Agenda of Rangitāiki River Forum - Friday, 2 September 2022

Rangitāiki River Forum

Membership

Chairperson	Bronco Carson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)
Deputy Chairperson	Terewai Kalman (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa)
Tangata Whenua Members
One appointed representative each:
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa	Karito Paul (Alternate)
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare	Jane Nicholas (Alternate)
Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust	Shaneen Simpson-Almond
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 June 2022

Rangitāiki River Forum

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 3 June 2022, 10:00am

Venue: Via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Heamana

Chairperson: Bronco Carson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Terewai Kalman (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Crs Bill Clark, Toi Kai Rākau Iti and Kevin Winters

Hineuru Iwi Trust

Mei Winitana

Taupō District Council

Cr John Williamson

Te Rūnanga o Ngati Awa

Miro Araroa and Tuwhakairiora O'Brien (Alternate)

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa

Karito Paul (Alternate)

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare

Jane Nicholas (Alternate)

Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua

Ngapera Rangiaho

Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust

Shaneen Simpson-Almond

Whakatāne District Council

Crs Alison Silcock and Wilson James (Alternate)

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: Jane Waldon – Co-Governance Secretariat;

Bay of Plenty Regional Council: Chris Ingle - General Manager Integrated Catchments, Mieke Kapa – Land Management Officer, Michelle Lee – Planner (Water Policy), Nassah Rolleston-Steed – Policy & Planning Manager, Julie Bevan – Acting General Manager Strategy & Science, Shari Kameta (Committee Advisor);

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa: Maxeen Newton – Pou Taiao; Whakatāne District Council: Cr Lesley Immink, Astrid Hutchinson - Infrastructure Compliance Specialist

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Cr Tangonui Kingi (for absence)

Brenda Lewis (for absence)

Whakaeke Ritete (for late arrival/absence)

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia was provided by Miro Araroa, followed by a mihi to welcome Shaneen Simpson-Almond onto the Forum.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Accepts the apologies from Cr Tangonui Kingi, Brenda Lewis and Whakaeke Ritete for late arrival/absence tendered at the meeting.

Rangiaho/Araroa

CARRIED

3. Raupapa o Ngā Take
Order of Business

Agenda item 9.3 - Manawa Energy Update on the Matahina Dam Downstream Trap and Transfer Programme was withdrawn from the agenda by Ryan Piddington, Manawa Energy to enable a discussion to take place first with Ngāti Awa before an update is provided to the Forum.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Accepts the withdrawal of Agenda item 9.3 Manawa Energy Update on the Matahina Dam Downstream Trap and Transfer Programme from the agenda.

Araroa/Simpson-Almond

CARRIED

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

None declared.

5. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 4 March 2022

Matters Arising

1. In relation to Minute Item 5.2 – regarding the Wheao reconsent update – Ngāti Manawa would be engaging a consultant to undertake a Cultural Impact Assessment.

2. In relation to Minute Item 6.2 – the funding application made to the Lions Foundation to help fund a self-contained toilet on the eastern bank of the Thornton river mouth had been approved. It was noted that the application was amongst other funding sources being pursued.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Confirms the Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 4 March 2022 as a true and correct record, subject to the following amendments:

· Minute item 6.2 ‘November 2021-February 2022 Rangitāiki Catchment Programme Dashboard Report’ (agenda page 13) - Key Points members: last bullet point: "An application to Regional Councils Environmental Enhancement Fund had been unsuccessful..." should read: “An application to the Trustpower - Rangitaiki River Environmental Fund Trust was unsuccessful...”

Rangiaho/Winitana

CARRIED

6. Whakaaturanga
Presentations

6.1

Old Rangitāiki River Channel Projects

Presentation - Old Rangitaiki River Channel Projects: Objective ID A4119306

Presented by: Mieke Kapa, Land Management Officer

Mieke Kapa provided a presentation on two projects that were taking place along the old Rangitāiki River channel.

Key Points:

Smith Road Crossing Culvert Upgrade

· Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) and Whakatāne District Council (WDC) were working collaboratively together to upgrade the culverts underneath the Smith Road crossing, which go over the old Rangitāiki river channel.

· WDC had investigated the two culverts and flushed the 1800mm culvert that was partially blocked, however the 1200mm culvert was blocked and found to be collapsing the road, therefore there was a level of urgency to have the culvert replaced.

· Photos taken in May 2021 showed the blockage impacts within the channel.

· Proposed options were being considered to upgrade the 1200mm culvert to 1800mm, or to replace both culverts with a single box culvert to create additional tidal flow and improve habitat on the eastward side. A decision on what the best option for the site is was yet to be determined.

