Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua District

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Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Whaia te pae tawhiti kia tata, whakamaua te pae tata kia tina! Strive for your long term objective so that it may draw closer, once within reach grasp it! INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

I think the lakes have a beautiful heart inside them and inside there’s a good heartbeat

Patricia Waugh Lake Rotoma School

ii INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Index

Foreword ...... v Whakapapa - background...... vi Haere i mua whakakotahi – moving forward as one ...... vii

Reach of the strategy...... 1

Setting for the strategy...... 2

Our vision ...... 3 What does the vision mean? ...... 3 What the community told us ...... 3 Ways to deliver the vision of the strategy – what the community told us...... 4 How will we work together?...... 8 Guiding principles...... 8

Delivery of the strategy...... 9

Life of the strategy...... 10

Connected ...... 11 Key focus areas ...... 11

Iconic ...... 16 Key focus areas ...... 16

Prosperous ...... 20 Key focus areas ...... 20

How do we know if the strategy has been successful? ...... 25

Future legacies of the strategy...... 26

Glossary...... 27

iii INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Mihimihi Toitu te Wai, Toitu te Whenua, Toitu te Tangata

Tihē Mauri Ora Te Arawa wai Maori Te Arawa wai Karekare Te Arawa wai Marino Te Arawa wai Wera Te Arawa wai Ora Te Arawa wai Ariki Anei ngā taonga tuku iho Ā Te Arawa ki te motu Whano Whano Houa mai te Wai Tapu Haumi e! Hui e! Taiki e

iv Kaumātua outside Te Takinga Marae INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Foreword

The Rotorua Te Arawa lakes are important For Te Arawa particularly, the lakes are The lakes are an important environmental to our district, they are important to our part of us. and economic asset. We need to make region and they are important nationally. The lakes are important to us historically, sure we are protecting our lakes and They are our key tourism attraction for traditionally and also in terms of the using them in a sustainable way. this area. They are often regarded as the future and “the future wealth” they jewels in our crown. can bring to this region in helping the For me the vision of the Rotorua lakes development of our economy. means that we continually undertake Kevin Winters work to ensure our lakes are as clean as The Mauri and what it means to me is that can be. Mayor Rotorua District Council and Chair we have a responsibility that we ensure Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group the lakes are in a state of preparedness to assist our people to live. John Cronin Chair Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toby Curtis Chairman Te Arawa Lakes Trust

v INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Whakapapa - Background

In 1998 a Lakes Strategy Working Group The lakes of the Rotorua district and their Council, Te Arawa Lakes Trust and the Bay comprising the Chairman of the Te Arawa Māori catchments are preserved and protected of Plenty Regional Council. This Group is Trust Board, the Chairman of Environment for the use and enjoyment of present and charged with providing leadership in relation to Bay of Plenty and the Mayor of Rotorua future generations, while recognising and implementing the vision. District Council began developing a Lakes providing for the traditional relationship of The original Strategy is now over twelve years Management Strategy. This was an important Te Arawa with their ancestral lakes. old and although the vision is as relevant step in addressing problems arising from the In preparing the original Strategy, individuals today as it was, relationships, knowledge and lack of coordination between those involved in and organisations across the district were innovation have evolved since the Strategy managing the lakes. asked what they wanted to see achieved for was developed. Achievements and gains have The purpose was to provide an agreed vision our lakes catchment. They were asked to been made. Partnerships are strengthening and for the lakes of the Rotorua district, unite efforts identify goals for the future, and what could be developing. and focus resources to achieve that vision. done to protect our lakes.

