Agenda of Rangitāiki River Forum - Friday, 30 August 2024

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	Koriiana Hooker Ngawai Crawford (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

7 June 2024

Rangitāiki River Forum

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 7 June 2024, 10:30AM

Venue: Mataatua Room, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Building, 5 Quay Street, Whakatāne and via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Heamana

Chairperson: Terewai Kalman (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa)

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Te Taute Taiepa (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC):
Cr Malcolm Campbell, Cr Kevin Winters
Cr Kat Macmillan (Via Zoom)

Ngāti Tūwharetoa (BOP) Settlement Trust:
Katishe McCauley

Whakatāne District Council:
Cr Tuwhakairiora O'Brien

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa:
Alternate Karito Paul

Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa:
Whakaeke Ritete (Via Zoom)

Taupō District Council:
Cr John Williamson (Via Zoom) and Cr Yvonne Westerman (Alternate) (Via Zoom)

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: BOPRC: Chairman Doug Leeder (in part), Chris Ingle – General Manager Integrated Catchments, Staff Presenters – as listed in the minutes, Kerry Brown – Kaitohutohu Taiao Matua (Senior Advisor), Shari Kameta – Committee Advisor
Externals: Janice Wall – Hineuru Iwi Trust, Jane Waldon – Co-Governance Secretariat

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Ngapera Rangiaho (Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua), Miro Araroa and Mihipeka Sisley (Alternate) (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa), Cr Wilson James (Alternate, Whakatāne District Council), Koriiana Hooker and Ngawai Crawford (Alternate) (Hineuru Iwi Trust)

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia was provided by Te Taute Taiepa.

Chairperson’s Announcement

With the leave of the Forum, the Chair welcomed Hineuru Iwi Trustee Janice Wall (in the absence of Hineuru’s appointed members) and BOPRC Chairman Doug Leeder to sit at the table and speak at the meeting.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Accepts the apologies from Ngawai Crawford, Koriiana Hooker, Cr Wilson James, Ngapera Rangiaho, Miro Araroa and Mihipeka Sisley tendered at the meeting.

Campbell/Winters

CARRIED

3. Wāhanga Tūmatanui
Public Forum

3.1

Scotty Muir - Lake Aniwhenua Hydraulic Modelling

Tabled Document 1 - Lake Aniwhenua sedimentation maps, monitoring and hydraulic model: Objective ID A4689598

Tabled Document 2 - Aerial map 1941: Objective ID A4696539

Mr Scotty Muir’s public forum address followed the address provided to the Forum’s meeting held on 16 November 2023 regarding sedimentation buildup at Lake Aniwhenua delta above Rabbit Bridge, Galatea.

Key Points:

· Referred to aerial maps taken in 1987 at the top end of the dam, following the dam’s commencement, through to June 2024 alongside monitoring and hydraulic modelling information (refer Tabled Document 1)

· Sedimentation buildup had allowed willows to fully establish and degrade the main channel in the delta

· Although sedimentation buildup had created 7-hectares of wetland and biodiversity habitat for tuna, fish species, wildlife and recreational fishing, there were a number of disadvantages, i.e.:

o Approximately 15,000 m³ of lost water storage for electricity generation. Noted that drawdown testing carried out in circa. 2000 by Graeme O’Rourke, (Regional Council) and Craig Rowe (Aniwhenua dam) had not alleviated the issue at Rabbit Bridge

o Instead of gravel being evenly distributed, buildup was stockpiling from Rabbit Bridge to the Horomanga confluence

o During high rainfall events, the shallow levity of Aniwhenua dam caused the dam to fill quickly resulting in farmland flooding above Rabbit Bridge taking longer to recede

· Intended to seek an updated hydraulic model of the delta at the meeting; however, BOPRC staff had since advised this had been completed

· Wished for BOPRC and the Forum to bring interested parties together to collaborate and prepare for the Aniwhenua dam consent renewal in 2026

· Wished to seek the run of the river during low floods, no raising of existing generation level and for all eventualities to be considered in the consent renewal and submission process, including the need for an expert ecologist and low flow modelling above Rabbit Bridge

· Referred to the Van Voorthuysen report (August 2014) regarding Council roles in Resource Management Act (RMA) consenting processes.

