Tanvir Bhamji- General Stakeholder Engagement

IN THE MATTER of the Resource Management Act 1991

AND

IN THE MATTER of a Board of Inquiry appointed under s149J of the Resource Management Act 1991 to determine an application for resource consents sought by Watercare Services Limited for its Waikato River Take and Discharge Proposal.

STATEMENT OF EVIDENCE OF TANVIR AHEMAD BHAMJI ON BEHALF OF WATERCARE SERVICES LIMITED

General Stakeholder Engagement

1. Introduction, Qualifications and Experience

1.1 My full name is Tanvir Ahemad Bhamji. I am the Head Works Consents Manager at Watercare Services Limited (Watercare).

1.2 I hold a BSc in Human Geography and a Master of Planning Practice from the University of Auckland. I also hold a Master of Project Management from the University of Southern Queensland.

1.3 I am currently employed as the Headworks Consents Manager at Watercare, a position I have held since March 2018. In this role I am responsible for managing and obtaining all necessary resource consents required for any upgrades to Watercare’s water storage lakes, water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants. Prior to me assuming the position as Headworks Consents Manager I was employed as a Senior Planner at Watercare for two years managing reconsenting projects for wastewater treatment plants

1.4 I have over 11 years of experience as an urban planner in New Zealand and Qatar. My roles have included regulatory and master planning on a range of land development and infrastructure projects. I have also led policy and spatial planning projects. My experience includes consultation with stakeholders and partners.

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1.5 I have been a full member of the New Zealand Planning Institute since May 2013.

1.6 This evidence is provided in support of Watercare’s application for all necessary consents to enable the taking of up to 150,000 cubic metres (net) of water from the Waikato River for municipal supply purposes (Project).

1.7 My involvement in this Project as Watercare's Project Manager since October 2017. My role has been to prepare the scope of works and supervising the staff and experts who have supported the application.

1.8 My role has also been to lead the interface between the project team and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) as well as engagement with submitters and stakeholders.

2. Code of Conduct

2.1 Although I have set out my academic qualifications and experience above, I am presenting this evidence as a Watercare representative rather than an independent expert witness. However, to the extent that my evidence addresses matters in respect of which I have expertise, I can confirm I have been provided with, and agree to comply with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct set out in the Environment Court’s Practice Note 2014.

3. Scope of Evidence

3.1 Watercare’s relationship with Waikato-Tainui has been discussed in the evidence of Mr Rob Fisher. Additionally, the evidence of Mr Richard Waiwai discusses this relationship in further detail and also summarises the engagement with other iwi / hapū / marae entities. I do not provide any further commentary on that engagement here.

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3.2 This brief summarises the general stakeholder engagement undertaken as part of the process to update the 2013 Application. My evidence addresses the following matters:

(a) Stakeholder engagement prior to lodgement of the amended application with the EPA on 11 December 2020;

(b) Stakeholder engagement following lodgement of the 2020 Application; and

4. Stakeholder Engagement Prior to Lodgement of the Updated Application

4.1 As part of the updating of the 2013 Application, Watercare reintroduced the Project to the parties who were consulted as part of the preparation of the 2013 Application. In addition, Watercare identified new stakeholders who were considered to have an interest in the Waikato River within the ‘affected’ reach. This included other river users, parties with consented water takes, local authorities, interest groups, industry and potential future water users.

4.2 The goal of the stakeholder engagement was to update parties on the changes since lodgement of the 2013 Application, and to provide a forum for parties to ask questions and request further information on the updated application. Watercare did not seek support for the application nor was there any request to identify a position on the application. A summary of consultation with these other stakeholders in set out in Section 11 of the updated AEE lodged with the EPA on 11 December 2020.

4.3 By way of summary, the stakeholder engagement process was as follows:

(a) An initial letter was sent out to stakeholder parties extending the opportunity to meet with Watercare staff to discuss the update of the 2013 Application;

(b) Where the offers were accepted, meetings were held where an overview was provided of:

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(c) Where no response was received from a party, an additional email was sent restating the offer to meet and also providing a stakeholder summary sheet which provided a high-level overview of the application including identifying the key changes from the 2013 Application.

4.4 Of the responses received, the two key matters raised through the stakeholder engagement meetings related to the effect of the proposed abstraction on the current allocation status of the Waikato River and impacts on the future availability of water for other users within the Waikato River catchment. While allocation is a matter which is managed by Waikato Regional Council (WRC) as the regulator, Watercare has provided commentary on this matter in the evidence of Mr Tom Bassett (Hydrology) on behalf of Watercare.

