Komiti Māori Rārangi Take (Agenda)

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the next meeting of Komiti Māori will be held in Mataatua Wharenui, Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae, 105 Muriwai Drive, Whakatāne on:

Tuesday 20 April 2021 COMMENCING AT 9.30 am

 

Please note a pōwhiri will take place at 9:30 am with the meeting to start at approximately 10:30 am.

 

Fiona McTavish

Chief Executive, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana

12 April 2021

 


 

Komiti Māori

Membership

Chairperson

 

Notwithstanding the Komiti Māori has an appointed Chairperson, Māori Constituency Councillors may host-Chair committee meetings that are held in the rohe of their respective constituency

Cr Matemoana McDonald

Deputy Chairperson

Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti

Members

All Councillors

Quorum

Seven members, consisting of half the number of members

Meeting frequency

Two monthly

Purpose

To provide direction and guidance on Council’s obligations to Māori in relation to: growth of  authentic partnerships with Tangata Whenua, strategic direction, emerging issues, legal requirements, effective engagement, awareness and understanding.

Role

·                First and foremost to provide leadership to Council on enhancing the kaupapa of shared decision-making with Māori across all aspects of Council’s work.

·                Drive enhancements to Council’s responsiveness to Māori (including monitoring and reporting) and to ensure compliance with its obligations to Maori under legislation.

·                Facilitate tangata whenua input into community outcomes, Council policy development and implementation work;

·                Formally receive iwi/hapū management plans on behalf of Council;

·                Identify and provide direction on any relevant emerging issues for the region relating to the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, legislative obligations to Māori under different statutes and programmes to build the capability of Māori;

·                Provide direction on effective Māori engagement  and on actions to enhance Māori capacity to contribute to Council’s decision-making, including recommendations for Long Term Plan funding to achieve this;

·                Make submissions on Māori related matters, in conjunction with other relevant Council committees where appropriate;

·                Support and promote co-governance entities;

·                Recommend to Council the establishment of advisory groups or other governance mechanisms, to represent sub-region or constituency areas and/or to consider specific issues;

·                Recommend to Council, and/or appropriate committees, actions to achieve the committee’s purpose and roles.

Power to Act

To make all decisions necessary to achieve the purpose and roles of Komiti Māori.

Power to Recommend

To Council and/or any standing committee as it deems appropriate.

Komiti Māori reports directly to the Regional Council.


Bay of Plenty Regional Council - Toi Moana

Governance Commitment

mō te taiao, mō ngā tāngata - our environment and our people go hand-in-hand.

 

 

We provide excellent governance when, individually and collectively, we:

·        Trust and respect each other

·        Stay strategic and focused

·        Are courageous and challenge the status quo in all we do

·        Listen to our stakeholders and value their input

·        Listen to each other to understand various perspectives

·        Act as a team who can challenge, change and add value

·        Continually evaluate what we do

 

 

TREAD LIGHTLY, THINK DEEPLY,
ACT WISELY, SPEAK KINDLY.


Komiti Māori                                                                                                                       20 April 2021

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

 

Agenda
Rārangi Take

Host Chair to Preside
Ko te Māngai ā-Rohe te Heamana

Notwithstanding Komiti Māori has an appointed Chairperson, Māori Constituency Councillors may Host-Chair committee meetings that are held in the rohe of their respective constituency.

1.       Opening Prayer
Karakia Whakatuwhera

2.       Apologies
Ngā Hōnea

3.       Items not on the Agenda
Ngā Take Tōmuri

4.       Order of Business
Raupapa o Ngā Take

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

6.       Minutes
Ngā Meneti

Minutes to be Confirmed
Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti

6.1      Komiti Māori Minutes - 8 December 2020                                              1

7.       Presentations
Whakaaturanga

Refer to Chairperson’s Report for background information on presentation items.

7.1      Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa - Korehāhā Whakahau Predator Eradication Project

Presented by: Eddie Sykes and Merenia Sawrey, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa

7.2      Shellfish Restoration in Ōhiwa Harbour

Presented by: Dr Kura Paul-Burke, Associate Professor Matai Moana - Marine Research, University of Waikato

7.3      Papakāinga Housing Initiative

Presented by: Matt Te Pou, Waimana Kaaku Tribal Chair

8.       Verbal Updates
Whakahoutanga Kōrero

8.1      Update from Rangitāiki River Forum Chair

Presented by: Maramena Vercoe, Rangitaiki River Forum Chair

8.2      Update from Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority Chair

Presented by: Dean Flavell, Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority Chair

8.3      Update from Toi Kai Rawa

Presented by: Awhina Ngatuere, General Manager | Kaihautū, Toi Kai Rawa

8.4      Update from Toi EDA - Digital Connectivity Project

Presented by: Ian Morton, General Manager Operations, Toi EDA

8.5      Introduction to Nikora Heitia, Senior Treaty Advisor, Te Papa Atawhai | Department of Conservation

Introduced by: Kataraina O'Brien, Kotahitanga - Strategic Engagement Manager

9.       Reports
Ngā Pūrongo

9.1      Chairperson's Report                                                                               1

Attachment 1 - Toi Kai Rawa Update - Komiti Maori 20 April 2021                               1

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

11.     Open Forum
Tuwhera ki te Iwi Whānui

A short period of time will be set aside at the conclusion of the meeting to enable tangata whenua and members of the public to raise matters.  Any matters raised and the time allowed for each speaker will be at the discretion of the Chair.

No decisions can be made from matters raised in the Open Forum.

