Te Tini a Tuna Kaituna Action Plan 2019-2029 a Plan of Action Prepared by Te Maru O Kaituna

Te Tini a Tuna Kaituna Action Plan 2019-2029 A plan of action prepared by Te Maru o Kaituna

Working draft for consultation, July 2019

A note for the reader:

This document is a working draft of the Kaituna Action Plan. It is by no means complete. This Plan has been informed by the documents listed on Page 2, consultation to date and feedback received by Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority via survey and workshops. The actions and associated projects still require refinement (including prioritising actions, cost estimates, performance measures, reo usage) and review feedback.

CONTENTS

Part 1: Te Upoko o te Tuna | Overview ...... 1 1. About this Plan ...... 2

Part 2: Te Puku o te Tuna | Our Actions ...... 4 2. Actions Overview ...... 5 3. Priority actions to improve water, particularly water quality ...... 8 4. Priority actions to enhance habitats and ecosystems ...... 15 5. Priority actions to improve connectivity and support kaitiakitanga ...... 21

Part 3: Te Taharapa o te Tuna | Implementing and Monitoring this Plan ...... 30 6. Plan Implementation ...... 31

Part 1: Te Upoko o te Tuna | Overview

‘Te Upoko o te Tuna’ means ‘The head of the eel’. This part of the Plan sets the course or direction for the Action Plan, in particular, its purpose; intended use; and linkage with the Kaituna River Document.

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1. About this Plan

In June 2018, Te Maru o Kaituna GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE River Authority approved the strategic The geographic scope of this Plan is road map, the Kaituna River Document (“Kaituna, he taonga tuku the same as the Kaituna River Document. iho – a treasure handed down”). The river document took effect on 1 It relates to the Kaituna River and its August 2018. tributaries, starting from Okere Falls to Te Awa o Ngātoroirangi / Maketu ACTION PLAN PURPOSE Estuary. This includes all rivers and The purpose of this Plan is to ‘give life’ streams flowing into the Kaituna River. to the Kaituna River Document, in particular it’s Vision and eight Action may involve changes on land contributing Objectives. within the catchment because activities on land have an impact on As the name suggests, this Plan is the environmental, cultural and about action: the work that we will spiritual well-being of the Kaituna collectively do to achieve the Vision. River. In particular, it is about targeted action in key areas. In other words, we will DEVELOPING THIS PLAN focus on a few things and do them The following informed the really well. development of this Plan: This Plan acknowledges and supports • The vision, objectives and desired existing projects and includes new outcomes within the Kaituna River and complimentary actions to be Document (overleaf) undertaken. • Workshops with Te Maru o The actions are grouped into three Kaituna • Matters raised in submissions to focus areas: the proposed Kaituna River Document. • Priority actions to improve water, particularly water quality; • Any relevant outstanding actions from the 2009 Kaituna River and • Priority actions to enhance habitats and ecosystems; and, Ōngātoro/ Maketu Estuary Strategy. • Priority actions to improve connectivity and support • Relevant Iwi and hapū kaitaiakitanga. management plans. • Projects listed in the long-term Supporting actions (i.e. monitoring) are plans, annual plans and work also included to ensure the success of programmes of relevant councils. this Plan. • Council research and monitoring reports.

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PLAN FOUNDATION Iwi Relationships with the River The foundation for this Plan is the Kaituna River Document, which • Objective 1 The traditional and contemporary provides the overarching roadmap of relationships that iwi and hapū have with the Kaituna River are provided for, recognised where we want to be (Vision): and protected. • Objective 2 Iwi-led projects which restore, E ora ana te The Kaituna River protect and/or enhance the Kaituna River are mauri o te is in a healthy actively encouraged, promoted and supported Kaituna, e state and by Te Maru o Kaituna through its Action Plan. tiakina ana hoki protected for mō ngā current and future whakatupuranga generations. Water Quality and Quantity ō nāianei, ō muri nei hoki. • Objective 3 Water quality and the mauri of the water in the Kaituna River are restored to The priority actions and projects within a healthy state and meet agreed standards. this Plan describe what steps we take • Objective 4 There is sufficient water quantity in the Kaituna River to: to achieve the Vision. They also align a Support the mauri of rivers and streams. with one or more of the Objectives b Protect tangata whenua values. within the Kaituna River Document c Protect ecological values. (refer right). d Protect recreational values. • Objective 5 Water from the Kaituna River is sustainably allocated and efficiently used to provide for the social, economic and cultural THEME well-being of iwi, hapū and communities, now This Plan is uniquely “Kaituna” and as and for future generations. such, the tuna / eel is interwoven throughout this Plan. For example: Land Use • The title of this Plan refers to the “abundance of tuna”. This is what • Objective 6 The environmental well-being of we expect to see from the Kaituna River is enhanced through implementing this Plan. improved land management practices.

