Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the next meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group will be held in The Council Chamber, Rotorua Lakes Council, Civic Administration Building, 1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua on:
Friday, 9 March 2018 commencing at 10.30 am.
Mary-Anne Macleod Chief Executive Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana 2 March 2018
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Terms of Reference Interpretation In these Terms of Reference:
“Organisations” means the Te Arawa Lakes Trust, the Rotorua District Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
“Rotorua Lakes” means Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu, Rotoma, Okataina, Tikitapu, Okareka, Tarawera, Rotomahana, Rerewhakaaitu, Okaro and Rotokakahi.
“Group” means the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group, formed as a Joint Committee under Clause 30 of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002. Purpose The purpose of the Group is to contribute to the promotion of the sustainable management of the Rotorua Lakes and their catchments, for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, while recognising and providing for the traditional relationship of Te Arawa with their ancestral lakes. Membership Six members:
• The Chairperson of the Te Arawa Lakes Trust and one other senior representative; • The Mayor and one other elected representative of the Rotorua Lakes Council; • The Chairperson and one other elected representative of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Quorum As per clause 3.1 of the RLSG Agreement (dated 8 October 2004), the ordinary quorum for a meeting of the Group will be one member from each of the Organisations. Group Chairperson The Group has agreed to rotate its Chairperson on an annual basis. Term of the Committee This is a permanent joint committee under the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Act 2006. The Te Arawa Lakes Deed of Settlement (December 2004) included clauses establishing the Group (Cultural Redress: Lakes Management and Relationships, clauses 9.1 to 9.3). The Terms of Reference for the Group come from a signed agreement between the three parties (dated 8 October 2004) and included in Part 1 of the Relationship Schedule to the Deed of Settlement.
BOPRC ID: A2460610 Page 3 of 176 Specific Responsibilities and Delegated Functions The Group will have the following functions:
• The provision of leadership to the Organisations and the community in relation to implementation of the Vision of the Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district 2000. • The identification significant existing and emerging issues affecting the Rotorua Lakes. • The preparation, approving, monitoring, evaluation and review agreements, policies and strategies to achieve integrated outcomes for the Rotorua Lakes. • The identification, monitoring and evaluation of necessary actions by the organisations and other relevant organisations. • The receiving of reports on activities being undertaken by the organisations and other relevant organisations. • Involvement during the preparation of statutory plans in relation to significant issues. Such plans include but are not limited to iwi and hapū management plans, district and regional plans, reserve management plans and annual plans. • Involvement in applications for activities in relation to significant issues not addressed by existing policies of the co-management partners. Such activities include but are not limited to resource consents, designations, heritage orders, water conservation orders, restricting access to the lakes (during special events or in particular circumstances), and transferring and/or delegating of statutory authority.
Note:
The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group reports directly to the Regional Council.
BOPRC ID: A2460610 Page 4 of 176 Public Forum
1. A period of up to 15 minutes may be set aside near the beginning of the meeting to enable members of the public to make statements about any matter on the agenda of that meeting which is open to the public, but excluding any matter on which comment could prejudice any specified statutory process the council is required to follow. 2. The time allowed for each speaker will normally be up to 5 minutes but will be up to the discretion of the chair. A maximum of 3 public participants will be allowed per meeting. 3. No statements by public participants to the Council shall be allowed unless a written, electronic or oral application has been received by the Chief Executive (Governance Team) by 12.00 noon of the working day prior to the meeting and the Chair’s approval has subsequently been obtained. The application shall include the following: name of participant;
organisation represented (if any);
meeting at which they wish to participate; and matter on the agenda to be addressed.
4. Members of the meeting may put questions to any public participants, relevant to the matter being raised through the chair. Any questions must be asked and answered within the time period given to a public participant. The chair shall determine the number of questions.
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Page 6 of 176 Membership
Chairperson: Sir T Curtis (Chairman, Te Arawa Lakes Trust)
Deputy Chairperson: Mayor S Chadwick (Rotorua Lakes Council)
Appointees: Deputy Mayor D Donaldson (Alternate, Rotorua Lakes Council), W Emery (Alternate , Te Arawa Lakes Trust), Councillor K Hunt (Rotorua Lakes Council), Chairman D Leeder (Bay of Plenty Regional Council), Councillor T Marr (Alternate, Bay of Plenty Regional Council), R Meha (Te Arawa Lakes Trust), Councillor K Winters (Bay of Plenty Regional Council)
Attendees: S Lewis (Director Operations, Ministry for the Environment)
Committee Advisor: Y Tatton
Recommendations in reports are not to be construed as policy until adopted. Agenda
1 Opening Karakia 2 Apologies 3 Public Forum 4 Acceptance of Late Items 5 General Business 6 Declarations of Conflicts of Interests 7 Previous Minutes
7.1 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group minutes - 08 December 2017 11 8 Reports
8.1 Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update for Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group 9 March 2018 19
8.2 Rotorua Lakes Council Update Report to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group 9 March 2018 23
Page 7 of 176 8.3 Update on Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme Activities 25
8.4 Consultation on the proposed Long Term Plan 2018-2028 29
APPENDIX 1 - LTP 2018-2028 - Consultation Document 39
8.5 Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund 99
8.6 Brown bullhead catfish - incursion update 105
8.7 Current state and management of Rotorua urban streams 111
APPENDIX 1 - Puarenga EPs and Streams Map 119
APPENDIX 2 - Utuhina EPs and Streams Map 123
8.8 Programme Status Update and Six Month Report (2017-2018) 127
APPENDIX 1 - Te Arawa Rotorua Lakes Programme Dashboard Strategy Group 133
APPENDIX 2 - Strategy Group Meeting 9 March 2018 - Update on Farm Environment Plans Project 137
APPENDIX 3 - DRAFT 2017- 2018 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme (RTALP) 6 Monthly Report 141 9 Consideration of General Business 10 Closing Karakia
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Previous Minutes
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Page 10 of 176 Minutes of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Meeting held in The Council Chamber, Rotorua Lakes Council, Civic Administration Building, 1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua on Friday, 8 December 2017 commencing at 10.30 a.m.
Click h ere to enter text.
Chairman: Sir T Curtis (Chairman, Te Arawa Lakes Trust)
Deputy Chairman: Mayor S Chadwick (Rotorua Lakes Council)
Appointees: W Emery (Alternate , Te Arawa Lakes Trust), Deputy Mayor D Donaldson (Alternate, Rotorua Lakes Council), Councillor K Hunt (Rotorua Lakes Council), Chairman D Leeder (Bay of Plenty Regional Council), Councillor T Marr (Alternate, Bay of Plenty Regional Council), Councillor K Winters (Bay of Plenty Regional Council), R Meha (Te Arawa Lakes Trust)
In Attendance: Te Arawa Lakes Trust: N Douglas (Manager - Environment), K Vercoe (Chief Executive) Rotorua Lakes Council: JP Gaston (Group Manager Strategy) Toi Moana-Bay of Plenty Regional Council: M Macleod (Chief Executive), C Ingle (General Manager, Integrated Catchments), T White (Incentives Programme Director), A Bruere (Lakes Operations Manager), L Goldsmith (Rotorua Catchments Manager), A Grayling (Integrated Catchments Principal Advisor) M Stensness (Committee Advisor)
Apologies: Chairman D Leeder (Bay of Plenty Regional Council), G Williams (Chief Executive Rotorua Lakes Council)
1 Karakia
Opening karakia by Councillor Tipene Marr
2 Apologies
Resolved
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group under its delegated authority:
1 Accepts the apologies tendered by Chairman D Leeder and G Williams.
Winters/Hunt CARRIED 3 General Business
Invite to be sent to Government Ministers to meet with Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group.
4 Declaration of conflicts of interest
No Declarations of conflicts of interest.
Page 11 of 176 1 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Friday, 8 December 2017
5 Previous Minutes
Members were advised that the Mātauranga Maori approach to the land contact beds for wastewater treatment plant presentation was received at the meeting held 8 October 2017 and that the resource consent was still to be lodged. It was noted that Te Arawa Lakes Trust (‘TALT’) received notification of lake closures via Toi EDA.
Correction
Minute item 9.5 of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes 8 September 2017 inadvertently omitted ‘Ngati Rangitihi’ and spelling of ‘Puiringa’ and ‘Ohia’ to be amended to “Puarenga and Ohau”….
5.1 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group minutes - 08 September 2017
Resolved
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:
1 Subject to the corrections above, confirms the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group minutes - 08 September 2017
Hunt/Winters CARRIED
6 Reports
6.1 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme - Status Report
Ms L Goldsmith (Rotorua Catchments Manager) provided members with a programme status that summarised the progress of key projects, planned activities and highlighted current risks in the programme. The following were key points of discussion:
The Zeolite Plant Project at Tikitere continued to progress noting one low nitrogen contract was due to be finalised;
The new progress indicators had been implemented – red, and at risk areas triggered an automated flag (i.e. weed harvesting noted work required);
Plan Change 10 - key issues raised in the appeals related to the nutrient allocation methodology, treatment of underutilised Māori land and the approach taken with the wastewater treatment plant. Mediation was expected to commence in early 2018.
63 land owners had applied for free resource consents and their revised Nutrient Discharge Allowances had been calculated. Priority wass to support the landowners through the resource consent process with a view to processing them within a timely manner.
Gorse Scheme was underway and detailed mapping was in progress for over 50 hectares of gorse.
Two of the six Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund projects were completed. A meeting had been scheduled to gage progress on the Tipu Whenua One Health
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project. Progress on the hazelnut project continued with the drafting of a leaflet to assist growers in understanding fertiliser and pruning requirements. The Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands free range egg and dairy sheep project had produced a report on the industry analysis which had been reviewed with the Land Use Advisor and the General Manager.
Catfish netting had commenced with initial catches containing a high proportion of large fish. The vast majority of fish caught to date had been within Tē Weta Bay. It was noted that Toi Moana-BOPRC staff would present a report to members at the next meeting regarding the current status and forward planning for the reduction of catfish.
Due to high temperatures it was predicted that lake weed would become an issue early this season. It was noted that the harvester was ready to deploy as necessary and that Mr Ingle and Mr Bruere would follow up on an activation and communication plan for the summer period.
Ms Goldsmith informed members that progress on re-consenting for the Ūtuhina and Pūarenga phosphorous locking plants continued with current consents expiring in 2018 and 2019. Consultation with Iwi and community groups had commenced with the process of the application noting a 20-25 year term with review phases through that time every 7years.
Ms Goldsmith also confirmed that Toi Moana-BOPRC did not advocate alum dosing as a long term solution. It was noted that significant monitoring was undertaken to limit control and use of alum dosing. Consultation with iwi was planned to focus on the phosphorus. It was noted that the word ‘key iwi’ be removed from the report.
Members were presented with a copy of the newly published Rotorua Land Use Directory Book - Tahuri Whenua. Ms A Grayling acknowledged support from the technical advisory group for their guidance and Toi Moana-BOPRC and MfE who provided funding for the project. Resolved
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group under its delegated authority:
1 Receives the report, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme - Status Report;
Hunt/Winters CARRIED
6.2 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Trust Strategy Group – Review of the Terms of Reference
Members agreed that six months was appropriate to enable comprehensive discussions and consideration of correct crown procedure and process to allow for amendments to the Terms of Reference. Resolved
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:
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2 Agreed to review the Terms of Reference for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group over the next six months.
Winters/Chadwick CARRIED
6.3 Te Arawa Lakes Trust – Update
Te Arawa Lakes Trust Manager (Environment) (TALT) Ms N Douglas provided a brief update on TALT progress as follows:
A Cultural Impact Assessment for Tarawera Sewerage scheme had been completed;
TALT noted new by-laws enabled a more formal management approach with regard to the quality of water and replenishment of tāonga species (i.e. koura, kōaro, morihana). Public consultation was expected to begin February 2018;
TALT continued to engage with Toi Moana-BOPRC in regard to the incursion of catfish and survival and revitalisation of habitat species in the lakes;
The cultural mapping project reports for Rotoehu and Rotomā were completed with Rotorua to be completed by 20 December 2017.
Re-launch of the TALT structures policy has progressed. It was noted that new structures since 2006 were required to apply for a lease from TALT and Land Information New Zealand.
Resolved
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:
1 Receives the report, Te Arawa Lakes Trust - Update
Winters/Marr CARRIED
6.4 Rotorua Lakes Council – Update
Group Manager Strategy Mr JP Gaston advised members of the following:
Rotoma/Rotoiti wastewater treatment plan and land disposal system had been approved without any objections – the design and implementation were progressing;
Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant resource consent was being finalised;
Tarawera Sewerage Scheme – work was underway with the development of the project plan however funding support was still required. The Rotorua Lakes Community Board sought formalisation from Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC) of their steering group;
Draft Spatial Plan – RLC received good feedback from iwi regarding land development, with alternatives being discussed around growth areas. Further
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discussion was required regarding the Ūtuhina and Ngōngōtaha streams. The final Spatial Plan was expected to be released in February 2018.
Resolved
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:
1 Receives the report, Rotorua Lakes Council - Update
Marr/Meha CARRIED
6.5 Update on Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme Activities
Incentives Programme Director Mr T White reported that the Lake Rotorua Incentives Board were negotiating to secure nine contracts, five of which were expected to be finalised by 21 December 2017. The target of achieving 20 tonnes of in-lake nitrogen by the end of 2017 proved challenging but remained in place. It was noted that some landowners were reluctant to participate due to the Plan Change 10 appeals process. Resolved
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:
1 Receives the report, Update on Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme Activities;
Marr/Hunt CARRIED
6.6 General Business
Members discussed the change in government to be more involved with projects around the country. Members agreed to invite Ministers Shane Jones and Nanaia Mahuta to meet with the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Resolved
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:
2 Send a meeting invite to Minister’s Shane Jones and Nanaia Mahuta to meet with Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group;
Marr/Hunt CARRIED
7 Karakia
Closing karakia by Councillor Tipene Marr
The meeting closed at 11.45 am.
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A2769962 Page 16 of 176 6
Reports
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Report to: Te Arawa/Rotorua Lakes Strategy Group
Meeting Date: 9 March 2018
Report From: Nicola Douglas, Environment Manager Te Arawa Lakes Trust
Scope This report outlines the activities that have taken place in alignment with the strategic outcomes sought by the Te Arawa/Rotorua Lakes Strategy Group. This report also provides insight into the broader activities of the Te Arawa Lakes Trust as they relate to these outcomes.
Summary
Through the last quarter the Te Arawa Lakes Trust team has been focused on securing funding. Proposals have been developed for delivery of the Lakes Programme, progressing hapū aspirations for tāonga species and development of our Long Term Plan submissions. The team continues to engage in Lakes Structures and consents issues with the focus on ensuring Te Arawa values as outlined in Te Tūāpapa are maintained.
The Te Arawa Lakes Trust is pleased to have Joe Butterworth on the team and the expert assistance of Dr Ian Kusabs across our work. Kingi Biddle has also been contributing to our work programme in recent months. Much of this update is outlined in the Six-monthly Programme update however there are some matters outside of the programme that I will provide an update for as a matter of interest.
Te Arawa/Rotorua Lakes Programme
Te Tuuaapapa is embedded into the Lakes Strategy programme
1. Input into Lakes Programme Plan primarily with regard to ensuring work continues with regard to Te Arawa values as articulated in Te Tuuaapapa. This includes engagement with hapū and iwi in respect of the CatFish incursion, Alum Dosing consents, Weed Management Plan.
2. Elva Conroy has been working on the development of the Cultural Health index, a project from the Tarawera Restoration Plan. This will start in a couple of weeks with a workshop of freshwater and cultural experts.
3. The Te Arawa Lakes Trust with Elva’s leadership will also be working with our hapū and iwi to identify how engagement about the Water Management Area process is best undertaken. Regional Councils must provide for Te Mana o Te Wai in this process and involve tangata whenua in articulating the values associated with this. TALT will work with hapū and iwi to deliver an engagement plan by July 2018.
Sewerage and reticulation
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4. The Te Arawa Lakes Trust will provide the second phase of the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) for the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme. One of the recommendations from the initial engagement with hapū and iwi was to use a Cultural Committee as was established for the Rotorua WWTP. This committee will be convened over the coming month.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust - Statutory responsibilities
Te Arawa Freshwater Fisheries Regulations
5. The Trust is thrilled to report that in January 2018 the Minister of Fisheries – Stuart Nash – approved the Te Arawa Lakes Bylaws for public notification, enabling members of the public and hapū and iwi to make submissions to the Trust on the proposed bylaws, The bylaws will enable a more formal management approach to the taonga species by hapū and iwi and Fisheries Officers. The species included are koura, kōaro, morihana, kakahi, tuna and īnanga. Submissions close on 16 March 2018 and shortly after the Komiti Whakahaere will consider these and make its recommendations to TALT. The Bylaws are then sent to the Minister for gazettal. It is our hope the bylaws can be gazetted by July 2018.
Lakes structures and Consents
6. Deliah Balle leads our work on Lake Structures and has noticed a marked improvement in levels of communication and understanding across consent authorities, consultants and applicants since the TALT team began work to embed Te Arawa cultural values framework, Te Tūapapa, into the resource consent process and relaunched the Lakes Structures Policy. There has been a steady reduction of resource consent applications for lake structures since the cultural values work begun. In May last year saw 51 consent applications for new and modified lake structures, compared to 26 currently being processed. Jetty’s make up approximately 90% of the applications.
7. Participation the Plan Change 9 process has also created a flow on effect to consents; we recently received notice of consent applications for water takes where previously we were not. The RMA recognises our relationship with the environment therefore the resource consent process can provide a key mechanism for the protection of our taonga and values.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust - Te Arawatanga
Te Arawa Climate Change Working Group
The Te Arawa working group on climate change was established by the Te Arawa Lakes Trust to ensure Te Arawa whānau, hapū and iwi are best placed to respond to this significant issue. There is a growing awareness of climate change impacts as increasing weather extremes are experienced in our day to day lives. Accelerated rises in lake levels, increasing intensity storm and rain events, as well as a higher temperatures and extremes in variations of temperature are being observed. Page 20 of 176 G:\Working File Schedule\Te Arawa Lakes Trust\Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme\Rotorua Lakes Strategy Group\2018 Page 2 of 4
The Te Arawa Climate Change Working Group has produced a framework that places the knowledge (mohiotanga) of Te Arawa at the centre of our actions, acknowledges our cultural history as responders and adaptors to crisis and challenge, and highlights the role that the working group can play in supporting our people as our work changes as a result of the changes in our environment. We have likened the Climate Change challenge to Te Korokoro o Te Parata - the whirlpool that threatened the existence of the Te Arawa waka on its journey from Rangiātea.
The group have identified 4 foci for our work; Preparedness, Education, Research and Leadership. The development of key actions has begun and there are two urgent pieces of work that require immediate action; 1 – support for our coastal whānau – particularly at Maketū and Little Waihi; and 2 - the need to acknowledge and support our Marae as places of refuge.
There is a clear commitment from the Government; both central and local to reduce emissions and offset our current carbon use. It is a fact however that planting trees will not offset our current and rising emissions by 2050. Much of the climate change we are experiencing today is the impact of what humanity was doing fifty years ago. There is a need to undertake reduction measures and Te Arawa will need to be engaged and involved in this discussion to ensure our people are able to contribute in a meaningful way and respond to the opportunity that presents itself. The working group welcome your feedback and support.
Hunga tiaki wānanga (previously Kaitiaki wānanga)
Te Arawa Lakes Trust 3rd Hunga tiaki Wānanga is to be hosted by Te Rangihunuora at Taurua Marae, Rotoiti in early April (date TBC). The topic for this wānanga is the treatment of sewerage and waste water. Many of you will have noticed the name change from kaitiaki to hunga tiaki - this in line with feedback from our koeke that Te Arawa use the term hunga tiaki not kaitiaki and the true kaitiaki of our lakes are our taniwha. Ngā mihi! Many thanks to Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust for their funding support for our wānanga.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust - Engagement
Support to whanau and hapuu
1. Engagement in Plan Change 9 with Ngati Pikiao, Tauranga Moana, Ngati Awa and CNI.
2. Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Ngati Tarawhai Joint funding application to Waiora Fund for Lake Okataina Taonga Species Project.
3. Engagement with Ngati Makino on alignment of work programmes
4. Support from hapū and iwi for the development of an all of Lakes Iwi Management Plan. Page 21 of 176 G:\Working File Schedule\Te Arawa Lakes Trust\Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme\Rotorua Lakes Strategy Group\2018 Page 3 of 4
5. Ongoing support to Te Komiro o Utuhina to progress restoration of the Utuhina Stream in Ohinemutu
6. Presentation to Mokoia Island Trust Board on a Rotoruanuiakahumatamomoe wetland and stream restoration project.
7. Engagement with Okataina Scenic Reserve Board to strengthen ties between land and lake management and involvement.
8. Support to Rotoiti 15 and Thomas Malmolm (Puna Consultants) on development of a Partnership to deliver a large landscape scale pest control project across Lakes Tarawera, Okataina, Rotoiti, Rotoehu.
9. Alongside BOPRC and RLC, TALT are supporting Neville Raethel in his efforts to establish the Big Spring Clean in Rotorua.
Broader Engagement with Community
1. Working with Toi Oho Mai on a Research Voucher project to support Climate Change working group with baseline survey of engagement in climate change issue
2. Meeting with Lakes Quality Society to agree on priorities for Long Term Plan submsisions
3. TALT is hosting workshop on Collective Impact in respect of the Tarawera catchment with Ngati Rangitihi, Tuhourangi, BOPRC, RLC, Tarawera Residents and Ratepayers, Rerewhakaitu Farmers Collective.
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File No: 01-63-097-5
ROTORUA LAKES COUNCIL
Chairperson and Members ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES STRATEGY GROUP
UPDATE REPORT FROM ROTORUA LAKES COUNCIL
Report prepared by: Jean-Paul Gaston, Group Manager Strategy and Partnerships Report approved by: Geoff Williams, Chief Executive
1. PURPOSE
To provide a short update on Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC) activity that relates to lake water quality.
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
RLC activity currently underway that impacts the Lakes Programme includes: Wastewater treatment and stormwater projects Planning Policy
This report provides a brief update against each of these areas.
3. RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. That the report ‘Update Report from Rotorua Lakes Council’ be received.
4. WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND STORMWATER PROJECTS
Rotomā / Rotoiti Sewerage Scheme Contract for the construction of the wastewater treatment plant and land disposal system has been let. The contractor has mobilised on site. Tenders for the construction of the Rotomā reticulation system have been received and are being evaluated.
Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant The draft resource consent renewal application for the Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant has been submitted to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council in December 2017. The resource consent application will be formally lodged after the pre-lodgement review by Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Tarawera Sewerage Scheme: The Tarawera Steering Group continues to consider the different options available to the community.
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5. PLANNING POLICY AND STRATEGY
Bay of Plenty Regional Council - Plan Change 10: Lake Rotorua Nutrient Management (PC10): Mediation was set down for 8 and 9 February 2018. RLC attended along with appeal and 274 partners appealing for changes to PC10 to enable a natural capital approach. The seriousness if the issues under appeal and intent of the parties was reflected in the seniority of attendees including Chairs of CNI IHL, Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa Trust, Te Kōmiti Nui o Ngāti Whakaue and Te Maru o Ngāti Rangiwewehi Iwi Authority. Also represented by senior team members were the Māori Trustee (Te Tumu Paeroa) Kaingaroa Timberlands, Hancock Forests, and PF Olsen. Actions arising from mediation will see this process continue into March and April at the earliest.
Vision 2030 – The Rotorua Way and the Rotorua Spatial Plan: Rotorua Lakes Council is intending to complete deliberations for the Spatial Plan in late March/early April, with the expectation that this will allow any infrastructure investment requirements to be reorganised in the final Infrastructure Strategy and Long-term Plan.
6. CONCLUSION
Rotorua Lakes Council continues to work across multiple areas towards improved lake water quality as a partner in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme.
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Receives Only – No Decisions
Report To: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Meeting Date: 09 March 2018
Sarah Omundsen, General Manager - Catchment Management Report From: (Temporary)
Update on Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme Activities
Executive Summary
Since reporting to the December 2017 Strategy Group, the Lake Rotorua Incentives Committee has approved five deals bringing the total number of deals secured to date to 10 and the total amount of in-lake nitrogen secured in perpetuity to 10.7 tonnes adjusted in the most recent version of Overseer (6.2.3).
Negotiations are nearing completion with a large landowner who has opted for land use and management practice changes that will yield approximately 8.5 tonnes of in-lake nitrogen.