12.     Closing Prayer
Karakia Kati


Komiti Māori Minutes

8 December 2020

 

Komiti Māori

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing:             Tuesday 8 December 2020, 10.35 am

Venue:                         Waikari Marae, 62 Waikari Road, Matapihi, Tauranga

Heamana

Chairperson:               Cr Matemoana McDonald (Bay of Plenty Regional Council)

Ngā Kopounga

Members:                    Cr Bill Clark

Cr Stacey Rose

Cr Paula Thompson

Cr Lyall Thurston

Cr Te Taru White

Chairman Doug Leeder (Ex-Officio)

In Attendance:            Bay of Plenty Regional Council: Cr Stuart Crosby, Cr Jane Nees - Council Deputy Chairperson, Fiona McTavish – Chief Executive, Namouta Poutasi – General Manager Strategy & Science, Kataraina O’Brien – Kaiwhakahaere Te Kotahitanga, Rawiri Bhana, Clarke Koopu – Māori Policy Advisors, Gina Mohi – Pūtaiao Mātauranga, Reuben Gardiner – Senior Planner (Water Policy), Troy Brown – Community Engagement Advisor, Stephanie MacDonald - Community Engagement Team Leader, Kerry Gosling – Senior Community Engagement Advisor, Angela Foster – Communications Manager, Ashleigh Grant – Kaikarere (Communications Partner), Teyah Douglas – Summer Student, Shari Kameta – Committee Advisor

                                                      External Presenters/Tangata Whenua/Members of Public: Ngareta Timutimu – Ngāti Tapu/Ngāi Te Rangi/Waikari Marae; Federation of Māori Authorities: Dr Riri Ellis - Ngāi Tukairangi, Geoff Rolleston – Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands; Dr Tanira Kingi - Ngāti Whakaue; Pia Bennett – Ngāi Te Rangi; Chris Nepia – Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Jude Pani – Te Tatau o Te Arawa, Maru Tapsell - Waitaha, Whitiora McLeod, Waraki Paki – Ngāi Te Rangi, Pine McLeod – Ngāti Kaahu, Kepa Morgan, Kataraina Dickson – Hungahungatoroa/ Waikari Marae, Nathan James, Ngāti Tapu, Carlton Bidois – Pirirakau

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies:                  Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti – Deputy Chairperson

1.     Opening Prayer
Karakia Whakatuwhera

Provided by Waka Taite.

2.     Apologies
Ngā Hōnea

Resolved

That the Komiti Māori:

1        Accepts the apology from Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti and Buddy Mikaere tendered at the meeting.

Rose/White

CARRIED

3.     Items not on the Agenda
Ngā Take Tōmuri

1.    The Chair requested the Regional Council Toi Moana ‘Te Huna Kura’ Wai Māori Groundwater YouTube video be received for information only.

4.     Order of Business
Raupapa o Ngā Take

1.    Toi Moana ‘Te Huna Kura’ Wai Māori Groundwater YouTube video would be received before Agenda Item 7.3, ‘Kahui Wai Māori – Perspective on Te Mana on Te Wai and the Government’s Essential Freshwater Work Programme’.

2.    Agenda Item 7.2 – Maketū Freshwater Taiao Issues was withdrawn from the agenda, as the presenter, Raewyn Bennett was no longer able to attend the meeting.

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

No conflicts of interest were declared.

6.     Minutes
Ngā Meneti

Minutes to be Confirmed
Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti

6.1

Komiti Māori Minutes - 2 November 2020

 

Resolved

That the Komiti Māori:

1        Confirms the Komiti Māori Minutes - 2 November 2020 as a true and correct record.

White/Rose

CARRIED

7.     Presentations
Whakaaturanga

7.1

Verbal Update from Waikari Marae

Presented by: Ngareta Timutimu, Ngāti Tapu hapū

 

Key Points:

·    Spoke of past implications of Tauranga Moana Treaty culture, which Mrs Timutimu was researching within Waitangi tribunal reports and other primary sources.

·    Provided background on Ngāti Tapu whakapapa, establishment of Waikari Marae, connections with Whareroa and Hungahungatoroa Marae and primary focus to maintain Ahi kā.

 

7.2

Toi Moana Te Huna Kura (Wai Maori) Groundwater Video

YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXQPKPUnesI

 

Key Points:

·    The Chair requested Toi Moana’s Te Huna Kura (Wai Māori) Groundwater YouTube video be played to set the scene for upcoming tangata whenua presentations.

·    The video had been created by staff and a consultant to highlight the Wai Māori perspective for freshwater.

Key Points - Members:

·    Respect and understanding of Mātauranga Māori alongside western science was a key focus and journey being embarked on by the Regional Council.

Comments from the Floor:

·    Te Ao Māori view needed to be provided for within planning documents.

 

7.3

Kāhui Wai Māori - Perspective on Te Mana o Te Wai and the Government's Essential Freshwater Work Programme

Presentation - Te Mana o te Wai and the and the National Policy Statement for
Freshwater Management: Objective ID A3683969 
 

Presented by: Dr Tanira Kingi, member of Kāhui Wai Māori

 

Key Points:

·    Te Mana o te Wai (TMoTW) was now the overarching principle for the National Policy Statement for Freshwater (NPSFM) 2020.

·    Background on Kahui Wai Māori (KWM) established in October 2018.

·    TMoTW framework, hierarchy obligations, principles and leadership.

·    Key emphasis would be the involvement of tangata whenua in freshwater management and decision-making processes, driven locally using Mātauranga Māori to identify freshwater cultural values.

·    NPSFM 2020 had significant implications for regional councils to translate within regional policy statements and regional plans.