In Response to Questions:

· Regarding an aerial map that had been taken in 1941 pre-dam construction (refer Tabled Document 2) did not consider that the buildup was nature taking its natural course as it was being caused by the existence of the dam.

Key Points - Members:

· A recent meeting had been held between BOPRC, Ngāti Manawa and Waiotahi Contractors regarding the prospect of gravel extraction with a view to providing for iwi cultural monitoring. Further discussions were to be held with affected parties and community noting that cultural aspects, including the potential impact on tuna heke would be considered in any approach that would be taken

· Ngāti Manawa had a vested interest in the matter and may be able to assist with collaboration of interested parties.

Key Points - Staff:

· Due to BOPRC’s dual role as a consenting regulator, Council needed to navigate carefully and remain impartial in the submission process; however, the Forum had the autonomy to engage and collaborate as it wished.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Secretariat to follow-up with the Chair regarding organising a proposed meeting with interested parties to further discuss the matters raised

· Circulate the Van Voorthuysen report to Forum members for information.

11:07 am - Chairman Doug Leeder withdrew from the meeting.

4. Raupapa o Ngā Take
Order of Business

Item 7.1 - Ministry for Primary Industries - Commercial Tuna Quota Management System Presentation withdrawn. Postponed to a future date.

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

None declared.

6. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

6.1

Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 15 March 2024

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Confirms the Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 15 March 2024 as a true and correct record.

Taiepa/Campbell

CARRIED

7. Whakaaturanga
Presentations

7.1	Ministry for Primary Industries - Commercial Tuna Quota Management System The item was withdrawn from the agenda to allow the presenters to meet with the Forum’s iwi members first and defer the presentation to a subsequent meeting.

8. Ngā Whakamārama a Ngā Rōpū
Update from Partners

8.1 Hineuru Iwi Trust

· Reaffirmed the earlier advice that appointed member Koriiana Hooker was currently on maternity leave and that Ngawai Crawford (alternate) and Janice Wall would be attending Forum meetings in her absence.

8.2 Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa

· A lot of activity was taking place including Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa lodging a claim for tributaries and geothermal waters around Lake Taupō.

8.3 Taupō District Council

· Plan Change 38 (Strategic Directions) had been adopted

· Submissions to Council’s draft Long Term Plan (LTP) were open until 5 July 2024 and decisions would be adopted in October 2024. Key LTP focus areas: essential services, wastewater, waste management, housing, Local Government Act (LGA) Māori Wards Amendment Bill

· Council’s draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan was open for submission until 5 July 2024 and proposed significant changes for how waste would be managed.

8.4 Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare

· Focused on the current position of the Government and the impacts of legislative reforms, consent process/policy changes and how this may impact the Forum.

8.5 Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa

· No updates to provide, but noted Ngāti Manawa had the same concerns as raised by Ngāti Whare.

8.6 Ngāti Tūwharetoa (BOP) Settlement Trust

· Ngāti Tūwharetoa held the same view as Ngāti Whare and Ngāti Manawa regarding the current Government’s position

· A draft geothermal regional plan change (Plan Change 11) was due to be released by BOPRC in September 2024 and a number of preliminary hui were being held with affected groups regarding its potential impact. The Board had met with BOPRC staff to discuss how it could contribute to the process, which would inform the development of the Trust’s draft iwi management plan (anticipated for completion at the end of 2024) and build meaningful relationships for the benefit of the Trust’s beneficiaries, iwi and taiao

· Election results were in the process of being finalised for the replacement of outgoing trustees Graham Te Rire and Ani Wickliffe.

8.7 Whakatāne District Council (WDC)

· WDC’s Long Term Plan (LTP) had been submitted for approval to Audit NZ and would be adopted by Council on 20 June 2024

· A number of submissions had been made to various Government legislative changes, including the LGA (Māori Wards) Amendment Bill

· Council’s Māori Relationship Strategy ‘Te Toi Waka Whakarei’ had been presented to Council recently and demonstrated a firm commitment to foster/build relationships and partnerships with local iwi/hapū

· Applications for the following community funding were currently open until 5pm, Friday 21 June 2024 and information was available on Council’s website:

o Reorua ki Whakatāne Fund (to support bilingual events and activities);

o Te Pūaha Fund (to support projects or events directly related to water activities).

