Agenda of Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Membership

Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chairperson)	Sir Toby Curtis
Deputy Chairperson (appointed by Group)	Mayor Steve Chadwick (Rotorua Lakes Council)
Members
Two representative from each of the partner Councils one of whom must be the Chair/Mayor:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council	Chairman Doug Leeder Cr Kevin Winters Cr Te Taru White (Alternate)
Rotorua Lakes Council	Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson To be confirmed (Alternate)
Governance representatives from Te Arawa Lakes Trust	Roana Bennett Nuki Nicholson Rangitihi Pene (Alternate)
Observer from the Ministry for the Environment	Lorena Stephen, Director of Sustainable Land Use Delivery
Quorum	One appointed member from each of the partner organisations
Meeting frequency	Quarterly

Purpose

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

Role

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strategy Group Procedures

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

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

Meanings:

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

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

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

Membership

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

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

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

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

Quorum*

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

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

· It was notified in accordance with the Standing Orders;

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

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

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

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

Power to Act

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

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

Power to Recommend

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

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

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes

12 February 2021

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 12 February 2021, 09:30 am

Venue: Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Waiariki Room, Corner Fenton & Pukaki Street, Rotorua

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Mayor Steve Chadwick (Rotorua Lakes Council)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC)

Deputy Mayor David Donaldson

Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT)

Nuki Nicholson

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC)

Cr Kevin Winters and Cr Te Taru White

Observers from Ministry for the Environment (MfE)

Courtney Clyne – Kaitātari Freshwater Investments Team, and Juscinta Grace - Kaiwhakahaere Pūtea Manager, Funds Sustainable Land Use Delivery

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: BOPRC: Councillor Lyall Thurston; Chris Ingle – General Manager Integrated Catchments; Helen Creagh – Rotorua Catchments Manager; Gemma Moleta – Senior Planner (Water Policy); Rosemary Cross – Senior Projects Manager – Rotorua; Merinda Pansegrouw – Committee Advisor

RLC: Geoff Williams – Chief Executive; Stavros Michael - General Manager Infrastructure; Gina Rangi - Manahautū Māori (Māori Manager)

TALT: Nicki Douglas – Environment Manager; Mariana Te Rangi - Strategy Manager; Elva Conroy – Consultant Conroy & Donald Consultants Limited; Kingi Biddle – TALT Trustee

Other: Chris Sutton - Rerewhakaaitu Farmer, Ian McLean – Lakes Water Quality Society

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Roana Bennett (Te Arawa Lakes Trust)

Sir Toby Curtis (Poū Tākiwaiora)

Chairman Doug Leeder (Bay of Plenty Regional Council)

Following an apology received from Poū Tākiwaiora Sir Toby Curtis, Deputy Chair, Mayor Steve Chadwick assumed the chair.

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia was provided by Councillor Te Taru White.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Accepts the apologies from Roana Bennett, Sir Toby Curtis and Chairman Doug Leeder tendered at the meeting.

Chadwick/Donaldson

CARRIED

3. Ngā Take Tōmuri
Items not on the Agenda

· Future presentation by GNS Science, Te Pū Ao

· Review of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group’s Terms of Reference.

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

No declarations of conflicts of interest advised.

5. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 27 October 2020

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Confirms the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 27 October 2020 as a true and correct record.

Winters/Nicholson

CARRIED

6. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

6.1

Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update Report

Presented by Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) Environment Manager Nicki Douglas.

Key Points - Members:

· Congratulated TALT on the success with the Catfish Volunteer Programme and the subsequent nomination for the New Zealand Biosecurity Awards

· Commended the initiative of training Biosecurity Officers

· Praised the Enviroschools concept as an environmental action based programme where young people were empowered to design and lead sustainability projects in their schools, neighbourhoods and country. Since this programme was not available in all schools yet, the prospects looked very encouraging and should be further pursued along with the Ministry for the Environment (MfE).

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update Report.

Donaldson/Nicholson

CARRIED

6.2

Progressing a Collective Impact Framework for the Tarawera Lakes System

Presentation - Progressing a Collective Impact Framework for Tarawera February 2021: Objective ID A3742248

Tabled Document 1 - Tabled item 1 - Tarawera CIF Scoping Report Dec 2020: Objective ID A3733166

Presented by Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) Environment Manager Nicki Douglas and Elva Conroy, Consultant - Conroy & Donald Consultants Limited.