·    KWM priorities for 2020:

o Wai Māori Rōpu

o Freshwater Implementation Group

·    Implications of Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020 to stop the immediate negative impacts on water would require multi-layered engagement with Iwi, hapū, land trust incorporations and post-settlement entities.

·    Mahinga kai was a compulsory value in the National Objectives Framework as a holistic value for setting limits, informed by Māori values.

·    Climate change legislation and greenhouse gases needed to be factored in.

·    Iwi and hapū resource management plans would be the starting point for Iwi/hapū to begin defining their cultural values.

Key Points - Members:

·    Key focus and challenges for Council and staff was the development of
Te Hononga engagement and the hierarchy of multi-layered engagement.

·    Significant work lay ahead with the need to communicate and engage well with iwi/hapū/tangata whenua.

·    Resourcing tangata whenua to participate in the process would be vital.

 

12:40 pm – Cr Stuart Crosby withdrew from the meeting.

 

7.4

Federation of Māori Authorities Perspective on National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management Provisions for Farm Plans

Presentation - Maori Land Trusts and Incorporations and Water - FOMA Perspective: Objective ID A3700185   

Presented by: Dr Riri Ellis and Geoff Rolleston

 

Key Points:

·    Outlined the various tensions for freshwater, which economic development was a driver for Māori land trusts and incorporations.

·    Key purpose of FOMA was to provide a pathway for people and tribes to take their investments forward and to protect their whenua.

·    Main areas of interest: propriety rights, access and allocation, water quality, harvest and storage, and Te Mana o te Wai.

·    Some of the projects FOMA was currently working on were: 

o Essential Freshwater – Kahui Wai Māori

o Te Wai Māori Roopu and Cabinet Ministers group

o He Waka Eke Noa Climate Change Commitment

·    Provided case studies and highlighted key challenges for Māori land trusts:

o Access to water

o Onerous and lengthy consent process

o Complexity of Iwi and hapū approval

o Time and resource capacity constraints

o COVID-19 impacts on FOMA work programme

o Costs of (land) setbacks

·    Key successes:

o Transformation of under-utilised land; and

o Advancing land management practices within the Rotorua catchment as a result of Plan Change 10 (Rotorua Lakes) rules.

·    HortNZ and Zespri were proactively mirroring the farm plan process with orchard environmental management plans.

·    Māori land trusts and incorporations were yet to become familiar with the new regulations, which FOMA would be working to address and support.

·    Sought consideration from Council to engage with relevant Māori land trusts in relation to NPSFM implementation.

·    It would be imperative for land trusts to work with the Regional Council to access Government funding.

Key Points - Members:

·    Congratulated FOMA for their exemplar contribution and efforts.

·    Noted the opportunity for FOMA to provide leadership for Māori land trusts and corporations under the NPSFM for the betterment of TMoTW.

·    Government TMoTW Funding would be available for iwi/hapū to resource/increase capability to input into the NPSFM process.

·    Equal challenges existed for Iwi/hapū/land trusts and regional councils.

·    Regional councils would need to prioritise and allow other entities to come on board at later stage in the NPSFM process.

 

7.5

Ko WAI mātou - NPSFM Implementation in Tauranga Moana

Presentation: Ko WAI Mātou – NPSFM Implementation in Tauranga Moana

Presented by: Pia Bennett, Kaiarataki – Te Ohu Kaupapa Taiao/Natural Resource Management Unit, Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi

 

Key Points:

·    Background on Tauranga Moana iwi/hapū understanding and perspective of Te Mana o Te Wai (TMoTW) and NPSFM.

·    Key expectations and principles for how Tauranga Moana wished to engage and strengthen their relationship with Regional Council, other stakeholders and the community.

·    Outlined their journey since 2011, immediate and future work programme, and overall direction. Key deliverables were based on steps required by the NPSFM and to achieve desired outcomes for Tauranga Moana iwi/hapu.

·    The work programme would be initiated in three stages and zones, with the northern hapū ready to begin.

·    Acknowledged the support of specialist experts, Crown research institute partners, and programme sponsors.

·    Outlined potential constraints and risks of the work programme, along with identified issues.

·    Noted that a request had been made to Regional Council for the loan of water flow monitoring devices to support the work programme.

Key Points - Members:

·    Commended the valuable work being undertaken and that was ahead of the NPSFM process and programme of work.

·    Acknowledged the need for Government funding to resource the capacity of tangata whenua.

Comments from the Floor:

·    Māori land trusts and corporations could be an avenue of support for the work programme.

 

8.     Reports
Ngā Pūrongo

8.1

Komiti Māori Chairperson's Report

The report was taken as read without further discussion.

 

Resolved

That the Komiti Māori:

1        Receives the report, Komiti Māori Chairperson's Report.

Thompson/Rose

CARRIED

9.     Open Forum

9.1

Ngareta Timutimu

 

Key Points:

·    Acknowledged the Regional Council for having Māori wards/constituencies and Komiti Māori as an avenue for Māori engagement.

·    Requested support to obtain two copies of the Rena disaster in te reo Māori for the local kura curriculum.

·    Requested advice to become involved in the local Climate Change Strategy, highlighting the issue of erosion below Waikari Marae.

·    Sought advice on where to raise a concern regarding the Port of Tauranga’s wharf extension proposal and the impacts it would have on the community.

Key Points - Members:

·    Minister Mahuta would be introducing legislation that would remove community’s ability to poll on Māori wards.

 

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    Follow-up on matters raised by Mrs Timutimu under bullet points 2, 3 and 4 above.

10.   Closing Prayer
Karakia Kati

A karakia was provided by Chris Nepia.

1:36pm – the meeting closed.

