Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Rārangi Take (Agenda)

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the next meeting of the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group will be held in Council Chambers, Regional House, 1 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga on:

Friday 11 June 2021 COMMENCING AT 09.30 am

 

Fiona McTavish

Chief Executive, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana

2 June 2021

 


 

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group

Membership

Chairperson

(Appointed by the Group)

Cr Matemoana McDonald

(Bay of Plenty Regional Council)

Deputy Chairperson

(Appointed by the Group)

Charlie Tawhiao

(Ngāi Te Rangi)

Tangata Whenua Members

 

Two appointed representative each:

 

Ngāti Ranginui

Te Pio Kawe

Vacant

Ngāti Pūkenga

Rehua Smallman

Keepa Smallman

Ngāi Te Rangi

Pia Bennett

Council Members

 

Four appointed representatives from:

 

Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Cr Norm Bruning

Cr Stacey Rose

Cr Paula Thompson

Cr Jane Nees (Alternate)

Two appointed representatives each:

 

Tauranga City Council

Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston

Commissioner Bill Wasley

Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Cr Grant Dally

Cr Mark Dean

Observer – Department of Conservation

Jeff Milham

Quorum

The Advisory Group is not required to follow Standing Orders

Meeting frequency

Quarterly

The Tauranga Moana Advisory Group acts under a partnership agreement between iwi and local authorities and the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Statement of Purpose. The Tauranga Moana Iwi Collective Deed of Settlement, once passed into law, will require a Tauranga Moana Governance Group to be established. To prepare for the Governance Group, this Tauranga Moana Advisory Group has been established. The Advisory Group meet, share information and provide direction to staff of partner agencies until replaced by the Governance Group.

He aha ai - Purpose

Whanaungatanga and kaitiakitanga are the basis on which we want to move forward together.

To continue building strong working relationships to support and enhance the health of our harbour and catchments.

Ngā turanga - Role

The role of participants in the Advisory Group is to:

§    Whakataurite - coordinate: oversee and contribute to the work that partners do in the harbour and catchments

§    Whakarongo - listen: ensure the views of the hapu, iwi and wider community are represented in the work we do

§    Whakawhanaungatanga - involve: promote and support hapū, iwi and the wider community participating in our work

§    Whakatohatoha - share: provide regular updates to, and share information with partners

§    Whakakotahi - integrate: promote the integration of our work so we can achieve our purpose together

Power to Recommend

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

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group members report directly to their respective organisations.

 


Tauranga Moana Advisory Group                                                                                    11 June 2021

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

Rārangi Take
Agenda

1.       Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Prayer

At approximately 09:30 am:

2.       Whakaaturanga
Presentations

2.1      Whareroa Marae Update

Presented by: Paul Beverley

3.       Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

4.       Wāhanga Tūmatanui
Public Forum

5.       Ngā Take Tōmuri
Items not on the Agenda

6.       Raupapa o Ngā Take
Order of Business

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

8.       Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

8.1      Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes - 11 December 2020         1

9.       Ngā Whakamārama a Ngā Rōpū
Update from Partners

9.1      Ngāi Te Rangi

9.2      Ngāti Ranginui

9.3      Ngāti Pūkenga

9.4      Western Bay of Plenty District Council

9.5      Tauranga City Council

9.6      Bay of Plenty Regional Council

10.     Ngā Whakamārama a Te Papa Atawhai
Conservation Update

10.1    Department of Conservation

Presented by: Jeff Milham

11.     Whakaaturanga
Presentations – continued

11.1    A new care Plan for Mauao and Strategy for Mauao Trust (An overview of He Korowai Ariki a Mauao 2021 - 2031)

Presented by: Councillor Matemoana McDonald

At approximately 11:30 am

11.2    Asian Paddle Crab Update

Presented by: Caine Taiapa

12.     Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

12.1    Marine and Coastal Area Act (MACAA) Update

13.     Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

13.1    Tauranga Moana Advisory Group - 2021 Agenda Planner                   1

Attachment 1 - 2021 Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Agenda Planner                     1

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

13.2    Tauranga Moana Coastal Margins Project                                             1

13.3    Port of Tauranga Update to Tauranga Moana Advisory Group           1

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

15.     Rā Hui Whai Ake: 17 Mahuru 2021
Next Meeting Date: 17 September 2021

12.     Karakia Kati
Closing Prayer


Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes

11 December 2020

 

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing:             Friday 11 December 2020, 9.30 am

Venue:                         Council Chambers, Regional House, 1 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga

Heamana

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

Ngā Kopounga

Members:                    Tauranga City Council (TCC): Cr Kelvin Clout

Ngāti Pūkenga: Keepa Smallman

Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC): Cr Mark Dean and Cr Grant Dally

BOPRC: Cr Norm Bruning; Cr Stacey Rose; Cr Paula Thompson and Cr Jane Nees (Alternate)

 

In Attendance:            BOPRC: Sarah Omundsen - Regulatory Services; Russell Knutson – Team Leader Western Catchments; Clarke Koopu – Senior Advisor (Treaty); Heidi Fraser – Programme Coordinator Integrated Catchments and Merinda Pansegrouw – Committee Advisor

TCC: Radleigh Cairns - Environmental Programme Leader

WBOPDC: Chris Nepia - Maori Land Officer 

Other:                          Dean Flavell - Chairperson of Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority, Colin Reeder - Ngā Potiki;

Public Forum Speakers- Discovery Through Nature: Emma Richardson; Kirsty Mckenzie; Tauranga Intermediate School students Aahana Narang, Emily Orr and Sophie Denham

Mobil Oil Representatives: Taz Tawhara, Andrew McNaught and Douglas Baua.