The target set for the end of this calendar year is to secure a further 15 tonnes of in-lake nitrogen which would cross the one-third target threshold for the Incentives Scheme with four calendar years remaining to achieve the balance. There are further deals currently in the pipeline.
The Incentives Scheme is tracking within budget with total expenditure of approximately $7.5 million by the end of this financial year.
Recommendations
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group under its delegated authority:
1 Receives the report, Update on Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme Activities;
1 Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide an update on progress made by the Incentives Committee towards achieving its nitrogen reduction targets within its terms of reference and approved budgets.
2 Background
The objective of the Incentives Scheme is to permanently reduce the level of nitrogen entering Lake Rotorua by 100 tonnes per year within a budget of $40 million by
Page 25 of 176 Update on Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme Activities
purchasing rights to discharge nitrogen below the level established by the Nitrogen Discharge Allocation assigned by Plan Change 10. The timeline for this to be completed is December 2022. 3 Activities
The key focus continues to be on engaging with landowners, developing a pipeline of opportunities, and negotiating and concluding deals.
Five deals have been approved since the last report adding a further 3.1 tonnes of nitrogen secured. This gives a total to date of 10.7 tonnes (Overseer 6.2.3) of in-lake nitrogen achieved from 10 deals. A large deal is expected to be settled within the next month yielding a further 8.4 tonnes of in-lake nitrogen. This would bring the total achieved to 19.2 tonnes of in-lake nitrogen secured in perpetuity under the most recent version of Overseer. Nitrogen secured will vary as new versions of Overseer are released and staff will always report nitrogen secured in the most recent version.
A further 4 deals are in the pipeline with an end of calendar year target set at a minimum of 15 tonnes. This would achieve approximately one-third of the target for the Scheme with 4 calendar years remaining to achieve the balance. 4 Issues
The key issues remain around the uncertainty created by proceeding before the Plan Change 10 has been concluded and the general reluctance of the pastoral sector to engage with the Incentives Scheme. Despite this, good momentum is being maintained. 5 Financial Implications
There are no financial implications to report. A further $4 million is expected to be expended in this financial year bringing the total expended to date to around $7.8 million. 6 Conclusions
Despite the unsettled environment with Plan Change 10 and associated uncertainties, good momentum is being maintained. The Incentives Scheme is on target to achieve the 100 tonnes of in-lake nitrogen within budget by December 2022.
7 Council’s Accountability Framework
7.1 Community Outcomes
The Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme directly contributes to the Community Outcomes of Water Quality and Quantity and Environmental Protection in the Regional Council’s Long Term Plan 2015-2025.
The Lake Rotorua Incentives Committee has the primary objective to contribute to the sustainable improvement of water quality in Lake Rotorua, by achieving a permanent 100 tonne reduction of nitrogen entering Lake Rotorua and ensuring this investment of Council is protected in perpetuity.
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7.2 Long Term Plan Alignment
The Incentives Scheme is planned and funded under the Rotorua Catchments Activity of the Regional Council’s Long Term Plan 2015-2025 and the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme.
Implementation is in accordance with planned targets and directly contributes to KPI4 of the Long Term Plan which relates to nitrogen reduction in Lake Rotorua, as a contribution to the total nitrogen reduction target of the Integrated Framework.
Current Budget Implications
The Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme is within the current budget for the Rotorua Catchments Activity in the Annual Plan 2017/2018 or Year 3 of the Long Term Plan 2015-2018.
Future Budget Implications
There are no implications for future expenditure other than that already expected and provided for.
Te Taru White Incentives Programme Director for General Manager - Catchment Management (Temporary)
1 March 2018 Click here to enter text.
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Receives Only – No Decisions
Report To: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Meeting Date: 09 March 2018
Report From: Mat Taylor, General Manager, Corporate Performance
Consultation on the proposed Long Term Plan 2018-2028
Executive Summary
The purpose of this paper is to update Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group on the development and consultation process for the Bay of Plenty Regional Councils Long Term Plan 2018-2028.
Every three years Council reviews our Long Term Plan. The Long Term Plan is the key strategic planning document for the Council and provides a long-term focus for Council decisions and activities.
On 15 February 2018, Council adopted the Consultation Document ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’, for the proposed Long Term Plan 2018-2028, with the consultation period running from 19 February to 19 March 2018. A copy of the Consultation Document is attached as appendix 1 and is available online at www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp.
Council are seeking feedback from the community, and the key consultation topics identified in the Consultation Document are mainly based on making sure we have the right funding approach as follows:
Topic One - Rivers and drainage flood recovery project - What approach should we take to managing the flood repairs from the April 2017 floods in the eastern Bay of Plenty?
Topic Two - Public transport - How do we fund increased bus services across the region?
Topic Three – Biosecurity - Are we putting the right level of effort into managing pests across the Bay of Plenty?
Topic Four - Emergency management - How should we fund region-wide Civil Defence Emergency Management services?
Topic Five - Regional development - Should we help fund infrastructure projects delivered by other organisations?
This report also includes projects and associated funding proposed in this Long Term Plan of that may be of particular interest to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group. A short presentation will be provided at the meeting to accompany this paper.
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Recommendations
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group under its delegated authority:
1 Receives the report, Consultation on the proposed Long Term Plan 2018-2028;
1 Background
The Councils Long Term Plan (LTP) is the key strategic planning document for the Council and provides a long-term focus for Council decisions and activities. The LTP provides a basis for our accountability to our community by describing the community outcomes we are working towards, the activities we will undertake and how they are funded.
In developing the proposed LTP 2018-2028, Council have reviewed what has changed since the LTP 2015-2025 was adopted by Council. This has led to a refreshed strategic framework and a full review of who pays for each service.
On 15 February 2018 Council adopted the Consultation Document ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’ and a number of supporting documents for the proposed Long Term Plan 2018-2028.
Council are seeking feedback from the community over the consultation period which is running from 19 February to 19 March 2018.
2 Overview of Consultation Document
Our vision ‘Thriving Together – mō te taiaō, mo ngā tāngata’ is about supporting our environment and our people to thrive.
The Consultation Document includes the Council’s approved Strategic Framework, which includes our vision of ‘Thriving Together – mō te taiaō, mo ngā tāngata’ and our four community outcomes focusing on a healthy environment, fresh water for life, safe and resilient communities and a vibrant region.
Our key consultation topics in the Consultation Document are mainly based on making sure we have the right funding approach. More detail is available at www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp and a general outline is provided below:
Topic One - Rivers and drainage flood recovery project
“What approach should we take to managing the flood repairs from the April 2017 floods in the eastern Bay of Plenty”?
Our preferred option is to carry out identified repairs as soon as possible with a higher rates increase in year one and two, and then smaller increases from year three of the Long Term Plan.
Topic Two - Public transport
“How do we fund increased bus services across the region”?
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Our preferred approach is to set a targeted rate so that each district funds the services it receives rather than spreading the cost over the whole region.
Topic Three - Biosecurity
“Are we putting the right level of effort into managing pests across the Bay of Plenty”?
Our preferred option is to increase resources to provide for increased services.
Topic Four - Emergency management
“How should we fund region-wide Civil Defence Emergency Management services”?
Our preferred approach is to set a single targeted rate to provide transparency rather than the current complicated mix of rates and local council grants. The same service is provided for the same cost for both options.
Topic Five - Regional development
“Should we help fund infrastructure projects delivered by other organisations”?
Our preferred option is to use existing reserves to assist with third party infrastructure projects rather than taking on extra debt or stopping this.
3 Projects of interest to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Work proposed in this Long Term Plan continues the implementation of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme as set out in the Action Plans for each lake, but particularly with a heavy resource focus on continuing to implement the Integrated Framework plus engineering solutions on Lake Rotorua. In-particular this includes:
The Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme, Gorse Scheme, Advice and Support Service, Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund and Plan Change 10. These are all budgeted in accordance with the Deed of Funding with the Crown until 2022.
Engineering solutions for Lake Rotorua are budgeted, in-particular the construction of the Tikitere Zeolite Plant, commencing 2019-2020.
The Regional Council will continue its funding of the governance and administration of the Programme.
Funds are included to continue the support of the implementation of the Tu Tuapapa o ngā Wai o Te Arawa (the Te Arawa Cultural Values Framework) within the Programme.
Work on all actions in the Tarawera Restoration Plan will continue.
Data collection and science activity to support implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management across the Rotorua lakes catchments.
Funds are set aside to respond to the catfish incursion.
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Funds are included to continue phosphorous locking and weed harvesting on priority lakes as required and also to pursue further land use change in other lake catchments as it becomes available.
Key Capital projects:
Tikitere Zeolite Plant across years 2 and 3 of the Long Term Plan
Monitoring buoys for Lakes Ōkāreka and Rotoiti
Nutrient management database
Lake Ōkāreka Pipeline upgrade
Infrastructure funding
Grants committed to assist with Lake Rotoiti/Rotomā sewerage schemes. Rotorua Lakes Council will deliver the projects. The Regional Council grant contribution ($8.6 million over years 1-3) reduces the cost to those directly affected and the general Rotorua Lakes Council ratepayer.
Regional Council has not made decisions on future funding, however it is consulting on a new third party infrastructure funding policies and is anticipating funding requests for Tarawera and other sewerage schemes.
4 Draft budget overview
The Consultation Document includes financial forecasts for operating revenue and expenditure for the next ten years.
4.1 Forecast operating expenditure over 10 years
We are proposing $1.4 billion of operating expenditure over the next 10 years across the following Groups of Activities:
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Corporate Services Integrated $77M Catchments Management Technical Services $230M $164M
Emergency Management Flood Protection $37M and Control Regional Planning $160M and Engagement $212M Resource Regulation and Monitoring $191M Regional Transportation Development $310M $55M
4.2 Forecast capital expenditure over 10 years
We are planning $178 million of capital expenditure over the next 10 years, this includes a range of capital projects including:
We are committed to:
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Necessary, but costly repairs of our flood protection and control schemes following the April 2017 flood events in the eastern Bay - $34 million is in LTP Years 1 and 2,
Maintaining our existing infrastructure - $38 million (of this amount, $21 million is in LTP Years 1 and 2);
Our accommodation upgrade project - $24 million in LTP Years 1 and 2. This project was approved as part of the previous Long Term Plan and construction commenced in 2017.
Tikitere Diversion Project (part of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Restoration Programme) - $7.5 million in LTP Years 2 and 3. This project is funded 50% by the Ministry for the Environment.
We have budgeted $8.4 million for the Kaituna River Re-diversion and Te Awa o Ngatoroirangi / Maketū Estuary Enhancement Project Project in LTP Years 1 and 2. This will bring the total capital budget including Annual Plan 2017/18 to $10.9 million.
4.3 Funding
General Rates - to deliver the services required, we are proposing an average 12% general rates increase in LTP Year 1 from Annual Plan 2017/18 reducing to 3% increase in LTP Year 2 and every year after that. This translates to an average of $32 per ratepayer per annum.
Targeted rates - are used to pay for specific costs and can only be used for that purpose. Targeted rates increases will vary depending on where in the region a person lives.
The following graph shows information on forecast total rates, total real rates increases and the quantified limit on rates for the next ten years:
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5 Overview of the consultation period
Key dates for the consultation process for our Long Term Plan 2018-2028 are:
A series of stakeholder forums and community events and meetings have been set up across the region in order to engage with a wide range of stakeholders including; iwi/hapū, local authorities, community boards and chambers of commerce.
A copy of the up to date schedule of events is available at: https://www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp
6 Implications for Māori
Council has responsibilities under the Local Government Act to:
Establish and maintain processes to provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to decision-making processes.
Consider ways in which it may foster the development of Māori capacity to contribute to decision-making processes
Through the LTP Council provides resourcing and funding to support Māori such as:
Supports Councils Māori Constituent Councillors
7 Page 35 of 176 Consultation on the proposed Long Term Plan 2018-2028
Supports Komiti Māori – Māori Standing Committee
Resources a Māori Policy team
Funds the development of hapū and iwi resource management plans
Manages Te Hapai Ora – Regional Community Fund
Manages He Toka Tumoana – Environmental Scholarship established to commemorate the late Awanuiarangi Black.
Engages Māori summer students
Funded the development of a Mātauranga Māori Framework
Provides financial assistance for hapū and iwi capacity building kaupapa (such as wananga and ahurei)
Facilitates resource management training for tangata whenua
The LTP process is a key mechanism for Māori to articulate their views on what Council should fund and what areas of mahi to focus on.
In regards to the five key questions that Council is seeking feedback from, there are likely to be financial, social and cultural implications as discussed below:
Topic One - Rivers and drainage flood recovery project
“What approach should we take to managing the flood repairs from the April 2017 floods in the eastern Bay of Plenty”?
While the flood repairs are necessary, the costs of river maintenance and flood protection works have increased substantially. For some residents, this will result in a rate increase. Council will borrow money to fund the required repairs, 80 percent of the costs will be met through targeted rates in the affected catchment areas (Rangitāiki, Whakatāne, Waioeka/Otara and, to a lesser extent, Kaituna).
Topic Three - Biosecurity
“Are we putting the right level of effort into managing pests across the Bay of Plenty”?
Māori are likely to place a higher emphasis on managing pest incursions to allow for greater habitats for indigenous flora and fauna. Implementing predator free areas will have positive implications for the environment.
Topic Four - Emergency management
“How should we fund region-wide Civil Defence Emergency Management services”?
Māori continue to play a key role in civil defence emergencies. Through the Edgecumbe Flood experience, Māori self-activated Marae and provided food and shelter for communities. Māori have expressed a desire to be involved in future planning and training. Having a regime which ensures funding consistency will enable staff to build better working relationships with Māori.
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Māori Engagement
We encourage Māori participation in the LTP process. A letter to Iwi Authorities inviting Māori to meet with staff was sent on Friday 16th February 2018. The Māori Policy team are facilitating these sessions.
There is a four week timeframe for consultation and a series of stakeholder engagement events have been organised for the regional community; these are available on the Council website at www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp.
Staff will report to and present on the LTP to Co-Governance Forums. Through Treaty Legislation, staff will seek to engage directly with Te Uru Taumatua, the Ngai Tūhoe Post Settlement Entity. 7 Next steps
Key dates for the Long Term Plan 2018-2028 are:
Date Topic Outline 19 February - 19 Consultation on proposed Meetings with TLAs, iwi/hapū, March 2018 Long Term Plan 2018- community boards and 2028 chambers of commerce.
16, 17, 19, 20 Council LTP Hearings Hearings of submissions April 2018 Meeting 22, 23 May 2018 Council LTP Deliberations Council deliberations on LTP Meetings submissions 21 June 2018 Council Meeting Final LTP adoption
Graeme Howard Corporate Planning Lead for General Manager, Corporate Performance
2 March 2018 Click here to enter text.
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Page 38 of 176
APPENDIX 1
LTP 2018-2028 - Consultation Document
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Page 40 of 176 Today Tomorrow Together
Have your say on the Consultation Document for the proposed Long Term Plan 2018-2028 Page 41 of 176 Your representatives
From left: Jane Nees, Norm Bruning, Stuart Crosby, David Love, John Cronin, Paula Thompson, Andrew von Dadelszen, Kevin Winters, Lyall Thurston, Doug Leeder, Bill Clark, Matemoana McDonald, Tiipene Perenara Marr and Arapeta Tahana.
Page 42 of 176 John Cronin 07 578 0001, 021 578 001 [email protected] Doug Leeder Chairman Stuart Crosby 07 315 4839, 027 292 8048 0274 319920 [email protected] [email protected] Bill Clark Andrew von Dadelszen 07 322 8401 07 578 7453, 021 762 440 [email protected] [email protected]
Paula Thompson Tiipene Perenara Marr 07 576 1373, 027 222 2419 07 348 0851, 027 370 1126 [email protected] [email protected] David Love 07 543 2118, 027 427 3601 Arapeta Tahana [email protected] 021 348 748 [email protected] Jane Nees Deputy Chair 07 579 5150, 027 485 9919 [email protected] Lyall Thurston 07 348 6768, 0274 966 499 Norm Bruning [email protected] 07 548 0617, 021 125 6958 [email protected] Kevin Winters 07 345 4776, 0275 589 947 [email protected] Matemoana McDonald 0274 954 820 [email protected]
Page 43 of 176 Ranginui e tū nei Ranginui (The Sky Father) stands above Papatuānuku e takoto nei Papatuanuku (The Earth Mother) lies below Mai I ngā Kurī a Whārei ki Tikirau Stretching from Waihī Beach to East Cape Mai I Maketū ki uta mai o Taupō-nui-a-Tia From Maketū to just inland of Taupō Ko te Rohe Kaunihera tēnei o Toi Moana This is the region of Bay of Plenty Kia toi te whenua, kia toi te moana, Regional Council. Let the land remain, kia toi te taiao, kia toi te tangata let the oceans and lakes remain, let the Tīhei mauri ora! environment remain, let people remain ‘Tis life!
Ki a tātou tini mate, rātou kua whetūrangitia ki te korowai o Ranginui, hoki ki te okiokinga i ō tātou To those we have lost, those who have been tīpuna. Haere, haere, haere. adorned as stars in the heavens, return to the resting place of our ancestors. E Te Awanuiārangi, moe mai rā i te rangimārie e hika. Ka whiwhi mātou i ngā huanga o ngā waihotanga, Te Awanuiārangi, may you rest in peace, Sir. ngā pūkenga me ngā hononga kua tukua e koe. We now benefit from the legacy, expertise and strong relationships gifted by you. He mahere Whakahono. Ko ēnei hononga hei tūhono i a tātou; kia tūhono, kia tūtaki, kia whiti te noho tahi This is a plan based on relationships. These ki te taiao, ngā hapori anō hoki. relationships join our people together. It joins us so that our co-existence with the environment and Ko Toi Moana e mihi atu nei ki ngā tāngata, ngā hapori, our communities flourish. ngā kāinga, me ngā karangatanga huri noa I te rohe. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council acknowledges E te iwi, ka puta mai tēnei Mahere Whāinga Roa our people, our homes, and our communities i ngā wawata o te iwi whānui o te rohe kaunihera. across the region. He mahere mō tātou katoa. Heoi, nā tō kaunihera e tutuki ana i ngā wawata; e kore mātou e wareware The Long Term Plan emerged from the aspirations nā te iwi whānui te mana. of our people in the region. It is a pathway forward for us all. Your council will undertake to achieve these aspirations but the prestige will always remain with our people.
Page 44 of 176 Contents
Foreword 2 What do you think? Our 5 consultation topics: Our consultation doccument 5 1 Rivers and drainage Thriving together 6 flood recovery project 36
2 Public transport 38 Our community outcomes 3 Biosecurity 42 A healthy environment 8 4 Emergency management 44 Freshwater for life 10 5 Regional development 46 Safe and resilient communities 14
A vibrant region 16 Audit report 49
How to have your say 50 Preparing for climate change 18 Submission form 51 Working with Māori 20
For more information visit our website Our budget approach 22 www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp, call 0800 884 880 Where we spend your money 26 or email [email protected]
Funding our work 30
Managing flood protection and control 32
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1 Foreword
This consultation document is part of the Over the next 10 years, we still intend to deliver many existing services at the same levels of service – with development of our Long Term Plan 2018- increases in some areas. This presents a challenge 2028. It sets out the big challenges for our for us, as we look for new ways to deliver efficient region, what we plan to do over the next 10 and effective services and functions, and provide years with a specific focus on the next three, infrastructure in a way that’s affordable. how much it will cost and the outcomes that Our work is also being influenced by central will be delivered to our communities. government’s changes to the National Policy Statement on Freshwater which has meant we’ve changed our approach to our freshwater work. It The environment we are operating and preparing this has also introduced changes to Māori participation budget in is very different to the one the previous through Te Mana Whakahono a Rohe provisions Long Term Plan was developed in. We have produced under the Resource Management Act. Ensuring this Consultation Document based on what we know Māori participation in council decision-making now. Local government across New Zealand is facing remains central to how we carry out our work significant challenges with some uncertainties – over the next 10 years. including funding infrastructure and addressing natural The flood event of April 2017 had a huge impact on hazard risks to provide for resilient communities. eastern Bay communities and we are committed to the Climate change is set to substantially impact the way necessary, but expensive, repairs. Further investment we, other councils and central government need to in our flood protection structures to keep our plan for the future. There is a major focus on action communities safe is necessary; so too is the ongoing planning and we need to be more responsive in review of the sustainability of our river schemes. We developing a sustainable way forward for our region. also need to work towards streamlining the planning We have a responsibility to provide for the and delivery around civil defence and emergency sustainable management of the region’s freshwater, management services to ensure a well-co-ordinated air, land, geothermal and marine areas. We have and effective response that is financially transparent. significant roles in environmental protection, Our region is diverse and strong growth in the western management and enhancement. This Long Term Plan Bay continues. Our support of sustainable urban is an opportunity to take a fresh look at where we are development has led to an expanded passenger and what we are doing. transport network and trials of more environmentally sustainable options such as hybrid buses. This Page 46 of 176
2 supports the need for congestion management and the services we provide. This also makes it clearer to Main activities we are emissions management but is more expensive. everyone where their money is being spent. In the proposing to spend more on: We need to make sure the right passenger transport previous three years, we have used our reserves to solutions are implemented and the right people are reduce our requirement for general rate funding and funding these. Changes in population across the this is also set to change. Bay of Plenty means we must continue to work PASSENGER TRANSPORT with our district and city councils to create ongoing Some of the choices we have to make and what these economic development opportunities. decisions will mean for rates, our borrowing and the Expanded passenger transport network, services we provide are discussed in this consultation including implementing the Western Bay of Plenty The factors that influence our work have led us to document. We believe our work for the next 10 years Public Transport Blueprint propose some big changes in our funding approach will deliver on our vision of ‘Thriving Together – mō te to ensure we deliver a sustainable budget for the next taiaō, mo ngā tāngata’ and our community outcomes. DATA SERVICES AND SCIENCE decade. Our key consultation topics are mainly based We want to deliver services at the right time, but know on making sure we have the right funding approach. we need to keep our costs, and therefore the cost to Additional resources to deliver national you, the ratepayers, affordable. We’ll also be ensuring standards and fresh water monitoring We have a 100 percent shareholding in Quayside we maintain and improve our focus on excellent requirements Holdings Limited which in turn holds a majority customer service as we work towards our outcomes. shareholding in the Port of Tauranga Limited and BIOSECURITY manages other investments on our behalf. Quayside We look forward to hearing from you about the issues has forecast a substantial dividend for each of the and options in this consultation document and what Expanded programme to manage new pests next 10 years and this income will be used carefully you think about our proposed direction. With your and deliver more comprehensive programmes by Council, to help fund our work across the help we can ensure we deliver the right work in the EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Bay of Plenty region and to reduce our rates. right areas, and that it is funded in a way to create the best possible future for our communities. Additional resources to build In the past we have used reserves and our community resilience infrastructure fund to help pay for the work we do, as well as the work of others. We have now spent or RIVERS AND DRAINAGE committed most of our infrastructure fund, as we had planned to, and we will use $157 million of borrowing Repairing major flood damage and maintaining to fund our capital works programme which will current flood protection and control infrastructure increase our costs significantly over the next 10 years. Doug Leeder Mary-Anne Macleod We are putting a stronger focus on the money we Chair Chief Executive collect from fees and charges and from targeted rates, where it is easy to identify who is benefiting from Page 47 of 176
3 The Kaituna River mouth. Page 48 of 176
4 Our consultation document
Every three years we review our Long Term Plan. This is our chance to step back and look at what is going on in our region and what our challenges and opportunities are.
As part of developing our Long Term Plan, we review (page 22) and how we plan to manage our regional We need your feedback on the proposals presented what has changed since we prepared our last Long infrastructure, such as flood protection schemes here by 19 March 2018. In April you’ll have the chance Term Plan and we check whether our vision for the (page 32). This consultation document focuses on the to talk to councillors face-to-face about what you community is still relevant, or if we need to adjust significant and important points we want to discuss think of our plans. our focus and our effort based on events at a local, with you and also provides some background around national and international level. the work we are doing across the region. There is also After that, we will discuss all the input we have more detail available on our website and at any of our received from our community and decide how this Through this consultation, we are asking you, the offices across the region. impacts on what we put into our Long Term Plan community, to have your say about where we want to 2018-2028. Details on the councillors’ decisions will be in 10 years and the choices we need to make to get HOW CAN YOU HAVE YOUR SAY? be publicised. We will formally adopt the Long Term there, including how we are going to fund that work. Plan in June 2018. We want to hear from you during February and March. WHAT DOES THE CONSULTATION We will consult on our proposed changes to Bay of You can provide a written submission using our online DOCUMENT MEAN FOR YOU? Plenty Regional Council’s Resource Management Act form at www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp, by email to charges and our Regional Land Transport Plan at the [email protected] or by using the We want to hear what you think so we can ensure same time. You are welcome to have your say on these submission form attached to this document. Anyone we spend money in the right areas to create the best issues too. More information is available online at who provides a written submission can also present possible future for the Bay of Plenty. We have included www.boprc.govt.nz/landtransportplan or their views in person to councillors at our hearings. summary information on our budget approach www.boprc.govt.nz/feesandcharges
Have your say Consultation Hearings Deliberations Plan adopted Document available 19 February April May End of June 2018 19 February 2018 to 19 March
We wantPage to 49 hear of from176 you!