In August 2000, the Lakes Strategy Working The status and importance of the original Me huri whakamuri, Ka titiro Group adopted the original Strategy for the Strategy was formalised through the Deed of whakamua- Lakes of the Rotorua district. That document Settlement1 and the Lakes Settlement Act2 . In set out why people value the Rotorua Te Arawa that Act, a joint committee called the Rotorua In order to plan for the future, lakes, their concerns and a vision for the future Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group (the Group) we must look to the past of the lakes. was established between Rotorua District

vi INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Haere I mua Whakakotahi – Moving Forward as One

This Strategy updates the original Strategy The purpose of the Strategy is to achieve the approved in 2000. It builds on the commitment original vision and work under an overarching of partner organisations to provide an goal of co-management3. integrated and holistic direction for the The Strategy aims to be clear, simple and management of the lakes catchment. easily understood. Although it sets out how The community have been involved in the the partner organisations will deliver the vision, scoping of the Strategy which provides a the Strategy belongs to everyone who has an pathway of what the community and partner interest in the lakes now and in the future. This organisations want to achieve and a framework includes iwi, the lakes communities and lake Lake Rerewhakaaitu planting for action. users, as well as our future generations.

1 Deed of Settlement 2004 of the Te Arawa Lakes Historical Claims and remaining Annuities Issues 2 Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Act 2006 3 The overriding intent of co-management has carried over from the original Strategy adopted in 2000 which states: Establish in partnership with Te Arawa a co-management framework that achieves the best integrated management.

Lake Tarawera - Photo by Bruce Webber

vii INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Reach of the Strategy

The area that the Strategy applies to is the Rotorua lakes catchment. The catchment area includes the rivers, streams, tributaries and land area that feed into the 12 lake catchments. However what happens in these catchments has downstream effects (Kaituna River, Maketū Estuary and Tarawera River). The Strategy acknowledges the concept Mai i nga maunga ki te moana - from the mountains to the sea.

The Rotorua lakes catchment includes:

Lake Ōkāreka

Lake Ōkaro (Ngakaro)

Lake Ōkataina (Te Moana-i-kataina-a-Te-Rangikaroro)

Lake Rerewhakaaitu

Lake Rotoehu

Lake Rotoiti (Te Roto-kite-a-Ihenga-i-Ariki-ai-a Kahumatamomoe)

Lake Rotokakahi4

Lake Rotomā

Lake Rotomahana

Lake Rotorua (Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe)

Lake Tarawera

Lake Tikitapu

1 4 Under legal guardianship of the Rotokakahi Control Board. INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

ERSHIP FRAMEW PARTN ORK

Setting for the Strategy a Lakes Settlement Araw Act 20 Te 06

a Lake Alongside the geographical area, which the Te Araw s Strateg rua y Gr Roto oup Strategy relates to, we need to be mindful of the operational setting the Strategy sits in. a Bay o Araw f Plen Te ty Regio nal a O ru Cou th While the Strategy reflects the community’s to ncil In e o ct te r R tri re is il Pa ste aspirations for the lakes, specific planning and D nc rti d ou es Rotorua Lakes C regulatory documents will be important for Restoration Regional

MOU & Local achieving the Strategy’s vision. For example, the Strategies

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STRATEGY FO CUS 2 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Our vision

The lakes of the Rotorua district and their catchments are preserved and protected 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.

Matakite:

E tiakina ana, e manaakitia ana hoki ngā roto o te rohe o Te Arawa hei painga mō tātau me ngā whakatipuranga e ara mai nei, ā, me te aro anō ki te hononga tuku iho o Te Arawa ki ō rātau roto

What does the vision mean? balance between them continues to What the community told us be of fundamental importance to the The Strategy reflects the community community. The following table reflects what vision for the future of the Rotorua the community told us they want lakes and therefore is broad in Consultation with the community the Strategy for the Rotorua lakes scope. It is aspirational and has provided a modern to contain under each key element challenges partner organisations interpretation of the four key of the vision and also identifies how to deliver. In order to achieve the elements to implement the vision. the community felt this would be vision we must have a shared The key elements are: achieved. understanding of what the Strategy • connected Existing initiatives that contribute means. • iconic towards achieving these outcomes In the original Lake’s Strategy, four • prosperous. were also acknowledged through key elements formed the essence The Strategy seeks to achieve the consultation. of the vision: protection, use, vision through outcome and goal enjoyment and management. These setting for each of these three elements and achieving the right elements.

