Agenda of Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Membership

Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chairperson)	Arapeta Tahana
Deputy Chairperson (Appointed by Group)	Cr Kevin Winters (Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana)
Members
Two representatives from each of the partner Councils one of whom must be the Chair/Mayor:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana	Chairman Doug Leeder Cr Te Taru White (Alternate)
Rotorua Lakes Council	Mayor Tania Tapsell Cr Gregg Brown Phill Thomass (Lakes Community Board) (Alternate)
Governance representatives from Te Arawa Lakes Trust	Nuki Nicholson Mariana Te Rangi Rangitihi Pene (Alternate) Georgina Whata (Alternate)
Observer from the Ministry for the Environment	Lorena Stephen (Director of Sustainable Land Use Delivery)
Quorum	One appointed member from each of the partner organisations
Meeting frequency	Quarterly

Purpose

To contribute to the promotion of the sustainable management of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and their catchments, for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, while recognising and providing for the traditional relationship of Te Arawa with their ancestral lakes.

Role

· Provide leadership to the organisations and the community in relation to implementation of the Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua District originally adopted in 2000 and refreshed version adopted by the Strategy Group in 2013.

· Identify significant existing and emerging issues affecting the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and respond appropriately.

· Approve, monitor, evaluate, and review agreements, policies and strategies and all other proposals to achieve integrated outcomes for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes.

· Identify, monitor, and evaluate necessary actions by the partner organisations and other relevant organisations.

· Receive reports on activities being undertaken by the partner organisations and other relevant organisations.

· Participate in the preparation of statutory plans in relation to significant issues. Such plans include but are not limited to Iwi and hapū management plans, district and regional plans, reserve management plans and annual plans.

· Participate in applications for activities in relation to significant issues not addressed by existing policies of the partner organisations. Such activities include but are not limited to resource consents, designations, heritage orders, water conservation orders, restricting access to the lakes (during special events or in particular circumstances), and transferring and/or delegating of statutory authority.

Strategy Group Procedures

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group is a permanent joint committee established under the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Act 2006 (Te Arawa Lakes Deed of Settlement - Cultural Redress: Lakes Management and Relationships, clauses 9.1 to 9.3 - December 2004) and is not disestablished as a consequence of a Local Government election.

The Group’s Terms of Reference are derived from the Rotorua Lakes Strategy Agreement included in Part 1 of the Relationship Schedule to the Deed of Settlement, December 2004.

Meanings:

“Organisations” means the Te Arawa Lakes Trust, the Rotorua Lakes Council, and the
Bay of Plenty Regional Council; sometimes referred to as “Partner Organisations”.

“Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes” means Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu, Rotomā, Ōkataina, Tikitapu, Ōkāreka, Tarawera, Rotomahana, Rerewhakaaitu, Ōkaro.

“Group” means the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group, formed as a Joint Committee under Clause 30 of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002; sometimes referred to as the “Strategy Group”.

Membership

· The non-voting Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chairperson) is appointed by the members for a three year term in alignment with the Local Government triennium and is to be reviewed and confirmed at the first meeting of the Group following the Local Government elections.

· The Poū Tākiwaiora is not deemed to be a member of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group for the purposes of a quorum.

· The Poū Tākiwaiora shall assume the role and responsibilities as defined in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Poū Tākiwaiora Guidelines.

· The Deputy Chairperson shall be appointed from the membership at the first meeting of the Group following the Local Government elections.

Quorum*

The special quorum for a meeting of the Group will be four members of the Group.

In the event that the ordinary quorum is not satisfied at three consecutive meetings of the Group in circumstances, where in the case of each such meeting:

· It was notified in accordance with the Standing Orders;

· Order papers were sent to each member of the Group in accordance with the Standing Orders; and

· The meeting had not been cancelled for any reason, then the members in attendance may declare the third meeting inquorate according to the Standing Orders and the special quorum will then be substituted.

At any subsequent meeting, the ordinary quorum will be restored.

No matters that were not on the order paper for the meeting at which the special quorum was established can be considered by a special quorum meeting.

Power to Act

To make all decisions necessary to fulfil the role of the Strategy Group subject to the limitations imposed.

Each Council participating in a joint initiative will fund its own proportion of that joint initiative as determined by the Joint Committee.

Power to Recommend

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

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group report directly to their respective organisations.

Recording of Meetings

Please note the Public section of this meeting is being recorded and streamed live on Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s website in accordance with Council's Live Streaming and Recording of Meetings Protocols which can be viewed on Council’s website. The recording will be archived and made publicly available on Council's website within two working days after the meeting on www.boprc.govt.nz for a period of three years (or as otherwise agreed to by Council).

All care is taken to maintain your privacy; however, as a visitor in the public gallery or as a participant at the meeting, your presence may be recorded. By remaining in the public gallery, it is understood your consent is given if your image is inadvertently broadcast.

