Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group Rārangi Take (Agenda)

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the next meeting of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group will be held in the Mataatua Room, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Building, 5 Quay Street, Whakatane on:

Friday 16 February 2024 COMMENCING AT 09:30AM

 

 

Fiona McTavish

Chief Executive

8 February 2024

 

 

 

 


 

Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group

Membership

Chairperson

Leith Comer (Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi)

Deputy Chairperson

Pouroto Ngaropo (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa)

Tangata Whenua Members

 

One appointed representative each:

 

Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi

Tīpene Marr (Alternate)

Ngāti Mākino Iwi Authority

Awhi Awhimate

Laurance Tamati (Alternate)

·         Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa

Manu Glen (Alternate)

Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust

Jim Schuster

Council Members

 

One appointed member each:

 

Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Chairman Doug Leeder

Cr Malcolm Campbell (Alternate)

Kawerau District Council

Mayor Faylene Tunui

Deputy Mayor Aaron Rangihika (Alternate)

Rotorua Lakes Council

Cr Gregg Brown

Phill Thomass – Lakes Community Board (Alternate)

Whakatāne District Council

Mayor Victor Luca

Deputy Mayor Lesley Immink (Alternate)

Quorum

Five members comprising:

The Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson; and two Iwi members and two Council members.

Meeting frequency

Quarterly

Purpose

To support, co-ordinate and promote the integrated restoration of the mauri of the Tarawera Awa catchment.

Scope

The Strategy Group’s scope covers the geographical area of the Tarawera River catchment, including its tributaries within the catchment area, as shown further below on map OMCR-102-032.

The Strategy Group is deemed to be a co-governance joint committee of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council; and is a permanent committee and must not be discharged unless all appointing organisations agree to the discharge.

Role

The functions of the Strategy Group are to —

(a)      develop a restoration strategy for the catchment, to be known as the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Document; and

(b)      monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the Strategy Document; and

(c)      run and oversee restoration projects as required under the Strategy Document; and

(d)      seek funding for the restoration projects as required by the Strategy Document; and

(e)      communicate with stakeholders and the wider community to explain how decisions made or activities affecting the catchment align, or could be aligned, with the common vision, objectives, and desired outcomes for the catchment; and

(f)       establish 1 or more technical advisory groups as required, as outlined in section 134[1]; and

(g)      seek the advice of a technical advisory group or the relevant local government in support of restoration activities; and

(h)      link stakeholders together so that activities that take place in the catchment, or that affect the mauri of the catchment, are compatible as far as possible with the common vision, objectives, and desired outcomes for the catchment; and

(i)        provide a framework to assist central government agencies and local government so that they may have regard to the common vision, objectives, and desired outcomes for the catchment; and

(j)        undertake any other function required to achieve the purpose of the Strategy Group.

Decision Making

The Strategy Group must make its decisions by vote at a meeting and strive to achieve consensus; and approach decision making in a manner that is consistent with, and reflects its purpose; and acknowledges, as appropriate, the interests of iwi in particular parts of the catchment.

The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson may vote on any matter, but do not have a casting vote.

Power to Act

Except as provided for in the purpose above, the Strategy Group has discretion to determine in any particular circumstances whether to perform any function specified and how, and to what extent, any function specified is performed.

Power to Recommend

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

Strategy Group members report directly to their respective appointing organisations.

 

 


Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group                                                         16 February 2024

Recommendations in reports are not to be construed as policy until adopted.

Rārangi Take
Agenda

1.       Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Prayer

2.       Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

3.       Wāhanga Tūmatanui
Public Forum

4.       Ngā Take Tōmuri
Items not on the Agenda

5.       Raupapa o Ngā Take
Order of Business

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

7.       Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

7.1      Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group Minutes - 7 November 2023                                                                                                                   4

8.       Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

8.1      Gold Clam Update

Presented by: John Brightwell, Controller - Corbicula 2023 Response
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) (Via Zoom)

9.       Ngā Whakamārama a Ngā Rōpū

          Update from Partners

This new standing item is an opportunity for partner members to provide a brief update on potential matters of interest to the Strategy Group for information only.