3 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Ways to deliver the vision of the Strategy – What the community told us

What do we want to achieve?

Connected Iconic Prosperous

• Agencies working together • Better water quality • Quality of life

• Mountains to sea approach • Reduction of nutrient loss to • Best use of resources (streams, lakes, Kaituna, water • Balance of conflicting Maketū, Tarawera) • Positive experiences for aspirations • Better understanding of those using the lakes • Economic development issues catchment alongside enhanced lakes • Community involvement • Innovative solutions • Sustainable industry (He Tangata – the people • Protection, restoration and together) • Cultural prosperity enhancement • Iwi relationships recognised • Lakes catchment is a healthy and provided for food basket

• Healthy ecosystems

Opportunity for more effective communication, regular review, monitoring and reporting

Hawea Vercoe Memorial Day May 2009 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

My Birthday at the Lake Ways to deliver the vision of the Strategy – What the community told us lt’s my birthday. My granddad sits on a green plastic chair under the tree. My dad is leafing through the newspaper, How will we do it? sports maybe- catching up on the latest cricket. My nana, mum and sister are running after the children. Connected Iconic Prosperous l stretch out on a towel. The sun feels so warm on my back. “l stuff another chip in my mouth • Provide opportunities for • Review current focus, targets • Identify and investigate and lie back contentedly. meaningful engagement and and approach opportunities for economic “Wanna come for a swim?” my brother asks. involvement development, innovative “Yeah,” l shrug my shoulders • Protect, restore & enhance employment and niche and together we wade out, • Educate community on issues lakes catchment so it leaving a never ending trail of ripples products behind us. contributes to the four • Communicate progress and But it’s not getting any deeper. wellbeings • A management framework recognise efforts I try to rescue the drowning ladybirds. that enables new enterprises My brother grabs some seaweed. • Investigate all methods of Oh no, l know what’s going to happen next • Promote awareness of role of improving water quality • Promote the lake and their and I try to run. leaders But it can’t be avoided. activities • Manage existing and future I feel the wet slime • Adaptive catchment clinging to the back of my togs. land use to enhance water • Use of industry research and My screams are heard by those management principles and quality knowledge crowded around the barbeque. approach But nothing of concern, this is care-free summer day. • Enforce On-site Effluent Even the dogs are lounging • Encourage community Treatment rules amongst the daisies. initiatives Maybe a little later we’ll go for a walk along Hamurana Springs. • Effective land use • Assess efficiency of On days like this you always think planning you have another ten years. resources designated to My granddad has just dozed off in the chair, lakes management hopefully he’s dreaming.

Katie-Jayne Boardman 18 years

Opportunity for more effective communication, regular review, monitoring and reporting

5 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Ways to deliver the vision of the Strategy – What the community told us

What will it take? Lakes are important because you can catch Connected Iconic Prosperous fish and you can eat it. Me and my father like fishing. I caught my • Education programmes • Better land use management • Green growth technologies first trout fish at Lake • An engaged community - • Better nutrient management • Use of regional assets and Okataina when I was 4. shared understanding of local investment • Compatible land use issues, approaches and • Value added commodities Caleb Laugesen 5 years agreed targets • Research and development of technology • Identification of new • Catchment based commercial activities management • Industrial innovation • Compatible land use It is important to keep • Funding, resources and • Science based actions • Partnerships - research and Rotorua Lakes clean expertise • Monitoring and compliance development and tidy because • Collaborative governance - the lakes in Rotorua leadership, role models and • Celebrate uniqueness represent who we are programme champions of lakes catchment to as a city. community and tourists • Voluntary programmes Kayla Sargison 11 years

Opportunity for more effective communication, regular review, monitoring and reporting

6 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Ways to deliver the vision of the Strategy – What the community told us

Toku Awa O Rangitaiki What’s already being done? Ki 0ku nei whakaaro e pa ana ki toku awa 0 Rangitaiki, he wai ataahua, he wai tere. Connected Iconic Prosperous He wai pai m0 te kaukau me te whiwhi tuna.