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies:                  Pia Bennett, Cr Heidi Hughes, Te Pio Kawe and Charlie Tawhiao

 

1.     Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Prayer

A karakia was provided by Keepa Smallman.

 

2.     Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1        Accepts the apologies from Pia Bennett, Cr Heidi Hughes, Te Pio Kawe and Charlie Tawhiao tendered at the meeting.

Rose/Bruning

CARRIED

 

3.     Wāhanga Tūmatanui
Public Forum

3.1

Tidal Discoveries, Citizen Science in the Bay of Plenty - Estuary, Dune and Stream Monitoring in and around Tauranga Harbour

Presentation 1 - DiscoveryThroughNature -Tidal Discoveries PDF: Objective ID A3696563   

 

Presented by Emma Richardson - Founder and Director, Discoverythrunature, and Tauranga Intermediate School students Aahana Narang, Emily Orr and Sophie Denham supported by teacher Kirsty Mckenzie.

Key Points:

·    “Tidal Discoveries” was a citizen science programme active in and around the Tauranga Harbour for the past four years, involving school students, parents and teachers

·    The programme had received all its funding from BOPRC three years ago through the Community Initiatives Fund (initial funding was for 10 schools, currently involved 13 schools), hence the update to the Advisory Group

·    Focus of the programme was to allow school aged children to learn out of the classroom, to spend time in nature and explore; learning by discovering – while building knowledge of Te Awanui, Tauranga Harbour and the catchments

·    Over time participants became connected to their own natural spaces and effective guardians/kaitiaki

·    Highlighted achievements to date

·    Collected information to monitor the health of the harbour and its specific areas; estuarine, freshwater and dune sites

·    Collaborated and shared data on the health of surveyed sites

·    Aahana Narang, Emily Orr and Sophie Denham shared key learnings, supported by Kirsty Mckenzie.

Key Points - Members:

·    Congratulated Emma Richardson and the Discoverythrunature team for the outstanding mahi supporting nature, guiding students and creating future kaitiaki

·    Council, through its Long Term Plan, was always looking for opportunities to invest in volunteers supporting the environment. 

 

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    To investigate the development of a Story Board Project (“telling stories of environmental and cultural matters/significance to our communities”) and report back to the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group on potential cultural and environmental story board telling for the Tauranga Harbour Area.

 

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

None advised.

 

5.     Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes - 18 September 2020

 

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1        Confirms the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes - 18 September 2020 as a true and correct record.

Rose/Bruning

CARRIED

 

6.     Reports

 

6.1

Tauranga City Council Membership Change on Tauranga Moana Advisory Group

 

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1        Receives the report, Tauranga City Council Membership Change on Tauranga Moana Advisory Group;

2        Notes the resignation of Jako Abrie as a Councillor at Tauranga City Council; and

3        Notes the appointment of Councillor Heidi Hughes as the Tauranga City Council representative on the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group, replacing Jako Abrie.

Clout/Thompson

CARRIED

 

6.2

Appointment of New Representative for Tauranga Moana Advisory Group - Ngāti Pūkenga

Members extended a warm welcome to newly appointed Ngāti Pūkenga representative Keepa Smallman.

 

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1        Receives the report, Appointment of New Representative for Tauranga Moana Advisory Group - Ngāti Pūkenga; and

2        Notes the replacement of Kylie Smallman with Keepa Smallman as the interim representative for Ngāti Pūkenga Iwi ki Tauranga Trust on the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group.

Thompson/Dean

CARRIED

 

6.3

Ngā Potiki Membership Request

In view of the apologies received from Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāi Te Rangi representatives for today’s meeting, the consensus was that the item be deferred to the next meeting.

 

 

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1        Defers the report, Ngā Potiki Membership Request, to the next meeting of the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group scheduled for 9 April 2021.

Rose/Clout

CARRIED

 


 

7.     Whakaaturanga
Presentations

7.1

Te Maru o Kaituna River Document Presentation

Chairperson of Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority Dean Flavell presented on overview of Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority’s journey to date.

