Agenda of Rangitāiki River Forum - Thursday, 16 November 2023

Rangitāiki River Forum

Membership

Chairperson	Terewai Kalman (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa)
Deputy Chairperson	Te Taute Taiepa (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)
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	Katishe McCauley
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 Westerman (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

1 September 2023

Rangitāiki River Forum

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 1 September 2023, 10:30 AM

Venue: Tōtara room, Whakatāne District Council, Ground floor, Commerce Street, Whakatāne

Heamana

Chairperson: Terewai Kalman (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC):

Cr Malcolm Campbell, Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti,
Cr Kat Macmillan, Cr Kevin Winters

Ngāti Tūwharetoa (BOP) Settlement Trust:

Katishe McCauley

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa:

Mihipeka Sisley (Alternate)

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa:

Karito Paul (Alternate)

Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa:

Whakaeke Ritete – Via Zoom

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare:

Jane Nicholas (Alternate) – Via Zoom

Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua:

Ngapera Rangiaho

Whakatāne District Council:
Cr Tuwhakairiora O'Brien, Cr Wilson James (Alternate)

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: Hineuru Iwi Trust: Brenda Lewis – Delegate

BOPRC: Chris Ingle – General Manager Integrated Catchments, Shari Kameta – Committee Advisor, Staff Presenters – as listed in the minutes, Fiona Wood – Programme Coordinator, Integrated Catchments; Via Zoom: Herewini Simpson – Kaihautu (Te Amorangi Lead)

WDC: Jessica Browne - Project Planner

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa: Pohoira Iopata - Kaihautū Wai Māori

Presenters: as listed in the minutes

Externals: Anaru Rangi - Visitor and Heritage Ranger, Department of Conservation; Annie Tangata – Community Engagement and Communications Advisor, Manawa Energy

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Miro Araroa (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa)

Ngawai Crawford and Tracy Bush – Alternate (Hineuru)

Cr Ken Shirley (Bay of Plenty Regional Council)

Deputy Chair Te Taute Taiepa (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)

Cr John Williamson (Taupō District Council)

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia and mihi of welcome was provided by Cr Tu O’Brien to members, new Forum members Katishe McCauley and Mihipeka Sisley, staff and members of the public in attendance.

Chairperson’s Opening Statement

The Forum Chair advised the meeting that Brenda Lewis was in attendance on behalf of Hineuru members who were unable to be present and that the Chair had given permission for Brenda to have speaking rights at the meeting, but did not having voting rights.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Accepts the apologies from Miro Araroa, Tracy Bush, Ngawai Crawford, Cr Ken Shirley, Te Taute Taiepa and Cr John Williamson for absence and Katishe McCauley for early departure at 12:30 pm tendered at the meeting.

Campbell/Macmillan

CARRIED

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

Karito Paul declared an interest in regard to Item 8.2, Department of Conservation presentation on Whitebait Regulations and advised that he would not participate in discussion on this item.

4. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

4.1

Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 2 June 2023

Matters Arising

In relation to Minute Item 9.2 – the request for Fonterra Edgecumbe to present was an item on the meeting agenda.

In relation to Minute Item 9.4 - Southern Generation Partnership Ltd had indicated their availability to present at the next Forum meeting on 17 November 2023 and would be meeting with Ngāti Manawa’s Waiora Project team to discuss solutions to prevent tuna fatalities at the Aniwhenua Dam.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Confirms the Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 2 June 2023 as a true and correct record.

Rangiaho/Macmillan

CARRIED

5. Whakaaturanga
Presentations

5.1

Fonterra Edgecumbe Site Update on Proposed Improvements to Discharges to the Rangitāiki River and Development of a Wastewater Treatment Plant

Presentation - Fonterra Edgecumbe Update: Objective ID A4467324

Presented by: Alan Muggeridge, Site Operations Manager, Fonterra Edgecumbe
Supported by Mark Chrisp, Partner, Mitchell Daysh

Key Points - Presenters:

· Outlined Consent 65985 that was granted in March 2023 for discharge to the Rangitāiki River and subsequent improved quality/limits required

· Improvements would ensure direction of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and Te Mana o Te Wai were upheld

· Regarding stewardship of the river - continued priority to discharge to land irrigation would ensure the river was managed and protected

· Substantial investigation had been undertaken into solutions to achieve the new limits with development of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) proposed to be located off East Bank Road

· Outlined the various consents for the WWTP that had been lodged with Whakatāne District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

In Response to Questions:

· Consent conditions required the improved wastewater discharge limits to be implemented by 2026

· Fonterra was confident that the WWTP technology would provide the required limits, failure to achieve them would be a breach of consent

· Regarding E.coli limits, no limit was specified under the old consent however the new consent allowed for a limit of 110 cfu/100mL

· Outlined the discharge levels proposed by Fonterra that were subject to the consent conditions, which would be circulated to members for information following the meeting.