Engari he tino pouri te ngakau 0 Ngati Awa me Tuhoe na te mea kei te whakarapopoto te awa a • Existing partnerships - • Lakes Recreation Strategy • Addressing land use change Trust Power. I pirangi ratou kite tangohia 50% MOUs, terms of references, through District Plan 0 te wai 0 Rangitaiki. • Implementation of Rotorua Te reporting processes and Kare pirangi nga uri 0 Ngati Awa te tangohia Arawa Lakes Programme • Giving effect to economic areas of influence enei wai na te mea, mena ka tangohia ka mate growth strategies, iwi nga kaimoana. • Science to support water • Supporting collaboration in strategic and business plans quality initiatives Council’s Ten Year Plans K0 Putauaki te maunga • Supporting economic • Water quality objectives set development through K0 Rangitaiki te awa in the Regional Water and Council’s Ten Year Plans K0 Mataatua te waka Land Plan

K0 Ruaihona te marae

K0 Ngati Awa Te Toki (Iwi)

Miharo Sisley Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Rotoiti

Opportunity for more effective communication, regular review, monitoring and reporting

7 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

How will we work together?

The community confirmed they want a collaborative and participatory process in developing and implementing the Strategy.

Guiding principles • Focused on outcomes – a clear purpose • Seeking to provide certainty for the future – ensuring stakeholders and landowners are The following principles give guidance on our • Transparent and fully accountable – a clear involved in planning for their future approach to the management of the lakes process for delivery and identified lines of catchment. To achieve our vision, we will be: responsibility • Partnership driven – engaging with agents of change by drawing on their skills, knowledge • Grounded in best knowledge (including and energy. We will nurture existing mātauranga and science) and open to full a relationships and build new ones range of solutions • Agile – flexible in our approach and • Kaitiaki of the lakes catchment – managing delivery. Able to adapt to changing science, the lakes for future generations economics, technology and behaviours.

Ohinemutu floating wetland planting INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Delivery of the Strategy

The Strategy is intended to guide but not direct these important documents. Examples include: The partner organisations recognise that for the work of the partner organisations including: the Strategy to be successful we need to work • Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement more with iwi, landowners, other agencies, • Communication • Bay of Plenty Regional Water and Land Plan businesses and the community to achieve the • Community engagement and action • Rotorua District Plan vision as they also have a role to play in delivery. • Process development • Te Arawa Lakes Fisheries Regulations Progress made on delivering the Strategy’s • Policy development vision, outcome statements, goals and targets • Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan will be assessed annually and reported to the • Consolidation of knowledge base including • Other relevant statutory and non-statutory Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group. further science and Mātauranga planning documents. • Improvement plans.

Implementing the aspirational view of the Strategy will need to be considered pragmatically and in relation to what the community can afford.

The planning processes of the partner organisations will be used to specifically identify which actions are to be progressed and to consider new opportunities, changes to priorities, shifts in focus or emerging risks.

Existing regulation and protection provisions of the partner organisations and other agencies will support Strategy delivery, as will the operational management work, monitoring and compliance requirements which give effect to Holly Cash 8 years 9 Quinn McCarthy 11 years INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Grace Kilkelly 11 years Life of the Strategy

The Strategy is a living document that shows a pathway ahead but not the exact steps or when they will be taken.

The Strategy will be reviewed every ten years following its adoption to ensure the path we are on is taking us in the right direction.

I like the lake because I love the sparkling water. I love fishing with my Dad. The lake is important to me because it is a nice place to go. Daniel Taljaard Kawaha Point School Faye Fisher 13 years 10 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Connected

Outcome statement: All is connected - our waters, our vision, us.