 

Key Points:

·      Referred to http://kaituna.org.nz

·      Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority was a co-governance partnership made up of both iwi and council representatives

·      Purpose of Te Maru o Kaituna (TMOK) was the restoration, protection, and enhancement of the environmental, cultural and spiritual health and well-being of the Kaituna River

·      Provided insights of value/key learnings from journey with entities coming together to become a partnership as a result of a Tapuika Claims Settlement

·      As useful preparation, Regional Council proactively started with the development of a strategy – provided the opportunity for relationship building which involved a lot of muscle flexing between different iwi groups

·      TMOK started off with the principle of using the “Meeting House“ as structure.  However, following a process of focussing on commonalities, the Authority ended up focusing on the principle “The river talks for the river” – as it was ultimately all about the protection of the river

·      Referred to Pare Hauraki’s involvement in the settlement process for Tauranga Moana and drew a similarity with Ngāti Whakaue (who had not settled yet either). Advised that in the interim, their involvement as informal participants around the table was critical and very valuable going forward; full participation around the table was to the benefit of all as well as the river

·      Important to develop capacity within iwi to participate in forums

·      Was willing to come back to attend a future meeting with the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group to talk about the development of the Kaituna River Document when the full complement of iwi representatives was present as this would be to the benefit of all

·      The Kaituna River Document provided a common purpose for all and had developed into Tini a Tuna: Kaituna Action Plan 2019-29

·      Benefits of co-governance was the “working together” part - all worked together to the benefit of the river. 

Key Points - Members:

·    Suggested that consideration be given to having a symposium in the Bay of Plenty, involving all co-governance forums to provide guidance/key learnings to others: evaluating the benefits of co-governance structures, considering the key dynamics of working together, inter-relationships between iwi/councils as a resource to help others (the hui ideally to involve forums such as RRF/TMOK/TMAG/Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and relevant Waikato Groups, with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council as the common denominator)

·    Acknowledged the mahi/contribution by Dean Flavell in ensuring the success of Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority

·    Joint korero amongst co-governance groups in preparation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 could be beneficial. 

 

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    Future presentation to Tauranga Moana Advisory Group on the mahi undertaken by the Mauao Trust to create an awareness of the work done by the Mauao Trust and Tauranga City Council.

 

7.2

Tauranga Bunker Barge Project Presentation

Presentation 2 - Mobil Oil Bunker Barge Tanker Project: Objective ID A3696569   

Presented by representatives from Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited: Taz Tawhara - NZ Marine Fuels Sales Manager, Andrew McNaught - NZ Lead Country Manager & Lead Retail Sales Manager and Douglas Baua - MtM Terminal Manager.

 

Key Points:

·    Provided background to Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited, its presence in Tauranga and its engagement practices

·    Purpose of the presentation was to inform all members of the opportunity the Bunker Barge Project presented for Tauranga – accordingly shared plans relating to the Mobil Oil Bunker Barge Tanker Project

·    International Maritime Organization (IMO) convention MARPOL Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships by late 2021 – resulted in the current sulphur limit of 3.5 percent by mass for marine fuels to drop to 0.5 percent. This applied to all internationally-flagged vessels, and would likely apply to all domestic vessels from early 2022

·    Mobil had embarked on a scope of works to ensure its fuel terminals and marine fuels were compliant by the date of accession, including its operations at Port of Tauranga

·    Port of Tauranga was NZ’s largest port with future growth mindset – port was actively seeking increased barge bunkering service. Increased service would not increase traffic, but rather meet the current increased demand

·    State-of-the-art bunker barge had been built to comply with all international standards and designed to minimise marine pollution

·    Highlighted the benefits of the Anatoma (to be renamed “Korimako”)

·    Mobil’s vision: to pursue opportunities to encourage a better understanding of Te Ao Māori within the organisation

·    Anatoma (to be renamed “Korimako”) was scheduled to arrive in Tauranga Harbour in during January 2021.  Planned to have a blessing for the vessel shortly after arrival. Members of the Advisory Group also to be invited; would provide an opportunity to view facilities on the vessel

·    Further technical detail in terms of the mechanical ability of the vessel to mitigate any possible oil spills was available 

·    Noted that not all iwi representatives were present at the meeting.  Confirmed that Paora Stanley (Chief Executive of Ngāi Te Rangi) had been consulted in October 220. Requested that the PowerPoint Presentation be shared with all members. Invited any further discussion should members require further information.

 

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    To distribute the Mobil Oil Bunker Barge Tanker Project PowerPoint Presentation to all members of the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group.

11:40 am - The meeting  adjourned.

12:05 am - The meeting  reconvened.

 

8.     Ngā Whakamārama a Ngā Rōpu
Update from Partners

8.1    Ngāti Pūkenga

Ngāti Pūkenga representative Keepa Smallman provided the following verbal update:

Key Points:

·      Ngāti Pūkenga iwi recently had the blessing of the opening of Te Kapua Orchard in Welcome Bay as part of a settlement agreement, in partnership with Seeka. It was a beautiful morning of kōrero, karakia, waiata and kai. The occasion symbolised new beginnings and new opportunities.  Thanked BOPRC for the role it had played in this process.  Discussions on the restoration of the wetlands were ongoing

·      With reference to the Ngā Potiki request to join the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group table, enquired (1) if other hapū had been given the opportunity to submit a request for a seat at the tēpu and (2) how the request could potentially impact on the Pare Hauraki settlement. 

Key Points - Members:

·    Noted that the deferral of the Ngā Potiki membership request to April 2021 would enable iwi representatives from Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga and Ngāti Ranginui to consider the request and provide guidance to the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group at its next meeting in April 2021.