 

Confirmed                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                     Cr Matemoana McDonald

Chairperson, Komiti Māori


 

 

 

Report To:

Komiti Māori

Meeting Date:

20 April 2021

Report Authoriser:

Kataraina O’Brien, Strategic Engagement Manager

Namouta Poutasi, General Manager Strategy & Science

 

 

Chairperson's Report

 

Executive Summary

This report provides information and updates on matters of interest.  Some items include:

1      Tangata whenua presentations:

·     Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa - Korehāhā Whakahau Predator Project

·     Shellfish restoration in the Ohiwa Harbour

·     Papakāinga Housing Initiatives

2      Amendments to Komiti Māori Terms of Reference (TOR).

3      Government Reforms and the Changing Operating Environment.

4      Engaging with Māori on the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP).

5      Toi Moana and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi – Relationship Protocol.

6      Toi Kai Rawa and Toi EDA – updates.

7      Long Term Plan 2021-2031 – update.

8      Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum – update.

9      Community Engagement – update.

10    Emergency Management Bay of Plenty – Tsunami.

 

 

Recommendations

That the Komiti Māori:

1        Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.

 

1.        Kaupapa Tuatahi: Kupu Whakataki
Introduction

1.1      Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae – Mataatua Wharenui

We are very privileged to hold our Komiti Māori hui at this auspicious marae and thank Ngāti Awa for hosting us here today.

The marae is built as a symbol of unity, strength and resilience of Ngāti Awa, the impressive Mātaatua Wharenui was originally opened in Whakatāne in 1875.  Five years later the intricately carved Māori house was uplifted by the New Zealand Government to represent the country at some of the most respected anthropological exhibitions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

For well over a century, Mātaatua Wharenui, the travelling house, would be lost to the people who needed it most.  Despite calls by successive Ngāti Awa leaders to have the house returned to Whakatāne, Mātaatua Wharenui would remain alone, without its people and miles from home.

A 1996 Waitangi Tribunal Special Deed of Settlement finally saw Mātaatua Wharenui returned to Ngāti Awa.  It took 15 years of dedication to restore Mātaatua Wharenui to its original magnificence. 


On 17 September 2011, 130 years after it first left New Zealand, Ngāti Awa and the Mātaatua confederation of tribes celebrated the return and reopening of the house that came home.

 

2.        Kaupapa Tuarua: Tangata Whenua Presentations

2.1      Te Runanga o Ngati Awa - Korehaha Whakahau Predator Project

Merenia Sawrey

Korehāhā Whakahauis the first iwi led Predator Free (PF) PF2050 project, which seeks to eradicate possums from approximately 4,700 ha of land within the rohe of Ngāti Awa over a five-year period and contribute to the protection and enhancement of te taiao within our rohe. The project contributes to the capacity and capability of Ngāti Awa to be kaitiaki, providing jobs that elevate the well-being of te taiao.

In August 2020 at Komiti Maori, Ngāti Awa shared an introduction to their exciting new project as they began their journey of hiring kaimahi and operationalising their possum eradication plan. The purpose of this presentation is to explain the unique benefits that have come from being an Iwi-led project, and to share learnings for other Iwi who may be interested in undertaking similar projects in the future.

The presentation will focus on the opportunities Ngāti Awa were able to offer their kaimahi by being an Iwi-led project, as opposed to a council-led project. It will describe new approaches to recruitment, the importance of relationships, offering holistic development and training, as well as a video from field kaimahi talking about their journey.

2.2      Shellfish Restoration in Ōhiwa Harbour – Associate Professor
Kura Paul-Burke

2.2.1    Summary

This report provides an overview of two Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge funded projects in Ōhiwa harbour.  Both projects are co-developed with iwi partners and supported by the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum.

The first project is called Awhi Mai Awhi Atu. It seeks to assist the recovery of shellfish in the harbour. The project aims to combine mātauranga ā iwi (local Māori knowledge systems), western science and local kaitiakitanga (active guardianship) to better understand degradation, assist recovery, and generate common management approaches and responses for the culturally and ecologically important shellfish in the soft-bottomed Ōhiwa harbour.

The second recently funded project is called Pātangaroa hua rau: investigating the economic potential of collagen and bio-actives from eleven-armed sea-star to manage over populations in Ōhiwa harbour.

2.2.2    Report

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Project

Four mussel restoration stations have been established in the harbour.  Taura whiri kūtai (bio-degradable mussel spat lines) were deployed at each of the mussel restoration stations in September 2018 and September 2020. The taura whiri spat lines were co-developed using localised mātauranga ā iwi and bio-waste from traditional resources such as tī kouka (Cordyline australis, Cabbage tree) leaves and other natural materials. Natural resource taura whiri kūtai help to reduce microplastic pollution in the harbour, in kaimoana and in ourselves.

Mussels naturally grow in clumps as a whānau on the bottom floor of the harbour. When the taura whiri bio-degrades and is ready to drop to the floor of the harbour, the mussels are already securely attached and able to fall together and re-locate on the bottom, as a whānau. This is proving to be an innovative restoration method with the 2020 mapping of current mussel distribution in the harbour identifying 3 new early-stage mussel beds, all located in close proximity to the mussel restoration stations. In 2019, there was one remaining traditional mussel bed in the harbour. In 2020, a total of 4 mussel beds have been identified, mapped and surveyed.

Pātangaroa hua rau project

An over-abundance of pātangaroa (Coscinasterias muricata, eleven-armed sea-star) are depleting shellfish stocks and causing management issues in coastal areas of Aotearoa NZ, in particular the Ōhiwa harbour. Pātangaroa are voracious predators of shellfish, causing a decline in populations of mussels, pipi and tuangi. As a result, this project seeks innovative ways to assist the management of pātangaroa.

