Agenda of Tauranga Moana Advisory Group

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes

10 December 2021

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 10 December 2021, 09:30 am

Venue: via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Heamana

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

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Charlie Tawhiao (Ngāi Te Rangi)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Tauranga City Council (TCC): Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston

Ngāti Pūkenga: Keepa Smallman

Ngāi Te Rangi: Pia Bennett

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

BOPRC Toi Moana: Cr Norm Bruning; Cr Paula Thompson and Cr Jane Nees

In Attendance: BOPRC Toi Moana: Cr Andrew von Dadelszen; Chris Ingle – General Manager, Integrated Catchments; Sarah Omundsen – General Manager, Regulatory Services; Pim De Monchy – Coastal Catchments Manager; Russell Knutson – Team Leader Western Catchments; Clarke Koopu – Senior Advisor (Treaty); Stacey Faire – Senior Planner (Coastal); Reuben Gardiner - Senior Planner (Water Policy); Gemma Moleta - Senior Planner (Water Policy); Merinda Pansegrouw – Committee Advisor

TCC: Wally Potts - Acting Director of City Waters; Radleigh Cairns - Environmental Programme Leader Infrastructure

WBOPDC: Chris Nepia - Strategic Kaupapa Māori Manager; Merehine Waiari - Kaupapa Māori Specialist

Other: Dean Flavell – Chairperson Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority; Dan Kneebone - Property & Infrastructure Manager Port of Tauranga

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Cr Stacey Rose (BOPRC Toi Moana)

Cr Bill Wasley (TCC Commissioner)

Te Pio Kawe (Ngāti Ranginui)

Jeff Milham (Observer – Department of Conservation)

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Prayer

A karakia was provided by Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Accepts the apologies from Cr Stacey Rose, Commissioner Bill Wasley, Te Pio Kawe and Jeff Milham tendered at the meeting.

Rolleston/Thompson

CARRIED

3. Ngā Take Tōmuri
Items not on the Agenda

· Verbal Update – Seepage into the Tauranga Harbour.

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 - 17 September 2021

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Confirms the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes - 17 September 2021 as a true and correct record.

Nees/Bruning

CARRIED

6. Whakaaturanga
Presentations

6.1

Development of Te Maru O Kaituna River Document and Action Plan - Learnings

Presented by: Dean Flavell – Chairperson of Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority (TMOK). Highlighted lessons learnt from the journey establishing TMOK and developing the River Document for TMOK as follows:

Key Points:

· Commenced the process with a strategy in place: approached it as a joint venture, developed cooperatively by all partners; this provided a good platform/foundation to launch from

· Focussed on relationships with all partners along the Kaituna River; this formed part of the majority of the preparation work prior to settlement phase, setting the scene

· Strived to put a “Maori face” on the process as opposed to “iwi specific”; as a result, received an overwhelming number of submissions

· The first lesson was to listen to the voice of the River: this should be the main focus as the River itself needed to speak and provide guidance regarding what was important for the well-being of the River. We were ultimately there for the River

· The process required humility and bravery. Needed to face harshest critics (sometimes own people); however, this became one of the strengths in the end

· It was critical to always keep the mandate front of mind: to restore, protect and enhance the environmental, cultural and spiritual health and well-being of the Kaituna River

· The second lesson related to membership: approached this issue early in the process and consulted wide

· Thirdly, to operate effectively as a co-governance group was a learning curve: discovered early on that the co-governance group should not be a platform for councils to communicate/engage with iwi representatives - that was not the role of the group

· Reiterated that the River needed to be the main focus since the Kaituna River and its tributaries were considered taonga (treasures) and needed to be respected as a valued resource. This changed the thinking of how the co-governance group operated and with this in mind, the River Document, “Kaituna, he taonga tuku iho - a treasure handed down” was developed and launched

· It was important to be open to the natural flow of events: once the River Document had been completed, the next step became the development of the Action Plan for the River Document: “Te Tini a Tuna - Kaituna Action Plan 2019-29”

· Te Tini a Tuna outlined what would be done over the next ten years to deliver on the vision, objectives and outcomes of the Kaituna River Document