9.1      Ngāti Rangitihi

9.2      Ngāti Mākino

9.3      Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust

9.4      Ngāti Awa

9.4      Rotorua Lakes Council

9.5      Kawerau District Council

9.6      Whakatāne District Council

9.7      Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana

10.     Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

10.1    Chairperson's Report                                                                               4

Attachment 1 - Whakatane Beacon Article (13 December 2023)                                  4

Attachment 2 - Communications and Engagement Plan - Draft v1                              4

Attachment 3 - Tarawera Awa Newsletter - Kawerongo 1/Edition 1                           4

Note: Please refer to the Chairperson’s Report for details regarding the verbal updates that will accompany this report.

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

10.2    Long Term Plan 2024-2034 Consultation                                               4

11.     Ngā Take Tōmuri Hei Whakaaroaro
Consideration of Items not on the Agenda

12.     Karakia Kati
Closing Prayer


Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group Minutes

7 November 2023

 

Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing:             Tuesday 7 November 2023, 9:30 AM

Venue:                         Mataatua Room, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Building,
5 Quay Street, Whakatane

Heamana

Chairperson:               Leith Comer (Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust)

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson:  Pouroto Ngaropo (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa)

Ngā Kopounga

Members:                    Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC):
Cr Malcolm Campbell (Alternate)

Ngāti Mākino Iwi Authority:

Awhi Awhimate, Laurance Tamati (Alternate)

Kawerau District Council (KDC):

Mayor Faylene Tunui

Rotorua Lakes Council:

Cr Gregg Brown, Lakes Community Board Chair Phill Thomass (Alternate)

Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi (TMoNRT):
Tiipene Marr (Alternate)

Whakatane District Council (WDC):
Mayor Victor Luca, Deputy Mayor Lesley Immink (Alternate)

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance:            Presenters: As listed in the minutes; BOPRC: Chris Ingle – General Manager Integrated Catchments, Kataraina O’Brien – General Manager Strategic Engagement, Stephen Lamb – Environmental Strategy Manager, Gemma Moleta – Senior Planner (Water Policy) via Zoom, Ashleigh Grant – Kaikarere (Communications Partner), Sharon Ainsworth – Project Manager, Rawiri Bhana – Senior Advisor (Treaty), Shari Kameta – Committee Advisor; TMoNRT: Alana Hunter - Kaiwhakahaere Tari; KDC: Chris Marjoribanks – Interim Chief Executive Officer, Kaumātua Te Haukakawa Te Rire – Cultural Advisor; Pareārau Ltd: Jane Waldon – Co-Governance Secretariat; Mereana Hona – Iramoko Marae

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies:                  Chairman Doug Leeder (BOPRC)

                                    Manu Glen (Alternate, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa)

Deputy Mayor Aaron Rangihika (Alternate, KDC)

Jim Schuster (Ngāti Tūwharetoa (BOP) Settlement Trust

 

9:30pm - The meeting  adjourned.

9:50pm - The meeting  reconvened.

1.     Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia was provided by Kaumātua Te Haukakawa Te Rire.

Deputy Chair Pouroto Ngaropo responded with a mihi of acknowledgement of the recent passing of his partner Jodi Hiroti of Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa iwi ki Kauangāroa, Whanganui, and the support that had been provided by the Chair, Tiipene Marr and members. The Chair responded noting the condolences from the Strategy Group.

2.     Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Accepts the apologies from Chairman Doug Leeder, Jim Schuster and Manu Glen for absence tendered at the meeting.

Tunui/Awhimate

CARRIED

3.     Ngā Take Tōmuri
Items not on the Agenda

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Accepts the following items for consideration under Agenda Item 8.1:

(a)  Tabled Document 1 – TARSG Tohu (Logo) Draft;

(b)  Tabled Document 2 - Draft cover letter to stakeholders;

Notes the reason why the documents were late was because the information was not available at the time the agenda was published. The reason the items cannot wait until the next meeting is that they relate to Agenda Item 8.1.

