Agenda of Rangitāiki River Forum - Friday, 4 March 2022

Rangitāiki River Forum

Membership

Chairperson	Bronco Carson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)
Deputy Chairperson	Vacant – to be appointed
Tangata Whenua Members
One appointed representative each:
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa	Terewai Kalman Karito Paul (Alternate)
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare	Jane Nicholas (Alternate)
Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust	Clifford Te Riini Reverend Paora Hunia (Alternate)
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa	Miro Araroa Tuwhakairiora O'Brien (Alternate)
Hineuru Iwi Trust	Mei Winitana Brenda Lewis (Alternate)
Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua	Ngapera Rangiaho
Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa	Whakaeke Ritete Ngatoru Wall (Alternate)
Council Members
One appointed members each:
Whakatāne District Council	Cr Alison Silcock Cr Wilson James (Alternate)
Taupō District Council	Cr John Williamson Cr Tangonui Kingi (Alternate)
Up to five appointed members:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council	Cr Bill Clark Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti Cr Kevin Winters
Quorum	Three iwi members and three Council members and must include a Ngāti Whare member and a Ngāti Manawa member.
Meeting frequency	Quarterly

Other iwi and local authorities through consensus of the Forum, may join the Forum.

Vision

Te Mana o Te Wai – The First Right to Water is to the Water.

Mission

Te Reo o Te Wai - Te Mana – The voice of the Water, restoring Te Mana o Te Wai.

Purpose

To protect and enhance the environmental, cultural, and spiritual health, wellbeing and sustainable use of the Rangitāiki River and its resources, for the benefit of present and future generations.

Scope

The Rangitāiki River Forum’s scope covers the geographical area of the Rangitāiki River Catchment including the Rangitāiki River, Whirinaki River, Wheao River and Horomanga River as referenced in the following Settlement Acts: Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012; Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012; Tūhoe Claims Settlement Act 2014; Hineuru Claims Settlement Act 2016; Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Act 2018.

This is a permanent joint committee under the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA), and co-governance partnership between local authorities and iwi that share an interest in the Rangitāiki River, and must not be discharged unless all of the appointing organisations agree to the discharge.

Role

· Prepare and approve the Rangitāiki River Document for eventual recognition by the Regional Policy Statement, Regional Plans and District Plans.

· Promote the integrated and coordinated management of the Rangitāiki River.

· Engage with and provide advice to:

§ Local Authorities on statutory and non-statutory processes that affect the Rangitāiki River, including under the Resource Management Act 1991.

§ Crown agencies that exercise functions in relation to the Rangitāiki River.

· Monitor the extent to which the purpose of the Rangitāiki River Forum is being achieved including the implementation and effectiveness of the Rangitāiki River Document.

· Gather information, disseminate information and hold meetings

· Take any other action that is related to achieving the purpose of the Forum.

Decision Making

The Forum must make its decisions by a vote at a meeting and must seek to achieve consensus, be consistent with and reflect the purpose of the Forum and acknowledge the interests of iwi in particular parts of the Rangitāiki and its catchments.

Power to Act

The Forum has the discretion to determine in any particular circumstance whether to exercise any function identified and to what extent any function identified is exercised.

Power to Recommend

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

Rangitāiki River Forum members report directly to their respective organisations.

Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes

3 December 2021

Rangitāiki River Forum

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 3 December 2021, 10.30 am

Venue: via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Bronco Carson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Bay of Plenty Regional Council:
Cr Bill Clark, Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti, Cr Kevin Winters

Hineuru Iwi Trust:

Mei Winitana, Brenda Lewis (Alternate)

Taupō District Council:

Cr John Williamson

Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa:

Whakaeke Ritete

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa:
Miro Araroa, Tuwhakairiora O'Brien (Alternate)

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa:

Terewai Kalman, Karito Paul (Alternate)

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare:

Jane Nicholas (Alternate)

Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua:

Ngapera Rangiaho

Whakatāne District Council:

Cr Alison Silcock, Cr Wilson James (Alternate)