Key Points of the Presentation:

· Collective Impact Scoping

· Feedback / Ideas /Guidance over 2020

· Key Findings: Confirmed an interest in a collective impact/collective impact would be suitable

· Focus for 2021:

o To be based on whānaungatanga (kinship, relationship) and just ‘keeping it simple’

o Building connectivity and relationships through communication and community outreach

o Collating information and identifying gaps

o Developing a shared agenda/vision for the Tarawera Lakes System and identifying how success would be measured

· Requirements

o Clearer communication/messages

o Multiple methods of connecting – field trips, site visits, newsletters, videos

o Planning and ‘doing’ at the same time

o Resource requirements.

Key Points - Members:

· Commended Elva Conroy for the scoping report prepared for Te Arawa Lakes Trust on “Progressing a Collective Impact Framework for the Tarawera Lakes System”

· Noted that consideration would be given to the research work undertaken by Cornel de Ronde (GNS Science) on geothermal activity around the lakes

· Progressing a Collective Impact for the Tarawera Lakes System would require a joint approach/common agenda/shared vision

· Noted the pre-condition to have sufficient resources to support the planning process and collective impact infrastructure and the need for resourcing to assist with communication. It would be of benefit if all Strategy Group Partners could be involved in the ongoing engagement and action

· All possible funding sources should be pursued to advance the progressing of a collective impact for the Tarawera Lakes System.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Progressing a Collective Impact Framework for the Tarawera Lakes System;

2 Endorses the recommendations and supports ongoing work between the partner organisations to progress;

3 Mandates staff to prepare an Expression of Interest to the Ministry for the Environment for suitable funding (possibly the Te Mana o te Wai Fund) as part of Progressing a Collective Impact Framework for the Tarawera Lakes System;

Chadwick/Winters

CARRIED

4 Receives the tabled report “Tarawera Collective Impact Framework Scoping Report Dec 2020”.

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

6.3

Wastewater Scheme Funding

Presentation Wastewater Funding: Objective ID A3742276

Presented by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana Rotorua Catchments Manager Helen Creagh and Rotorua Lakes Council General Manager Infrastructure Stavros Michael.

Key Points of the Presentation as background to the report:

· On 6 August 2020 the Strategy Group resolved to instruct staff to reconfirm the Deed Funding in line with the final cost of the Rotoiti Reticulation Project

· Recommendation to revert back to allocations to each Council under Original Deed (2005). No change to MfE funding total

· Requested review of Deed contribution to sewerage reticulation for inflation in construction costs

· Requested funding support from Ministry to reticulate Lake Rotoehu and Ngamotu (Lake Rotoma).

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Wastewater Scheme Funding;

Donaldson/Winters

2 Notes that the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group resolved on 5 August 2020 to “Instruct all officers to reconfirm the Deed-Funding contribution to the final actual cost of the project in line with precedent policy and provide an update report to the next meeting of the Strategy Group”;

Nicholson/Donaldson

3 Approves a reversion back to the total funding allocations for each Council as per the original 2005 Deed. That is, $32.5 million for Rotorua Lakes Council and $39.8 million for Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Note: A Deed Variation will be required;

Nicholson/Donaldson

4 Agrees to make a formal request to the Minister for reconsideration of the current Deed of Funding in respect of an adjustment on the basis of inflation of construction costs, acknowledging the 2005 cost estimates in the Deed do not reflect the 2021 actual costs to complete these works;

Nicholson/Donaldson

5 Agrees to make a formal request to the Minister for new funding support in relation to the wastewater reticulation of Lake Rotoehu.

Nicholson/Donaldson

CARRIED

Councillor Winters opposed Resolutions 3 and 5.

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

6.4

Ministry for the Environment Update

Presented by Ministry for the Environment Representatives Juscinta Grace and Courtney Clyne.

