Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Accepts the apologies from Georgina Whata and Roana Bennett tendered at the meeting.

Leeder/Winters

CARRIED

3.1

Letter from Hon David Parker, Minister for the Environment dated 11 May 2023

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Receives the letter addressed to the Strategy Group from Hon David Parker, Minister for the Environment dated 11 May 2023 for inclusion on this agenda as it relates to an action from the previous Strategy Group meeting held on 21 April 2023, and acknowledges the urgent need for the Strategy Group to discuss the next steps/respond to the letter.

Leeder/Winters

CARRIED

6.1

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 21 April 2023

Matters Arising

·         In relation to Minute Item 6.2 “Scoping Paper for the review of the Strategy Group Terms of Reference”, noted that progress would be reported under item 7.5, “Verbal update on progress with the Review Process”

·         In relation to Minute Item 6.5 “Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update”, noted that extension of the Mauri Tu Mauri Ora - Jobs for Nature contract would continue until June 2024 as the funding had been approved.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Confirms the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 21 April 2023 as a true and correct record.

Nicholson/Brown

CARRIED

7.1

Management of risk associated with the impact of climate change on lake levels

Tabled Document 1 - Ngati Pikiao Koeke Council of Elders Resolution Flood Gates Operation - 23 June 2023: Objective ID A4405102 ⇨

Tabled Document 2 - Tamati Coffey, Labour List MP Letter to Lakes Strategy Group - 23 June 2023: Objective ID A4405099 ⇨

Tabled Document 3 - Lake Rotoma - Rotoehu Summary of Questions and Answers following Public Meeting: Objective ID A4410831 ⇨  

Joint report presented by: Stavros Michael, Deputy Chief Executive Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions - Rotorua Lakes Council and Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments - Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana.

This item was circulated under separate cover.

The following letters were tabled at the meeting for the information of members:

•      Letter from Ngāti Pikiao Koeke Council of Elders Resolution Flood Gates Operation – dated 13 June 2023

•      Letter from Tamati Coffey, Labour List MP Letter to Lakes Strategy Group – dated 19 June 2023.

Key Points:

·       Te Arawa Lakes catchments had experienced two to three times the historic average monthly rainfall - rainfall had been significant and consistent

·       Advised of the issues faced by Rotomā, Rotoehu and Rotorua residents due to current high lake levels

·       Expected that extreme whether events would become more frequent with climate change and so would the risks and effects of high lake levels

·       Proposed the establishment of a working group to collaboratively investigate and advise on a long-term approach to managing the risk of high lake levels in the Rotomā, Rotoehu and Rotorua lake catchments.

Key Points - Members:

·       As a result of the ground being completely saturated following the consistent rain, it was important for the Working Group to also look into infrastructure around stormwater

·       Suggested a sub-working group/taskforce to look into solutions for Rotomā, Rotoehu

·       Emphasised that the membership of the working group should include partners, iwi, community and stakeholders

·       Was critical not to create false expectations; approach should be both pragmatic and realistic (planning decisions regarding the natural environment had been made over multiple generations/decades)

·       Acknowledged the significant impact on the well-being of the community

·       Recognised that high lake levels would also result in high costs for infrastructure repair; there would also be an impact on traditional/cultural land as well as land development/tourism

·       Supported the collective approach to recognising the risk/planning collectively for the future

·       Stressed the importance of the scope for the working group to be within Councils’ statutory duties - to take action/minimise/prevent damage and to consider a range of options that were feasible/viable

·       Needed to consider what would be required for significant infrastructure investment: not only fixing current damage, but also addressing future needs (flood control systems)

·       Working group to consider its terms of reference/membership/ participation and contribution by expertise.