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: Bay of Plenty Regional Council: Chris Ingle – General Manager Integrated Catchments, Greg Corbett – Biosecurity Manager, Charles Harley – Eastern Catchments Manager, Herewini Simpson – Kaihautu (Te Amorangi Lead), Nassah Rolleston-Steed - Principal Advisor, Policy & Planning, Nicola Green - Principal Advisor, Policy & Planning, Anaru Vercoe - Pou Whainga – Principal Advisor, Gemma Moleta - Senior Planner (Water Policy), Fiona Wood - Programme Coordinator Integrated Catchments, Michelle Lee - Planner (Water Policy); Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa: Maxeen Newton - Pou Taiao; Taupō District Council: Cornelia Dempsey - Co-Governance Manager; Whakatāne District Council: Astrid Hutchinson - Infrastructure Compliance Specialist; Trustpower Limited: Ryan Piddington - Environmental and Regulatory Services Manager, Jen Spence, Bridgette Horgan, Annie Tangata

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Cr Stacey Rose - Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Whakaeke Ritete - late arrival/early departure - Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Cr Tangonui Kingi Alternate, Taupō District Council

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia was provided by Miro Araroa, followed by a mihi to the outgoing Chair Maramena Vercoe and new members Terewai Kalman and Brenda Lewis.

The Deputy Chair and members reiterated the acknowledgements to Maramena for her chairmanship, contribution and passion that she had brought to the Forum and the mana that she had upheld on behalf of Ngāti Manawa. Members wished her all the best with her future mahi.

10.40 am – Whakaeke Ritete entered the meeting.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Accepts the apologies from Cr Tangonui Kingi, Cr Stacey Rose and Whakaeke Ritete (for late arrival/early departure) tendered at the meeting.

Araroa/Clark

CARRIED

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

None declared

4. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

4.1

Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 3 September 2021

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Confirms the Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 3 September 2021 as a true and correct record.

Rangiaho/Araroa

CARRIED

5. Whakaaturanga
Presentations

5.1

Wallaby Programme update

Presentation - National Wallaby Programme: Objective ID A3990067

Presented by: Greg Corbett, Biosecurity Manager

Key Points:

· Despite control efforts during the 1960s - 1990s, dama wallabies had slowly expanded their range within the Bay of Plenty (BOP). Exposure plots at Lake Ōkataina (1984) had demonstrated the impact from wallaby and deer browsing on plants and potential issues to water quality from soil erosion.

· Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC), Waikato Regional Council (WRC) and Te Papa Atawhai had undertaken wallaby management since 2006 however, a lack of funding had limited progress. Ensuing discussion with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) had led to an assessment by Manaaki Whenua (2015) of predicted spread across the country if dama wallabies were left uncontrolled.

· $27M Government funding over four years had been secured in 2020 for a National wallaby programme led by MPI.

· Waikato/BOP’s current wallaby programme included collaboration from BOPRC, WRC, MPI, Te Papa Atawhai and Te Arawa Lakes Trust.

· The programme’s aim was to eventually eradicate wallabies, however this would need significant ongoing funding.

· Operational priorities were to contain further spread and stop infestation within new areas of the Waikato/BOP regions.

· 2021-22 proposed control work programme depended on private access negotiations and included an area at Rabbit Road and within the Matahina Forest. Control work would include: detector dogs, trail cameras, infrared night drone surveillance (200m range), bait stations, shooting and wallaby proof fencing.

In Response to Questions:

· Research into genetic control and safe toxins was underway but not a current priority of the funding programme

· Jobs for Nature funding would generate approximately 25 Full-time Equivalents (FTE’S) on the ground this year.

· Core wallaby populations had not as yet spread to the Rangitāiki River. Surveillance cameras had been mounted through the bush near bridge crossings. The biosecurity team were aware wallabies had been sited near Galatea in past years, however had not been able to find them.

· Te Papa Atawhai ran dog certification training for pest protection (kiwi, whio and other native wildlife) on their estates and were introducing a new programme to support wild animal control that included goats and wallaby. The wallaby programme required any dogs being used in conservation work to be certified.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the presentation, Wallaby Programme Update.

Araroa/Winitana

CARRIED

6. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

6.1

Forum Members' Verbal Updates

Cr Alison Silcock – Whakatāne District Council

· Thanked BOPRC, WDC and Southern Generation for funding and completion of lake spraying in mid-November and prior to Christmas.