8.8 Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana

· Focused on legislative changes, i.e. RMA reform, freshwater farm plans

· Emphasized the importance of Council’s relationships with iwi/hapū/Māori which would not diminish despite changes by Central Government

· LTP hearings and deliberations had concluded:

o Nearly 400 submissions had been received with 79 high calibre submissions received from iwi/hapū/Māori

o A lot of submissions had supported taiao restoration and climate resilience with indications of considerable impact to iwi/hapū/Māori from current legislative changes

o Council had endorsed the following funding be approved as part of adopting its LTP on 26 June 2024:

§ Co-governance secretariat funding, however this would be spread across the four current co-governance committees (administered by Council) and would include three other co-governance committees anticipated to be established over the next two to three years

§ Establishment of a Māori Incentives Fund – policy criteria for the fund was still to be developed and approved by Council

· Confirmation was pending on securing of regional infrastructure funding from the Government’s Kanoa Fund to assist with flood protection work for the Whakatāne, Kaituna and Waioeka-Otara river schemes

· Rangitāiki river flood protection stage 7 construction had been completed and radial gates were progressing well within timeframe for completion in December 2024/January 2025.

9. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

9.1

Resource Consents Update

Presented by: Ella Tennant, Consents Manager, BOPRC

Key Points:

· Southern Generation Limited Partnership had been granted consent to extract gravel and sediment debris from Lake Aniwaniwa in May 2024

· Outlined matters regarding the Fast Track Approvals Bill (FTA):

o The Bill was proceeding quickly and anticipated that changes may be made to it

o A ministerial letter had been sent to various stakeholders advising them of the Bill, which had included hydro-electric dams and Iwi Authorities

o BOPRC was currently not party to FTA Schedule 2 listed projects that have gone directly to the Minister for approval to use the Fast-track process

o Other consent applications not on the list could apply for a referral, with some consultation required with iwi authorities and post-treaty settlement entities at various stages in the process

o Iwi authorities had the ability to nominate someone to sit on the panel

o Approximately 27,000 submissions had been lodged to the FTA Bill with substantial interest and opposition from the general public

o BOPRC’s submission to the FTA had raised a point on the consultation process and that it needed to be further defined

o The FTA was expected to be passed later this year. Once operative, responding to consultation requests quickly would be important and timeframes for comments would be tight.

11:50 am - Cr Westerman withdrew from the meeting.

· Summarised key proposals of the Resource Management Amendment Bill which proposed to:

o Exclude Te Mana o te Wai obligations in resource consent decision-making processes

o Remove stock exclusion requirements for low slope land for deer and dry stock

o Remove intensive winter grazing standards

o Expedite national directions under the RMA

· Another Bill that was open for submissions was the proposal to extend the consent duration for all marine farms by 20 years. Under that Bill, regional councils would need to apply to the Ministry for Primary Industries to review consent conditions. If a review was permitted to proceed, iwi authorities and customary marine title holders would then be notified. The Bill would not provide for involvement of customary marine title applicants and most hapū

· Preliminary targeted feedback was being sought by the Ministry of Transport on a similar proposal to extend the duration of pre-RMA port occupation consents.

Key Points - Members:

· Noted there were still a lot of grey areas in the FTA and little recognition of iwi/Māori and benefits to the taiao

· Concerned about the challenges for iwi authorities in the consultation process and the pressure which would be placed on iwi panel members.

9.2

Essential Freshwater Programme Timeframe

Presentation - Essential Freshwater Policy Program new timeframe: Objective ID A4689603

Presented by: Michelle Lee - Planner (Water Policy)

Key Points:

· Outlined the amended timeline for BOPRC’s Essential Freshwater Policy Programme which had been extended to September 2025

· Invited the Forum the opportunity to have an informal workshop in August 2024 to provide feedback on BOPRC’s draft approach for the Rangitāiki catchment before October 2024 when Council would meet to approve a targeted release for the plan changes

· Topics would include: tuna habitat, fish passage, development of Māori land, availability for a region-wide approach to hydro-electric generation, draft rules for wastewater, cultural health indicators

· Discussions with the Forum would not replace engagement with tangata whenua which would be ongoing.

Key Points - Members:

· Supported an informal (confidential) workshop to follow the Forum’s meeting on 30 August 2024

· Requested an update on any changes made to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) at the workshop

· A workshop would assist the Forum’s pathway for reviewing Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki (Rangitāiki River Document) and its alignment with freshwater management.

10. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

10.1

Chairperson's Report

Presented by: Chair Terewai Kalman

Key Points:

· The Forum’s joint submission to BOPRC’s Long Term Plan had been well received noting the opportunity to speak to the submission alongside the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group’s Deputy Chair and project manager

· Further to the report, a meeting with Ministry for Primary Industries officials and iwi representatives was being arranged and encouraged the invitation be open to iwi authorities’ fisheries representatives

· Regarding the capture of tuna at Fonterra’s Edgecumbe wastewater discharge treatment site, Ngāti Awa had provided signage wording, however further information was still to come regarding migratory tuna/life cycle to educate and discourage local fishers from taking tuna at the site during tuna heke.

Key Points - Members:

· Requested a minor amendment to the draft Department of Conservation letter to remove the current operations manager’s name following their recent resignation from the role.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.

O’Brien/McCauley

CARRIED

2 Approves the attached draft letter to the Department of Conservation to send out, subject to the amendment requested at the meeting.

Kalman/O'Brien

CARRIED

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

10.2

March-May 2024 Rangitāiki Catchment Programme Dashboard

Presented by: Charles Harley – Team Leader, Coastal Catchments

Key Points:

· Took the Programme Dashboard as read

· Advised that the 2023/24 Annual Report and 2024/25 Annual Plan for the coming year would be reported to the Forum’s next meeting

· Requested partner members’ input to provide photo images of any key activities for including in reporting

· Provided clarification regarding the wilding conifer programme, which was funded by the National Wilding Conifer Fund.

Key Points - Secretariat:

· Noted that the contractor harvesting wilding conifer employed local rangatahi from along the Rangitāiki awa.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, March-May 2024 Rangitāiki Catchment Programme Dashboard.

Campbell/Taiepa

CARRIED

11. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Te Taute Taiepa.

12:20 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Terewai Kalman

Chairperson, Rangitāiki River Forum



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	30 August 2024
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Stephen Lamb, Natural Resources Policy Manager
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy and Science Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To prompt initial thinking on the review of Te Ara Whānui o Rangitaiki River Document.

Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki River Document Review - Initial discussion

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The Rangitāiki River Forum’s inaugural River Document - Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki - was adopted on 16 December 2014. This means it is approaching 10 years since the River Document was put in place. Under the Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012 and Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 a review of the River Document is required to be started at the 10-year mark.

This report provides an initial discussion about what a review could look like and seeks feedback from the Forum to inform project planning.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Te Ara Whānui o Rangitaiki River Document Review - Initial discussion.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Rangitāiki River Forum has the critical task of adopting a River Document to promote the integrated and co-ordinated management of the Rangitāiki River. The inaugural River Document - Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki - was adopted on 16 December 2014. The final (published) version was released to the public in February 2015.

In order to keep the River Document fit for purpose, the legislation provides the ability to update and amend the River Document (at any time) but also establishes a 10 year review period. The review is required under section 124(2) of the Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012 and section 128(2) Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012.

Since the release of Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki, three more Treaty settlement legislation^{^[1]} have incorporated four new partners into the Rangitāiki River Forum. The members are appointments/representatives of Tūhoe, Hineuru, Taupō District Council and Ngāti Tūwharetoa.

It is recommended that the Forum form a view on the nature of a review process in advance of the December 2024 date. There are a number of things to consider such as:

Ø To what extent does the Forum consider that the current River Document remains fit for purpose?

Ø Are there specific aspects that need to be updated?

Ø Any policy amendments would in all likelihood need to be carried through into a more extensive Regional Policy Statement amendment process.

Ø Council’s technical and administrative support will be restricted in 2025 due to priority work on freshwater management.

Ø Resources from all Forum members would be needed to support a review.

The core question for the Forum to work towards is whether it sees a need for a comprehensive review and substantial re-work of the River Document – or is a lighter touch more appropriate?

Initial feedback at this meeting and formal feedback from members will provide a basis for a project plan to carry out the review. Members may wish to reflect on what the previous document set out to do and the extent to which those goals/objectives have been achieved.