Key Point - Staff:

·       Confirmed that the working group would consist of a mixture of strategic thinkers/planners and engineers/technical expertise.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·       Summary document of questions and answers following the public meeting with Rotomā/Rotoehu Residents regarding High Lake Levels to be circulated to Strategy Group members and also to be attached to the minutes for the information of members of the public.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1.    Receives the report, ‘Management of risk associated with the impact of climate change on lake levels’;

2.    Notes the impacts and effects that weather patterns and resultant high lakes levels are currently having on the community and that climate change is likely to make these impacts and effects more acute;

3.    Directs staff in the partner organisations to continue to work collaboratively and to extend responsive practical assistance to the affected communities;

4.    Requests that the partner organisations form a working group with urgency (consisting of partners, iwi, community & stakeholders) to scope foreseeable climate change effects on lake levels, explore a possible range of interventions and based on multi-criteria assessment arrive at recommendations supported by cost-benefit rationale that help develop adaptation options for the Te Arawa lakes communities;

5.    Instructs relevant officers from the partner organisations to report regularly through this forum on progress against recommendation 4; and

6.    Receives the following tabled letters addressed to the Strategy Group:

·       Letter from Ngāti Pikiao Koeke Council of Elders Resolution Flood Gates Operation dated 13 June 2023

·       Letter from Tamati Coffey, Labour List MP dated 19 June 2023.

Winters/Brown

CARRIED

7.2

Draft Future Development Strategy - Te Tuhinga Hukihuki o te Rautaki Whakawhanake i te Āpōpō o Rotorua

Presentation Rotorua Future Development Strategy_Damon Mathfield PDF: Objective ID A4415060 ⇨  

Presented by: Damon Mathfield, Principal Strategic Advisor, Urban Development, Rotorua Lakes Council (via Zoom).

Key Points:

·       Purpose of Rotorua Future Development Strategy (FDS): to assess the demand for housing and business land in the urban environment, and develop sufficient capacity to meet demand in its district in the short, medium, and long term

·       Was about how we managed change in our urban environment, set direction and aligned with the national guidance/guide evaluation of growth options

·       Four Distinct scenarios had been developed

·       Framework developed to assess spatial locations and spatial scenarios

·       Draft Rotorua Future Development Strategy | Let's talk | Kōrero mai (rotorualakescouncil.nz)

·       FDS process going forward: consultation was open from 1 June to 14 July 2023.

Key Points - Members:

·       Was interested to understand the impact of the FDS on the natural environment. Noted that “no-go areas” that would have an impact had been eliminated immediately (these included natural hazards as well as areas that required protection); a multi criteria analysis had also been applied to consider development impact on land

·       Expressed concern about the impact on stormwater management (TALT was currently awaiting the outcome of a legislative review process to be finalised before continuing with consenting processes so  was unable to comment)

·       TALT believed that the engagement process with hapū/iwi had been insufficient; had consequently offered to assist with this process

·       TALT felt that it had not had the opportunity to be directly involved in the development of the FDS – would have preferred to be directly involved in the drafting.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1.     Receives the presentation, Draft Future Development Strategy - Te Tuhinga Hukihuki o te Rautaki Whakawhanake i te Āpōpō o Rotorua.

Pene/Brown

CARRIED

7.3

Introducing the Tarawera Collective Impact Project Team

Presentation Tarawera Collective Impact Project Team - 23 June 2023: Objective ID A4415146 ⇨  

Presented by the following members of the Tarawera Collective Impact Project Team: Tamihana Hamiora-Reweti Pou Hononga Taiao (Community Connector);  Harina Rupapera - Pou Hononga Taiao (Community Connector) and Nicole Hunt - Data Analysis/Insights (Communications Support).

Key Points:

·       Acknowledged the mahi by Elva Conroy, Te Arawa Lakes Trust Contractor and Tarawera Collective Impact Project Co-ordinator in establishing the collective impact framework for the Tarawera Lakes System and the Tarawera Collective Impact Project Team

·       Elaborated on the “dream” – long-term collective, proactive action for the health and wellbeing of Lake Tarawera and its seven contributing lakes

·       Connecting, providing support and opportunities to empower Tarawera Iwi, Māori Land Trusts, community and organisations working for the health and wellbeing of the Tarawera Lakes System

·       Highlighted project outcomes

·       Presented the focus for 2023.