Old Rangitāiki River Channel Pond

· The river channel pond and island was situated on Department of Conservation (DoC) administered land to the left of Thornton Road.

· BOPRC had a community agreement with DoC for the site.

· Photos taken in early May 2022 showed water quality degradation in the pond.

· The culvert had now been replaced, a causeway constructed and the island mulched and sprayed in preparation for planting.

· The proposed plan was to plant the entire island with native plants over the coming years, with the first lot of planting taking place during the week by Tāne Mahuta Aotearoa Ltd.

In Response to Questions:

· The project was financially funded by the BOPRC with agreement and collaboration from DoC.

· Plant species that were being used included upoko-tangata, karamu, totara, harakeke, kauka, kiekie and Thornton kanuka.

· The specific harakeke species were unknown; however, all of the plants were grown locally by Coastlands nursery who would be open to sourcing species to collect and grow.

· Teresa McCauley and Pete Livingston were the DoC staff who were involved with the project and community agreement.

· The river channel pond was a site used by whitebait inanga spawning, but did not have any evidence of this at the Smith Road crossing; however, future invertebrate surveys may be able to provide further information.

Key Points – Members:

· Planting of locally sourced harakeke and kiekie would be beneficial for local iwi/hapū to gather for traditional resources to assist with local marae revitalisation projects.

· DoC administered land allowed mana whenua to have guaranteed access to the area for cultural material plans, therefore the respective iwi/hapū could contact the relevant DoC community ranger to enquire and discuss.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Follow-up with Mei Winitana regarding the sourcing of local plant species.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the presentation, Old Rangitāiki River Channel Projects.

Clark/Simpson-Almond

CARRIED

7. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

The following Agenda item 9.2 was received before Agenda item 9.1, Forum Members Verbal Updates.

7.1

Update on the Bill Kerrison Memorial Sculpture at Aniwhenua Reserve

Presentation - Bill Kerrison Memorial - Concept sketches, design and themes: Objective ID A4119308

Presented by: Karito Paul (Alternate member, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa)

Key Points:

· Karito and Cr Silcock had worked together with artist Himiona Nuku on the overall design concept for Bill Kerrison’s memorial.

· The design was textual, large in scale and based on the model of a hinaki that would incorporate a shelter, carved waharoa, tuna motifs, tuna life cycle information and a monument board dedicated to Bill’s life mahi.

· The design concept had been shared with Bill’s whānau and wife Ruby who were impressed with the concept and the continuation/recognition of Bill and his mahi.

· Personalised commemorations on the monument board would be shared with Bill’s whānau before they were finalised.

· The monument’s orientation would face north to reflect the tuna migration with its location yet to be determined.

10:30 am – Cr Silcock entered the meeting.

In Response to Questions:

· A funding application would be submitted to BOPRC’s Environmental Enhancement Fund which opened in July 2022 and other funding avenues could be pursued if needed.

· Did not consider funding to construct the memorial would be an issue due to Bill’s status and mana which a number of people, community groups and agencies held in high regard.

· General maintenance and upkeep would need to be a consideration however, noted that Holly’s Playground was well maintained by the community.

· Envisioned that the kaitiaki/maintenance of the memorial would be held by the students of Bill; however, still needed to be discussed.

Key Points - Members:

· Commended the fantastic design concept that would keep the continuation of Bill’s mahi alive; and seeking endorsement of it from Bill’s whānau.

· Incorporating recognition of Trustpower and Mangu Clark from Uiraroa Marae to acknowledge their support of Bill’s work and the establishment and operation of the Kokopu Trust was noted and acknowledged.

· Noted that the responsibility of maintenance and upkeep of the memorial needed further consideration. Initial thoughts envisioned the upkeep as a shared responsibility by Kokopu Trust students, tuna kaimahi and local hapū/whānau/community.

· Construction and maintenance needed to consider health and safety.

· Considered that the Regional Council may be able to support the shared maintenance of the memorial.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the Verbal Update on the Bill Kerrison Memorial Sculpture at Aniwhenua Reserve.

Rangiaho/Araroa

CARRIED

7.2

Forum Members' Verbal Updates

Cr Bill Clark – Bay of Plenty Regional Council

· Referred to a published article about an irrigation scheme in the South Island that had installed fish passage at a cost of $18M, which would be beneficial to investigate.