Cr John Williamson – Taupō District Council

· Hilary Samuels, Senior Policy Advisor would be circulating an update to the Forum on the draft Taupō District Plan review of Strategic Directions section in due course and would be keen to receive any feedback.

Ngapera Rangiaho – Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua

· Attended a site visit on 1 November 2021 to Matahina Dam with Trustpower (Caleb Sjardin) to discuss the second phase and site for the Arcadian fish transfer and elver transfer sites.

· Waiohau community users of Lake Aniwhenua had raised concerns around lake weed spraying, enquiring about the potential harm to tuna and their habitat.

· Patuheuheu and Ngāti Haka ahikāroa were seeing tuna havens along the Rangitāiki within Waiohau. Havens were providing shelter and a food source for tuna, freshwater fish population and bird life. An abundance of shortfin was allowing customary fishing practice to continue.

Cr Bill Clark – Bay of Plenty Regional Council

· Thanked Trustpower Limited for their ongoing support of the 2022 Rangitāiki River Festival and hoped to see Forum members attend the festival.

· The Rangitāiki Waka Ama Club was progressing well and wished to acknowledge the support of the Rangitāiki Hapū Coalition who provided funding to restore the club’s trailer. The club’s first outing would be at the river festival, for which Mātaatua Sports had indicated their potential support.

Mei Winitana – Hineuru Iwi Trust

· An invitation from Hineuru Iwi Trust to the Forum to visit the headwaters of the Rangitāiki catchment area would be forthcoming, with a potential date in February 2022 noted.

6.2	Update on Co-Governance Secretariat Presented by: Herewini Simpson, Kaihautu (Te Amorangi Lead)
	Key Points: · The RRF and Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority (TMOK) had made a joint submission to BOPRC’s Long Term Plan 2021 for funding for an independent secretariat role to jointly support both forums. · The role would carry out a range of functions such as: strategic, policy and governance advice, connecting members and stakeholders to work together on common goals, project/contract management and admin support. Most of these services were currently provided on an adhoc basis by BOPRC, which would be consolidated by this role. · Both forums were at different stages of maturity with TMOK having a strong focus on action implementation (on the ground projects) and the RRF increasing its focus on strategic level matters - freshwater mahi, Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms, etc. · Three options for a suitable model were being considered: a) Provide direct joint funding to the forums to set up the role – this would place a heavy administrative burden on the fora b) Council employs the person with direction given by the fora – would not provide the same level of independence c) Council contracts an independent lead with their own scope to shape a secretariat and ability to contract other skillsets as needed – this option was seen as the most beneficial to provide a level of independence, ability to contract skillsets as and when needed and minimise administrative burden on both forums. · A high level position description was being framed to seek expressions of interest prior to Christmas, with a view to put forward candidates in the new year and appoint in March/April 2022. · The advertisement would be circulated to Forum members who could distribute the vacancy through their networks. · Chairs and interested members could contribute to the scope of the role outside of a formal meeting, and direction taken from the Chairs for the recruiting process. · It was expected that the role would evolve/change/adapt to meet the needs of both fora. Member’s Comments: · Thanked Mr Simpson for his verbal update and looked forward to getting the secretariat role implemented. · Queried interim secretariat support, noting the outstanding matter of a letter of endorsement to Whakatāne District Council (WDC) in relation to toilet amenities at the Thornton river mouth. Cr James advised that WDC was supportive of installing and maintaining the proposed amenities but needed to find funding avenues, as was the case with amenity solutions for Matahina Dam. Resolved That the Rangitāiki River Forum: 1 Receives the verbal update on the Co-Governance Secretariat. Iti/Rangiaho CARRIED
	Items for Staff Follow Up: Chris Ingle, General Manager Integrated Catchments advised that secretariat matters rested with him and that he would follow-up regarding a letter of endorsement to WDC.
	Post Meeting Note: This action was completed via a letter dated 19 May 2021, submitted by the Chair to the Whakatāne District Council on behalf of the Forum, in support of CCTV cameras at the Thornton Reserve; and to endorse Mr Tu O’Brien’s submission to the WDC Long Term Plan 2021-31 regarding establishing toilet facilities on the right bank of the Thornton river mouth.

7. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

7.1

Change in Membership and Appointment of a Chairperson

Chris Ingle, General Manager Integrated Catchments presented the report on behalf of the Deputy Chair to seek confirmation of the new membership appointments and facilitated the voting process for the appointment of a new Chairperson.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Change in Membership and Appointment of a Chairperson.

2 Confirms the following appointments onto the Rangitāiki River Forum:

· Terewai Kalman as the appointed member for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa, replacing Maramena Vercoe; and

· Brenda Lewis as the alternate member for Hineuru Iwi Trust;

3 Selects System B as the voting system for the election of a Chairperson.

Winters/Iti

CARRIED

A nomination to appoint Bronco Carson as the Chairperson was received by Ngapera Rangiaho and seconded by Miro Araroa. No further nominations were received.

4 Appoints Bronco Carson as the Chairperson of the Rangitāiki River Forum.

Rangiaho/Araroa

CARRIED

Bronco Carson thanked members for their support and duly accepted the position of the Chair.

Key Points - Staff:

· The appointment of the new Chairperson had created a vacancy for the Deputy Chairperson’s position, which would be reported to the next meeting of the Forum in March 2022.

7.2

Incorporating Hineuru narrative within Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki – Pathways of the Rangitāiki River Document

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

Key Points:

· The report had been prepared on behalf of Hineuru Iwi Trust and sought the adoption of Ngāti Hineuru’s tribal narrative to be included in the River Document.

Key Points - Members:

· Mei Winitana provided comment on Hineuru’s proposed tribal narrative, noting that discussions had taken place within Hineuru Iwi Trust and that associated documents had been consulted.

· Emphasis was highlighted on the areas of interest shared and bordered by Hineuru with Ngāti Whare and Ngāti Manawa, and the request that any activities and collaboration relating to waterbodies and catchments within Hineuru’s area of interest must be negotiated with Hineuru Iwi Trust.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Incorporating Hineuru narrative within Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki – Pathways of the Rangitāiki River Document;

2 Adopts the Ngāti Hineuru tribal narrative text included in section 2 below for insertion into ‘Ngā iwi me ona kōrero – Traditional associations with the Rangitāiki River’ section of the River Document without the need for a formal public consultation process;

3 Directs staff to replace the online River Document version linked to Toi Moana’s website with the latest version containing Ngāti Hineuru tribal narrative.

Araroa/Rangiaho

CARRIED

12:00 pm – Whakaeke Ritete withdrew from the meeting.

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

7.3

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme - Long-term Vision and Environmental Outcomes

Presentation - Vision and Outcome setting for Rangitāiki: Objective ID A3990063

Presented by: Nicola Green, Principal Advisor (Policy & Planning)

Key Points:

· The Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) was to implement the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM).

· Acknowledged the Forum’s development of Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki, Regional Policy Statement (RPS) Change 3 that gave effect to Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki and the work of the Rangitāiki Freshwater Community Group, including providing feedback on Māori and community values during phases of the NPSFM 2014 and NPSFM 2017 (refer slide 5).

· The release of NPSFM 2020 had brought a significant RMA change requirement for regional councils to notify a region-wide plan change in 2024 and set a vision and timeline within the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) for each freshwater management unit (FMU).

· Outlined Council’s EFPP high level timeline and work completed to date to: collate existing information, undertake initial plan reviews, meet and engage with Māori on how they wished to be involved, and seek online community feedback on freshwater values. No decisions had been made on policy options, with further opportunity for Iwi/hapū/Māori to be involved in 2022 and 2023.

· Staff were at a stage where they wished to begin initial conversations with tangata whenua in developing long term vision statements for each FMU.

· For the Rangitāiki FMU, much of this work had already been done for
Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki and RPS Change 3, so options that sought to minimise rework and duplication were appropriate.

· Sought guidance and direction from the Forum on three potential options for the Rangitāiki FMU that appropriately recognised and provided for Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki and RPS Change 3. An overview was provided of examples including: no change (i.e. rely on RPS Change 3 alone); keeping RPS Change 3 objectives and adding nested goals for parts of Rangitāiki catchment and timeframes; or reworking RPS objectives again. A proposed engagement approach was provided.

· Staff would seek to engage with Iwi/hapū within the Rangitāiki catchment on the development of the vision statements and outcomes and noted that the Forum may wish to see the draft proposals after iwi/hapū and online public engagement (in March-June 2022) had occurred.