 

8.2

Update from Chairperson Matemoana McDonald

 

Chairperson Matemoana McDonald provided a verbal update on the latest news received regarding Tauranga Moana and Hauraki kaumātua kōrero on the Pare Hauraki settlement claims:

Key Points:

·    The first of what was likely to be a series of tikanga-based hui between the kaumātua of Hauraki iwi and the kaumātua of the iwi of Tauranga Moana took place at Paeroa at Te Pai o Hauraki Marae on 9 December 2020

·    Main purpose was to move towards restoring traditional relationships

·    Excellent progress had been made in terms of boundary agreements

·    Next hui scheduled in Tauranga Moana in January 2021

·    Further discussion regarding the Katikati-Te Puna purchase would also follow.

 

8.3    Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Cr Mark Dean, supported by Maori Land Officer Chris Nepia, provided a verbal update, highlighting the following:

 Key Points:

·      Successful completion of the return of ownership of Panepane Purakau Matakana Island back to the five Matakana Hapū – formalities took place at a Council meeting on 29 October 2020

·      Launch of Marae Kete  by WBOPDC to help marae in the district to address the practicalities of administering their marae. The digital resource was commissioned following requests by Tangata Whenua to WBOPDC to develop a toolkit to help the volunteers who manage governance at a marae level. The Marae Kete website was www.maraekete.co.nz. The use of information was free and could be downloaded from the website and shared among whānau and hapū

·      Katikati Wastewater Treatment Plant: The Alternative Options Working Group had a recent meeting to look at alternative options for the long-term discharge of the treated wastewater from the Katikati Wastewater Treatment Plant

·      Stormwater Consent for the western area had recently been granted by BOPRC

·      Funds from the Three Waters Review would be used to review wastewater treatment at marae

·      Walking and Cycling Action Plan had been adopted

·      Omokoroa Structure Plan underway

·      Review of Reserve Management Plan for Ford Road Reserve underway.

 

Key Points - Members:

·    Based on recent work undertaken by BOPRC as part of Plan Change 14 regarding the On-site Effluent Treatment Regional Plan, BOPRC and WBOPDC to share information relating to the review of wastewater treatment at marae

·    Commended and congratulated WBOPDC with the successful completion of the return of ownership of Panepane.

 

8.4    Tauranga City Council

Councillor Kelvin Clout highlighted TCC key work streams as follows:

Key Points:

·      TCC was currently progressing projects accepted for Three Waters Reform funding. Projects included progressing the provision of safe, quality drinking water to marae and associated facilities not currently serviced within the city boundary, wastewater pump station and pipeline renewals as well as projects that look to improve the quality of stormwater discharges to waterways and the harbour

 

·      Had asked residents to rethink their use of water outdoors and adopt water conservation habits early with the prospect of another hot and dry summer

·      Engagement on new water restriction levels commenced early October, alerting the community to the current water situation and encouraging businesses/residents to plan for respective water restriction levels.  Water processing and stream flow levels were being closely monitored and the TCC City Waters team were working with BOPRC moving closer to peak summer demand to ensure appropriate management of both treatment and source water capability

·      Public notification was currently underway for three plan changes to the Tauranga City Plan. Submissions to close on Monday 1st February:

Plan Change 26 proposed to make it easier for people to build a variety of more compact types of homes like duplexes, terraced houses and townhouses

Plan Change 27 proposed to ensure that future land use, subdivision and development within Tauranga was planned to be resilient to flooding, requiring the management of effects of flooding from intense rainfall on people, properties and infrastructure

Plan Change 30 proposed to clarify existing provisions to ensure earthworks were undertaken in a safe manner, avoiding negative effects on the environment

·      Had commenced with this season’s Industrial Pollution Prevention Audit Programme; in conjunction with Regional Council, staff were auditing sites in the Tauriko Industrial Estate for potential impacts on the surrounding environment from stormwater and air discharges

·      Wastewater Management Review Committee: expressions of interest for becoming a member of the Council’s Environmental Mitigation & Enhancement Fund assessment panel were open. Details and terms of reference for the panel was available TCC’s website. The panel would assess applications to the fund and make recommendations to the Wastewater Management Review Committee on eligible applications. Applications to the fund to open in January 2021 and guidelines on eligibility was available on Council’s website. The fund aimed to support initiatives that:

Avoided, remedied or mitigated the actual or potential effects of the Wastewater scheme

Acknowledged and provided mitigation by way of environmental compensation for ongoing adverse environmental effects associated with the wastewater scheme

Enhanced the environment which had been adversely affected by the wastewater scheme.