Ngapera Rangiaho – Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua

· Provided an update on activities from Waiohau:

o Civil defence emergency management workshop training was held with Justin Douglas and local Haumaru team at Waiohau Marae.

o Willow clearance had been completed in the Waikokopu stream and was looking great.

o Resource consent activity - roadworks, culvert replacement and restoration work was progressing well by Wilson Farm.

o Quarry owner Jessica Wisemen consented activity was progressing well with regular engagement from local Kaumātua Tom Tupe and Tunihia Tupe regarding cultural assessment and safety management to ensure community safety is maintained.

· Update on Kokopu Trust activity:

o Had visited Manawa Energy to observe Stage 2 of the elver elevator in-river installation trial. The first attempt had been unsuccessful and feedback/consideration given to the use of more natural materials that were being used by the current transfer operation.

o Expressed thanks to Manawa Energy for providing a two-day boat and navigation training to Kokopū Trust representatives, which had been greatly received and appreciated. Further training opportunities was to be offered to other local iwi/hapū representatives.

Mei Winitana – Ngāti Hineuru

· An invitation would be extended to Forum members towards early 2023 for a rescheduled visit and pōwhiri to Te Haroto marae, Lake Pouarua and other sites.

· Noted that litigation with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council was pending in relation to a Mohaka river tributary and resource consent process for aggregate river takes.

· Geothermal feasibility studies were being undertaken for the Tarawera Hot Springs (located on Taupō-Napier Highway).

Shaneen Simpson-Almond – Ngāti Tūwharetoa (BOP) Settlement Trust

· Noted that Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai had a geothermal team which Ngāti Hineuru’s Board may wish to seek advice from.

8. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

8.1

Change in Membership

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Change in Membership.

2 Confirms the appointment of Shaneen Simpson-Almond as the appointed member for Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust, replacing Clifford Te Riini (Appointed Member) and Paora Hunia (Alternate member).

Winitana/Araroa

CARRIED

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

8.2

Rangitaiki Catchment Programme Dashboard - March-May 2022

Presented by: Chris Ingle (General Manager Integrated Catchments)

Key Points:

· Noted there was a significant amount of work taking place and the majority of projects were progressing well.

In Response to Questions:

· Peter Mulvihill (Consultant for Southern Generation Partnership Limited) and Charles Harley (Team Leader Eastern Catchments) were investigating methods for lake weed control at Lake Aniwaniwa. Some discussions had been held with Ngāti Manawa and potential engagement of NIWA being pursued and to be confirmed.

· River scheme maintenance programme (action under Objective 7) included native plant restoration and clearing that was currently taking place around the Te Teko bridge.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Actions 5.5 and 8.6 - provide an update on progress made with engaging NIWA to review weed control methodology at Lake Aniwaniwa.

· Action 2.3 Upper Rangitāiki wilding conifer programme work – Miro Araroa queried if local rangatahi were or could be involved in this mahi.

· Requested a timeframe indicator within the Dashboard report to identify where programmed works were at in terms of their completion.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Rangitaiki Catchment Programme Dashboard - March-May 2022.

Silcock/Winters

CARRIED

8.3

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Presentation - EFPP Update and Visions: Objective ID A4119307

Presentation - Rangitaiki Freshwater Update Online Tools Demo: Objective ID A4119311

Presented by: Michelle Lee (Planner (Water Policy))

Key Points:

· Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) work was currently on schedule for the Rangitāiki.

· Current focus was engaging with iwi/hapū who were willing to engage.

· Expressed thanks for the feedback that had been shared by Iwi members in the last few months on incorporating perspectives of Mātauranga Māori.

· Demonstrated the interactive tools (i.e. WET) that was now available online at www.participate.boprc.govt.nz/vision-and-outcomes/rangitaiki-feedback for people to express thoughts on Rangitāiki freshwater values that would help inform long term visions alongside tangata whenua input.

· Feedback could be submitted online by 29 June and would be eligible to enter a draw for $200 gift vouchers.

· Baseline indicators related to the bands within the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM).

· Encouraged members to use the WET tool to provide feedback.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update.

Rangiaho/Clark

CARRIED

8.4

Update from the Rangitaiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group

Presented by: Chris Ingle (General Manager Integrated Catchments)

Key Points:

· The aim of the report was to provide a better level of understanding and communication of what was being discussed by the River Scheme Advisory Group and to determine if Forum members wished to become involved or seek further information.

· Noted that Councillors Bill Clark and Toi Iti were members of the advisory group and provided a good link between the two groups.

Key Points - Members:

· Ngapera noted that Tūhoe’s Tribal Authority Chair Patrick McGarvey had shown an interest to attend the Whakatāne River Scheme Advisory Group hui, which was good to see.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Update from the Rangitaiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group.