5 Thriving together
Our vision ‘Thriving Together – mō te taiaō, mo ngā tāngata’ is about supporting our environment and our people to thrive.
Our four community outcomes give more detail on what this vision would look like for the Bay of Plenty, focusing on a healthy environment, freshwater for life, safe and resilient communities and a vibrant region.
We have focused our outcomes for this Long Term Plan 2018-2028, with a strong emphasis on a healthy environment and managing our natural resources including freshwater. Each outcome has objectives that describe how we plan to reach these goals through the work we do. Also in this mix are our organisational values and the way we work as a council, while the strategic challenges tell us the big issues we face as we work towards our outcomes.
All of this is combined into a strategic framework, which links everything together, as shown in this diagram. Our community outcomes are detailed throughout the following pages.
Maritime patrols on Tauranga Harbour. Page 50 of 176
6 Thriving together - mō te taiao, mō ngā tāngata The way we work
We provide great We honour our We deliver value to We continually We look to We use robust customer service obligations to Māori our ratepayers seek opportunities to partnerships for information, science and our customers innovate and improve best outcomes and technology
Safe and A healthy Freshwater A vibrant resilient environment for life region communities Strategic Our values challenges Trust Different priorities and issues across the region We will maintain Our water and Our planning and We work with our Integrity and enhance our air, land, land management infrastructure supports partners and communities freshwater, geothermal, practices maintain and resilience to natural to achieve integrated The implications of coastal resources and improve the quality and hazards so that our planning and good Courage changing climate biodiversity for all those quantity of the region’s communities’ safety decision-making. who live, work and play fresh water resources. is maintained and We support economic within our region. We improved. development, Manaakitanga COMMUNITY OUTCOMES COMMUNITY understanding the Bay Limitations of our support others to natural resources do the same. of Plenty region and how we can best add value. Kotahitanga Sustaining development We develop and implement Good decision making We provide systems and We lead regional transport across the region 1. 1. 1. 1. regional plans and policy to is supported through information to increase strategy and system planning, Whanaungatanga protect our natural environment. improving knowledge of understanding of natural working with others to deliver our water resources. hazard risks and climate a safe and reliable public An increasingly complex We manage our natural 2. change impacts. transport system. operating environment resources effectively through 2. We listen to our communities regulation, education and action. and consider their values and 2. We support community 2. We contribute to delivering priorities in our regional plans. safety through flood protection integrated planning and We work cohesively with Ensuring Māori 3. and navigation safety. growth management strategies volunteers and others, to We collaborate with others to participation in council 3. especially for sustainable sustainably manage and maintain and improve our water We work with our partners decision making 3. urban management. improve our natural resources. resource for future generations. to develop plans and policies, and we lead and enable our 3. We work with and 4. Our environmental 4. We deliver solutions to local OBJECTIVES communities to respond and connect the right people to Balancing the monitoring is transparently problems to improve water recover from an emergency. create a prosperous region expectations of communicated to our quality and manage quantity. and economy. both national and communities. We work with communities We recognise and provide 4. local partners 5. and others to consider long We invest appropriately for Te Mana o Te Wai (intrinsic 4. term views of natural hazard in infrastructure to support value of water). risks through our regional sustainable development. plans and policies. Page 51 of 176
7 A healthy environment Objectives
We will maintain and enhance our air, land, freshwater, geothermal, coastal resources and biodiversity for all those who live, work and We develop and play within our region. We support others to do the same. 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.
Our environmental monitoring is transparently communicated to our communities.
Working with landowners in the Tauranga Harbour catchment. Page 52 of 176 A healthy environment is at the Our work includes heart of what we do. We sustainably manage our natural resources so our communities can thrive. MANAGING OUR NATURAL RESOURCES PROTECT AND ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY We work across the region to protect and manage our land, air, water and coast from inappropriate We actively identify and manage priority We want to continue to grow and develop development and pollution. We do this through biodiversity sites across the region to protect as a region, support local business and making decisions on resource consent applications, the full range of the Bay of Plenty’s native ensure there are job opportunities for all our monitoring compliance with consents and responding ecosystem types and key populations of communities. to environmental complaints from the public. threatened species. Developed jointly with We need to make sure we are not putting the Department of Conservation, 430 sites more pressure on the environment than it CONTROLLING WALLABIES have been identified for management. can cope with. We also need to consider Together with the Department of Conservation and what climate change means for us and Waikato Regional Council, we’re trying hard to keep understand how we need to respond to the dama wallabies within their current established range. changes this will bring, such as different Wallaby feed on native tree seedlings, grasses and weather patterns and rising sea levels. ferns to such an extent that, over time, they will limit the We work with the community to protect our regeneration of some species. They can damage pine water, soils and our wildlife. We manage or and eucalyptus seedlings and on farmland they compete get rid of pest plants and animals. We set with stock for pasture. We are planning to increase our rules around what can and can’t be done focus on this area. in our environment and ensure the rules are followed through our consents and WORKING WITH VOLUNTEERS monitoring processes. Volunteers are doing some fantastic things in the Bay of Plenty to support our natural environment. For example, Coast Care Bay of Plenty is a community partnership programme where volunteers help to restore the form and function of the dunes in the Bay of Plenty.
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9 Freshwater for life Objectives
Our water and land management practices maintain and improve the quality and quantity of the region’s freshwater resources. Good decision making is supported through improving knowledge of our water resources.
We listen to our communities and consider their values and priorities in our regional plans.
We collaborate with others to maintain and improve our water resource for future generations.
We deliver solutions to local problems to improve water quality and manage quantity.
We recognise and provide for Te Mana o Te Wai (intrinsic value of water).
Lake Rotoma. Page 54 of 176
10 Freshwater is vital for the health of Our work includes people and communities, and that makes it important to us. ROTORUA TE ARAWA NEW CHAIR IN LAKE AND LAKES PROGRAMME FRESHWATER SCIENCE We’re responsible for two kinds of The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme has been We have been working with the University of Waikato to freshwater: groundwater and surface water. established to coordinate, prioritise and deliver on all ensure the development and application of best practice Surface water is all the water above ground our work related to improving the health of the Rotorua in relation to lake and freshwater science. This includes – rivers, lakes and streams, drains, ponds, Te Arawa lakes. Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Rotorua Lakes funding the appointment of Dr Troy Baisden as the new springs and wetlands, while groundwater Council and the Regional Council are partners in the Chair in Lake and Freshwater Science. comes from rainfall and rivers and Programme, which is part-funded by the Crown. accumulates in underground aquifers. Activities to improve the health of the lakes include; We invest millions of dollars each year to converting land with gorse to trees; harvesting lake maintain and improve water quality and weed; working with landowners and industry, quantity in the Bay of Plenty and we work including entering land use agreements to reduce with the community to look after the rivers, contaminants entering the lakes. estuaries and coastal environments.
We monitor water quality and quantity; ensuring people follow the rules set through the consents process.
Our work in this area is guided by national legislation, regulations and standards for water that prescribe public processes for setting requirements and rules. This area is becoming increasingly complex and we’re working hard to translate the policy into action on the ground.
Put simply, we manage the freshwater that’s in and on the ground so there’s enough for people and wildlife to thrive now and in the future.
The Kaituna River. Page 55 of 176
11 OMANAWA STREAM, TAURANGA HARBOUR
Tauranga’s Omanawa Stream was the Bay of Plenty’s most improved river in 2017.
The NZ River Award acknowledges a significant reduction in E.coli bacteria levels in the stream and demonstrates our continuing work with landowners to improve water quality. We’ve helped landowners protect the stream by installing bank fencing and run-off controls such as detainment bunds and slope planting. Good run-off management is a key ingredient for clean, healthy waterways.
What happens on land affects our waterways. So we provide funding, advice and regional co- ordination to help improve the way land, water and wildlife is cared for in local catchments. Together with landowners we’ve made great progress on fencing Bay of Plenty waterways to protect them.
Right: A regulatory compliance officer checking for stream bank erosion. Page 56 of 176
12 Our water role
We manage: •• Use science to detect environmental changes and solve complex problems •• Water allocation: people’s extraction of water for irrigation, industrial processing, electricity •• Restore wetlands, remove fish barriers generation, drinking water (municipal supply) and enhance wildlife habitat and other uses •• Fence and replant water margins •• Water quality in natural waterways •• Develop new tools for reducing bacteria •• Habitat protection for freshwater wildlife and nutrient run-off We carry out scientific modelling and measurements •• Control erosion and trap sediment to estimate the amount of water that enters and leaves •• Maintain stop banks and flood protection waterways. We set aside the base amount needed schemes to protect towns and rural land to maintain water quality, support wildlife and allow from flooding and river overflows. natural recharge of surface water (rivers and streams) and groundwater (aquifer) systems. THROUGH THE NATIONAL POLICY STATEMENT FOR FRESHWATER (NPS) INVESTMENT AND ACTION CENTRAL GOVERNMENT HAS DIRECTED US TO SET LIMITS AND RULES THAT From action on the ground to science, planning WILL ENSURE: and policy work, we plan to invest approximately $46m in the first year (2018/19) of the Long Term Plan •• Our lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and 2018-2028 to improve and protect the water in our the estuaries they flow into are kept healthy rivers, streams, lakes and underground aquifers. for people to enjoy
We work alongside land, business and infrastructure •• Water allocation decisions are well-informed, owners, iwi and the wider community to: sustainable, efficient and based on agreed limits •• Te Mana o te Wai (the intrinsic value iwi hold •• Reduce pollution and respond to spills for freshwater) is recognised and protected •• Sustainably manage people’s use of the land •• Native plants and animals thrive in healthy and water through rules and resource consents freshwater habitats.
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13 Safe and resilient Objectives
communities We provide systems
and information to increase understanding of natural hazard risks and climate change impacts.
We support community safety through flood protection and navigation safety.
We work with our partners to develop plans and policies, and we lead and enable our communities to Our planning and infrastructure respond and recover supports resilience to natural from an emergency. hazards so that our communities’ We work with safety is maintained and improved. communities and others to consider long term views of natural hazard risks through our regional plans and policies.
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14 Our region is subject to a number of Our work includes natural events, including volcanic activity, earthquakes and extreme rainfall. These events can endanger HELPING KEEP YOU SAFE ON THE WATER our communities. We help maintain a safe maritime environment across the region. Our work includes maintaining a 24/7 response service to the community, managing and We work to keep people safe by providing maintaining navigational aids, lights and beacons flood protection, such as stop banks and around the region and regular patrolling of our harbours pump stations, and ensuring we are prepared and waterways. for emergencies through our civil defence and emergency management services. CIVIL DEFENCE Raising awareness and preparing for issues We deliver region-wide Civil Defence Emergency such as climate change are also important Management (CDEM) services (through the Group aspects of building strong communities Emergency Management Office) across the region, that can cope with change. supported by local councils in their respective areas. We We are responsible for controlling the use of are planning to make the funding of CDEM services more land to avoid or mitigate the effects of natural transparent to the public by changing how these services hazards, and we work with other local councils are funded (see consultation question on page 44). and Civil Defence Emergency Management, to identify natural hazards and reduce risk. BAYHAZARDS
We are leading and coordinating work to identify where natural hazards are most likely to occur and what impacts they may have on people, property and the environment. We work in partnership with our region’s city and district councils, communities and research providers to collate, assess and share information. This includes the development of ‘BayHazards - Bay of Plenty Natural Hazards viewer’, an interactive tool providing information on natural hazards across the Bay of Plenty. Visit www.boprc.govt.nz/bayhazards
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15 A vibrant region Objectives
We work with our partners and communities to achieve integrated planning and good decision-making. We support We lead regional economic development, understanding the Bay of Plenty transport strategy region and how we can best add value. and system planning, working with others to deliver a safe and reliable public transport system.
We contribute to delivering integrated planning and growth management strategies especially for sustainable urban management.
We work with and connect the right people to create a prosperous region and economy.
We invest appropriately in infrastructure to support sustainable development.
The Tauranga Marine Precinct development. Page 60 of 176
16 Tauranga Tertiary Campus project.
People and the environment are at the Our work includes heart of our region. We support the growth of jobs in the Bay of Plenty and development of new industries. INCREASING BUS SERVICES ACROSS THE REGION AND INTRODUCING NEW ELECTRIC/HYBRID BUSES
We make significant contributions to We plan, contract and fund public passenger transport the region’s economic growth through services in the region, including the Bayhopper and environmental and infrastructure management. Schoolhopper services in Tauranga and the Cityride Through our contestable Regional Infrastructure buses in Rotorua. Through this Long Term Plan 2018- Fund that was established through the Long 2028 we are supporting more frequent services across the Term Plan 2012-2022, we have supported region and looking to introduce environmentally friendly projects initiated by our partners, such as the transport options, including five new electric/hybrid Ōpōtiki Harbour Transformation Project and buses that will deliver a reduction in carbon emissions. the Tauranga Marine Precinct development. Through this Long Term Plan we are seeking TAURANGA TERTIARY community feedback on future funding of CAMPUS PROJECT regional infrastructure (see page 46). Through our Regional Infrastructure Fund we contributed We facilitate Bay of Connections, the economic $15 million to the Tauranga Tertiary Campus project. development framework for the wider Bay of The multi-million dollar development will give Tauranga Plenty. Its goal is to grow our investment and a world-class campus that’s expected to attract local, job opportunities in partnership with economic national and international students. Having excellent development agencies across the region. education tailored to the needs of businesses will be a huge opportunity for our region and will mean we can We also keep the community connected take advantage of opportunities for business, science, through the regional bus network of Bayhopper aquaculture and other sectors. We have collaborated and Cityride buses. with the University of Waikato, Toi Ohomai, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust (TECT) and Tauranga City Council on this project.
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17 Preparing for climate change
Climate change has the potential to affect the general wellbeing of our region, and have a major bearing on our work because of the impact from predicted sea level rise and more intense weather events.
Climate change will affect all New Zealand in some •• The extreme rainfall events will increase erosion, PREPARING FOR THE CHANGING CLIMATE way, but the impact will vary depending on where increase catchment run-off and lead to an in the country you are. In the Bay of Plenty, the increase in sediment ending up in harbours, Some of the work we are doing to find ways of projected rainfall changes will be less severe compared estuaries and river mouths. adapting to climate change within our various to many parts of New Zealand. This may bring new functions includes: •• Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns opportunities as well as challenges. For the Bay of mean sectors that depend on natural resources Plenty, climate change is likely to present the following •• Applying a 100-year horizon for development (such as horticulture, agriculture and tourism) challenges: planning advice and raising awareness in coastal may have to change their practices low-lying areas •• The rising sea level will increase costs of draining •• The temperature will be warmer, with more •• Incorporating projected future rainfall in water low lying areas, decrease coastal flood protection hot days warmer than 250C, which will increase management modelling levels of service, and increase the risk of coastal demands on water and change how some crops erosion are managed •• Supporting more resilient land management •• Increasing ex-cyclone intensity will increase •• Fewer frosts and changes in temperatures will •• Maintaining river scheme infrastructure coastal storm impacts bring more and different pest plants and animals •• Prioritising sustainability in our offices, fleet and •• While there is large natural variability in extreme and result in changes to natural ecosystems corporate purchases rainfall frequency in the Bay of Plenty from year The events in the eastern Bay of Plenty in 2017 show to year and decade to decade, there will be an how devastating such flooding events can be. increase in the intensity of events which will:
•• raise the flood risk to floodplains
•• decrease flood protection service levels
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18 SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR RIVER WORKING TOGETHER SCHEMES AND CLIMATE CHANGE We are part of the Local Government Leaders IS A KEY FOCUS OVER THE NEXT Climate Change Declaration, which commits 10 YEARS us to working alongside central government Following the eastern Bay floods in April 2017, and Bay of Plenty communities to understand we have focused on helping our region recover. the challenges of climate change and the best An independent Rangitāiki River Scheme Review way to address them. has also been carried out and this included a By working together we are more likely number of recommendations around the future to generate opportunities for engaging in management of our rivers. community conversations, adapting to climate Discussions are underway and will continue change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. with those in the Rangitāiki River area who are Making consistent decisions on infrastructure impacted by the flooding most directly. The and planning – for example by incorporating future management of our rivers is also an the implications of sea-level rise in design important issue for those living elsewhere and decisions – will ensure a more resilient we will continue to engage with our community Bay of Plenty. about river scheme sustainability and the Our planning for climate change is a work ongoing implications of climate change. in progress. There are some challenging conversations to be had around how we respond as a regional community and as a country.
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19 Working with Māori
The Bay of Plenty has a rich cultural dynamic. There are 37 iwi, approximately KOMITI MĀORI IS A FULL 260 hapū and about 224 marae in the region. STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL. It sets operational direction for the Māori make a significant contribution to the region through their ownership of notable assets; contribution to Council’s obligations to Māori (through economic development; participation in co-governance arrangements with councils; and their growing influence legislation such as the Local Government in the conservation, preservation and management of natural resources. Act 2002). It also monitors how these are implemented. Komiti Māori makes Māori are key partners, stakeholders and members of our community. Collaboration and involvement of Māori decisions which translate legislative in our work over the next 10 years is important and we will strive to support Māori engagement with Council. obligations to Māori into action. Komiti We will continue to do this in a number of ways, including; Māori hui are held on marae across the region to enhance participation and •• Supporting our Māori constituent councillors and their contribution to our enhanced understanding of Māori strengthen hapū/iwi engagement. values and interests •• Enabling ongoing Māori participation in decision-making processes through Komiti Māori meetings and increasing the capability of all council staff to support enhanced iwi participation in our decision-making processes. This includes supporting Treaty co-governance forums such as Te Maru o Kaituna, the Rangitāiki River Forum and the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group. In addition, recent amendments to legislation are changing how we will engage with Māori and the role they have in our governing responsibilities. For example, the recent changes to the Resource Management Act 1991 concerning Mana Whakahono a Rohe/Iwi Participation Agreements will specify how Council will fulfil its obligations to iwi. These legislative changes directly impact our decision-making processes with respect to managing our natural resources.
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20 PHOTO TO COME FROM 4 FEB EVENT
A Komiti Māori meeting at Hangarau Marae. Page 65 of 176
21 Our budget approach
In responding to our changing operating environment, we have to get the right balance between looking after what we already have and providing infrastructure, services and functions for the future in a way that is sustainable and affordable.
Over the next 10 years we intend to deliver many of We are also committed to the necessary but costly services we provide. Further information is contained our existing services at the same or similar level to repairs of our flood protection and control schemes in the Revenue and Financing Policy and its supporting what we currently provide – with increases in some following the April 2017 flood events in the eastern document, Funding Needs Analysis. areas. This requires a change in how we manage our Bay, as well as maintaining our existing infrastructure. finances to ensure our budget and levels of service We are also committed to our accommodation Heading into the next 10 years, we will use the most are sustainable. Our budget figures are based on our upgrade project in year one of the Long Term Plan cost and administratively efficient form of funding. preferred option for each consultation topic. 2018-2028. We propose to use borrowing to fund our capital works programme. Using borrowing to pay for assets The main activities we propose to spend more We have reviewed our services and functions to allows us to spread the cost out over time so that money on include: ensure we are efficient and effective. We are planning future generations will pay for the benefit they will to reduce our contracting costs in some activities by receive, as well as freeing up money to be invested •• Increasing the extent and frequency of bus approximately $1.5 million per year compared to what for future benefits. We propose to borrow where the services across the region in response to we included in the 2017/18 Annual Plan (excluding cost is less than the additional return generated by population growth, including through the inflation and capital spend). We also propose to investing our cash in a higher yield. implementation of the Western Bay of Plenty reprioritise our planning programme for the National Public Transport Blueprint as a result of Policy Statement on Freshwater Management and Growth continues to be different across the region. consultation in Tauranga and the western Bay to maintain our current overall levels of resourcing Balancing the requirements for strong urban growth and affordability for areas of low growth is an ongoing •• Increased resourcing in data services and science in Corporate Services. While we are improving our consideration. Growth projections are stated in our associated with national monitoring standards and efficiency in these areas, we will still provide the significant forecasting assumptions. fresh water monitoring requirements, and same levels of service to the community. •• Increased resources in Emergency We have reviewed how we use the funds available to Our financial strategy outlines how we plan to manage Management and Biosecurity to deliver more provide the best value to the community and have our finances over the next 10 years and pay for all comprehensive programmes. carried out a detailed review of the funding mix the work we are doing. It looks at where we think focused on affordability, fairness and equity. This has we will need to spend money. Our biggest challenge led to us putting a stronger focus on the money we is managing the balance between keeping things collect from fees and charges and from targeted rates, affordable and giving our communities what they where it is easy to identify who is benefiting from the want and need. Page 66 of 176
22 450
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RATES FORECAST RATES AND RATES INCREASES General rates are used to fund work that benefits the whole region, and investment income and dividends will be used to reduce the overall amount of general rates we need to collect. This means relatively small increases in general rates can lead to high percentage changes.
To deliver the services required, we propose a general rates increase of 12 percent (an average $32 per household) in 2018/19.
Targeted rates are used to fund work that has a local benefit and ensures the people who benefit pay for that service. The average increase to targeted rates, which affects the total rates you pay, depends on the area in which you live and the services you receive.
The graph to the right shows forecast total rates, total real rates increases and the quantified limit on rates.
Our rates are based on land value, land area and location.
On the next page we have provided a graph to show how rates will change from what you are paying now to what you will pay in 2018/19, depending on where you live.
We have also provided a graph that shows rates for different property sizes with examples for small, median and large properties for each territorial authority.
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23 FORECAST TOTAL RATES BY TERRITORIAL AUTHORITY FORECAST TOTAL RATES BY TERRITORIAL AUTHORITY FOR - ANNUAL AVERAGE MEDIAN PROPERTIES 1000M2 2018/19 - RATES FOR DIFFERENT PROPERTY SIZES
2500
2000
17 16 1500
16
1000 65 61 64 17 16 22 703 24 35 28 641 18 18 406 36 13 400 498 157 41 159 35 327 16 452 111 110 144 35 112 34 277 112 34 62 500 30 64 30 50 59 28 40 61 64 65 22 703 24 35 28 216 226 236 212 242 641252 263 200 18 177 180 186 185 183 192 18 406 154 159 161 171 170 36151 144 138 13 400 111 128 498 157 41 159 35 327 144 35 452 111 110 0 112 34 277 112 34 62 30 64 30 50 59 28 40 252 263 111 144 154 159 128 161 171 177 138 170 180 186 185 216 226 236 212 242 151 183 192 200
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24 BALANCED BUDGET Quayside holds the POTL investment as well FORECAST BORROWING AND DEBT LIMIT managing other commercial investments to We propose an unbalanced budget (forecast optimise growth and returns in the long run operating deficit) for the first four years of the Long for the good of the Bay of Plenty. Term Plan 2018-2028. This means in each of these four 400 years, the money we expect to spend on operating We receive a dividend from Quayside each year. expenditure is more than we expect to receive. The We use these to reduce the amount we need to primary reasons for the unbalanced budget are due to collect through general rates. Quayside has forecast our funding contributions to third party infrastructure a higher dividend for each of the next 10 years, which 350 projects through the Regional and Investment will comprise just over 20 percent of our forecasted Funds, the Rotorua Lakes Protection and Restoration operating revenue and help reduce our rates. Action Programme reserves and the Environmental 300 Enhancement Fund reserves. We propose to deliver RESERVES a balanced budget from year five onwards. We have two main reserves. These are the 250 BORROWING Infrastructure Fund, which is fully allocated to fund infrastructure projects, and the Regional We propose to borrow $157 million over the next Fund, which is available as an alternative funding 10 years to fund capital spend. In addition, we’ve source. We propose using $45 million from the 200 taken an integrated approach to treasury management Regional Fund reserve to establish a new to ensure the most efficient use of our balance sheet. investment reserve, the Toi Moana Fund, We plan to use up to $50 million of borrowing to optimise our returns over the long run. 150 to help optimise the interest costs incurred by Quayside Holdings Limited (Quayside). The Toi Moana Fund is a new reserve which Council plan to establish with the primary We have set prudent limits to how much we objective of providing optimised long term 100 can borrow and we will be well within our debt to investment. Council proposes to put $45 million revenue ratio limit of 250 percent. This additional into the Toi Moana Fund from the Regional Fund. capacity gives us flexibility to respond to 50 unforeseen circumstances. We receive interest revenue on reserve funds as well as our cash investments. We use investment INVESTMENTS returns to reduce the amount we need to collect through general rates. 0 We have a 100 percent shareholding in Quayside, which in turn holds a majority shareholding in the YOUR FEEDBACK Port of Tauranga Limited (POTL). Retaining a majority shareholding in the POTL continues to be strategically Our full proposed financial strategy, which important for the Council and the Bay of Plenty. describes our financial plans in more detail, is available on our website or at any of our offices across the region. We welcome your feedback on our proposed financialPage 69 strategy. of 176
25 Where we spend your money
Over the next 10 years, we plan to spend KEY CAPITAL PROJECTS $1.4 billion to continue to provide the same extensive range of services.