Opinions expressed or statements made by individual persons during a meeting are not the opinions or statements of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Council accepts no liability for any opinions or statements made during a meeting.

Please note that the live streaming of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group hui will be dependent on the location and availability of Wi-Fi/Technology to facilitate live-streaming.

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes

14 June 2024

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 14 June 2024, 11:30 am, following the conclusion of the RTALSG Workshop

Venue: BOPRC Rotorua Office, Waiariki Room, Corner Fenton & Pukaki Street, Rotorua and via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Heamana

Chairperson: Pou Tākiwaiora Arapeta Tahana

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Deputy Chair Kevin Winters (Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC)) (via Zoom)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT)

Nuki Nicolson; Mariana Te Rangi

Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC)

Mayor Tania Tapsell, Cr Gregg Brown; Phill Thomass – Lakes Community Board Chair (Alternate)

BOPRC

Cr Te Taru White (Alternate)

Ministry for the Environment (MfE) (Observer)

Lorena Stephen, Director, Investments, Policy, Implementation and Delivery (via Zoom)

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: TALT: Soweeta Fort-D'Ath - Lakes Programme Coordinator

RLC: Stavros Michael – Deputy Chief Executive Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions

BOPRC: Cllr Lyall Thurston; Helen Creagh – Rotorua Catchments Manager; Rosemary Cross - Senior Projects Manager, Rotorua Catchments; Gemma Moleta – Senior Planner (Water Policy) (via Zoom); Merinda Pansegrouw – Committee Advisor

Presenters/Public Forum Speakers: As listed in the minutes

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Chairman Doug Leeder (BOPRC)

Declaration of Public Recording

The meeting was being recorded and would be made available on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website following the meeting and archived for a period of three years: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Meeting - 14 June 2024

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

Karakia whakatuwhera provided by Arapeta Tahana as part of the workshop preceding the meeting.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Accepts the apology from Chair Leeder tendered at the meeting.

White/Nicholson

CARRIED

3. Wāhanga Tūmatanui
Public Forum

3.1 Karen Walmsley and Libby Fletcher - Tarawera Sewerage Working Group / Lake Tarawera Ratepayers Association (LTRA)

Key Points: Karen Walmsley (Tarawera Sewerage Working Group, Committee Member LTRA):

· Drew attention to the current status of the Tarawera Sewerage Reticulation Scheme

· Provided mana whenua perspective; representative of collective Ahu Whenua Trusts (representing over 10 trusts with 4500 shareholders)

· Highlighted the important role mana whenua had in overseeing the lake beds; protecting lake water quality was the first priority

· Stressed that the Tarawera Sewerage Project was imperative; would ultimately preserve health of the lakes, with seven lakes feeding into Lake Tarawera

· Was conscious that any increase in nitrate levels/pathogens would alter the balance/well-being of the lakes

· Tarawera Sewerage Reticulation Scheme would be the answer to assist with managing the health of the lake - for current and future generations

· Scheme would also contribute towards/support the aspirations/visions of Tarawera mana whenua iwi.

· Expressed support for the Tarawera Sewerage Reticulation Scheme; wanted to convey to the Strategy Group that communities were united on the view that the reticulation scheme was critical.

Key Points: Libby Fletcher (Chair - LTRA):

· Supported Tarawera Sewerage Reticulation Scheme; septic tanks were not supportive/advantageous to improving the health of the lakes

· Project had been a long/slow process, but would ultimately be worth it – for both the lake and the community.

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

None advised.

5. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 22 March 2024

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Confirms the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 22 March 2024 as a true and correct record.

White/Nicholson

CARRIED

6. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

6.1

Growing Hedged Mānuka in the Lake Rotorua Catchment - Verbal Update

Presentation 20240614 Growing Hedged Manuka Learnings Presentation - 14 June 2024: Objective ID A4697482

Tabled Document 1 - 20240614 Final Report - Growing hedged Manuka Lake Rotorua Catchment - 14 June 2024 - Tabled item: Objective ID A4697478

Presented by: BOPRC Senior Projects Manager – Rotorua Catchments, Rosemary Cross, Andy Dick, Director Logjiztix Limited and Bill Young, Te Arawa Primary Sector (TAPS).

Key Points:

· Was a 3-year research effort funded by the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Restoration Programme to provide a land use change option for small block landowners in the Lake Rotorua catchment

· Looked at crop options which would be less harmful to the environment while potentially generating an income for landowners

· Mānuka was identified as a crop which could possibly fulfil both requirements

· Highlighted the learnings from two demonstration sites/presented the results

· Purpose/background: Plan Change 10

· Highlighted the production process followed

· Summarised cost and related issues

· Outcomes:

o Uneconomic at a wholesale level

o Potential retail option, but with added complexity and cost

o “No go” at this stage

· Transitioning from oil to tea:

o Demonstration management team became aware of an alternative end-use for mānuka leaf: Waikato based Tea company, Ōku

o Ōku had an established market for mānuka leaf tea

o Had provided Ōku with dried and sieved product from both demo sites

o Ōku was interested in entering into a commercial relationship with Mangorewa Kaharoa Z Trust

o Current price point for mānuka tea made growing mānuka for tea production profitable

o Only issue was scale.

