Agenda of Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Membership

Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chairperson)	Arapeta Tahana
Deputy Chairperson (Appointed by Group)	Cr Kevin Winters (Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana)
Members
Two representatives from each of the partner Councils one of whom must be the Chair/Mayor:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana	Chairman Doug Leeder Cr Te Taru White (Alternate)
Rotorua Lakes Council	Mayor Tania Tapsell Cr Gregg Brown Phill Thomass (Lakes Community Board) (Alternate)
Governance representatives from Te Arawa Lakes Trust	Nuki Nicholson Rangitihi Pene Roana Bennett (Alternate) Georgina Whata (Alternate)
Observer from the Ministry for the Environment	Lorena Stephen (Director of Sustainable Land Use Delivery)
Quorum	One appointed member from each of the partner organisations
Meeting frequency	Quarterly

Purpose

To contribute to the promotion of the sustainable management of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and their catchments, for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, while recognising and providing for the traditional relationship of Te Arawa with their ancestral lakes.

Role

· Provide leadership to the organisations and the community in relation to implementation of the Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua District originally adopted in 2000 and refreshed version adopted by the Strategy Group in 2013.

· Identify significant existing and emerging issues affecting the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and respond appropriately.

· Approve, monitor, evaluate, and review agreements, policies and strategies and all other proposals to achieve integrated outcomes for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes.

· Identify, monitor, and evaluate necessary actions by the partner organisations and other relevant organisations.

· Receive reports on activities being undertaken by the partner organisations and other relevant organisations.

· Participate in the preparation of statutory plans in relation to significant issues. Such plans include but are not limited to Iwi and hapū management plans, district and regional plans, reserve management plans and annual plans.

· Participate in applications for activities in relation to significant issues not addressed by existing policies of the partner organisations. Such activities include but are not limited to resource consents, designations, heritage orders, water conservation orders, restricting access to the lakes (during special events or in particular circumstances), and transferring and/or delegating of statutory authority.

Strategy Group Procedures

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group is a permanent joint committee established under the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Act 2006 (Te Arawa Lakes Deed of Settlement - Cultural Redress: Lakes Management and Relationships, clauses 9.1 to 9.3 - December 2004) and is not disestablished as a consequence of a Local Government election.

The Group’s Terms of Reference are derived from the Rotorua Lakes Strategy Agreement included in Part 1 of the Relationship Schedule to the Deed of Settlement, December 2004.

Meanings:

“Organisations” means the Te Arawa Lakes Trust, the Rotorua Lakes Council, and the
Bay of Plenty Regional Council; sometimes referred to as “Partner Organisations”.

“Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes” means Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu, Rotomā, Ōkataina, Tikitapu, Ōkāreka, Tarawera, Rotomahana, Rerewhakaaitu, Ōkaro.

“Group” means the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group, formed as a Joint Committee under Clause 30 of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002; sometimes referred to as the “Strategy Group”.

Membership

· The non-voting Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chairperson) is appointed by the members for a three year term in alignment with the Local Government triennium and is to be reviewed and confirmed at the first meeting of the Group following the Local Government elections.

· The Poū Tākiwaiora is not deemed to be a member of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group for the purposes of a quorum.

· The Poū Tākiwaiora shall assume the role and responsibilities as defined in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Poū Tākiwaiora Guidelines.

· The Deputy Chairperson shall be appointed from the membership at the first meeting of the Group following the Local Government elections.

Quorum*

The special quorum for a meeting of the Group will be four members of the Group.

In the event that the ordinary quorum is not satisfied at three consecutive meetings of the Group in circumstances, where in the case of each such meeting:

· It was notified in accordance with the Standing Orders;

· Order papers were sent to each member of the Group in accordance with the Standing Orders; and

· The meeting had not been cancelled for any reason, then the members in attendance may declare the third meeting inquorate according to the Standing Orders and the special quorum will then be substituted.

At any subsequent meeting, the ordinary quorum will be restored.

No matters that were not on the order paper for the meeting at which the special quorum was established can be considered by a special quorum meeting.

Power to Act

To make all decisions necessary to fulfil the role of the Strategy Group subject to the limitations imposed.

Each Council participating in a joint initiative will fund its own proportion of that joint initiative as determined by the Joint Committee.

Power to Recommend

To the partner organisations on any matters within the Strategy Group’s delegated functions as it deems appropriate.

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group report directly to their respective organisations.

Recording of Meetings

Please note the Public section of this meeting is being recorded and streamed live on Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s website in accordance with Council's Live Streaming and Recording of Meetings Protocols which can be viewed on Council’s website. The recording will be archived and made publicly available on Council's website within two working days after the meeting on www.boprc.govt.nz for a period of three years (or as otherwise agreed to by Council).

All care is taken to maintain your privacy; however, as a visitor in the public gallery or as a participant at the meeting, your presence may be recorded. By remaining in the public gallery, it is understood your consent is given if your image is inadvertently broadcast.

Opinions expressed or statements made by individual persons during a meeting are not the opinions or statements of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Council accepts no liability for any opinions or statements made during a meeting.

Please note that live-streaming of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group hui will be dependent on the location and availability of Wi-Fi/Technology to facilitate live-streaming.