4.5 Part A of the Stakeholder Engagement Summary Table, provided as Annexure A of this evidence, provides the engagement undertaken with stakeholders ahead of lodgement of the updated application. I can take the Panel through this where requested.

5. Stakeholder Engagement Following Lodgement of the Updated Application

5.1 Following lodgement of the updated application with the EPA on 11 December 2020, and ahead of the formal notification of the application on 12 February 2021, the EPA provided Watercare with a ‘draft’ notification list identifying the parties who would receive direct notification of the application.

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5.2 This list identified five parties that Watercare had not identified as stakeholders or interested parties. This was because four of the five parties were landowners of land adjoining Watercare’s site at Hayward Road. Watercare is not seeking consent for any land-based activities. All of the activities for which consent is sought under this proposal are “regional” consents for activities within the Waikato River.

5.3 The parties were:

(a) Fastco Trustees Limited, C/ - Nicholas John Buxeda; (b) New Zealand Health Food Park Limited C/ Qing Ye; (c) Jessica Jane Carlton Timmins, William Cameron Timmins; (d) Mt Beasley Holdings Ltd C/ - Jason Boggs; and (e) Waikato District Council.

5.4 In order to provide all parties with an opportunity to understand the application, Watercare sent a letter, via email and post on 21 January 2021, to each of these parties1 ahead of the formal notification of the Project extending the offer to meeting to discuss the project.

5.5 Of these parties, only Mr Boggs responded and a meeting was held on 4 February 2021. A summary of this is provided in Part A of the Stakeholder Engagement Summary Table provided as Annexure A to this evidence. I can take the Panel through this if requested.

6. Stakeholder Engagement Following the Close of Submissions

6.1 At the close of the public notification period for the Application, the EPA received 55 submissions with:

 14 submitters (26%) supporting the proposal;  39 submitters (72%) opposing the proposal; and  2 submitters neutral to the proposal.

1 Note that contact details nor an address could be found for Jessica Jane Carlton Timmins, William Cameron Timmins so no correspondence was provided to this party.

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6.2 The common themes2 across those submissions received included:

(a) effects on customary and cultural values; (b) consistency with statutory documents and current reform processes; (c) engagement with iwi; (d) consistency with Te Ture Whaimana (the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River); (e) future water availability in Waikato; (f) alternative water sources; (g) water management in Auckland; (h) security of supply for Auckland; (i) ecological effects; (j) consistency with settlement legislation; (k) upstream effects; (l) saline intrusion; (m) climate change; and (n) short term use of Watercare allocation.

6.3 Additional engagement with those submitters from iwi, hapū and marae entities and those which were related to cultural matters has been undertaken and is summarised in the evidence of Mr Richard Waiwai.

6.4 Of the remaining submitters, Watercare has undertaken additional engagement, primarily with those parties in opposition to the application, to provide an opportunity for Watercare to be able to understand the submitters’ concerns further and to also provide an opportunity for Watercare to respond to the matters raised.

6.5 As part of this process Watercare sent meeting invitations to the following parties:

(a) The Department of Conservation; (b) Federated Farmers; (c) Hamilton City Council; (d) Horticulture New Zealand;

2 As identified in the ‘Summary of Submissions – Watercare Services Limited Waikato River Water Take, prepared for the Environmental Protection Authority – April 2021’ Report prepared by Stantec

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(e) Shane Solomon; (f) Waikato Conservation Board; (g) Waikato Regional Irrigators Incorporated; and (h) Waipā District Council.

6.6 At the time of drafting this evidence, Watercare had met with the Department of Conservation, Federated Farmers, Hamilton City Council, Shane Solomon and the Waipa District Council.

6.7 Watercare has also had correspondence with Horticulture New Zealand and the Waikato Conservation Board and has meetings scheduled with both parties on Monday 24 May 2021.

6.8 Watercare has not yet had opportunity to meet with the Waikato Regional Irrigators Incorporated however, Watercare is committed to meeting with this party and will provide an update on any future engagement during the hearing.

6.9 While there have been no agreed outcomes as a result of any of the post- lodgement engagement undertaken to date, Watercare has found this process to be very helpful in understanding each submitter’s concerns and enabling some clarification to be provided by both the submitters and Watercare. Additionally, this has helped to direct some of the technical evidence that Watercare has prepared in support of its application.

6.10 A summary of the post-lodgement engagement is provided in Part B of the Stakeholder Engagement Summary Table provided as Annexure A to this evidence. I can take the Panel through this if requested.