2. Context for a Review

2.1 Legal Framework

Under section 124(2) of the Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012 and section 128(2) Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012

The Forum must start a review of the River Document no later than 10 years after the later of—

(a) the first time that the River Document is approved; or

(b) the completion of the previous review of the River Document.

The River Document was adopted on 16 December 2024 and this therefore provides the timeframe for when a review must be started.

The legislation does not provide any methodology for how a review should be undertaken except that:

· The Forum must meet to discuss and commence a review.

· The Forum must consult and seek comment from appropriate persons and organisations.

Other than these two points the Forum is able to determine its approach to carrying out a review.

Under the legislation the outcome of a review is either determined to be material (requires notification and submissions) or not material. In the latter case the new River Document can be simply adopted by the Forum without consultation/engagement.

2.2 Indicative analysis of potential review

Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki can be divided into four core components:

1. The cultural connections to, and context for, the River Document. Content includes:

o Partnership in practice: Co-governance (page 7)

o About this document (page 8)

o Rangitāiki River catchment (page 11)

o Traditional associations with the Rangitāiki River (page 13)

o Traditional stories (page 26)

2. Description of the catchment and its people

o Overview (page 28)

o Profile of the Rangitāiki River (page 30)

o Statistics about local people (page 36)

o Economic Activities (page 38)

3. A policy framework that articulates the visions and outcomes for what is desired for the awa and its catchment. Content includes:

o Wawata – What is our vision (page 4)

o What are the problems? (page 18)

o Desired outcomes (page 20)

o Objectives (page 21)

4. A work programme that articulates the operational activities and projects that were designed to implement the River Document on the ground. Content includes:

o Action plan (page 22)

o Possible ways we can measure progress (page 42)

Of these, it is suggested that #1 does not require amendments. It remains current and is not material that generally changes with time. However, the River Document should acknowledge the addition of a further iwi members and Taupo District Council to the Forum and there may be a desire to refine/update the content.

The description of the river could be updated to use current information/statistics however this would be unlikely to be considered as a significant change.

The policy framework is perhaps the area where change would need to be considered most carefully. Unless the changes are minor it should be anticipated that changes to policy direction would need to occur within a consultation/engagement framework. The question for the Forum is do the statements still reflect the desire for the awa in the long term.

The Action Plan (under #4 above) is an area that could lend itself to an update. Most of the actions are of an ongoing nature and a quick look at these suggests that they remain relevant. However, some have been completed (such as the Tuna Plan – Action 1.1c). The review process would identify progress against the Action Plan and could identify new actions.

2.3 Timeframes

A key discussion point will need to be around timing. The legislation asks only that a review is started prior to December 2024. Decisions on the speed of review and the degree of change rest with the Forum.

There may be other processes that may influence the River Document’s review – such as the freshwater planning (NPSFM) process or the Eastern Bay Spatial Planning process. The timing of these may influence the Forum’s thinking around the review timeframe.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

The exact financial implications are unknown at this stage. The cost of any review will depend on the intensity of any process and on decisions about how far the Forum wants to go in altering the document. As with the original River Document resources will need to be arranged and decided by the RRF and its partner agencies.

In the future the Regional Policy Statement will need to be changed (assuming the River Document changes). This will either be a minor or substantial amendment and will have costs associated with the degree of change. For example, a policy changes would be more likely to require a robust consultation/engagement process as the impact on the wider community would need to be considered.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

A request will be sent to members to provide feedback on the nature of the review and to reflect on what the River Document has achieved over the last 10 years. This, and any feedback from this meeting, will contribute to a draft plan on how to progress the review for the Forum to consider at its November meeting.

Resourcing for the review will also need to be secured and this will depend on how intensive a review is proposed. Provisionally the next steps are:

1. Write up of feedback from Forum (this meeting) and any provided separately from members – specifically on the views on the nature of a review.

2. In response to the above points, development of a project plan by the Regional Council including exploration of a methodology, timeframes and resourcing for presentation back to the Forum.

3. Discussion on a collective approach to the review process.



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	30 August 2024
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Ashleigh Grant, Kaikarere (Communications Partner)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Kataraina O'Brien, General Manager, Strategic Engagement
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To inform the Rangitāiki River Forum of the outcome of Te Mahere Tūroa \| Long Term Plan adoption

Outcome of Te Mahere Tūroa | Long Term Plan 2024 - 2034

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

Toi Moana adopted Te Mahere Tūroa | Long Term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP) on June 26, 2024. 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.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Outcome of Te Mahere Tūroa | Long Term Plan 2024 - 2034.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

Every three years we work with our community to create a Long Term Plan (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 is also committed to ensuring we improve opportunities for Māori to contribute to local government decision making, including through the LTP.