We also plan to invest $178 million on capital projects. Some of our larger projects are shown in the chart (right).
Our work is divided into different activities - which are then grouped to enable us to report on that work - both as an organisation and financially.
For this Long Term Plan, the Council has nine Groups of Activities. The graphs on the following pages show where we expect our expenditure to occur.
Left: Our laboratory technicians processed 0 10 20 30 40 50 more than 10,000 samples in 2017. Page 70 of 176
26 What services do we provide?
INTEGRATED CATCHMENT FLOOD PROTECTION RESOURCE REGULATION MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL AND MONITORING This group of activities integrates We are responsible for This group of activities provides services in four catchment areas managing five major and a range of services direct to the across the Bay of Plenty – 37 minor rivers and drainage community, including: Tauranga Harbour, Rotorua schemes in the region. Lakes, Eastern catchments (including Rangitāiki), •• Biosecurity - provides regional leadership in and Kaituna-Pongakawa catchments. We work Our responsibilities include maintaining flood pest plant and pest animal management. protection stop banks, pump stations, floodgates with landowners on protecting priority biodiversity •• Rotorua Air Quality - focuses on improving the and erosion control structures, and managing sites, improving swimmability at our most popular quality of the Rotorua urban airshed. swimming spots and improving aquatic ecosystem and improving flood ways. We carry out regular health in other priority water bodies. maintenance of these structures, stream clearing •• Resource Consents - processes and makes and lake level monitoring and management for decisions on resource consent applications under Teams also work alongside volunteer groups Lakes Rotorua, Ōkāreka and Rotoiti. the Resource Management Act 1991 and/or rules to protect our rivers, harbours and open coastlines. in our Regional Plans. We support environmental care groups region-wide, We also provide flood management during major •• Regulatory Compliance - ensures development often delivered using the guidance and oversight of events plus provide information and advice on flood activities involving water, geothermal, air, land and local government and iwi representatives on our related issues to help avoid or better manage the coastal resources do not negatively impact on the co-governance committees, to ensure that cultural risks of flood hazards in the Bay of Plenty. natural environment or put people’s health at risk. values and tikanga are respected. •• Maritime - ensures navigation safety and Managing contaminant run-off is addressed primarily maritime oil spill response is provided 24/7 through landowner agreements, tangata whenua and across the region. industry partnerships, collaboration projects with district and city councils and assisting community groups and volunteer activity.
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27 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION We work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders to We provide public passenger transport across the region support the development of the Bay of Plenty. Our efforts and mobility for people with limited transport options. We centre around three key activities: also support national and local road safety programmes and provide transport planning to meet our obligations • Regional infrastructure - supporting infrastructure projects under the Land Transport Management Act 2003. We aim (delivered by third parties). Funding assistance is provided through direct to support an effective and efficient transport network funding or through the contestable Regional Infrastructure Fund. and establish a more collaborative approach to providing • Regional economic development – providing leadership, facilitation and public transport. support across the region for economic development through delivery of the Bay of Connections Economic Development Strategy with partner EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT organisations. The Emergency Management Group provides Civil • Regional parks - we own and manage two key pieces of land (Pāpāmoa Hills Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) services to our Regional Park and Onekawa Te Māwhai) for cultural heritage protection, organisation, as well as regional emergency management natural environment protection and enhancement and the long-term leadership. This includes providing co-ordination and enjoyment and benefit of the region’s residents. support to the Bay of Plenty CDEM Group and a support coordination service for the Lifelines Group. REGIONAL PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT TECHNICAL SERVICES This group provides a range of services to our Our Technical Services Group provides technical advice, organisation and the community, including: information and services to the council and direct to the community. These services include Geospatial, • Regional planning. Engineering, Science and Data Services. • Māori Policy advice, support and leadership on Māori relationship management. CORPORATE SERVICES • Developing and implementing a geothermal planning framework Our Corporate Services Group provides support under the Resource Management Act 1991. services to all our activities. These services include • Community engagement support and advice on council activities, Communications, People and Capability, Internal Services, and externally through specific programmes to build awareness, Corporate Property, Information and Communication involvement, engagement and education to help achieve the sustainable Technology, and Finance and Corporate Planning. development of the region. • Ensuring we provide good governance and accountability and conduct our business in an open, transparent and democratically accountable manner.
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28 160
FORECAST OPERATIONAL EXPENDITURE140 FORECAST CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
160 70 120
140 60
100
120 50
80 100 40
80 60
30
60 40 20
40
20 10
20
0 0 0
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29 Funding our work
We have a number of sources FORECAST OPERATING REVENUE of money that pay for what we do. 160
Alongside the money collected through rates, we 140 receive funds from fees charged directly to the customer (such as bus fares and charges for resource consent applications) and from central government in 120 certain areas (such as transport) and income from our investments (similar to interest on a savings account). 100 The combination we propose to use to fund our work over the next 10 years is shown here. 80
60
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20
0
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30 Our maritime team carry out regular patrols across our region’s waterways.
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31 Managing flood protection and control
Our infrastructure strategy The other important aspect is how much this all costs. OUR RESPONSE Our infrastructure strategy is closely related to our financial strategy (our long-term financial plan – see The way we plan to repair and maintain our current page 22) to make sure we provide an appropriate level flood protection and control structures is set out in Infrastructure refers to the long-lasting facilities of flood protection and control that remains affordable our River and Drainage Asset Management Plan. This that support our day-to-day living, such as buildings, for the community. covers all the river schemes we have in place and our roads and sewage plants. As a regional council, the plans for them over the next 50 years. We regularly only area of infrastructure we are directly responsible THE ISSUES OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS review these plans, taking into account the issues for is flood protection and control; things such as outlined above. stop banks and pump stations. These structures are When we are thinking about the risk of flooding over an important part of how we manage the risk of the next 30 years, there are a number of significant Historically, our approach to flood management flooding across the region. issues we have to take into account. has concentrated on building structures for flood protection. These can be expensive to build and Our infrastructure strategy looks ahead to the next •• Climate change maintain. Given the issues we expect to be facing 30 years to plan what flood protection and control over the next 30 years and beyond, we need to look •• Residual risk to community structures will be needed in the Bay of Plenty. This at other options to deal with the risk of flooding. This plan uses the best information available to us on the •• Affordability may be instead of or alongside the built structures. changes we are likely to see in our weather (such as more intense and frequent storms) and in our •• Events greater than design We are not planning any major changes in the short region (such as rising sea levels and where people are •• Levels of service term, but we are looking at the longer term through choosing to live). These factors impact on what will the River Scheme Sustainability Project. This project happen to our rivers and how and where we focus •• Population growth/decline looks at the long-term risks of flooding and reviews our efforts in managing the risk of flooding to protect •• Geotechnical conditions how we provide flood protection through our five our communities. We have to decide which structures major and 37 minor river and drainage schemes. It we continue to maintain and repair, where new flood •• Land use change is also considering whether we need to do things protection may be needed, and whether some existing differently to ensure a more sustainable approach. As structures are no longer necessary. the results of this project become available they will be fed into our infrastructure strategy to give us a
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32 strong long-term plan for flood management. TIMELINE OF EXPENDITURE PROJECTS ACROSS We will also continue to have conversations THE50 RIVER SCHEMES FOR THE NEXT 30 YEARS with our community through the course of the
Long Term Plan 2018-2028 about river scheme 45 sustainability and the ongoing implications of climate change. 40 WHAT DOES THE PLAN LOOK LIKE? 35 In the short term, repairing the damage from the 2017 flood event is the priority. We will continue with the ongoing review of the 30 river schemes and with the River Scheme Sustainability Project. 25 Between 2018 and 2048, we expect to spend $103 million on new or replacement structures 20 in our river schemes (capital expenditure) and $641 million on maintenance, repairs, analysis 15 and modelling (operational expenditure). The chart illustrates the major new flood control infrastructure projects expected to be built over 10 the next 30 years. 5
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45 33
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0 Whakatāne River entrance.
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34 What do you think?
On the following pages is information about the areas of our work we need your feedback on.
With each question we’ve presented the situation, the issue we have and some options for how we will deliver on it. Let us know what you think through the feedback form in this document, or online at www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp
Once we’ve gathered this information between 19 February and 19 March, we’ll use it to make decisions that will go into our Long Term Plan 2018–2028.
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35 Topic One Rivers & drainage flood recovery project
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36 What approach should we take to managing the flood repairs from the April 2017 floods in the eastern Bay of Plenty? OPTION 1 OPTION 2
Our preferred option BACKGROUND Between 3 and 14 April 2017, the Bay of Plenty was impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Summary Carry out all identified Carry out all identified repairs Debbie and Cyclone Cook. Severe rainfall hit the region hard and particularly the repairs as soon as possible. as soon as possible, with rates Resulting in a higher rates increases spread out over a Whakatāne and Rangitāiki River catchments. The first storm event caused record high increase in year one and two longer period (e.g. 10 years). water flows in both rivers. and then smaller increases from year three. With the catchments already saturated from high rainfall in March 2017, the elevated river levels in the Rangitāiki River resulted in a breach in the floodwall at College Level of No impact to level of service. No impact to level of service. Road in Edgecumbe. The flood waters damaged many properties and a Civil Defence service emergency was declared for the Whakatāne district.
Residents in some eastern parts of the Bay are still feeling the impact of the Impact on The estimated increase for ratepayers would be: April flooding. As part of the recovery work, cost estimates to repair damage to ratepayers river systems have been completed. More than 500 sites across the region may need work and associated costs are estimated to be $33 million. We plan to Targeted rates Targeted rates deliver this work over the next three years. Kaituna Kaituna 2018/19: 5% per ratepayer Over the 10 years 2018-2028: THE ISSUE 2019/20: 1% per ratepayer 4% per ratepayer per year
This consultation topic is about making sure we have the right input about Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rangitāiki-Tarawera affordability of rating approaches for these expensive but necessary repairs. 2018/19: 26% per ratepayer Over the 10 years 2018-2028: Although we’ll borrow money to fund the required repairs, 80 percent of the costs 2019/20: 18% per ratepayer 9% per ratepayer per year will be met through targeted rates in the affected catchment areas (Rangitāiki, Whakatāne, Waioeka/Otara and, to a lesser extent, Kaituna). Targeted rates are Whakatāne-Tauranga Whakatāne-Tauranga 2018/19: 1% per ratepayer Over the 10 years 2018-2028: used to pay for specific costs and can only be used for that purpose. This means 2019/20: 36% per ratepayer 5% per ratepayer per year there will be a significant increase in rates to fund the repairs, especially for targeted ratepayers. The question is how quickly the repairs can be completed and whether Waioeka-Otara Waioeka-Otara the costs should be passed on to ratepayers as they arise, through large increases 2018/19: 10% per ratepayer Over the 10 years 2018-2028: over the first two years of the Long Term Plan, or whether we should borrow money 2019/20: 29% per ratepayer 6% per ratepayer per year to spread the rate rises out over a longer period of time. We have budgeted for insurance to cover a proportion of the costs. General rates General rates
We plan to carry out the emergency repairs as soon as possible, with a higher rates 2018/19: 1.0% per ratepayer Over the 10 years 2018-2028: increase in year one and two and then smaller increases from year three. 2019/20: 1.5% per ratepayer 0.5% per ratepayer per year We’d like to hear your thoughts on this option. Page 81 of 176
37 Topic Two Public transport
Cityride bus Rotorua. Page 82 of 176
38 How do we fund increased bus services across the region? Other consultation on transport
BACKGROUND PUBLIC TRANSPORT FUNDING Tauranga City Council (TCC) is completing its - ANNUAL PLAN 2017/18 30 year Transportation plan and this will set out We manage a regional bus network that includes the what infrastructure they will provide to support yellow and blue Bayhopper buses in the western and the new passenger transport blueprint. eastern Bay, and the green Cityride buses in Rotorua. Providing a reliable public transport service that people Tauranga City Council is expected to consult from all walks of life can use is an important function of on this through its Long Term Plan. You may ours. This alternative mode of transport provides a vital wish to provide a submission to them on this transportation option and eases congestion and emissions through its Long Term Plan consultation process in our main centres. This helps create a vibrant region and which is expected to begin around 16 March. supports a healthy environment. Further information is available at Over the past few years we have increased the extent www.tauranga.govt.nz and frequency of bus services across the region in response to population growth. Most recently we confirmed the Western Bay of Plenty Public Transport Blueprint, which looked at public bus services in Tauranga and the western Bay. In parts of the western Bay, such as Te Puke, bus services will now run at a frequency similar to the city services. Central government funding Bus fares
The bus services are currently funded through a General rates Targeted rates combination of central government support (mainly from the New Zealand Transport Agency), bus fares, general funds (which includes general rates and income from investments) and targeted rates, as shown in the pie chart. This mix of funding enables us to keep bus fares affordable for everyone. General funding reflects the funds and targeted rates, while the western and benefits of public transport across the Bay. Targeted rates eastern Bay services use only general funds. It was reflect the direct benefits to those living in the area where set up this way to ensure the cost of bus services was the service is available. spread fairly across the community, with urban areas paying higher fares for services used more often and As well as fares and central government funding, the by more people than those in rural areas. different bus services are funded differently. City bus services in Tauranga and Rotorua use a mix of general
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39 THE ISSUE OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 This consultation topic is about making sure the right people are funding the bus network.
We want to change how we fund bus services, Our preferred option as we begin to deliver the increased service levels that have already been agreed to. What Summary Stay with the current funding Change funding of the Tauranga A staged introduction of option this means will depend on where you live, but for mix as outlined in the pie chart. and Rotorua bus services to be two, with contribution from many it means more buses, more frequently, on fully funded through targeted general funding reduced in improved routes. rates, change funding of the 2018/19 and then removed western Bay and the Whakatāne completely in 2019/20 for This growth and improvement to bus services urban service from general Tauranga, Rotorua, western Bay across the region, particularly in the western Bay, funds to a targeted rate. and Whakatāne. means we need to do things differently. We want to make the funding simpler, with clearer links to Level of This option does not directly This option does not directly This option does not directly areas where a higher level of service is provided. service impact the level of service. The impact the level of service. The impact the level of service. The level of service has increased level of service has increased level of service has increased This would mean using a higher proportion of or will increase as a result of or will increase as a result of or will increase as a result of targeted rates and reducing the amount that other consultation, such as the other consultation, such as the other consultation, such as the comes from general funds; this is consistent with recently confirmed Western recently confirmed Western recently confirmed Western how other regions fund bus services. Bay of Plenty Public Transport Bay of Plenty Public Transport Bay of Plenty Public Transport Blueprint. Blueprint. Blueprint. We want to make sure we’re being clear and transparent about how the services are funded, Impact on General funds contribution to General funds contribution to In 2018/19, general funds strengthening the connection between people ratepayers public transport will increase by public transport will fall to $14 contribution to public transport who use the bus services and those who fund 4%, an average of $8 per median per household/ratepayer. will decrease by 4% (an average them. property. $8 per median property) and Targeted rates will increase in the average targeted rate per Should the wider community continue to Targeted rates will increase per Tauranga, Rotorua, western Bay property will increase, by $53 in contribute to all bus services or should only those property by $25 in Tauranga and and eastern Bay – Whakatāne, Tauranga, $15 in Rotorua, $11 in who benefit from the service contribute? $2 in Rotorua (including GST). with an increase per property the western Bay and by $12 in of $82 in Tauranga, $27 in Whakatāne (including GST). Our preferred option is to move to a full targeted Rotorua, $13 in western Bay and rate for the Tauranga and western Bay, Rotorua, Whakatāne $16 (including GST). In 2019/20, the general and eastern Bay bus services, and remove any funds contribution to public transport will fall to nil for general funding for them. That means these Tauranga, Rotorua, western Bay services will be funded through targeted rates in Whakatāne and the targeted combination with central government funding and rate per property will increase, bus fares. by a further $44 in Tauranga, $14 in Rotorua, $7 in western Bay and $4 in Whakatāne Page 84 of 176 (including GST).
40 Bayhopper bus Tauranga. Page 85 of 176
41 Are we putting the right level of effort into managing pests across the Bay of Plenty? Topic Three Biosecurity BACKGROUND We manage biosecurity across the region by monitoring and managing pest plants and animals, and educating and advising landowners about how to manage pests. Pest management is a priority for us and there are a large number of pests we manage across the region including wallabies, catfish in Lake Rotoiti, alligator weed on the Rangitāiki Plains and woolly nightshade.
We also support national initiatives through agreements with external agencies, including the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Department of Conservation, and help to manage new pest incursions to the Bay of Plenty, where they may threaten our environment and our economy.
Over the past few years our work has continued to focus on detecting and controlling low-incidence and contained pests rather than well-established pest species. This has led to good progress against some new incursions and species we are seeking to exclude or eradicate from the region.
The majority of our work is carried out by implementing our Regional Pest Management Plan, which is prepared under the Biosecurity Act 1993.
Deploying a weed cordon on Lake Rotoma. Page 86 of 176
42 THE ISSUE OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 This consultation topic is about making sure we put the right amount of effort into managing pests across the Bay of Plenty. Our preferred option We are currently reviewing our Regional Pest Management Plan and last year received feedback Summary Maintain funding at Increase resourcing to allow Increase resourcing to allow from the community, which supported us as the current levels. all programmes with a positive all programmes with a positive lead agency for pest management in the region. cost-benefit to proceed. cost-benefit to proceed, plus Many submitters also suggested additional pests This option would mean fewer extra services. we could manage. There was strong agreement pests are able to be managed Same as Option 1, plus the and would change how some following: Same as Option 2, plus the from the community for increasing effort on are managed. For example, it following: managing wallabies and continuing control would extend the timeline for • Research into improving of woolly nightshade. containing wallabies, noting surveillance, monitoring, • Containment of woolly that a delay would also add and control programmes. nightshade and increased The full review process for the Regional Pest effort on pests such as wild extra costs to achieving that • Increased awareness, Management Plan is expected to be completed outcome in future. kiwifruit and wild ginger. in mid-2018 and we are planning to increase the surveillance and control work for pests such as • Sustained control of gorse level of our investment in biosecurity based on wallabies and alligator in the Rotorua catchment. the feedback we’ve already received. Through this weed. Long Term Plan consultation process we’re now • On-farm biosecurity seeking the community’s views on what level of • New programmes for pests advisory services. work we should be doing. such as marine pests, rough horsetail. Our planning in this Long Term Plan 2018-2028 is based on option two (right), which would Level of service Maintain existing Increase Increase increase the overall budget for the Biosecurity activity by approximately $500,000 (to a total Impact on No change Approximately $500,000 per Approximately $1,000,000 per of approximately $4m in 2018/19), allowing us to ratepayers annum additional expenditure, annum additional expenditure, the equivalent of a 2.2% the equivalent of a 4.4% manage new pests and for more comprehensive increase in general rates in increase in general rates in programmes to be carried out. 2018/19. 2018/19.
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43 Topic Emergency Four management
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44 How should we fund region-wide Civil Defence Emergency Management services? OPTION 1 OPTION 2
Our preferred option BACKGROUND We are the administrating authority for the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Summary Keep the current Change funding to a Management Group. This means we have a central role in co-ordinating and supporting arrangement of funding targeted rate for region-wide through general funds. Civil Defence Emergency Civil Defence Emergency Management for the Bay of Plenty together with the region’s six Management services. local councils. Our work in this area builds community resilience, helping the community prepare for, respond to and recover from extreme events that can endanger lives and Level of No change to delivery No change to the cause widespread damage. service of region-wide Civil delivery of region-wide Defence Emergency Civil Defence Emergency We deliver region-wide Civil Defence Emergency Management services (through the Management services. Management services. Group Emergency Management Office) and are supported by local councils in their respective areas. The funding of region-wide services is split between us and the local Impact on No change. The amount charged to councils. We provide approximately half the funding through our general funds, since the ratepayers ratepayers will remain the benefits are spread across the region, and we invoice local councils for the rest. same, but it will be listed as a specific line item on THE ISSUE your rates invoice. This consultation topic is about making sure our funding approach is transparent. The average rate for 2018/19 The same service will be provided for both options. will be $21 including GST.
The funding of region-wide Civil Defence Emergency Management services is complex. Currently its delivery is funded through a mix of general rates set by us and contributions from the local councils. This arrangement doesn’t provide clarity or transparency for the community around what is spent on these services.
To address this, we’re reviewing how we fund them. A straightforward way to do this is to move to a targeted rate. Targeted rates are used to pay for specific costs and can only be used for that purpose. This does not change the amount people will pay through their rates for region-wide Civil Defence Emergency Management services, but it will be easier and provide greater visibility around expenditure to support civil defence; this will give everyone a better idea of how their rates are being spent.
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45 Should we help fund infrastructure projects delivered by other organisations? Topic Five Regional BACKGROUND development In the past, we have provided funding for infrastructure projects we would not normally be involved in. We have financially supported these projects because they provided economic benefits for the region and were in line with our daily work for the region. These included the Ōpōtiki Harbour Transformation, Tauranga Tertiary Campus, Tauranga Marine Precinct and the Scion Innovation Centre in Rotorua, which are focused on economic development and aim to provide employment and education opportunities across the region.
We have also contributed to other councils’ wastewater improvements in Te Puna West, Ongare Point and Lakes Rotomā and Rotoiti, because they supported environmentally focused outcomes. Without our support these projects may not have happened, or affected property owners would have faced a substantial rise in their rates.
Regulatory Compliance staff checking a new development in Omokoroa. Page 90 of 176
46 THE ISSUE OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 This topic is about whether we should continue to provide this service and, if we continue, how to fund this. Our preferred option We do not have to fund any infrastructure projects that sit outside our line of work. However, our Summary Use some of our reserves to Use some of our reserves No new funding for preferred option is to continue to support projects fund infrastructure projects and take on debt to fund infrastructure projects outside that benefit the community and support our goals outside our organisation. infrastructure projects outside our organisation. (see our community outcomes on page 7). With this our organisation. in mind, we have developed an Infrastructure Policy Using our reserves would result in interest income forgone. Using our reserves would result www.boprc.govt.nz/policy that outlines our funding in interest income forgone request process. and using debt would result in direct interest costs. If we continue with this support, how do we fund these contributions? We could use some of our reserve funds to fund projects. This means we would get less money from interest on those reserve Level of service In addition to the projects we In addition to the projects we No change to the level of funds, and the interest income forgone would have have committed to funding, have committed to funding, service we currently provide. to be paid for through rates. We could share the the impact on the level of the impact on the level of We continue to fund the increase in rates across the region or target the service would vary based on service would vary based on projects we have already increase to the area that benefits from the project. which projects are approved. which projects are approved. committed to. In addition, we could also set new or higher rates to Taking on debt would increase the amount of funding that is available. potentially allow us to fund more projects than option 1. Our preferred option is to use reserves that are specifically set aside for infrastructure funding, Impact on The impact of interest income The impact of interest income No impact on rates. Without and to determine on a case by case basis whether ratepayers foregone will be shared foregone and interest expense our contribution, some district to spread the cost of lost interest over the whole between ratepayers. This could on debt will be shared and city council rates and region or a specific area. For very expensive projects be shared across the region between ratepayers. This could charges may have to increase we will consult with the community before we make or targeted to the area that be shared across the region to pay for infrastructure any decisions. Our Significance and Engagement benefits from the project. or targeted to the area that projects and some projects Policy (see www.boprc.govt.nz/policy) outlines benefits from the project, and may not proceed. what ‘very expensive’ means. Where there is room in the additional rates to increase the budget, Council could set amounts available would be aside a limited amount of spread over the region. reserves for funding third party infrastructure from the Taking on debt will increase Regional Fund. rates more than option 1.