2        Receives the Oji Fibre Solutions letter (refer Tabled Document 3) for information under Agenda Item 10.

Comer/Ngaropo

CARRIED

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

None declared.

5.     Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group Minutes - 29 August 2023

 

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Confirms the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group Minutes - 29 August 2023 as a true and correct record.

Campbell/Tunui

CARRIED

6.     Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

6.1

Draft Tarawera Awa Aspirations Document and Strategy Group Logo

Presentation - Tarawera Awa Aspirations Document - Summary of changes: Objective ID A4530528 

Tabled Document 1 - TARSG Tohu (Logo) Draft: Objective ID A4529138 

Tabled Document 2 - Draft Cover Letter to Stakeholders - TARSG Aspirations Document: Objective ID A4529153   

Presented by: Dr Frances Teina-kore Curtis – Environmental Manager, Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi and Keri Topperwien – Plan Writer, Tuānuku Ltd

Key Points:

·    Summarised the changes made to the Tarawera Awa Aspirations Document following feedback that had been received from members

·    Aspirations were high level and had been formed by the Iwi Collective

·    Strategic objectives and actions were yet to come as part of the Strategy Group’s development of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Document

·    Te Mana o Te Wai statements would come from Iwi and hold their own mana

·    Requested feedback on the Aspirations Document, use of the word ‘poison’ (refer second paragraph, agenda page 24) and sought approval of the draft logo (tohu) and covering letter (refer Tabled Documents 1 and 2) that would be sent out to stakeholders

·    Provided explanation of the draft tohu, which a member of Ngāti Rangitihi iwi had been engaged to design

·    A stakeholder list would be circulated to members for feedback following the meeting for distributing the finalised Aspirations Document.

Key Points - Members:

·    Supported and agreed to receive the Aspirations Document for informing stakeholders and community about the Strategy Group. Noted that approval of the document would require the endorsement of each partner organisation

·    Recognised the historical moment of the three partner iwi working together towards the restoration of the Tarawera Awa

·    Agreed to the following changes being made to the Aspirations Document:

o Agenda page 23 – replace ‘connect’ with ‘reconnect’ in the section heading and body text to better reflect the aspirational intent

o Agenda page 23 – replace ‘poison’ with ‘contaminants’ for consistency and tone

o Agenda page 19 – correction to replace ‘four’ with ‘three’ (aspirations)

·    Supported an amendment to the draft logo (tohu) to replace the laurel wreath with raupō and a blend of flaxes to better reflect the environment of the kōtuku at Te Awa o te Atua

·    Including iwi/hapū/marae in the stakeholder engagement list was pivotal

·    The next stage of work would be the development of the Strategy Document for formal submission in accord with the settlement legislation.

 

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Receives the report, Draft Tarawera Awa Aspirations Document and Strategy Group Logo;

2        Receives the Tarawera Awa Aspirations Document as provided under Attachment 1;

Luca/Awhimate

CARRIED

3        Delegates to the Strategy Group Chair to approve final amendments, graphics and minor grammatical/formatting changes to the Tarawera Awa Aspirations Document prior to its publication and release;

Tunui/Luca

CARRIED

4        Approves the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group logo for use by Strategy Group members in all future correspondence (refer Tabled Document 1), subject to the amendment agreed at the meeting;

5        Approves the draft cover letter to stakeholders for public release of the Tarawera Awa Aspirations Document (refer Tabled Document 2).

Tunui/Brown

CARRIED

10:58 am - The meeting  adjourned.

11:24 am - The meeting  reconvened.

11:24 am – Cr Malcolm Campbell withdrew from the meeting.

