Lake Rotoiti Ratepayers & Residents Association
SEPTEMBER 1998
Kia Ora Greetings from the Lake
This issue primarily highlights the October Local Body elections and profiles the candidates standing for the Rotorua District Council's Mayoralty and North Ward as well as those aspiring to Regional Council (Environment BOP). It is hoped that Rotoiti ratepayers will find this useful in making their choices and may provide the only opportunity for absentee owners to assess all of the candidates.
Submissions to the working document 'Towards a Te Arawa Lakes Strategy' are being studied and any amendments considered appropriate will be incorp orated into the Draft Strategy which is due to be publicly notified around January next year. Inside, we reproduce our submission to the Strategy working document. As always, feedback will be most welcome in the run-up to the Draft Strategy review.
With almost 400 financial members, we remain the largest ratepayer group in Rotorua. Thanks once again to our many advertisers and subscribers. Your support is of paramount importance. Our sincere best wishes to all those who have an interest in Lake Rotoiti affairs.
Chairman: Secretary: All Mail: PO Mourea Fax: 362 4589 Jim Stanton Mary Stanton cl- Happy Angler Store Tel: 362 4690 Tel: 362 4690 Rotorua From the Chairman
Local Body elections are perhaps upper The election of six Trustees to the most in our minds at present and now Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust also nominations are closed, we are in a takes place towards the end of this year. position to analyse those standing and The Trust was born out of the electricity finalise our selections. With several reforms several years ago and controls Rotoi ti based candidates in the frame, a considerable asset base on behalf of there should be added interest in making Rotorua citizens. Four of the present our votes count. Trustees are sitting Rotorua District This will be an important term in local Councillors, all of whom are offering government with several legislative themselves for re-election. There has changes recently introduced and others been some ongoing criticism of Council in the pipeline. All of these could have dominance within the Trust. Those who a significant impact on current and support this contention should reflect future activities within the District. their views through the ballot papers. For example, road reforms are set to be The process of formulating a Lakes implemented from December and will in Management Strategy has commenced and the evitably change the way in which the Draft is due to be promulgated for public network is serviced and funded. As well, submissions around January next year. there are increasing calls from those in The intended objective of this document power to privatise utilities such as . to address the many and varied community water supplies and sewage disposal concerns and aspirations with regard to s chemes. The Resource Management Act is sustainable development and protection of also presently under review. our lakes and lake catchments, and to We will be seeking appropriate decision significantly influence future manage making from our elected representatives ment controls over activities around in protecting the interests of residents these unique assets should arouse and ratepayers in all of these matters. widespread interest, especially amongst I urge every eligible voter to exercise lake residents. We recommend that every their democratic right and support the one avail themselves of the opportunity candidates of their choice. to participate in the planning process. .. .. ~OR E'LERY,THING YOU NEED IN BUILDING & HARDWARE
•TIMBER • HARDIES PRODUCTS .MOULDINGS • HARDWARE •PANEL PRODUCTS • PRENAJLS ~~~~e_ . BATTS • GIB BOARD •TRUSSES •NAILS • WEATHERBOARDS .FENCING •BOLTS •TIMBER PANELLING" .SEALANTS .~ND .~sc~s .CLEARS • CEMENT • DECKING .CEDAR •BUILDERS MIX •GARDEN CENTRE .STEPS • UNDERF(OOR INSULATION • PREHUNG1>00RS .TOOLS OPEN .EVERYDAY OVER THE HOLIDAYS EXCEPT CHRISTMAS DAY
HOURS: Mon-Fri: 7.00am to 5.00pm Saturday: WE'VE GOT IT ALL TOGE1HER 8.00am to 4.00pm Sunday: Te Ngae Road, Rot , rua 9.00 am to 3.00pm .. p h 0 n e 0 7 3 4 5 ,ts !Ai· 2 Mourea Water Supply THE MOST EXPERIENCED Our submission to this year's Annual 'LAKE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS' Plan was successful in persuading Rotorua IN THE DISTRICT District Council to bring forward the implementation date for the Mourea Water FOR EXPERT AND CARING REAL Supply proposal to commence in the 1999 ESTATE SERVICE ENQUIRE TODAY year. As intimated in our last Newsletter, we LAKE ROTOITI will shortly be convening a Public and Lakes Okareka, Tarawera, Rotorua, Rotehu & Rotoma Meeting to discuss the options available
for a reticulated scheme to service the Joan Piesse AREINZ Brian Piesse Mourea area. Key Council personnel will be in attendance to outline engineering Phone Office 0-7-348 5058 requirements and costs. Having reached A/hrs 0-7-362 7755 (Ph/Fax) Mobile 025 952 227 the stage where final decisions can be LJ.HOOKER . made, it is vitally important that all Cnr Hinemoa & Amohia Streets, affected property owners including other PO Box 77, Rotorua ox No. JP3oo40; Nobody does it better™ potential extension areas such as Okawa Facsimile: 0-7-348 2381 Bay, Hamurana Road east, and Brunswick Park make the effort to attend this meeting (presently the proposed supply area runs from the Okawa Bay Lake Resort AT THE OKERE FALLS STORE... • to Rotoiti Delta, excluding Hamurana Road). If you have any further queries LIQUOR STORE before or after the meeting, please do not hesitate to contact either Adrian Our Off Licence is open Vosloo at Rotorua District Council 7.00am - 7.00pm Engineering Office, Tel 3484199, or Monday - Saturday Association Chairman, Jim Stanton. Following the meeting, Council will We carry a full range of canned beer, once again send out questionnaires to all wines and spirits for your convenience property owners to confi!'.'m the support and our prices are sharp. base for the proposed scheme. It is even more imperative that everyone takes the time to send in a reply, including those Cans from $10.90 a dozen opposed to the scheme. We strongly urge Bulk spirits from $8.95 a litre you to make your considerations known. Only in this way will a true consensus by Boat or by Car, you know where we are be achieved.