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47 Rock wall repairs on the Whakatāne River. Page 92 of 176
48 Audit report
Independent Auditor’s Report on Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Consultation Document for its proposed 2018 -2028 Long Term Plan
I am the Auditor-General’s appointed auditor for the Bay into account particular elements of the Auditor-General’s generally accepted accounting practice in of Plenty Regional Council (the Council). Section 93C of Auditing Standards and the International Standard on New Zealand. the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act) requires an Assurance Engagements 3400: The Examination of I am responsible for reporting on the Consultation audit report on the Council’s Consultation Document. Prospective Financial Information that were consistent Document, as required by section 93C of the Act. I do not We have done the work for this report using the staff with those requirements. express an opinion on the merits of any policy content of and resources of Audit New Zealand. We completed our the Consultation Document. report on 15 February 2018. We assessed the evidence the Council has to support the information and disclosures in the Consultation INDEPENDENCE OPINION Document. To select appropriate procedures, we assessed the risk of material misstatement and the Council’s In carrying out our work, we complied with the In my opinion: systems and processes applying to the preparation of the Auditor-General’s: Consultation Document. •• the Consultation Document provides an effective •• independence and other ethical requirements, basis for public participation in the Council’s We did not evaluate the security and controls over the which incorporate the independence and ethical decisions about the proposed content of its publication of the Consultation Document. requirements of Professional and Ethical Standard 2018/28 Long-Term Plan, because it: 1 (Revised); and RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE •• fairly represents the matters proposed for COUNCIL AND AUDITOR •• quality control requirements, which incorporate the inclusion in the Long-Term Plan and quality control requirements of Professional and •• identifies and explains the main issues and The Council is responsible for: Ethical Standard 3 (Amended). choices facing the Council and region, and the •• meeting all legal requirements relating to its Other than our work in carrying out all legally required consequences of those choices; and procedures, decisions, consultation, disclosures, external audits, we have no relationship with or interests •• the information and assumptions underlying the and other actions associated with preparing and in the Council. information in the Consultation Document are publishing the Consultation Document and Long- reasonable. Term Plan, whether in printed or electronic form;
BASIS OF OPINION •• having systems and processes in place to provide the supporting information and analysis the We carried out our work in accordance with the Council needs to be able to prepare a Consultation B H Halford International Standard on Assurance Engagements (New Document and Long-Term Plan that meet the Zealand) 3000 (Revised): Assurance Engagements Other purposes set out in the Act; and Audit New Zealand Than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information. On behalf of the Auditor-General, •• ensuring that any forecast financial information being In meeting the requirements of this standard, we took Tauranga, New Zealand Rock wall repairs on the Whakatāne River. presented has been prepared in accordance with 15 February 2018 Page 93 of 176
49 How to have your say
You can have your say by providing a submission in any of the ways outlined below. Submissions close 4pm on Monday 19 March.
Complete a submission online Visit www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp
Email your submission form to [email protected]
Complete the submission form attached and post it to us at: Freepost Number 122076 Long Term Plan Submissions Bay of Plenty Regional Council PO Box 364 Whakatāne 3158
Visit any of our offices across the Bay of Plenty: 5 Quay Street, Whakatāne 87 First Avenue, Tauranga 1125 Arawa Street, Rotorua Page 94 of 176
50 What do you think?
Your details Presenting your submission in person
First name: All submitters have the opportunity to present their feedback to council during the hearings process. Please indicate your preferred option below. Surname: I wish to speak to my submission Are you submitting as an individual, or on behalf of an organisation? I will speak in: English Te Reo Sign language Individual Organisation I do not wish to speak to my submission Organisation (if applicable): Would you like to receive an e-newsletter about this Long Term Plan? Phone number: Yes No Email address:
Postal address:
Your gender: Your age: Your ethnicity:
Male 0-17 years NZ European Please see over the page to Once completed, please 18-24 years provide your feedback. send this form to: Female Māori 25-34 years Pacific Islander Gender diverse 35-44 years Asian If you require more space please Freepost Number 122076 feel free to attach extra pages. Long Term Plan Submissions 45-54 years Middle Eastern/ You can also make a submission Bay of Plenty Regional Council Latin American/African online at www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp PO Box 364 55-64 years Whakatāne 3158 Other, please specify: 65 or older Submissions close 4pm Monday 19 March. I’d rather not say
I wish to keep my contact details confidential Yes No Page 95 of 176 51 TEAR HERE Rivers and drainage Topic Topic Public transport Topic Biosecurity One flood recovery project Two See page 38 Three See page 42 See page 36
What approach should we take to managing the flood How do we fund increased bus services Are we putting the right level of effort into managing repairs from the April 2017 floods in the eastern across the region? pests across the Bay of Plenty? Bay of Plenty? Please tick your preferred option. Please tick your preferred option. Please tick your preferred option. Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 1 Option 2 Comments/feedback: Comments/feedback: Comments/feedback:
Topic Emergency management Topic Regional development General comments and feedback Four See page 44 Five See page 46
How should we fund region-wide Civil Defence Should we help fund infrastructure projects Emergency Management services? delivered by other organisations?
Please tick your preferred option. Please tick your preferred option.
Option 1 Option 2 Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Comments/feedback: Comments/feedback:
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52 The Kaituna River
Page 97 of 176 Back cover
www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp Page 98 of 176 GDS184774
Report To: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Meeting Date: 09 March 2018
Sarah Omundsen, General Manager - Catchment Management Report From: (Temporary)
Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund
Executive Summary
The Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund (“LNLUF”) is established to support land use change in the Lake Rotorua catchment. In 2016 the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group (“this Group”) approved Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff to run an open funding process which resulted in the completion of several projects. These completed projects have developed tools and information to support farmers to make more informed decisions about land use change.
The tools developed to date cover the most likely horticultural, agricultural and forestry land uses suitable for this catchment. Staff have identified two gaps from the first funding round, one being tourism and housing and secondly a tool to integrate multiple options. These were highlighted due to the large tourism industry which is unique to Rotorua and because many land uses are complementary not mutually exclusive. Given the Land Use Directory developed in the first round has established a portal for information, this can be used to present further information gathered and to integrate multiple options.
Once all information is gathered on the above-listed gaps, staff recommend that further extension of the land use directory occurs along with education activities, including but not limited to field trips to view established low nitrogen land uses, and the development of brochures.
Finally staff will seek Expressions of Interests (“EOI”) by August 2018 from land owners within the catchment who want to trial or further commit to low nitrogen land uses.
The following report recaps on progress to date, outlines gaps and recommends the high level approach to LNLUF 2018.
Recommendations
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group under its delegated authority:
1 Receives the report, Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund Report 2017/2018;
2 Approves the broad approach proposed to the LNLUF in 2018 which includes;
Page 99 of 176 Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund
2.1 Completion of further research on identified gaps
2.2 Extension of information and education on all Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund tools and land uses.
2.3 Request Expressions of Interest from land owners wanting to trial one of the land uses contained within the Land Use Directory.
1 Background
Cabinet approved the reallocation of funds to support land owners in the Rotorua Catchment in April 2014, specifying how the Crown portion (50%) of the $5.5 million may be used as follows:
“That of the $2.75 million Crown funding to support landowners to achieve nitrogen discharge allowances, the funding be used for: Farm business planning and trials of low nitrogen land uses.”
The Regional Council has agreed its funds are to be used to support land use change in the Lake Rotorua Catchment, noting the expectation through the Deed of Funding that Regional Council and Crown funds will be used for the same purpose.
In March 2016 the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group (the Strategy Group) approved a decision making framework for the Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund – Round 1, in accordance with the approved Investment Plan which was developed in collaboration with stakeholders during 2015.
The funding process was completed in accordance with the Investment Plan in June 2016 and this process resulted in the projects outlined below. 2 Discussion
2.2 Recap on existing projects
Land Resource Guide
This is a compendium of information on multiple land uses, including horticulture, agriculture and forestry. The web based portal is available for use (see https://landusenz.org.nz/.)
Information on land uses include: economic return, market information, requirements for growth and management, and approximate nitrogen leaching. This project is complete.
D-Nitro Decision Support Tool and Extension
This is a web-based tool which provides analysis of the expected performance of planting land in either Radiata pine or Mānuka. A proportion of the project is a direct extension of the tool to Maori land in the catchment. This project is complete and the tool is in use.
Hazelnut Trial
2 Page 100 of 176 Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund
This project trialled new and existing varieties of hazelnuts for the Rotorua catchment. Planting is complete with one main research site and a further 10 sites around the catchment. Cropping information is expected within a 24 month period, knowledge is being shared within the trial sites with further field days planned for 2018.
Whenua Ora
This project worked with 10 dairy and drystock land owners and undertook detailed farm system changes aimed at reduce discharges and increasing profit. The project is complete in that information on land use changes has been provided to land owners, and advice was provided. Two land owners are interested in implementing the advice provided.
Best Practice Videos
This project developed 9 videos on Good Management Practices which are available to view. Feedback from land owners has been positive especially as their peers are the stars of the videos.
Ngāti-Whakaue Tribal Lands Multi Project
This project has completed business cases for sheep milking and free range eggs. Further negotiations are pending for a crop trial. Staff will report back at the next meeting to advise on the outcomes of these negotiations.
Post Project Review
Interviews have been carried out with all LNLUF contracts completed to date. This process resulted in minor further works to optimise the outcomes or existing projects. In addition staff also reviewed the scope of the projects and believe that the existing projects broadly cover the most likely land uses within the agriculture, forestry and horticultural sectors.
However a potential gap was identified being Rotorua’s unique position in tourism and visitor attraction, where opportunities which could provide alternative income streams to current or potential land owners.
In addition, to the information gap in tourism, staff acknowledge that each land use change is not stand alone and packaging up a systems solutions could make a more compelling financial proposition for change to a low nitrogen land use.
Finally, demonstration is a well-known tactic to influence change. In the first round of funding only one trial was established across the catchment (Hazelnuts). One of the aims for 2018 is to increase the number of trials and actual change.
Taking on board these two gaps and the work completed to date staff recommend the following implementation for 2018. 3 Proposed implementation 2018
The aim in 2018 is to plug any gaps in land uses, increase public awareness through extension of information and education, and seek EOI to trial low nitrogen land uses in the Rotorua catchment. This approach builds on the work already completed to date and will be completed sequentially and broadly include the following three stages.
3 Page 101 of 176 Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund
Stage 1 – Research
Work with appropriate agencies and business such as, Destination Rotorua, Rotorua property investors, planning consultants and property managers to develop financial and management information on basic tourist opportunities and additional accommodation opportunities.
This information will be built into example scenarios, such as forestry, accommodation and bike tracks, or farming, horticulture and accommodation.
Refine and complete all projects already developed through the LNLUF.
Stage 2 – Extension of information and education
Whilst some promotion has occurred of the existing LNLUF projects further education and extension of information could encourage greater use and uptake. During stage 2 existing tools, such as D-Nitro, the Land Use Directory, Hazelnut trial and Good Management Practices will be promoted.
Following on from the further research in stage one, scenarios which show how to combine multiple land uses for economic return will also be promoted along with further information on tourism and housing returns.
If interest is shown then field trips will be arranged for land owners to properties which already exist within the catchment, such as hazelnuts, blueberries, and feijoa and outside the catchment to sheep milking, and/or manuka oil plantations.
Stage 3 - Expression of Interest
Staff aim to seek Expressions of Interests from catchment land owners for trialling low nitrogen land uses by the end of August 2018 and negotiate land use change trials before the end of 2018.
3.2 Options
Staff considered running a further round of funding similar to that carried out in 2016, this option is not recommended as it has been less than 2 years since round one and it is not likely that better or more feasible options would be presented. Staff do however remain open to considering any new proposals and would present viable solutions to this group if funding them was in line with the overall objectives of the fund.
4 Next Steps
If this Group approves the recommendations staff will report back on the outcomes of Stage 1 and 2 (research and extension of information), as well as further detail about the EOI criteria and process at the June 2018 meeting.
5 Council’s Accountability Framework
5.2 Community Outcomes
4 Page 102 of 176 Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund
This project directly contributes to the Water Quality and Quantity and Environmental Protection Community Outcome in the Council’s Long Term Plan 2015-2025.
5.3 Long Term Plan Alignment
This work is planned under the Rotorua Catchments Activity in the Long Term Plan 2018-2028.
Current Budget Implications
This work is being undertaken within the current budget for the Rotorua Catchments Activity in the Annual Plan 2017/2018.
Future Budget Implications
Future work on the Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund is proposed in Council’s Long Term Plan 2018-2028.
Anna Grayling Principal Advisor, Rotorua Catchments for General Manager - Catchment Management (Temporary)
1 March 2018 Click here to enter text.
5 Page 103 of 176
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Receives Only – No Decisions
Report To: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Meeting Date: 09 March 2018
Sarah Omundsen, General Manager - Catchment Management Report From: (Temporary)
Brown bullhead catfish - incursion update
Executive Summary
Brown bullhead catfish were discovered in Lake Rotoiti in March 2016. Previously a number of reports of catfish had been received but surveillance did not detect their presence in Lake Rotoiti or any of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes.
Since the discovery significant investment has been dedicated to surveillance, control, and supporting research to better understand the potential impact an established population would have, better understanding of their behaviour and movement, and looking at innovative solutions for detection, containment and control.
Initially the population was largely confirmed to Te Weta bay but recent work has identified a significant increase in both numbers and distribution. Research and innovation continues to be considered essential to support the programme.
Recommendations
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group under its delegated authority:
1 Receives the report, Brown bullhead catfish - incursion update.
1 Background
Brown bullhead were first introduced in 1877 to the Auckland region for reasons unknown. Since then their distribution has spread to a number of sites primarily around the North Island. Importantly for the Bay of Plenty they are currently present through the Waikato River system including Lake Taupo.
The discovery of their presence in Lake Rotoiti is the first confirmed incursion in the Bay of Plenty region. A number of reports have been received in the past. This includes a live catfish being presented to the Department of Conservation in 1993, and a large dead catfish being found on the shore of Okawa Bay in 2009. Surveillance undertaken in response to these sighting did not confirm catfish presence in the lake.
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2 Biology and impacts of brown bullhead catfish
Catfish are opportunistic predatory scavengers and eat a diverse range of food. Generally speaking they are nocturnal bottom feeders. They are considered the single biggest threat to koura currently present in New Zealand. They prefer slow flowing weedy habitat which is typical of many of the bays at the western end of Lake Rotoiti.
The potential impact of catfish varies from predation on species of significance to competition for food and space with other desirable species.
Catfish mature at approximately 200mm in length and rarely exceed 400mm in size or five years in age. They are prolific spawners and can produce thousands of eggs (6000+) in a single spawning event. Adults guard eggs and juvenile catfish from predators which is unusual behaviour for fish species.
Catfish are tough, they can tolerate a range of temperatures, poor water quality, low oxygen environments and can survive extended periods out of water (up to 48 hours). 3 Surveillance and control results
Since the initial detection significant effort has focussed on identifying where catfish are present and the size of the incursion in Lake Rotoiti.
Surveillance and control is done via the systematic setting of fyke nets (live capture nets). Since March 2016 netting has been undertaken at the lakes listed below, no catfish were detected:
- Lake Rotorua. - Lake Okataina - Lake Rotoehu - Lake Rotoma - Lake Tarawera - Lake Okareka
The remaining Rotorua Te Arawa lakes and the Kaituna River will have surveillance completed in the near future.
The tables below summarise the results from work on Lake Rotoiti:
30 March 2016 – 30 June 2016
Catfish Percentage of Catch per Site Nets set caught total catch unit effort Te Weta Bay 290 381 97.44% 1.31 Northern shore 9 2.30% Okere Inlet 482 1 0.26% 0.02 OTHER 0 0.00% TOTAL 772 391 100.00% 0.50
Netting was undertaken over 34 nights. Results showed the population was largely contained within Te Weta bay. A single fish was caught in the Okere Inlet and as water
2 Page 106 of 176 Brown bullhead catfish - incursion update temperatures cooled a small number of fish were caught just outside Te Weta bay (Northern shore).
1 July 2016 – 30 June 2017
Catfish Percentage of Catch per Site Nets set caught total catch unit effort Te Weta Bay 914 3227* 98.62% 3.53 Okawa Bay 146 6 0.18% 0.04 Okere Inlet 390 19 0.58% 0.05 Otaramarae 114 2 0.06% 0.02 Northern Shore 292 4 0.12% 0.01 Southern Geothermal 234 14 0.43% 0.06 OTHER 220 0 0.00% 0.00 TOTAL 2310 3272 100.00% 1.42 * includes 1227 juvenile catfish from a single net
Netting was undertaken over 68 nights. While the majority of the population remained within Te Weta bay, small numbers of catfish were caught at other sites around the lake.
1 July 2017 – 31 December 2017
Catfish Percentage of Catch per Site Nets set caught total catch unit effort Te Weta Bay 435 987 95.83% 2.27 Okawa Bay 55 4 0.39% 0.07 Okere Inlet 117 21 2.04% 0.20 Otaramarae 10 0 0.00% 0.00 Northern Shore 95 7 0.68% 0.07 Southern Geothermal 108 11 1.07% 0.10 OTHER 10 0 0.00% 0.00 TOTAL 830 1030 100.00% 1.24
Fishing was undertaken over 22 nights showing similar trends to previous catches. A catch of 587 juveniles was caught from Te Weta bay in late December.
1 January 2018 – current
Catfish Percentage of Catch per Site Nets set caught total catch unit effort Te Weta Bay 28 6885 68.27% 245.89 Okawa Bay 48 270 2.68% 5.62 Okere Inlet 101 2382 23.62% 23.58 Otaramarae 12 3 0.03% 0.25 Northern Shore 61 434 4.30% 7.11 Southern Geothermal 57 76 0.75% 1.33 OTHER 13 35 0.35% 2.69 TOTAL 320 10085 100.00% 32.52
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Catches since the beginning of the year are showing an alarming trend including:
- Large catches of juveniles across a much wider area are common. - Large catches outside of Te Weta bay, particularly through the Okere Inlet. - Large catches inside Te Weta bay including 6885 in one night, 4894 in one net. - Catfish being caught on western side of the Ohau wall, and two catfish have been caught in the lower parts of the Ohau channel.
Majority of the fish are juvenile (40 – 80mm) and would have spawned in late 2017.
4 Innovation and research
A number of meetings have been undertaken with key stakeholders and researchers to help develop innovative options to manage the issue and identify key bits of research to help increase our likelihood of success.
Initially the majority of the population was confined within Te Weta bay. A decision was made to install a cordon at the entrance of the bay to prevent the population leaving. This required a variation to an existing resource consent and was installed in April 2017.
An acoustic tagging trial is currently being planned and will begin later in 2018. A number of receivers will be strategically placed around the lake. Acoustic tags will be implanted in 30 large catfish, there movement around the lake will be monitored for a year. Movement patterns will be closely analysed and the results will help us more effectively target them but having a better understanding a seasonal utilisation of the lake. eDNA, a technology that uses DNA extracted from water samples will be developed shortly to help determine if a species is present in a water body. Once developed this technology should make detecting incursion easier and less time consuming.
A number of catfish have been provided to the University of Waikato for stomach content analysis and stable isotope analysis. This information will show what catfish are feeding on and help determine the impact they could have on the wider lake ecosystem.
Other options for research that are being considered include the use of acoustic or electric barriers or attractants, the potential to develop a more effective pheromone based bait, and the potential to establish permanent traps to catch catfish. As new ideas arise they will considered against the current options. 5 Future management of catfish
The Regional Pest Management Plan is currently being reviewed and a decision will need to be made in the near future on how catfish will be categorised and the level of investment provided to control and the prevention of spread. This decision will be largely determined by cost-benefit analysis but will also be guided by public and political sentiment.
A meeting with key stakeholders and researchers is currently being organised for March. At the meeting the recent concerning results will be discussed and the group will be asked to help shape the program of work over the coming years.
Some important discussions will be had on how to practically prevent them spreading into Lake Rotorua and Kaituna initially and then the remaining waterbodies in the region.
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6 Acknowledgements
While Bay of Plenty Regional Council led this response, a number of stakeholders need to be acknowledged for their contribution. Te Arawa Lakes trust, Fish and Game, the Department of Conservation and the Lakes Water Quality Society have been highly engaged and contributed significantly to the discussions around management options. Cindy Baker (NIWA) and Brendan Hicks (University of Waikato) have provided sound technical advice and support and guided the research opportunities, they have been valuable sounding boards and continue to support Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Shane Grayling Biosecurity Team Leader for General Manager - Catchment Management (Temporary)
1 March 2018 Click here to enter text.
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Receives Only – No Decisions
Report To: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Meeting Date: 09 March 2018
Sarah Omundsen, General Manager - Catchment Management Report From: (Temporary)
Current state and management of Rotorua urban streams
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to provide the Strategy Group with information on the state and management of a number of the streams that flow through the Rotorua urban area. The report was requested following the Komiti Māori meeting of 10 October where iwi raised concerns regarding the health of streams in the Rotorua urban area. These concerns included:
Sediment build up and pollution. Health warnings related to swimming. Loss of kai, including koura. Weed management.
These concerns were related to a number of stream sites, particularly on the Awahou, Ngongotahā, Puarenga, Utuhina, and Waitetī streams, and it is those streams that are reported on here.
Recommendations
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group under its delegated authority:
1 Receives the report, Current state and management of Rotorua urban streams;
2 Notes that staff will continue to work with locally led initiatives to improve the health of urban streams in Rotorua.
1 Introduction
The purpose of this report is to provide the Committee with information on the state and management of a number of the streams that flow through the Rotorua urban area. The report was requested following the Komiti Māori meeting of 10 October
Page 111 of 176 Current state and management of Rotorua urban streams
where iwi raised concerns regarding the health of streams in the Rotorua urban area. These concerns included;
Sediment build up and pollution. Health warnings related to swimming. Loss of kai, including koura. Weed management.
These concerns were related to a number of stream sites, particularly on the Awahou, Ngongotahā, Puarenga, Utuhina, and Waitetī Streams, and it is those streams that are reported on here.
Figure 1: Map of the Rotorua Urban streams.
2 Page 112 of 176 Current state and management of Rotorua urban streams
2 Current state
There is a wealth of information on the current state and impacts on Rotorua streams. The following summary is not all encompassing but is intended to give an overview of the land use, water quality and ecological health of each of the streams named above.
2.1 Land use
Land use for each of the stream catchments is summarised in Table 1. The dominant land uses are pasture/arable (largely dairy, sheep and beef) along with exotic and native forest. Urban and lifestyle blocks are a smaller but still significant land use overall.
Table 1: Land use summary for Rotorua urban streams.
Catchment Awahou Ngongotahā Puarenga Utuhina Waitetī Area (hectares) 1,992 7,741 8,214 6,371 6,188 Pasture/Arable 52.0% 43.4% 26.7% 20.8% 62.8% Exotic Forest 10.4% 12.9% 49.7% 17.6% 1.9% Native Forest/Scrub 5.4% 32.4% 10.0% 26.3% 21.3% Urban/ Road/Rail 3.1% 3.4% 6.2% 22.9% 3.8% Lifestyle/Mixed Landuse 24.2% 7.3% 2.3% 7.0% 7.5% Horticulture 0.0% 0.1% 0.3% 0.0% 1.5% Parks and Reserves 0.2% 0.2% 2.9% 5.1% 0.7% Other 4.8% 0.2% 2.0% 0.3% 0.3%
2.2 Water quality and ecology
The water quality and ecological health of each of the streams is summarised in Table 2. The overall recreational (‘swimmability’) risk, measured using E.coli, varies widely from low (Awahou Stream) to “Caution” in the Ngongotahā and Utuhina streams, both of which have health warnings in place. Ecological health, based on macroinvertebrate communities in the streams, varies from “Fair” to “Excellent”.
Table 2: Water quality and ecological health summary for Rotorua urban streams.
Stream Sites monitored Water quality* Ecology** Awahou Gloucester Road No longer monitored, Not monitored. Hamurana Road bridge historical information suggests a low level of recreational risk. Ngongotahā Paradise Valley Road Overall recreation risk is Ecological health is At State Highway 26 ranked as “Caution”, there ranked as “Good to is a health warning in excellent” (Paradise Ngongotahā Domain place due to elevated Valley Road and levels of bacterial Ngongotahā Domain). contamination.