6.2

Legislative requirements for the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Document

Presented by: Nassah Rolleston-Steed - Principal Advisor, Policy and Planning

Key Points:

·    Outlined the requirements for preparing the Strategy Document, including its effect on Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) planning documents and requirement to consult early and wide with affected stakeholders

·    Recommended a structured project management approach and finding a dedicated resource to lead the process

·    Noted best practice advice for members who were considering becoming a hearing panel member to complete the Ministry for the Environment’s RMA Making Good Decisions course

·    Considered the Aspirations document provided an initial understanding of the Strategy Group’s vision and desired outcomes for the catchment to illicit discussion amongst the community

·    Recommended that the Strategy Group publicly notify, as soon as possible, its intent to develop the Strategy Document and organise a central repository for receiving public enquiries and feedback.

11:46am - Cr Brown withdrew from the meeting.

11:50 am – Cr Malcolm Campbell entered the meeting.

In Response to Questions:

·    Timing/wording of the public notification could align with the release of the Aspirations Document

·    The legal term ‘have particular regard to’ was consistent with the legislation and was akin to ‘give strong consideration to’.

Key Points - Members:

·    Anticipated that the procurement of a project manager and development of a project plan/communication/engagement plan would be progressed in consultation with the Chair before the next meeting

·    Ngāti Rangitihi’s Environmental Manager Frances Teina-kore Curtis would be the contact for enquiries regarding the Aspirations Document

·    Supported utilising the Aspirations Document to take the lead on publicly notifying the Strategy Document.

 

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Receives the report, Legislative requirements for the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Document;

2        Note that a dedicated project manager resource is needed to lead development and project management of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Document;

3        Foreshadow the project manager once appointed will prepare a project plan and communications and engagement plan setting out a proposed process and timeframes for consideration at the Group’s next meeting;

4        Notes that the project manager once appointed will, in accordance with Section 140(2) of the Ngāti Rangitihi Claims Settlement Act 2022, liaise with the Chair to prepare and publicly notify the Group’s intention to start preparing the Strategy Document.

Campbell/Ngaropo

CARRIED

7.     Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

7.1

Discussion on next steps for Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Document

Discussion on this item took place during the previous agenda item.

 

7.2

Freshwater Gold Clam Invasion

Presented by: Chris Ingle, General Manager Integrated Catchments

 

Key Points:

·    As reported in the media, Asian gold clam was an invasive pest that had been found in the Waikato river

·    At the request of Ngāti Tarāwhai, Biosecurity New Zealand (Biosecurity NZ) (business unit of Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)) had agreed to close Lake Ōkataina to boating/fishing while mitigation measures were put in place to protect the lake from potential invasion

·    Indications were that the lake was due to re-open following a coordinated response to install a check/clean/dry station provided by BOPRC that would be operated by Te Arawa Lakes Trust

·    MPI’s current focus was to contain the pest within the Waikato river however, were looking to install a boat cleaning station at Te Ngae Road, Rotorua before boats entered the Rotorua Lakes.

Key Points - Members:

·    Voluntary cleaning would not be sufficient to keep gold clam out of Rotorua Lakes, which was of serious concern to the Rotorua lake communities.

·    Expressed concern that if the pest invaded Lake Tarawera it would eventually get into the Tarawera Awa

·    A full strategy with stringent rules and a multi-agency approach was needed to protect the waterways

·    Considered a letter from the Strategy Group to express the Group’s concern and support the necessary action required.

Key Points – Staff:

·    Points raised by members were being discussed by the Te Arawa Iwi Collective who were working with Te Arawa Lakes Trust to pen a letter to MPI to prevent boats from the Waikato river entering the Rotorua Lakes

·    Placing a charge on boat ramps could help to pay for boat washing stations.

 

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Supports a letter to Biosecurity New Zealand regarding the issue of gold clam to be prepared by staff for approval and signed by the Strategy Group Chair.

Thomass/Ngaropo

CARRIED

8.     Ngā  Take Tōmuri Hei Whakaaroaro
Consideration of Items not on the Agenda

8.1

Oji Fibre Solutions Ltd Letter

Tabled Document 3 - Oji Fibre Solutions letter: Objective ID A4528201   

 

 

The letter received from Oji Fibre Solutions was tabled for information with no further discussion raised.