Key Points - Members:

·       Acknowledged and thanked Tarawera Collective Impact Project Team for their mahi and commitment

·       Noted that the MfE Freshwater Funding for the Tarawera Collective Impact Project spanned over a period of two years.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Receives the report, Introducing the Tarawera Collective Impact Project Team.

Winters/Brown

CARRIED

7.4

Verbal update on progress with the Review Process

Presented by: Haimona Te Nahu – Interim Environmental Manager – Te Arawa Lakes Trust.

Key Points:

·       TALT had appointed Lana Ngawhika (Te Arawa/Tūhoe), who would be conducting the independent review of the Strategy Group’s Terms of Reference

·       Completion of the review process had initially been planned for December 2023; however, with the conclusion of Lana Ngawhika’s appointment in June 2023, she had requested a two month extension of the review process.

Key Points - Members:

·       Noted that surveillance of Rotorua Lakes had commenced for the invasive Asian freshwater clam which was recently discovered in the Waikato. Preventing the freshwater gold clam from entering the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes was a critical priority

·       Noted that MfE representatives would liaise with Ministry for Primary Industries to follow up on the status of action from a biosecurity point of view.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Receives the report, “Verbal update on progress with the Review Process”.

Winters/Brown

CARRIED

7.5

Progress on the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme

Presentation Progress on the Incentives Scheme: Objective ID A4415215 ⇨  

Presented by: Rosemary Cross, Senior Projects Manager - Rotorua Catchments.

Key Points:

·       Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme was a component of the Integrated Framework for the restoration of Lake Rotorua and had been tasked with permanently removing 100 tonnes of nitrogen from Lake Rotorua

·       To date 35 tonnes had been secured, with another 2 tonnes pending

·       Staff were confident that 50 tonnes  nitrogen per year of the 100 tonnes nitrogen per year target could be achieved before the 2032 target, as required by the Regional Policy Statement

·       Possible next steps:

o   Extending the Scheme timeframe

o   Increasing the price paid per kg of nitrogen

o   Acquiring multiple dairy farms for conversion to a lower nitrogen leaching alternative

o   Consideration of further regulation to achieve the target; or a combination of the above.

Key Points - Members:

·       Expressed concern as to how the 50 tonnes target would be achieved in the next few years since it was not immediately clear where the additional 50 tonnes might come from and that the current process would not achieve the desired/targeted outcomes

·       Barriers to achieving the goals/making progress were real but needed to be resolved

·       Acknowledged the amount of work that had been undertaken to date

·       Recognised the uncertainty for the agricultural sector

·       With reference to the letter from Hon Minister David Parker dated 11 May 2023 (Incentive Scheme to be reimbursed from June 2023), questioned the urgency as the immediate plan/report indicated that there was no urgency for these funds. Highlighted that the consequences of the decision by the Minister would be severely felt by the Rotorua community

·       Stressed the importance of having a plan to deliver

·       Reaffirmed commitment to improve the lakes’ water quality

·       TALT, as part of the Strategy Group Terms of Reference Review process, to also review the Land Incentive Scheme and possible improvements in terms of delivery - for the Group to collectively agree on.

Key Points - Staff:

·       Staff were confident about reaching future targets based on their knowledge of landowners in the catchment/nitrogen allocation. At the appropriate time, landowners would be approached - past experience showed that things do change for landowners

·       Availability of funding for the Incentive Scheme was important to enable action to be taken when an opportunity arises.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

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

Winters/Brown

CARRIED

7.6

Update Report - Te Arawa Lakes Trust

Presented by: Soweeta Fort-D'Ath – TALT Lakes Programme Coordinator.