Key Points - Members:

· Commended the project team on the mahi undertaken in investigating land use change options in the Lake Rotorua catchment and demonstrating that mānuka could be grown/hedged in the Lake Rotorua catchment

· Recognised Rosemary Cross, BOPRC Senior Projects Manager, Rotorua Catchments for her valued contribution to the project and the Rotorua catchments mahi over the past years, and wished her well with her retirement.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Growing Hedged Mānuka in the Lake Rotorua Catchment - Verbal Update.

Tapsell/Brown

CARRIED

12:10 pm - Mariana Te Rangi withdrew from the meeting.

6.2

Draft Golden Clam Letter to Ministers for approval

Tabled Document 2 - 20240614 Tabled Item 8.2 - Mayor Tapsell - Golden Clam Comments on Response Letter: Objective ID A4697939

Tabled Document 3 - 2024-06-14_Tabled Document 8.2 Golden Clam Fish and Game Letter and response by RLC: Objective ID A4697921

Presented by: BOPRC Rotorua Catchments Manager, Helen Creagh.

Key Points:

· Following the 3 May 2024 Informal Briefing of the Strategy Group in relation to the risk of a Gold Clam spread from the Waikato River System where an incursion had been confirmed, Strategy Group members had requested that staff prepare a draft letter to relevant Ministers seeking further support to prevent the spread of Gold Clam to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes

· Draft letter was presented for approval.

Key Points - Members:

· Suggested that in order to ensure a long-term solution for pest management in future, the letter not only be distributed to Ministers, but also be copied to opposition parties to ensure cross-party support

· Received additional proposed wording (Tabled Document 2) provided by RLC to strongly emphasise the need for urgent/coordinated action at national/regional level to prevent and mitigate the potential impact of a Gold Clam invasion of the lakes. Suggested the following comments be incorporated into the draft letter:

o To call upon the Minister responsible of biosecurity to strengthen surveillance and monitoring efforts to detect, prevent and respond to cases of gold clam spread outside the Waikato River catchment in a timely manner;

o To urge the Minister to enhance collaboration and information-sharing mechanisms to facilitate the exchange of data, expertise, and resources related to gold clam issue;

o To encourage the Minister to allocate adequate funding and resources to support research and development efforts aimed at understanding the nature of the gold clam issue and developing effective prevention, control, and treatment measures;

o To call for the establishment of a taskforce under the governance of the Strategy Group, composed of experts from relevant disciplines, to coordinate efforts to address the gold clam issue and to provide guidance on best practices for prevention and control; (dedicated working group);

o To call upon all the partners of the Group to raise awareness among the public about the risks associated with the gold clam issue and promote behaviour change measures to reduce transmission and lakes biosecurity risks; and

o To request officers from the partner group including the Ministry for Biosecurity report to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group on the implementation of this resolution and to provide regular updates on the status of the gold clam issue at the regional and local levels. (Standing Item on the agenda)

· Supported that the draft letter be updated/strengthened to include appropriate wording to strongly reflect the urgency of the matter/view of the Strategy Group, calling for action

· Maintained that the Strategy Group needed to express its determination to take concerted action to address the risks of the possible Gold Clam invasion/call upon all partners to demonstrate solidarity and cooperation in the face of this common threat.

Key Points - TALT:

· TALT had been diligent and focussed in addressing the invasion; supported the suggestion of a local task force; urged that government develop a national long-term plan

· Important for generalised principles to be developed that would apply to all new invasions beyond Golden Clam – required a general template to enable future actions against any invasion/threat.

Key Points - RLC:

· Provided Tabled Document 3 for the information of Strategy Group members: (1) letter received from Fish & Game dated 10 June 2024 expressing concern about the lack of ownership/management of a public roadway under the jurisdiction of RLC, namely the Lake Ōkataina boat ramp, and (2) a draft letter of response prepared by RLC

· Expressed disappointment as the matter related to a serious threat to the Rotorua Lakes which required urgent biosecurity measures to keep the pest out of the Te Arawa lakes

· Assured that measures taken had suggested that there was not a significant impact on public access to the Lake and the biosecurity controls implemented for the protection of the lake had not extensively inconvenienced the public.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Draft Golden Clam Letter to Ministers, for approval.

2 Supports that the draft letter to Ministers in Attachment 1 of this report, be updated with the inclusion of the information tabled (refer Tabled Document 2) and thereafter be circulated to Strategy Group members for final sign off before circulation;

3 Supports that the letter be circulated (copied) to all political parties;

4 Reaffirms its commitment to the principles of biosecurity, including the protection of human, animal, and plant health, as well as the preservation of our environmental integrity.