8.5    Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Cr Norm Bruning outlined BOPRC priorities as follows:

Key Points:

·      Tauranga Harbour Historical Sedimentation Modelling - NIWA, BOPRC and hapū representatives from Ngāi Te Ahi and Ngāi Tamarawaho recently completed the collection of 1m deep sediment cores from Waimapu, Tuapiro and Waikareao estuaries. The sediment cores would be processed by NIWA for radioisotopes of caesium, lead and radium to determine time-averaged sediment accumulation rates through time

·      Tauranga Harbour Nutrient Modelling - detailed nutrient modelling was being undertaken by a contractor to model inputs and sinks of nutrients in Tauranga Harbour to support development of the NPS Freshwater Management nutrient limits and objectives for freshwater to support estuarine ecological health

 

 

 

·      The new Mount Industrial Air Quality Working Party met for the first time on 7 December. The focus of the meeting was finding solutions to air quality issues in the Mount Industrial area

·      Industrial Discharge Compliance - three summer assistants would be undertaking industrial discharge compliance monitoring around the Moana, specifically Western Bay and Katikati

·      Sea Lettuce - in preparation for any beach cast sea lettuce this season, contractors had cleared key accumulation areas. No clean-ups have been required this season

·      Focus Catchments - summer water quality sampling for swimmability has commenced at key recreation sites including Kaiate falls, Kopurererua at McCord Avenue and Henry Road Ford (Uretara)

·      22 BOPRC supported Care Groups were currently active in the catchment. 16 of the groups have contributed a total of 17,175 hours during 2020

·      Maritime update:

New Harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters had taking over from Peter Buell

Summer patrols started Labour Weekend on Tauranga Harbour carrying out education and compliance of the BOP Navigation Safety Bylaws. Expecting a really busy summer on the water

Pre-summer maintenance of navigation aids had been completed

·      Kaimai Mamaku - proposal was called ‘Toward Thriving Kaimai Mamaku Forests’ (Endorsed by Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust and Steering Group) and included the following three projects which were all underway:

Double agency-funded animal pest control from $134,000 to $268,000 per year: this work included tripling the goat control efforts, implementing the Kokako Recovery Group’s recommendations for stoat, possum and rat control at Opuiaki, extending the bait station network around Ōtānewainuku and Ōtawa if possible, and continuing with triennial aerial 1080 control at Mokaihaha Ecological Area

Identifying and recruiting ‘hapū or community igniters’ to work at a flax-roots level around the ranges with hapū, whanau, care groups and the wider community to increase awareness of and planning for biodiversity and animal pest control work in the ranges, and a contracted programme manager to work with existing agency staff to oversee and assist with this process

Identifying additional sources of funding to ramp up works and implement the plans developed at a local ‘hub’ level through project 2

·      The Minister of Conservation recently announced a $19m funding package for the Kaimai Mamaku forests through its Jobs for Nature Programme. The objectives of this package were to substantially scale up animal pest control and biodiversity work in the ranges; to manage the threats posed by Kauri Dieback and other pathogens; and to build the capacity and capability of iwi/hapū in exercising their kaitiaki role in and around the forests together with the wider community.

 

 

9.     Ngā Pūrongo
Reports continued

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

 

 

 

9.1

Tauranga Moana Programme 2019/20 Annual Report

BOPRC’s Programme Coordinator Integrated Catchments Heidi Fraser presented the report.

 

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    “Audit of Mangrove Distribution and Associated issues for Tangata Whenua Project” (Page 52 of the agenda) - further detail to be provided to Cr Nees/feedback on progress to be provided to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Monitoring and Operations Committee

·    Presentation on progress made relating to Asian Paddle Crab numbers to be provided to a future hui of the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group

·    Connectivity/feedback on the Antenno Mobile Application between WBOPDC and BOPRC to be verified.

 

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1        Receives the report, Tauranga Moana Programme 2019/20 Annual Report.

Clout/Rose

CARRIED

 

10.   Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

10.1

Water Shortage in the Bay of Plenty - Verbal Update

Presentation 3 - Water Shortage: Objective ID A3696574   

BOPRC's General Manager Regulatory Services Sarah Omundsen provided an update on dry weather water management in the Bay of Plenty.

 

Key Points:

·    Ministry for Primary Industries had declared a drought (large-scale adverse event) for all of the North Island – this was managed by Central Government

·    Consequently BOPRC had been focussing on a water-shortage event in the region due to the significant temporary shortage of water – impacting on cultural flows. Council had implemented a new procedure in 2019 to mitigate the situation

·    Overview of Regional Council’s procedures in dry weather events were available on the web site at https://www.boprc.govt.nz/our-projects/dry-weather-water-management

·    Climate change was bringing hotter, drier summers to our region, and natural water sources were already showing signs of stress. Flow levels in some western Bay of Plenty streams dropped to record lows in March – May 2020, following several months of exceptionally dry weather

·    Needed to forward-plan and reduce water use where possible, to keep local waterways, wildlife, and people’s lives and livelihoods healthy, now and in the future

·    BOPRC continued to provide updated information to TCC and WBOPDC for sharing with communities.

 

 

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1        Receives the verbal update, Water Shortage in the Bay of Plenty.

Bruning/Rose

CARRIED

 

 

 

10.2

Whareroa Marae - Verbal Update

BOPRC's General Manager Regulatory Services Sarah Omundsen provided a verbal update on progress made following a recommendation made to BOPRC and TCC on matters relating to Whareroa Marae air quality issues:

 

Key Points:

·    Further discussions with Paul Beverley had taken place following which it was recommended to TCC and BOPRC that an experienced RMA Planner be engaged; accordingly Phil Mitchell was now working alongside Paul Beverley

·    A meeting with Paul Beverley, Phil Mitchell and Whareroa marae representatives recently took place

·    Paul Beverley and Phil Mitchell would be invited to provide feedback to the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group in early 2021.