• The structure of this Plan aligns with the parts of the tuna Ecosystem Health (Upoko | Head; Puku | Stomach; Taharapa; Tail). Explanations are • Objective 7 Ecosystem health, habitats that provided at the start of each support indigenous vegetation and species, and wetlands within the Kaituna River are divider. restored, protected and enhanced.

• The cluster of priority actions in Te Maru o Kaituna in this Plan are inspired by what a Collaboration with Iwi and the tuna needs to thrive: good quality Community water; good habitat and, good • Objective 8 Te Maru o Kaituna in connection or passage through the collaboration with iwi and the wider Kaituna catchment. community, enable environmental, economic, social, educational and cultural aspirations for the restoration, protection and enhancement of the Kaituna River.

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Part 2: Te Puku o te Tuna | Our Actions

‘Te Takapū o te Tuna’ means ‘The abdomen of the eel’. This part of the Plan articulates the priority actions that will be taken to improve the environmental, cultural and spiritual well-being of the Kaituna River and all its sustains.

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2. Actions Overview

For a tuna / eel to thrive, it requires three things: good quality water; good habitat and, good connection or passage through the catchment. These requirements have inspired the cluster of actions within this Plan.

Our clusters of priority actions are as • Progresses / complements follows: existing projects. • Involves opportunities for Iwi-led projects and/or environmental Actions to improve Actions to enhance water, particularly habitats and education. water quality ecosystems GUIDING PRINCIPLES Actions to improve For this Plan to be successful, we will connectivity and do the following: support kaitiakitanga • Kia whakakotahi | Integrated thinking and action - We will take In total, there are three clusters of an holistic and whole systems actions where Te Maru o Kaituna will approach to improving the health direct efforts over the next 10 years. of the Kaituna River. Refer to Sections 3--5 for further information about each cluster of • Kia whakapiri | Collective action actions. - We will work together to effect positive change for the Kaituna PRIORITISING ACTIONS River and all it sustains.

CRITERIA • Kia whakamārama | Collective The following criteria was used to help enlightenment – We will share filter the ‘wish list’ of ideas into a suite information / stories / data to build of realistic actions / projects / tasks our collective awareness and understanding about the Kaituna that are within the remit of Te Maru o Catchment. Kaituna:

• Aligns with the purpose of Te Maru • Kia whakamana | Community o Kaituna. empowerment – We will • Aligns with the Vision for the encourage our communities to Kaituna River Document. lead and/or be part of projects • Achieves multiple Kaituna River within the Kaituna River Document objectives and/or catchment. This includes tangata desired outcomes. whenua, local care groups and • Contributes towards improved schools. water quality. • Enables collaborative and collective impact.

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PLAN FRAMEWORK

Vision E ora ana te mauri o te Kaituna, e tiakina ana hoki mō ngā whakatupuranga ō nāianei, ō muri nei hoki.

The Kaituna River is in a healthy state and protected for current and future generations.

- Kaituna River Document Vision

Priority Actions

•1. Develop and implement sub-catchment action plans. •2. Set and implement freshwater quantity and quality Section 3 limits Priority actions •3. Develop and implement a programme of to improve improvements to lowland drains and drainage canals water, particularly •4. Continue working with landowners and respective water quality industry sectors to improve land use and land management practices •5. Reduce the impact of urban and industrial discharges on the Kaituna River and associated ecosystems

•6. Bring life back to the Maketu Estuary •7. Increase the total extent of new wetlands within the Kaituna River Catchment, from 100ha set by the Section 4 Strategy, to 200ha by 2029 Priority actions •8. Create a network of healthy habitats and diverse to enhance ecosystems habitats and ecosystems •9. Restore and enhance tuna / eel friendly habitat within the Kaituna Catchment •10. Establish a programme to improve access and passage for indigenous fish.

•11. Establish a Kaituna Catchment blue-green network Section 5 •12. Facilitate enhanced access to, and along, the Priority actions Kaituna River and its tributaries to improve •13. Celebrate cultural heritage and revitalise cultural connectivity and practices associated with the river support •14. Connect our communities and visitors to our river kaitiakitanga and to our projects •15. Establish a River restoration and enhancement fund.