Silcock/Simpson-Almond

CARRIED

9. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Miro Araroa.

11:30 am – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Bronco Carson

Chairperson, Rangitāiki River Forum



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	2 September 2022
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Gemma Moleta, Senior Planner (Water Policy)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To update the Rangitāiki River Forum on Essential Freshwater Policy Programme implementation progress relevant to the Rangitāiki co-governance area.

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report provides the Rangitāiki River Forum (RRF) with an update on Toi Moana’s Essential Freshwater Policy mahi relevant to the Rangitāiki co-governance area. This includes:

· Encouraging iwi involvement in the freshwater kaupapa now, prior to public engagement in 2023.

· An update on the online engagement on visions and environmental outcomes.

· Noting that summary information and draft policy options are developing, and Toi Moana staff intend to invite iwi to provide feedback this year, prior to public engagement in 2023.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) is Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s (Toi Moana) work programme to implement the requirements of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM) and also review the Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP). Overall, the EFPP continues to be implemented according to Toi Moana’s agreed programme plan, although there are some parts which are behind schedule.

Tight timeframes are necessary to achieve notification of changes to the RPS & RNRP by 2024 as required by the legislation. This year, the focus is primarily on developing draft policy options, and continuing to involve tangata whenua. An extensive public engagement period will occur in 2023.

2. Essential Freshwater Policy Programme update

2.1 Draft policy options

Toi Moana staff are now progressing tangata whenua and some targeted stakeholder engagement on working draft policy options for region-wide freshwater related chapters of the RPS and RNRP that have been reviewed. These include:

· RPS Water Quality and Land Use, and Water Quantity chapters.

· RNRP Integrated Management, Beds of Water Bodies, Wetlands, Discharges to Water and Land, and Land Management chapters.

The RNRP Kaitiakitanga chapter review is progressing and will be made available for tangata whenua engagement in September 2022. The RNRP Kaitiakitanga chapter review is currently under internal review and has been provided to Ngā Kaitohutohu (kaupapa Māori advisory group) on 2 August for comment (a follow up workshop is pending). It has also been provided to two external resource management consultants with comprehensive iwi and Māori resource management experience.

Work is also underway on other policy review and development topics including:

· Early draft long-term vision and outcomes for Freshwater Management Units (FMU), there will be an opportunity to discuss these at the meeting.

· Water quality targets, limits and options to achieve them in FMUs, including for the Rangitāiki; the aim is to have some draft science summaries by early September. Tangata whenua involvement in the preparation of attributes/indicators for mahinga kai will be a critical part of this work.

· Groundwater and surface water quantity limits and management options.

The aim is to have draft policy options ready for public engagement in 2023. There are likely to be some gaps. For clarity, no decisions on policy options will be sought from Toi Moana Councillors until late next year.

This is the last RRF meeting for the year (due to local body elections in October 2022). Letters inviting consideration of further draft policy review and development topics will be sent out to tangata whenua, including RRF iwi organisation members as they come to hand. An EFPP briefing can be provided for any new RRF members either ahead of or at the first RRF hui in 2023.

2.2 Tangata whenua engagement

Freshwater is a taonga and integral to the whakapapa of tangata whenua. The NPSFM clearly sets out increased expectation of active involvement of tāngata whenua in freshwater management, including incorporating mātauranga Māori, cultural values, and identifying attributes or indicators relating to cultural values such as mahinga kai. Toi Moana staff continue to invite and support iwi and hapū involvement via the Māori engagement process under Te Hononga to the extent they want to or have the capacity to be involved. Several iwi are now participating in the freshwater policy mahi whether that be through providing input into the draft long-term vision (a brief summary of key points from the combined iwi meetings was included in the paper for the June meeting), considering draft policy options or via other projects and engagements.

2.2.1 Involvement in early working draft policy reports

As outlined under the draft policy options section above, tangata whenua, via iwi organisations and co-governance groups have been invited to consider draft region wide policy options, to hold workshops with Toi Moana on these, and to provide feedback. The letter received by RRF has been forwarded to members and can be discussed at the hui.

RRF may consider requesting a combined hui for tangata whenua with associations to the Rangitāiki river and its tributaries similar to the Rangitāiki vision hui or may wish to wait until more Rangitāiki and/or tangata whenua specific draft policy material is available.

2.3 Community engagement

Throughout the remainder of this year, Toi Moana staff will provide information for the public, and opportunities for involvement via online engagement and aim to develop community interest and readiness to engage on policy options relevant to them in 2023.