 

9.     Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Kaumātua Te Haukakawa Te Rire.

12:30 pm – the meeting closed.

 

 

Confirmed                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                            Leith Comer

Chairperson

Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group

 


 

 

 

Report To:

Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group

Meeting Date:

16 February 2024

Report Authoriser:

Leith Comer, Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group Chair

 

 

Chairperson's Report

 

Executive Summary

Since the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group meeting of 7 November 2023, I have attended and participated in a number of meetings and engagements as the Strategy Group Chair.

This report sets out the meetings and engagements that I have attended, outside of Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group meetings, and highlights matters of interest that I wish to bring to members’ attention for information.

 

Recommendations

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Receives the report, Chairperson's Report;

2        Approve Frances Teinakore-Curtis as the Project Manager for the TARSG development of the Tarawera Awa River Document;

3        Approve Tyrone Newson as external Engineer for the TARSG development of the Tarawera Awa River Document (subject to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa Board approval).

 

1.        Purpose

The purpose of this report is to update the Strategy Group on meetings and engagements outside of Strategy Group meetings that I have attended or am aware of in my capacity as the Strategy Group Chair.

Not only does this report provide a summary of the aforementioned meetings and engagements, it will be accompanied by verbal reports delivered by the TARSG Project team which we envisage to be standing items for every TARSG forum. The TARSG Project team and I will provide additional information in response to any inquiries members may have during the meeting.

2.        Meetings and Engagements

Stakeholder and Council Engagements began end of November 2023 to socialise the Aspirations Document and to discuss some next steps for TARSG Project team once feedback was given by relevant parties.

Date

Meeting / Engagement

Comment

28.11.23

Charles Harley, Pim de Monchy BOPRC

Old Rangitaiki River Channel  

Te Awa o Te Atua

01.12.23

 

Phil Thomass

RLC Alternate Member

Lake Tarawera Wastewater Reticulation Scheme. Letter of support to be written by TARSG for Lake Tarawera Reticulation Scheme

07.12.23

 

Brent Mountfort Federated Farmers (BOP) President

Presentation to full committee in   February/March period

07.12.23

 

Interview with Diane McCarthy

Whakatane Beacon

Whakatane Beacon article written ‘Reconnecting rivers part of Iwi aspirations’ 13.12.23 (refer Attachment)

12.12.23

 

Matata Residents Association

Matatā Residents Association are now on the mailing list to receive ‘Tarawera Awa’ bi-monthly newsletter

23.01.24

 

Paul Scholes BOPRC Scientist

Data gathering along specific sites of Tarawera Awa ki te awa o te Atua

26.01.24

 

Bevan Gray/Glenn Cooper

Whakatane District Council

Spatial planning, Edgecumbe Wastewater, Fonterra Wastewater Treatment Plant development

01.02.24

Tiaki Hunia (CEO), Christine Powell and Les Russell Maori Investments Ltd

Further hui to be held with MIL once TARSG Project team have further monitoring data from BOPRC. Agreement of support to be created between TARSG and MIL Board

Upcoming Hui

20.02.24 11:30am – 2:30pm

Jon Ryder and Phillip Millichamp

Oji Fibre Solutions

Kawerau District Council, 2 Ranfurly Court, Kawerau

TARSG members to signal interest if they would like to attend hui

 

3.        Matters of Interest

3.1      TARSG Project team Roles and Responsibilities

·      Frances Teinakore-Curtis – TARSG Project Manager

·      Keri Topperwien – Tarawera Awa Catchment Strategy Document Writer

·      Jane Waldon – TARSG Iwi Engagement and wānanga/workshops

·      Tyrone Newson – External Engineer – Technical Expertise and work programme developer

3.2      Aspiration One: Rechannel and reconnect the course of the Tarawera, Rangitāiki and Orini Awa back through Te Awa o Te Atua and out to sea at Mihimarino

Tyrone to give an update on the technical input and expertise for the above aspiration to be put realised.