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes

21 April 2023

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 21 April 2023, 1:30 pm

Venue: Waiariki Room, Corner Fenton & Pukaki Street, Rotorua and via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Pou Tākiwaiora

Independent Chair: Arapeta Tahana

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Cr Kevin Winters - Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT)

Nuki Nicholson; Rangitihi Pene (via Zoom); Georgina Whata (Alternate) (via Zoom)

Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC)

Mayor Tania Tapsell; Cr Gregg Brown; Phill Thomass – Lakes Community Board Chair (Alternate)

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC)

Chairman Doug Leeder; Cr Te Taru White (Alternate)

Ministry for the Environment (MfE)

Observer Lorena Stephen - Director, Investments, Policy, Implementation and Delivery

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: TALT: Geoff Rolleston – Interim Chairman; Nicki Douglas – Environmental Manager (via Zoom); Soweeta Fort-D'Ath - Lakes Programme Coordinator (via Zoom)

RLC: Stavros Michael – Deputy Chief Executive Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions; Gina Rangi – Deputy Chief Executive Te Arawa Partnerships

BOPRC Toi Moana: Fiona McTavish – Chief Executive; Helen Creagh – Rotorua Catchments Manager; Rosemary Cross - Senior Projects Manager – Rotorua; Jo Watts – Senior Planner (Water Policy); Steven Slack – Risk & Assurance Manager (via Zoom); Ashleigh Grant – Kaikarere (Communications Partner); Merinda Pansegrouw – Committee Advisor

MfE: Juscinta Grace – Manager, Funds; Eugene Berryman-Kamp; Director Te Mana o Te Wai and Implementation Partnerships

Other: John Gifford, Chair, Lakes Water Quality Society; Chris Sutton - Rerewhakaaitu Incorporated Society

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 Recording - 21 April 2023 - YouTube

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Roana Bennett – TALT Alternate

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana Rotorua Catchments Manager, Helen Creagh opened the meeting and chaired proceedings until the new Poū Tākiwaiora had been elected.

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

Karakia whakatuwhera provided by Arapeta Tahana.

2. Wāhanga Tūmatanui
Public Forum

2.1

John Gifford, Chair, Lakes Water Quality Society

Presented By: John Gifford, Chair of the Lakes Water Quality Society.

Key Points: Lakes Water Quality Society (LWQS)

1. Followed-up on progress regarding proposals presented to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group in April 2022 regarding a science and technical review of the lakes programme; highlighted the importance of the matter

2. Presented key highlights from the Lakes Water Quality Society Symposium 10 - 11 November 2022

· Was a highly successful event; acknowledged the support by both BOPRC Toi Moana and RLC

· TALT Chair, Geoff Rolleston opened the symposium with a fitting message: we needed to be brave, courageous, formidable and fearless in our approach to restoration activities/needed to embrace the natural system and honour the wisdom of old/but also continuously seeking new ideas and knowledge

· in terms of water quality mitigations, required clear evidence around cause and effect so as to develop appropriate policies

· water quality data remained a key objective

· needed to develop robust and predictive tools/strong plea for the continued development of integrated land management models

· Recognised that mahi around the lakes was very much in the context of a coherent partnership

3. Outcomes arising from the LWQS Annual General Meeting held March 2023

· Presentations by the following speakers:

o Ian McLean, Life Member of the LWQS: "What is its Task?"

o Dr Jonathan West, Environmental Historian: "The interaction between land, people and lakes - with reference to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes"

o Key message – the Rotorua Lakes Restoration Programme was very much a national exemplar for lake restoration; getting it wrong in Rotorua could potentially compromise the restoration efforts in many other parts of New Zealand, particularly given the level of investment/scientific input/way communities were working together

4. Current state of Ōhau Diversion Wall

· Expressed disappointment regarding the current state of the wall; was not containing water in the Ōhau Channel; required urgent action to solve the matter.

Key Points - Members:

· Thanked LWQS for their mahi around the health of the lakes

· Advised that divers had been tasked to assess the Ōhau wall as a matter of urgency; the outcome to be followed-up with the appropriate action.

3. Raupapa o Ngā Take
Order of Business

The first item on the agenda was item 8.1 “12th Triennium (2022-2025): Appointment of Pou Tākiwaiora, Election of Deputy Chair and other meeting matters”; once the Poū Tākiwaiora had been appointed and the Strategy Group established, items were considered as reflected on the agenda.

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

None

5. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Received

5.1

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 30 September 2022

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 30 September 2022.

Winters/Tapsell

CARRIED

6. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

6.1

12th Triennium (2022-2025): Appointment of Poū Tākiwaiora, Election of Deputy Chair and other meeting matters

Presented by: BOPRC Toi Moana Rotorua Catchments Manager, Helen Creagh.

Key Point - Members:

· Noted that as per the “Guidelines for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chair)”, the Poū Tākiwaiora was a non-voting member. Accordingly, section 19.3 of Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana Standing Orders 2022-2025, which determined that “the Chairperson, or any other person presiding at a meeting, has a deliberative vote and, in the case of an equality of votes, has a casting vote” did not apply to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1. Receives the report, 12th Triennium (2022-2025): Appointment of Poū Tākiwaiora, Election of Deputy Chair and other meeting matters;

2. Confirms the appointment of Arapeta Tahana as the interim Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chairperson) for the 2022 – 2025 Triennium until such time as the Strategy Group’s Terms of Reference are amended;

Leeder/Tapsell

CARRIED

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana Rotorua Catchments Manager, Helen Creagh vacated the chair and the newly appointed Poū Tākiwaiora Arapeta Tahana assumed the chair.

3. Selects System B as the voting system to elect the Deputy Chairperson;

Tapsell/Nicholson

CARRIED

Poū Tākiwaiora Arapeta Tahana called for nominations for the position of Deputy Chairperson for the 2022-2025 local authority triennium. Chairman Doug Leeder nominated Councillors Kevin Winters as Deputy Group Chairperson; Mayor Tania Tapsell seconded the motion. As only one nomination was received for the role of Deputy Chairperson, no voting was required.

4. Elects Cr Kevin Winters as the Deputy Chairperson for the 2022-2025 Triennium;

Leeder/Tapsell

CARRIED

5. Notes the Strategy Group’s current Terms of Reference, attached as Attachment 1 to the report;

6. Confirms the Standing Orders to be used for the conduct of meetings to be those of the administrating authority (Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana) (Attachment 3);

7. Confirms its membership as:

a) Te Arawa Lakes Trust: Nuki Nicholson and Rangitihi Pene and Roana Bennett and Georgina Whata as alternates;

b) Bay of Plenty Regional Council: Chairman Doug Leeder and Councillor Kevin Winters with Councillor Te Taru White as alternate;

c) Rotorua Lakes Council: Mayor Tania Tapsell and Councillor Gregg Brown with Phill Thomass (Lakes Community Board) as alternate;

8. Confirms the following 2023 meeting dates:

• 23 June 2023

• 22 September 2023

• 8 December 2023.