Vr-()p()§ed M()Ur-ea Water- SUPPI~ Notice of Public Meeting
to be held at
Pikiao Rugby League Clubrooms Takinga Street, Mourea on Sunday, 8 November I 998 at I O.OOam
ALL MOUREA, OKAWA BAY AND BRUNSWICK PARK PROPERTY OWNERS ARE URGED TO ATTEND. ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES WELCOME.
3 COUNCIL ELECTIONS- JO October 1998
On the following pages, we profile this himself available to attend ratepayer year's candidates for Rotorua District meetings. His strongest challenge will Council's North Ward (which encompasses · undoubtedly come from another long Rotoiti), the Rotorua Mayoralty, and the serving and well received Councillor, Rotorua Regional seats of Environment Glenys Searancke who has likewise shown Bay of Plenty. With seven candidates ready support for lakes issues. Other including the three sitting members, the candidates are Shane Gibbons, Knocker North Ward has the greatest competition Dean, Cliff Lee and Thomas Morgan. for seats. There are six candidates for Mayor an~ seven for the Regional In the race for Regional Council, we Council (three representatives required). have already mentioned Tai Eru Morehu and Rosemary Michie. John Keaney is the Of interest to Rotoiti voters is that remaining sitting member seeking re from the ranks of the new contenders are election. John is the current Chairman two local residents. Both Fred Whata and former long serving Mayor of Rotorua. who is standing for the North Ward, and He is another who has made every effort Tai Eru Morehu who is seeking a Regional to attend ratepayer meetings and is seat are Rotoiti born and bred and have widely experienced in local affairs. Of been long standing and valuable members the other first time candidates, little of the Lake Rotoiti Ratepayers Committee. is known. Ron Reid is a local valuer, Their extensive history of serving the while Tom Lynch is the son of retiring community in numerous capacities provides incumbent, Wendy Lynch. The remaining each with credentials which make them contenders are Anthony Clouston and most worthy of consideration. Also John Jackman. seeking re-election to Regional Council is twenty-six year Mourea resident, Meeting attendance figures for RDC Rosemary Michie who has served previously Councillors over the past 3 years are: as a District Councillor. Rosemary has invariably turned out to local meetings Barry 92/95;Benfield 92/94;Bowie 84/91; and demonstrated a willingness to take Chadwick 56/60;Cook 90/9l;Dean 76/90 up issues on behalf of our communities. Lepper 101/103;Maxwell 77/90;Minty 90/92; Mahi 60/89;0ppatt 85/96;Searancke 79/86. Returning to the North Ward, all three sitting members, Steve Chadwick, Mita In a note from the Combined Lakes Mahi and Knocker Dean (who also contests Ratepayers Association, electors are the Mayoralty) are seeking re-election. reminded that the election of six members Steve, who won the by-election to replace to the Rotorua Energy Chari table Trust Charles Sturt early into the last term, is due four weeks after local body has been most visible by her presence elections. CLRA unsuccessfully lobbied and given us consistent support through for both elections to run concurrently, out. Knocker and Mita (another · first a. as a cost saving measure. termer) have been less conspicuous this b. due to concerns amongst lakes rate time around. Of the other new candidates payers that four District Council Charles Sturt is renewing his bid after lors including the Mayor and Deputy being elected but retiring early in the Mayor are present Trustees. last term. Charles has certainly shown Over the last 3 years, CLRA has expressed great interest in Rotoiti affairs in past some reservations that this constitutes years. Both Dennis Finn and Kath Peebles a conflict of interest - keeping in mind are well respected Ngongotaha residents the huge influence the RECT now has in who are sure to receive a firm following Rotorua. Had these elections been held and complete a very good line up. on the same day, those politicians trying to gain seats on both the Council and In the Mayoralty stakes, sitting Mayor RECT would have been more obvious to Grahame Hall has held the seat for the voters. Whether it is deemed sa tisfac past six years. Grahame is an excellent tory for local body politicians to serve ambassador for Rotorua and readily makes on RECT is for each voter to decide.