White/Nicholson

CARRIED

5 Receives Tabled Document 3 for the information of the Strategy Group: Letter by Fish & Game, addressed to Rotorua Lakes Council, dated 10 June 2024 expressing concern about the lack of ownership and management of a public roadway under the jurisdiction of Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC), alongside a draft letter of response as prepared by RLC.

Brown/Tapsell

CARRIED

7. Verbal Updates

7.1

Ministry for the Environment - Verbal Update

Presented by: Lorena Stephen, Director - Investments, Policy, Implementation and DeliveryMinistry for the Environment (MfE):

Key Points – General MfE Matters:

· Recent budget announcements had impacted both departmental and non-departmental funding

· An organisational review was currently underway, aiming to reduce around 300 MfE roles by 2025/2026. A new organisational design would be implemented from November 2024, with a possible realignment of working arrangements

· Some programmes, such as the Community Environment Fund/Environmental Hub Aotearoa had ended following a review of non-departmental funding. Environmental Legal Assistance funding would also no longer be available from 1st July 2024

· Government had broadened the allocation of the waste levy: would now fund programmes around restoration, remediation, and climate mitigation

· Had repealed the previous Natural and Built Environment Act and the Spatial Planning Act. New legislation for the Resource Management regime was expected to be introduced around mid-2025

· Had approved Fast-Track Approvals Bill (FTA) - to provide a fast-track decision-making process that facilitated the delivery of infrastructure and development projects. Schedule 2 would provide a list of potential projects

· The National Policy Statement for Fresh Water Management was under review: the deadline for councils to notify on the freshwater plans had been extended to 2027

· Government was also looking at the Freshwater Farm Plans as a key tool for managing risks for fresh water. Work was underway to integrate existing farm environmental and industrial assurance programmes into the Freshwater Farm Plans

· Development of a second Emissions Reduction Plan was underway, expected to be finalised by the end of 2024

· Also working closely with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on the Housing Growth Program, which included a review of the National Policy Statement for Highly Protective Land. Was looking at introducing legislation focused on these areas over the coming months.

Key Points – Annual Work Programme:

· Minister had approved the following projects identified in Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Annual Work Plan 2024/25:

o Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Lake Rotorua Wetland Engineering Solutions

o Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Lake Rotorua Incentives Schemes

· Minister approved in-principle the interim transfer of $10 million from BOPRC Incentives Scheme to Rotorua Lakes Council’s Lake Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation project, pending:

o Rotorua Lakes Council’s approval to recover the funding from Lake Enhancement Rates or other revenue streams within their Long-term Plan

o The deed of funding being varied to address:

§ Changes to Schedule 2

§ Updating portions of the Deed related to the new Rotorua Lakes Council payment responsibilities

· The Minister had requested that an independent review of the cost overruns be conducted.

Key Points – RLC:

· Supportive of providing all information required for the review; noted that many factors had contributed to the cost overruns which were outside of RLC’s control: such as required cultural impact assessments/complexity of the matter/cost of inflation for significant infrastructure projects

· Since conception, continuous updates had been provided to all key stakeholders throughout the project.

Key Points – BOPRC:

· Acknowledged that a review would offer a learning opportunity

· Signalled a willingness to share the costs of the review

· Expressed interest to participate in the process/contribute to the terms of reference

· Highlighted the importance of respectful relationships/urged that relationships be maintained/harnessed.

MfE – In response to Questions:

· All documentation provided by RLC to date was still in hand; should any additional information be requested by the independent reviewers, further requests would follow/pointed out that a collaborative approach would be followed in any response

· MfE would provide further clarification relating to the costs/responsible party to pay for the independent review requested by the Minister

· Timeframe for the review to be provided as well as confirmation whether the review needed to be independent

· Next step would be to provide an amended variation to the Funding Deed for sign-off by the Strategy Group, noting that the next meeting was scheduled for 20 September 2024.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the verbal update provided by the Ministry for the Environment.

Brown/White

CARRIED

7.2

Essential Freshwater Programme Status - Verbal Update

Presentation RTALSG Essential Freshwater Update - Gemma Moleta - 14 June 2024: Objective ID A4697485

Presented by: Gemma Moleta – BOPRC Senior Planner (Water Policy) (via Zoom)

Key Points:

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

· Signalled a possible workshop in September 2024 as an opportunity to provide feedback on BOPRC’s draft approach for the catchment before October 2024 when Council would meet to approve a targeted release for the plan changes

· Possible workshop topics would include: visions and environmental outcomes, farming and forestry provisions, and targets for the lakes

· Workshop could potentially include other related topics - members were invited to provide particular topics of interest.

Next Step:

· A future date for an Essential Freshwater Workshop for the Strategy Group to be confirmed once the agenda item list for the September 2024 meeting had been confirmed.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the Essential Freshwater Programme Status - Verbal Update.