Leeder/Winters

CARRIED

6.2

Scoping paper for the Review of the Strategy Group Terms of Reference

Tabled Document 1 - 2023.04.21 Scope TOR Review_RTASLG: Objective ID A4356294

Presented by Nicki Douglas, TALT Environment Manager.

Key Points:

· Provided the context of the scoping paper; was an outcome of the triennial audit of the Lakes Programme, with the view to:

o Review the governance arrangements and confirm the roles and responsibilities of the Strategy Group;

o Include all lakes initiatives in programme reporting for Strategy Group oversight;

o Review the remaining delivery path;

o Set up an independent panel to review the programme and any delivery or funding gaps;

o Review/refresh the Trophic Level Index (TLI) Targets; and determine any changes to targets based on proposed changes to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM)

· Introduced the proposed approach.

Key Points - Members:

· Emphasised the importance of complying with timelines – critical that the submission of reports to the Strategy Group remained within the agreed-timeline

· Reaffirmed the Strategy Group’s view of 20 April 2022, namely that Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) lead the strategy programme/strategy group review

· Enquired about the intention of “independent panel” referred to in Step 2; the independent panel needed to be totally removed from governance/executive input, furthermore the science and Mātauranga Māori input would be key in terms of the capability of the independent panel

· Noted that the independent panel would be appointed by the Strategy Group at its 23 June 2023 meeting and that review of the programme would be completed by September 2023

· However, based on the tight timelines and in order to progress the appointment of the panel as a priority, members supported that TALT make recommendations regarding the appointment of an independent panel, circulated by means of email for endorsement by all Strategy Group members, to be ratified retrospectively at the June 2023 meeting

· Was important to obtain a view of what the role/work programme of the Strategy Group beyond the next 10 years would look like and plan accordingly.

Minute Note: RLC Staff, in agreement with TALT Staff, requested that the following context be added:

In key points, the following questions needed to be addressed by the review:

· What was originally intended for the RTALSG and Lakes Restoration Programme

· Was the Terms of Reference still fit for purpose

· What would tomorrow’s needs be and what should the programme of the future look like

· Independent panel to review what has been delivered to date and to determine the most effective programme(s) for the future as informed by gained experience and new knowledge informed by science and mātauranga as well as funding required and the possible funding sources.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1. Receives the report, Scoping paper for the Review of the Strategy Group Terms of Reference;

2. In the interest of progressing as a matter of urgency, supports that a recommendation by Te Arawa Lakes Trust on the appointment of an Independent Panel be circulated to the Strategy Group members via electronic mail for endorsement prior to the June 2023 meeting; and

3. Supports that the review be completed (phase 2) and reported back to the Strategy Group at its Friday, 22 September 2023 hui.

Winters/Brown

CARRIED

6.3

Proposed submission to the Rotorua Lakes Council Annual Plan 2023-2024

Presented by: BOPRC Toi Moana Rotorua Catchments Manager, Helen Creagh.

Key Points - Staff:

· Memorandum had been prepared in response to the release of the Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC) Annual Plan 2023-2024 (for consultation), and in consideration of the commitments made last year to the Minister for the Environment by the Te Arawa Lakes Programme Partnership.

Key Points – Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC):

· Emphasised the importance of working together in a three-entity partnership. Asking RLC, as a partner in the Strategy Group, to make a submission to their own Annual Plan, did come as a surprise

· Acknowledged that reference in the RLC 2023-2024 Annual Plan could be expanded to further elaborate on the Te Arawa Lakes Programme Partnership and its intended outcomes

· RLC however was still on track to honour/fulfill the commitment as stated in its letter dated December 2022. This position had not changed and RLC remained committed to increase, at the appropriate time, the Lakes Water Quality Improvement Rate (payment could either be through rates or debt funding)

· The intention had been to rate this in the 2026/2027 financial year since this would be when the expected funding was due; was deemed premature to collect the rate in the current year (2023/2024)

· Reaffirmed RLC’s commitment to the agreement and the repayment of the funding at the appropriate time

· Assured the Strategy Group that the health of Lake Rotorua/improving lakes water quality remained a priority of RLC: the 2023/2024 Annual Plan included significant infrastructure projects (i.e. Lake Tarawera Sewerage Scheme/upgrading Rotorua Wastewater Sewerage Plant) with substantial costs supporting the health of the lakes.

Key Points – Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana:

· Acknowledged the comments/commitment by RLC

· The intention of submitting the memorandum on the proposed submission to the RLC Annual Plan 2023-2024 to the Strategy Group was in the spirit of partnership: to allow for proactive discussion, before making any submissions to RLC

· Was disappointed/frustrated about the change in direction after lengthy discussions; highlighted that previous commitments by the Partnership in April 2022 had confirmed clear actions going forward regarding the transfer of funding from the Lake Rotorua Incentive Scheme, supported by the Minister for the Environment in his letters of expectation, with a July 2023 targeted rate commencement; RLC had unilaterally changed the date without participation by other partners

· Pointed out that wording of the RLC Annual Plan referred to a “replenishment of diminishing funds” – this was due to the fact that the funds had been loaned to RLC to complete the Rotoiti reticulation project

· Highlighted the possible impact of the new Three-Waters Entity: assets and liabilities could potentially be transferred to a new entity, resulting in the Lake Rotorua Incentive Scheme loosing funding for a key programme project.

Key Points – Members

· Acknowledged that there was goodwill amongst all partners to solve the challenges relating to the funding commitments to the Te Arawa Lakes Programme Partnership

· Noted that the Deed Variation that was to confirm the agreement with the Minister had not yet been signed (was due to be progressed at the March 2023 Strategy Group hui, which had been cancelled); for LRC to draw funds, the Deed Variation would need to be signed to enable payment.