4 Profiles - North Ward Candidates
STEVE CHADWICK: The District Council is now to secure our future, not live in the focal point that promotes a wide the past. array of activities and relationships Strong representation and leadership which impact daily on its citizens, its free from outside political interference, well -being as a community, its visi tars or that of the Rotorua Energy Charitable and the image it portrays to the world. Trust, is called for. I believe that I In serving my first term on Council I can satisfy those requirements. learnt to appreciate the importance of all these activities and how they should DENNIS FINN: Having been asked to stand be balanced out in the interests of all for Council as a representative of the ratepayers. The list is as wide as it is people of the North Ward, I agreed varied, from economics to tourism, sport because in this election, strong repres to social objectives, our cultural entation is a major consideration. heritage to our cultural mix, natural Rotorua needs Councillors who are resources to city focus, our past and our interested and can give strong advocacy future and so on. on your behalf. Central to these elements are what I Born in Rotorua in 194 7, I have had a consider to be three important contribu lifetime involvement in the city and tions that I know I can offer; vision, District including 20 years residing and judgement and people. working within the North Ward. Married I will be pressing for opportunities to Colene, we have raised a family of to share resources with other authorities three. both Regional and Territorial to try to I am community service orientated keep rates within inflation. We face and have a proven and sustainable record more reform of local bodies in the next of commitment over 23 years to the three years and coupled with rates reform education of the young people of our that will impact on us all. The manner District, including Chairman of Western in which we look at roading, stormwater Heights High School Board of Trustees for and sewage network management will be a the past 10 years, and , present member blueprint for Rotorua's future. of the Waiariki Polytechnic Council. I am no longer a learner and will I have a willingness to represent the continue to advocate for rural and lakes people of the North Ward and serve the communities in all of our business wider community with commitment and dealings. Having been kept informed of determination. I trust you agree that the issues from Rotoiti by the Ratepayers its 'a logical move' and ask for your Association, I look forward to the support. opportunity to continue our relationship. MITA MOHI: Mita is completing his first KNOCKER DEAN: This year I am seeking term as a District Councillor having election as Mayor as well as North Ward served on the Works, Parks and Recreation Councillor. In the event that I am not and Finance/Tourism Comrni ttees. Married elected as Mayor, I would like to be able with six children and thirteen grand to continue to represent the North Ward children, he is currently a tutor at in the caring, honest way that I have the Waiariki Polytechnic; a member of the done in the last six years. national Parole Board, Ngongotaha I believe that over the last few years Businessmen's Association, Te Waiariki elected officials have all but lost Purea Trust and Second Chance Railway control of Council. There is either too Trust; Justice of the Peace; Rotorua much delegated authority, or ineffectual North Rotarian; and Kaumatua (Elder) leadership. Effective decision making for the Rotorua Police District. is made more difficult by incorrect or In 1995, Mita received an MBE and insufficient information being channelled Rotorua Comrnuni ty Award for services to to most Councillors. youth having trained over 9,000 young Under the present regime, Rotorua's people in Maori tanga, taiha skills, and future looks less than bright, especially discipline at Mokoia Island. for our younger residents. We must act With a fine sporting background, Mi ta
5 Profiles - North Ward Candidates - cont has represented New Zealand in Rugby As a hard working person with a proven League, Bay of Plenty in rugby, and was record, I believe I have the energy and a top New Zealand Maori Tennis player. determination to achieve good outcomes He has also been a Proffesional Wrestler for all residents and families that live and was a Rotorua Junior Boxing Champ. in the North Ward. I believe in a coll As a candidate for Council, he will aborative approach and representing all continue to support employment, youth, people to the best of my ability. I would sport, education and tourism issues. be proud to look after the interests of all communities, families and residents KA'TII PEEBLES: Kia ora tatou. I have been throughout the Rotorua District. Please a resident of Ngongotaha for the past vote for a refreshing change, a positive 18 years having mov~d here from Matamata alternative! to purchase the Ngongotaha Four Square Store. With my family, we currently CHARLES STURT: As a former Councillor, I own a new business, cleaning septic tanks offer my experience and, with my wife and grease traps . . Denise, who has now recovered from a I have always enjoyed taking an active serious illness, wish to renew our interest in the community of Ngongotaha commitment to the electors in the North and over the years have been involved Ward. as Secretary of the Business Association, I will contribute to constructive Trustee of the Ngongotaha Achievers debate, keep in contact with the people, Trust, Ngongotaha Festival Committee, meet ratepayer groups, work hard on the President of the Ngongotaha Netball Club, committees of Council and reflect your and more recently Secretary of the views. Issues facing the North Ward Ngongotaha and Districts Communities include the impact · of sealing Pyes Pa Charitable Trust who propose to build Road, Water Supply for Mourea, Sewering a large Community and Leisure Centre in of lakeside settlements, environmental the town. I am currently Chairperson monitoring, eastern arterial route, of the Ngongotaha Community Association. operation budgets, debt levels and rate increases. The message from ratepayers is simple. Many are on fixed incomes, recent job losses have had an impact, small business operators are closing, farmers and house holders are finding it more difficult to pay rate rises. I will endeavour to provide the leadership necessary to reviewing Council spending in areas where they shouldn't be involved, in particular ROTOITI RESTAURANT Social Services and services that can be contracted out to the private sector. Dine in the warm relaxing atmosphere of our lake side I have had a lifetime involvement in Restaurant and order from the new sport, serving on the Hillary Commission Winter a la carte menu and currently as a Director of the Bay of Plenty RFU. I am Chairman of Finance OR on the Ngongotaha School Board and a Trustee of the Ngongotaha and Districts Community Charitable Trust. Try our 3 Course Table D' Hote Menu I believe that Council should reflect all sectors of its community. I have the time, experience and energy, and the support of my wife Denise and family to $3 5 incl GST per person make a positive but questioning contribu tion for the people of the North Ward.