Key Points:

· Highlighted two funds

o The Freshwater Improvement Fund (supporting the management of New Zealand’s lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater and wetlands). The deadline for expressions of interest for this funding round was 10 February 2021. More than a hundred expressions of interest had been received

o Te Mana o te Wai Fund – next funding round to open early 2021 - $30 million would be available for projects from the Te Mana o te Wai Fund through the Jobs for Nature programme; MfE encouraged collective applications. The purpose of this fund would be to tautoko (support) marae, hapū and whānau to take action to improve the quality of the freshwater systems in their rohe and help restore the mauri of freshwater bodies of importance to them

· Reform of the resource management system was currently underway – intended to repeal/replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) to support a more productive, sustainable and inclusive economy and be easier for New Zealanders to understand and engage with (intended to submit the Bill in 2021)

· Current kaupapa included a focus on freshwater allocation, healthy waterways and the provision of guidance material to support farmers with emission reduction plans

· A schedule of planned activities would be provided to members of the Strategy Group.

Key Points - Members:

· The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group (as “one-stop-shop”) offered a collective link to MfE to advance initiatives and facilitate liaison with the community

· Noted that the Three Waters Reform 26 March 2021 Engagement Workshop, hosted by the Department of Internal Affairs would be hosted in Rotorua by Rotorua Lakes Council.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the verbal update from the Ministry for the Environment.

White/Winters

CARRIED

6.5

Rotorua Lakes Council Update Report

Presented by Rotorua Lakes Council General Manager Infrastructure Stavros Michael.

Key Points:

· Highlighted the following Rotorua Lakes Council activities currently underway that impacted the Lakes Programme:

o Wastewater treatment and stormwater projects

§ Rotomā / Rotoiti Sewerage Scheme

§ Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant

§ Tarawera Sewerage Scheme

§ Rotorua Urban Area Comprehensive Stormwater Resource Consent

§ Ngongotahā flooding/review and actions

o Planning Policy and Strategy

§ Bay of Plenty Regional Council - Plan Change 10: Lake Rotorua Nutrient Management (PC10)

§ Rotorua Lakes Council – Plan Change 2: Pukehangi Heights

§ Rotorua Lakes Council – Plan Change 3: Significant Natural Areas

§ Rotorua Lakes Council – Eastside Wellness Plan.

Key Points - Members:

· Ngongotahā Flooding - noted that BOPRC engineers had completed the modelling. Direct engagement would now commence with affected landowners. Engagement would be led by BOPRC and supported by RLC

· Acknowledged the $3.7m funding from the Provincial Growth Fund, as part of the Crown Infrastructure Partners' Infrastructure Reference Group's "shovel-ready" projects, which would be used for flood mitigation actions to reduce the risk of flooding to people and properties within the Ngongotahā community

· Commended Tarawera Ratepayers Association for their proactive approach to liaise with major New Zealand Commercial Banks regarding funding schemes offering lower interest rates in relation to the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

· Tarawera Sewerage Scheme: a copy of the Rotorua Lakes Council letter sent to Tarawera Ratepayers within the service area summarising the sewerage scheme proposal and the corresponding cost to each ratepayer to be provided to Councillor Kevin Winters.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Rotorua Lakes Council Update Report.

Nicholson/Donaldson

CARRIED

11:00 am - The meeting adjourned.

11:20 am - The meeting reconvened.

6.6

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Status Update and 2020/21 Six Month Report

Presentation Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Status Update 2020/21 Six Month Report: Objective ID A3742274

Tabled Document 2 - Tabled item - Q2 Draft Six Month Report for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group: Objective ID A3731687

Presented by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana Rotorua Catchments Manager Helen Creagh.

Key Points:

· Lake Ōkāreka

o Successful site visit to outlet and associated erosion protection works on 11 December 2020 by the Strategy Group

o The outlet pipeline replacement was due during 2021

o Currently very low flows at Ōkāreka – was being managed to comply with consent requirements

· Lakes Rotoehu and Rotoiti

o Alum dosing at Waitangi Stream had been recommenced and a consent application was progressing to renew expired consents

o Harvesting to be undertaken this season

o Installation and strengthening of whalers continued on the Ohau Wall

o Consideration of trial lake lowering consent application underway for Rotoiti (Okere Gates)

· Lake Tarawera Catchments

o Successful TALT Workshop October 2020 regarding the Collective Impact

o Tiaki (Fonterra) farm plans to be updated for dairy farmers, supporting implementation of actions with funding

o Modelling completed – supported nutrient budget in Restoration Plan

o Community support for recirculation being sought

· Lake Rotorua

o PC10 Environment Court Decision issued December 2020

o PC10 consents being monitored, compliance action underway on two properties

o Alum dosing underway on both streams

o Constructed wetland opportunities draft report issued (50 tonne)

o Incentives Scheme momentum (~30 tonne secured or close to)

o Further joint letter to be issued in relation to outstanding sewer connections Rotokawa/Brunswick

o Hedged Manuka Trial to be funded by Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund (LNLUF)

o Significant detainment bund construction underway in Ngongotahā Catchment

· Photo Competition #loveourlakes

o Public to be invited to take a photo at one of our beautiful Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes, upload the image and tell in up to 50 words why they loved the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes. Ten finalists would be chosen by an in-house panel. The top 10 entries would be put on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Facebook Page, website and displayed at the Rotorua Lakefront for two weeks. The winner would be chosen by the public.