Key Points – Ministry for the Environment:

· Clarified that the Deed Variation would needed to be signed by the Minister for the Environment

· Any advice to the Minister for the Environment would be based on the expectations that had been in place previously/addressing the Minister’s expectations stated in earlier letters and based on the 2023/2024 timeframe; but would however ultimately be at his discretion

· The Minister was aware of the Strategy Group’s discussion on the subject matter today.

Item for Staff Follow-up:

· TALT, as part of the review of the Strategy Group’s governance arrangements/roles and responsibilities, to also include best practice communication procedures/protocols to support the intent of good partnership amongst partners.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1. Requests the Executive Teams of three Strategy Group Partners, facilitated by Te Arawa Lakes Trust, to continue further discussion with the view of addressing the concerns relating to funding commitments to the Te Arawa Lakes Partnership and report back with a recommendation to the Strategy Group at its 23 June 2023 meeting;

2. Writes a letter to the Minister for the Environment advising that the Strategy Group was currently working cooperatively to address further details related to the reallocation of funds under the Deed of Funding to Rotorua Lakes Council, to support the completion of the reticulation of Lake Rotoiti.

Brown/Winters

CARRIED

2:35pm - Cr White withdrew from the meeting.

6.4

Programme Status Update, Mahere Mahi ā-tau 2023-2024, Pūrongo ā-ono marama 2022-2023

Tabled Document 2 - Programme Dashboard 24 March 2023: Objective ID A4358475

Presented by: BOPRC Toi Moana Rotorua Catchments Manager, Helen Creagh.

Key Points:

· Report was provided to meet the requirements of the Deed of Funding for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, which provided funding for four identified priority lakes: Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu and Ōkāreka:

o Status Update for the Programme as at March 2023, in Dashboard format

o Pūrongo ā-ono marama (6 Month Report) for the Programme for the 2022/2023 financial year

o Mahere Mahi ā-tau (Annual Work Programme) for the Programme for the 2023/2024 financial year.

Key Points - Members:

· Noted that the Purongo ā-tau (Annual Report) for the Programme would provide detailed reporting on the deed funded activities/how the programme was progressing against the nitrogen budget spends/progress/plans going forward

· Enquired whether the review of the Work Programme would also include a review of the incentive scheme and its financial efficiency.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1. Receives the report: Programme Status Update, Mahere Mahi ā-tau 2023-2024, Pūrongo ā-ono marama 2022-2023.

2. Approves the Mahere Mahi ā-tau 2023-2024 and Pūrongo ā-ono marama 2022-2023, for submission to the Minster in accordance with the requirements of the Deed of Funding for the Programme.

Winters/Nicholson

CARRIED

6.5

Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update

Resolved

Presented By: Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) Lakes Programme Coordinator, Soweeta Fort-D'Ath

Key Points:

· Outlined the activities of TALT in the Rotorua/Te Arawa Lakes Programme and the wider Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy

· Updated on progress with Te Mana o Te Wai funding secured by TALT to establish a team to progress a collective impact framework for the Tarawera Lakes System; Tarawera Collective Impact Project Team commenced mahi late January 2023 and were based at the Tūhourangi Tribal Authority Office

· A variation to extend the Mauri Tu Mauri Ora - Jobs for Nature contract had been submitted to Department of Conservation and this programme would continue until June 2024

· Ruku Wai – Commercial Divers: 6-month update would be provided to all partners and relationships on the uwhi project; an update would also be provided to RTALSG

· The Second Te Arawa Led Te Tūkohu Ngāwha 2023 School Science Fair Symposium was being planned for July 2023.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1. Receives the report: Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update

Brown/Nicholson

CARRIED

6.6

Ministry for the Environment – Verbal Update

Presented By: Lorena Stephen - Director, Investments, Policy, Implementation and Delivery, Ministry for the Environment (MfE).

Key Points:

· MfE had mainly been focussing on supporting regions following the recent severe weather events, with a main focus on the Ministerial inquiry into Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa land-use

· Involved in the Severe Weather Integrated Response to inform future policy design

· Ongoing consultations on Regional Engagement Resource Management reform – national planning framework

· Working alongside TALT (Nicki Douglas) regarding MfE mahi around the Lakes rohe

· Te Mana o Te Wai Symposium planned for Rotorua towards end of June 2023

· Introduced Eugene Berryman-Kamp, MfE Director Te Mana o Te Wai and Implementation Partnerships, appointed to oversee from a national perspective the implementation of Te Mana o Te Wai/oversee the establishment of implementation partnerships/better support on a local level various policy programs as part of the Resource Management Act reforms/support and build relationships.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1. Receives the verbal update by the Ministry for the Environment.

Winters/Brown

CARRIED

6.7

Rotorua Lakes Council Update to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - 24 March 2023

Presented by: Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC) Deputy Chief Executive Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions, Stavros Michael.

Key Points:

· Highlighted activities by RLC that relate to lake water quality

· The Tarawera Sewerage Scheme construction commenced March 2023; considered a significant milestone with a substantial impact on improving the health of the lakes. With the RLC’s sewerage reticulation programmes in their final stage, some 2.5 million litres of untreated sewerage no longer seep into the lakes every day)

· Rotoehu proposed wastewater reticulation scheme had been placed on hold until funding constraints could be addressed for the construction of the Otautu Bay Pump Station and the completion of reticulation. It would be regrettable if these properties were not reticulated with the current septic tanks continuing to seep into Lake Rotoehu that was in declining status)

· Indicated that a report would be presented to the next Strategy Group in June 2023 meeting, outlining the impacts and effects of very high lakes levels (impacting on infrastructure, economic efforts, lakes water quality); to highlight the need to adopt an all of system approach to climate change effects and its impacts on a number of objectives including infrastructure, environmental and cultural.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1. Receives the report, Rotorua Lakes Council Update to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - 24 March 2023.

Brown/Winters

CARRIED

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

6.8

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Engagement Update

Tabled Document 3 - Draft EFPP Engagement Calendar: Objective ID A4358469

Presentation 20230421 RTALSG presentation on EFPP comms and engagement: Objective ID A4358494

Presented by: BOPRC Toi Moana Senior Planner (Water Policy), Jo Watts.