For Reservations Phone 362 4599
6 North Ward Candidates - cont FRED WHATA: Of Ngati Pikiao descent, I which come before Council, ensure the was born in Rotoi ti and have lived and transparent and efficient use of worked in Rotorua all my life. 33 years resources, and keep any rate increases with the Ministry of Works and 9 years to within an affordable level. with the Justice Department have given With a special interest in the lakes, me an extensive knowledge of many of the I am keen to see the completion and Districts assets and a broad insight into application of the Lakes Management the social problems which impact on the Strategy so that these unique assets may economic development and well-being of be appropriately protected whilst the Rotorua community. providing sustainable development for the Having served on numerous community, ongoing enjoyment of all New Zealanders. school and sports committees, I believe Rotorua has seen some great progress that I can make a worthwhile contribution and enhancements in recent years. There in helping to maintain and enhance the are still many challenges ahead and I image and lifestyle of Rotorua for the have a strong will and desire to be part benefit of all. My aim will be to apply of the team entrusted with steering the a common sense approach to all issues District into the new millenium.
ROTORUA MAYORALTY CANDIDATES
GRAHAME HALL: As your Mayor, I offer rates reduction, and a re-examination of proven leadership, vision and continuing core services ratepayers are expected to total commitment. My priorities are: fund. .employment opportunity through managed I pledge to work for all citizens by growth to help bridge the socio-economic providing strong, honest leadership. I gap. have the motivation, ene'rgy, experience .to support initiatives which further and concern to be involved in shaping develop youth, sporting activities, the Rotorua's future and sincerely seek your arts, culture and music. support to be Mayor. .a safe, healthy community. Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, Ka ora .rate reductions. te iwi. Your baskets of knowledge and my . the protection and enhancement of our baskets of knowledge - together we will environment . succeed. . continued partnership with Te Arawa. We have achieved much through continuity SHANE GIBBONS: It's time for change. of leadership and team work. I, supported Rotorua 's growth and the 2lst century by my wife Sandy, will be proud to main require vision, innovation, creativity. tain our strong partnership between We need to change the current culture Council and the community. within Council, create a fertile environ Vote Grahame Hall, Your Mayor to Keep ment for business. We need to make Rotorua Moving. Rotorua a safer, viable, exciting place to live and work, both socially and GLENYS SEARANCKE: Married to husband environmentally. Graham with an adult family, we have Shane Gibbons can effect change because: lived in Rotorua for 31 years. Throughout He thinks and acts strategically. this time, I have always been involved He is an experienced Chairperson, has in community affairs. I was elected to the strength, acumen and skill to get Council in 1986 and would like to give the best from staff and Council. greater service to the District as your . He has a proven employment background Mayor. in law and management. I would lead a full appraisal of all • He has the enthusiasm, energy, courage cost centres of Council with a view to and commitment of youth.
7 r ROTORUA MAYORALTY CANDIDATES - cont
CLIFF LEE: Married with two adult sons. TIIOMAS G.P. MORGAN: Aged 34, a single Sincerely believes that no nation can European New Zealander. Describes offer special privilege based upon ethnic himself as an intelligent and lateral background and survive as a peaceful, thinker with sense of humour, excellent prosperous place to live. In the end, communication skills, dedicated and all citizens will suffer grievously from diligent worker and humanitarian. the allocation of unequal rights and As a Management Graduate and Consultant privileges, eg Rwanda, Northern Ireland. has been involved in television and video I will make every effort to ensure that production, Levene's, Census Enumerator, our lakes remain in public ownership and Group Rentals, Logistic Advisor Rotorua that all citizens of Rotorua enjoy equal Marathon, and Telethon Publicity. Has rights and opportunities. I will resist made a number of submissions to Govern spending ratepayers money or allow ment policy proposals, is a National ethnically based constraints on building Party member at local level, and previous and property development permits. Mayoralty candidate.