6.11 Notwithstanding the meetings and engagement that have occurred to date, Watercare is committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders where this is requested.

Tanvir Ahemad Bhamji 21 May 2021

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Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

The purpose of the table below is to provide a record of engagement and consultation activities associated with Watercare Services Ltd’s Waikato River Water Take Board of Inquiry Application.

Part A - Summary of engagement prior to notification of the 2020 Application

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method

Downstream water users

05/11/20 All downstream users Email Stakeholder Engagement Letter (Refer to Appendix 3) sent out No Action identified in the providing an opportunity to meet in person to discuss the Stakeholder application. Engagement Table (Refer to Appendix 1)

18.11.20 Wai Shing Ltd Email Stakeholder Engagement Letter sent out providing an No Action opportunity to meet in person to discuss the application.

25.11.20 Winstone Aggregates Email Tanvir Bhamji (TB) emailed Tyler Sharratt at Winstone to 26.11.20 - Tyler responded follow up on a stakeholder meeting. confirming a meeting for 27.11.20

26.11.20 Wai Shing Ltd (Frank Email Follow up email re requesting stakeholder meeting and No Action Wai Shing), Hira Bhana,, provision of the Stakeholder Summary Sheet (Refer to Tuakau Proteins Ltd (Phil Appendix 4). Hocquard), and Envirofert Ltd (Alan Copsey).

27.11.20 Winstone Aggregates Teams Key matters / comments: 30.11.20 – Luke Faithfull (LF) sent (Tyler Sharratt) Meeting email with images from the meeting - Main concern was the location of the intake and how on 27.11.20 being Watercare it would affect their operations within the river – these Waikato River water take consent concerns were confirming the location of the intake summary, Long List Intake location next to the existing intake as it provides separation from Winstone extraction activities and is in line with

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method the existing exclusion zone agreement between the options, drawing, and preferred parties option intake drawing. - Winstone’s stated their support for the application and looked forward to continuing the positive working relationship

1.12.20 Wai Shing Ltd (Frank Phone LF called Frank to arrange a meeting for Wednesday 2.12.20 No Action Wai Shing) and Email and sent meeting request.

2.12.20 Wai Shing Ltd (Frank and Zoom Discussed the application and the implications on the water 3.12.20 – LF sent email with images Riley Wai Shing) Meeting allocation from the Waikato River. from the meeting to Frank being Watercare Waikato River water take consent summary, Long List Intake location options drawing, and preferred option intake drawing.

Stakeholders

5/11/20 All stakeholders Email Stakeholder Engagement Letter sent out providing an No Action identified in the opportunity to meet in person to discuss the application. Stakeholder Engagement Table (Refer to Appendix 1)

6/11/20 NZ Steel / Glenbrook Mill Email Email received requesting a meeting to discuss the 12.11.20 & 16.11.20 – LF left a phone (Edit Simpson Blue application. message and emailed re arranged Scope Steel - meeting time for 27.11.20 Environmental Advisor)

6/11/20 Waikato Rivercare Group Email Email received requesting a meeting to discuss the 18.11.20 – LF emailed Kevin (Kevin Hutchinson) application. Hutchinson re arranging a meeting time for 27.11.20

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method

9/11/20 Fonterra Co-operative Email Email received requesting a meeting to discuss the application 12.11.20 & 18.11.20 - LF / TB emailed Ltd (Carolyn Mortland – with her and Ian Goldschmidt. Carolyn and Ian Goldschmidt re Director Global arranging a meeting time for 2.12.20 Sustainability)

10/11/20 Horticulture NZ – (Lucy Email Email received requesting a meeting to discuss the application 12.11.20 & 16.11.20 - LF emailed Deverall – Environmental and some project information that can be provided ahead of Lucy providing the 2013 AEE to Policy Advisor) the meeting. arrange a meeting time for 27.11.20. 26.11.20 – meeting changed to 30.11.20 and Mike Chapman included

11/11/20 Fish and Game (Ben Email Email received requesting a meeting to discuss the 12.11.20 & 16.11.20 - LF emailed re Wilson CE Auckland / application. arranging a meeting time for 27.11.20 Waikato)

16.11.20 Department of Email Received email to acknowledge letter and requesting AEE be 17.11.20 – LF emailed providing 2013 Conservation supplied. Email received from [email protected] address as AEE and sent proposed meeting no single person of contact provided. dates

17.11.20 Department of Email Notifying that information has been received and the request No Action Conservation will be processed shortly. A reference number was provided for future correspondence #RC1442.