The intent of the project is to trial the economic potential of seastars as a natural bio-active cosmetic or pharmaceutical product. The project targets a bio-circular approach advocating for zero waste stream philosophy and implementation. It is anticipated that any financial returns of a potential product would then be returned to the harbour to contribute to the management of pātangaroa populations for the long term. The pātangaroa project is a complimentary extension to the Awhi Mai Awhi Atu program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Figure 1. Over-abundance of pātangaroa (left; Coscinasterias muricata, eleven-armed seastars) in a pipi bed in Ōhiwa harbour (August 2019) and excessive reef star (right; Sticaster australis) in the coastal marine areas of Ngāti Awa (site adjacent to Ōhiwa harbour; March 2010)

2.3      Update from the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum

The Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy (OHS) has been in place since 2008, following extensive engagement with the local community. It sets out a vision for the harbour, identifies issues, key community values and aspirations, and has 30 actions to achieve those. It promotes integrated resource management by acknowledging what happens on the land of the catchment can affect the Ōhiwa Harbour, and aims to coordinate the work of many organisations around the harbour. The strategy is a non-statutory document. This means it does not contain any rules and cannot require changes to other planning documents. The vision is He taonga tuku iho kē, ko tātau rā ngā uri e.

There are seven partners to the OHS: Ngāti Awa, Waimana Kaaku, Upokorehe, Whakatōhea, Whakatāne District Council, Ōpōtiki District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) who collectively form the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum (OHIF), which guides the implementation of the strategy actions. The partners also work very closely with others such as the Department of Conservation and Ministry for Primary Industry Fisheries.

The Forum members have worked together very effectively and productively. Some highlights for the Forum have been:

•        Supporting BOPRC coastal catchments team’s work improving water quality and reducing sediment transport in the catchment.

•        Supporting Upokorehe to manually remove mangrove seedlings from around 60ha of the harbour.

•        Supporting the work of 9 Care Groups carrying out pest control and restoration around the harbour margins, particularly saltmarshes.

•        Establishing a comprehensive monitoring programme and produced three 5 yearly SOE reports covering 50 ecological and physical parameters in the harbour and its catchment.

•        Carrying out three 5 yearly surveys of marshbirds and saltmarsh.

•        Removing barriers to fish passage on many streams.

•        Making submissions on district plans, the coastal plan and bylaw reviews.

•        Supporting surveys of and research into mussels and the trialling techniques to protect declining mussel beds.

•        Developing a recreation strategy for the harbour and supported the development of a number of new walking and cycle trails.

•        Developing the Ōhiwa Harbour Heritage Trail, Ngā Tapuwae o Tairongo, which consists of 17 bilingual interpretation panels describing aspects of the harbour environment and its historic heritage.

•        Commissioning a number of research projects: mussels, sediment modelling and ecosystem services.

•        Distributing a quarterly community newsletter.

While there have been many achievements, the work of protecting this taonga of the region is ongoing – there is always more to do.

2.4      Papakāinga Housing Initiative – Matt Te Pou (Waimana Kaaku)

Matt Te Pou is the Chair of Te Waimana Kaaku Tribal and he will be presenting on their aspirations in finding better housing solutions for their people on their home lands. The name and whakataukī of Te Waimana Kaaku Tribal, is a reflection of its' fertile’ landscape and the prosperity that it will provide for whānau who whakapapa to the local hapū now and into the future.

“He momo kūmara tonu te kurarangi, e whakarite ana nei tāna tipu haere e māhorahora ki runga te whenua. E kapo haere ana, e hono atu ki ōna nei uri ki te maara” - The kurarangi kūmara is as a senior type of kūmara species, which grows its tendrils throughout the garden, encompassing all that it touches into one living organism within the garden.

Mr Te Pou will be supported by Willie Te Aho of Te Whānau a Apanui, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience at unlocking opportunities for Whānau to build homes.

3.        Kaupapa Tuatoru: Amendments to Komiti Māori Terms of Reference (TOR)

On 1 April 2021, Council unanimously approved a change to Komiti Māori (KM) Terms of Reference, in line with its “Partnerships with Māori” strategic priority.

Matters of partnership and shared decision-making with Māori, will be a key focus area led by Komiti Maori. KM will cast a strategic lens across Council to identify and progress shared decision-making opportunities. They would have a leadership mandate to influence the landscape of other committees.

Key changes are that KM will become a Committee of the whole and will alternate meetings between Marae and Council chambers. 

The next phase to this change is to consider a work priority framework and map out a work programme for the committee.  We will need to assess what type of support will be required to operationalise the changes to this committee.

4.        Kaupapa Tuawha: Toi Moana and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi – Relationship Protocol

We are pleased to announce the signing of a Relationship Protocol between
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi; both organisations have congruent scientific, Mātauranga Māori goals and each strive to build capacity and capability with and for Iwi Māori.

In March 2007, Toi Moana entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. The purpose of the original MOU was to formalise the working relationship between the wananga and council staff.  The review date for the MOU expired several years ago.  Since the original MOU's expiry, both organisations have been in discussions to refresh and update a new MOU.

With both organisations in agreement they had discussions around a Relationship Protocol.  The purpose of the Protocol is to establish a cooperative and collaborative working relationship where both parties agree to exchange educational information, promote collaborative research activities, facilitate student opportunities and ensure reciprocal representation for panels or committees. The Relationship Protocol will be given effect through an annual action plan that will be regularly reviewed and improved to deliver its intent. The signing of the 2021 Relationship Protocol is a significant step towards delivering mutually important goals to supporting tangata whenua in taiao kauapapa.

