Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group

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

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Accepts the apologies from Jim Schuster, Awhi Awhimate, Manu Glen and Kaumātua Te Haukakawa Te Rire for absence; and Chairman Doug Leeder and Deputy Mayor Lesley Immink for early departure tendered at the meeting.

Tunui/Brown

CARRIED

4.1

Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group Minutes - 7 November 2023

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Confirms the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group Minutes - 7 November 2023 as a true and correct record.

Luca/Tunui

CARRIED

5.1

Gold Clam Update

Presentation - Corbicula fluminea, Freshwater Gold Clam: Objective ID A4602262   

Presented by: John Brightwell, Controller - Corbicula 2023 Response; and
Cath Duthie, Group Manager Response, Ministry for Primary Industries(MPI)/Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) (Via Zoom)

Key Points:

·    Background on freshwater gold clam (Corbicula) and its establishment in the Waikato river, which MPI/BNZ had only been notified of in May 2023

·    The highest risk of Corbicula spreading into other waterways was from watercraft movements

·    Extensive surveys had been carried out in the Waikato tributaries, Waipā river and 15 national waterways with no presence of Corbicula found

·    Overview of the Controlled Area Notice (CAN) requirements that had been implemented for the Waikato River and Te Arawa Lakes. Noted that wake boats in the Waikato river were prohibited from moving between waterways due to ballast water

·    Key focus areas:

o ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ campaign that had been successful for didymo

o Behaviour change actions which had been extended to the Te Arawa Lakes, Lake Taupō and high risk events across the country

o Communication with engagement groups/clubs/networks/multi-media

o Long-term continuation of visual surveillance, e-DNA sampling and working with partners/councils

o MPI/BNZ would be seeking Ministerial approval and Government funding to support long-term research on ways to suppress existing populations, eradicate juveniles, decontaminate wake boats and taonga species and test surveillance tools. After the recent change in Government, response from the minister was anticipated in July/August 2024

·    Outlined MPI/BNZ’s layers of actions within the Waikato

·    Actions for Te Arawa Lakes:

o Temporary CAN to prevent/reduce the risk of transfer of Corbicula

o Ongoing surveillance and wash station rules for cleaning boats

o Manufacturing mobile wash stations for events/remote locations.

In Response to Questions:

·    MPI/BNZ would consider trialling uwhi mats (harakeke weed mats) within future research to test their suppression efficacy

·    Te Arawa Lakes CAN required watercrafts from infested areas to undergo self-certification at wash stations by way of QR code

·    There were no known methodologies to reduce populations on a small scale 

·    Corbicula were very small with little to no viability for consumption

·    MPI/BNZ would consider the feasibility of all options.

Key Points - Members:

·    Sought the following considerations:

o Install wash stations on Tarawera Road into Lakes Tarawera, Ōkāreka and Tikitapu; and at Lake Tarawera

o Proactive video surveillance and monitoring

o Imposing a fee on wash stations and boat ramps to recover costs

o Gene editing as a long term solution

o Stronger response to prevent contamination

o Stronger connection/relationship with tangata whenua

·    RLC/Community Board were investigating the potential to impose fees on boat ramps and/or parking, which would require discussion with Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT). It was noted that Ngāti Tarāwhai had started to impose a (temporary) fee on the boat ramp at Lake Ōkataina in the effort to recover costs for security during implementation of the CAN.

·    Any further questions from members could be passed to the Committee Advisor for MPI/BNZ response.

Key Points - Staff:

·    TALT were trialling uwhi mats in Lakes Rotoiti, Rotomā and Tarawera to suppress lakeweed.

7.1

Chairperson's Report

Presentation - Project Team Update: Objective ID A4603227   

Presented by:  Chair Leith Comer

Key Points:

·    Introduced the Project team members and noted the recent appointment of Tyrone Newson as Ngāti Awa Group Holding Limited’s Chief Executive Office, resulting in him stepping down from his role on the project

·    Sought TARSG’s approval of Frances Teinakore-Curtis to the project manager role

·    Update on Project progress were provided by the Project team (Refer minute items 7.1.1 – 7.1.4 below).

Resolved

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        Notes the departure of Tyrone Newson from the Project team and that securing a replacement external engineer for development of the Tarawera Awa River Document is being progressed.