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ACRONYMS / ABBREVIATIONS

BCA Bay Conservation NPS-FW National Policy Alliance Statement for Freshwater BOPRC Bay of Plenty Regional Management Council NZKGI New Zealand Kiwifruit DOC Department of Growers Conservation NZTA New Zealand Transport EEF Environmental Agency Enhancement Fund RLC Rotorua Lakes Council F&G Fish and Game New Zealand RTALSG Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group HortNZ Horticulture New Zealand TALT Te Arawa Lakes Trust MfE Ministry for the TCC Tauranga City Council Environment TMOK Te Maru o Kaituna MKM Manaaki Kaimai TPKA Te Puke Kāhui Ako – Mamaku Te Puke Community of MOWS Maketu Ōngātoro Learning Wetland Society WBOPDC Western Bay of Plenty MPI Ministry for Primary District Council Industries

NERMN Bay of Plenty Regional

Council’s Natural Environment Regional Monitoring Network

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3. Priority actions to improve water, particularly water quality

The Kaituna River Document identify The following suite of actions are objectives and outcomes relating to intended to implement Objectives 3-5 water quality and quantity. At an of the Kaituna River Document. action plan workshop, Te Maru o “Objective 3 Water quality and the Kaituna identified water quality as the mauri of the water in the Kaituna River most significant matter for this Plan to are restored to a healthy state and address. For example, we know that: meet agreed standards. • High E.coli concentrations in water affects swimming and mahinga kai Objective 4 There is sufficient water especially in the estuary. quantity in the Kaituna River to: • There are increasing nitrates in a. Support the mauri of rivers and freshwater, particularly due to land streams. use intensification. b. Protect tangata whenua values. • There are substantial impacts on freshwater values in the lower c. Protect ecological values. catchment which is heavily d. Protect recreational values. modified. Objective 5 Water from the Kaituna • Maketū Estuary has poor River is sustainably allocated and ecological health which affects mahinga kai, cultural and efficiently used to provide for the recreational values. Substantial social, economic and cultural well- change is needed to reduce being of iwi, hapū and communities, sediment, phosphorus and now and for future generations”” nitrogen loads. The actions in this plan provide a • Swimming is safe at monitored freshwater sites but may not be pathway towards water quality and safe in the lower catchment and is quantity improvement in the Kaituna compromised in estuaries some of Catchment. It is notable that many of the time. This affects social and the actions overlap e.g. Actions 1, 4, cultural values. 7, 8 and 10. • Ecological health is compromised in lowland waterbodies and drainage canals.

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PRIORITY ACTIONS Action 2. Set and implement Action 1. Develop and freshwater quality and implement sub-catchment quantity limits action plans The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management requires the Sub-catchment action plans enable an Regional Council to set new integrated way of looking at a smaller objectives, policies and limits for part of the Kaituna Catchment to rivers, streams and groundwater identify local-level solutions to help aquifers. address catchment-wide issues. These plans would identify and This includes both water quality and document: quantity.

• sub-catchment issues and This process is underway for the contributing factors. Kaituna-Pongakawa-Waitahanui • existing initiatives that are Water Management Area and will underway by landowners, care result in a change the Regional groups, Iwi and/or schools. Natural Resources Plan. • sub-catchment outcomes and initiatives to achieve those Plan Change 12 is a mechanism for outcomes such as: riparian addressing matters such as nutrient fencing; better aligning land use to loss and water allocation within the the capability of the land; improved catchment. The plan change will also land management practices; recognise and provide for the relevant riparian or wetland restoration; parts of the river document. care group formation. • opportunities to connect existing For this reason, progressing this plan initiatives within the sub- change is a priority action. catchment. • opportunities for involvement of Action 3. Develop and tangata whenua, care groups, implement a programme of schools and/or wider communities in initiatives. improvements to lowland • wider connectivity of habitats and drains and drainage canals ecosystems (linking with other The Lower Kaituna River Scheme is a actions in this plan). comprehensive river and drainage

control scheme, providing benefits of These plans will be prioritised in sub- flood protection and drainage to much catchments with one or more of the following: of the land in the Lower Kaituna catchment. • significant water quality issues; Environmental monitoring of these • a small number of landowners; • a community water supply; drains indicates poor water quality, • active groups who are involved habitat values and ecological with or planning environmental or conditions, including barriers to fish community initiatives. passage. It also impacts whitebait spawning areas.