Key Points:

·       Acknowledged and thanked Nicki Douglas for her dedicated mahi and contribution to the Strategy Group, TALT and Te Arawa whānau

·       Tarawera Collective Impact Project (TCIP) – acknowledged and welcomed newly appointed Project Team

·       TCIP had received funding in the form of environmental DNA (eDNA) Test Kits.  This would enable baseline testing of the lake to discover more about the plants and animals living in it; would also assist in achieving the deliverable related to implementing a water monitoring framework for the Tarawera Lakes System

·       As a tool, a Data Working Group would be established to develop TALT’s own data system inhouse

·       Emphasised that it was critical for TALT representation on the working group looking at the management of risk associated with the impact of climate change on lake levels

·       Have commenced removing uwhi (harakeke mats) from some sites after 17 months to replace the hessian; data to date has shown that this had been a successful project; currently building a business case study to enable future resource building

·       Working alongside Victoria University, GNS Scientists and Ngāti Rongomai Iwi Trust to assist researchers with deploying Remotely Operated Submersible Vehicles in the lake that would map and monitor underwater volcanic gasses at vents

·       Catfish Volunteers Programme continued to work well - overall catfish numbers were much lower

·       A second TALT Te Tūkohu Ngāwha School Science Fair planned for 28-29th July 2023.

Key Point - Members:

·       Commended TALT on their mahi, taking the lead in the community/building capacity, being responsive and making a difference, kia kaha.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1.           Receives the report, Update Report - Te Arawa Lakes Trust.

Brown/Nicolson

CARRIED

7.7

Verbal Update - Ministry for the Environment

Presented by: MfE Representative: Lorena Stephen, Director, Investments, Policy, Implementation and Delivery.

Key Points:

·       Introduced Mark Witehira, Manager - Treaty Settlement and Partnerships; Mark would be supporting the Strategy Group hence forth as Juscinta Grace will be moving into other initiatives at MfE

·       Freshwater farm plans regulations 2023 had been made public:

o   Regulations would initially be applied within the Waikato and Southern Regions from 1 August 2023; the Bay of Plenty Region was scheduled to commence late 2024/early 2025

o   Regions were encouraged to commence progressing the implementation prior to the official commencement date

o   Farmers would be required to conduct a non-farm fresh water assessment and identify actions that would mitigate the risks. Risks would be tailored, based on farm activities/landscape/local catchment areas

o   Freshwater farm plans would require certification and auditing/report back to Regional Councils

o   Freshwater farm plans regulations 2023 | Ministry for the Environment

·       New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS):

o   Government was currently seeking feedback on proposals to manage afforestation by redesigning the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme’s (NZ ETS) permanent forest category

o   Consultation period - 19 June to 11 August 2023

o   A redesigned NZ ETS Permanent Forest Category - Ministry for the Environment - Citizen Space

o   Te Arotake Mahere Hokohoko Tukunga - Review of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme - Ministry for the Environment - Citizen Space

·       Resource Management Reforms: the Spatial Planning Bill and the Natural and Built Environment Bill – currently awaiting Select Committee report back whereafter parliamentary process would follow; expected legislation to be passed prior to the 2023 General Election

·       Climate Change Adaptation Bill, led by the Minister of Climate Change, would only progress after the 2023 General Election

·       Te Mana o te Wai Fund (TMOTW): 34 iwi, hapū, whānau, marae and Māori rōpū have received TMOTW funding; funding recipients to share insights/progress on individual projects/lessons learnt at a Conference in Rotorua at Sudima Hotel on 29 – 30 June 2023.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1.     Receives the verbal updated from the Ministry for the Environment.

Pene/Leeder

CARRIED

7.8

Update Report - Rotorua Lakes Council

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

Key Points:

·       Progress with Rotomā / Rotoiti Sewerage Scheme:

o   around 260 onsite systems had been completed to date

o   increased lake levels had caused a slowdown in installations; resulting in an increase in costs (high lake levels required de-watering prior to installation)

o   By end of 2023 Rotoiti to be completed with the installation of 2500 – 3000 onsite systems. Once completed, some 2.5 million litres of untreated sewerage would no longer seep into the lakes

o   With the Minister for the Environment’s letter to the partners in early May 2023 and in contravention to the Minister’s earlier formal advice of August/September 2022, the Strategy Group would need to make decisions on a response to the Minister’s latest decision

·       Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant - construction of the upgrade had been granted

·       Tarawera Sewerage Scheme:

o   Council had entered into a contract for Stage 1 construction and work was currently underway

o   Procurement of Stage 2 through public tender was currently underway, with an outcome expected in July 2023