· Was currently in the Proposed Change 5 (Kaituna River) process to entrench the River Document into the Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement (RPS). It would be the second co-governance change to be included in the RPS and was specific to the Kaituna River and its tributaries

· TMOK was currently focussing on the Te Tini a Tuna actions. The actions brought together all groups who had an interest in the River. TMOK currently tasked with co-ordinating these groups

· TMOK had injected life into the river, which was currently exploding with energy

· This posed the next challenge as the extra work load required extra resources; hence the submission alongside the Rangitāiki River Forum (RRF) to the BOPRC Long Term Plan 2021 – 2031 for funding toward initiatives to help to enhance Māori co-governance forums. This would provide a shared independent secretariat/technical resource for both TMOK and RRF. Currently developing a job description for this position.

Key Point: Members:

· Recent appointment of Dean Flavell as a member of the Kaituna Catchments Control Scheme Advisory Group would be beneficial as it provided representation from Te Maru to raise the cultural understanding/ awareness of the Kaituna River.

In response to Questions:

· Noted that a symposium in the Bay of Plenty, involving all co-governance forums to provide guidance/key learnings to others, was envisaged to take place in 2022 once permitted by Covid-19 restrictions and that Toi Moana staff were pursuing this opportunity

· To enhance connection with the Ōhiwa Harbour and Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum, Dr Kura Paul-Burke, Associate Professor Matai Moana – Marine Research, University of Waikato would be invited to address Tauranga Moana Advisory Group (TMAG) on Shellfish Restoration research in Ōhiwa Harbour in 2022.

6.2

Ko WAI mātou! – an overview of Tauranga Moana Projects and NPS-FM implementation action plan

Presented by: Pia Bennett - Ngāi Te Rangi

Key Points:

· As a first workstream, provided an update on progress with Ko WAI mātou Plan – whakapapa centric and values driven

o Vision/fundamentals/objectives/priorities and aspirations/projects for difference hapū for gathering data/information

o Tools and systems required

o Partners involved

o Proposed structure for implementation once funding approval had been received from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) following application for Te Manatū Mō Te Taiao Te Mana o Te Wai fund

o Aspirational priorities identified per cluster

o Key themes to be advanced/could be restricted by lack of resources

o Document currently being developed to be provided to Toi Moana

o Groundwater modelling

· Second workstream:

o Te Manatū Mō Te Taiao Te Mana o Te Wai fund Application submitted two months ago

o As a next step, MfE had requested a meeting with the iwi partners of TMAG

o NPS-FM implementation Action Phase 1 – November 2021 to June 2022 would articulate the vision

o Engagement through reaching out to mana whenua - monthly kaitiaki forum/ information sharing/ grounding on key programmes. Mana whenua to lead the conversation and to inform and engage decision makers (Iwi boards, Komiti Māori, TMAG)

o Te Mana o te Wai

§ To draft Tauranga Moana Te Mana o te Wai principles, strategy and key values/ finalise Te Mana o te Wai position paper for Tauranga Moana, then develop Tauranga Moana centric Te Mana o te Wai policy provisions in the RPS and Regional Plan

§ Dialogue with the wider community

o Values, objectives, attributes

§ Lead wānanga with mana whenua on values/objectives and attributes that gave effect to Te Mana o te Wai in Tauranga Moana

§ Establishment of a strategy / Tauranga Moana centric policy

o Kaupapa Māori based assessment

§ Engage third-party technical support and expertise to craft a Kaupapa Māori assessment programme proposal - lead wānanga to frame Kaupapa Māori assessment programme

§ Action Kaupapa Māori based assessment programme, led by kaitiaki with the support – cultural flows/ cultural freshwater values assessment/ western assessment of the state of the environment

o What was needed to succeed in Tauranga Moana:

§ Kaitiaki forum and mana whenua engagement

§ Mana whenua freshwater advisory group and secretariat

§ A Tauranga Moana centric Freshwater Policy Advisor

§ Funding and resourcing to support Kaupapa Māori framed assessment

§ Needed Councils to cooperate

o Raised the concerns regarding the following:

§ Had been refused access to some awa

§ Information sharing did not happen as promised (Matakana groundwater data)

§ Was challenging to work according to timing/ timeframes dictated by council processes

§ Required councils to show faith and trust in this process

o Reinforced the leadership role of mana whenua in freshwater decision making in Tauranga Moana. Required the following:

§ Open and effective communication

§ Aligned work-streams with integrated outputs

§ Mana led decision making

§ Clear intentions around funding and resourcing

o The action plan was a commitment to action: would highlight the role of mana whenua in Toi Moana’s Essential Freshwater Policy Programme

o Important to understand and remember that Tauranga Moana would speak for Tauranga Moana.

10:34am – Commissioner Rolleston withdrew from the meeting.

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1. Expresses its support for the Te Manatū Mō Te Taiao Te Mana o Te Wai funding application to the Ministry for the Environment under leadership of Pia Bennett to help build capacity for Ko WAI mātou!

McDonald/Tawhiao

CARRIED

7. Ngā Whakamārama a Ngā Rōpu
Update from Partners

7.1 Ngāi Te Rangi

Ngāi Te Rangi Representative Charlie Tawhiao provided a verbal update:

Key Point:

· Covid-19/Delta variant response planning/preparations had been occupying most of Ngāi Te Rangi’s resources over the past 6 months

· Mahi for Deed Settlement for Tauranga Moana Iwi Collective/Hauraki Settlement claims was ongoing. Kaumātua talks to re-establish relationships had made good progress

· Reminded that the overlapping of interests had been a signal/symptom of relationships. However these have unfortunately been equated to western property interests, which required exclusive ownership

· The two concepts “overlapping of interests” and “property interest” were not the same: the one was about relationship and the other about property ownership. The overlapping of interests was more about the subtleties of relationships between people and places and the Crown seemed not to understand the difference

· The concept of mana whenua was still widely misinterpreted. Iwi would continue to pursue relationship building and solving the challenges by means of tikanga.

7.2 Ngāti Pūkenga

Ngāti Pūkenga representative Keepa Smallman provided the following verbal update to the rūnanga:

Key Points:

· Acknowledged the kōrero by Dean Flavell and Pia Bennett and the mana of the previous speakers

· Was progressing well with the Land Development Remediation Project at Te Kapua Orchard in Welcome Bay

· The process with Heritage New Zealand was ongoing. It was robust and educational for the whānau involved

· Another positive outcome had been that more land blocks were being restored as wetlands

· Patai to the group regarding alternative ways of dealing with waste in the region, given the development and the impacts on waterways and communities. Noted that TCC and WBOPDC would respond accordingly when providing their respective updates.

7.3 Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Councillor Mark Dean provided a verbal update, highlighting the following:

· Katikati Wastewater Treatment Plant Project was due to have wetlands de-slugged during the drier summer time

· The Ōmokoroa to Te Puna Cycleway was due for completion early 2022

· Construction of Ōmokoroa Domain’s new playground was planned for completion by Christmas 2021

· Working alongside Sport Bay of Plenty, as part of the Bay of Plenty Spaces and Places Strategy, WBOPDC was looking at the development of a sub-regional plan for Water Sport/Recreational Facilities

· The most significant work undertaken in 2021 had been the WBOPDC’s agreement to return ownership of the eastern end of Matakana Island to its ancestral owners, commonly known as Panepane Purakau

· In response to Keepa Smallman’s question, acknowledged that further innovative work in terms of waste management in the region as part of future proofing was required.