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Stream Sites monitored Water quality* Ecology** Puarenga Hemo Gorge, Overall recreation risk is Ecological health is Whakarewarewa ranked as “Moderate”. ranked as “Fair to Forest Research excellent” (Hemo Institute Gorge). Utuhina Lake Road Overall recreation risk is Ecological health is Mangakakahi at Linton ranked as “Caution”, there ranked as “Good to Park (tributary) is a health warning in excellent” place due to elevated (Mangakakahi at levels of bacterial Linton Park). contamination. Waiteti At State Highway 26 Overall recreation risk is Ecological health is Tupapakurua (tributary) ranked as “Moderate”. ranked as “Fair” (at at State Highway 25 Tupapakurua) to “Good” (at SH26).
Ecological health rankings are based on annual macroinvertebrate monitoring* Recreation risk: Moderate means people are exposed to a moderate risk of infection (between 1 and 5%) from contact with the water; Caution means people are exposed to a high risk of infection (greater than 5%). ** Ecological health rankings are based on annual macroinvertebrate monitoring. 3 Catchment issues and management status
3.1 Land management
The streams in the Lake Rotorua Catchment were a major focus of the Kaituna Catchment Control Scheme through the 1970s and 1980s. Under the scheme all stream edges were retired from grazing, fenced and planted to minimise erosion along the stream edges.
The current land management focus for BOPRC is on Environmental Programmes to reduce erosion and increase habitat values in stream and terrestrial environments. Examples of the type of activity undertaken are:
Ongoing erosion control work along stream banks. Weed control and tree removal - especially where stream flow is impeded. Phosphorous and sediment detainment bunds.
Note that the Ngongotahā Catchment is now defined as a ‘Special Management Area’ with the main purpose being to better manage erosion and sediment control issues that are impacting on landowners and the health of the stream.
In addition to this work, the Integrated Framework for Lake Rotorua (including Plan Change 10, the Incentives Scheme and the Gorse Scheme) will also benefit stream water quality in the long-term by requiring land owners to reduce nutrient leaching into waterways and Lake Rotorua, which will largely be achieved by reducing stocking rates in the catchment. The Regional Council has also previously supported the sewage reticulation around the lake and has the Onsite Effluent Treatment Plan in place which contributes to protecting the water quality of these streams.
4 Page 114 of 176 Current state and management of Rotorua urban streams
Table 3 summarises the main issues and activities potentially affecting water quality and ecology in each of the stream catchments. The land management status is also summarised in terms of the catchment area and stream length currently protected by Environmental Plans. Mapped examples of the Environmental Plan coverage are shown in Appendix 1 and 2.
Table 3: Summary of issues, activities and land management status for Rotorua urban stream catchments.
Area of Stream catchment length Catchment Land management status and issues protected protected by EPs* by EPs* Awahou Agriculture is the dominant land use in the catchment most of which is dairy farming. Relatively new and unstable soils. Issues with 9% 71% nutrients and sedimentation. The Awahou Stream (at Taniwha Springs) is a source of drinking water for the Rotorua urban area. Ngongotahā Agriculture is the dominant land use in the catchment (dairy, sheep and beef) followed by exotic and native forest. Issues related to 13% 38% nutrients, sedimentation, and recreational water quality. Puarenga Exotic forest dominated catchment followed by agriculture (dairy, sheep and beef). Issues related to water clarity, recreational water quality and geothermal activity. A high-profile catchment with multiple activities including industry, landfills, urban development and irrigation of the Rotorua 10% 48% City wastewater. The headwaters of the Puarenga Stream (at Hemo Springs and Waipa Stream) are a source of drinking water for the Rotorua urban area. Alum dosing is undertaken by BOPRC into the Puarenga Stream to improve the water quality of Lake Rotorua. Utuhina Mixed land use with similar proportions of agriculture (sheep and beef), exotic and native forest, and urban. Issues include poor recreational water quality, sediment and water clarity and flooding concerns. The headwaters of the 14% 20% Utuhina Stream (at Karamu-Takina Springs) are a source of drinking water for the Rotorua urban area. Alum dosing is undertaken by BOPRC into the Utuhina Stream to improve the water quality of Lake Rotorua. Waiteti Agriculture is the dominant land use (dairy, sheep and beef) followed by native forest and scrub. A large proportion of the dairy/dairy support activity in the Lake Rotorua Catchment occurs in the 8% 76% Waitetī sub-catchment. Relatively new and unstable soils. Issues related to nutrients, sedimentation, and recreational water quality.
* Environmental Plan (EP) information is not completely up to date and should be used with caution
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3.2 Pollution complaints
A list of the reported pollution incidents related to these streams for the past five years (2013-2017) has been generated from the complaints database. A total of 67 complaints were received as follows:
Awahou Stream - 4 complaints Ngongotahā - 16 Puarenga - 10 Utuhina - 23 Waitetī – 14.
The most significant complaint categories were for rubbish, sediment, stock access, oil/fuel spills, offal/dead animals, and trees in the water. A smaller number were related to sewage and stormwater discharges in the urban area. 4 Response to concerns raised at Komiti Māori
4.1 Sediment build up and pollution
Sedimentation near the mouth of the Utuhina Stream has been raised as a particular concern. Staff have been involved in a numbers of discussions with the community and received requests to dredge some areas around Lake Rotorua. Because erosion and deposition of sediment is a natural (and continuous) process in these geologically young catchments the advice has generally been that sediment removal cannot be justified.
4.2 Health warnings related to swimming
As noted earlier, health warnings are in place for the Ngongotahā and Utuhina streams due to elevated E.coli levels. The source of this contamination reflects the mixed land uses in these catchments and can include livestock, birds and urban runoff/sewage. Reducing the extent of this contamination involves a number of management actions including:
Maintenance and enhancement of stream riparian protection to minimise contaminant inputs from livestock. Maintenance of septic tank systems and reticulation where this is feasible. Minimisation of overflows and leaks from urban sewage systems, and good management of stormwater systems.
While both the Regional Council and the Rotorua Lakes Council are actively involved in these activities there is also a need for more vigilance on the part of land and property owners to ensure that contamination source are minimised.
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4.3 Loss of kai
Aside from oral history, there is little long-term quantitative information on the abundance of kai in these streams. Monitoring of koura is carried out under the resource consent for the discharge of alum to the Utuhina Stream. This monitoring has been undertaken since 2006 and shows that koura are relatively abundant in the lower reaches of the stream. It is not known how this compares to historical abundance or whether the size of the koura is adequate for consumption. Monitoring of koura in Lake Rotorua itself has shown that abundance is amongst the highest of the Rotorua lakes, being second only to Lake Rotomā.
4.3.1 Weed management
Weeds adjacent to Rotorua’s urban streams are a recognisable problem to anyone using these reserve areas. While the significant expanse of accessible greenspace and the urban stream network is a very real asset to the District, it does present a significant financial challenge for ratepayers. The full value of these areas will only be achieved with community engagement and leadership in the projects which support the enhancement of these areas.
Unfortunately, for many of the people that live in these areas, socio-economic circumstances mean that this issue is of low priority and this does present a further challenge. Council could invest significant resources in this issue but without real community engagement that investment wouldn’t be maintained.
Over the years the Regional Council has invested significantly in and supported many community led initiatives which have sought to deal with these matters. These initiatives have occurred at Hannahs Bay, Awahou, Utuhina and at various publicly and privately owned sites around Rotorua. Funds are available to continue to support this work and staff will continue to encourage and support community led-initiatives.
The new Government intends to invest in the planting of trees and this is something that Rotorua staff are watching closely, both as residents of Rotorua and as representatives Council staff as this presents some real opportunities. Rotorua needs to take full advantage of any opportunities that this initiative of Government may present for the beautification of these, particularly in terms of replacing weeds with trees in public reserves. Rotorua Lakes Council will be an important partner in this. 5 Moving forward
The ‘Let’s Clean Rotorua’ movement is a real opportunity to engage people in the value and ‘clean up’ of these extensive and special urban stream and greenspace networks in Rotorua. Mr Neville Raethel, a local resident, has established a Facebook page ‘Let’s Clean Rotorua’ which has in excess of 500 followers and organises rubbish clean ups along Rotorua urban stream reserves. The rubbish problem in these streams in Rotorua is one which clearly has the concern of the community.
Regional Council staff have extended an offer of support and participated in Mr Raethel’s initiative. It has been successful in attracting volunteers to remove a significant amount of rubbish from local stream reserves and raising awareness in the community. A record of this success can be found on the Facebook page. Staff are concerned to ensure that Regional Council involvement is balanced so that the initiative remains a community-led one and this is the desire of Mr Raethel also.
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While the Regional Council is currently investing significant resources in land use change in the catchment to manage water contamination, rubbish and weeds in stream reserves continue to be a concern for the community. Staff will offer support to the ‘Let’s Clean Rotorua’ initiative and any other initiatives of locals to address this problem. Complaints of rubbish will also continue to be dealt with appropriately and we have asked Mr Raethel to direct significant areas of concern, which are more safely dealt with by professionals rather than volunteers, to the Regional Council.
6 Implications for Māori
The Rotorua urban streams and reserves and the identity, traditions and values of Māori are intertwined; Rotorua is Māori. This is a matter which requires engagement of the urban community, particularly in the areas of concern. As mentioned, that does present a challenge as many of these areas have socio-economic challenges. Supporting campaigns like that of Mr Raethael’s helps to engage and involve Māori in this solution and staff will continue to pursue these opportunities.
7 Council’s Accountability Framework
7.1 Community Outcomes
This work directly contributes to the Water Quality and Quantity and Environmental Protection Community Outcomes in the Council’s Long Term Plan 2015-2025 and to the new Long Term Plan currently under consideration.
7.2 Long Term Plan Alignment
This work is planned under the Rotorua Catchments Activity in the Long Term Plan 2015-2025 and in the new Long Term Plan currently under consideration.
Current Budget Implications
This work is being undertaken within the current budget for the Rotorua Catchments Activity in the Annual Plan 2017-2018 or Year 3 of the Long Term Plan 2015-2025.
Future Budget Implications
Future work is provided for in Council’s Long Term Plan 2018-2028.
Helen Creagh Rotorua Catchments Manager for General Manager - Catchment Management (Temporary)
2 March 2018 Click here to enter text.
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APPENDIX 1
2018-02-01 - Puarenga EPs and Streams Map
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Puarenga Stream
Kauaka Stream
Tureporepo Stream Waipa Stream
Waikaruru Stream
Stream Waiotokomanga
Kauaka Stream
Te KahikateaStream Ohineuia Stream
Te Kuha Stream
Streams
Environmental Protection Areas
Puarenga subcatchment
Puarenga Subcatchment Stream Areas UnderPage Environmental121 of 176 Protection
0 1 2 3 4 Sheet 1 of 1 Kilometers Date: 1/02/2018
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APPENDIX 2
2018-02-01 - Utuhina EPs and Streams Map
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Mangakakahi Stream
am tre a S hin Utu
m trea a S ing Re Te m rea i St ang Aor
Streams
Environmental Protection Areas
Utuhina subcatchment
Utuhina Subcatchment Stream Areas UnPageder E125nv iofro 176nmental Protection
0 1 2 3 4 Sheet 1 of 1 Kilometers Date: 1/02/2018
Page 126 of 176 Programme Status Update and Six Month Report (2017-2018)
Report To: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Meeting Date: 09 March 2018
Sarah Omundsen, General Manager - Catchment Management Report From: (Temporary)
Programme Status Update and Six Month Report (2017-2018)
Executive Summary
This report provides an update on progress within the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme (the Programme), since the last Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group (the Strategy Group) meeting in December 2017. During this time the Programme has continued its heavy resource focus on implementation of the Integrated Framework for Lake Rotorua (Proposed Plan Change 10, Advice and Support Service, Low-Nitrogen Land Use Fund, Incentives Scheme and Gorse) and its work on priority actions in other lakes including implementing all actions in the Tarawera Restoration Plan and beginning construction of the Rotomā-Rotoiti wastewater scheme.
Also attached to this report is the proposed Six Month Report for the Programme for the 2017-2018 financial year, to 31 December 2017. It is intended that this Six Month Report, if approved by the Strategy Group, will be submitted to the Minister for the Environment in accordance with the requirements of the Deed of Funding for the Programme. Again, progress in the first six months of this financial year has been focused on the Integrated Framework for Lake Rotorua, implementation of the actions within the Tarawera Restoration Plan and the Rotoma-Rotoiti wastewater scheme.
Recommendations
That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group under its delegated authority:
1 Receives the report, Programme Status Update and Six Month Report (2017-2018);
2 Approves the Six Month Report (2017-2018) for submission to the Minister for the Environment in accordance with the Deed of Funding for the Programme.
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1 Progress Update
Attached in Appendix One is a dashboard which sets out progress in key projects; brief updates on each lake are provided below:
1.1 Lake Rotorua
Five agreements were approved by the Incentives Committee in early February. A number of other deals are also in the pipeline and progress has been made as identified in the report of Te Taru White being presented at this meeting.
The first Environment Court mediation for Proposed Plan Change 10 (Lake Rotorua) was held in early February and the second mediation in late February, the parties await further direction from the Court on next steps. Under the Resource Management Act, Plan Change 10 now has legal effect and the Regional Council is required to commence its implementation. Implementation includes processing resource consent applications for properties over 40 hectares and the collection of data (as set out in the Plan Change) for properties that meet the Permitted Activity requirements. Staff have finalised processes to do both of these and at the time of writing, a letter is being sent to all rural landowners advising them of their obligations under Plan Change 10 and asking them to engage with staff for assistance to meet these.
The Advice and Support Service related to the implementation of Plan Change 10 has excellent uptake. 80 of an estimated 95 properties over 40 hectares in the Lake Rotorua catchment are enrolled in the service. Under Proposed Plan Change 10 these properties are required to apply for resource consent now. A further 49 properties, under 40 hectares, are also enrolled in the service. Staff expect that uptake of the service will increase with the obligations Council now has to implement Plan Change 10. A focus of the service over the reporting period has been ensuring the Nutrient Management Plans are reworked to include the changes required to account for the decisions of the Commissioners on the Plan Change.
The Gorse Scheme continues to secure deals on large tracts of gorse land in the Rotorua catchment with 83 hectares of conversion to trees secured and a further 40 hectares close, these conversions are largely on multiple Maori owned land. In accordance with our commitment to continuous improvement, staff are reviewing the current extent of gorse in the catchment and the nutrient accounting system in relation to this. A review of our gorse scheme policy is required (written 2013) as implementation of the scheme is well underway and our understanding of gorse coverage in the catchment has improved. Staff are currently working on a reviewed document to present at the next Strategy Group meeting.
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The aim of the gorse scheme is still to have all gorse in the catchment under active management. Matters staff are considering for the review of the policy include, how we fund and account for gorse that was not present in 2001-2004 but is now, including all nitrogen leaching pest plants in the scheme and dealing with the concerns of Te Tumu Paeroa around the 999 agreements. This final matter has been raised with the Ministry for the Environment and they are considering their legal position on this in relation to the funding Deed.
Round one of the Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund is being wrapped up and plans are being made for the next steps with this project, further details including direction sought from the Strategy Group is provided in a separate paper being presented to this meeting.
Rotorua Lakes Council have sought assistance from the Regional Council to gain co-operation from landowners to make final connections to sewerage reticulation in the Lake Rotorua catchment. A strategy to do this is currently being drafted by Regional Council staff, further work to agree on resourcing of this is required.
1.2 Lake Okareka
Work has continued on the Lake Okareka Land Use Change project the Strategy Group approved at the end of 2016. 40% of relevant properties have now had their Rule 11 Benchmark audited and are in compliance. Work is scheduled to complete auditing of the remaining 12 properties. All landowners with sufficient land in the catchment have been offered an opportunity to talk with the Regional Council about land use change to reduce their nutrient footprint. Staff are currently negotiating with landowners who have indicated an interest in this and are confident further land use change can be secured in due course.
Staff have been working over the spring/summer period to deal with the high lake levels at Lake Ōkāreka. This involves maximising Lake Ōkāreka outlet flows (up to 500 L/s) into the Waitangi Stream while, as far as possible, avoiding and mitigating erosion downstream of the discharge.
Heavy rain over the period has presented challenges by further increasing lake levels preventing staff from lowering the lake to within the control range. Staff have undertaken additional erosion protection works in order to protect property adjacent to the stream. This remains a key factor for determining increased outlet flows over an extended period of time.
Staff are working on engineering design to install permanent erosion protection in the stream and a medium term project is being considered to automate the control of the outlet which is currently changed only through manual adjustment of the valve.
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1.3 Lakes Rotoehu, Rotoiti and Rotoma
The catfish incursion on Lake Rotoiti remains a concern for the Programme and the response to this is covered in a separate report being presented to this meeting.
There are low levels of hornwort present within Lake Rotoiti this year and operation of the weed harvester is not warranted. The levels of weed will be reassessed in April to determine feasibility.
The contract for the new wastewater treatment plant for the remaining Rotoma- Rotoiti connections has been let and construction has commenced.
The resource consent for the Ohau Diversion Wall has been granted for a further term of 35 years.
1.4 Lake Tarawera Catchment (including Rerewhakaaitu and Outer Catchment Lakes)
Implementation of all actions in the Lake Tarawera Restoration Plan is underway, a full update is provided in the six month report and a special update is provided in attached Appendix Two in relation to the Farm Environment Plan project. The first stage of the Cultural Health Assessment, led by Te Arawa Lakes Trust with funding from the Regional Council, has commenced.
2 Six Month Report 2017-2018
The Six Month Report required by the Minister for the Environment in accordance with the Deed of Funding with the Crown is attached for approval (see Appendix 3). If approved by the Strategy Group the report will be submitted to the Minister for the Environment.
The content of the Six Month Report provides more detail in relation to each specific project approved in the 2017-2018 Annual Work Programme. No further summary is provided in this report as the summary information is similar to that provided in the update above.
3 Council’s Accountability Framework
3.1 Community Outcomes
This work directly contributes to the Water Quality and Quantity and Environmental Protection Community Outcomes in the Regional Council’s Long Term Plan 2015-2025
3.2 Long Term Plan Alignment
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This work directly contributes to the Water Quality and Quantity and Environmental protection Community Outcomes in the Regional Council’s Long Term Plan 2015-2025 and the Rotorua Lakes Council Long Term Plan, also both Council’s new Long Term Plan currently under construction.
3.3 Current Budget Implications
This work is being undertaken within the current budget for the Rotorua Catchments Activity in the Annual Plan 2017-2018 or Year 3 of the Long Term Plan 2015-2025.
3.4 Future Budget Implications
Future work is provided for in the Rotorua Lakes Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Long Term Plan 2018-2028.
Helen Creagh Rotorua Catchments Manager
for General Manager - Catchment Management (Temporary)
1 March 2018
Click here to enter text.
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APPENDIX 1
2018-02-09 Te Arawa Rotorua Lakes Programme Dashboard Strategy Group PDF
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Page 134 of 176 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme - March 2018
Programme Manager Helen Creagh As of PSG meeting Feb-18 Green Programme Updates
Project Sponsor Chris Ingle Previous RAG status Dec-17 Green • The Incentives Committee approved five new deals in early February. A further large deal is in the very close to approval.
RAG Status RAG Status Category Comment on any RAG where status is not Green • Two Environment Court Mediations have been held for Proposed Plan Change 10. Implementation of the Plan Change has commenced. Previous Current
Overall Green Green • 7000 juvenile catfish were captured in Lake Rotoiti. A paper is presented to the Stragtegy Group with further detail on this incursion and management.
All actions in the Tarawera Restoration Plan are being implemented. Crown funding has been secured by the Steering Committee for the sewerage reticulation Programme Schedule is Amber due to progress in five projects. Work is underway to get all of these projects Schedule Amber Amber • scheme. 27 Farm Environment Plans completed for the inner and outer catchments of Tarawera. Te Arawa Lakes Trust has commenced work on the Cultural back on track, long-term targets remain on track. Monitoring Framework for the lake.
Lake Ōkāreka community are being kept informed regarding the lake levels and actions to manage these. Staff continue to negiotiate with landowners Scope Green Green • interested in land use change in the catchment to secure further nutrient reductions.
Resources Green Green • Construction has commenced on the Rotomā- Rotoiti Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Budget Green Amber Underspend will occur in incentives, gorse and the remining sewer connections in Rotorua. • Significant work continues on planning and design of the Tikitere Zeolite Plant for construction commencing 2019-2020.
The Programme constantly evolves with improved science and understanding, and continues its commitment to evolving with this. The uncertainty of Plan Change 10 due to appeals remains a challenge for progress in the Incentives Scheme and the requirements of the funding Deed to secure Gorse agreements continue to be finalised in the Lake Rotorua catchment and control of gorse and planting under existing agreements continues to be Overall Progress deals for a 999 year term on multiple maori owned land remain a challenge to the gorse programme. While the schedule of some projects is amber, • undertaken. Improved science and understanding of gorse coverage has prompted staff to review the 2013 Implementation Plan. The revised plan and policy work is in place to keep these on track for their long term objectives. is expected to be completed mid year.
Programme Planned Activities Risks
• Working with a major landowner to secure up to 8 tonne of nitrogen under the Incentives Scheme. • Commence consenting and collection of permitted activity data under the requirements of Plan Change 10. Overall Risk Register: 13 open risks
The three activities planned for the Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund include plugging gaps in research, extension and education of research • Third Kaitiaki Forum Wananga being held in March. • Risks 12 and above: 1 open risks already undertaken, e.g. field trips and presentations, then call for expressions of interest to trial low nitrogen land uses.
Risks 8-12: 8 open risks • 1800 letters to be sent to landowners that outlines their responsibilities under Plan Change 10. • Working with a landowner to achieve up to 95 ha gorse conversion. Risks 1-7: 4 open risks Continue construction of the Rotoiti / Rotomā Wastewater Treatment Plant and Land Disposal Continue work on managing lake levels at Lake Ōkāreka, including erosion protection on Waitangi Stream. Continue to negotiate with • • Financials System. landowners interested in land use change in the catchment and auditing benchmarks. Expenditure is tracking as an underspend with three projects flagged as • Continue with Schedule One Resource Management Act process for Proposed Plan Change 10. • There does not appear to be sufficient weed to operate the harvester this year on Rotoehu, this will be reassessed in April. red for significant underspend, and one project as a moderate risk for underspend. Annual Work Plan 2017/18 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Oct-17 Nov-17 Dec-17 Jan-18 Feb-18 Mar-18 Apr-18 May-18 Jun-18 Schedule Budget Scope Lake Rotorua
Advice and Support Service Green Green Green
Gorse Conversion Scheme Amber Red Green
Plan Change 10 Green Green Green
Tikitere Zeolite Amber Green Green
P-locking Utuhina and Puarenga Green Green Green
Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund Amber Amber Green
Brunswick Sewage Connections Amber Red Green
Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme Green Red Green
Lake Rotoehu
Weed Harvesting Green Red Green
P Locking Soda Springs Green Green Green
Lake Rotoiti
Sewage Scheme Curtis Road to Hinehopu Green Green Green
Ohau Wall Green Green Green
Lake Ōkāreka
Lake Ōkāreka Land Use Change Amber Green Green
Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Oct-17 Nov-17 Dec-17 Jan-18 Feb-18 Mar-18 Apr-18 May-18 Jun-18 Schedule Budget Scope
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APPENDIX 2
Appendix 2 - Strategy Group Meeting 9 March 2018 - Update on Farm Environment Plans Project
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Page 138 of 176 Tarawera Farm Environment Plans – Project Update February 2018
Project objectives and background
The Tarawera Farm Environment Plan (FEP) project aims to develop 50 voluntary FEPs for pastoral farms in the inner and outer Tarawera lakes catchments, covering Lakes Rerewhakaaitu, Rotomahana, Rotokakahi, Okaro and Tarawera. This FEP project implements Actions 2 and 4 in the Tarawera Lakes Restoration Plan. The overall project objectives are three-fold: 1. Recognise and promote on-farm good nutrient management practices 2. Develop FEPs using industry farm plan templates and the OVERSEER nutrient budget model 3. Provide BOPRC with summary nutrient data to support catchment and lake modelling work.