3.3      Aspiration Two: Work together to protect the Tarawera Awa by dealing with all contamination and discharges into its waters

Frances to give an update on the work being done with stakeholders across the Tarawera Awa for the above aspiration to be put realised.

3.4      Aspiration Three: Regenerate the life sustaining properties of the Tarawera and Te Awa o te Atua so that it can return to the food basket it once was

Keri will discuss how we can begin developing strategic objectives (desired outcomes), a vision and preferred outcomes moving forward.

3.5      Iwi Engagement and Communication Plan

Jane to update the TARSG on the Engagement and Communication Plan (refer Attachment) and relevant matters and how they can support the development of the Tarawera Awa Catchment Strategy document and action plan.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Whakatane Beacon Article (13 December 2023)

Attachment 2 - Communications and Engagement Plan - Draft v1

Attachment 3 - Tarawera Awa Newsletter - Kawerongo 1/Edition 1  

 


Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group                                                              16 February 2024

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Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group                                             16 February 2024

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Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group                                             16 February 2024

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Pūrongo Ki:
Report To:

Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group

Rā Hui:
Meeting Date:

16 February 2024

Kaituhi Pūrongo:
Report Writer:

Merehine Waiari, Senior Advisor and Herewini Simpson, Kaihautu (Te Amorangi Lead)

Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo:
Report Authoriser:

Kataraina O'Brien, General Manager, Strategic Engagement

Kaupapa:
Purpose:

To inform the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group of the draft Long Term Plan 2024-2034 that Toi Moana will be consulting on.

 

 

Long Term Plan 2024-2034 Consultation

 

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

Toi Moana are currently working on the Long Term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP). The LTP will set the strategic direction for Toi Moana over the next ten years, including the work we deliver, and how that work will be funded.

Toi Moana are focused on working collaboratively with Māori as key contributors to strategic direction and leadership in the region. We recognise the Tarawera Restoration Group and the role we have in administering the Forum.  The Tarawera Restoration Group was established via the Ngāti Rangitihi Treaty Settlement.

We will be consulting directly with tangata whenua from Friday 8 March to Tuesday 9 April on the draft LTP and the kaupapa Māori initiatives that have a direct impact on our partnerships with Māori. Through consultation, tangata whenua will have an opportunity to provide feedback that will help to inform the final decision-making for the LTP 2024-2034.

 

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Receives the report, Long Term Plan 2024-2034 Consultation.

 

1.       He Whakamārama
Background

Every three years we work with our community to create a LTP. The LTP sets the strategic direction for Toi Moana over the next ten years, including the work we deliver and how that work will be funded. Effective consultation with the community ensures that we make the right decisions for future generations. Toi Moana are also committed to ensuring we improve opportunities for Māori to contribute to local government decision making, including through the LTP.

We have developed this LTP during a period of change. We are proposing a dedicated community outcome Te Ara Poutama, which focuses on how Toi Moana will continue to work collaboratively with Māori over the next ten years. This will provide direction and identify key actions that are required across Toi Moana to enhance our partnerships with Māori.

This report provides an update on what Toi Moana will be consulting on for the LTP 2024-2034 that are most relevant to kaupapa Māori initiatives and the Tarawera Awa co-governance area.

 

2.       LTP Consultation with Māori

2.1      Partnerships with Māori

The principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi and the partnership upon which it is founded are an established part of the local government framework. Māori hold a unique role in shaping and contributing to regional leadership and direction.

One of the proposed community outcomes, Te Ara Poutama, builds on Māori partnerships as a key priority and impact area. Through Te Ara Poutama, Toi Moana will work with tangata whenua to support enhanced Māori participation in operational activities, support Māori capacity and capability building, ensure an equitable approach to the four well-beings and delivery of community outcomes and partner with Māori to enhance delivery and share decision-making.

We welcome feedback from Māori on the proposed new community outcome Te Ara Poutama and the activities that will contribute to supporting this strategic direction. TARSG members are encouraged to provide any feedback they wish to which will inform the final LTP decision-making.