Key Points:

· Engagement approach for the 2023 Essential Freshwater Policy Programme

· Key focus would be the continued involvement of tangata whenua and public engagement, both face to face and online

· Was simultaneously continuing science/technical work, policy option development and plan drafting

· During April to September 2023, engagement would begin with three sub-regional hui around the region, to be followed by 2 - 3 community workshops in each Freshwater Management Unit (FMU)

· Draft engagement calendar was tabled

· Strategy Group members were invited to advise on the approach to the engagement

· Region-wide overview hard copies FMU Booklets were handed to members: booklets included descriptions of the FMU, issues, options for long-term vision, proposed outcomes for freshwater values, water quality and ecosystem health issues & targets, water take limits and minimum flows, the kinds of rules & methods that might need to be addressed.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1. Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Engagement Update.

Brown/Winters

CARRIED

7. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

Karakia kati provided by Arapeta Tahana.

3:50 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Poū Tākiwaiora, Independent Chairperson

Arapeta Tahana



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	23 June 2023
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Rosemary Cross, Senior Projects Manager - Rotorua Catchments
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To report on progress towards the achievement of the Incentives target.

Progress on the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme is a component of the Integrated Framework for the restoration of Lake Rotorua and is tasked with permanently removing 100 tonnes of nitrogen per year (tN/yr) from Lake Rotorua.

Nitrogen is purchased from landowners who voluntarily undertake to reduce nitrogen leaching, additional to that required under the Lake Rotorua Nutrient Rules.

To date 35 tN/yr have been secured, with another 2 tN/yr pending. 25 tN/yr have been removed through converting land benchmarked as dairy and 10t/yr from land benchmarked as drystock.

The maximum price that can be offered under the Scheme is $400/kgN and many landowners require additional income to support the loss resulting from land use change. Options include sale of carbon to the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme, or subdivision.

Staff are confident that 50 tN/yr of the 100 tN/yr target can be achieved before the 2032 target required by the Regional Policy Statement. Beyond this, options include:

· Extending the Scheme’s timeframe;

· Increasing the price paid per kilogram of nitrogen;

· Acquiring multiple dairy farms and converting them to low N landuses;

(the last two would require additional funding).

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Progress on the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme (“the Scheme”) has been operating since 2015 and is a component of the Integrated Framework for achieving the sustainable load of 435 tN/yr for Lake Rotorua (see Fig 1).

Fig. 1: Integrated Framework for the restoration of Lake Rotorua

The Integrated Framework recognises that the Incentives Scheme is a key part of sharing the cost of water quality improvement between farmers and the community. The Crown and Bay of Plenty Regional Council have contributed equally to the $40 million Incentives Fund.

The Scheme is designed to incentivise land use change and is tasked with permanently removing 100 tN/yr entering the lake. The Scheme purchases nitrogen from landowners who voluntarily undertake to operate below their individual Nitrogen Discharge Allocation set by the Lake Rotorua Nutrient Rules (LRNR). The scheme will pay up to a maximum of $400/kgN (at the lake). Nitrogen purchased by the Scheme is secured through a 999 year Encumbrance registered on individual property titles.

Originally the Incentives Scheme was set to end in July 2022, when the option of nitrogen trading became available to landowners. However, given the slower than anticipated uptake, this timeframe has been extended until at least 2027.

2. Current Situation

2.1 Incentives Scheme Progress to date

Initially the Scheme made steady progress with 10 deals, representing over 19 tN/yr, secured between 2016 and 2018. Most of these were with landowners who were actively considering land use change (or had already made changes since the benchmarking period) prior to the official launch of the Scheme.

Once deals with early movers were finalised it became increasingly difficult to get further agreements over the line, as landowners waited for the finalisation of the Lake Rotorua Nutrient Rules and, in some cases, for the commencement of nitrogen trading in 2022.

Progress declined until the 2021-22 financial year, when the number of deals again began to increase (fig. 2). This increase was likely the result of the finalisation of the Lake Rotorua Nutrient Rules, the willingness of the Scheme to purchase smaller amounts of nitrogen and an increase in the price of carbon, which incentivised landowners to convert to trees.

Post-Covid backlogs in the Māori Land Court and at LINZ have slowed down the finalisation of several Incentives deals but it is expected that progress is likely to recover once these external issues have resolved.

Fig 2: Annual progress to date

2.2 Nitrogen removed by the Scheme

To date 31 deals have been finalised, representing the permanent removal of 35 tN/yr from the lake, at an average price of $386/kg and deals to remove a further 2 tN/yr are currently being finalised.

13 of the deals represent land benchmarked as “dairy” during 2001-04, that has either been wholly or partially converted to a lower N leaching land use (drystock, subdivision and/or trees), which has removed 25 tN/yr from the lake.

In total 6 dairy farms have been entirely converted to other land uses, removing 19tN/yr from the lake, with the other 6tN/yr coming from the conversion of land previously leased to dairy farmers or, partial conversion of dairy farms to a lower N leaching option.

The remaining 18 deals represent land that was operating as “drystock” during the benchmarking years that has been converted to trees, subdivision and/or lower intensity drystock, representing a saving to the lake of 10 tN/yr.

Figure 3 depicts the cumulative tN/yr removed from the lake by the Scheme since 2016.

Fig. 3: Cumulative tN/yr removed by the Incentives Scheme by reporting year.

2.3 Pipeline

The Lake Rotorua Nutrient Rules allocate nitrogen according to industry sector. Figure 4 shows the catchments where the highest allocations are sitting. Unsurprisingly, the catchments with the highest allocations (Waitetī, Ngongotahā Awahou and Puarenga) consistently fail to meet water quality standards.

Fig 4: Nitrogen losses by sector and sub-catchment (July 2022)

Analysis of the latest available data shows that there is approximately 7 tonnes of allocated in-lake nitrogen not currently being used throughout the Lake Rotorua Catchment. This relatively small amount of un-used nitrogen indicates that further large-scale land use change is still required in order to achieve the 100 tN/yr target.