During the consultation, we proposed 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.

Overall, the LTP has five community outcomes and 18 goals. Refer to Attachment 1 – LTP Strategic Directions 2024-2034 for the full list.

This report provides an update on the outcomes of the LTP 2024-2034 that are most relevant to kaupapa Māori initiatives and the Rangitāiki River Forum area.

2. LTP Consultation with Māori

2.1 Submissions received

The development of the LTP involved comprehensive engagement with tangata whenua using a tailored and targeted approach to encourage participation and provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to the decision-making process.

79 of the 386 submissions Council received were from Māori. Council received positive feedback from tangata whenua regarding the LTP consultation approach which involved direct engagement with iwi and hapū, use of the Friend of the Submitter service to support written submissions and the opportunity to present at a Marae hearing.

2.2 Ngā Whakatau Matua | Key Decisions

Council consulted on three consultation topics and made the following decisions based on the submissions received.

How should we fund Public Transport in urban centres across the region?

· Rates funding for public transport in urban areas to be 90% from targeted rates and 10% from general rates. This recognises the region-wide benefits of public transport including reduced traffic congestion for all road users, lower regional carbon emissions and improved air quality, as well as public health and social wellbeing benefits.

Do you agree with our proposal to enable a managed sell down in our Port of Tauranga Limited shareholding to no less than 28%?

· We consulted on a proposal to enable a managed sell down in the Port of Tauranga Limited shareholding from 54.14% to a minimum of 28%. Council resolved to pursue a sell down process. Before a sale can go ahead Council will consider and approve details of the process to be followed and approve the conditions of any sale of shares.

Should Regional Council investigate new opportunities for regional parks?

· Investigations for potential regional parks were approved.

2.3 Te Ara Poutama – The Pursuit of Excellence

There was overwhelming support expressed for the new fifth community outcome, Te Ara Poutama and other key matters pertinent to tangata whenua through written submissions and oral presentations. Through its deliberations, Council approved a number of recommendations to support work to embed Te Ara Poutama.

This includes:

· The establishment of a Regional Māori Initiatives Fund (RMIF) with funding of $200,000 per annum for the first three years of the LTP;

· The development of a RMIF policy in year 1 of the LTP, to be reviewed in year 3 of the LTP;

· The establishment of a Regional Co-Governance Secretariat Fund with funding of $200,000 per annum for the first three years of the LTP;

· The development of a RCSF policy in year 1 of the LTP, to be reviewed in year 3 of the LTP;

· An increase in funding to support the development of Iwi and Hapu Management Plans from $70,000 to $140,000 per annum;

· The development of a Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti Policy; and

· The development of a Social Procurement Policy.

The timeframes for progressing the above decisions and policies will be considered by Komiti Māori at its hui on 27 August 2024.

Staff are continuing to review all submissions related to Te Ara Poutama to understand what issues and opportunities Council can support going forward. Many of the submissions addressed multiple kaupapa and will require an integrated approach across Council.

Regional Co-Governance Fund

Staff are currently drafting a policy for the Regional Co-Governance Fund. The fund will be available for existing and future Treaty Co-Governance Forums. Funding criteria should be aligned to specific projects/outcomes and distinct from Crown contribution funding conditions for co-governance forums. The aim is to have the Regional Treaty Co-Governance Fund approved at the October 2024 Komiti Māori hui.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

There are no significant risks associated with this matter/subject/project/initiative.

3.1 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.

3.2 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 committed to providing opportunities for effective consultation with Māori on the LTP 2024-2034.

3.3 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

We will continue to strengthen relationships and engagement processes and will report to this committee on relevant Kaupapa.

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

The services we deliver and how they are funded that are set in the LTP, are therefore relevant to the purpose of the Rangitaiki River Forum. This includes how we aim to partner with Māori in achieving shared outcomes over the next ten years.

3.5 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Staff across the organisation are developing service plans to implement LTP actions.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - LTP Strategic Directions 2024-2034 ⇩