· High-medium strength landuse outputs would continue to be discharged to land and medium-low strength would go to the WWTP

· Fonterra had a separate consent for land irrigation granted in the last few years, which had included environmental improvements and took into account hydrology and seasonal variances

· Extraction of nutrients from the WWTP produced a sludge that could be used as fertiliser.

Key Points - Members:

· Thanked Fonterra for their presentation which had been informative.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the presentation, Fonterra Edgecumbe Site Update on Proposed Improvements to Discharges to the Rangitāiki River and Development of a Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Winters/Rangiaho

CARRIED

5.2

Department of Conservation - Follow-up on Whitebait Regulations

Presentation - Supporting Customary Rights and Responsibilities in Whitebait Restoration: Objective ID A4467173

Presented by: Merenia Sawrey, Senior Advisor Treaty Partnerships
Supported by Tom Brown, Warrant Officer

The presentation was a follow-on from previous presentations provided to the Forum on 23 March and 2 June 2023 and feedback from the Forum regarding tikanga in relation to Section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987 to support customary rights and responsibilities around whitebait restoration.

Key Points:

· Viewed mahinga kai/customary rights as being inherently connected to protecting and preserving taonga species and an enabler for indigenous practice and leadership within conservation

· Currently there was no set criteria/process to define mahinga kai/ customary takes, and so Department of Conservation (DOC) did not have the means to mandate claims at a local level

· Customary takes needed to be determined by iwi/hapū/marae/whānau

· Tikanga practice could provide leadership to ensure sustainable harvest was occurring at place

· Acknowledged the comments made at the previous Forum meeting in June regarding the complexity of national legislation and wished to explore what might work for iwi/hapū/marae at a local level, which may provide a model to enable and advocate for customary practice at national level

· DOC welcomed guidance with iwi/hapū leaders and extended an invitation for further discussion outside of the Forum to understand, align and complement mahinga kai practice at place

· Provided contact details of staff representatives for enquiries.

Key Points - Members:

· Thanked the presenters for their presentation and time

· Would like to see coordination between DOC, BOPRC (and Ministry for the Environment) on freshwater management to enable unified conversations to reduce engagement fatigue for iwi/hapū/whānau.

6. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

6.1

Verbal Updates from Forum Members

Katishe McCauley – Ngāti Tūwharetoa (BOP) Settlement Trust (NTST)

· Thanked Forum members for the warm welcome

· Noted a change in Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson for NTST with Karilyn Te Rire appointed as Chair and Jim Schuster as Deputy Chair.

Karito Paul – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa

· Regarding the Bill Kerrison monument – the project was back on track with a technical advisor and builder engaged and currently pursuing funding to compensate them for their mahi.

Terewai Kalman – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa

· A letter had been sent to Southern Generation/Pioneer Energy on behalf of the Forum in regard to tuna fatalities at Aniwhenua Dam and were in the process of meeting with them to work through the issues

· Manawa Energy consent was currently on hold to allow Ngāti Manawa to define terms of engagement and enable conversations. Acknowledged the Forum for their support on those issues.

Cr Kevin Winters – BOPRC

· Update on Rangitāiki floodway protection (Stage 7) - construction of swing gates at Thornton was complete and radial gates above Edgecumbe were about to commence. Noted that BOPRC had been unsuccessful in acquiring extra funding from the Government’s Kanoa fund and so balance of flood scheme costs would be paid by targeted river scheme ratepayers

· College Road floodwalls were well advanced and would be completed in 2023-2024 year.

7. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

7.1

Change of Membership

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Change of Membership.

2 Notes the appointment of Katishe McCauley as the appointed member for Ngāti Tūwharetoa (BOP) Settlement Trust, replacing Shaneen Simpson-Almond.

Rangiaho/Campbell

CARRIED

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

7.2

Resource Consents Update

Presentation - Resource Consents Update: Objective ID A4481340

Presented by: Ella Tennent, Consents Manager

Key Points:

· Outlined immediate changes made to the Resource Management Act while the Natural and Built Environment Act (NBEA) and Spatial Planning Acts (SPA) were phased in over the next 10 years:

o Hydropower schemes were exempt from the new (shorter) proposed consent duration

o Compliance history could now be considered in consent processing

o There had been major increases in fines for non-compliance

· Wheao Dam consent had been lodged and was on hold awaiting cultural impact assessments

· Fonterra had lodged their consent and were working through further information in regard to technical matters concerning odour

· Southern Generation had lodged an application for the removal of gravel build-up to mitigate flooding in surrounding areas. They were seeking a three year consent duration to coincide with their larger consent that was due to expire in 2026. The consent would be publicly notified and the affected community were aware of the consent being lodged.