Potential deals continue to enter the Incentives pipeline, but as the Scheme is voluntary, the frequency of and number of deals is not predictable, as shown in figure 5. It will be important going forward to continue to focus on areas with high allocations, while retaining the agility to identify and broker deals as opportunities arise.

Fig 5: Actual and projected deals to 2027

2.4 Carbon Trading

The opportunity for landowners convert pastoral land to trees and earn income from the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has been a gamechanger for the Incentives Scheme.

The price of carbon has climbed from $36/t in October 2020 to around $54/t at present. The price peaked at $88.50/t in November 2022 before uncertainty around Government policy caused the market to fall to the current price (see figure 6). Although the carbon market is expected to remain volatile, it is likely that the price will begin to rise again once policy settings become clearer.

Fig. 6: Daily price of carbon - October 2020 to May 2023

dNITRO is a free on-line decision support tool which was developed with funding from the Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund. It enables landowners to explore options for retiring land to trees and provides projected incomes from both the sale of nitrogen to the Incentives Scheme and carbon to the ETS.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

3.1.1 Nitrogen Trading

Nitrogen trading became available in July 2022 and has the potential to impact on the achievement of the Incentives target.

To date, there has been no uptake of this option, most likely for the following reasons:

· Most landowners can meet the 2027 target required under the Lake Rotorua Nutrient Rules without purchasing or leasing additional nitrogen;

· Trading requires both the landowner acquiring the nitrogen, as well as the landowner relinquishing the nitrogen, to obtain Resource Consents, and also requires an update to both landowners’ Nutrient Management Plans. This represents an additional cost for both landowners; and

· No formal trading platform has been established. Any trading undertaken in the catchment will be via individual agreements between landowners. The Regional Council has not facilitated trading because the preference is to support the success of the Incentives Scheme, and also the lack of interest to date from landowners.

Trading may become more important closer to 2032 as individual nitrogen targets become harder to achieve.

3.1.2 Requirement for a 999-year Encumbrance

On occasions deals have fallen through because of landowner resistance to the requirement for a 999-year Encumbrance. Some landowners have indicated that the price offered for the nitrogen was not sufficient to justify encumbering their land. In general landowners agree that the nitrogen purchased by the Scheme should be secured in perpetuity but baulk at the reference to a “999 year” term in the legal documentation.

3.1.3 Price

In many cases the maximum price of $400/kgN offered by the Scheme is insufficient to offset the loss of income resulting from the conversion of pastoral land. This has been exacerbated in recent years by rising interest rates, as well as a post-Covid increase in costs. Therefore, an additional income stream is often required before landowners are willing to undertake large scale land use change. Options include sale of carbon to the ETS, as well as the subdivision of rural land.

3.1.4 National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land

A recent development which has the potential to impact on the achievement of the Incentives target is the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL), which came into operation in October 2022. The NPS-HPL effectively prevents the subdivision of rural land with Land Use Capability (LUC) classes 1, 2 or 3.

Although there is no LUC class 1 land identified in the Lake Rotorua Catchment, there are 456 ha of mapped LUC classes 2 and 3 land (see fig. 7).

Fig. 7: Extent of LUC classes 2 and 3 land in the Lake Rotorua Groundwater Catchment

It should be noted that, not only is the current LUC classification system mapped at a very broad scale, some of the land that is currently classified LUC classes 2-3 may have other constraints that prevent it from being utilized as “highly productive” land, e.g., seasonal waterlogging.

Subdivision is one of the few options available to rural landowners to fund large scale land use change and free up nitrogen to sell to the Scheme. Provisions in the District Plan incentivise rural subdivision for water quality gains.

There is an exemption in the NES-HPL for the subdivision of rural land for water quality purposes, and an application for an exemption is currently being prepared for one landowner who has sold down nitrogen to the Scheme prior to the implementation of the NES-HPL, on the assumption that the land could be subdivided.

However, anecdotally it appears that exemptions to the NES-HPL are rarely granted. If the current exemption is refused, it may deter other landowners from accessing the subdivision option as a means of supporting land use change. This could impact the requirement for increased housing in the Rotorua District, while also affecting the achievement of the Incentives target.

3.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

The Scheme contributes to Climate Change mitigation. To date it has funded the planting of over 1.3 million trees. Using a conservative estimate of 10kg CO2e/tree/yr, this equates to over 13,000 t/CO2e/yr of sequestered carbon.

In addition, over 4,500 ha of land use change has been secured through the Scheme, which has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by completely or partially destocking pastoral land.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Of the 31 deals finalised to date, 11 have been with Māori landowners. These deals represent the removal of almost 20 tN/yr from the lake and 978 ha of land use change. Given that only 25% of land in the Lake Rotorua Catchment is Māori-owned, this is quite an achievement and a testament to the commitment of Māori to improved lake water quality.

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

The Integrated Framework was developed through extensive consultation with the Lake Rotorua Stakeholder Advisory Group (StAG). The group was established in 2012 and included members from the:

· Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collective;

· Lakes Water Quality Society;

· Te Tumu Paeroa;

· Forestry sector;

· Te Arawa landowners; and

· Small block owners.

Engagement with key stakeholders is ongoing and there is good support within the community for the continuation of the Scheme.

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

The Scheme aligns with the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group’s Strategic Framework, the purpose of which is to contribute to the promotion of the sustainable management of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and their catchments, for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, while recognising and providing for the traditional relationship of Te Arawa with their ancestral lakes.

3.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

Based on the current strategy, there is sufficient funding available within the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme to achieve the Incentives target. However, this may change if the strategy is amended going forward, at which time there may be a requirement to identify other funding sources.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Staff are confident that 50 tonnes of the 100 tonnes target can be achieved in the next few years. It is not immediately clear where the additional 50 tonnes might come from.

Next steps may include:

· Extending the Scheme timeframe

· Increasing the price paid per kg of nitrogen

· Acquiring multiple dairy farms for conversion to a lower N leaching alternative

· Consideration of further regulation to achieve the target; or

· A combination of the above.