Key Points - Members:

· Noted that staff were currently working with landowners in the Inner and Outer Catchments of Tarawera to implement the actions in the Farm Environment Plans. Three farms still needed to implement Farm Environment Plans

· Noted that implementation of the 22 sewerage connections under the Brunswick-Rotokawa Sewerage Reticulation Project was June 2021 – and that staff continued to work with property owners that still required connections

· Suggested that a future follow-up site-visit for the Strategy Group to Ōkāreka outlet and Waitangi Stream be arranged to view the progress made with the protection work/after installation of the outlet pipeline

· Before and after photos of the Ōkāreka outlet and Waitangi Stream would be useful.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Staff to provide members of the Strategy Group with a copy of a report on risk assessment relating to potential impact of failure of the natural barrier at Rotomahana

· A future follow-up site visit to be arranged for the Strategy Group to the Ōkāreka outlet and Waitangi Stream.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Status Update and 2020/21 Six Month Report;

Winters/White

2 Approves the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2020/21 Six Month Report for submission to the Minister for the Environment.

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

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

7.1

Future presentation by GNS Science, Te Pū Ao

Deputy Chair Mayor Steve Chadwick requested that Cornel de Ronde, Research Geologist GNS Science, Te Pū Ao be invited to a future meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group to present on research findings relating to “Geothermal Activity under the Lakes Water”.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

· To arrange a future presentation by Cornel de Ronde, Research Geologist GNS Science, Te Pū Ao at a future meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group on research findings relating to “Geothermal Activity under the Lakes Water”.

7.2

Terms of Reference- Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Deputy Chair Mayor Steve Chadwick suggested that consideration be given to review the Terms of Reference of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group particularly in the context of the changing environment and future requirements relating to Te Mana o te Wai and Three Waters.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· A future agenda item to be included on the review of the Terms of Reference of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group particularly in the context of the changing environment and future requirements relating to Te Mana o te Wai and Three Waters

· An update on MfE Funding Applications to be provide to the Strategy Group.

8. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Kingi Biddle.

11:50 am – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Mayor Steve Chadwick

Deputy Chairperson, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	14 May 2021
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Heidi Fraser, Programme Coordinator Integrated Catchments and Helen Creagh, Rotorua Catchments Manager
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To provide a status update for the programme as at the date of the report and to provide the Strategy Group with the 2021/22 Annual Work Plan and 2021-2024 Three Year Plan for their approval.

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Update; 2021/22 Annual Work Plan and 2021-2024 Three Year Plan

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to update the Strategy Group on progress with the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme since its last meeting (12 February 2021).

The report also seeks approval of the 2021/22 Annual Work Plan and 2021-2024 Three Year Plan, which is to be provided to the Minister for the Environment in accordance with the Deed of Funding for the Programme.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Update; 2021/22 Annual Work Plan and 2021-2024 Three Year Plan;

2 Approves the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2021/22 Annual Work Plan and 2021-2024 Three Year Plan for submission to the Minister for the Environment;

3 Approves change request CR068 Lake Ōkāreka Land Use Change Funding.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme was established following Te Arawa’s Treaty of Waitangi settlement with the Crown in 2006. As part of that settlement the Crown committed to restoring the lakes of Te Arawa. That commitment included a Funding Deed which provided $72 million of Crown funds (matched by funds from both Councils) to a restoration programme on four priority lakes: Rotorua, Rotoiti, Ōkāreka and Rotoehu. The Programme is a partnership between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Rotorua Lakes Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group partnership was established to contribute to the promotion of the sustainable management of the Rotorua lakes and their catchments, for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, while recognising and providing for the traditional relationship of Te Arawa and their ancestral lakes.