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This action seeks to initiate a impacts on the Kaituna River, its programme of works based on tributaries and groundwater recommendations within a recent aquifers; technical report1. • supporting initiatives to enhance habitats and ecosystems; and, It includes the development and • show casing examples of progressive implementation of a sustainable and productive land lowland drain restoration plan that: use and management to provide an opportunity for shared learning. • Identifies a suite of initiatives to This could include site visits / open reduce and/or manage days / on-site demonstrations as macrophyte growth; and improve well as inclusion in the newsletter fish passage, water flow and “Kaituna Korero”. riparian shading. • Identifies opportunities for new or This action builds on existing extended wetlands. ‘business as usual’ regional council • Utilises innovation and technology operations and requires support and e.g. de-nitrification beds, algal leadership from the primary sector. It biotechnology. is notable that this action overlaps • Includes a review of drain maintenance practices. with Actions 1, 4, 7 and 8. • Identifies pump station Action 5. Reduce the improvements to improve discharge quality and/or fish impact of urban and passage. industrial discharges on the • Identifies priority areas within which to focus initiatives. Kaituna River and • Identifies opportunities to reduce associated ecosystems nutrient inputs to, and outputs This action relates to a suite of actions from, productive land. associated with discharges from urban and industrial areas. This includes the This action overlaps with Actions 1, 4, need to: 7, 8 and 10. • Be abreast of wastewater Action 4. Continue working treatment plant upgrades and with landowners and assessments. • Promote low impact design in respective industry sectors stormwater management. This to improve land use and includes the use of riparian strips, land management practices swales and wetlands for stormwater treatment and This action relates to non-regulatory management. approaches to land use and land • Meet regularly with the Rotorua Te management improvements including: Arawa Lakes Strategy Group to ensure that lake catchment • the development of voluntary farm environment plans that outline on- decisions do not compromise the site improvements to reduce health of the Kaituna River. .

1 Bay of Plenty Regional Council (2018). Rangitaiki and Kaituna Plains. Environmental Ecological and water quality conditions Publication 2018/05. of drains and land drainage canals in the

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WORK PROGRAMME FOR ACTIONS 1-5

What will be What are the key steps to Project Lead Funding done? achieving this? Key Partners Measured by Timeframe Type of Action Type Agency source (Action) (Sub action / Project)

1. Develop a. Progress and complete Existing BOPRC Landowners, Completed 2019 – 2020 BOPRC • Collaboration and action plans for the Project Iwi/hapu, sub-catchment Integrated • Planning implement Kopuaroa and TCC, action plans Catchment • On ground sub- Waitepuia Catchments. WBOPDC, Management works catchment Dairy NZ budget action b. Complete action plans New TCC / Landowners, Completed 2019 – 2020 • Collaboration plans. for the Mid-lower Waiari Project WBOPDC Iwi, BOPRC sub-catchment WBOPDC • Planning Catchment. action plan Community • On ground Matching Fund works c. Complete action plans Existing BOPRC Landowners, Completed 2021 – 2023 • Collaboration for the Ford Road Project Iwi/hapu, sub-catchment BOPRC • Planning Catchment. WBOPDC, action plan Environmental • On ground Dairy NZ Enhancement works Fund d. Complete action plans Existing BOPRC Landowners, Completed 2024 – 2027 • Collaboration for the Project Iwi/hapu, sub-catchment Million Metres • Planning Parawhenuamea and WBOPDC action plans Streams • On ground Ohineangaanga Project Funding works Catchments. Trees that Council Fund

2. Set and a. Develop Plan Change Existing BOPRC Iwi/hapū, Notification of 2020 – 2021 BOPRC • Collaboration implement to the Bay of Plenty Project TCC, Proposed Plan Regional • Planning freshwater Regional Natural WBOPDC, Change Planning • Statutory quality and Resources Plan to: RLC, primary budget Process quantity • implement the NPS sector, limits for for Freshwater landowners the Kaituna Management catchment • recognise and provide for the Kaituna River Document.

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What will be What are the key steps to Project Lead Funding done? achieving this? Key Partners Measured by Timeframe Type of Action Type Agency source (Action) (Sub action / Project)

3. Develop a. Develop a lowland New BOPRC Iwi, Completed plan 2021 – 2023 BOPRC • Collaboration and drain restoration plan. Project landowners, Integrated • Planning implement a WBOPDC, Catchment programme Fish and Management of Game, improveme DOC nts to b. Progressively New BOPRC Iwi, • Improvement 2024 – 2026 To be • Collaboration lowland implement the lowland Project landowners, in monitoring 2027+ confirmed on • On ground drains and drain restoration plan, WBOPDC, indicators2 completion of works drainage starting with Focus Fish and • More wetlands the plan • Capital Works canals Catchments (those Game, and/or riparian identified in Action 1). DOC buffers

c. Complete Ford Road Existing BOPRC Iwi, Upgrade 2019 – 2021 BOPRC Flood • Capital works Pump station upgrade. Project landowners, completed Protection and WBOPDC Control budget

4. Continue a. Promote development Existing BOPRC Primary # of properties 2021 – 2023 BOPRC • Advisory working of voluntary farm Project sector – with voluntary 2024 – 2026 Integrated • Planning with environment plans for Federation farm environment 2027+ Catchment landowners agricultural and Farmers, plans Management and horticultural properties, Fonterra, respective particularly within the HortNZ, industry Lower Kaituna NZKGI, Dairy sectors to Catchment in sub NZ improve catchments with land use significant water quality and land issues. managemen t practices

2 Baseline data provided in technical report, “Ecological and water quality conditions of drains and land drainage canals in the Rangitaiki and Kaituna Plains (Bay of Plenty Regional Council, 2018).

