forum by providing a high-level overview of key topics from the advisory group’s recent meeting.

The Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 22 March, and a verbal update of matters discussed at that meeting can be provided at the Forum meeting.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Update from the Rangitaiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The primary purpose of our river scheme advisory groups is to provide for scheme ratepayer input into decisions around annual maintenance operations, capital programme delivery and the management of scheme flood protection and drainage assets.

The purpose of this report is to facilitate good communication flow between the Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group and the Rangitāiki River Forum by providing a high-level overview of key topics from the advisory group’s recent meetings.

2. Key Topics

2.1.1 Scheme Capital Works Programme 2022/23

Capital works programme for 2022/23 includes:

· Rangitāiki Floodway

· Rangitāiki Floodwalls upgrade – College Road

· Tarawera River left bank stopbank upgrade

· Lower Rangitāiki River left bank stopbank upgrade – Thornton Beach Road.

2.1.2 Scheme Maintenance Works Programme 2022/23

Scheme’s maintenance works programme for 2022/23 includes:

· Upgrade switchboard and electronic – Old Rangitāiki Channel pump station.

· Repair of four high priority defects identified through asset condition inspections.

· Ongoing animal and plant pest management and clearing of fly tipping.

· Working collaboratively with iwi/hapū including Rangitāiki Hapū Coalition, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Haka Patuheuheu and Ngāti Rangitihi.

· Implementing the objectives of the Rangitāiki River Forum, contained within the river document Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki – Pathways of the Rangitāiki.

2.1.3 Asset Management Planning

Overview of changing river management practices to be incorporated in the up-and-coming Rivers and Drainage Asset Management Plan review, with a focus on adaptation to climate change and maximising natural river processes while continuing to meet flood protection levels of service. Future solutions may involve providing more room for the river and using nature-based management solutions.

2.1.4 Gravel Extraction

Gravel management currently occurs in the upper Rangitāiki River catchment. No extraction is carried out in the reaches below Matahina Dam.

The principal extraction areas are the Horomanga River and the Kopuriki Stream. Extraction at both of these sites is supported by Council’s Environmental Engineer, due to perching of these river/stream beds, which creates a hazard situation for nearby landowners and public infrastructure.

Benefits to the river system of the extraction include:

· Reducing the potential for flooding from a severely aggraded stream.

· Reducing the potential for the stream to avulse (jump out of its bed and change course, across private land).

· Improving the flood carrying capacity of road bridges.

There has been no extraction from the Horomanga River and 7,928 m³ of material has been extracted from the Kopuriki Stream during 2021/22.

2.1.5 General Business

The General Business report including the following items:

· River Scheme Advisory Group’s Terms of Reference review.

· Condition and performance assessments of flood protection and drainage assets.

· Settlement of the April 2017 flood repair insurance claim.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this matter/subject/project/initiative.

3.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

The local and regional impacts of climate change and the need to adapt to a changing climate are front of mind for the regional council. The purpose of the rivers and drainage and engineering teams is to ensure our communities are protected from flood hazards, as defined in the Asset Management Plan, and that includes the need to adapt to climate change forecasts. The Council has various programmes in place to address this. Council’s climate change programme manager is available to speak to the committee if that is desired at any future meeting.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Iwi and hapū are significant landowners within the rivers and drainage schemes. Our flood protection and drainage infrastructure contributes towards protecting waahi tapu sites, marae and local housing from floodwaters, and maintains productive land from high ground water.

Building strong, effective, and meaningful partnerships with Māori helps ensure our infrastructure assets meet community needs. Improving the communication link between the Advisory Group and the River Forum will enable the opportunity to adopt more of a Te Ao Māori lens and Mātauranga Māori approach in river scheme decisions and practices.

3.4 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Updates from the bi-annual Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group meetings will be on-going.



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	23 March 2023
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Nicola Green, Principal Advisor, Policy & Planning; Michelle Lee, Planner (Water Policy) and Gemma Moleta, Senior Planner (Water Policy)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To update Rangitāiki River Forum on the engagement approach for the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme in 2023.

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

Toi Moana’s Essential Freshwater Policy Programme to implement the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 continues to progress according to the overarching timeline, although there is slippage. This year, the focus is primarily on continuing to involve tangata whenua, community engagement and also continuing to develop draft policy options. The timeline to publicly notify proposed changes to the Regional Policy Statement and Regional Plan is December 2024. Tangata whenua involvement continues to be invited. Letters inviting consideration of draft policy issues and options were sent to iwi organisations late 2022.

During February and March 2023, public awareness raising of upcoming engagement is being delivered through various forms of media, and at some community events including at the Rangitāiki River Festival on 11 March.

During April – September 2023 engagement will begin with three sub-regional hui around the region, as well as reconvening the Freshwater Futures Community Groups for Rangitāiki once more. This will be followed by 2-3 community workshops in each Freshwater Management Unit (FMU). Dates are in the draft calendar (in Attachment 2) but are not yet confirmed.