·       Lake Rotoehu – recent rising lake levels had contributed to the contamination of the lake. The reticulation proposal was on hold pending sourcing of the required funding

·       Rotorua Urban Area Comprehensive Stormwater Resource Consent – to be reviewed in conjunction with the FDS; would also require taking into consideration the outcomes from the proposed working group looking at the management of risk associated with the impact of climate change on lake levels.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       Following correspondence received by the Strategy Group, staff to develop draft response letters on behalf of the Strategy Group, to be signed by Pou Tākiwaiora Arapeta Tahana, addressed to the following:

o   Ngāti Pikiao Koeke Council of Elders Resolution Flood Gates Operation – letter dated 13 June 2023

o   Tamati Coffey, Labour List MP Letter to Lakes Strategy Group – letter dated 19 June 2023.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1.       Receives the report, Update Report - Rotorua Lakes Council.

Winters/Brown

CARRIED

7.9

Te Arawa Lakes Programme Status Report

Presentation Programme Status Update - Helen Creagh: Objective ID A4415725 ⇨  

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

Key Points:

·       Key Programme Updates

o   All health warnings across the Lakes had been lifted

o   Deed 3-Year Plan to be prepared following completion of review of the Terms of Reference of the Strategy Group currently being led by Te Arawa Lakes Trust; furthermore both Councils were currently developing Long Term Plans (LTPs)

o   In terms of the 50 tonne engineering solutions, a rural drain wetland site had been secured, construction commencing in the summer

o   Continued to actively work to secure further wetland sites

o   Was developing new strategies to consider for Incentives Scheme target

o   Weed harvesting and alum dosing at Rotoehu not possible due to high lake levels

o   Partnership letter in May 2023 to Rotoehu residents regarding potential surface overflow from Rotomā.

Key Points - Members:

o   Thanked staff for the joint work undertaken in supporting the Rotomā/Rotoehu communities

o   Noted that the Deed 3-Year Plan was based on Deed funding; highlighted that it was critical for Councils to be informed of all  developments relating to the health of the lakes to enable them to consider inclusion of required actions in their respective LTPs where necessary.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

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

Winters/Brown

CARRIED

7.10

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Presentation on EFPP Communication and Engagement: Objective ID A4415888 ⇨  

Presented by: BOPRC Toi Moana’s Senior Planner (Water Policy), Gemma Moleta.

Key Points:

·       Updated the Strategy Group on progress with the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP), implementing the requirements of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM)

·       Highlighted progress with community and iwi engagement

o   Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes public engagement drop in sessions:

§  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

·       Communication material had been published including the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU Story and the Regional freshwater overview

·       Material was available in hard copy or online through BOPRC’s webpages:  Updating regional freshwater rules (boprc.govt.nz) and Changes to freshwater management in the Bay of Plenty | Participate BOPRC

·       Online feedback to be provided through the Participate BOPRC webpage/hard copy feedback booklets were also available.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

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

Winters/Nicholson

CARRIED

8.1

Letter from Hon David Parker, Minister for the Environment dated 11 May 2023

Tabled Document 4 - Letter From Min David Parker addressed to Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group  dated 11 May 2023: Objective ID A4415906 ⇨  

Key Points - Members:

·       In relation to Minute Item 6.3 of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group meeting dated 21 April 2023, staff were requested to write 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

·       Subsequently, a letter of response addressed to the Strategy Group had been received from Hon Minister David Parker, dated 11 May 2023

·       Requested that receival of the Minister’s letter be acknowledged and a response be prepared

·       Deemed it critical for the Governance Group to review/take on board the contents of the Minister’s letter and to consider the reputational value lost as a result of the outcome. Suggested further discussion to re-establish relationships with officials and the Minister.

Next Steps:

·       Noted that, as part of the Strategy Group’s Terms of Reference Review process, TALT had been directed to include a review of how the Group worked together as partners, resetting values/principles/protocols/ tikanga

·       In terms of a response to the Minister’s Letter, Pou Tākiwaiora to work alongside staff to draft a response letter.