2. 2021/22 Annual Work Plan and 2021-2024 Three Year Plan

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2021/22 Annual Work Plan is provided in Appendix One. The Plan outlines the interventions planned for the 2021/22 financial year for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme. The Plan covers the details of work planned by all Partners on all lakes within the Programme, Deed and non-Deed Funded.

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Three Year Plan is provided in Appendix two and sets out by year, the activities of the programme which will draw on funding from the Crown to be completed. The Three Year Plan covers activities only on Deed funded lakes, known as the priority lakes.

In accordance with the Deed of funding for the programme both of these require approval by the Strategy Group so they can be submitted to the Minister for approval.

A summary of the 2021/22 Annual Work Plan is provided below. Because of the brevity of the Three Year Plan no summary is provided in this report.

2.1 2021/22 – Planned Deed Funded Interventions

Lake Rotorua

· Continue phosphorus locking on Lake Rotorua and establish a cultural monitoring programme with iwi.

· Continue to implement the Incentives Scheme to reach a cumulative nitrogen target of 40 tonne of nitrogen in 2021/22.

· Undertake a review of the Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund and implement Phase Three.

· Continue to assist landowners through the Advice and Support Service so they can meet the requirements set by Plan Change 10.

· Continue to investigate and pursue options to achieve the remaining nitrogen for a 50 tonne total engineering reduction including detailed investigation of options for development of three constructed wetlands.

Lake Ōkāreka

· Finalise implementation of existing land use change agreements.

Lake Rotoehu

· Operate the weed harvester as required, subject to weed availability.

· Continue phosphorus locking on Lake Rotoehu including trialling ways to improve effectiveness once the new resource consent is granted.

Lake Rotoiti

· Complete construction of the Rotoiti reticulation, subject to funding.

2.2 2021/22 – Planned Non Deed Funded Interventions

Lake Rotorua

· Continue catfish incursion management on Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti.

· Continue to pursue outstanding Brunswick-Rotokawa sewerage reticulation connections (about 15).

· Implementation of Plan Change 10 as required, including granting of resource consents for properties under 40 ha and compliance monitoring for all resource consents granted under the Plan.

· Monitor compliance with Incentives Scheme agreements.

Lake Rotoiti

· Undertake inspections of the Ohau Diversion Wall as per the structural management plan.

Lake Rotoehu

· Explore funding subsidy and confirm support for Rotoehu sewerage reticulation.

Lake Tarawera

· Continue biannual dosing of Lake Ōkaro and apply to renew the resource consent to continue dosing.

· Continue with implementation of Lake Tarawera Collective Impact Project – including securing funding streams.

· Progress sewerage reticulation at Lake Tarawera if there is majority support.

3. Programme Status Report

Appendix three includes a dashboard status report for the Programme.

Detailed updates by catchment are provided below.

Several resolutions were made by Strategy Group at their meeting on 12 February 2021 and staff wrote to the Ministry on 6 April 2021 making requests to implement the resolutions of 12 February 2021. This correspondence with the Ministry is included in Appendix 4 of this report for the information of the Group. It is expected that the Ministry will be able to update the Group on progress with the requests at this meeting.

At the time of writing this report the three year quality assurance audit required by the Funding Deed is underway. The results of this will be reported back to Strategy Group at its next meeting.

Lake Rotoehu

· Alum dosing has recommenced at Waitangi Springs to counter phosphorus coming from the catchment. Lake algal monitoring indicates the alum is having a beneficial impact on reducing previously high algal counts.

· Weed harvesting is underway on Lake Rotoehu for the first time in several years.

· Detailed design for sewerage reticulation at Rotoehu is underway. Reticulation is planned to be implemented with the Ngamotu (Lake Rotomā) scheme.

· As per the resolutions of the 12 February 2021 Strategy Group Meeting, a request has been made to the Minister to consider funding support for the reticulation of Rotoehu – refer Appendix 5.

Lake Ōkāreka

· Pipeline upgrade works at Waitangi Stream have commenced and are planned to be completed before the end of the financial year.

Lake Rotorua

· Work on wetland development continues as part of the engineering solutions project. A specialist report has been finalised identifying priority areas for wetland development and will be released soon (relevant landowners are being advised first). A smaller development with an interested landowner/s is commencing to develop a model for further small scale opportunities.