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What will be What are the key steps to Project Lead Funding done? achieving this? Key Partners Measured by Timeframe Type of Action Type Agency source (Action) (Sub action / Project)

b. Support initiatives by Existing BOPRC WBOPDC • Water quality Ongoing BOPRC • Advisory landowners to: Project monitoring Integrated • Provide • Carry out planting Primary • Number of Catchment funding of riparian, sector – Environmental Management wetland and Federation programmes estuarine areas. Farmers, • Uptake of WBOPDC • Carry out Fonterra, subsidies subsidies and afforestation in the HortNZ, • Area of new funding upper parts of the NZKGI, Dairy planting catchment. NZ One Billion • Identify Trees Fund opportunities for DOC new or extended Community wetlands. Conservation • Showcase Fund sustainable and productive land use.

This will be prioritised in sub catchments with significant water quality issues.

5. Reduce the a. Provide regular Existing WBOPDC Reports to Te 2019 – 2020 WBOPDC • Reporting impact of updates on the Project RLC Maru o Kaituna 2021 – 2023 Wastewater urban and proposed upgrades to 2024 – 2026 Activity Budget industrial the Rotorua and Te discharges Puke wastewater on the treatment plants. Kaituna River and associated ecosystems

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What will be What are the key steps to Project Lead Funding done? achieving this? Key Partners Measured by Timeframe Type of Action Type Agency source (Action) (Sub action / Project)

b. Involve and report to, Existing WBOPDC - Reports to Te 2019 – 2020 WBOPDC • Reporting Te Maru o Kaituna on Project Maru o Kaituna 2021 – 2023 Wastewater • Collaboration the assessment of Activity Budget alternative discharge Involved in the methods for the Te Te Puke Puke Wastewater Wastewater Plant. Advisory Group

c. Identify and pursue Existing WBOPDC - Inclusion of low Ongoing Budgets • Infrastructure opportunities for low Project TCC impact design • WBOPDC design impact design in considerations in: Stormwater; • Planning stormwater • Stormwater Recreation & management. management leisure plans • TCC • Reserve Stormwater; management Parks & plans recreation

d. Prepare and present an BOPRC, - Annual report Ongoing Each council to • Reporting annual resource WBOPDC, fund their own consent and TCC & input compliance monitoring RLC report to Te Maru o Kaituna.

e. Maintain effective TMOK RTALSG Six monthly Ongoing TMOK budget • Relationship relationships with the chair & meetings management Rotorua Te Arawa deputy • Advocacy Lakes Strategy Group.

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4. Priority actions to enhance habitats and ecosystems

The following suite of actions are • Construction of a salinity block intended to implement Objective 7 of across the old river channel with the Kaituna River Document: new moorings • Upgrade of public boat ramp and “Objective 4 Ecosystem health, parking habitats that support indigenous • Restoration of farmland to a vegetation and species and wetlands wetland. within the Kaituna River are restored, protected and enhanced “. This action is focused on completing the river re-diversion works; identifying It is notable that many of the actions post re-diversion tasks as well as overlap e.g. Actions 1, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12 establishing a saltmarsh and seagrass and 14. restoration programme. Te Maru o Kaituna identified tuna / eel Action 7. Increase the total restoration and continued wetland creation as key actions for this Plan in extent of new wetlands the desired outcomes. within the Kaituna River Catchment, from 100ha set PRIORITY ACTIONS by the Strategy, to 200ha by Action 6. Develop a 2029 programme to bring life Since the Kaituna Maketū Strategy back to the Maketu Estuary was adopted in 2009, we identified The Kaituna River Re-diversion is one and are progressing the creation of of the most significant projects within 100ha of new wetlands within the this catchment. It will restore at least lower Kaituna area. 20 percent of the freshwater flows There are opportunities to continue from the Kaituna River into the creating and/or restoring wetlands for estuary. The works, which are due for multiple benefits – habitat for taonga completion in late 2019, include: fish and bird species; places to gather • Excavation of a new river diversion food and materials; places to learn, channel. enjoy and relax as well as an • Removal of an existing stopbank. alternative use of marginal land. • Construction of a new stopbank with rock protection. We aim to create an additional 100ha • River dredging and channel of wetlands (200ha total) within the widening. next 10 years. • Installation of 12 box culverts with automated slide gates to control flow into estuary.