Connected means a management framework Mā pango, mā whero e oti ai te mahi is in place to enable statutory authorities, the Through cooperation the work will be Key focus areas community, iwi, businesses, other agencies complete and individuals to work together to achieve • Working together in partnership Connected recognises the links between the agreed long term goals for the lakes of the land, rivers, streams, lakes, groundwater and • Recognising lakes catchment Rotorua district. To do this everyone must be surface water. Management of the catchment complexity well informed on the issues at hand and feel needs to reflect these connections as well as empowered to be part of the solution. • Integrating Te Arawa/iwi values recognise different lakes may require different solutions.

We are all connected to the lakes catchment spiritually, economically, socially, culturally and environmentally. Te Arawa and other iwi He tino pai te roto o have a traditional relationship with the lakes, Rotorua n ate mea ko surrounding water bodies and land - their tera wahi te wahi I noho physical survival and spiritual well-being depend taku kainga me ahau on their natural environment. (Lake Rotorua is special because that is where I live.)

Anipatene Williams 8 years

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Goal 1: The Strategy is implemented collaboratively

Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources

• In 2013, a Communications • Reported confidence with • Informant interviews on and Engagement Strategy implementation the Strategy development Plan between partner • Reported satisfaction with process and levels of organisations is developed level of engagement engagement and implemented • Number of policies/ • Baseline surveys – How the • By 2015, there are positive strategies that consider the community feels now about relationships between all Strategy engagement? Future survey lakes communities and – How the community feels partner organisations • Number of joint initiatives in three years? within the catchment • By 2018, delivery of community • Funding sources Strategy goals are achieved • Partner organisation through partnership with • Monetary value available reporting key community groups, for funding community organisations, industry initiatives • Strategies and work partners and iwi • Number of coordinated streams actions between partner • Industry Partners’ reporting organisations and other agencies • Number of formal protocols between partners, industry groups, community groups and iwi

Lake Okaro planting day INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Goal 2: The community is engaged and informed about lakes catchment issues The lakes are our future. Arryon Welsh 11 years Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources

• In 2014, information needs • Number of education • Existing perception surveys of catchment community programmes/initiatives/ I can spend time with my • Future surveys – How they identified and benchmarks campaigns rate their knowledge of family. If we had no lakes set everybody will be sad and • Number of survey lakes issues? • By 2015, information respondents who can they don’t get to spend is delivered to lakes identify lakes catchment time with their family at the communities in response to issues information needs lake. • Percentage of community Aquaysia Larson-Taaha who believe they are Kawaha Point School knowledgeable about lakes catchment issues

Help the lakes! Save it for the children. Anais Mountford 11 years

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Goal 3: Knowledge is linked to action and adaption occurs

Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources

• By 2014, an adaptive • Number of predictive tools • Research and development catchment management and models available industries process is working including for catchment based • Eco-servicing trends annual review, monitoring management and reporting on strategy • Adaptive catchment • Reported confidence in related initiatives. management process knowledge information developed and • By 2016, decision making systems implementation monitored will be undertaken • Number of guideline considering experience, • Auditing of Rotorua Te documents to direct narrative, relationships Arawa Lakes Strategy catchment management (past, present and Group and partner future), robust science, • Range of relevant water organisations’ decision mātauranga, socio- and land use attributes and making characteristics considered economic knowledge. • Improved knowledge base in resource management incorporating baseline decisions including survey – What is our experience, narrative, knowledge on the lakes relationships (past present catchment? And future and future), robust science, survey – What knowledge is mātauranga, socio- available in three years? economic knowledge

Tau koura harvesting INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

The lakes are part of us. Every Goal 4: The lakes catchment is managed through Te Arawa values nook and cranny we have a name for, they are named after prominent ancestors and those names are still used today as Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources though they are still living