In Response to Questions:

· The order of priorities of different interests was set by the NPSFM which had set a hierarchy of obligations to: 1) wellbeing of freshwater bodies; 2) human health needs; and 3) social, economic and cultural wellbeing (within limit setting). It had also set compulsory values and raised the status of mahinga kai and recognition/provisions of Māori values and interests.

· The NPSFM also provided policy that freshwater would be managed as part of New Zealand’s response to climate change. Noted the existing tension with the NPS for Renewable Electricity Generation, therefore encouraged Iwi/hapū to be involved now into setting clear statements and objectives around Māori values and interests, hydro-electricity and other key values/uses in the catchment.

· The EFPP had some interface with the Three Waters Reform in relation to wastewater and stormwater discharges and allocation of supply takes under the RMA. Regional Council would not be directly affected by water amalgamations, but would interface with water service providers.

Key Points - Members:

· The matter should go to each of the Iwi partners for their consideration before the Forum formed any advice, therefore the Forum would defer its advice until March 2022.

· The Forum had gone through a robust process for the River Document which provided a level of flexibility within the document.

· The views of Hineuru and Ngāti Awa were to maintain authority over their own areas and for matters to first go through Iwi.

· Iwi partners also had the option to submit matters to the Forum for consideration.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme - Long-term Vision and Environmental Outcomes.

Carson/Winters

CARRIED

7.4

Rangitāiki Catchment Programme July - October Dashboard Report

Presented by: Charles Harley, Eastern Catchments Manager

Key Points:

· Additional to the dashboard report, it was noted that ongoing conversations were taking place with Pioneer Energy around spraying a larger area at Lake Aniwaniwa after the Christmas period.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Rangitaiki Catchment Programme July - October Dashboard Report.

Carson/Iti

CARRIED

7.5

Terms of Reference Review for River Scheme Advisory Groups

Presented by: Chris Ingle, General Manager Integrated Catchments

Key Points:

· Council was looking to change the terms of reference for two of its River Scheme Advisory Groups, whose purpose was to provide advice on flood and drainage work matters.

· Sought the Forum’s feedback if better communication or representation was needed between the river scheme advisory groups and the Forum.

Key Points - Members:

· Advisory Group members provided background and their experiences:

o Advisory groups were established and led by Council as an engagement mechanism with targeted ratepayers of the river schemes.

o Key focus related to hands-on operational and financial matters relating to flood mitigation assets and loans.

o Council took advice and feedback from advisory group representatives

· Supported further communication/detail coming back to the Forum.

· Supported Forum representation at the Advisory Group via the secretariat or Chair/Deputy Chair, which may benefit both the Forum and Advisory Group.

· Sought consideration around the Tūhoe relationship protocol in terms of engagements with the Advisory Group and river scheme activities.

In Response to Questions:

· The Flood and Drainage Bylaws had provisions to provide for social and cultural activities/practices within the 200m river margin, alongside provisions to ensure the integrity of the stopbank and margins. A review of the Bylaw’s implementation would also be considered in the future to consider and address any issues raised by the community.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Terms of Reference Review for River Scheme Advisory Groups.

Araroa/Rangiaho

CARRIED

8. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Miro Araroa.

12:55 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Bronco Carson

Chairperson, Rangitāiki River Forum



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	4 March 2022
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Shari Kameta, Committee Advisor
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Yvonne Tatton, Governance Manager Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To confirm the resignation of an appointed member of the Forum and consider the appointment of a new Deputy Chairperson.

Membership Resignation and Appointment of a Deputy Chairperson

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The report seeks to advise of the resignation of an appointed member Cr Stacey Rose, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana; and to consider the appointment of a new Deputy Chairperson.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Membership Resignation and Appointment of a Deputy Chairperson.

2 Selects System B as the voting system for the election of a Deputy Chairperson.

3 Elects __________________ as the Deputy Chairperson of the Rangitāiki River Forum.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

Resignation of Appointed Member

At its meeting of 17 December 2021, Bay of Plenty Regional Council accepted the resignation of Councillor Stacey Rose as one of its representatives on the Rangitāiki River Forum. As it was less than 12 months until the 2022 local authority election, Council decided not to reappoint a Council representative member to the Forum for the remainder of the 2019-2022 triennium.