To facilitate project management and farmer liaison, BOPRC engaged Simon Park (Landconnect Ltd). The project has been developed with input from Project Rerewhakaaitu Incorporated Society (PRIS) which represents most of the target farmers. Many of these farmers had AgResearch-based FEPs via an earlier Sustainable Farming Fund project that was also supported by BOPRC. Prior to the new FEP roll-out, it was agreed with PRIS that we would use OVERSEER nutrient budgets and ‘industry’ FEP templates, as follows: All 30 dairy farms in the target catchments are Fonterra suppliers. Fonterra’s Sustainable Dairy Advisers (SDAs) are using their new FEP template which is part of Fonterra’s wider ‘Tiaki Sustainable Dairying Programme’. About 20 drystock farmers – sheep, beef, deer and dairy support – will use Beef and Lamb NZ’s (B+LNZ) ‘Level 2’ Land and Environment Plan template. These FEPs are being prepared by Perrin Ag and AgFirst consultants, under contract to BOPRC. A key principle agreed with PRIS was to maintain the confidentiality of individual farmer nutrient loss data. This will be achieved by Fonterra and B+LNZ aggregating data across each catchment before summary data is transferred to BOPRC. To maintain data integrity, all SDAs and consultants preparing OVERSEER files have agreed to follow the OVERSEER Data Input Protocols and the additional BOPRC protocols developed for the Lake Rotorua catchment. In addition, 20% of the files will be checked by BOPRC staff for consistency and robustness. Farmer approval forms have been prepared to describe the project, address confidentiality and explain the data transfer process.
Project budget and spatial coverage
The initial project budget was $180,000 (+GST) for 2017/2018 financial year, including project management costs. Fonterra’s willingness to self-fund all 30 dairy FEPs represents a significant cost saving. This has enabled a more flexible approach to the project’s spatial coverage, even though drystock FEPs and nutrient budgets are generally more complex than their dairy equivalents. Several Rangitaiki River catchment farms have been included because they are PRIS members and part of the wider Rerewhakaaitu community. Three farms that straddle either Lake Okareka or Waikato River catchments have also been targeted. These require careful and ongoing liaison to ensure the farmers are aware of how their data will be used.
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FEP progress to date
The drystock FEP process commenced with two farmer workshops in July and November 2017. These were facilitated by Beef and Lamb NZ, with a combined attendance of 25 farmers. In early November, farms were allocated to either Perrin or AgFirst, recognising existing client relationships and capacity. GIS support is provided by BOPRC staff.
The Fonterra sustainability team ran a SDA training session in September 2017, using three Rerewhakaaitu dairy farms to kick-start the FEP process. The FEP template was modified from the Waikato version to make it fit with the non-regulatory context of the Tarawera FEP project. The status of FEP progress by mid-February 2018 is shown in the table below:
FEP Status Fonterra FEP B+LNZ FEP Combined Complete 21 6 27 In progress 6 7 13 Not started 3 7 10
Totals 30 20 50
Of the 10 FEPs not yet started, several farmers (dairy and drystock) have indicated a reluctance to be involved in the project. Fonterra, PRIS and project contractors will continue to liaise with these farmers to encourage their participation.
OVERSEER file checks have been carried out for six Fonterra files and four B+LNZ files and minor discrepancies have been addressed. BOPRC staff are satisfied with the integrity of these files, given the non-regulatory context of the project.
It is anticipated that all FEPs will be completed by the end of March 2018, subject to farmer willingness to participate. Data aggregation will occur in April, with a final summary report to all project partners in May 2018. A final project update will be provided to RTALSG at its June meeting.
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APPENDIX 3
DRAFT 2017- 2018 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme (RTALP) 6 Monthly Report PDF
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Page 142 of 176 Six Monthly Report
2017-2018
#love our lakes Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust. rotorualakes.co.nz Working as one to protect our lakes with funding assistance from the Ministry for the Environment. Page 143 of 176 1 Purpose The purpose of this document is to report progress against the 2017/18 Annual Work Programme of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, for the six months ending 31 December 2017. This report is in accordance with Clause 5.3 and 5.4 of the Deed of Funding.
This report provides an update on deed funded projects, including their financial status. It also provides an update on non-deed funded projects that fall under the Programme.
The overarching goal of the Deed of Funding is to reach community aspirations for water quality in four deed funded lakes: Rotorua, Rotoiti, Ōkāreka and Rotoehu. To show the status of reaching this goal, there is an update on how each priority lake is tracking in terms of water quality.
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 144 of 176 i Page 145 of 176 Contents
1 Purpose i
2 Overview 1
2.1 Lake Rotorua 1
2.3 Lake Rotoehu 2
2.4 Lake Okareka 4
2.5 Lake Rotoiti 4
3 Key achievements 5
4 Annual Plan of interventions – deed funded lakes 12
4.1 Lake Rotorua 12
4.2 Planned and Completed Activities – Lake Rotorua 12
4.3 Lake Rotoehu 15
4.4 Planned and completed activities – Lake Rotoehu 16
4.5 Lake Rotoiti 16
4.6 Planned and completed activities – Lake Rotoiti 17
4.7 Lake Ōkāreka 18
4.8 Completed activities – Lake Ōkāreka 18
5 Te Tuapapa o ngā Wai o Te Arawa/Te Arawa Cultural Values Framework 19
6 Annual Plan of Interventions - non-deed funded 23
6.1 Lake Tarawera 23
6.2 Lake Ōkaro 24
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 146 of 176 iii
6.3 Lake Rerewhakaaitu 24
6.4 Lake Rotomā 24
6.5 Lake Rotokakahi 24
6.6 Lake Ōkataina 24
6.7 Lake Tikitapu 24
6.8 Lake Rotomahana 24
7 Financials 25
iv Page 147 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243 2 Overview Work continues on all lakes but with a continued heavy resource weighting towards Lake Rotorua. An update on progress on each lake to 31 December 2017 is provided below, in accordance with the 2017/18 Annual Work Programme.
2.1 Lake Rotorua
RLC and Actual year to date Approved Crown Crown Funding Crown BOPRC Expenditure Funding 2017/18 received to Funding Annual Plan ($000) ($000) date applied to Budget ($000) date 2017/18 ($000) ($000) 9,804 1,976 4,902 1,889 988
The components of the Integrated Framework for Lake Rotorua continue to be very resource intensive. The Commissioners’ decision on Proposed Plan Change 10 was received in August 2017 and appeals to the Environment Court closed at the end of September. Four appeals to the Commissioners’ decision were received (from CNI Iwi Holdings, Federated Farmers, Te Tumu Paeroa and Ngāti Uenukukōpako). A variety of parties joined these appeals under s274 of the Resource Management Act. The first Environment Court led mediation was undertaken in early February 2018 and staff will continue to participate in the appeal process as now directed by the Environment Court.
The Commissioners decision on Plan Change 10 gives it legal effect and as a result, the Regional Council must now implement the plan change. As such, work has been done to: update Nutrient Management Plans to provide for identification of Critical Source Areas for phosphorous and identify mitigation measures, prepare for informing landowners of their obligations under the plan change, granting resource consents for properties over 40 ha and collecting information on permitted activities under the plan change. Consenting and collection of information on the plan change is due to commence in March 2018.
Work has continued on existing gorse agreements (documentation, gorse control and planting) and also working with landowners to sign up new agreements. 203 ha of gorse in the catchment is now either covered by an agreement under the gorse scheme or has an agreement pending. Difficulties have arisen with getting some owners of Maori land to engage in the gorse scheme because of the 999 year encumbrance. In-particular, Te Tumu Paeroa will not support any of their landowners entering into the gorse scheme because of this requirement. Staff at the Regional Council and the Ministry for the Environment are discussing this requirement of the gorse scheme to see if a solution can be found.
The first round of the Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund is being wrapped up with the final contractual commitments being delivered. Highlight projects of this first round include the Rotorua Land Use Directory and the DNitro tool. A key staff member on the fund has now returned from maternity leave and is working on a review of the first round of funding to identify its success, remaining gaps and next steps for the remaining funds. Recommendations are scheduled to be presented to Strategy Group in March 2018 (likely at the same time as this report).
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 148 of 176 1
The Incentives Scheme has continued to engage landowner interest. No agreements were signed in the first half of the year but a number were presented to the Incentives Committee early in the new year for approval and will be reported as achieved in the full year report. The delay in the first half of the year was due to rework of Nutrient Management Plans required to account for the Commissioners’ decisions on Plan Change 10.
The connections of remaining properties at Brunswick Park have not yet been made. Some planning work is underway and the Regional Council is supporting the District Council with implementing this project. The bulk of the work will need to be completed in the second half of the year for the project to remain on track.
Work on the investigation of options to contribute to the current gap of around 15-20 tonne in the 50 tonne engineering solutions for Lake Rotorua, has stalled due to the key staff members being involved in Plan Change 10 and related activities. Current contributions to this goal are the Tikitere Zeolite Plant (20-25T) and sewerage reticulation (around 10 tonne). Staff are currently working to get this project back on track so appropriate actions can be implemented for the 2022 deadline.
Construction of the Tikitere Zeolite Plant is now scheduled for 2019/2020, which will give a couple of years of refining the operation of the plant before the 2022 deadline to achieve the reduction.
Staff involved in delivering the Advice and Support Service are proactively contacting landowners with properties over 40 ha, to ensure that they have Nitrogen Management Plans prepared to enable them to apply for a resource consent under Plan Change 10. In total, 120 farming enterprises are now registered with the Advice and Support Service. Staff are currently working with landowners and contracted Land Use Advisors to update Nutrient Management Plans, to incorporate the changes to Proposed Plan Change 10 which were notified in the Commissioners’ decision last year. These new provisions require a greater emphasis on phosphorus management. Eighteen farming enterprises have taken up Business Support.
Increasing involvement of hapū and iwi in restoration projects associated with waterways with in their rohe is taking place in the Rotorua Catchment. Te Komiro o Utuhina, Ngati Ngararanui - Waiteti, Ngati Rangiwewehi – Awahou. There is a proposal under development for a hapū led project of restoration of the wetlands and streams around the Catchment. This will continue to be promoted through the Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
2.3 Lake Rotoehu
RLC and Actual year to date Approved Crown Crown Funding Crown BOPRC expenditure Funding 2017/18 received to Funding Annual Plan ($000) ($000) date applied to Budget date ($000) 2017/18 ($000) ($000) 236 88 118 59 44
Ongoing actions on Lake Rotoehu include phosphorous locking (alum dosing) and weed harvesting.
This year there is likely to be no weed harvesting on the lake due to a lack of weed. This will be reassessed in late summer. Alum dosing continues as planned.
2 Page 149 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 150 of 176 3 2.4 Lake Okareka
RLC and Actual year to date Approved Crown Crown Funding Crown BOPRC Annual expenditure Funding 2017/18 received to Funding Plan Budget ($000) ($000) date applied to 2017/18 ($000) date ($000) ($000) 0 0 0 0 0
The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group approved a further land use change project in the Lake Ōkāreka Catchment at the end of 2016. This project had three streams to it: completing a full check of compliance with Rule 11, contributing to the Lakes A Zone District Plan review and securing further nutrient purchase from landowners in the catchment. Since then, the programme has offered funding for further land use change and nutrient purchase to all owners of sufficient land in the catchment. As a result we are in discussions with interested parties to secure further change.
Forty percent of the catchment land use has been audited for compliance with their Rule 11 Benchmark and all properties audited are operating at or below their Benchmark. We are aiming to get the remaining properties audited by the end of the financial year. The funding set aside for the Lakes A Plan Zone District Plan review has not yet been progressed.
2.5 Lake Rotoiti
RLC and Actual year to date Approved Crown Crown Funding Crown BOPRC Annual expenditure Funding 2017/18 received to Funding Plan Budget ($000) ($000) date applied to 2017/18 ($000) date ($000) ($000) 5,434 758 2,717 128 9
Ongoing projects on Lake Rotoiti include the final sewerage reticulation between Curtis Road and Hinehopu (part of the Lake Rotomā-Rotoiti Reticulation Project) and maintenance and monitoring works to deal with corrosion of the Ohau Wall. Good progress has been made on the reticulation and the contract for the construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Land Disposal Site has been let and will be completed this calendar year. Four fish passes have been installed in the wall now and a structural management plan has been developed to deal with corrosion, components to be installed in the next financial year.
4 Page 151 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243 3 Key achievements An overview of key achievements for the first six months of this financial year are shown in the table below. Achievements are shown against the high level outline of the activities planned for the 2017/18 financial year, and as outlined in the 2017/18 Annual Work Programme. The Deed funded activities are shown in bold.
For more detailed information about deed projects (including financials), please refer to the later sections of this report.
Lake Operations as shown in 2017/18 Annual Work Programme Lake operations progress as at 31 December 2017
Continue Lake Rotoehu Weed Harvesting. There is a lack of available weed this year so there may be no harvesting this financial year. Harvesting normally occurs in late summer early autumn period, so this will be revisited in April 2018.
Investigate the feasibility of weed harvesting on Lake Rotorua for This project has been delayed due to staff priorities related to Plan nitrogen reduction (as part of the 50 t engineering solutions). Change 10. Staff are currently working to get this project back on track so appropriate actions can be implemented for the 2022 deadline.
Continue phosphorous locking to maintain water quality (Lakes Phosphorus locking is being undertaken. Staff are progressing the Rotoehu and Rotorua). resource consent renewal for two plants on Lake Rotorua.
Continue to pursue resource consents, prepare site and review Staff are pursuing resource consent for the plant and continuing engineering and cost feasibility of Tikitere Zeolite Plant, in time detailed design. Construction has been pushed out to 2019/2020 in for scheduled 2018-2019 construction. the Regional Council’s draft Long Term Plan. However, this is still sufficient time to have the plan running by the 2022 deadline.
Undertake mitigation works as agreed in the Ohau Wall Four fish passes have been installed. Staff are working with iwi to consenting process. undertake restoration works in the Ōhau Channel area.
Responsive weed management as required for amenity purposes Continue to work with partners, including Land Information New Zealand across all lakes. on this matter as required. Aquatic Plant Management Plans have been developed for the lakes and will be presented to the Strategy Group at the same time as this report.
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 152 of 176 5
Lake Operations as shown in 2017/18 Annual Work Programme Lake operations progress as at 31 December 2017
Initiate catchment and lake modelling work with the University of Lake Tarawera water quality modelling is underway and due to be Waikato to identify potential phosphorus sources and water quality completed by 31 March 2018. solutions at Lake Tarawera.
Once catchment and lake modelling is available consider a review of Modelling for Lake Ōkāreka is due to be completed by 31 March 2018. action plans for Ōkaro and Ōkāreka to establish whether further Modelling for Lake Ōkaro has been delayed due to resourcing issues. intervention is necessary in these catchments, e.g. gorse removal, Pursuit of further land use change as progressed in Ōkāreka in the land use change. meantime as mentioned above.
The University of Waikato Chair of Science and the Water Quality Technical Advisory Group (TAG) advice continues. TAG is close to Technical Advisory Group will continue to provide expert advice and releasing a paper on the impact of climate change to the Lakes scientific rigour for the Programme Programme. Two meetings held during the reporting period. Progressing Plan Change 10 science review.
Land Technical Advisory Group to provide technical support for land Land TAG operating in a workshop mode. use and land management decisions. No workshops held during the reporting period.
Continue work to refine function of the Trout Barrier at Hamurana Communication with iwi is underway and staff are discussing options with Springs by investigating options to alleviate algae issues above the consultants and contractors to find solutions to the issue. barrier and prevent trout from passing above the barrier.
Apply the structural management plan to manage the corrosion of the Structural management plan has been developed and finalised with Ohau Wall. structural components to be installed in 2018/19 financial year.
Manage the Ohau diversion wall as per new resource consent. Monitoring is programmed and undertaken on a regular basis to check the integrity of the wall as well as undertake a range of environmental monitoring as required.
Continue to monitor forest harvest impact on ground water and Lake Monitoring continues. The harvest operation has been completed. More Rotomā – a 4 year project. detailed results will be available at the completion of the monitoring project.
6 Page 153 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243 Lake Operations as shown in 2017/18 Annual Work Programme Lake operations progress as at 31 December 2017
Continue koura monitoring programme on all twelve lakes. Koura monitoring is underway. Rerewhakaaitu and Ōkaro were monitored in the 2016/17 period. All 12 lakes will be monitored on a five yearly rotation.
Install monitoring buoy in the Lake Tarawera and also either in the Awaiting construction of monitoring buoys using more advanced east of Lake Rotoiti or Lake Ōkāreka, subject to approvals. technology.
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 154 of 176 7
Land management as shown in 2017/18 Annual Work Programme Land management progress as at 31 December 2017
Continue to implement the Lake Rotorua Gorse Programme, Staff are continuing to work with the owners of eligible gorse blocks including signing up new agreements and implementing existing to promote the Lake Rotorua Gorse Programme. There are two ones. agreements currently under negotiation which, if successful, will result in almost 4 t of nitrogen removed from the lake. However, the requirement for a 999 year encumbrance to be registered on land titles is proving to be a disincentive for some Maori owned land and this is slowing progress. Alternative options for securing nitrogen gains from gorse conversion are currently being investigated. Continue the projects initiated for the first Low Nitrogen Three projects are complete, on time and within budget (D-Nitro, Land Use round and initiate a further funding round once the Land Use Directory, Good Management Practice videos), one project project outputs are assessed. is completed in part and two due to be complete before the end of the financial year. A paper will be prepared setting out a work programme for the 2018 calendar year and presented to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Strategy Group in March. Continue to implement the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme, The Incentives Scheme has deals of around 20 t, either secured including signing up new agreements and implementing existing (8.6 t), near completion (3.2 t) or in the pipeline (9.5 t). No further ones. deals were secured in the six month period reported here but a number of deals were presented for approval in early 2018. Re-writes of the Nutrient Management Plans to account for the Commissioners’ decision on Proposed Plan Change 10 did prevent agreements progressing to finalisation in the first half of the year. Continue to implement the Advice and Support Service for To date, 128 landowners have engaged with Advice and Support. landowners affected by Plan Change 10. There are 94 properties over 40 ha in area in the Lake Rotorua Catchment which require a resource consent this year and, of these, 76 are engaged with Advice and Support. Previously finalised Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) are currently being re-worked to incorporate a greater emphasis on on-farm phosphorous mitigations as a result of the Commissioners’ decisions on Plan Change 10. When completed, landowners will be able to use their NMP to support their application for resource consent.
8 Page 155 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243 Land management as shown in 2017/18 Annual Work Programme Land management progress as at 31 December 2017
Progress the Lake Ōkāreka Land Use Project to reduce nutrient Forty percent of land within the catchment has been audited and all loss in the catchment. of these properties are below their Rule 11 benchmark levels. Incentives for further land use change in the catchment have been offered to all owners of sufficient land and staff are negotiating with interested parties. The remaining benchmarks will be audited this financial year. Continue Acacia control on land in between Lake Tarawera and 14.7 ha Isthmus Track. Control was funded by the Regional Council and Lake Rotomahana to reduce N leaching as required. Te Ariki Trust of Acacia control was carried out for 17 weeks around Lake Rotomahana. Support the farming community to develop farm management plans This an action in the Tarawera Restoration Plan and is a voluntary project that concentrate on Good Management Practices in the Lakes with the local farming community, Fonterra and Beef and Lamb NZ and is Rerewhakaaitu, Rotokakahi, Rotomahana and Tarawera catchments making great progress. There are 41 farms in total who have been asked and provide support for the implementation of these plans. Quantify to participate in the project to develop a Farm Environment Plan (including the nutrient reductions achieved by the farming community in these nutrient management aspects) and only seven of those are reluctant or catchments. have indicated they are too busy to participate. Work continues on the other farms with a number already complete.
Policy, planning, communications and information technology as Policy, planning, communications and information technology shown in 2017/2018 Annual Work Programme progress as at 31 December 2017
Continue Schedule 1 RMA (1991) process for Lake Rotorua Nutrient Environment Court mediation was held Thursday, 8 February. The Management rules being made operative. outcome of this mediation was for appellants and s274 parties who requested an alternative approach to meet and identify points of agreement or disagreement, and report back in six weeks on a range of matters, including specific relief sought by each appellant. However, at the time of writing this report, the Environment Court has just written to all parties directing that this timeframe be bought forward. A separate mediation is being held to discuss concerns raised in regard to the accounting methodology for the wastewater treatment plant.
Identify timeframes for rules to be developed for the ‘Non-Rule 11’ A regional water quality plan change is being scoped, taking into account lakes. the need for a ‘hold the line’ approach. This is also dependent on the direction of the new Government, this being a key interest of theirs.
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 156 of 176 9 Policy, planning, communications and information technology as Policy, planning, communications and information technology shown in 2017/2018 Annual Work Programme progress as at 31 December 2017
Continue working with lake owners to develop an action plan for Due to information gaps an action plan isn’t able to be completed at this Lake Rotokakahi. stage.
Develop an action plan for Lake Rotomahana if needed. No action plan for Lake Rotomahana has been required.
Continue with the implementation of the Te Arawa Values Framework The focus over the last six months has been on re-engaging with, and that was adopted by the Programme Strategy Group in October 2015. encouraging, hapū and iwi to be involved with and in some cases, take ownership of freshwater and land-based projects. We have been taking a bottom-up approach to embedding Te Tuapapa within the work that we do. Detailed information is provided later in this report.
Implement the Communications Plan approved by the Programme, Communications support has been provided for Plan Change 10, new with a focus on Integrated Framework, the RMA process in relation to Chair in Lake and Freshwater Science, messaging on maritime signage the Lake Rotorua Nutrient Management package and raising the and the installation of a pipeline and pump to manage the water levels of profile of the Programme. Lake Ōkāreka. Guide for lifestyle block owners has been created and is expected to be circulated in March to landowners. Programme Facebook Page continues to grow in popularity with 1,855 likes.
Establish the Nutrient Discharge Management System for nutrient Nutrient Discharge Management System database is nearing completion management across all lake catchments. of Phase One and is expected to “go live” early 2018. Phase Two is now in the planning phases.
10 Page 157 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243 Sewerage as shown in 2017/2018 Annual Work Programme Sewerage progress as at 31 December 2017
Complete the remaining sewerage connections at Brunswick, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council agreed Lake Rotorua. on a strategy to implement the connections. Pre-implementation planning is underway.
Commence with detailed design of the Wastewater Treatment Detailed design of the Rotomā/Rotoiti Wastewater Treatment Plant Plant and the Rotoiti Sewerage Scheme. and Land Disposal System has been completed.
Start with the construction of Rotomā/Rotoiti Wastewater Contract for the construction of the Rotomā/Rotoiti Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Land Disposal System and Rotomā Treatment Plant and Land Disposal System has been let. Tenders reticulation. for the construction of the Rotomā reticulation are closed.
Start the detailed design of Rotoiti reticulation. Trial for the Biolytix system is almost complete.
Lodge resource consent application for Rotorua Wastewater Pre-application review of the draft resource consent application is Treatment Plant, alternative disposal system. underway.
Continue community engagement at Rotoehu in relation to sewerage, The Rotoehu Project Steering Group continue to evaluate sewerage with the aim of agreeing on preferred options. options for the community.
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 158 of 176 11 4 Annual Plan of interventions – deed funded lakes 4.1 Lake Rotorua
To meet community expectations for water quality in Lake Rotorua nitrogen inputs must not exceed 435 t annually. This limit is set in the Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement. To achieve this water quality target for Lake Rotorua, the Programme is undertaking both short term and long term interventions. Alum dosing is a short term intervention to keep the lake at its target Trophic Level Index (TLI) while long term interventions take effect. The lake will decline again if alum dosing is not carried out annually and this is not considered a long-term solution to lake water quality. The solution to sustainable improvements is long term reduction of nutrients entering the lake, i.e. the Integrated Framework + Engineering Solutions, as detailed below.
4.2 Planned and completed activities – Lake Rotorua
Project Deed Total target Total 6 month 6 month Update Budget Project funded achieved target reduction $000 status to date achieved
Gorse Yes 30 t 83.3 2.0 t N No Staff are continuing to work with the owners of Budget hectares of agreements eligible gorse blocks to promote the Lake Rotorua (Reduction of $547 conversion signed in Gorse Scheme and to implement existing nitrogen reporting agreements. Over the six months staff have made Spend entering the period good progress negotiating two agreements which, if lake) $79 successful, will result in a further 40 hectares of conversion. However the requirement for a 999 year encumbrance to be registered on land titles is proving to be a disincentive for maori owned land. Alternative options for securing nitrogen gains from gorse conversion are currently being investigated.