Tapsell/Winters

CARRIED

7.3

Climate Change Technical Working Group - Verbal Update

Presented by: Helen Creagh – BOPRC Rotorua Catchments Manager

Key Points:

· Provided an update on the activities of the Climate Change Technical Working Group

· Reminded that the terms of reference for the Technical Working Group was to examine the impacts of climate change on lakeside communities

· A community group of residents had been set up to work alongside the Technical Working Group on matters relating to climate change adaptation and mitigation options

· Current focus was particularly on communities around Lakes Rotomā and Rotoehu

· Should this model be successful, could be rolled-out further.

Key Points - Members:

· Suggested that the priorities for the Climate Change Technical Working Group be reviewed to include Lake Rotorua within the project timeframe

· Acknowledged that priorities would be determined based on availability of resources

· Noted that the BOPRC Engineering Team was currently undertaking modelling work to consider the effects of climate change on lake levels.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the Climate Change Technical Working Group - Verbal Update.

White/Nicolson

CARRIED

8. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

Karakia kati provided by Arapeta Tahana.

1:17 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Pou Tākiwaiora Arapeta Tahana

Chairperson, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	20 September 2024
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Helen Creagh, Rotorua Catchments Manager
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To provide Strategy Group with the Purongo ā-tau 2023-2024 and Te Mahere ā-toru tau 2024-2025 to 2026-2027, for approval, to ensure ongoing compliance with the Funding Deed for the Programme.

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Funding Deed Compliance - Purongo ā-tau 2023-2024, Te Mahere ā-toru tau 2024-2025 to 2026-2027

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The Funding Deed that underpins the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme in terms of Crown and Council funding includes requirements for plan setting and performance reporting. This report seeks the approval of Strategy Group for documents currently due in accordance with the Funding Deed, the Purongo ā-tau 2023-2024 and Te Mahere ā-toru tau 2024-2025 to 2026-2027. The documents proposed for approval here are drafted in accordance with the existing requirements of the Deed, changes to the Deed document are on the horizon.

In relation to the forward-looking document, Te Mahere ā-toru tau 2024-2025 to 2026-2027, once changes to the Funding Deed are finalised, this Three-Year Plan can be reviewed for consistency and updated as necessary.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Funding Deed Compliance - Purongo ā-tau 2023-2024, Te Mahere ā-toru tau 2024-2025 to 2026-2027;

2 Approves the Purongo ā-tau 2023-2024 and Te Mahere ā-toru tau 2024-2025 to 2026-2027 for submission to the Ministry for the Environment, in accordance with the requirements of the Funding Deed for the Programme.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

This report is prepared in order to meet the requirements of the Funding Deed for the Programme, ensuring ongoing compliance with the Deed. The Purongo ā-tau (Annual Report) for the 2023-2024 financial year is due with the Ministry for the Environment by 31 October 2024.

Te Mahere ā-toru tau (Three Year Plan) was due with the Ministry in March this year but was delayed due to the review of the Strategy Group and the recommendations resulting from that, particularly in relation to the review of the Programme’s overarching Strategy document.

1.1 Purongo ā-tau 2023-2024

Attached in Appendix One, the Purongo ā-tau is presented for adoption by the Strategy Group. The purpose of this document is to report against the 2023-2024 Mahere Mahi ā-tau of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme. This report is prepared in order to fulfil clauses 5.3 and 5.4 of the Deed of Funding.

The format of this report is structured around the guiding values of our work on the lakes, Te Whakapapa o te Wai, as set out in Te Tuapapa o ngā wai o Te Arawa. This annual report outlines the on-the-ground work undertaken by the Partners to collectively work towards the aspirations for the Te Arawa Lakes, as set out in the current Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua District and includes both Deed funded and non-Deed funded activities.

1.2 Te Mahere ā-toru tau 2024-2025 to 2026-2027

Attached in Appendix Two, for adoption by the Strategy Group, is Te Mahere ā-toru tau (Three Year Plan) 2024-2025 to 2026-2027. This plan is prepared to meet the requirements of clauses 4.3 and 4.4 of the Funding Deed, as well as the requirements of Schedule 2 and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s recently adopted Long Term Plan 2024-2034.

Changes to the Funding Deed and the overarching Strategy of the Programme are underway, once these changes are made this Three-Year Plan can be reviewed for consistency and updated as necessary.

2. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

2.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

The adoption of the Purongo ā-tau and Te Mahere ā-toru tau presented here is within the requirements of the current Funding Deed, including Schedule 2. The work proposed in the Te Mahere ā-toru tau continues the implementation of the Integrated Framework adopted by Strategy Group in 2015 for achieving the sustainable load of nitrogen to Lake Rotorua by 2032, with the aim of enabling alum dosing to cease in the long-term.

Changes to the Funding Deed for the Programme are underway, once these changes are finalised, and once the review of the Strategy document which underpins the Programme is complete, this Three-Year Plan can be reviewed for consistency and updated as necessary.