Toby Curtis • In 2013, there is an • Reported level of access to Te • Iwi surveys Arawa knowledge and values Chairman Te Arawa Lakes Trust agreed protocol between • Partner organisation partner organisations • Shared level of understanding surveys and reporting defining terms of Te that Te Arawa values underpin the Strategy Arawa engagement and involvement in lakes • Number of policies requiring consideration of Te Arawa catchment management values • By 2015, waahi tapu • Percentage of projects and and significant sites programmes that have been management plans for the developed with Te Arawa lakes catchment have been involvement completed • Te Arawa Lakes Settlement recognised in policy and plan • Lakes catchment development management reflects Te • Number of Te Arawa who Arawa values participate in mātauranga collectives • Level of Te Arawa satisfaction that lakes catchment management reflects Te Arawa values • Number of Te Arawa members engaged in catchment monitoring

Ohinemutu Wharenui INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Iconic They represent a big part of Rotorua, they hold 100s of native Outcome Statement: An iconic lakes catchment. flora and fauna, and give us great views and loads of fun in the water. Iconic means the lakes catchment is significant Toitu te wai, Toitu a Papatuanuku, Toitu Euan Robinson 10 years for the right reasons. The lakes are accessible te Tangata and well utilised. The lakes catchment offers abundant lifestyle opportunities and is managed If the water is healthy, Mother Earth will be healthy, and the people will be healthy so that everyone can enjoy them.

People want to use the lakes because they provide a unique visual, recreational and cultural experience. The lakes catchment is a top tourist Key focus areas and visitor destination. • Use and enjoyment

The natural environment is thriving and • Water quality symbolises New Zealand’s clean green image. • Natural environment The lakes catchment offers a healthy food basket. Water quality keeps getting better - the ways we are achieving this include appropriate land use management and leading edge solutions.

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I like the Rotorua Lakes Goal 5: The lakes catchment offers residents and lake users because sometimes you a range of high quality experiences can just be alone with no one to bother you – just the peaceful slosh of the waves. Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources Hannah Everett 9 years • In 2014, resident and user • Percentage of catchment • Lake user surveys – who experience has been rated residents who have access is using the lakes, for what and benchmarks set to lakes reason and how they rate their experience? • By 2015, an action plan is • Number of people using developed to ensure high lakes • Tourism statistics quality experiences for • Reported satisfaction from • Review of Recreation residents and lake users lake users Strategy • Reported confidence that • Lakes Recreation Forum lakes catchment attributes feedback are being managed • Harbourmaster reports • Number of lake closures • Landscape assessment for due to algal blooms consent applications • Number of lake closures • Fish & Game fishery surveys due to events • Reported level of satisfaction with lakes events management

Hawea Vercoe Memorial Day May 2009 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Goal 6: Nutrient inputs are reduced to levels which ensures water quality meets community expectations

Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources

• In 2014, a programme of • Number of lakes and rivers • Scientific monitoring nutrient reducing actions is that meet Water Quality • Lake user surveys - Is the developed and agreed Index for contact recreation water inviting? Can we and ecological health • Annual review and reporting swim there? Can we see against existing initiatives to • Reduction in nutrient loss our feet when we stand in improve water quality from land to lake to meet the water? the Trophic Level Index • Annual water quality targets • Enforcement or uptake are met for all lakes • Total hectares of land area of land management implementing agreed best provisions practice • Ecosystem services • Level of support for • Council benchmarking community initiatives • Review of action plans • Action plans developed for each lake if required • Land management agreements • Households reticulated • Fish & Game fishery surveys

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Goal 7: The health of ecosystems including habitat for kai roto has improved since 2013

Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources

• The baseline health of • Percentage increase of • Baseline health of ecosystems is established catchment area planted in ecosystems: indigenous species • By 2015, an ecosystems - Habitat loss, fragmentation and kai roto programme of • Percentage increase of and degradation actions is commenced and catchment area in wetlands - Pests and weeds reported • Number of species - Ecosystem diversity and • By 2020, monitored and ecosystems in the resilience improvements in the health catchment with endangered of ecosystems including or of concern status - Threatened species habitat for kai roto • Number of pest plants and - Catch rates/Fish & Game animals in the catchment monitoring/surveys • Reported confidence in kai - Plenty of watercress roto enduring over time - Anecdotal evidence – can • Level of regeneration of we gather kai roto like our indigenous plant species in tipuna did? the lakes • Mahinga kai project • Level of restoration and between Te Arawa Lakes revitalisation of customary Trust and NIWA fisheries • Ecosystem servicing trends

Hamurana Springs Kōaro Restoration Project INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Prosperous

Outcome statement: Prosperous lakes catchment - thriving and future thinking

Prosperous means the lakes catchment offers economy to grow is clear. Sustainability is the an enriching quality of life and healthy living. basis of economic aspiration and achievement. The community is proud of their catchment as a Future thinking explores new concepts, new place to live in, play in and call their own. ideas and new ways to grow the economy in a way that is good for people, the economy and Ko nga roto ko au, ko au nga roto the lakes catchment environment. New ways I am the lakes and the lakes are me to capitalise on the iconic lakes catchment is A vibrant well-functioning community is encouraged. supported by clean water and land. These The lakes catchment communities are resources need to be managed for existing and resilient and well placed to cope with change. future generations. There is active and positive Landowners and entrepreneurs can make engagement to find solutions to improving the sound economic decisions as they understand environment. the regulatory framework within which they are The lakes make a significant Cultural prosperity for Te Arawa signifies a operating now and in the future. contribution to the overall strong ahi kaa - whānau, marae and hapū environmental quality of the region communities are able to maintain and practice and are a source of great enjoyment their tikanga, traditional practices, knowledge, Key focus areas for both tourists and locals alike. stories, karakia, and spiritual associations. • Sustainable economic Katie-Jayne Boardman 18 years Whilst a growing economy simply expands, opportunities and innovation a developing economy improves. • Whanau/marae/hapū development

Whilst growing the economy is outside the • Certainty scope of the Strategy, the way we want the 20 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Goal 8: A developing lakes catchment economy that supports resource use efficiency and improved water quality

Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources

• Sector initiatives are • Number of sustainable • Surveys established to encourage initiatives developed • Planning and policy innovative solutions to (including codes of practice, documents achieve positive economic agreed best practices) and environmental results • Level of support and uptake • Industry sectors and growth of sustainable initiatives • Planning provisions support • Research and development including sustainable initiatives expenditure - level of funding for research • By 2015, a resource use and development • Reporting on the Rotorua efficiency report with Economic Growth Strategy - number of joint ventures recommendations is between industry, iwi and • Water demand, allocation complete resource management and productivity – how • By 2020, improved agencies much water is used to resource efficiency and - number of tertiary education produce a given output and research partnerships water quality • Renewable energy to drive innovation and consumption e.g. sustainable entrepreneurship geothermal, biofuel from • Number of new sustainable algae ponds industries • Level of support for sustainable initiatives through planning and regulatory provisions

21 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Goal 9: A lakes catchment management framework that enables iwi to pursue sustainable business ideas and initiatives Without any lakes, there would hardly be Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources anyone visiting our town. Rotorua would become a ghost town. • By 2015, opportunities • Number and type of new • Surveys and challenges to whānau/ programs/services started Also Rotorua would • Hui marae/hapū economic by marae/hapū become broke. development around the • Iwi collectives • Number of persons Simon Smith 11 years lakes catchment have been employed by marae/ identified hapū ventures and tribal • Whānau/marae/hapu are businesses The Rotorua lakes supported in pursuing • Number of hapū members commercial opportunities are important to me starting private businesses related to the lakes because it is mine! catchment • Dollar value of grants or Shakaisha Simon 6 years investments in marae/hapū/ whānau businesses • Reported incidents I believe that the of regulatory barriers to iwi economic lake has a life. development Laeton Lake Rotoma School