5.        Kaupapa Tuarima: Government Reforms and the Changing Operating Environment

Toi Moana’s operating environment is changing with central government reforms and policy changes directly influencing our work now and in the near future.

There are a series of reforms such as Three Waters, Essential Freshwater and Resource Management that has a large focus on the rights and interests of Māori, increased engagement and collaboration with Māori and building Iwi capacity and capability to partner and engage with reform requirements (NPS for Freshwater).

One of significance is the legislative reforms of the Resource Management Act to three separate pieces of legislation:

•        Natural and Built Environments Act (NBA) to provide for land use and environmental regulation (This will be the primary replacement for the RMA).

•        Strategic Planning Act (SPA) to integrate with other legislation relevant to development, and require long-term regional spatial strategies.

•        Climate Change Adaptation Act (CAA) to address complex issues associated with managed retreat and funding and financing adaptation.

The Office of Minister for the Environments’ proposal on reforming the resource management system seeks to provide for Māori interests by;

•        Recognising the concept of Te Mana o te Taiao in the purpose of the NBA and require decision makers to give effect to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

•        Requiring the government to produce national direction under the NBA that sets environmental limits for certain resources and gives effect to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

•        Establishing a stronger strategic role for Māori in the system;

-     Include mana whenua representation on joint committees that develop regional spatial strategies and regional combined plans.

-     Enable effective partnering of local government and mana whenua in planning and delivery.

In order for all the above to be achieved, central government has recognised that significant resourcing will be required both in the short and long term. For tangata whenua this will include;

•        Incorporation of Mātauranga Māori and tikanga Māori.

•        Support to increase capacity and capability throughout the system, including Iwi/Hapū.

There has also been other developments such as Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2020, Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2021 and the Local Government (Rating of Whenua Māori) Amendment Bill.

These changes are going to have a significant impact on local government with timeframes and demand for a stronger role for regions that will no doubt put pressure on local government and Iwi resources.

In light of all this, Toi Moana has continued to focus on Māori partnerships as one of its Strategic priorities and will continue to grow our relationships with Iwi and Hapū in our region.

6.        Kaupapa Tuaono: Engaging with Māori on the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP)

Following informal discussions with Councillors on 23 March, staff were asked to prepare an update on the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Māori Engagement (EFPP) process being implemented under the direction of Te Hononga, for the next Komiti Māori meeting on 20 April 2021.

The EFPP is the primary project to implement the National Policy for Freshwater Management (NPSFM 2020) through plan changes to the Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP) and the Regional Policy Statement (RPS).  Komiti Māori provide direction and advice on the engagement approaches Toi Moana undertakes with Māori, and endorsed Te Hononga in August 2020.

Since late September 2020, staff have had 43 hui with various iwi/hapū/ roopu and Māori Land Trusts.  From the feedback received, the following are likely to be the preferred approaches for tangata whenua involvement in the EFPP:

•        Local Kaitiaki Advisory Groups – Mātauranga based, focussing on Te Ao Māori.

•        Te Taiao Hubs.

•        Sub-regional hui for information sharing and to ensure that engagement reach is enhanced.

•        Tangata whenua designed approaches to suit local conditions.

•        Preparation of Water Management Plans and Iwi Management Plans alongside Council’s NPSFM implementation process.

Staff are continuing to meet with tangata whenua to establish how they would like to be involved with the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme, and on what matters they wish to focus.  For example, one group primarily wants to focus on monitoring and active ‘on the ground’ freshwater management, whereas as others want more intensive involvement in policy direction setting. It is clear that from discussions to date there are significant capability and capacity issues facing groups.  Responding to the raft of government regulatory reforms is a challenge and will not be addressed through funding support provided by Council on its own.

Some approaches to progress and support Māori engagement can now be initiated and the following are proposed:

•        Up to 6 sub-regional hui are arranged for 2021 to 2022.

•        A region-wide technical support group is established (Ngā Kaitohutohu – RMA focussed).

•        PC9 Māori Appellants invited to participate as a focus group to review the matters raised during the mediation process.

•        Up to 2 consultants to work with key Māori Land Trusts across the region. This would be contingent upon the readiness of some organisations.  For example, the Te Arawa Primary Sector (TAPS) are seeking to have further discussions with staff on their involvement. Research may be required to ascertain how farms plans are to give effect to Te Mana o Te Wai. Te Arawa for example, have indicated that this would need to take into account the local conditions.

•        Online information and engagement using HIVE – this year, this will focus on mapping and describing values, freshwater issues, potential visions and objectives. Some material will be for all of the public, and some may be targeted at tangata whenua.

•        Co-governance fora, particularly the Rangitāiki River Forum (RRF) are reviewing work programmes to include Te Mana o Te Wai as a key component. It is expected that the chairs will meet to discuss how best to collaborate on a range of issues relating to freshwater.  River documents and action plans must be considered through the implementation process and critical to the success of a proposed plan change. Confirmation on how these fora would like to be involved will be finalised by May 2021.  Engagement will include discussion of how river document and RPS (in the case of Rangitāiki) provisions are reflected in NPSFM implementation.

The first phase of engagement is expected to be completed by late May or early June 2021, to clarify how tangata whenua would like to be involved in the EFPP.  Staff will need to work through how this engagement can be supported within whatever final budget is allocated through the Long Term Plan process.