 

 

11.   Rā Hui Whai Ake: 9 April 2021
Next Meeting Date: 9 April 2021

 

12.   Karakia Kati
Closing Prayer

A karakia was provided by Keepa Smallman.

 

 

1:10 pm – the meeting closed.

 

 

 

 

 

Confirmed                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                     Cr Matemoana McDonald

Chairperson, Tauranga Moana Advisory Group


 

 

 

Pūrongo Ki:
Report To:

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group

Rā Hui:
Meeting Date:

11 June 2021

Kaituhi Pūrongo:
Report Writer:

Merinda Pansegrouw, Committee Advisor

Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo:
Report Authoriser:

Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments

Kaupapa:
Purpose:

To provide members with an overview of the Advisory Group’s activities for 2021

 

 

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group - 2021 Agenda Planner

 

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report provides members with an overview of the proposed activities for 2021 as included in a draft Agenda Planner for 2021.

 

 

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1        Receives the report, Tauranga Moana Advisory Group - 2021 Agenda Planner; and

2        Notes the planned activities for the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group for 2021

 

1.       He Whakamārama
Background

He aha ai – Purpose of the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

·      Whanaungatanga and kaitiakitanga - the basis on which we want to move forward together.

·      To continue building strong working relationships to support and enhance the health of our harbour and catchments.

 

Ngā turanga - the role of participants in the Advisory Group is to:

·      Whakataurite - coordinate: oversee and contribute to the work that partners do in the harbour and catchments

·      Whakarongo - listen: ensure the views of the hapu, iwi and wider community are represented in the work we do

·      Whakawhanaungatanga - involve: promote and support hapū, iwi and the wider community participating in our work

·      Whakatohatoha - share: provide regular updates to, and share information with partners

Whakakotahi - integrate: promote the integration of our work so we can achieve our purpose together

To support the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group in achieving its role, a draft agenda planner for 2021 has been developed.

 

 

2.       2021 Meetings

The following meetings have been scheduled for 2021:

·      11 June

·      17 September

·      10 December

If deemed necessary and based on the nature of matters for consideration by the Advisory Group, meeting dates could be used as workshops, or a hybrid approach could be followed by having a meeting followed by a workshop. Direction in this regard would be sought from the Chairperson.

 

3.       2021 Agenda Planner

The draft 2021 Agenda Planner for the Tauranga Moana Advisory group for June to December 2021 is attached as Appendix 1.

 

4.       Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

4.1      Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

As the matter addressed in this report is of a procedural nature there are no significant risks associated with this matter.

 

4.2      Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

The matter addressed in this report is of a procedural nature and information only. Accordingly, there are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget.

 

5.       Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

The draft Agenda Planner is a dynamic document and any further updates to the proposed Agenda Planner for 2021 would be incorporated as directed by members of the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group.

 

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - 2021 Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Agenda Planner  

 


Tauranga Moana Advisory Group                                                                          11 June 2021

PDF Creator 


 

 

 

Pūrongo Ki:
Report To:

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group

Rā Hui:
Meeting Date:

11 June 2021

Kaituhi Pūrongo:
Report Writer:

Braden Rowson, Land Management Officer (Tauranga)

Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo:
Report Authoriser:

Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments

Kaupapa:
Purpose:

To provide an update to the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group of progress on the Tauranga Moana Coastal Margins Project

 

 

Tauranga Moana Coastal Margins Project

 

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This paper provides an overview of an initiative to create, restore and protect coastal wetlands, particularly around Tauranga Moana. 

An integral component of the planning and implementation for the project is incorporation of Matauranga Māori in partnership with hapū.  This kaupapa will give effect to aspects of Tauranga Moana Iwi Management Plan 2016-2026.

It is estimated that there are up to 1,000 hectares of drained coastal wetlands around Tauranga Moana.  Restoration of these wetlands has the potential to;

·      Significantly improve biodiversity values and their resilience to climate change.

·      Reduce nutrient loading of the water entering Tauranga Moana. 

·      Sequester significant amounts of carbon.

·      Improve recognition of and enhance the cultural value at specific sites.

·      Assist with climate change adaptation of local communities.

Toi Moana’s DRAFT Long Term Plan includes resourcing for this kaupapa which is subject to formal adoption of the Plan, later this month.

 

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1        Receives the report, Tauranga Moana Coastal Margins Project.

 

1.       He Whakamārama
Background

The Tauranga Moana Coastal Wetlands Project seeks to restore and enhance the ecological habitat values of coastal wetlands around Tauranga Moana margins including a range of wetland types from estuarine saltmarsh to freshwater swamps and marshes.  The project will identify areas for restoration and establish site specific restoration plans in partnership with the landowners and tangata whenua.

Ecologically speaking, the coastal fringe around Tauranga Moana is a highly valuable and productive area.  As an interface between fresh and salt-water environments, wetlands are typical of this zone and play an important role in providing habitat to a wide variety of species, many of which are now threatened or endangered.