Brown/Tunui

CARRIED

7.1.1

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

Presented By:    Dr Frances Teinakore-Curtis, TARSG Project Manager

Key Points:

·    Overview of engagement to date and summary of issues that would need to be addressed as part of the project

·    Emphasized the importance of having an expert engineer to provide the project with technical information

·    Next step: present technical data to Federated Farmers

·    The Project team was working with BOPRC’s technical support staff, which was imperative to progress the project and develop the River Strategy document

·    Referred to the stakeholder hui held with Māori Investments Limited (MIL) Board members and the proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding (‘Kotuku’ Agreement) to be created between MIL to commit to sustaining the mauri of the Tarawera Awa

·    There were a distinct set of other users/key stakeholders along parts of the Tarawera Awa and Te Awa o te Atua where conversations would be initiated in pursuit of ‘Kotuku’ Agreements to restore the mauri of the awa

·    Noted that baseline data requested from Essity Kawerau mill was pending.

Key Points - Members:

·    Having good baseline information on the awa’s current state and starting on the right footing would be central to restoring the mauri

·    Mayor Tunui would follow-up with Essity to request baseline data.

7.1.2

Iwi Engagement and Communication Plan

Presented by:    Jane Waldon, Co-Governance Secretariat

Key Points:

·    Provided an overview of the draft communications and engagement plan

·    Sought feedback on the draft bi-monthly newsletter which had been developed to keep the community/stakeholders updated on the project. The newsletter was still in draft form and had not yet been published for release/circulation.

7.1.3

Aspiration Three: Regenerate the life sustaining properties of the Tarawera Awa and Te Awa o Te Atua to the food basket it once was

Presented by:    Keri Topperwien, TARSG Strategy Document Writer

Key Points:

·    Overview of strategic objectives towards achieving the aspirations

·    Two Strategy Group workshops were proposed to be held in March/April 2024 to seek members’ input on the strategic objectives

·    Noted there was a high level of community interest and varying aspects to consider within the project, and that previous learnings used to develop the Rangitāiki and Kaituna River Documents would assist with development.

Key Points - Members:

·    Noted that Kawerau District Council (KDC) had strong relationships with Essity and Oji Fibre Solutions, therefore requested that the Project team liaise with KDC members to assist with stakeholder communication.

7.1.4

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

Presented by:  Tyrone Newson, External Engineer

Mr Newson declared a conflict that he could no longer continue his role on the project due to his recent appointment to Chief Executive Officer of Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited (NAGHL). Despite his change in circumstance, Mr Newson was able to provide an update on project work he had undertaken to date.

Key Points:

·    Investigation completed on feasibility of (general alignment) routes for connecting the waterways

·    Next steps:

o Obtain technical advice to ensure the receiving waters could withstand current volumes/peak flows according to the size of Te Awa o te Atua

o Obtain baseline information of each waterway which would be key to defining watercourse locations

o Testing and verification of discharge points and water take allocations

o Translation of group data to provide meaningful/feasible options. Noted that some options may not be viable due to changed geography

·    The Project team would be looking to acquire the necessary engineering expertise to take the project forward

·    Anticipated that a further update on this part of the project would be available and provided to TARSG at its meeting in August 2024.

Key Points - Chair:

·    Emphasized the importance of this piece of work, which required the right people/skillsets to provide confidence to all stakeholders

·    Would be seeking funding from the Ministry for the Environment to fund this part of the project

·    A plan would be developed to communicate key messages to stakeholders.

Key Points - Members:

·    Acknowledged the progress that had been made

·    Noted that some of the necessary data should be available from BOPRC

·    TARSG had been charged with restoring the Tarawera Awa and Te Awa o te Atua, which had to look at this as part of the Strategy Group’s remit

·    Needed to factor in climate change considerations (i.e. tidal volumes)

·    Would like a site visit at a future time.

7.5

Long Term Plan 2024-2034 Consultation

Presentation - Te Mahere Tūroa - Long Term Plan 2024-2034: Objective ID A4602270   

Presented by:    Merehine Waiari, Senior Māori Policy Advisor

Key Points:

·    Overview of BOPRC’s Long term Plan (LTP) consultation/timeline and strategic direction and goals under Te Ara Poutama community outcome

·    Noted a key part of the LTP process was to work in partnership with tangata whenua and the community

·    BOPRC wished to hear from tangata whenua on its strategic direction and three key consultation questions

·    LTP consultation period would open on 8 March - 9 April 2024 and would include engagement opportunities that included hui with iwi authorities, co-governance entities and Māori leaders and online hui/webinars

·    Staff were available to meet with TARSG at a separate hui to discuss BOPRC’s LTP.