7.4 Tauranga City Council

TCC Environmental Programme Leader Infrastructure, Radleigh Cairns’ verbal update highlighted TCC key work streams as follows:

Key Points:

· Tauranga Water Watchers Plan

o Had replaced traditional outdoor watering restrictions which would now be in place all year round to help maintain the city’s water supply and provide everyone with clarity about how they could use water at home, at work, and in the community

o During December to March, sprinkler use would be banned

o The new plan was in response to three dry summers in a row which had taken a toll on groundwater levels in our region

· Wairoa River Valley Strategy

o Developed jointly between WBOPDC, TCC, Tangata Whenua and the local community in 2005 the Wairoa River Valley Strategy was last reviewed in 2013 to incorporate Hapū management plans

o Considering the plans to develop Tauriko West, a further review had been programmed. Scoping discussions in early 2021 indicated that any review of the strategy should incorporate the whole of the Wairoa River catchment with the aim of creating a more comprehensive and sustainable management approach for the river and its tributaries

o In November an online hui was run to enable Wairoa River Hapū to gain a better understanding of BOPRC’s NPS-FM implementation process with a further BOPRC workshop scheduled for early in 2022. TCC to work with the Wairoa River Hapū representatives to establish next steps for the strategy review

· Tauriko West Growth Area

o The structure plan for the Tauriko West growth area was well advanced with 3500 to 4000 dwellings expected when fully developed. TCC had continued to work with mana whenua through Te Kauae a Roopu building on the Cultural Values Assessment work already undertaken and how this would be incorporated by Council, developers, Ministry of Education and Waka Kotahi when developing the area

o Council was also working with Waka Kotahi on both the enabling works for the first 2000 dwellings and long term options for SH29/SH29A upgrades

o The rezoning of rural land to urban was currently being worked through with MfE regarding a proposed Streamlined Planning Process (SPP) while other workstreams such as infrastructure servicing, funding options for enabling works and spine road infrastructure provisions progress

o Timeframe for completion of the structure plan, the City Plan change process commencing and the lodgement of the comprehensive stormwater consent for the area with BOPRC was currently expected to be mid-2022

· Fresh Water Management (FWM) Tool

o The FWM Tool was a model that would allow TCC to simulate the hydrological and water quality run off states of water supply streams and council’s stormwater network. It would enable council to predict future changes based on interventions options and climate change predictions supporting good decision making and investment decisions

o Key drivers to develop this tool included understanding the reliability of water supplies and exploring the effectiveness of various urban contaminant management options

o The FWM tool would support decision making on:

§ Re-consenting of existing water takes

§ Testing of BOPRC proposed target setting under the NPSFM and implications for TCC

§ Development of a project works programme to meet NPSFM objectives

§ TCC’s City Plan Review

o The contract for the work had been awarded and development of the tool would take around a year. Collaboration with BOPRC staff on the project was ongoing and would include providing data and reviewing of the tools outputs

· Wastewater Management

o TCC’s Wastewater Management Review Committee would have a full complement of commissioners and tangata whenua representatives when assessing its work programme in early 2022. A key focus for members would be the Wastewater Programme Business Case (PBC)

o A review of the future of Te Maunga Wastewater Treatment Plants Outfall system provided an opportunity to take an all of system approach to considering investment in the network, plants and outfall

o The PBC would provide a road map for a preferred programme with the next stage being a long-list of programme options that would be considered against assessment criteria taking into account environmental, cultural and economic outcomes

o Multiple upgrades to Te Maunga Wastewater Treatment Plant were in various stages of progress to cater for growth

· Kopurererua Stream Realignment

o The realignment of further sections of the Kopurererua and the reinstating of wetlands would have a number of benefits for the valley including:

§ Restoring fish and wildlife habitats

§ Reduce the impacts of flooding and stabilise downstream flows during dry spells

§ Improve water quality by allowing sediment washed downstream to settle out prior to entering the estuary and removing nutrients.

o The physical works on the two sections of realignment were due to start early 2022 with the contract having been awarded.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

· TCC Staff to provide Cr Dally with further information on the recycling of number 5 plastic in the region.