2.2      Consultation Questions

Toi Moana will be consulting with the community on three key issues in the consultation document from Friday 8 March to Tuesday 9 April and will be seeking feedback on the options for addressing these issues and any other matters related to our services and rates.

The consultation questions will focus on public transport, regional parks and a staged sell down in our Port of Tauranga Limited shareholding (via Quayside Holdings Limited). In December 2023, we notified iwi leaders that we would be consulting on the potential sell down in our Port of Tauranga Limited shares. We acknowledge that there are tangata whenua interests in the Port and welcome feedback on this proposal.

The LTP consultation document will be adopted and made publicly available in March 2024.

2.3      Direct Engagement with Māori

We are inviting direct engagement with iwi authorities, co-governance entities and other Māori leaders with our Māori Councillors on the draft LTP during the consultation period.

We will also be holding online wānanga in each of the three Māori constituencies on the following dates:

·      Mauao: Thursday 14 March 2024 at 12.30pm (online and in person)

·      Ōkurei: Monday 18 March 2024 at 12.30pm

·      Kōhī: Thursday 21 March 2024 at 12.30pm

The online wānanga will primarily be focused on the kaupapa Māori initiatives within the draft LTP but will also cover the three key issues Toi Moana are consulting on. Attendees can ask our Māori Councillors questions and discuss the issues and options with other key staff to help inform any feedback.

Council staff will also be attending community events during the consultation period. Further details regarding the community events and online wānanga will be available through the Participate webpage and emailed to our Māori contacts list.

3.       Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1      Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are currently high engagement demands on Māori, which may make it difficult for Toi Moana to secure Māori participation during the consultation period.

This is being mitigated through pre-engagement where possible, however the LTP consultation document is still in draft and the consultation questions may be subject to change. Any significant changes will be notified to Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group, other co-governance entities and iwi leaders Toi Moana have engaged with prior to the consultation period.

3.2      Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

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

Climate change impacts will be considered by Toi Moana in the LTP and will be supported by Te Ara Poutama regarding how Toi Moana can partner with Māori to address the climate challenges in the future.

3.3      Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The LTP sets the strategic direction for Toi Moana over the next ten years, including the work we deliver and how that work will be funded. Māori hold a unique role in shaping and contributing to regional leadership and direction as a te Tiriti/Treaty partner.

Council must use the special consultative procedure in adopting the LTP under sections 93(2) and 93A of the LGA. This requires Council to clearly present the significant issues, plans and projects proposed for the LTP and provide an opportunity for the community to give feedback that will help to inform the final decision-making. Under section 81(1)(a) of the LGA, Council must also establish and maintain processes to provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to decision-making.

Toi Moana are committed to providing opportunities for effective consultation with Māori on the LTP 2024-2034, so that Māori are informed and can provide feedback on the significant issues, plans and projects that are relevant for Māori over the next ten years. Toi Moana Māori Councillors and staff are also open to meeting with co-governance entities and iwi leaders to discuss the LTP prior to the consultation period.

3.4      Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

 

Adobe Systems

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

To obtain input or feedback from affected communities about our analysis, alternatives, and /or proposed decisions.

 

Toi Moana are inviting direct engagement with Māori during the LTP consultation period from Friday 8 March to Tuesday 9 April. This will involve direct engagement with Māori leaders and co-governance entities as well as online wānanga and staff presence at community events.

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

Many of the core functions of Toi Moana directly impact on the mauri of the Tarawera Awa catchment. The services we deliver and how they are funded that are set in the LTP, are therefore relevant to the purpose of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group. This includes how we aim to partner with Māori in achieving shared outcomes over the next ten years.

3.6      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

Following consultation on the LTP, Toi Moana will hold hearings in May 2024. This will provide submitters with an opportunity to speak to Toi Moana Councillors about their submission.

Council will then review all feedback and formally adopt the final LTP 2024-2034 in June 2024.

 

 

 



[1] s134 Ngāti Rangitihi Claims Settlement Act 2022