Prior to European settlement, wetland environments occupied a large proportion of the coastal fringe with very large swamps and saltmarshes often found around the mouths of streams and rivers.  Reclamation and drainage of these wetlands in an effort to create productive pasture was common practice for many decades.

Today, many areas of coastal grazing would be tidally flooded if not for stop banks and floodgate structures.  It is estimated that up to 1000 hectares of drained coastal wetlands around Tauranga Moana have immediate potential to be restored back to native wetland habitat. 

Many ‘reclamations’ of the past are now of marginal productive value to their landowners and suffer from high ground water levels and/or high salinity.  Many also suffer from a lack of maintenance and are in the process of reversion.  Others continue to be grazed but do so at the expense of, and risk to, land and water values.

These reclamations exist in a variety of land tenures including private freehold, Territorial Authority Reserve, and some undefined lands without title. Private freehold is by far the most common form of tenure.

 

 

2.       Implementation Strategy

2.1      Environmental Grants policy

While small-scale work of this nature has been undertaken in the Tauranga Moana rohe already, and larger projects around other estuaries in the Bay of Plenty, the implementation of this work programme is hoped to be formalised in Council’s existing Environmental Grants Policy. Because biodiversity enhancement will result from the restoration of these wetlands it aligns very well with the policy, which already incorporates biodiversity restoration projects via the development and implementation of Environmental Programmes. 

Amendments to the policy are being worked on currently to provide clarity and consistency of process for staff engaging with landowners. Staff envisage that the amended policy will apply region-wide, but with the funding for this programme being Tauranga Moana specific.

2.2      Environmental Programmes

Staff envisage that an Environmental Programme agreement be negotiated with landowners for each site under the above policy. Each programme will set out:

·      The Programme objectives;

·      The works involved (including responsibility for each activity);

·      Funding arrangements;

·      Any assets and maintenance requirements;

·      Any covenant agreement required.

Engagement and delivery of work will typically be direct 1:1 engagement with individual landowners and hapū but will in some instances require wider engagement with groups of landowners within local communities where sites extend over multiple properties.  This will be particularly important where there is concern by neighbours that the re-flooding of wetlands may have effects on their property.

Types of works that will be typical and common to almost all sites include: pest plant control, native planting, earthworks to varying degrees, hydraulic control structures (including provision for fish passage), and cultural recognition where appropriate.  Natural regeneration of vegetation communities will be a method preferentially used.  Tidal estuarine margins can be very challenging planting sites due to high salinity levels, while natural regeneration is very effective due to the same high salinities, which naturally restrict pest plant growth.

2.3      Site Identification and Prioritisation

An inventory of possible wetland sites has been compiled using GIS analysis of elevations around Tauranga Moana.  Elevations have been classified into 200mm intervals and isolated into the range of 0m – 1.5m.  Tidal inundation levels vary throughout the Harbour and tidal cycles but on average a 1.9m high tide will flood to ~0.9m.  On this basis any areas below 1.0m NZVD have the potential to be tidally inundated on a king tide without the influence of any particular background weather conditions. 

Wetland extents can extend up to 1.5m NZVD and beyond depending on the site conditions; ground water influence and spring upwelling, which are common around the coastal fringe. This often creates wetland environments with a freshwater to saline wetland gradient.  For this reason it is important for all individual sites to be ground truthed - but the GIS analysis provides a starting point. 

56 potential sites have been identified using this method, totalling ~800-1000ha. 

Given the number of sites, a process of prioritisation is necessary to provide some rational approach.  The ecological attributes of each site have been rated including factors such as; proximity to existing sites of high value biodiversity, connectivity with existing wetlands, potential to form ecological corridors, and size.

 

3.       Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1      Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

The delivery of restoration works, aside from a few sites in public ownership, relies on voluntary uptake, based on an incentive based approach.  While it is possible that some landowners may prefer not to participate, we are confident that many will. 

There are several sites that are primarily in public ownership and some for which restoration discussions have already commenced.  These projects may begin sooner, while discussions with private landowners may take longer.

Many sites are fragmented by land ownership, particularly around the landward margins.  Restoration may require extensive earthworks and engineered solutions to prevent cross boundary inundation or loss of drainage for which costs may exceed the benefits.  The expertise and involvement of a wide range of expertise in the organisation will be sought, including engineering and ecological, so that these instances are well considered to ensure value to ratepayers. 

 

3.2      Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

This programme of work will both mitigate losses of greenhouse gas emissions, and help with resilient adaptation to rising sea levels.

Currently, most of these drained and grazed wetland sites will be net greenhouse gas emitters, both through the oxidation of de-watered peat soils and through the emissions generated by ruminant animals. Estuarine saltmarsh habitats are highly effective in carbon sequestration, according to international literature. The reversion of these habitats could therefore reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of individual landowners and collectively the wider region.

In addition, many of the sites will provide buffering against the effects of climate change and sea level rise to some extent by providing a more natural ecotone between land and sea. These areas will invariably be the first areas affected by sea level rise so these wetlands will provide somewhat of a pre-emptive solution to future problems.  This will of course be most relevant for areas which are currently grazed, and therefore most susceptible to direct inundation.