Key Points - Members:

·    Noted the importance of engaging with iwi authorities and Post-Settlement Governance Entities (PSGEs) who were mandated to represent their iwi.

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

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

Tamati/Tunui

CARRIED

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Accepts the apologies from Chair Leith Comer, Cr Gregg Brown, Mayor Faylene Tunui, Chairman Doug Leeder, Jim Schuster, Deputy Mayor Lesley Immink and Deputy Mayor Aaron Rangihika tendered at the meeting.

Ngaropo/Thomass

CARRIED

4.1

Chairperson's Report

Presented by:  Dr Frances Teinakore-Curtis (on behalf of Chair Leith Comer)

Key Points:

·    The report sought support for two submissions to BOPRC’s Long Term Plan

·    Te Niaotanga ō Mātaatua o Te Arawa’s submission was seeking to replace septic tanks with a wastewater scheme

·    Highlighted the solution, benefits and challenges with the project

·    Noted that a presentation would be given to WDC on 24 April 2024 for further information

·    Funding being sought for the continuation of Co-Governance secretariat support was separate to the Crown’s contribution that had been provided as part of Ngāti Rangitihi’s Treaty Settlement.

Key Points - Members:

·    Queried the accuracy of costs that had been provided for continued funding of the co-governance secretariat role

·    In relation to the Matatā Wastewater Project:

o Recognised the absence of Ngāti Mākino due to the project being established before Ngāti Mākino’s interests had been confirmed under Ngāti Rangitihi’s Treaty Settlement legislation

o Sought consideration within the submission for Te Awa o Te Atua to be included as part of the Tarawera Awa, as opposed to being identified as a tributary, which was acknowledged by staff

o Considered further environmental assessment and options analysis was needed to support the project’s proposed solution

o Referred to Lake Rotorua’s sewerage reticulation schemes as examples of having well-designed schemes that empowered communities

o Due to the likelihood of potential increases to scheme costs, it was suggested that the Matatā Wastewater Project consider asking for a percentage of the scheme’s cost rather than a fixed number.

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Receives the report, Chairperson's Report;

2        Endorses the proposed joint submission (Attachment 1) of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group and Rangitāiki River Forum iwi members to the BOPRC Long Term Plan 2024-2034 to be signed by the Co-Governance Chairs;

3        Endorses a letter of support of the Matatā Wastewater Project, to be prepared and signed by the Strategy Group Chair and attached to Te Nīaotanga ō Mataatua ō Te Arawa’s submission to the BOPRC Long Term Plan 2024-2034,  taking into consideration that a comprehensive options analysis that includes Mātauranga Maori and Western Science aspects is to be completed;

4        Agrees to the Chair making any necessary minor grammatical and formatting amendments to the joint submission and letter of support.

Luca/Awhimate

CARRIED

5.1

Report Attachment 2 - Te Niaotanga ō Mataatua ō Te Arawa - Draft submission to BOPRC Draft LTP 2024-34

Members were informed that Te Niaotanga ō Mātaatua ō Te Arawa had not intended for their submission to be shared publicly as part of the meeting agenda. The submission needed minor amendment, was still to be officially signed off and would be made available for public information as part of Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Long Term Plan submission process.

Therefore, Te Niaotanga ō Mātaatua ō Te Arawa’s Project Manager requested that the submission be removed from the meeting’s public agenda.

Resolved

That the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group:

1        Transfers into the Public Excluded section of the meeting the following report attachment on the grounds set out in the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987:

(a)   Te Niaotanga o Mataatua o Te Arawa - BOPRC Draft LTP 2024-34 Submission 28 March 2024 under Section 48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(c)(ii) as withholding the information is necessary to protect information which is subject to an obligation of confidence or which any person has been or could be compelled to provide under the authority of any enactment, where the making available of the information would be likely otherwise to damage the public interest and that this attachment remain in Public Excluded.

Luca/Thomass

CARRIED