In Response to Questions:

· Gravel removal would be taken from the island and channel

· Was not aware of any plans to increase compliance officer numbers however, noted there had already been increases and that in terms of fines, Council was focused on the upper end of offending.

· Although the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater excluded wetlands that weren’t considered as natural, environmental effects on existing wetland and habitat would still be considered under the regional plan

· Acknowledged that the National party had signalled repealing the NBEA if they came into Government in October 2023 and that if that happened councils may make recommendations that some provisions be retained

· The Fonterra WWTP was required to be operational by 1 July 2026.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Resource Consents Update.

Winters/Rangiaho

CARRIED

7.3

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Presented by: Michelle Lee – Planner (Water Policy), Gina Mohi – Pūtaiao Mātauranga

Key Points:

· Acknowledged the valuable feedback received at the Forum’s June 2023 meeting

· Outlined engagement events held and upcoming, noting feedback received from the events had mainly come from the farming community.

11:43 am – Whakaeke Ritete withdrew from the meeting.

· A second round of hui-a-rohe had been redirected to be replaced with more focused engagement with iwi/hapū and Māori land trust collectives where requested

· Key themes that had emerged from engagement with iwi were:

o A desire to update iwi management plans and define cultural limits, which council was seeking to support and resource;

o Tangata whenua wished to carry out their own freshwater monitoring compliance. Freshwater kits were being made available for this alongside future thinking to support tangata whenua monitoring in relation to section 33 transfer of powers

· Encouraged feedback from iwi/hapū on the proposed planning methodology options and ‘portals’ approach referred to under report Attachment 1 to support Kaupapa Māori into the future

· Council was seeking clear direction and conversations with tangata whenua to be able to articulate Mātauranga Māori to inform policy outcomes and framework/models for implementation

· Acknowledged the need to work collectively with other agencies to lessen the engagement load on tangata whenua

· Noted examples of projects occurring with iwi/hapū in the freshwater management space, i.e. secondment arrangements with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Manawa training, projects with Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Tauranga Moana and plans to support mahi with Whakatōhea and Ngāi Tai

· Noted the pressing timelines for plan change notification and being cognisant of supporting discussions to progress the plan change

In Response to Questions:

· Having robust freshwater management chapters within iwi/hapū management plans that contain specific cultural indicators and policies would provide a key resource

· Regarding the interaction of submissions from iwi/hapū – Te Mana o Te Wai was specific to place, which did not diminish the roles of iwi and post-settlement government entities, but enabled a space for tangata whenua

· Council was recognising that hapū wished to write their own environmental management plans, and there was some funding available to support this.

Key Points - Members:

· Commended the mahi and direction being undertaken

· Wished to know what information Council had in regard to mahinga kai to support the mahi that was occurring

· Noted the competing tensions being placed on Council and the importance of progressing the work now while it was resourced

· Persevering to maintain/uphold iwi/tupuna aspirations was important

· Wished to see ‘habitat’ noted in the Rangitaiki long-term freshwater vision as an integral part of protecting tuna/taonga species

· Would like the opportunity for iwi members to hold further discussion with Kaupapa Māori freshwater staff on Kaupapa Māori/cultural values.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update.

Sisley/Rangiaho

CARRIED

2 Requests a meeting with Iwi Forum members and Council’s Kaupapa Māori Freshwater Team.

Rangiaho/Iti

CARRIED

7.4

Rangitaiki Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2023-2024

Presented by: Charles Harley, Team Leader Coastal Catchments

Key Points:

· Welcomed feedback from members on the map that had been included in the Work Plan (page 46 of agenda) which had been requested at the Forum’s 23 March 2023 meeting, noting that additional activities and photos could be added and were welcomed from partners/members.

Key Points - Members:

· Sought consideration to include other activity/plans (i.e. iwi, government agencies, key industry stakeholders) that were occurring along the river and in the catchment within reporting

· Noted that Te Mana o te Wai statements were missing from some documentation and that having a clearer understanding of activities occurring that have an impact on Te Mana o te Wai was raised for consideration.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Rangitaiki Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2023-2024.