2.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

Ongoing adaptation by the Programme is necessary to respond to the impacts of climate change. The work undertaken by the Programme, particularly in terms of land use change is aimed at better positioning our community to adapt to and mitigate against the effects of climate change and the impact of land use on the lakes.

2.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group is a post-settlement authority that helps to maintain and improve the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes and it is also a permanent joint committee of the two councils. Te Arawa Lakes Trust representatives sit around the table (as well as TALT staff) and provide regular feedback on the implications for Māori of the programmes of work.

The recent review of the Strategy Group by Te Arawa Lakes Trust has recommended elevating the role of the Te Arawa Lakes Trust in the leadership and delivery of the Programme and the Strategy Group are considering how they wish to implement these recommendations, starting with a review of the Strategy document and then an implementation plan to underpin that.

2.4 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

Adoption of these reports is within the budgets set by the current funding Deed and the Regional Council’s Annual Plan 2023-2024 and Long-Term Plan 2024-2034.

The table provided in the Wai Ata/Financials section of the Purongo ā-tau presented here for approval includes the variances to Crown funding applied to each intervention, compared to the funding approved as part of the Mahere Mahi ā-tau.

In accordance with the Programme’s Change Management Plan, low risk variances of less than $50,000 are approved by staff. An additional $68,000 of Crown Funds has been applied to constructed wetlands during the year and requires consideration by Strategy Group for approval as part of the adoption of this Purongo ā-tau.

This additional expenditure of Crown funds on constructed wetlands is recommended for approval as it is matched with Regional Council funding (and is within Regional Council budgets), is covered by underspends in other interventions during the year and achieves permanent removal of nitrogen from Lake Rotorua towards the sustainable load and targets of the Integrated Framework.

3. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

In accordance with the requirements of the current Deed of Funding, the next documents for approval for the Strategy Group will be the Purongo ā-ono Marama 2024-2025 (6-month report for the current financial year) and the Mahere Mahi ā-tau 2025-2026 (Annual Work Programme). These are both due with the Ministry for the Environment on 31 March 2025.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Purongo ā-tau 2023-2024 ⇩

Attachment 2 - Te Mahere ā-toru tau 2024-2025 to 2026-2027 ⇩



Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Meeting Date:	20 September 2024
Report Writer:	Merinda Pansegrouw, Committee Advisor
Report Authoriser:	Steve Groom, Governance Manager
Purpose:	To confirm amended Standing Orders to allow for virtual attendance at Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group meetings.

Confirmation of updated Standing Orders: Virtual Attendance at Meetings

Executive Summary

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group (the Strategy Group) at the commencement of the 2022-2025 Triennium, confirmed the Standing Orders to be used for the conduct of meetings to be those of the administrating authority, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (Regional Council).

This report informs the Strategy Group of an amendment to the Standing Orders of the Regional Council considered at its meeting on 12 September 2024.

The proposed new changes include that remote participation (attending via audio or audiovisual link) continue to count towards a quorum at Council and Committee meetings once the Severe Weather and Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill provisions lapse on 30 September 2024.

Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Confirmation of updated Standing Orders: Virtual Attendance at Meetings;

2 Confirms the amended Standing Orders to be used for the conduct of its meetings, as adopted by the administrating authority (Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana) at its meeting held on 12 September 2024, to allow for virtual attendance at meetings (Refer Attachment 1).

1. Background

1.1 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Agreement

The membership of the Strategy Group, its quorum, its functions and its standing orders are as set out in the agreement between the Rotorua Lakes Council, Regional Council and Te Arwa Lakes Trust as updated on 5 April 2019 (Te Arawa Lakes Deed of Settlement, Relationship Schedule, Part 1).

As the administering authority, Regional Council’s Standing Orders are used for the operation and conduct of the Strategy Group’s meetings.

The Strategy Group, at its 21 April 2023 meeting at the commencement of the 2022-2025 Triennium, confirmed that the Standing Orders to be used for the conduct of meetings to be those of the administrating authority (Regional Council) adopted by the Regional Council on 24 November 2022.

1.2 Legislative Changes

Schedule 7, clauses 23 – 25B of the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) provide the legislative parameters for the conduct of Council and Committee meetings and outline what constitutes a quorum for the conduct of meetings. Council’s current version of Standing Orders is based on these provisions in the LGA, and the current version of Standing Orders (Standing Orders 11.1, 13.8 and 13.9) provides for remote participants at Council and Committee meetings to be able to participate and vote in meetings, but not be counted towards quorum. Standing Orders 13.11 and 13.12 provide for other aspects of remote attendance.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and most recently during the Cyclone Gabrielle response, the Government enacted temporary provisions in the LGA to allow for remote participants (via audio or audiovisual link) to also count toward quorum in order to enable councils to continue to conduct their business when the ability to meet in person and meet this legislative requirement was restricted.