Appointment of a Deputy Chairperson

Bronco Carson was appointed as the Chairperson at the Forum’s meeting on
3 December, which has created a vacancy for the Deputy Chairperson’s position.

Provisions for the election of the Deputy Chairperson are set out under the Forum’s Standing Orders 5.1, 5.3 and 5.4 as follows:

• The Forum must decide by resolution to use one of two voting systems (as set out in section 2 below) when electing people to the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson positions.

• The appointment must be decided at a meeting by vote and by the majority of members present and voting.

• The appointment is for a term of 3 years, unless the Deputy Chairperson resigns or is removed by the Forum during that term, and may be reappointed by the Forum.

Deputy Chairperson Appointment Protocols

At its meeting on 4 December 2020, and after seeking direction from Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa Board and Te Runanga o Ngāti Whare Board, Tangata Whenua Forum members discussed and continued to support the requirement that a quorum of the Forum must include both a Ngāti Manawa and Ngāti Whare appointed member. While not written into the Forum’s Standing Orders, the Chair and Deputy Chair positions have traditionally been held by appointed members from these two founding Treaty Settlement partners on a rotational basis.

2. Voting System for election of Deputy Chairperson

The Forum must resolve to use one of the following voting systems, as set out in the Forum’s Standing Orders:

“System A

(a) requires that a person is elected or appointed if he or she receives the votes of a majority of the members of the Forum voting; and

(b) has the following characteristics:

(i) there is a first round of voting for all candidates; and

(ii) if no candidate is successful in that round there is a second round of voting from which the candidate with the fewest votes in the first round is excluded; and

(iii) If no candidate is successful in the second round there is a third, and if necessary subsequent round of voting from which, each time, the candidate with the fewest votes in the previous round is excluded; and

(iv) In any round of voting if 2 or more candidates tie for the lowest number of votes, the person excluded from the next round is resolved by lot.

System B

(a) requires that a person is elected or appointed if he or she receives more votes than any other candidate; and

(b) has the following characteristics:

(i) there is only one round of voting; and

(ii) if 2 or more candidates tie for the most votes, the tie is resolved by lot.”

It is recommended that the Forum selects System B as its voting system.

3. The Voting Process

The following provides the steps in the voting process:

1. Forum resolves to adopt a voting system and the procedure in the event of a tie.

2. The Chairperson calls for nominations for the Deputy Chairperson (nominated and seconded).

3. Nominees may be allowed up to 10 minutes to make a presentation.

4. Voting for the appointment of the Deputy Chairperson as per the agreed system.

5. Deputy Chairperson declared elected.

In agreeing the voting process, ground rules are also agreed.

Ground Rules

a) A member may nominate or second themselves.

b) Any member may call for a Division – where the names of members voting for and against and any abstentions, are taken down in random order.

4. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

4.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this decision.

4.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

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

4.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature where there are no significant implications for Māori associated with the decision.

4.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

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Description automatically generated

Engagement with the community is not required as the recommended decision relates to internal Forum matters only.

4.5 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

5. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

If a Deputy Chair is appointed, they will assume the role for a term of three years until March 2025, unless they resign or are removed by the Forum during that term.



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	4 March 2022
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Jo Watts, Senior Planner (Water Policy); Gemma Moleta, Senior Planner (Water Policy) and Michelle Lee, Planner (Water Policy)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To outline the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme for 2022, provide an update on drafting the Rangitaiki vision and a brief national update.

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report provides Rangitāiki River Forum (RRF):

· an outline of Toi Moana’s Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) for 2022 and opportunity to be involved,

· an update on mahi progressing the drafting of the Rangitāiki vision since the last hui in December 2021; and

· an update on national regulatory changes affecting the EFPP.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) is Toi Moana’s (Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s) work programme to implement the requirements of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM) as well as review the Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP) and freshwater related chapters of the Regional Policy Statement (RPS). The EFPP continues to be implemented according to Toi Moana’s agreed programme plan. Tight timeframes are necessary to achieve notification of changes to the RPS & RNRP by 2024 as required by the legislation.