7.5 Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Toi Moana General Manager, Integrated Catchments Chris Ingle outlined BOPRC priorities as follows:

Key Points:

· High Court ruling on NES Freshwater – wetlands in the CMA

o The High Court last week ruled that the Freshwater Regulations also applied to natural wetlands in the Coastal Marine Area. Toi Moana was writing to MfE explaining the difficulties this decision may create

o Current mangrove seedling removal around Tauranga Harbour was previously undertaken as a permitted activity under the Regional Coastal Environment Plan, but the Freshwater Regulations take precedence over Regional Plan rules meaning that rule can no longer be used

o Fortunately, Toi Moana held a Resource Consent to control mangrove seedlings which expires in October 2023, so Toi Moana could continue with its seedling removal. The consent would be reapplied for in due course

· Consenting Decisions

o Port of Tauranga Limited’s Stella Passage development proposal covered a 385m wharf extension and 1.8ha reclamation at Sulphur Point, wharf extensions 530m north and 388m south of the Tanker Berth and a 2.9ha reclamation on the Mount Maunganui wharves. The associated extension to the shipping channel covered 14.4ha and involved dredging up to 1,800,000m3 of material (of which 5.9ha and 800,000m3 was already consented). Port of Tauranga have sought direct referral to the Environment Court. Four submissions have been received with three in opposition, and one in support

o Independent commissioners have granted consent to Tauranga Bridge Marina to authorise the ongoing presence of the marina. The occupation of space in the coastal marine area by the marina infrastructure was specified as a controlled activity in the Coastal Plan, which meant that consent needed to be granted. Ngāti Kuku have appealed this decision

o Review of Ballance Agri-Nutrient Limited’s sulphur dioxide air discharge consent had been completed. The review has resulted in a reduction in discharge limits as well as new reporting and control conditions

· Land Management

o Waitao Focus Catchment has had a significant investment from MPI’s One Billion Trees to incentivise land retirement upstream of the iconic Kaiate Falls and address swimmability issues. Over 30 hectares of waterway and critical source areas like wetland seeps have been retired from grazing and planted

o Kopurererua Focus Catchment work had ramped up in the last six months. Plans were underway to construct a detainment bund in the upper catchment for phosphorus and sediment retention. Catchment work was complimented by the joint project with TCC to reconnect a portion of the main Kopurererua channel into the flood plain

o Project with Ngai Tamarawaho and TCC to enhance and create habitat for inanga in the Koromiko wetland which ran parallel to the lower Kopurererua Stream. Project was funded by the Port of Tauranga’s Nga Matarae Trust

o Uretara & Te Mania Focus Catchments work continued to be supported in partnership by “Project Parore” catchment group. Early summer monitoring indications suggested that bacterial levels in the Uretara Henry Rd Ford site were below the “amber/alert” level of 540/100ml cfu, so far this bathing season.

In Response to Questions:

· For data on swimmability in the Bay of Plenty’s rivers, lakes and beaches: Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) Website: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/swimming/

· Water Quality data for all monitored streams and rivers available via dashboard on Toi Moana’s Environmental Data Portal: https://envdata.boprc.govt.nz/Data

8. Ngā Whakamārama Te Papa Atawhai
Conservation Update

8.1 Department of Conservation

Item deferred to the next meeting.

11:25am - The meeting adjourned.

11:40am - The meeting reconvened.

9. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

9.1

A long term vision for the Tauranga Moana Freshwater Management Unit

Presentation - Long Term Vision for Tauranga Moana Freshwater Management Unit PDF: Objective ID A4001636

Presented by: Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana Senior Planner (Water Policy) Gemma Moleta and Senior Planner (Water Policy) Reuben Gardiner.

Key Points:

· Overview of the National Objectives Framework

· Currently looking at values and objectives across the region which generally fed into visions process

· Visions under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM):

o Set in the Regional Policy Statement as an objective

o Set at a catchment, Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) or part of FMU level

o Goals to be ambitious but reasonable

o Set timeframes to achieve those goals

o Informed by history and environmental pressures

o Community and tangata whenua involvement

· The process for visions

o What has been done

o Desktop collation

o Working draft option prepared

o Next steps:

§ Offer to discuss with/ receive feedback from iwi and hapū

§ E-panui/ sub regional hui

§ To meet with Tauranga Moana iwi partners

§ Online public engagement.

11:40am - Cr Bruning withdrew from the hui.

11:45am – Keepa Smallman withdrew from the hui.

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Receives the report, A long term vision for the Tauranga Moana Freshwater Management Unit.