18.11.20 Genesis Email Stakeholder Engagement Letter sent out providing an No Action opportunity to meet in person to discuss the application.

26.11.20 Mercury Energy (Vince Email Follow up email re requesting stakeholder meeting and No Action Hawksworth), Genesis provision of the Stakeholder Summary Sheet. Energy (Marc England and Karen Sky), Waikato Forrest and Bird, Watercare

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method Environmental Group (Paul Walbran), Dairy NZ (Tim Mackle) and Federated Farmers (Jacqui Hahn).

27.11.20 Department of Email and Email and phone call to arrange a meeting time and to provide No Action Conservation (Ray Phone the Stakeholder Summary Sheet. Scrimgeour and Paul Hardy)

27.11.20 Watercare Email Paul advised that ‘something is happening on this, EAG being 28.11.20 - LF responded informing of Environmental Advisory the body it is, needs to have internal discussions before the intended mid-December Group (Paul Walbarn) arriving at a view. This will happen no later than the group’s lodgement date but advised that scheduled meeting on 8th December.’ engagement can continue following lodgement and will be available to discuss the application once the EAG has had its discussion.

27.11.20 NZ Steel / Glenbrook Mill Meeting Key matters / comments: 30.11.20 – LF sent email with images (Edit Simpson) from the meeting on 27.11.20 being - Main concern was if there would be any impact on the Watercare Waikato River water take intake at the Glenbrook Mill and also if there would be consent summary, Long List Intake any effect on their current application to renew their location options, drawing, and water take – TB confirmed that Watercare’s preferred option intake drawing. application would not have any effect on either due to the distance downstream of their intake and that the Mill’s application is currently being processed. - Edit asked about the fish protection measures being incorporated as they were looking for options for their intake structure and suggested a visit may be helpful. Watercare will liaise offline about this. - Generally, no concerns with Watercare’s proposal.

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method

27.11.20 Fish and Game (Ben Zoom Key matters / comments: 30.11.20 – LF sent email with images Wilson) Meeting from the meeting on 27.11.20 being - Main concerns are around how the intakes will be Watercare Waikato River water take managed to minimise any effects on fish within the consent summary, Long List Intake river. location options drawing, and - No additional comments or questions at this point in preferred option intake drawing. time.

27.11.20 Waikato Rivercare Group Zoom Key matters / comments: 30.11.20 – LF sent email with images (Michelle Archer and meeting from the meeting on 27.11.20 being - Main concerns are the potential for effects on the Kevin Hutchinson) Watercare Waikato River water take river margins and catchment enhancement consent summary, Long List Intake - Interested in being part of the proposed ‘betterment’ location, options, drawing, and process and is happy to provide some advice in terms preferred option intake drawing. of planting and wetland design as those aspects progress – stated that they could facilitate a site visit to Stuart Muir’s property downstream which has been subject to extensive restoration / enhancement works. - Stated that it is important that any planting or enhancement is ‘fit for purpose’ as otherwise can end up with high maintenance and / or replacement costs. - Generally supportive of the proposal, in particular the ‘betterment’ project.

30.11.20 Department of Zoom Key matters / comments: LF sent an email with images from the Conservation (Ray meeting meeting being Watercare Waikato - Main concern around the effects of the intake and Scrimgeour and Paul River water take consent summary, take on fish, eels and small fry – understand that Hardy) Long List Intake location options there is some anecdotal findings that glass eels and drawing, and preferred option intake small fry entrainment occurs on existing structures in drawing. Also requested if DOC could the river primarily at night time. provide any documents on the - Also concerned about the discharge / removal of proposed Tata Valley boat ramp site. weeds and algae from the intake and what effect this may have.

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method - Mentioned that Tata Valley Ltd current had an application with DOC for a boat ramp structure upstream of the Watercare site. - No issue with the reduced volume and allocation limit impacts and the call in process.

30.11.20 Horticulture NZ (Mike Zoom Key matters / comments: LF sent an email with images from the Chapman and Lucy meeting meeting being Watercare Waikato - Lucy and Mike are representatives of the growers of Deverall) River water take consent summary, the area and Watercare should consult growers Long List Intake location options directly also – Mike and Lucy are to arrange a drawing, and preferred option intake meeting in Jan 2021 between Watercare and the drawing. Also restated the position Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association. that Watercare is supportive of - Main concern is related to water availability and who meeting the growers in the new year. should get priority over water use particularly given the requirements for provision for water supply for Specified Vegetable Growing Areas under the NPS FM 2020. - Queried what the impact of the reduction in take will have on the primary and secondary allocation – TB confirmed that all applicants in front of Watercare in the queue will now be below the primary allocation and there may be some additional water available for those behind too. - Mike indicated that Horticulture New Zealand would likely oppose the application.