Environment BOP (Regional Council) Candidates
JOHN KEANEY: My motivation in offering Rotorua. It is always my aim that the myself for re-election is to ensure that community, Regional and District Councils any structural changes to local govern work together to solve these problems. ment in the BOP will continue to bring The most valuable legacy that we can about the best environmental outcomes for leave our grandchildren is clear water, the people of the Rotorua District. As a pure air and productive stable soil proactive person, I am prepared to use my conditions. This is what the work of the experience and negotiating skills to make Regional Council is about. I do my best this happen. to achieve these outcomes and ask for The protection and preservation of your support in the forthcoming election. Rotorua's unique environmental features, its lakes and geothermal activity, are TAI ERU MOREHU: Born and bred in Rotoiti, issues which must continue to be kept to with a solid background in farming and the forefront of Councillors around the community service, I have been encouraged table in Whakatane. to stand for Regional Council and believe In the next term of Council, I would be that I am well equipped to make a mean pressing for the use of the vast data ingful contribution and to represent the base accumulated by Environment BOP to interests of our citizens in the ever develop practical, common sense policies important field of environmental aimed at the protection of the Regions management. natural resources. As a co-opted member of Environment To make this a reality and to ensure BOP' s Operations and Rural Services that the region is not over-governed or Committee for the past seven years, I over-rated, I offer total commitment to have acquired considerable knowledge the electors of the Rotorua District. dealing with natural resource programmes and environmental issues throughout the ROSEMARY MICHIE: Our family have lived in Bay of Plenty catchments. Mourea for 26 years. During that time, We all have a collective responsibility I have been active in community organis to manage and protect our natural resour ations and was a District Councillor. I ces for this and future generations. I have been a Regional Councillor for the offer myself as part of the decision past three years. making team entrusted with these goals. In the next few years, the lakes I strategy, septic tanks in lakeside Profiles for ANTIIONY CLOUSTON, JOHN settlements and geothermal issues will be JACKMAN, TCl1. LYNCH and RONALD REID are important environmental matters for not available.
8 'TOWARDS A TE ARAWA LAKES STRATEGY' our submission to the working document (pgs 9 - 14) Thank you for the opportunity to appraise undermined by the apparent absence of the document 'Towards a Te Arawa Lakes clear delegation to the many authorities Strategy'. We wish to firstly now involved in environmental and re-establish our credentials by regulatory management. outlining our previous involvement in The ongoing problem of lakeweed control the area of lakes management and control. eventually prompted the Association This will help to demonstrate our to call for a meeting between all of strong interest and commitment in the relevant parties, including our ensuring that adequate measures are local Members of Parliament, to debate adopted for future development and matters arising from these deficiencies, protection of our lakes, particularly and look at options for the establishment Lake Rotoiti. of a far more coherent management regime In former years, principle concerns than existed. This meeting, attended centred around the proliferation of by virtually all of those with a aquatic weed and its effect on the lakes legislative or vested interest was and lake margins in terms of aesthetic convened at Moose Lodge on 15 November quality and recreation. Resident groups 1991 and was seen to be influential such as The Guardians of the Lake and in the development of mutual co-operation latterly The Lakeweed Society, both and greater commitment to addressing Rotoiti based, were formed in response a number of management issues requiring to these growing anxieties and became early attention. The advent of the pro-active in promoting greater awareness Resource Management Act reinforced these of the problems and advocating programmes objectives and led to the Rotorua Lakes for remedial action. Project Liaison Group which was set Increasing residential development up by Environment BOP in 1994 to around the lake margins and several facilitate the preparation of a Rotorua infrastructural proposals, some of Lakes Regional Plan. which were seen to be of detrimental The complexity of developing a Plan value, saw the emergence of the West that would effectively 'coordinate the Rotoiti Ratepayers and Residents wishes and requirements of the many Association, later to become Lake Rotoiti interested parties became apparent at Ratepayers and Residents Association. the outset and further meetings were In the late 1980's, frustrations began slow to evolve. In the same year, to mount over the lack of co-ordinated promulgation of the Draft Rotorua management in dealing with issues District Plan meant that the attention considered to be of importance for the of Lakes Ratepayer Groups was diverted future well-being of the lake and lake to assess the multitude of issues which catchments. Efforts to establish were intended to form the basis of responsibility for various maintenance regulatory control for the next 10 years and functional requirements were often or more.