On 30 September 2024, the latest temporary provisions enacted by Central Government during the Cyclone Gabrielle response will expire. However, an amendment to the LGA was enacted on 30 August 2024, providing for all participants (in person and remote) to count towards quorum if a territorial authority’s Standing Orders allow for it.

On 30 August 2023, the Local Government Electoral Legislation Bill received royal assent. Amongst changes to the Local Electoral Act 2001, this Bill also sought permanent amendments to the LGA provisions around quorum requirements in the supplementary order paper dated 18 July 2023 in the Explanatory Note section (as per Attachment 2). As a result of the Bill, once the provisions enacted by the Severe Weather and Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill lapse, from 1 October 2024, member attendance by audio link or audio-visual link at Council and Committee meetings will count towards quorum if a territorial authority’s Standing Orders allow for this.

The LGA enables councils to manage provisions for remote participation through their Standing Orders themselves and makes the changes enabled throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the Cyclone Gabrielle response permanent.

1.3 Proposed Changes

The Regional Council, at its meeting scheduled for 12 September 2024, will accordingly be considering minor amendments to Standing Orders 11.1, 13.8 and 13.9 to maintain the Council’s current practice of holding hybrid meetings (a meeting with both virtual and physical attendees) and lower the risk of meeting cancellation due to lack of quorum once the temporary provisions enabling this have lapsed.

Further proposed changes relevant to the Strategy Group are:

· Proposed amendments to Standing Orders 13.11 and 13.12 as specific approval to attend a meeting via electronic means is no longer required, although prior notice is preferable to facilitate the necessary practical arrangements.

· Standing Orders 13.10 (Chairperson’s duties) currently stipulates that the Chairperson must be physically present at a hybrid meeting to undertake the Chair’s duties. Council has the opportunity to remove this requirement, enabling the Chairperson to chair when attending via audio/audiovisual means. There is no requirement in the LGA that the Chairperson must be physically present to chair a meeting.

The Regional Council Agenda dated 12 September 2024 is available via this link: Agenda of Regional Council - Thursday, 12 September 2024 (boprc.govt.nz). For the relevant item relating to “Amendments to Standing Orders: Virtual Attendance at meetings”, please refer to item 10.9 on page 140.

Since the agenda for the Strategy Group hui scheduled for 20 September 2024 is circulated prior to the Regional Council’s meeting scheduled for 12 September 2024, the updated Standing Orders will be available via this link once adopted: Bay of Plenty Regional Council Standing Orders 2022-2025.

The Regional Council’s resolution regarding the confirmation of the updated Standing Orders: Virtual Attendance at Meetings will be circulated to Strategy Group Members after conclusion of the Council’s meeting, prior to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group on 20 September 2024.

2. Benefits of Proposed Amendments to Standing Orders

It is recommended that the Strategy Group confirms the amended Standing Orders to be used for the conduct of its meetings to allow for virtual attendance at meetings.

The benefits of the amended Standing Orders/virtual attendance are as follows:

· It will allow for remote participation to be counted towards a quorum.

· Alignment with the Strategy Group’s current practice of holding hybrid meetings as required.

· There is less risk of a meeting being cancelled due to lack of quorum and in the event of an emergency, the Strategy Group would be able to hold fully remote meetings and continue to conduct its business when the ability to meet in person is restricted.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

Although there is an element of risk that audiovisual system/technology could fail, such risk can be mitigated by members attending via other means, e.g. mobile phone or a landline.

3.2 Climate Change

Reducing members’ meeting travel will have a positive impact on carbon emissions.

3.3 Implications for Māori

This matter is of a procedural nature and does not have a direct implication for Māori.

3.4 Community Engagement

Engagement with the community is not required as the recommended decision as it is of a procedural nature.

3.5 Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget.

4. Next Steps

Once adopted by Regional Council on 12 September 2024, the amended Standing Orders will be made publicly available on the Council’s website.

By adopting the amended Standing Orders, remote participation by members will continue to count towards quorum at Strategy Group meetings once the Severe Weather and Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill provisions lapse on 30 September 2024.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Amendments - Standing Orders (Adopted 24 November 2022) ⇩

Attachment 2 - Supplementary Order Paper - Local Government Electoral Legislation Bill - 18 July 2023 ⇩



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	20 September 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 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group 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 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

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 establishment of a Regional Co-Governance Secretariat Fund with funding of $200,000 per annum for the first three years 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 Treaty Co-Governance Fund.

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 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group. 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 ⇩



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	20 September 2024
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Gemma Moleta, Senior Planner (Water Policy)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy and Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To refresh and inform the group on the draft freshwater plan change prior to the targeted release.