1. Rangitāiki River Forum (RRF) members are invited to advise on the approach to engagement, any potential clashes or issues associated with the draft engagement schedule, events, or venues.

2. The finalised engagement calendar will be shared with RRF.

3. Hui-a-rohe and community workshops will be advertised. Toi Moana staff encourage RRF members to promote participation at relevant events.

4. The copy of the Rangitāiki FMU freshwater engagement document will be made available to Rangitāiki River Forum members.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) is Toi Moana - Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s work programme to implement the requirements of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM) and review the Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP). Overall, the EFPP continues to be implemented according to Toi Moana’s agreed programme, although some parts are behind schedule.

Tight timeframes are necessary to achieve notification of freshwater changes to the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) & RNRP in 2024 as required by legislation. The timeline - Te rārangi wā is shown in Attachment 1. This year, the focus is primarily on continuing to involve tangata whenua, community engagement and continuing to develop draft policy options, prior to Toi Moana making decisions about what proposed changes to publicly notify in 2024.

This report provides an update on implementation progress most relevant to the Rangitāiki.

2. Implementation update

Letters inviting consideration of draft policy issues and options were sent to iwi organisations late last year. A briefing can be arranged if requested.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this matter.

3.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature and there is no need to consider climate change impacts. Climate change impacts will be considered by Toi Moana as part of implementing the NPSFM and reviewing the RNRP.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Freshwater is a taonga for tangata whenua. The NPSFM clearly sets out increased expectation of the active involvement of tangata whenua in freshwater management, and provision for cultural values and mātauranga Māori. In the Rangitāiki FMU, there are iwi initiated freshwater projects.

Toi Moana staff continue to invite and support iwi and hapū involvement to the extent they want to be involved or have capacity to be involved. The challenges of tangata whenua engagement will continue into 2023 and staff are maintaining a good faith approach to implementing the aspirations of the NPSFM.

Relevant key tangata whenua engagement activities include:

• The engagement plan includes three hui-a-rohe. It is anticipated that Toi Moana Māori constituency councillors will provide leadership for these.

• The engagement plan includes each FMU having at least one event at a kaupapa Māori related venue such as a kura, marae, trust board office. Suggestions are welcomed.

• The draft dates for the engagement plan to be shared with tangata whenua via the Relationship Managers and the iwi/hapū contact lists.

• Relationship Managers and the iwi/hapū contact lists are being used to distribute communications and material. These lists are continuously updated as required.

• Work continues on establishing Kaupapa Māori EFPP projects.

• EFPP updates to joint committees, co-governance committees and advisory groups.

• All communications contain invitations to contact Toi Moana as a way to get involved in the freshwater work of Council.

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

Toi Moana staff are preparing for public engagement throughout 2023. Tangata whenua engagement will continue to occur alongside the wider community engagement process for 2023.

During February and March, public awareness raising of the upcoming engagement will be delivered through various forms of media, and at some community events including at the Rangitāiki River Festival on 11 March.

Communication publications are being prepared for each FMU. The copy for the Rangitāiki FMU will be made available for RRF members.

The active engagement period will start in April until September 2023 and will include three sub-regional hui around the region, as well as reconvening the Freshwater Futures Community Groups for Rangitāiki, Kaituna and Pongakawa once more to let them know where we have got to since they provided their advice throughout 2015-2017. Followed by 2-3 workshops in each FMU. A draft calendar is provided in Attachment 2. This is subject to change until all potential event clashes are identified and venues are booked. This represents a large commitment for Toi Moana staff, which will stretch capacity, and yet still may not be as much engagement as some tangata whenua or wider community members would like.

Structure and content of the engagement events is yet to be developed. Rangitāiki River Forum, and iwi are welcome to discuss or provide advice on the approach or potential venues.

3.5 Te Hāngai ki te Pou Tarāwaho Rautaki
Alignment with Strategic Framework

NPSFM implementation is a non-discretionary Toi Moana function. This freshwater work will also assist with delivering on the objectives and policies in the Treaty Co-governance Rangitāiki River section of the Regional Policy Statement (RPS), which is based on Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki - Pathways of the Rangitāiki river document.

3.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Rangitāiki River Forum associated with this report. Engagement activities mentioned in this report fit within the Toi Moana EFPP allocated budget.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

1. Rangitāiki River Forum members are invited to advise on the approach to engagement events, any potential clashes or issues associated with the draft engagement schedule, events, or venues.

2. The finalised engagement calendar will be shared with the Rangitāiki River Forum.

3. Hui-a-rohe and community workshops will be advertised, and Toi Moana staff encourage Rangitāiki River Forum members to promote participation at relevant events.

4. The Rangitāiki Freshwater Management Unit freshwater engagement document will be made available to Rangitāiki River Forum members.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Essential freshwater policy programme update - Te rārangi wā - timeline ⇩

Attachment 2 - DRAFT Engagement activities for Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2023 ⇩

[1] s108 Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012, s112 Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012