Thompson/Nees

CARRIED

9.2

Port of Tauranga Update

Presented by: Dan Kneebone, Property & Infrastructure Manager Port of Tauranga.

Key Points:

· Overview of progress made with reduction in the usage of Methyl Bromide at the Port of Tauranga (POT)

· Methyl Bromide was used for fumigating containerised cargo and deck stow logs

· Fumigation was undertaken at the POT by Genera who held resource consent for fumigation activities

· POT and regulators required Genera to demonstrate compliance with regulations

· Decline in the usage of Methyl Bromide since 2017

· Current consent required Genera to apply Methyl Bromide recapture to 75% of all log stack operations and 100% of container operations

· Genera had been fully compliant with these requirements

· Furthermore, from 1 January 2022 POT would require that recapture technology be applied to 100% of all log stack fumigations

· POT also encouraged debarking of logs - incentivised debarked logs through reduced environmental levies

· Debarking contributed to Methyl Bromide reductions

· Any remaining Methyl Bromide usage would need to be appropriately and compliantly managed.

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Receives the verbal report, Port of Tauranga Update.

Thompson/Dally

CARRIED

9.3

Maritime Operations Update

Presented by: Sarah Omundsen - General Manager, Regulatory Services

Key Points:

· Update on Summer Marine Patrols in Tauranga Harbour: from Labour Weekend until the end of February – up to 400 patrols over the summer period

· This summer maritime patrols would include mana whenua representatives from the Te Patuwai Tribal Committee, to help the hapū to build capacity in this area

· Council was also supporting six rangatahi to complete a free marine science dive course which would include an introduction to marine ecosystems

· Supported by eight summer students

· Promoting safe boating

· Toi Moana’s Maritime and Compliance teams continued to monitor compliance of the new Motiti Protection Area rules.

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Receives the report, Maritime Operations Update.

Thompson/Nees

CARRIED

10. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

10.1

2021/2022 Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Agenda Planner Update / 2022 Meeting Dates

Presented by: Chris Ingle – General Manager, Integrated Catchments.

Key Point:

· TMAG partners were invited to provide topics for inclusion as future agenda items in 2022.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· A standing item “Update on SmartGrowth” be added to the 2022 Agenda Planner.

Minute Note:

Ngāti Ranginui representative Te Pio Kawe requested via email that the following be added to the 2022 Agenda Planner:

· Development of a Tauranga Moana Marine Spatial Plan (Ōtawhiwhi to Ōtamarākau including coastal islands Tuhua and Mōtītī) as a component of the Toi Moana Marine Spatial Plan framework, current tāngata whenua information and data, resourced with an appropriate Iwi engagement plan.

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Receives the report, 2021/2022 Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Agenda Planner Update / 2022 Meeting Dates.

2 Notes the hui dates for 2022.

Nees/Thompson

CARRIED

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

11.1 Verbal Update – Seepage into the Tauranga Harbour

Presented by: Sarah Omundsen - General Manager, Regulatory Services

Key Points:

· In November 2021 Toi Moana was notified of a discharge of an unknown yellow substance into the Tauranga Harbour adjacent to berths at the Port of Tauranga

· The substance had a distinctly fatty like odour

· On-site investigations at the time ruled out discharges from the presently docked vessels, hardstand areas on the Port or discharges into Tauranga City Council’s open stormwater drain network ‘upstream’ of the Port

· Substance was being gobbled up by seagulls and dissipated quickly with the change in tides

· Further enquiries were made with key Port contacts and TCC about potential recent discharges of contaminants to stormwater

· In house tests performed on the samples at Toi Moana’s lab revealed the substance behaved the same as cooking oil/fats when either heat or cooler temperatures were applied to it.

12. Rā Hui Whai Ake
Next Meeting Date

Friday 25 March 2022

12:15 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:	25 March 2022
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Gemma Moleta, Senior Planner (Water Policy)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To outline the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme for 2022, provide an update on drafting the Tauranga Moana vision and a brief national update.