9 Of immediate concern was the exclusion of a specific chapter devoted to the Morning & Afternoon Teas Light Meals lakes and lake catchments. Rather, the Devonshire Tea or Coffee Soup & Toast various objectives, policies and rules Muffins & Cakes Hapuka. Chips & Salad relating to the lakes could be found Sandwiches [made to order] Steak Chips and Salad in other parts of the Plan but they Hot Meat Sandwiches Burgers & Chips were considered to be deficient in Wedges with Sour Cream & Bacon Seafood Basket providing for the sustainable management Bottomless cup of Filter Coffee Roast Dinners [Fri-Sun] of the lakeside settlements and the $2.00 Weekend Dinner Specials unique environs surrounding them. Groups Welcome In submissions to the Proposed Rotorua EFTPos Available District Plan, we firstly considered The Cafe is available for private functions by Part 4 'Significant Resource Management arrangement. Birthdays, 21 st's, engagement Issues' to be a most critical and fundamental part of the Document. It parties etc. was believed, however, that it contained HOURS:10.30 am - 8 pm Wednesday to Sunday no clear, coherent and comprehensive Bookings essential for evening meals. statement outlining the future strategy Closed Monday and Tuesday for the sustainable management of the natural and physical resources of the District's lakes and their catchments. Such a strategy was seen as an important ;.:j •W'®f i,r;m•en@- complementary vision as to how issues ' Phone 362 7080 f.__ __~ · such as nutrient enrichment of water bodies, protection of outstanding natural • ! features and landscapes, tourism, -2: economic development, and cultural l heritage should be protected or enhanced. The other principal debate centred on Part 10 'Rural Resource Management' - LAKE MAINTENANCE which essentially treated all of NOEL & SUZANNE RUEBE Rotorua's rural areas, including lake catchments and lakeside settlements, in a comparative fashion. Although OKEREFALLS lakeside settlements were separately LAWNS - GARDENS - RUBBISH REMOVED - TREES CUT - zoned Rural E, there was a strong feeling PROPERTY SECURITY • PUMP MAINTENENCE - PAINTING - that the distinctive qualities of 'rural TRACTOR WORK • SOIL &: METAL CARTAGE • BOAT HIRE - character' as pertaining to lakeside BOAT MAINTENANCE settlements, and indeed specific lake catchment areas in toto, did not necessarily match those of the rest PHONE 0-7-362 4814 MOBILE (025) 948 730 of the rural estate. And although there P.O. BOX 495 ROTORUA were clear indicators through various rules intended to restrict lakeside development, protect landscapes and natural features, enhance water quality, etc, there were also uncertainties in DEANS CANVAS & UPHOLSTERY CO the proposed treatment of a number of activities which were seen as having 2/42 White Street • Rotorua • (07) 348 7209 the ability to compromise such intentions. Specialists in: In essence, we believed that the Plan • Window Awnings • Boat Canopies & Covers should contain a separate Part setting • Caravan Awnings • Marine Upholstery out the objectives, policies, rules, • Trampoline Mats • Furniture Upholstery and other appropriate provisions for • Tarpa41ins • Calf Covers • All Repairs & Restitching
Rotorua1 Coll~ Deana (07) 348 3753 A/H
2/42 White Street • Rotorua •. (07) 348 7209
10 the sustainable management of the lake rejected. Significantly, this was upheld catchment areas identified within the earlier this year resulting in a 'Rotorua Lakes Landscape Assessment requirement for the preparation of a Report'. This would allow for a specific separate Chapter dealing with the vision for the lakes, acknowledge their Tarawera Lakes Catchment area. Our integral qualities and significance, concerns that this variation should and develop special provisions which deal with all lakes were partly allayed would address sensitive landscapes, with assurances that the Lakes Management rural character, and balance the use Strategy was almost ready for public and development of the lakes environment consultation and that the Tarawera given their uniqueness both locally variation would be used as a model to and nationally. It was considered that address issues in other lakes catchments. the fundamental contribution the lakes And so we have reached a further stage made to the overall physical and economic in what has become an absorbing exercise, importance of the environment of the the promulgation of the introductory District should be dealt with in this document 'Towards a Te Arawa Lakes way. Strategy'. The first thing that we The requests made in these submissions must say is that we are extremely were largely rejected by the Statutory impressed with its thorough and Hearings Committee during early 1996 comprehensive inclusion of all salient which left us to ponder the next course issues. We do not detect any significant of action. However, further discussions omissions from the list of Principles. with Rotorua District Council shortly We also applaud the efforts of the afterwards resulted in a proposal to Working Group in communicating and implement a' Lakes Management Strategy' debating the issues at this early stage. which would address all of the integral Our preamble may be seen as a issues pertaining to the lakes with measure of the predilection we a targeted completion date of June 1998. have towards ensuring that adequa te It was intended that the Strategy would controls are put in place for protection then form the basis of a new Chapter and future developments within the in the District Plan. lakes environment. It is considered In the meantime. environmental group that our further contribution at this Kaitiaki Tarawera lodged an appeal with stage can be best made by re-stating the Environment Court in respect of those issues which we believe reflect similar issues sought as variations the aspirations and concerns of the to the District Plan but also majority of those living within the Lake Rotoiti catchment.
Plan Contents and Delegation FOR POSITIVE of Responsibility. REfil ESTATE RESOLTS There have been strong thoughts Buying or Selling previously which have leant towards the establishment of a single lakes authority to have responsibility for Betty Stewart Lakes Specialist the overall management of the lakes. JjJ. The current regime in which this responsibility is di vested in a The Professionals multiplicity of statutory bodies often frustrates efforts to bring about change in a coherent and cohesive manner. McDowell The present commitment of the three Real Estate Ltd parties to work alongside each other M.R.E.J.N.Z. Phone (07) 345 3700 in formulating this Strategy could go Fax (07) 345 3703 Cnr Te Ngae & Tarawera Roads a long way towards remedying some of A/H (07) 345 9162 P.O. Box 1134 the past shortcomings. Mobile (025) 997 711 Rotorua, DX JP3001 l
11 ..