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Action 8. Create a network • engagement with commercial fishers and MPI regarding existing of healthy habitats and commercial eeling practices. diverse ecosystems • scoping the feasibility of small This action seeks to promote the scale tuna farming for cultural use creation and/or connection of (e.g. for marae events). pathways for indigenous flora and fauna comprising fragmented This action also includes exploring the corridors of riparian, wetlands, the establishment of a Tuna Project estuarine margins and areas. Steering Group to: The restoration of habitats for tuna • oversee fisheries projects within this Plan as they relate to TMoK’s (eels), inanga (whitebait), kōura purpose. (crayfish), kuku (mussels) and other • connect with Iwi / hapū; other co- taonga species of fish is a priority for governance entities; Maketu Te Maru o Kaituna. Taiapure Committee; DOC, Fish This would be prioritised in areas: and Game, MPI and commercial eelers. • With unique and threatened ecosystems and habitats. The size and composition of this • That are culturally significant group will be determined by Te Maru o e.g. where weaving resources or Kaituna. kai is collected. • At, or adjacent to, areas subject to Action 10. Establish a projects or programmes to programme to improve implement other actions within this Plan. access and passage for indigenous fish. This action overlaps with Actions 1, 3, Inanga, longfin eel, redfin bully, torrent 4, 7, 9 and 13. fish and giant kokopu are found in the Action 9. Restore and Kaituna Catchment. They require access to and from the sea to enhance tuna / eel friendly complete their life cycles. habitat within the Kaituna A recent technical report3 Catchment recommended: Te Maru o Kaituna has identified a need for tuna / eel specific projects. • a detailed stocktake of structures For this reason, this Plan includes throughout the Kaituna Plains to identify priority drains that are actions such as: most beneficial to fish • regular tuna monitoring. communities. • at least two tuna restoration • Installation of fish friendly projects prioritised in areas where floodgates and either designing existing habitat enhancement ‘fish friendly pumps or transferring works are occurring (e.g. Actions fish below pump stations. 3, 7, 8, 10).

3 Refer to Page 9 for the reference

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WORK PROGRAMME FOR ACTIONS 6-10 What will be done? What are the key steps Project Lead Key Measured by Timeframe Funding Type of (Action) to achieving this? Type Agency Partners source Action (Sub action / Project)

6. Develop a a. Complete the Kaituna Existing BOPRC Landowners, Completed 2019 – 2020 BOPRC • Capital Programme to river re-diversion Project Iwi/hapu, sub-catchment Integrated works bring life back project DOC, TCC, action plans Catchment to the Maketu WBOPDC Management Estuary budget b. Develop and Existing BOPRC Iwi/hapū, Completed 2019 - 2020 BOPRC • Planning implement a post re- Project MOWS, strategy 2021 - 2023 Integrated • On diversion estuary DOC, F&G Catchment ground restoration strategy. Management works This includes a budget seagrass and saltmarsh restoration programme.

7. Increase the a. Complete existing Existing BOPRC Landowners, Completed 2019 – 2020 BOPRC • On total extent of wetland projects Project Iwi/hapu, wetlands 2021 – 2023 Integrated ground new wetlands • Te Pā Ika DOC, F&G, Catchment works within the Wetland planting. WBOPDC Management Kaituna River • Te Pourepo o budget Catchment from Kaituna wetland 100ha set by creation project. the Strategy to • Whakapoukorero 200 hectares by Te Arawa 2029 Wetland. • Those covered by existing EEF / environmental programmes.

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What will be done? What are the key steps Project Lead Key Measured by Timeframe Funding Type of (Action) to achieving this? Type Agency Partners source Action (Sub action / Project)

b. Identify and pursue New BOPRC Landowners, Updated Ongoing To be • Feasibilit potential areas for an Project Iwi/hapu, feasibility confirmed – y additional 100ha of DOC, F&G, report may require new wetlands, WBOPDC multiple particularly in areas sources of where wetness is a funding limitation e.g. lowland areas, gullies, high water table areas.' 8. Create a a. Identify, map and Existing BOPRC WBOPDC, • # of 2021 - 2023 BOPRC • Feasibilit network of pursue opportunities Project TCC, RLC threatened Integrated y healthy habitats to connect fragmented and/or Catchment and diverse habitats and culturally Management ecosystems ecosystems. significant ecosystems WBOPDC that are subsidies and protected funding

b. Support initiatives by Existing BOPRC DOC, Iwi, Completed Ongoing BOPRC • On landowners, care Project WBOPDC, initiatives Integrated ground groups and schools to: TCC, RLC, Catchment works • carry out pest MOWS, Management plant & animal BCA, MKM management. WBOPDC • carry out subsidies and supplementary funding planting along riparian and wetland areas.