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme - Draft Freshwater Plan Change

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group has been on the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme journey with Toi Moana through regular updates since late 2022. Currently, the timeframe for notifying the proposed freshwater plan change is September 2025, with the possibility of a draft freshwater plan change released for informal feedback later this year. This is an opportunity to refresh and inform the group on the draft freshwater plan change prior to a release of the draft freshwater plan change.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme - Draft Freshwater Plan Change.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group has been on the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme journey with Toi Moana through regular updates since late 2022. For an overview of the freshwater management unit see the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU story which covers the issues, a vision, values and outcomes, water quality and ecosystem health targets, water takes limits and minimum flows and the kinds of rules and other methods Council is considering. This document and feedback received has contributed to the draft plan change text being prepared by staff.

2. Toi Moana decision to extend notification date

At the BOPRC Strategy and Policy Committee meeting held on 20 February 2024, Council decided to extend the timeframe for notifying proposed freshwater changes to September 2025 (from December 2024). Toi Moana Councillors are considering whether to release draft freshwater changes later this year for a period of informal feedback.

Toi Moana is mindful the government intends to change the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) and other associated legislation. They are keeping an eye on how this progresses and how draft freshwater changes and timeframes respond to it. Key reasons for the freshwater plan change include (among other things):

· Improved environmental outcomes based on the latest science;

· Certainty for water consent renewals in 2026 and, in some cases, improve water availability for development;

· Streamlined plans which are simpler for water users.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

As mentioned in Section 2 the government intends to change the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) and other associated legislation. Toi Moana is keeping an eye on how this progresses and how draft freshwater changes and timeframes respond to it.

3.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

Sednet modelling predictions estimate a significant increase in suspended sediment loads to all lakes due to the impact of climate change for the mid-century. The very large potential increases in sediment from the catchments under climate change scenarios would negate potential load reductions achieved by implementation of farming best management practices.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Since 2021, engagement has been underpinned by Te Hononga, the Regional Māori Engagement Plan. Toi Moana staff have maintained an open invitation for iwi, hapū and whānau to engage when they are ready and able to do so.

During 2022 and 2023, Toi Moana involved tangata whenua in freshwater through multiple avenues including supporting freshwater projects, holding hui-a-rohe across the three Māori constituencies and having specific discussions with iwi and hapū on their freshwater aspirations. Hui ā-rohe were held in May 2023 and focussed on the NPS-FM and identification of Māori freshwater values.

From October 2023 onward, Toi Moana has targeted engagement to tangata whenua groups who expressed readiness to be involved or were already involved in freshwater discussions and projects. Toi Moana staff continue to meet with a number of groups across the region.

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

Online engagement was launched in 2021 to identify freshwater values important to the community and provide their opinion on the current state of those freshwater spots. There were 128 contributions from the community within the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU on the Participate site covering the values of ecosystem health, human contact, fishing and mahinga kai and natural form and character, transport and tauranga waka, and wai tapu. Of the 128 entries 10 people were unhappy with the current state of locations identified within the FMU these areas included Lake Rotorua, Lake Ōkāreka and the Puarenga Stream their concerns were around water quality, weeds and greater mana whenua involvement.

A second round of online engagement was launched in 2022 to identify freshwater values, goals, environmental outcomes and timeframes to achieve change. 19 contributions were provided for the draft Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU which covered values such as recreation, natural character, mahinga kai, fishing, drinking water supply, ecosystem health, economic uses and cultural values. On average a level of improvement was sought for all values identified.

From April to September 2023 community engagement was held across the 13 freshwater management unit areas. For the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU 4 events were held which resulted in 42 attendees and feedback received from 26 individuals. Feedback expressed concerns about illegal dumping, algal blooms, pest animals (swan, geese, catfish, wallaby) and urban and geothermal influences. There is a consistent desire for lakes to meet targets, and strong opposition to stock exclusion from steep slopes as a blanket rule. A few comments were received on the FMU boundary around uncertainty for some Rerewhakaaitu farmers to identify which FMU their land is in and reflecting source water for the Kaituna and Tarawera Rivers.

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

NPSFM implementation is a non-discretionary Toi Moana function. This freshwater work will also assist with delivering on the vision, outcomes and goals in the Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district, this will be covered in the meeting.

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

Toi Moana’s staff continue to:

· Support RTALSG in being ready to give feedback on the draft freshwater changes when released.

· Work with tangata whenua groups, including iwi and hapu, who are already in freshwater discussions and projects.

· Refine the draft freshwater plan change until it is ready for Council’s consideration. Feedback on the draft will help test, develop and finalise recommended options.

· Evaluate the appropriateness of draft plan change policies and rules, alternatives and their costs and benefits (RMA section 32 evaluation).

We seek the groups support to:

· Encourage iwi, hapu and whanau to get involved in the draft freshwater plan change when released.

· Encourage or facilitate iwi, hapu and whanau to take up or continue with opportunities offered by Te Hononga engagement plan.

This presentation will not replace engagement with tangata whenua, Toi Moana staff continue to engage with several iwi within the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU and again extend an open invite to connect with us on the freshwater kaupapa.