In reviewing the Principles of Lakes the surface areas of both lakes is a and Catchment Management contained further threat to water quality. in the Strategy, we believe that the Lakeweed control has been the subject issues are correctly .stated and that of sustained lobbying by this Association appropriate principles and realistic and allied groups for several decades. outcomes follow. Whilst the questions Continuation of present funding and of implementation and responsibility levels of spraying to control aquatic for monitoring and reporting are more weed in Lake Rotoiti and other lakes readily apparent in some instances than are considered essential in assisting in others, we intend to rely on the in the maintenance and enhancement of expertise of the recognised planners water quality. for initial assessment. The transferral of responsibility With regard to costs, we would make for lakeweed spraying from DOC to LINZ the observation that these lakes are last year has again become a concern national as well as local icons. with the recent closure of the LINZ Notwithstanding user pays principles, office in Rotorua. Local liaison has some of the costs in meeting the been paramount in ensuring optimum requirements of environmental stability deliverance and we intend to request should continue to be borne by central that this responsibility be re-delegated Government agencies, eg aquatic weed to DOC to protect the protocols built control. up over past years. We support the principle of lake margin Water Quality. retirement, where possible, to reduce the direct input of (especially) animal There have been numerous reports, effluent to the lake waters. The need some comprehensive, regarding the to address the problem of septic tanks contribution of excessive nutrient in low lying settlements, for both public loading to declining water quality. health and environmental reasons, has Improvements to Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti already been recognised by both attributable to the removal of direct Environment BOP and Rotorua District input of treated sewage and the virtual Council. For those lakeside communities disappearance of 'water net' have become highlighted in the On Site Effluent somewhat tempered by outbreaks of algal Treatment Regional Plan, eg Mourea, bloom over the past two years. Recent this is a high priority. proliferations of 'white foam' clogging
ROTOITI LAKE CRUISES
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* Fishing (our speciality) * Scenic Charters * Barbecues * Picnics * Hot Pool Bathing and Evening Trips
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12 Environmental Protection and Sustainable considering proposed activities which Future Development. could have a significant impact on sensitive environments around the lake. The principle of 'ensuring that the Notwithstanding, it is also recognised environment upon which tourism in the that Rotoiti has a number of well District is based, is not compromised' established 'urbanised' settlements is widely upheld within our lakes at various locations around the lake. communities. There is some irony in There are around 950 residential property this statement given concerns that some owners with an estimated 50 percent tourism related ventures such as white of these being absentee owners, ie water rafting have been allowed to take primarily domiciled elsewhere, using precedence over the need to address their lake properties as holiday sensitive environmental and cultural retreats. Our local Ngati Pikiao iwi issues. The maintenance of natural have maintained their strong influence features (including cultural heritage) on the lake catchment and retain and landscapes as part of the 'rural uninterrupted occupation and ownership character' of the lakes is of great of approximately 75 percent of the land importance to most. So too is the maint mass. Over the past 30 years or so, enance and enhancement of low ambient they have developed a number of business noise levels, low levels of air and Trusts and Incorporations with water pollution, and the quality and significant economic interests in farming quantity of native vegetation and and (more particularly) production wildlife. forestry. These desires have been reinforced In addition, there is a large and by the majority of those participating ever increasing visitor population who in the recent Rotorua Strategic Plan converge on the lake especially between Focus Groups. However, most will agree December and March. Many of these use with the concept that appropriate and the . lake for boating and other water sustainable developments are acceptable based recreational activities with trout provided that these important fishing the other major attraction. environmental objectives are not unduly Statistically, Rotoiti has the greatest compromised. number of visitors, boat users, and Counteractive to this, we see conflict angler days of any of the Rotorua lakes. ion in the present designation of some Out of all this comes a number of activities within the Rural E Zone of observations which we believe reflects the Proposed District Plan. For example, local opinion. we believe any large scale tourist The containment of lakeside settlement developments should be classified as to existing areas is supported for 'non-complying' as should heliports reasons of both environmental protection and helipads within the Water Zones and economies of scale. However, the A and B. Likewise, moorings and ski aspirations of local tangata whenua lanes, jet ties, ramps and boatsheds to utilise their lands for future would be more appropriately classified housing, including papakainga as 'discretionary'. We see a strong development, needs to be acknowledged justification to publicly consult and/or and provided for within a framework take into account public sentiment in of reasonable controls. ROTORUA Farm & Industrial Pumping
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13 r
Because of the relatively large The availability and presence of proportion of private land holding around Inspectorate staff over the pressure Lake Rotoiti, access to the lake remains periods is vital. The necessity to limited. Several of the Scenic and provide sufficient future resources Esplanade Reserves available to the for this purpose must be recognised. public are only accessible from the lake itself. Calls for greater Lake Levels. accessibility generally means more boat ramps, extra parking for vehicles and Up until 18 months ago, there was boat trailers, more ski lanes, etc. considerable dissatisfaction amongst Over the past few years, the pressure Rotoiti residents regarding lake level exerted on Lake Rotoiti by recreational control and the lack of concern and users over the peak summer and holiday response from Environment BOP. Since season has become increasingly obvious. that time, a negotiated agreement to The right to public access is a new consent conditions and enhanced fundamental principle but much as this co-operation and consultation between needs to be preserved it is of equal EBOP and local parties has seen a importance to balance the provision dramatic improvement in maintainin ) of access and recreational pursuit with acceptable control. An upcoming review , the need to maintain environmental is likely to see some fine tuning and integrity and the rights of communities set the standard which needs to be to a level of protection for those values sustained for the future. which have already been defined; Just as it is appropriate to contain lakeside Document Title. settlement, it would be similarly prudent to restrict the size and number of access The Document title in deference to points which would then tend to assist Te Arawa's historical role and in regulating the number of users at traditional association with the lakes any one time and maintain the eco-balance has generated some concern. This is desired by most. primarily in the form of anxiety and In recent years, the pressure from speculation over any likely changes burgeoning numbers of lake users has to protocols should Te Arawa be been recognised by the allocation of successful in their Waitangi Tribunal additional resources to police lake claims to ownership. We acknowledge surface activities. The efforts of that the Lakes Strategy concerns only the lakes Inspectorate over this period management and not ownership. We believe has been commendable. Complementary that it would be helpful and reassuring to any regulatory control is user to include a brief resume of the scope education. This becomes more evident of the claims and the main effects that with the increasing numbers of larger a successful outcome may have on the and faster craft now frequenting the future management of the lakes and their lake. Jet Skis, in particular, have catchments. the potential to create significant friction in the future both with other Conclusion. users and lake residents. Solutions need to be found to address issues of As already indicated, we believe that incompatibility and injudicial use of most of these issues have been these craft. Water skiers too are accommodated within the Principles becoming more populous and seek out proposed in the Working Document. It every inch of space, often to the is hoped that the detail will provide detriment of other users and inshore further insight into those matters seen sanctuaries. It is essential that this by Rotoiti residents as important in demand be met by commensurate levels considering the application of those of surveillance and control. Principles to form future policies.