 

3.3      Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Many wetland sites have specific cultural significance to Hapū around Tauranga Moana.  Therefore it is important that these values be established and catered for when prioritising sites for restoration and in developing site specific restoration principles.

Work is ongoing to engage individual hapū around Tauranga Moana.  The use of Matauranga Māori is an important aspect to incorporate into the prioritisation and will compliment work already done from a purely ecological point of view. 

Some sites will have particular significance for a variety of reasons and this may help to determine site specific restoration principles.  For example, historical uses of repo such as the collection of fibre, food or the presence of pigment rich sediments will help determine the planning of vegetation communities.  Specific events or waahi tapu will help direct whether certain works, particularly earthworks, are appropriate and any tikanga that should be observed before and during works.

Section 6.3 of the Tauranga Moana Iwi Management Plan (2016-2026) deals specifically with repo (wetlands), and contains the following objectives and policies. This programme is being developed to help achieve these.

OBJECTIVES

1.   The mauri of all wetlands within Tauranga Moana are protected and where possible restored and enhanced.

2.   Our traditional knowledge and practices regarding the use of cultural materials within wetland areas is protected and revitalised.

POLICIES

6    Ensure the restoration and enhancement of wetlands within Tauranga Moana

ACTIONS

6.1       Oppose any further drainage of wetlands within Tauranga Moana (Tauranga Moana Iwi lead)

6.2       Encourage wetlands in areas that are unsuitable for grazing (Regional Council lead)

6.3       Work with Councils, landowners, community groups and other agencies in relation to (Tauranga Moana Iwi lead):

a)    Wetland creation, restoration and enhancement projects.

b)    Funding to assist with the planning and management of wetlands resources.

c)    The development of catchment-specific wetland strategies or management plan.

d)    Harvesting of cultural materials from wetlands.

e)    Preventing stock access to the margins of wetlands.

6.4       Develop a ‘State of the Moana’ programme to measure and monitor the cultural health of Tauranga Moana (including wetlands). This could include:

a)    Developing appropriate monitoring tools and indicators to determine the cultural health of wetlands.

b)   Finding ways to involve Iwi, hapū and whānau in assessing and monitoring the health of wetlands within their area of interest.

There may be opportunity to create employment opportunities through Council’s procurement procedures.

 

3.4      Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

This kaupapa is consistent with Council’s mandate for clean water and enhanced biodiversity though the decision to permanently retire ‘productive’ land will be confronting for some. There is a strong and growing understanding by the wider population that functional wetlands are important for a range of reasons.

Community engagement will primarily be direct contact with individual landowners or small groups of locals where potential restoration sites cross over multiple properties.  The primary approach will be one of advocacy and education with the aim of providing a grant package that is mutually agreeable, within the budget

 

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

A Healthy Environment

We develop and implement regional plans and policy to protect our natural environment.

We manage our natural resources effectively through regulation, education and action.

We work cohesively with volunteers and others, to sustainably manage and improve our natural resources.

Freshwater for Life

We collaborate with others to maintain and improve our water resource for future generations.

Safe and Resilient Communities

We provide systems and information to increase understanding of natural hazard risks and climate change impacts.

The Way We Work

We honour our obligations to Māori.

We look to partnerships for best outcomes.

 

3.5.1   Community Well-beings Assessment

Cultural - Many wetland and former wetland sites have specific cultural significance to tangata whenua around Tauranga Moana.  An engagement process is underway with hapū to plan for and prioritise the implementation approach to the programme so that it provides for or includes aspects of Matauranga Māori, and leads to increased cultural values. 

Environmental - The current biodiversity values of the majority of drained wetlands is low though they are often immediately adjacent to Tauranga Moana and areas of high biodiversity value. Many of these adjacent sites are recognised among the 430 ‘Priority Biodiversity Sites’ in the region’s Biodiversity Programme. Therefore they have high biodiversity potential, as restoration will in most cases increase the extent of an existing high value biodiversity site, and contribute to its ecological integrity.

The pastoral use of these areas can have a disproportionately high impact on water quality.  Naturally high water tables and gley soils can lead to high nutrient and bacteria losses while the drainage network itself can lead to severely compromised aquatic habitat via stagnation and resultant low dissolved oxygen levels in the water column.

Restoration will remove the direct input of agricultural contaminants while restoring the natural ebb and flow of tidal water.  Additionally it will allow the treatment of shallow ground and surface water through the sites via the restoration of wetland vegetation and greater attenuation within sites.

Social – Coastal wetland restoration will provide improved aesthetic backdrops from coastal vantage points and access routes, and may include provision of better public access for walking and/or cycling (in association with Territorial Local Authorities).

 

3.6      Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

 

4.       Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Staff have commenced a process to engage directly with hapū and Iwi to help identify priorities within the 1,000 hectares identified as potentially appropriate for works under this programme. 

Staff are also developing an amended Environmental Grants Policy for consideration by Council.

 

Guidance Sought

·    Noting that staff have commenced an engagement process with tangata whenua, does the Forum have feedback or suggestions regarding our approach?

·   Do other members of the Forum, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council, have a desire to specifically engage in the planning and implementation of this kaupapa?

  


Tauranga Moana Advisory Group                                                                          11 June 2021

PDF Creator