In summary, 2021 involved a large amount of technical / science investigations and reporting, initial regional policy review, and many meetings with iwi and hapū across the region to find out how they would like to be involved in freshwater management and identify capacity and capability needs. RRF has been provided regular updates and opportunities to provide input into the mahi at each hui. The last hui for the year included an initial discussion with members about a long-term vision for freshwater and environmental outcomes for freshwater values in the Rangitāiki Catchment.

2. Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022

RRF were provided an outline of the key deliverables for 2022 attached to the last freshwater update paper – see Attachment 1. The major focuses for 2022 are outlined in the timeline below and will be:

· Developing draft measurable targets, limits and policy options to achieve them;

· Working with iwi and hapū where they would like to be involved in the NPSFM process and supporting their mātauranga Māori input; and

· Early “without prejudice” discussions with key stakeholders, and technical experts as Toi Moana staff develop policy options as well as some initial communication and engagement with the public.

· A water quality reporting tool has been developed and will be publicised shortly via Freshwater Flash. A demonstration for RRF is being organised.

2.1 Issues and options

Toi Moana’s Strategy and Policy Committee will be meeting in June, August and September 2022, their last meetings prior to local government elections. They will be considering issues and options which will become the focus of engagement in 2023, although these may not be fully formed by the time of the meetings. The topics are likely to be grouped as follows:

Strategy and Policy Committee Meeting	Topic
June 2022	RPS freshwater amendments, RNRP Integrated Management, Beds of Water Bodies, and Wetlands chapters
August 2022	Discharges to Water/Water Quality chapters (region wide chapters and FMUs)
September 2022	Groundwater and Surface Water Quantity chapters (region-wide chapters and FMUs). Communications and Engagement Plan for 2023

Local government elections are being held in October this year, which may result in change of Councillors and also RRF council member appointments.

RRF will receive regular freshwater policy updates at the two further meetings scheduled for the year - 3 June and 2 September 2022. These will provide an opportunity to be kept informed of key issues and options relevant to the Rangitāiki as they are considered by Toi Moana. RRF may wish to provide advice and recommendations to Toi Moana as it sees fit. RRF iwi members can facilitate their iwi and/or hapū involvement in the freshwater mahi at any time throughout the programme. Informal discussions can be arranged as a committee, as iwi members of RRF, independently with your iwi and/or hapū or any combination of the above.

2.2 Engaging on Long-term Visions for Freshwater

At the last RRF hui (3 December 2022), the freshwater policy mahi focussed on vision setting, values and environmental outcomes. Long-term visions must set ambitious but reasonable goals (they could be difficult to achieve but not impossible), and timeframes to achieve those goals. The paper outlined the relationship with Te Ara Whanui o Rangitāiki and RPS Change 3 (Rangitāiki River) and this new long-term vision setting requirement in the NPSFM. An early example vision for the Rangitāiki FMU was shared within the freshwater presentation.

The overarching statement is based on Te Ara Whanui o Rangitāiki and the example goals are based on RPS Change 3 with some additional goals specific to parts of the catchment derived from Te Kawa o te Urewera and the Freshwater Futures Community Group. RRF and its member organisations have invested substantial time and effort into creating and approving the Rangitāiki River Document and Change 3 (Rangitāiki River). Both processes included public consultation processes.

There is clearly an interface between the long-term vision and environmental outcome setting requirements of the NPSFM for the Rangitāiki and these documents. The NPSFM states that “nothing in the NPSFM permits or requires a local authority to act in a manner that is, or make decisions that are, inconsistent with relevant iwi participation legislation and or any directions or visions under that legislation”. It is for this reason Toi Moana has formed an example vision for the Rangitāiki for discussion that:

· delivers the NPSFM requirements;

· reflects the vision and themes from the Rangitāiki River Document and RPS Change 3 (Rangitāiki River); and

· builds on to, rather than repeats the effort invested and engagement to date.

Part of the engagement will need to include setting suitable timeframes to achieve the vision.

2.3 Opportunity to input into the Rangitāiki Long-term Vision for Freshwater

This year iwi organisations and RRF’s chair were sent letters inviting their involvement in developing draft long term visions for freshwater. Where an iwi’s rohe extended over a number of freshwater management units all relevant example visions were attached. A copy of the letter and attachment sent to RRF’s chair is attached for discussion (refer to attachment 2).