7.        Kaupapa Tuawhitu: Update from Toi Kai Rawa

Key highlights/milestones for period November 2020 – March 2021:

Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) provided core and project funding to support Toi Kai Rawa (TKR)’s activities during the 2020/2021 period and below are key delivery highlights for this period thus far:

•     Recruitment of the TKR team to implement the extensive workplan and amplify economic development efforts;

•     Of the 21 projects to deliver in TKR’s first year, we have delivered 14 projects so far and are on track to deliver the rest before July 2021. The expected reach is over 5,000 people.

•     Secured co-investment of more than 410k value in Year 1 of operations;

•     Strategic scoping undertaken identifying Regional step change opportunities for Māori in Social procurement, Whenua Māori and high value pathways in Horticulture;

•     CRM system in place providing essential infrastructure for regional connectivity.

Māori communities in a Covid-19 environment have proven to be resilient, however, it is still evident that structural inequities continue to constrain the development of our people including persistent barriers to lifting Māori household incomes. This alone, causes a significant detrimental ripple effect in our communities which must be addressed with urgency.

Regardless of any recovery curve, Māori are ‘a curve below the curve’ and therefore any strategy or intervention in place must provide a step-change approach to position Māori beyond any curve. This is why Toi Kai Rawa exists.

A by Māori, for Māori approach to regional development is what TKR provides and must be prioritized if we are truly committed as a region for enduring solutions. TKR has an application in the BOPRC Long Term Plan which requests for further investment to support its core activities and specific projects TKR has identified as Strategic platform initiatives that has the potential to accelerate regional Māori development across the wider Bay of Plenty Region.

You can read more around the work that Toi Kai Rawa are doing in Appendix 1.

8.        Kaupapa Tuawaru: Toi EDA – Digital Access for Home and Business

Following Covid 19 Level 4 lockdown in March 2020, the lack of digital access for communities in the Eastern Bay of Plenty (EBOP) highlighted what we already knew. 

Census 2019 reports show the EBOP has one of the lowest digital access in New Zealand.  In some communities this is as low as 40%, NZ average of 86%.

Following lockdown Toi EDA facilitated a group including iwi partners, social service providers, ministries, businesses and local government to identify potential solutions to address:

-    Connectivity

-     Devices and Training

-     Affordability  

Between May 2020 and December 2020, a proposed solution was prepared, leveraging experience from Te Aka Toitū (Charitable trust), MB3 (Rotorua Technology Company) and others.

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Proposed Solution

·       Leverage existing fibre to schools network (Network for learning) and apply wifi towers to 27 schools across the EBOP.  This will provide a unified wireless network across the EBOP. Cost $2.3M plus $0.9M (contingency/project management/Governance).

·       Provide local community training as part of the technology rollout (delivered by EBOP REAP).  Cost $1M.

·       Provide funding for 1,500 homes for installation of modems and CPE dishes (like mini satellite dishes).  Cost $0.9M.

·       We propose that devices are rented on a weekly basis, approximate costs are $4-$5 per week.

·       Overall cost of approx. $5M.

·       A proposal document has been tabled through our local MP Kiritapu Allen, providing details on how this digital divide will impact our local communities and the opportunities this has not only for learning, also for

-        Ministry of Social development – increased online appointments / ability to search & apply for jobs online.

-        Ministry of Health – Telehealth.

-        Ministry of Education – Provide access to learning at home.

-        Ministry of Justice – Allow offenders to wear ankle bracelets at home, as opposed to incarceration.

·    This proposal requests that government fund the infrastructure, leveraging their initial investment of fibre into schools, and provide minimal ongoing costs for this solution, thus providing free digital access to those who cannot afford it, and affordable access to those who can afford it.

·    We are currently awaiting a reply on this proposal and the intent is to present to ministry.

Note:  Alongside this, the infrastructure can be leveraged by commercial providers to support businesses who want access to this connectivity.

9.        Kaupapa Tuaiwa: Community Engagement Update

9.1      Enhancing Youth Engagement

Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) are seeking to enhance the way rangatahi are involved in council decision making and action. From January-March 2021, BOPRC engaged over 300 young people through face-to-face and online mechanisms. Over 200 of those young people were Māori. The purpose of the engagement was to:

•        Understand the barriers and challenges for young people to engage with BOPRC.

•        Identify youth-inspired solutions that can improve BOPRC engagement with young people.

An analysis of the findings from both the face-to-face and online engagement found four key current challenges needing to be addressed to improve and create effective engagement avenues for youth with BOPRC. The issues are:

•        Lack of Visibility;

•        Lack of Awareness;

•        Limited Youth Engagement; and

•        Lack of Trust.

Young people also provided youth-inspired solutions which were recommended in a paper to Full Council on 1 April 2021 (Item 10.4, p.120). These youth-inspired solutions will inform the youth engagement plan over the next three years. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 1: Tamariki at Te Wharekura o Rūātoki  

9.2      Participate Bay of Plenty – Hono Mai, Kōrero Mai

In February 2021 Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana launched its new online engagement platform, Participate Bay of Plenty (www.participate.boprc.govt.nz). This online engagement platform is a means of increasing participation by our diverse communities with Regional Council, where the community can contribute to decision-making. Council staff have led the development of this project, which launched with the Long Term Plan, and Rangatahi engagement. We have since run (or are running) three further consultations (Regional Land Transport Plan, Fees and Charges Policy, and the Rotorua Public Transport Review).

The key benefits of this online engagement platform for community are accessibility, being able to have all information and documents pertaining to a consultation in one location, and an easy-to-use site that users find simple to understand and navigate. A significant advantages of this platform for Council is the ability to gather demographic data on site participants. This means we are able to better understand who we are hearing from in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, location and where the gaps are. For example - of the 261 online submissions received for the Long term Plan, 16.9% of the 243 submitters who shared their ethnicity identified as Māori. Already the site has had more than 8,000 site visits and 561 contributions across six projects. Demographic data is voluntary, however it will assist council to target efforts to reach key communities where participation may be lower than expected.