14 West Rotoiti Fire Force News The high number of call outs has continued throughout the year, with 32 to date. There has been a mix of vehicle crashes, domestic call outs such as a recent chimney fire, a farm building containing hazardous materials that burnt to the ground, a scrub fire in close proximity to houses, and our first plane crash.
It was inevitable that the unit would eventually be called to a plane crash due to our location in relation to Rotorua airport. This incident occurred late on a Friday afternoon but a film crew were also on the scene very quickly and our team made the national news the same evening. As with many car smashes, some of our team knew the victims who died in the crash. Post-incident stress is a factor that we take into account after attendance at serious incidents.
The Rotorua District Council has recently contracted management of the volunteer fire units in the District, including West Rotoi ti, to the Fire Service. Our relationship with RDC has been very good and we hope that the new arrangement also works well.
A reminder that 1998 is the 15th anniversary of the Incorporated Society and we are planning a reunion to mark the event on Saturday 10 October. The AGM will be held on Sunday 11 October at the fire station commencing 2.00pm.
Remember to check the batteries in your smoke alarms, check the servicing require ments on fire extinguishers, and get electric blankets checked before using. If you haven't got smoke alarms or extinguishers then you should seriously think about getting some to provide for better safety. Also remember that chimneys need annual cleaning and it is not necessarily expensive to get a chimney sweep to come from town. Costs can be minimised by getting more than one house done at the same time. Taking some basic safety precautions may save the lives of family or friends.
If you have any queries about the Unit, please contact:
Willie Shaw (Ph 362-4315) Noel Ruebe (Ph 362-4814) Ted Boucher (Ph 362-4815) Dan Arrowsmith (Ph 362-4477)
Annual subscriptions ($10) may be sent to our Treasurer, Judy Smith (8 Foster Road, RD4 Rotorua). Any donations are always appreciated.
Please ensure that you continue to contact the District Council for fire permits. IrnffiiBER! IN AN EMERGENCY RING 111.
MOU REA TE NGAE PHYSIOTHERAPY HAPPY ANGLER STORE Mary Bradley & Laurice Smith • Manipulative Therapy * CONED ICE CREAM * •Sports Injuries *VIDEO FOR HIRE * •Acupuncture * GROCERIES * MAGAZINES * • Feldenkrais Fresh Bread - Hardware 8am - 6prn Sb Owhata Road ROTORUA Fishing Licences - Lures & Flies Wheel Chair Access Off Road Parking ph/fax 0-7-345 6915 Phone 362 4709
15 1998 COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN Jim Stanton Okawa Bay, Mourea Ph 362-4690 DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Lindsay Brighouse Te Akau Road Ph 362-4876 SECRETARY Mary Stanton Okawa Bay, Mourea Ph 362-4690 TREASURER Michael Gill Okawa Bay, Mourea Ph 362-4589 C PARADE OF THE WOODEN BOATS WA/TANG/ DAY, 6FEBRUARY1999 Entries now welcome Registration form available from The Registrar, Box 2008, Rotorua or Phone 362 4700 IMPORTANT & USEFUL USEFUL INFORMATION PHONE NUMBERS Dog control - Rotorua Police Station Te Ngae Fire, Police, Ambulance, District Council 348 4199 345 3453 Search and Rescue 111 Environmental pollution TrustPower emergency Accident and Emergency hotline 0800 738 393 number 347 5102 medical care centre 3481000 Lakes Inspector Urgent Pharmacy 348 4385 Dave Pilkington 348 4199 Rubbish bags are collected on ROTORUA HOSPITAL 3481199 Monday mornings Poison Information (03) 474 7000 SPCA 349 2955