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report provides Tauranga Moana Advisory Group (TMAG):

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

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

· an update on national regulatory changes affecting the EFPP.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

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

In summary, 2021 involved a large amount of technical / science investigations and reporting, initial regional policy review, and many meetings with iwi and hapū across the region to find out how they would like to be involved in freshwater management and identify capacity and capability needs. TMAG has been provided with updates and opportunities to provide input into the mahi at their hui. The last hui for the year included an initial discussion with members about the requirements of a long-term vision for freshwater under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) and the process to draft a vision.

2. Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022

The major focuses for 2022 are outlined in the timeline below and will be:

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

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

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

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

2.1 Issues and options

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

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

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

TMAG will receive regular freshwater policy updates at the two further meetings scheduled for the year – 17 June and 16 September 2022. These will provide an opportunity to be kept informed of key issues and options relevant to the Tauranga Moana Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) as they are considered by Toi Moana. TMAG may wish to provide advice and recommendations to Toi Moana as it sees fit. TMAG iwi members can facilitate their iwi and/or hapū involvement in the freshwater mahi at any time throughout the programme. Informal discussions can be arranged as a committee, as iwi members of TMAG, independently with your iwi and/or hapū or any combination of the above.

2.2 Engaging on Long-term Visions for Freshwater

Council is currently undertaking engagements and discussions alongside iwi across the region to help set long term visions for freshwater. This is an opportunity to set ambitious but reasonable goals and timeframes as a part of the long-term vision for freshwater, one that reflects what communities and tangata whenua really want draft freshwater management units (FMU) to be like in the future.

Council recognises there are existing projects lead by tangata whenua in the Tauranga Moana rohe where the development of long term visions may be inherent in the project. We recognise that the current discussions with hapū and iwi on visions does not seek to represent, replace or be prioritised above the visions that may emerge from these existing projects. The current engagement focus is to ensure that all tangata whenua have the opportunity to engage directly with council on the setting of long term visions in a way that’s appropriate for them, as per the direction given in the NPSFM 2020.

Council is keen to hear from hapū and iwi about their long term visions and, if preferred by the TMAG, a vision that reflects the advisory group and the kaupapa they undertake. Moreover if members would like to be engaged separately we are more than prepared to coordinate this discussion.

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

This year iwi organisations were sent letters inviting their involvement in developing draft long term visions for freshwater. Where an iwi’s rohe extended over a number of freshwater management units all relevant example visions were attached. A copy of the attachment sent to iwi with an interest in Tauranga Moana is attached for discussion (refer to attachment 1). The attachment was sent to Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngā Potiki. There is an opportunity to have a collective meeting with all four iwi at once or staff can individually meet with iwi representatives.

2.4 Community Engagement

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

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

Toi Moana staff will continue to be responsive to enquiries from community and iwi organisations.

2.5 Ngā Kaitohutohu

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

3. Changes to national freshwater regulations

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

· how at-risk source water areas are delineated.

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

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

Changes will need to be included in the Regional Natural Resources Plan as part of the EFPP to implement the NES-DW. Public consultation on discussion document closed 6 March 2022 and gazettal is likely in mid-late 2022. The governments consultation material is available here:

https://consult.environment.govt.nz/freshwater/nes-drinking-water/

4. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

4.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this update.

4.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

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

4.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

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

Te Mana o Te Wai in the NPSFM 2020 represents a significant shift by central government to recognise the importance of tangata whenua involvement in the management of freshwater. Importantly, it signals inclusion of mātauranga Māori in shaping up the policies that will be included in the notified changes to the RPS and RNRP.

4.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

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

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

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

NPSFM implementation is a core, non-discretionary Toi Moana function. This update paper assists TMAG in their roles as members on the advisory group.

4.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

5. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Over the next period of time, Toi Moana will:

1. Continue to discuss long-term visions for freshwater and environmental outcomes for Tauranga Moana and other FMUs with iwi and hapū who would like to be involved;

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

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

4. Continue to invite and support iwi and hapū to express their values and Mātauranga Māori tohu that could be used to indicate the state/wellbeing of these values.

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 Paula Thompson Cr Jane Nees
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