10.      Kaupapa Tekau: Long Term Plan 2021-2031 - Update

The submission period for the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2021-2031 closed on Monday 22nd March 2021.

There were 317 submissions received on the LTP 2021-2031 with a small number of late submissions still expected, where time extensions had been previously agreed. This is the highest number of submissions Council has received on its LTP for some time, in 2018 we received 240 submissions and in 2015 we received 275 submissions.

Promotion of consultation on the LTP was delivered through a range of channels including online marketing where over 1.2 million online ads have been served up to members of our community generating 1,500 clicks though to our LTP consultation site www.participate.boprc.govt.nz/ltp and the Facebook sponsored post generated 2000 clicks through to the site and over 950 people viewed the submission form on the site.

Next Steps

Staff are focused on preparing information for Council ahead of the LTP Hearings scheduled from 12-16 April and on confirming arrangements for submitters who wish to be heard at the Hearings.

Final decisions on the LTP will be made at the Council Deliberations scheduled for 12 May 2021 with the LTP due to be adopted by Council on the 24 June 2021.

11.      Kaupapa Tekau mā tahi: Emergency Management - Tsunami

At 0850 hours on Friday 5 March 2021, following a magnitude 8.0 earthquake in the Kermadec Islands, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued a Tsunami Warning for areas of New Zealand. In the Bay of Plenty region these warnings included a:

•        Land inundation threat East of Matatā – with members of the public advised to leave tsunami evacuation zones and move to higher ground or inland.

•        Beach and Marine threat West of Matatā – with members of the public advised to stay off beaches and out of the water.

Communities across the Bay of Plenty generally responded well to the warnings with communities evacuating in a timely manner, however there were a range of issues identified:

•        Some confusion over messages, required actions, location of safe areas, roles of Territorial Authorities and BOPRC.

•        Over-evacuation – particularly in areas west of Matatā who were not required to evacuate, including a number who arrived at Marae unexpectedly.

•        Limited resources available to support evacuee in safe areas.

These issues show there is room for improvement to ensure the safety of our whānau and communities in future emergencies. This work will be led by Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM). CDEM is not an organisation but a system of coordinating emergency services, welfare service agencies, local government, organisations and communities before, during and after an emergency.  In this way, we are all CDEM. In this rohe CDEM is coordinated via the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Group which consists of:

•        Bay of Plenty Regional Council;

•        Kawerau District Council;

•        Ōpōtiki District Council;

•        Whakatāne District Council;

•        Rotorua District Council;

•        Western Bay of Plenty District Council; and

•        Tauranga City Council.

Each of the local authorities listed above have CDEM professionals who work across the 4R’s of emergency management (Reduction, Readiness, Response and Recovery) and will be engaging with communities to increase their understanding of, and preparedness for, emergencies.

These CDEM professionals are supported by Emergency Management Bay of Plenty’s (EMBOP) Kaiarahi Māori, who is currently engaging and enabling whanau, hapū and marae to create and enact their own Emergency Preparedness Plans. This process, founded on building Whakawhānaungātanga throughout the Civil Defence space enables tangata whenua to kōrero to the right people when they activate their own hāpori structures. EMBOP’s Kaiarahi Māori will work with Territorial Authorities to enable them to lead this kaupapa and be the kaimahi for these whānaungātanga.

While this engagement is ongoing it will take time to increase preparedness across our communities, however, there are actions we can take now, as individuals, to support ourselves and our whānau.  Understanding where your evacuation zones are, making a plan with your whānau, and preparing an emergency kete (or “grab bags”) made up with enough supplies to last an initial 24 hours of any emergency will all help you and your whānau if the worst should happen.

Understanding where your evacuation zones are[1], making a plan with your whānau, and preparing an emergency kete (or “grab bags”) made up with enough supplies to last an initial 24 hours of any emergency will all help you and your whānau if the worst should happen.

12.      Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Maori

The items presented in this report cover a range of initiatives which have a positive impact on Māori. The upcoming legislative reforms and Komiti Māori’s amended Terms of Reference that now focus on shared decision making with Māori have provided impetus on co-partnering and building relationships with tangata whenua and further promoting Te Mana o te Taiao.

 

This is already being put into practice by the efforts of kaitiaki groups such as Korehaha Whakahau and the projects undertaken by Professor Kura Paul-Burke to actively restore their waterways, eradicate pest species and to monitor the progress or decline of taonga species.

 

We have organisations, such as Toi Kai Rawa and Toi EDA who are at the forefront of enabling whānau to build the economy through investigating opportunities to maximise the use of Māori land, re-energising Māori businesses and bringing technology and connectivity to the Bay of Plenty, all which further encourages the relationships between Council and tangata whenua. 

 

And looking into the future is our partnerships with Māori education institutions such as Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiaarangi, this particular partnership provides a platform to inform and build capacity and capability for those who will be undertaking kaitiaki work in the years to come.

 

The implications for Māori can only be positive where Council recognises opportunities to enhance Māori capacity through partnerships.  These partnerships have benefits to Māori and the wider community.  Te Hononga for example represents Council’s acknowledgement that by working with Māori, priority initiatives such as implementing the NPSFM, can be successfully achieved when Māori have meaningful participation in the planning/policy process.

 

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Toi Kai Rawa Update - Komiti Maori 20 April 2021   


Komiti Māori                                                                                                                  20 April 2021

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[1] Evacuation zone maps can be found here - https://www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz/documents/?filter=Tsunami%2CMap