· Brunswick/Rotokawa sewerage connections are progressing with three more made since the last update in February. Approximately 15 connections remain outstanding.

· Resource consent applications are currently being prepared to enable the construction of the Rotorua wastewater treatment plant upgrade.

· Three new Incentives deals are currently being negotiated with landowners which will achieve an estimated combined total of four tonnes in-lake. There remains a good pipeline of deals.

Lake Rotoiti

· Installation of the strengthening whalers is ongoing and is expected to be completed by July.

· Construction of the main reticulation network is almost complete. Tenders for onsite pre-treatment systems has been received and are being evaluated.

· A request has been made to the Minister to increase the funding allocation to this project as per the resolutions of Strategy Group on 12 February 2021 – refer Appendix 5.

Tarawera Catchments

· Modelling work is now complete. The project was more involved than first anticipated due to uncertain data results from monitoring labs over many years. Correction of the data has resulted in completion of the modelling and the nitrogen and phosphorus reduction targets remain at: hold nitrogen to current levels and reduce phosphorus by 1200 kg. If sewerage reticulation goes ahead that will reduce phosphorus by 300-400 kg annually.

· TALT are seeking funding support for the Tarawera Collective Impact project through Te Mana o te Wai.

· Letters have been sent to ratepayers within the Tarawera sewerage scheme area. The letter seeks their formal vote of support for the proposal. For the implementation of the scheme to proceed about 75% support is required.

· Planning is underway for the 2021 winter acacia control project. Approximately 33 ha of bush with varying density of acacia will be targeted this year.

4. Change Request

Approval is sought from the Strategy Group for Change Request CR068: Lake Ōkāreka Further Land Use Change Funding.

The Change Request seeks to rectify an oversight that was made in the 2020/21 Annual Work Plan. An expenditure of $447,000 for the Lake Ōkāreka further land use change project was not included for that financial year– despite a deal having been signed up in accordance with the approval of Strategy Group for this project in 2016.

This request is to include that expenditure in the current Annual Work Plan 2020/21 will fix the oversight. The budget has always existed to be allocated to this project and this approval will not result in any financial impact upon the Programme.

5. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

5.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

Response to the funding requests currently in front of the Minister (Appendix 5) will impact on the ability of the Programme to achieve its objectives. Staff of all agencies will continue to work together to progress this and keep Strategy Group informed.

5.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

Ongoing adaptation by the Programme and its interventions will be necessary to respond to the impacts of Climate Change, as advised in the Statement issued by the Lake Water Quality Technical Advisory Group last year.

Adaptive Management and being informed by new science and information will be key to achieving our water quality goals on the Te Arawa Lakes.

5.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Fourteen Lakes within the Rotorua/Te Arawa boundaries are subject to the Lakes Settlement Act 2006 (‘Settlement Act’).

Under this legislation, the traditional, historical, cultural/spiritual relationships and associations that Te Arawa hapū and iwi have with the Te Arawa Lakes is recognised by the vesting of these Lakebeds in the Lakes Trust. The health of the Te Arawa Lakes is paramount to the Lakes Trust.

Te Arawa Lakes Trust have also lodged their Environmental Management Plan - He Mahere Taiao mo ngā wai o Te Arawa. This document has been lodged with Regional Council and sets out clearly the interests that Te Arawa Hapū and Iwi have with their lakes and waterways and also sets out the protocols of engagements between council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust.

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme is a partnership between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council. This report outlines progress with programme deliverables that benefit the lakes and the lakeside communities.

5.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

Engagement with the community is not required regarding the recommendations of this report.

5.5 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

The proposed recommendations of this report are in line with the Deed of Funding Agreement for the Programme and the Long Term Plans of each Council.

The response to the funding requests currently in front of the Minister (refer Appendix 5) will impact on the ability of the Programme to achieve its objectives. Staff of all agencies will continue to work together to progress this and keep Strategy Group informed.

6. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

The 2020/21 Annual Report and results of the three yearly review for the Programme will be tabled to Strategy Group in October.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2021/22 Annual Work Plan DRAFT

Attachment 2 - Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme three year plan DRAFT

Attachment 3 - 2021-05-14 Dashboard

Attachment 4 - CR068 Lake Okareka Further Land Use Change Funding

Attachment 5 - Appendix 5 InfoCouncil Report 14 May 2021 MfE Sewerage Reticulation Deed Funding ⇩