An invitation has been sent to iwi who received the letter about the Rangitāiki vision to wānanga with RRF members at the close of the formal meeting. It is an opportunity to share and discuss our collective aspirations for the Rangitāiki awa, future health and wellbeing of wai māori, its ecosystems and the communities who depend on it.

2.4 Community Engagement

In March/April 2022, an online survey will be launched on Participate Bay of Plenty seeking public input to the development of long-term visions for freshwater.

Throughout this year, Toi Moana staff will start to build and provide information for the public, deliver online engagement on visions and outcomes, and aim to develop community interest and readiness to engage on policy options that affect them in 2023.

Toi Moana staff will continue to be responsive to enquiries from community organisations and further workshops will be held with Freshwater Futures Community Groups for Rangitāiki, Kaituna and Waihī-Pongakawa.

2.5 Ngā Kaitohutohu

Ngā Kaitohutohu (Māori Technical Advisory Group) held their first meeting for the year on 22 February to advance discussions on Freshwater Management Units coupled with the implementing Te Mana o te Wai. The group have emphasised the importance of engaging with tangata whenua with interests in the water bodies within their rohe.

3. Changes to national freshwater regulations

Nationally, several changes to regulations will be gazetted this year. Proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standard for Drinking Water (NESDW) have been released for public consultation. These will primarily affect regional councils and include changes relating to:

· how at-risk source water areas are delineated.

· how activities that pose risks to source water are regulated or managed.

· protecting all registered water supplies (which will include any party who supplies drinking water to 1 or more other parties).

Changes will need to be included in the Regional Natural Resources Plan as part of the EFPP to implement the NES-DW. Public consultation on discussion document 10 January - 6 March 2022.Likely gazettal mid-late 2022. The governments consultation material is available here https://consult.environment.govt.nz/freshwater/nes-drinking-water/

4. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

4.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this matters covered by this report.

4.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature and there is no need to consider climate change impacts. Climate change impacts will be considered by Toi Moana as part of implementing the NPSFM and reviewing the RNRP.

4.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The NPSFM sets out requirements to involve tangata whenua in the management of freshwater and Toi Moana is progressing this in accordance with Te Hononga, Regional Council’s Māori engagement approach for implementing the NPSFM.

Te Mana o Te Wai in the NPSFM 2020 represents a significant shift by central government to recognise the importance of tangata whenua involvement in the management of freshwater. Importantly, it signals inclusion of mātauranga Māori in shaping up the policies that will be included in the notified changes to the RPS and RNRP. Tangata whenua have the opportunity to co-create a draft long term vision for the management of freshwater in the Rangitāiki catchment, to then be discussed with the community. This can incorporate the momoea o ngā tipuna, me ngā reanga e heke mai ai (the hopes and dreams of our ancestors and for the generations to come).

4.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

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

Community engagement on freshwater vision, values and outcomes will be primarily online in 2022. See the sections on engagement within the report. In 2023, Toi Moana will engage across the region on policy options and implications.

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

NPSFM implementation and supporting RRF are both core, non-discretionary Toi Moana functions. They are both supported by the strategic framework and align with aspirations in Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki – the Rangitāiki River Document.

4.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for RRF associated with this report.

5. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Over the next period of time, Toi Moana will:

1. Continue to invite iwi and hapū to discuss a working draft long-term vision for freshwater and environmental outcomes for Rangitāiki and other FMUs; and

2. Seek public feedback via Participate Bay of Plenty (online engagement) on draft long-term vision and outcomes for Rangitāiki and other FMUs;

3. Progress technical work towards identifying water quality and ecosystem health targets for all national attributes that would help us to achieve vision and outcomes for freshwater values; and

4. Iwi and hapū continue to be invited and supported to express their values and mātauranga Māori tohu that could be used to indicate the state/wellbeing of these values.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2021 - 2022 ⇩

Attachment 2 - Letter to RRF Chair - Example draft vision - seeking feedback ⇩



Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Meeting Date:	4 March 2022
Report Writer:	Fiona Wood, Programme Coordinator Integrated Catchments
Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Purpose:	To provide an update on the Projects within the Rangitāiki Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2021-2022