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	23 June 2023
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Helen Creagh, Rotorua Catchments Manager
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To provide Strategy Group with the Status Update for the Programme.

Te Arawa Lakes Programme Status Report

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

Over the quarter the Programme partnership has continued to make progress on key Deed funded projects and also assist the community to respond to rising lake levels. The review of Strategy Group currently being led by Te Arawa Lakes Trust will inform the next steps of the Programme.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Te Arawa Lakes Programme Status Report .

1. He Whakamārama
Background

This report is provided to meet the requirements of the Deed of Funding for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, which provides funding for four identified priority lakes: Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu and Ōkāreka.

The Purongo ā-tau 2022/2023 will provide a comprehensive update on the status of the Programme at the next Strategy Group hui, including Deed funded and non-Deed funded activities. The current status of the Programme as at June 2023 is provided with this report, in Dashboard format.

2. Status Update

A Dashboard Status Update is provided in Attachment 1 of this report.

Also attached are the Project Status Updates for key Crown funded activities, including Tarawera and Rotoiti sewerage reticulation projects, the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme and the 50-tonne engineering solutions component of the Integrated Framework water quality solution for Lake Rotorua. These Project Status Updates are attached to each Strategy Group report, as per the resolutions of the Strategy Group last year to strengthen Deed project reporting. Feedback from members is welcome, to improve their structure and content moving forward.

Key projects for the Programme over the next quarter will be:

· Continuing work to secure sites and design and construct wetlands for nitrogen removal (see 50 tonne engineering solutions update). This work is being led by the Regional Council with support from the partners.

· Finalising procurement and decision making for Stage 2 of the Tarawera sewerage reticulation project. This work is being led by Rotorua Lakes Council with support from the partners.

· Undertaking the Strategy Group Review, requested by this Group. This work is being led by Te Arawa Lakes Trust, with support from the partners.

· Working together, and alongside the Lakes Water Quality Society, to build a Strategic and Economic case (part of a Better Business Case) to seek further investment in weed control on the Te Arawa lakes for their long term cultural and ecological restoration. Staff of the organisations hope to bring our work on this to you at our next meeting for your endorsement.

Also the partners will continue to work collaboratively to assist the community as much as possible to respond to the very high lake levels being experienced across the Te Arawa Lakes Catchments currently, as a result of the record rainfall received across the catchments over the last 12 months. A separate paper is being presented in relation to this.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

The Programme maintains a risk and issues register which it regularly updates to monitor and manage risks to programme success and issues which have arisen. This is undertaken in accordance with the Programme Management Plan. There are no significant risks to or issues associated with the success of the Programme to report here.

3.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

Ongoing adaption by the Programme is necessary to respond to the impacts of climate change. The work undertaken by the Programme, particularly in terms of land use change, is aimed at better positioning our community to adapt to and mitigate against the effects of climate change and the impact of land use on our lakes. The extreme whether we are experiencing is proving challenging for the management of water quality and lake levels and will work together to respond to these (see separate Agenda Report).

The Programme’s Water Quality Technical Advisory Group and our Toihuarewa Waimaori, Dr Deniz Özkundakci, have a key role in guiding the Programme in its work to adapt our approach in response to climate change.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group is a post-settlement entity authority that helps to maintain and improve the Te Arawa lakes and is also a permanent joint committee of the two councils. Te Arawa Lakes Trust representatives sit around the table (as well as staff) and provide regular feedback on the implications for Māori of the programmes of work.

Involvement of tangata whenua in the development and delivery of these programmes continues to grow and develop over time. The review of the Strategy Group currently being undertaken by Te Arawa Lakes Trust will lead next steps in terms of providing for the aspirations of Māori within the Programme.

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

The focus for this over the period since the last hui has been staff of the Partner organisations liaising with and talking to landowners affected by high lake levels, including at a public meeting in the Rotomā community at the beginning of June. Staff will continue to assist the community as they can to respond to the effects of rising lake levels on homes and infrastructure. A sperate report is included with the Agenda in relation to this.

3.5 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no financial commitments associated with the recommendations of this update report.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

The Review of the Strategy Group and the structure of the Programme being led by Te Arawa Lakes Trust is a key next step for planning and deciding the future of the Lakes Programme and its work, beyond the projects which are now committed through the Deed of Funding with the Crown. Also the Partnership work on the incident response in relation to high lake levels at Rotomā, Rotoehu and the potential for a surface overflow there. But the formation of a working group to take expert advice and assess options for managing the risk of high lake levels into the future, as Climate Change is likely to increase the occurrence of these.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - 23 June 2023 Dashboard Update ⇩

Attachment 2 - Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation - June Status Update ⇩

Attachment 3 - Tarawera Sewerage Reticulation - June Status Update ⇩

Attachment 4 - Incentives Scheme - June Status Update ⇩

Attachment 5 - Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund - June Status Update ⇩

Attachment 6 - 50 Tonne Engineering Solutions - June Status Update ⇩



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	23 June 2023
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Gemma Moleta, Senior Planner (Water Policy)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To update Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group on freshwater engagement events, the communication material available and other relevant matters.

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Whakarāpopototanga

Executive Summary

The Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) is Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Council’s work programme to implement the requirements of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM), primarily via changes to the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and Regional Natural Resources Plan (Regional Plan). This report provides an update on community and iwi engagement, a potential regional planning framework to incorporate tangata whenua input and pending changes to national regulations.

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Freshwater Management Unit Story and feedback form are available online through participate.boprc.govt. The Rotorua Te Arawa freshwater ‘drop in anytime’ sessions and hui ā-rohe sessions provide further opportunities for kanohi-ki-te-kanohi discussions. A community drop in event will follow this meeting (23 June 12pm-5pm) with other events scheduled for 8 July and 22 September and hui-a-rohe scheduled for 16 August. Forum partners and members are encouraged to promote these events.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

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. 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 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU.

2. Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Engagement Update

2.1 Events

Community engagement events and online engagement launched in April 2023. Events are promoted through our website, on social media, e-pānui Freshwater Flash, local newspapers and radio advertising. At this time two freshwater events have been held in Rotorua.