c. Continue catfish Existing BOPRC / TMOK Number of Ongoing Rotorua Te • Monitorin monitoring and, if Project TALT monitored Arawa Lakes g needed, take action sites Programme

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What will be done? What are the key steps Project Lead Key Measured by Timeframe Funding Type of (Action) to achieving this? Type Agency Partners source Action (Sub action / Project)

9. Restore and a. Establish a Tuna New Te Maru o Iwi/hapū, Terms of 2019 – 2020 Te Maru o • Project enhance tuna / Project Steering Project Kaituna DOC, Fish Reference in Kaituna coordinati eel friendly Group. and Game, place for the budget on habitat within MPI, co- group (establishment • Relations the Kaituna governance phase) hips Catchment entities b. Carry out tuna New Tuna Iwi/hapū, Monitoring 2021 - 2023 Potentially - • Monitorin monitoring, Project Project BOPRC reports 2027 + Tiaki Wai Fund g incorporating Steering science team matauranga Māori Group methods

c. Carry out at least two New Tuna Iwi/hapū, Tuna 2021 - 2023 Potentially - • Planning tuna restoration Project Project BOPRC, restoration 2004 - 2026 Tiaki Wai Fund • On projects, prioritised in Steering DOC, Fish projects ground areas where existing Group and Game completed works habitat enhancement works are occurring (e.g. new wetlands)

d. Explore the feasibility New Tuna Iwi/hapū, Feasibility 2021 - 2023 Potentially - • Feasibilit of small scale tuna Project Project MPI, DOC Report Tiaki Wai Fund y farming for cultural Steering use Group

e. Work with commercial New Tuna MPI and Reduced 2021 - 2023 Potentially - • Relations fishers and MPI Project Project commercial commercial Tiaki Wai Fund hips regarding commercial Steering eelers fishing in the eeling in the Kaituna Group Kaituna Catchment. Catchment

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What will be done? What are the key steps Project Lead Key Measured by Timeframe Funding Type of (Action) to achieving this? Type Agency Partners source Action (Sub action / Project)

f. Further projects may • be added following engagement

10. Establish a a. Develop and Existing BOPRC DOC, Fish Completed 2021 - 2023 BOPRC • Planning programme to implement a plan to Project and Game, plan Integrated • Capital improve access progressively address Tuna Project Catchment works and passage for impediments to fish Steering Management indigenous fish. passage. Group, WBOPDC, TCC, NZTA, DOC, F&G

b. Retrofit drainage To be BOPRC To be To be 2021 – 2023 BOPRC Flood • Capital scheme flood gates, confirmed confirmed confirmed 2024 – 2026 Protection and works pumps, and culverts 2027+ Control budget with fish-friendly devices in the Lower Kaituna Catchment.

c. Investigate the New Tuna BOPRC Feasibility 2021 - 2023 To be • Feasibilit practicality of Project Project Rivers and Report confirmed y transferring eels Steering Drainage above and below Group pump stations in the Lower Kaituna Catchment.

d. Further projects may • be added following engagement

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5. Priority actions to improve connectivity and support kaitiakitanga Action 11. Establish a The following suite of actions are Kaituna Catchment blue- intended to implement Objectives 1, 2 green network and 8 of the Kaituna River Document: Blue-green network planning is an “Objective 1 The traditional and integrated approach to planning contemporary relationships that iwi around waterways (blue) and and hapū have with the Kaituna River greenspace (green). It is a way at are provided for, recognised and looking at a catchment in a more protected. holistic manner. Objective 2 Iwi-led projects which It enables the visual layering of restore, protect and/or enhance the different values and outcomes Kaituna River are actively associated with the Kaituna encouraged, promoted and supported Catchment. For example, integration by Te Maru o Kaituna through its of walking and cycling infrastructure Action Plan. with ecological restoration, cultural recognition elements, improved Objective 8 Te Maru o Kaituna in stormwater management and flood collaboration with iwi and the wider protection. community, enable environmental, economic, social, educational and The output of this action is a blue- cultural aspirations for the restoration, green network plan which could protection and enhancement of the incorporate the outputs of other Kaituna River.” actions (e.g. 7, 8, 12 and 14). The engagement to inform each plan could Te Maru o Kaituna identified, in occur together. This way the plans particular, collaboration, could be developed at the same or environmental education and Iwi-led staggered. projects as key actions for this Plan.

It is notable that many of the actions overlap or contribute to the completion of other actions. For this reason, the actions (including associated consultation) could be carried out concurrently.