Winters/McCauley

CARRIED

7.5

Rangitaiki Catchment Programme: Annual Report 2022-2023

Presented by: Charles Harley, Team Leader Coastal Catchments

In Response to Questions:

· Regarding applying Mātauranga Māori methods for electric fish monitoring and herbicide application at Lake Aniwhenua – staff were planning to discuss this with Ngāti Manawa’s environmental manager in due course.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Rangitaiki Catchment Programme: Annual Report 2022-2023.

Winters/McCauley

CARRIED

12:23 pm – Jane Nicholas withdrew from the meeting.

8. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Cr Tu O’Brien.

12:25 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Terewai Kalman

Chairperson, Rangitāiki River Forum



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	16 November 2023
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Michelle Lee, Planner (Water Policy)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy and Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To provide the Rangitāiki River Forum with an update on freshwater policy works underway in the Rangitāiki catchment and continue to invite involvement.

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

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), primarily through changes to the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP).

This report briefly updates the programme progress and highlights feedback received in the Rangitaiki during the April to September engagement period. Note that the engagement with tangata whenua is ongoing.

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), primarily via changes to the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and the Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP). Tight timeframes are necessary to achieve notification of freshwater changes to the RPS and RNRP in 2024 as required by legislation.

This paper provides a regular brief update on its progress.

2. Programme Update

The programme’s focus in 2023 is primarily on community engagement, involving tangata whenua, and developing draft policy options in 2023 before Toi Moana decides what changes to propose and notify publicly in 2024.

Following tangata whenua and community feedback, the Toi Moana team is working on the draft RPS and plan changes, options evaluation (s32 assessments), and the planning methodology to support kaupapa Māori into the future.

We anticipate a draft will be ready for targeted engagement in early 2024 with iwi organisations, Rangitāiki River Forum, and other key stakeholders. The draft will be “in principle”, as Toi Moana can only set policy direction formally after completing engagement and evaluations.

3. Feedback summary

3.1 Rangitāiki specific engagement feedback summary

Between April and September 2023, Toi Moana held four public events and one land manager event, specifically on freshwater management in the Rangitāiki Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) - three were held at Galatea, one by the Rangitāiki headwater at SH5, and one in Whakatāne. Approximately 112 attended those events. Most of the attendees are from the farming communities.

Some complex freshwater management topics were discussed in the Rangitāiki FMU. Those topics include allocation and clawback, tangata whenua future land use and hydro-electricity operations.

Farmers are challenged with finding groundwater of suitable quality and are concerned about being able to continue to operate. Farmers also sought clarification on how the nutrient budget would be allocated when available, e.g., after stock farms had converted to solar farms.

Some questioned the accuracy of the descriptions of constraints relating to the Matahina dam hydroelectric power schemes resource consent and how the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity is given effect. Farmers also sought better clarity around groundwater availability.

The FMU boundary was generally considered acceptable, although it was unclear for some Rerewhakaaitu Farmers to identify which FMU their land is in.

Forum members asked to retain the following in the long-term vision for the freshwater of the Rangitāiki FMU: “Tuna within the Rangitāiki catchment are protected through measures including enhancement and restoration of their habitat and migration paths.”

3.2 General tangata whenua feedback themes

Key themes that arise from the general tangata whenua engagement (i.e., not limited to the Rangitāiki FMU) related to desired process outcomes or concerns include:

· Tangata whenua inclusive decision-making right through;

· Tangata whenua capacity and capability building;

· Mātauranga data sovereignty;

· Mahinga kai value articulated in the planning context;

· Effects of permitted activities are managed;

· The increasing municipal water demand;

· Tangata whenua being denied water take;

· Questioning the water allocation methodology;

· Kaitiaki monitoring and projects on rivers/wetlands/lakes restoration;

· Using natural methods of mitigating effects, and

· Funded restoration efforts, such as through user pay.

Comments around the desire for a closer relationship with rivers, well-cared-for mahinga kai source, and prosperity within the sustainable limits are aligned with values expressed in Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki Pathways of the Rangitāiki river document.

4. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

4.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this update.

4.2 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. Toi Moana will consider climate change impacts as part of implementing the NPSFM and reviewing the regional plan (RNRP).

4.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

For the iwi, hapū and whānau of the Rangitāiki River and its tributaries, the health and wellbeing of the Rangitāiki River and its resources are intimately connected with the health and wellbeing of the people.

The NPSFM sets out an increased expectation of:

· the active involvement of tangata whenua in freshwater management and

· provisions for cultural values and mātauranga Māori.

There are a number of iwi/hapu-initiated freshwater projects in the Rangitāiki catchment.