Rotorua No N/A N/A N/A N/A Pre-application review of the draft resource consent Budget Wastewater application is underway for the alternative treatment $0 Treatment Plant – and disposal option proposed. Alternative N/A Disposal Site Spend $0
12 Page 159 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243 Project Deed Total target Total 6 month 6 month Update Budget Project funded achieved target reduction $000 status to date achieved
Brunswick Yes 0.67 t N N/A 0 t N 4.87 t N Pre-implementation planning is underway for the Budget Sewage remaining sewerage connections at 0.553 t P 0 t P 0.40 t P $320 Brunswick Drive. Connections Spend $0
Completed Lake Yes 9.74 t N 9.74 t N 4.87 t N 4.87 t N Previously completed, reductions achieved annually. Budget Rotorua 0.3 t P 0.3 t P 0.15 t P .40 t P $0 Reticulation N/A Spend $0
Incentives Yes 100 t N 7.52 t N 10.0 t N 0 t N The Incentives Scheme has deals of around 20 t Budget available to it: secured (7.52 t), near completion Payments (Reduction of (3.2 t) in pipeline (9.5 t). nitrogen $6,000 entering the Spend lake) While no deals were made in the first half of the Payments year, a number were presented to the Committee for $526 approval early in the second half and will be reported in the Annual Report. Budget Administration Existing agreements continue to be implemented as $500 per agreement conditions. Spend Administration $224
Tikitere Zeolite Yes 20-25 t N N/A N/A N/A Work continues on detailed design and planning. Budget Plant Construction is now planned for 2019/2020 which 0.0 T P $684 will give sufficient time to have the plant up and running effectively for the 2022 deadline. Spend $475
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 160 of 176 13 Project Deed Total target Total 6 month 6 month Update Budget Project funded achieved target reduction $000 status to date achieved
Further Yes 25-30 t N N/A N/A N/A This project stalled in the first half of the financial Budget engineering year due to staff priorities in Plan Change 10 and 0.0 t P $0 solutions related activities. Staff are currently working to get this project back on track so appropriate actions can be implemented for the 2022 deadline.
Landowner Advice and Support under Support Budget PC10: $501
Spend Advice and $271 Support Service Yes N/A N/A N/A N/A There is excellent uptake of this service and it is full operation. 128 landowners are signed up to it, with 76 of the 94 above 40 ha now signed up, these Low Nitrogen larger enterprises are the priority. Land Use Fund Budget $501 Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund Yes N/A N/A N/A N/A The first round of funding is now being wrapped up Spend and recommendations will be presented to the $120 Strategy Group on next steps in March 2018.
Phosphorous Yes As required As required As required 4.28 t P Ongoing as required to maintain target TLI. Budget Locking (Utuhina $750 and Puarenga)
Spend $280
Lake Rotorua No 140 t N NA NA NA Commissioner’s decision released in August 2017. Budget Regional Water Appeals to that decision received. Now in (Reduction of $0 and Land Plan – Environment Court process with first mediation held. nitrogen Proposed Plan Plan Change has legal effect and is now being entering the Change implemented with first consents due to be granted lake) under it shortly.
14 Page 161 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243 Project Deed Total target Total 6 month 6 month Update Budget Project funded achieved target reduction $000 status to date achieved
Nutrient No N/A 2.84 t N 1.95 t N 1.42 t N Historical agreements in effect, nutrient reductions Budget Agreements (not realised annually. 0.08 t P 0.03 t N 0.04 t P $0 N/A Incentives Scheme)
Total Budget (Full Year) $9,804 Total Expenditure (Six Months) $1,976
4.3 Lake Rotoehu
To meet community expectations for water quality in Lake Rotoehu, a reduction of 8.9 t of nitrogen and 0.708 t of phosphorus is required. Short-term interventions (phosphorous locking and weed harvesting) continue. Community consultation in relation to potential sewerage reticulation will progress in 2017-2018.
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 162 of 176 15 4.4 Planned and completed activities – Lake Rotoehu
Project Deed Total target Total Six month Six month Update Budget Project funded achieved to target reduction status $000 date achieved
Land Use and Yes 6.6 t N 6.6 t N 2.11 t N 3.30 t N Change completed previously, benefits realised Budget Land annually. 0.46 t P 0.46 t P 0.20 t P 0.23 t P $0 Management Change Spend N/A $0
Weed Yes 3.5 t N 0 t N 0 t N 0 t N Weed harvesting is due to be undertaken April/May Budget Harvesting 2018. 0.0 t P 0 t P 0 t P 0 t P $100 Spend $3
Phosphorus Yes As required As required As required 0 t N Research on p-locking in Lake Rotoehu has Budget Locking indicated that lake weed growth may be limiting the 1.57 t P $136 effectiveness of p-locking. Staff are investigating options to improve locking efficiency. Spend $84
Total budget (full year) $236 Total expenditure (six months) $88
4.5 Lake Rotoiti
To meet community expectations for water quality, Lake Rotoiti needs a reduction of 130 t of nitrogen and 19 t of phosphorus. The Ohau Diversion Wall has been in place since 2008 and is improving water quality by diverting Lake Rotorua nutrients from Lake Rotoiti while long term nutrient reductions into Lake Rotorua are achieved.
16 Page 163 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243
4.6 Planned and completed activities – Lake Rotoiti
Project Deed Total target Total Six month Six month Update Budget Project funded achieved target reduction status $000 to date achieved
Sewerage Yes 4.9 t N 0 t N 0 t N Contract for the construction of the Rotomā/Rotoiti Budget Reticulation Wastewater Treatment Plant and Land Disposal 1.1 t P 0 t P 0 t P $4,920 System has been let. Curtis Road to Spend Hinehopu Biolytix system trial is almost complete. $740
Ohau Diversion Yes 150 t N 75 t N 75 t N Structural management plan has been finalised with Budget Wall structural components to be installed in 2018/19 15 t P 7.5 t P 7.5 t P $514 financial year. Spend Four fish passes have been installed. Staff are working with iwi to undertake restoration works in the $18 Ōhau Channel area.
Completed Rotoiti Yes 5.9 t N 2.95 t N 2.91 t N Completed reticulation – reduction ongoing annually . Budget Reticulation: Okere, 0.21 t P 0.10 t P 0.24 t P $0 Otaramarae, Whangamarino, Mourea, Okawa Bay
Total Budget (Full Year) $5,434 Total Expenditure (Six Months) $758
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 164 of 176 17 4.7 Lake Ōkāreka
To meet community expectations for water quality annual nutrient reductions of 2.5 t nitrogen and 0.08 t of phosphorus are required.
While all the previously planned actions for Lake Ōkāreka are complete, the lake hasn’t quite reached its target Trophic Level Index. A project has commenced to audit the current nutrient discharges from properties in the catchment and ensure they are complying with their nutrient Benchmark. Incentives for further land use change in the catchment have been offered to all owners of sufficient land and staff are negotiating with interested parties. The remaining benchmarks will be audited this financial year.
The University of Waikato is also undertaking nutrient modelling to determine refreshed nutrient targets, due March 2018.
4.8 Completed activities – Lake Ōkāreka
Project Deed Total Total Six Six month Update Budget Project funded target achieved month reduction $000 status to date target achieved
Sewerage Scheme Yes 1.9 t N 0.95 t N 0.95 T N Budget Reticulation complete, nutrient reductions recognised 0.02 t P 0.01 t P 0.01 T P $0 N/A annually.
Previous Land Use Yes 1.18 t N 0.59 T N 0.59 T N Budget Change Land use change complete, nutrient reductions 0.22 t P 0.11 T P 0.11 T P $0 N/A recognised annually.
Land Use Change Yes NA NA NA 0 T N No targets are set for this yet (awaiting modelling) but Budget incentives have been offered to all eligible properties $0 N/A in the catchment to implement further land use change. Staff are currently negotiating with interested parties.
Total budget (full year) $0 Total expenditure (six months) $0
18 Page 165 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243 5 Te Tuapapa o ngā Wai o Te Arawa/Te Arawa Cultural Values Framework Te Tuapapa o nga wai o Te Arawa (Te Tuapapa) is a high level cultural values framework that describes the relationship between Te Arawa and the Te Arawa Lakes. It provides a framework to ensure that Te Arawa values are reflected in the management and restoration of the lakes.
The focus over the last six months has been on re-engaging with, and encouraging, hapū and iwi to be involved with, and in some cases, take ownership of projects. We have been taking a bottom-up approach to embedding Te Tuapapa within the work that we do.
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 166 of 176 19 OUTCOMES –TE MANA O TE WAI IS UPHELD AND ENHANCED Water is healthy – Healthy lakes (WAIORA) The authority (whakapapa, matauranga, values) of Te Arawa is readily recognised (WAIRUA) Te Arawa is well equipped for the journey ahead (WAIATA)
INDICATORS – LOOK, FEEL, SOUND, TASTE, SMELL AND WAIRUA Indicators can be described to suit our different customers
WHAT WILL WE MEASURE? WHO IS IT FOR?
TE ARAWA PARTNERS HAPŪ, IWI & WHANAU BOPRC, RLC & COMMUNITY
• Te Arawa Cultural Health Index • Water quality –TLI is achieved WAIORA • More places I can gather kai • Nutrient Levels reduced The health and wellbeing of the water • More plentiful kai • Algal Blooms (recreation indicator)
WAIRUA, WAIATA • Te Mana Whakahono rohe – delegations to iwi and hapū • Te Tūāpapa is a reference for iwi/hapū and community The wellbeing of the relationship between the water, • Funded projects with hapuu for delivery and research Te Arawa, and the community • Increases number of whanau using lakes for recreation and cultural activities
PERFORMANCE MEASURES – TRACKING OUR ACTIVITY TOWARDS THE OUTCOME
HOW MUCH? HOW WELL? # SHMAK kits distributed # data sets submitted # ODK Kits distributed % of budget spent on projects # Dollars allocated for hapū projects % structures impacting cultural values # reduction in structures impacting cultural values # of sites where there is an increase in taonga species # of monitoring sites for taonga ika # of actions that reflect Te Tūāpapa values
IS ANYBODY BETTER OFF? Iwi/hapū/whanau participating in local projects PageProjects 167 completed of 176 Changes to Plans and consents reflect Te Arawa input More kai on the table
LAKES STRATEGY ALIGNMENT TE ARAWATANGA FUNCTION STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES (LAKES/COASTAL) (ENGAGEMENT)
Te Arawa cultural values expressed in Te Tūāpapa are brought to life in all aspects of the management of Te Arawa Lakes OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE • Council staff understand the intent and content of Te Tūāpapa • Council staff understand the intent and • Te Arawa Iwi and hapu understand the intent • Te Tūāpapa is integral to the lakes structures and activities consent content of Te Tūāpapa and what it means to and content of Te Tūāpapa, what it means to review process their work them and how they can get involved • Environment policies are consistent with Te Tūāpapa EMBED TE TUAPAPA • Te Tuapapa is embedded within the Rotorua
WITHIN THE LAKES Te Arawa Lakes Programme PROJECTS PROJECTS • Develop and implement Engagement Plan PROGRAMME • Iwi Management Plans PROJECTS • Communications plan and story telling • Te Mana Whakahono • Action Plan for Te Tūāpapa framework for Tūāpapa • Maintain focus on Bylaws • Develop workshops for Council and other • Engage in significant key planning processes (RMA) agency staff to understand Te Tūāpapa
Te Arawa mōhiotanga and measures inform programme development and delivery OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE • TALT can share the unique cultural landscape around the Te Arawa • Te Arawa researchers are sought after and • Tools are developed to support cultural values Lakes involved assessments and decision-making • Community and hapū/whanau understand the treasures that are • The questions Te Arawa are asking get around our lakes answered PROJECTS RESEARCH & • Specific cultural values are collated and mapped • Hapū/ iwi research projects MONITORING PROJECTS • Development of a Te Arawa Health Index PROJECTS • Stocktake of all research questions for Te • Cultural mapping and impact assessments Arawa and align with programme • Research programme to implement Mahire Whakahaere • Te Arawa Science roles established • Monitoring plan for Mahire Whakahaere • Monitoring undertaken by Te Arawa
Te Arawa deliver for Te Arawa and Rotorua community
OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE • A clear and agreed programme and process is in place for the • Te Arawa are delivering programmes of • Te Arawa hapū and whanau are leading review of consents for lakes structures work associated with the Lakes programme projects that deliver their Te Tūāpapa Values • Whanau and hapū are aware of their roles, responsibilities and powers in respect of the lakes PROJECTS PROJECTS • Catfish • Hungatiaki forum CAPABILITY & CAPACITY PROJECTS • Long term plan submission • Internships in Partnership BUILDING • Te Manawhakahono • Engagement advice and support • Undertake compliance training with TALT Trustees, Komiti (Consents) Whakahaere, Poutiriao and staff • Policy development for Structures and fees Page 168 of 176
Work completed over the last six months
Stronger working relationships with hapū and iwi in relation to:
• Statutory responsibilities - lake structure consent renewals, wastewater projects, Plan Changes 9 and 10 to the Regional Water and Land Plan, Te Arawa Freshwater Fisheries Regulations (released January 2018).
• Progressing a cultural mapping project, associated with lake structure consent renewals (Lakes Rotorua, Rotoma and Rotoehu).
• Environmental enhancement projects:
. Support to Ohinemutu Pā (Te Kōmiro o Utuhina) residents to progress clean-up of Lakefront and Utuhina Stream.
. Engagement with Mokoia Island Trust Board and erosion control project for Hinemoa’s pool – Waikimihia.
. Connecting Rotorua Lakes Council and Otaramarae Trustees regarding lakes access to Rotoiti.
Bringing hapū and iwi together:
• Establishment of a Te Arawa Kaitiaki/Hunga Tiaki Forum as a way of bringing the Trust, Iwi and hapū together to share, learn and build capacity. Two wananga were held in the second half of 2017.
• Establishment of a Te Arawa Climate Change (Technical) Working Group. It is intended that a Te Arawa Freshwater (Technical) Working Group will be established in 2018.
• Developing the methodology and programme for a cultural health assessment of all lakes within the Tarawera System (funding pending).
Communicating our values and technical information in a useful, visual and meaningful way
• Development of information sheets for each lake – uploaded to the Trust’s website.
• Increased use of Facebook as our primary method of sharing information.
• Development of an Iwi Management Plan for the Trust (funding pending).
20 Page 169 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243
Identifying opportunities to apply a collective impact model to our work:
• Working with hapu to identify river and wetland restoration projects for Lake Rotorua.
• Sowing the seed to apply a collective impact model for Tarawera (and possibly Okataina). Interest from Maori Land owners with regards to pest control, biodiversity enhancement, water quality improvement.
Supporting research projects:
• PhD student Tracey Takuira is researching the impacts of land use and nutrients on wetlands and how this effects kuta – a traditional weaving material found in wetlands.
• Scion scientist Marie Joo Guen is undertaking research around contaminant filtering in the lakes.
• Working with Ngati Tarawhai regarding a fisheries-related project within Lake Okataina.
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 170 of 176 21 Page 171 of 176
6 Annual Plan of Interventions - non-deed funded Work has continued on the other Non-Deed lakes to protect and enhance their water quality. Action plans for these non-deed funded lakes are all in various stages of formation and implementation. The implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management will be progressed in 2018, this will start with a stocktake of the information collected previously.
6.1 Lake Tarawera
Implementation of actions in the Lake Tarawera Restoration Plan is progressing well as outlined below:
• Action 1, Wastewater Management - The Tarawera Sewage Steering Committee has secured funding from the Government’s Freshwater Improvement Fund. However, further funding will need to be secured to enable the Scheme to go ahead and the Committee is currently pursuing this. The planning process of the Scheme has continued in anticipation of further funds becoming available. The preferred option is currently to connect the reticulation at Tarawera to the Ōkāreka scheme, taking it back to the Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant. To ensure that the benefits of the large investment in this Scheme are maintained, a ‘hold the line’ style rule will be required in the Tarawera Catchment and is being investigated as part of a region wide Plan change.
• Actions 2 and Action 4, Farm Environment Plans for inner and outer catchment farms – A partnership project including the local farming collective, Fonterra and Beef and Lamb New Zealand is currently making excellent progress in establishing Farm Environment Plans for all farms in the inner and outer catchment of Lake Tarawera. Farmer uptake is voluntary but despite this, only 7 of the 41 farms have indicated they are too busy or unwilling to participate. A number of plans are already complete.
• Action 3, Control of nitrogen fixing plants - 14.7 ha of Acacia control was carried out for 17 weeks around Lake Rotomahana’s Isthmus Track. This project remains a successful and practical project run in conjunction with the local people and providing local employment. Funding has also been provided this year by Te Ariki Trust.
• Action 5, Limit on Land Use Change - A regional water quality plan change is being scoped, taking into account the need for a ‘hold the line’ approach across many of the water bodies in the region, including Lake Tarawera. This is also dependent on the direction of the new Government, this being a key interest of theirs.
• Action 6, Groundwater Modelling Lake Tarawera - Water quality modelling is underway by the University of Waikato and is due to be completed in March 2018.
• Action 7, Cultural Health Assessment – This project will be lead by Te Arawa Lakes Trust and they have submitted a proposal to the Regional Council for funding consideration. It is planned to commence the project this financial year.
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 172 of 176 23
6.2 Lake Ōkaro
Water quality in Lake Okaro has fluctuated over the last 10 years. All actions in the action plan have been completed. The lake reached its target TLI in 2010, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The target of 5.0 is still classified as a eutrophic lake and as such, algal blooms are likely to be a regular annual feature.
6.3 Lake Rerewhakaaitu
Voluntary landowner engagement remains very high in this catchment with a committed farming community. The main action in the Programme on this lake currently, is the project to develop Farm Environment Plans for the outer catchment of Lake Tarawera (see above) and this community, including local Mr Chris Sutton, who is a driving force behind that project.
6.4 Lake Rotomā
The only outstanding action for Lake Rotomā is sewage reticulation. The reticulation is a combined scheme for Lake Rotoiti as outlined above. Contract for the construction of the Rotomā/Rotoiti Wastewater Treatment Plant and Land Disposal System has been let. Tenders for the construction of the Rotomā Reticulation have closed.
6.5 Lake Rotokakahi
This lake is privately owned, more information is needed to establish an action plan for the lake.
6.6 Lake Ōkataina
Further land use change in Lake Ōkāreka remains an option and staff will continue to pursue this as time allows.
6.7 Lake Tikitapu
The main action of sewage reticulation has been completed for Lake Tikitapu in 2010. No further work has been required for Lake Tikitapu this financial year.
6.8 Lake Rotomahana
Lake Rotomahana has not exceeded its target TLI, therefore an action plan has not been necessary.
24 Page 173 of 176 Objective Ref: A2747243
7 Financials This section provides financial information as per the Deed of Funding with the Ministry for the Environment. The information contained here aligns with the content of the Annual Plan 2017/18 for both Rotorua Lakes Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Objective Ref: A2747243 Page 174 of 176 25 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme - Report C Draft - CFO Forum Financial Detailed Statement - 6 Month Report 2017/18 Year End Forecast D E (F) (G) (I) (J) (A) (B) (C) = (B+C) = (A-D) Council funding Crown Funding (H) = (F+G) = (-A-D) 5.4.2 (e) Clause 5.4.3: Clause 5.2 / 5.4.2 (e) 5.2.2 a 5.2.2 C (i) 5.2.2 D Interventions Council Actual Remaining Total actual Forecast variance Intervention Year end forecast Forecast Council Council Forecast Programme Reserve Funding from Total Total Forecast Comments and issues raised Annual Plan expenditure to forecast + forecast to Annual Plan phased budget under/overspend year end funding reserve Annual Work reserves MfE interest any other funding Programme funding Budget date 2017/18 expenditure to expenditure over/(under) spend for months 1-6 status financial Programme surplus / received sources required surplus committed year end to year end 2017/18 indicatior Crown Funding (deficit) (deficit) to deferred 2017/18 2017/18 works Lake Rotoehu $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000
Weed Harvesting 100 3 47 50 (50) Underspend 13 13 25 0 0 0 50 (50) 0 Very little weed availiable this year. Harvester unlikely to run this year. Revisit at the end of March and progress change request as required. Land Management Change 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Phosphorus Locking Soda Springs 136 85 71 156 20 Overspend 39 39 68 (10) 0 0 156 20 0 Slightly over due to cost of product, monitor and progress change request as required.
Aeration 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sediment capping 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wetlands 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Lake Rotoehu 236 88 118 206 (30) 52 52 93 (10) 0 0 206 (30) 0 Lake Ōkāreka
Sewerage Reticulation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Land Management Change 0 0 50 50 50 Overspend 13 13 25 0 0 0 50 50 0 Strategy Group approved further land use change project in Lake Ōkāreka in 2016. Due to change in staff this was ommitted in error from Annual Work Programme. Included now as forecast, progressing Change Request. Outlet Structure 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Lake Ōkāreka 0 0 50 50 50 13 13 25 0 0 0 50 50 0 Lake Rotorua Advice and Support 501 271 230 501 0 On budget 125 125 251 (0) 0 0 501 0 0 Phosphorus Locking 750 280 470 750 0 On budget 187 187 375 0 0 0 750 0 0 Tikitere Diversions 684 475 209 684 0 On budget 171 171 342 0 0 0 684 0 0 Gorse 547 79 171 250 (297) Underspend 63 63 137 12 0 0 250 (297) 0 Underspend in gorse discussed in Annual Report. Working with MFE to revisit 999 year requirement. Underspend here will offset unbudgeted Ōkāreka work. Wetlands 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Land Incentive Payments 6,000 526 3,474 4,000 (2,000) Underspend 1,000 1,000 1,018 (983) 0 0 4,000 (2,000) 718 6 landowners agreements underway - total of 7.8 TN. Estimate value of $4.07 m to be paid by year end. Land Incentive Board Administration 500 224 276 500 0 On budget 125 125 250 0 0 0 500 0 0 Low Nutrient Land Use Fund 501 120 180 300 (201) Underspend 75 75 126 (25) 0 0 300 (201) 0 Wrapping up round one now and reccomendations for next expenditure being prepared for Startegy Group in March. Depending on the outcome of this, there may be more expenditure this year but have adjusted forecast down for now. Sewerage Reticulation 320 0 50 50 (270) Underspend 13 13 0 (25) 0 0 50 (270) 0 Total Lake Rotorua 9,804 1,976 5,059 7,035 (2,769) 1,759 1,759 2,498 (1,020) 0 0 7,035 (2,769) 718 Lake Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation 4,920 740 4,180 4,920 0 On budget 1,230 1,230 0 (2,460) 0 0 4,920 0 1,549 Rotoiti/Rotomā – the resource consent has been granted and RLC will commission works to progress the project. Contract works expected to commence January 2018 with a major works schedule March 2018. Ohau Wall Reconsenting 514 18 196 214 (300) Underspend 54 54 128 21 0 0 214 (300) 0 Total Lake Rotorua 5,434 758 4,376 5,134 (300) 1,284 1,284 128 (2,439) 0 0 5,134 (300) 1,549 Rotorua District Treatment and Disposal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Rotorua District 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Programme - Expenditure 15,474 2,822 9,603 12,426 (3,049) 3,106 3,106 2,744 (3,469) 0 0 12,426 (3,049) 2,267 Programme Expenditure by Council including interest Rotorua Lakes Council 5,240 740 4,230 4,970 (270) 1,243 1,243 0 (2,485) 80 0 4,970 (190) 1,549 Bay of Plenty Regional Council 10,234 2,082 5,373 7,456 (2,779) 1,864 1,864 2,744 (984) 39 0 7,456 (2,740) 718 Total Programme 15,474 2,822 9,603 12,426 (3,049) 3,106 3,106 2,744 (3,469) 119 0 12,426 (2,930) 2,267 Funding by Authority including interest MfE 7,737 1,411 4,802 6,213 (1,524) 0 0 2,744 0 119 0 (3,588) 0 Rotorua Lakes Council 2,620 370 2,115 2,485 (135) 1,243 1,243 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bay of Plenty Regional Council 5,117 1,041 2,687 3,728 (1,389) 1,864 1,864 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Funding by Authority 15,474 2,822 9,603 12,426 (3,049) 3,106 3,106 2,744 0 119 0 (3,588) 0
Report movement summary comments: Opening 1st Qtr Report - Six Month Report - Qtr 3 Month 2017/18 Comments Reserve Forecast year Forecast year end Report - Forecast Forecast year Balance end movement movement year end end reserves 2017/18 (expenditure & (expenditure & movement balance revenue) revenue) (expenditure & revenue)
By Intervention Lake Rotoehu 0 0 10 0 (10) Lake Ōkāreka 0 1 0 0 0 Lake Rotorua 1,595 1,131 1,020 0 575 Lake Rotoiti 4,022 2,460 2,439 0 1,583 Rotorua District 0 0 0 0 0 5,617 3,592 3,469 0 2,148 By Council Rotorua Lakes Council 3,954 2,620 2,485 0 1,469 Bay of Plenty Regional Council 1,664 972 984 0 679 5,617 3,592 3,469 0 2,148
Est accrued interest 0 (116) (119) 0 (119) . Forecast reserve balance 5,617 3,708 3,588 0 2,267 Page 175 of 176
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme - Six Month Reports July to December 2017 4 of 6
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