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Action 12. Facilitate • protect significant landscapes, heritage, ecological and cultural enhanced access to, and features. along, the Kaituna River and its tributaries The coastal park would incorporate This suite of actions seeks to enhance key wetland areas such the Lower access: Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve; Te Pourepo o Kaituna, Te • to the river e.g. via jetty, ramp, Pa Ika and the Te Tumu wetlands. It taunga waka, jumping platforms. would also align with or run • along the river e.g. cycleways and concurrently with other Projects walkways. (e.g. Actions 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 sub- actions and 14). Two further actions are included which incorporate enhancement of Regional or sub-regional parks are social and cultural values. These generally purchased and owned by are: Regional and/or District Councils. In • An upper catchment ‘Gateway’. this case, the coastal park would be • A coastal park in the Lower located on a mix of Council, Kaituna Catchment. conservation and potentially private

land. This means that project costs do Upper Catchment ‘Gateway’ not have to include land purchase. This would indicate the start of the river and ensure that those visitors to Action 14. Celebrate the area understand the historical and cultural significance of the river. cultural heritage and The project could include: revitalise cultural practices • A gateway, pou or sign associated with the river • Safer parking • Signage and/or interpretation Te Maru o Kaituna has identified a panels. number of specific Iwi-led projects. • Information for commercial Cultural interpretation plan operators to share with customers. A cultural interpretation plan is way of • Additional outcomes from Action 13(b) visualising multiple layers of cultural values relating to the Kaituna River Regional coastal park catchment. This includes: A regional coastal park has been • appropriate places for taunga highlighted by Councils as well as waka (waka landing) submitters to the Kaituna River • appropriate places for pou, Document and past Long Term Plans. interpretation panels, artwork, etc. • protection of sites or areas of This plan includes a regional coastal cultural significance. park in the Lower Kaituna area to: • sites or areas of cultural significance to showcase or • build on the existing open space celebrate e.g. with interpretation network panels. • create a diverse range of

recreational, cultural and

educational opportunities

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This is to ensure that the right cultural catchment is special and what work elements are in the right place for the we are doing to achieve the Vision. It right reason. It also ensures is about engaging the heart and mind connectivity with other actions e.g. and therefore, a range of methods are cycleway, coastal park, blue-green proposed. network. This includes: Cultural resource area • holding community events. A cultural resource area is a • collating and telling our stories and designated place for gathering kai histories about the river. (e.g. watercress) and/or cultural • establishing a cultural and materials as well as a place to share environmental education at Te knowledge about traditional and Pourepo (which if connected to a contemporary practices. There may cycle way, could also fulfil the role be one or more of these areas already of an i-site information centre). in existence within our rohe. These • connecting the network of will be prioritised in areas linked with education providers to other actions (e.g. Actions 4, 8, 9, 11). collaboration and share resources relating to environmental and Intergenerational knowledge and cultural education within the cultural practices Kaituna Catchment. Action 14(d) seeks to incorporate intergenerational knowledge and Action 16. Establish a River cultural practices into action plan restoration and projects. Examples of this in practice include: enhancement fund This action seeks to establish a • use of cultural indicators for dedicated fund to: monitoring. • use of tools such as rahui. • facilitate public donations and • timing of planting or eel monitoring corporate sponsorship. with the appropriate lunar cycle • contribute towards Iwi and phase (maramataka). community-led projects.

These are practical ways to incorporate matauranga Māori when developing a monitoring plan to implement Policy CB1 of the NPS-FM and the Regional Council’s He Korowai Mātauranga Framework. Action 15. Connect our communities and visitors to our river and to our projects This action seeks to engage and connect our communities and visitors. We want them to know and understand why the Kaituna River

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WORK PROGRAMME FOR ACTIONS 11-15 What will be What are the key steps Project Lead Key Partners Measured Timeframe Funding Type of Action done? to achieving this? Type Agency by source (Action) (Sub action / Project)

11. Establish a a. Develop a blue-green New Project WBOPDC TMOK Plan 2021 – 2023 To be • Planning Kaituna network plan for the (action from members completion confirmed • Collaboration Catchment Kaituna Catchment. the WBOP blue-green This will be informed District network by other actions in this Council plan, including, but not Environment limited to: Strategy) • Cultural interpretation plan (13a) • Cycle-walkway strategy (12d) • Coastal park master plan (12f)

12. Facilitate a. Assess and pursue New Project WBOPDC TMOK Completed 2021 – 2023 To be • Planning enhanced workable options members structure(s) confirmed • Collaboration access to associated with • Capital works water and • A jetty or ramp at across the Waitangi. catchment • Safe platforms for river jumping at two areas within the Kaituna Catchment (e.g. Waiari Bridge).

b. Investigate the New Project TMOK Iwi Iwi/hapū Completed 2021 – 2023 To be • Planning establishment of a scoping confirmed • Collaboration taunga waka / waka report • Capital works launching site.

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