Toi Moana team continues to invite and support iwi and hapū involvement to the extent they want to be involved. Tangata whenua engagement will continue into 2024, and the team are keeping a good faith approach to implement the aspirations of the NPSFM.

4.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

Refer to Section 3.1 of this report. Community and tangata whenua engagement is a key focus throughout 2023.

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

NPSFM implementation is a non-discretionary regional council function. This freshwater work will also assist with delivering on objectives and actions in Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki Pathways of the Rangitāiki river document 2015. RPS change 3 (Rangitāiki River) was made operative on 9 October 2018 and must be considered as part of the policy drafting in the freshwater changes proposed to the regional plan.

4.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

5. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Tangata whenua are continuing to be invited to provide advice and recommendations to Toi Moana throughout the freshwater policy process.

The team in Toi Moana is analysing feedback to inform the development of draft policy options, evaluations, recommendations, and draft plan change text.

Detailed planning is underway for targeted tangata whenua engagement on the draft plan in early 2024.



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	16 November 2023
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Hemi Barsdell, Asset Management Specialist
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 Rangitāiki-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 met on Wednesday the 13^th of September, where the following key topics were discussed:

· Long Term Plan 2024-2034 proposed maintenance and capital budgets

· 2023-2024 capital and maintenance work programmes

· Gravel extraction

· Advisory Group Terms of Reference and membership

· Room for the Rivers.

This report provides a summary of the key topics listed above.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Update from the Rangitāiki-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 meeting.

2. Key Topics

2.1 Long-Term Plan 2024-2034 proposed scheme budgets

River scheme advisory groups provide an important communication link with ratepayers about scheme financial management. Preliminary LTP 2024-2034 budget proposals were shared with advisory groups and their feedback will be considered before LTP budgets go to Council. Discussions focused on proposals for additional budget for the following work:

· Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaws

· Asset condition inspections and consequential works

· Ecological enhancement or offsetting

· Aniwaniwa Dam consent application

Proposed capital projects were also discussed for LTP 2024-2034, which include:

· Rangitāiki and Tarawera River stopbank improvements

· Old Rangitāiki River Channel floodgate structure refurbishment.

2.2 Capital works programme 2023-2024

Progress on the annual work programme was discussed, notable items were:

· Rangitāiki Floodway swing gates are complete and the spillway consent has been granted. Spillway construction will begin in the next 2-3 months.

· College Road Floodwall – works are substantially complete

· Lower Rangitāiki stopbank (left bank downstream of Thornton Road) upgrade - works are expected to commence late October/early November.

· Tarawera River stopbank upgrades – works on the left bank are expected to commence early in 2024 and the right bank early in 2025.

2.3 Maintenance works programme 2023-2024

Maintenance works comprise activities that ensure the drainage, pumping and river flood protection networks are operational and providing the agreed level of service.

Key projects in the 2023-2024 annual work programme were discussed, including:

· Tree removals and stopbank rehabilitation to remove seepage risks.

· Rock replenishment work

· Old Rangitāiki Channel Pump Station electronic upgrade

· Ongoing control of plant pests, including Alligator weed and rabbit control/monitoring on stopbanks.

· Habitat and enhancement work – e.g. native plantings on the Horomanga River in conjunction with Galatea School.

2.4 Gravel extraction

Gravel management currently occurs in the upper Rangitāiki River catchment only. 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 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 gravel 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, potentially across private land).

· Improving the flood carrying capacity of road bridges.

There has been no extraction from either the Horomanga River or Kopuriki Stream in the 2023-2024 financial year.

2.5 General Business

The General Business Report covered the following items:

· Advisory Group Terms of Reference (TOR) Review: The revised TOR was adopted at the 9 August 2023 Council meeting and includes the following guiding principles:

o Adapting to our changing climate

o Working effectively with Māori to deliver outcomes for the region

o Community participation

o Sympathy with natural processes.

· Advisory Group membership public nomination process: Council selects ratepayer representatives through a public nomination process, which is scheduled to take place in November 2023. Current members who are interested in being considered for a third term will need to complete the public nomination process for re-selection.

· Room for the River: The General Business report highlighted Council’s developing approach to implementing Room for the River principles in river scheme management. Room for the Rivers is not a one-size-fits-all solution. This approach ensures that river management decisions are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable in the face of a changing climate, while prioritising affordability for targeted ratepayers.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with the matters within this report.

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. 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

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.

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.

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

The Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group will next meet in March 2024 and a report highlighting key topics discussed will be provided to the Rangitāiki River Forum at their next meeting. Similarly, key points of interest at River Forum meetings will be reported to the Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group.