A public engagement event for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU was held on 23 May. Attendees wanted to discuss the value of wetlands and incorporating them into the vision, further research on Lake Rotorua, a longer consent duration for the Ōhau Channel wall, lake weed, the use of artificial wetlands and possible management options for different lakes.

A hui ā-rohe event for Ōkūrei was held at Te Ao Marama (Ōhinemutu) on 17 May. The event was hosted by Toi Moana Māori Councillor Te Taru White. Presentations by staff included an overview of NPSFM, Te Mana o Te Wai and the work the Council has done so far. The hui presented an opportunity for tangata whenua to express their views with constructive discussions held. Attendees connected with our iwi presenters who spoke on their wai Māori project. A further round of hui ā rohe will be held in August 2023, however Council maintains an open invite for iwi, hapu and tangata whenua to engage.

Any advice and recommendations from members of this group who attended the first hui ā-rohe is welcome and can be taken on board for further hui ā-rohe dates.

Staff also attended an event jointly hosted by the Lakes Water Quality Society, Te Kotahi Pikiao and the Lake Rotoiti Community Association on Tuesday 30 May. Discussions focussed on lake weed (spraying and boat certification), catfish, lake levels, leaks in the diversion wall, algal blooms and opportunities for Te Kotahi Pikiao through 40-50 entities potentially working together.

Further engagement events for the lakes are listed below.

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes public engagement drop in session

· Friday 23 June 12pm-5pm, Saturday 8 July 10am-2pm and Friday 22 September 2pm-7pm.

Hui ā-Rohe for tangata whenua

· Ōkūrei Wednesday 16 August, 2-4pm, 5.30-7.30pm,

· Mauao Thursday 24 August, 2-4pm, 5.30-7.30pm,

2.2 Communication Material

Communication material has been published including the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU Story and the Regional freshwater overview. This material is available in hard copy or online through our webpages - ‘Updating regional freshwater rules’ and ‘Participate BOPRC’.

Online feedback can be provided through the Participate BOPRC webpage and hard copy feedback booklets are also available.

3. Future tangata whenua input and planning framework

Under Te Mana o Te Wai and the NPSFM, there is an implicit assumption that specific cultural values and attributes (such as those that identify mahinga kai) would be generated from within tāngata whenua knowledge systems and would be accessible to Council through engagement with iwi/hapū. To date, the response to this has been mixed.

The team at Toi Moana is developing a way for the regional planning framework to be future-ready and to accommodate tangata whenua inputs that come after the Regional Plan is notified in 2024. At the time of writing this report, Toi Moana is considering mechanisms to make the future plan responsive to cultural information that becomes accessible over time. Mechanisms identified include:

1. Enhancing Iwi Management Plans (support for tangata whenua cultural values documentation to a greater level of specificity);

2. Enhancing consultation (greater attention to cultural values in policy creation);

3. Enhancement to discretionary consenting (for example, provide greater emphasis on considering “cultural values” in resource consent);

4. Commitment to future, specific plan changes (to enable the direct incorporation of cultural material into the Regional Plan).

Council has supported this approach and these elements will be tested through the plan-design process.

4. Pending national regulations relating to freshwater

4.1 Legislative Framework

The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) requires all regional councils to notify Freshwater-related changes to the RPS and Regional Plan that fully implement the NPSFM by 31 December 2024. Council will need to ensure that Regional Plan changes in 2024 are aligned with national regulations or add more stringent requirements.

Table 1 outlines upcoming national regulatory changes relating to freshwater management. These national changes are likely to be gazetted within the next three months, while engagement on regional draft policy options is underway.

Table 1: Pending national changes relating to freshwater

National regulation changes	Release Dates
Amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Sources of Human Drinking Water 2007 (NES-DW)	Likely gazettal by August 2023 (stated initially as mid-late 2022).
Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP) regulations	Imminent.
Amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry 2017	Likely gazettal uncertain.

4.2 Freshwater Farm Plan Regulations

The Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP) regulations are anticipated to be gazetted in June 2023. Once gazetted, FWFPs need to be prepared by farm operators for all farms over 20ha and horticulture over 5ha, potentially by the end of 2025. Toi Moana will need to advise farmers and growers about when they need to begin developing a FWFP.

4.3 Protection of Sources of Human Drinking Water

The Government is anticipated to strengthen the National Environmental Standard for Sources of Human Drinking Water (NES-DW) by August 2023. It will require regional councils to map ‘source water risk management areas’, establish three land area categories depending on proximity to a source water take (supplying more than 500 people), and implement additional restrictions in immediate and medium-term risks areas.

These regulations may also create a need to set additional policies and rules in the Regional Plan to protect the water quality of these drinking water sources.

5. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

5.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this matter.

5.2 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.

5.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The NPSFM clearly sets increased expectation of active tangata whenua involvement in freshwater management, and provision for cultural values and mātauranga Māori. In the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU, there are some ongoing iwi initiated freshwater projects.

In early June we received Te Mana o te Wai statements from the Freshwater Working Group co-ordinated by Te Papa Ahurewa,

Council staff continue to invite and support iwi and hapū involvement to the extent they want to be involved or have capacity to be involved. Staff are maintaining a good faith approach, while also working to progress NPSFM implementation according to legislated deadlines.

The upcoming community and tangata whenua engagement events are included in section 2 of this report.

Policy discussions around how to deliver the NPSFM in relation to tangata whenua interests are also progressing.

5.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

As outlined in section 2, Toi Moana staff are well underway implementing the community and tangata whenua engagement plan which is a key focus throughout 2023.

5.5 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 vision, outcomes and goals in the Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district.

5.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

6. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

1. RTALSG members are encouraged to attend the FMU drop-in session after this meeting.

2. RTALSG continues to be invited to provide advice and recommendations throughout the freshwater policy process. Members and their organisations are encouraged to promote participation at relevant events.

3. Engagement feedback will be summarised from hui ā-rohe and community engagement events and shared with this group.

4. Draft policy options, assessments and plan change text will be drafted through the next stage of the plan development process.