Online engagement on long-term visions for freshwater and environmental outcomes for freshwater values closed on 1 August. Two contributions were provided online for the Rangitāiki FMU which covered values such as recreation, natural character, mahinga kai, irrigation, cultivation and food production, commercial and industrial use, animal drinking water, traditional resources and taonga species. Where these values were present, the contributors sought improvements to the current state. Both entries acknowledged the importance of being able to swim safely, concerns were raised about water availability and storage, erosion control and acknowledgement of the work landowners had undertaken already. They sought protection of Whirinaki Forest for its natural character and the community working together to keep our awa clean and available to all people.

As outlined above draft issue and option topics as well as the draft communication and engagement plan can be shared with iwi (and RRF members prior to the election) for consideration. Initial consideration may include whether or how to be involved in communication and engagement next year.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

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

3.2 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 as part of implementing the NPSFM and reviewing the RNRP.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

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

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 to be included in the notified plan change. In particular, the NPSFM makes mahinga kai a compulsory value in Te Anga Whāinga ā-Motu (National Objective Framework, NOF) that needs to be provided for in the setting of objectives, water quality and quantity targets and limits on resource use for freshwater bodies. Toi Moana staff acknowledge iwi and hapū organisations have a heavy workload crossing a wide range of matters, as well as freshwater, and yet still we seek to support and encourage tangata whenua to express their mahinga kai values and the tohu that indicate this value is provided for in freshwater bodies.

3.4 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 visions, values and outcomes has been online via Participate BOP over the last year. See the section on community engagement within the report. In 2023, Toi Moana will engage across the region on policy options and implications.

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

NPSFM implementation and supporting RRF are both core Toi Moana functions. They are both supported by the strategic framework and align with aspirations in Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki = Pathways of the Rangitāiki – river document.

3.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Toi Moana staff will:

1. Continue to invite and support involvement of tangata whenua in draft policy options for region-wide chapters, and in the preparation of draft long-term vision for freshwater and environmental outcomes.

2. Continue to support various iwi led projects to advance their input and advice into this work programme.

3. Continue to progress key policy workstreams at pace, including surface water quantity, groundwater quantity, water quality and ecosystem health in Freshwater Management Units.

4. Share summary information and draft policy option material relevant to the Rangitāiki with RRF and iwi and hapū organisations. Invite tangata whenua to provide feedback prior to public engagement in 2023.

5. Continue to develop the Communications and Engagement Plan for 2023.



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	2 September 2022
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Shari Kameta, Committee Advisor
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To provide key information regarding the upcoming local government elections.

2022 Local Government Elections Update

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The Local Government elections are being held on 8 October 2022 which effectively ends the 2019-2022 Council triennium and its associated committee structure and Councillor representative appointments on various co-governance forums.

This report provides key information regarding the upcoming local government elections, the process required to establish the new council for the 2022-2025 triennium and how this affects the Rangitāiki River Forum’s meeting schedule.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, 2022 Local Government Elections Update.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

Elections of members to all local government councils are held once every three years with the close of polling day for the 2022-2025 triennium being Saturday 8 October 2022. Elections for local government are conducted by way of postal voting.

2. Establishing a new council

Following the elections, the 2019-2022 Council triennium will end and all the Councils’ committees established under the Local Government Act are disestablished. This does not affect any co-governance forums which are established under separate legislation. However, the term for the Councils’ elected representatives on Rangitāiki River Forum will end.

After the official election results have been declared sometime between 13-19 October, the new Council will be established over the October – December period. This involves swearing the Councillors into office, electing the Regional Council’s Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, undertaking the Councillors’ induction programme, adopting a new governance committee structure and associated appointments of committee chairpersons and deputies, membership appointments to the various committees and co-governance forums, and establishing the 2023 Council and committee meeting schedule. Due to the amount of procedural requirements it is anticipated that Council’s representative appointments won’t be in place until late November therefore is anticipated that the next meeting of the Rangitāiki River Forum will be held in early 2023.

In developing the 2023 Meeting Schedule, staff anticipate keeping Rangitāiki River Forum meetings to the current quarterly meeting cycle and day of the week unless otherwise advised by the Rangitāiki River Forum Chair.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature only.

Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature only.

3.2 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Informal notice will be provided of the new Councils’ membership appointments and 2023 meeting dates once they have been confirmed as well as being reported to the next meeting of the Rangitāiki River Forum for confirmation.

The 2023 meeting cycle will be modelled on the 2022 meeting cycle. Members will receive notice of the 2023 meeting calendar and meeting invites once the meeting schedule has been confirmed.