22 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Goal 10: The lakes catchment makes a positive contribution to lake communities’ sense of pride and belonging

They are important because our wildlife Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources economy, activities and obviously, us. • By 2015, lakes catchment • Perceived sense of pride • Perception surveys Simon Smith 11 years communities’ sense of and belonging pride and belonging is rated, benchmarks set and priority areas for Rotorua Lakes are improvement identified important to me • Annual reporting and review because they have a against existing initiatives history behind them. Sarah Smith 10 years

They mean a lot to Rotorua heritage. Jacob Garmonsway 11 years

23 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Goal 11: A lakes catchment management framework that provides certainty and enables landowners to plan for their future

Targets Possible indicators Possible data sources

• A programme for • Range of options available • Intervention framework interventions including to landowners • Surveys incentives and regulations • Level of understanding by is developed together • Funding sources landowners on interventions with landowners and • Partner organisation • Level of communication stakeholders reporting between management • There is provision for agencies and landowners transition for landowners if required into any new • Number of applications for regulatory regime incentive funding • Amount of lead in time before regulation takes effect

24 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

How do we know if the Strategy has been successful?

• Clear shared vision delivered through • Consistent messaging partnerships • Informed decision making • Agreed pathway for long-term improvement • Innovative thinking. • Framework for integrated management

Walkway & Wetland - Lake Okareka

Kayla Sargison 11 years Bella Uhl 10 years 25 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

How do we know if the Strategy has been successful? Future legacies of the Strategy

• Empowered lakes catchment communities • Customary fisheries are restored and • Understanding and demonstration of the revitalised traditional, cultural and spiritual significance • Lakes to swim in and gather food from and relationship of the lakes to Te Arawa • People want to live, play and do business in • Lakes are a treasured taonga – promoted the lakes catchment. and protected appropriately

• Vibrant, healthy lands and waterways

Cyclists - Lake Tikitapu

Viewing spot - Lake Tarawera Gisele Howard 7 years 26 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

Glossary

Whakahaere Arotaki Hopuwai: He kawenga e matatau ana ki ngā tātairanga me ngā whakahaere tātaki kua whakataetaetia ki toa rāno te mea tōtika,

Hīnga ika mai rāno - e whakapākau ana ki ngā tikanga mātāmua- a-iwi a Te Arawa mahinga kai me ngā momo taonga kua tohungia e NIWA me te Kaitiakihanga Roto o Te Arawa Hī-ika-mai-rā āno otirā kei roto hoki i te hōtaka rangahaua o ngā roto o Te Arawa. Kei roto i ēnei momo arā ko te Kākahi, te koaro me te tuna.

Kai o ngā roto - Ngā kai kua haongia mai ngā roto

Kaitiaki - He tangata he kaitakawaenga rānei tiaki taonga; tērā pea he wairua a tinana rānei. He kaitiaki, he kaiarataki, engari te tino whakamāramatanga o te kaitiaki he rerekē anō ia ki tēnā me tēnā hapū, iwi hoki.

Mātauranga - Mātauranga, mōhiotanga, tohungatanga, māramatanga, pūkekotanga hoki

Te Rōpū Rautaki mō ngā roto kei Rotorua me Te Arawa - He komiti-a-hono i whakatūria i waenganui i te Kaunihera Takiwā o Rotorua, Te Kaitiakihanga o ngā Roto o Te Arawa me te Kaunihera-a- Rohe o Te Waiariki.

Wāhi Tapu - He wāhi tapu ki ngā Māori i raro i ngā tikanga tuku iho, whakapono, pure otirā mōhiotanga purākau.

27 INDEX ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES PROGRAMME Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district

The lakes are special and we have to look after them Morgan MacCormick 4 years

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Whaia te pae tawhiti kia tata, whakamaua te pae tata kia tina! Strive for your long term objective so that it may draw closer, once within reach grasp it!