1-3.12.20 Mercury (Stephen Emails Emails with Stephen to arrange a meeting. 3.12.20 – Meeting set for 9.12.20 Colson)

2.12.20 Fonterra (Ian Teams Key matters / comments: 3.12.20 - LF sent an email of images Goldschmit, Brigid Meeting from the meeting being Watercare - Water allocation and availability for other users – Buckley, Richard Allen, Waikato River water take consent Fonterra were interested in how WSL proposed to Mat Cullen) summary, Long List Intake location free up water for other users in the event that the 150

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method MLD was granted but not being used. WSL stated options drawing, and preferred option they are open to water sharing which is provided for intake drawing, and extend the offer under the WRC framework and which it has benefited for continued engagement. from (HCC take), Fonterra stated they wished to see 4.12.20 – LF provided an email further consideration of short-term water sharing response to two questions asked by provisions on the application; Fonterra following the 2.12.20 - Reduced volume of the WSL take – WSL explained meeting. what this meant for those in the WRC queue; - Impacts on upper catchment groundwater allocation – in the event that the lower Waikato River becomes over-allocated does this then impact upstream GW allocation, if so, this is a concern for Fonterra as it has multiple takes for its factories. WSL response, the application was within the allocable limit. Groundwater effects are anticipated within the regional plan as part of the limit. - Rivers ability to take further ‘contaminant load’ from discharges – WSL explained that the WTP discharges do contain contaminant load and that the take and discharge was actually improving the water quality due to removal of TSS and slug from the water prior to discharge back to the river.

9.12.20 Mercury Energy Zoom Key matters / comments: 3.12.20 - LF sent an email with (Stephen Colson and meeting images from the meeting being - Water allocation and availability for other users – Fraser Graafhuis) Watercare Waikato River water take Mercury questioned who would be addressing the consent summary, Long List Intake matter of primary allocation and availability. location options drawing, and Watercare confirmed that WRC had, in response to a preferred option intake drawing, and direct request, communicated to the EPA that the extended the offer for continued new reduced volume proposed by Watercare was engagement. under the allocable flow for the river and this was inclusive of those in front of Watercare in the WRC queue. Watercare confirmed that it would be WRC,

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method through their Key Issues Report, who would address the allocation matter. - Resilience of the intake structure – Mercury asked what consideration had been given to future proofing the intake structure. Watercare responded saying that resilience was a criterion that was used as part of the location assessment process.

21.1.21 Horticulture NZ and Meeting MB, TB and LF gave a presentation of the application to the Circulate slides and contact details to Pukekohe Vegetable held at Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association. Slides included the Lucy Deverall at Horticulture NZ for Growers Association BNZ historical takes from the river, the current allocation take with circulation to parties. Completed Partners the reduced 150 MLD take, intake location and BOI process 25.1.21. Centre in summary. Pukekohe The meeting gave growers the chance to get an update on the changes to the new application from the 2013 application and ask questions ahead of the application being lodged.

26.1.21 Additional Parties Email / Stakeholder Engagement Letter sent out to parties out No Action identified in the EPA draft post providing an opportunity to meet in person to discuss the notification list (Refer to application. Appendix 2)

26.1.21 DOC – Paul Hardy Email Email received from DOC outlining the proposal on the Email forwarded to Watercare on an received upstream neighbouring property for the boat ramp and river FYI basis access structure. DOC advised that they had not received any correspondence from the applicant for a number of months and think that the project may have been halted by the property owner.

4.2.21 Jason Boggs – Meeting TB and LF met with Jason to discuss the application. No Action. neighbouring landowner in person Information on the proposal was provided and Mr Boggs (Refer to Appendix 2) communicated that he did not have any concerns with respect to the application and as the landowner immediately adjacent

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method to the Waikato WTP access he was interested in having future discussions with Watercare with respect to acquiring additional land. TB said he would pass on this request to Watercare’s property team.

11.3.21 DOC – Paul Hardy Email Email received from DOC requesting information on how TB spoke with Paul at 2.47 for 11 received Watercare collectively manages its water supply sources, minutes. Went over the water supply whether the Waikato take can be switched off if there is system and the conjunctive use contamination in the river, and can high flows be harvested approach. Answered questions on from the river to top up dams. the impact of adding Waikato River water to existing storage lakes, its impact on drinking water grading and the need to build new infrastructure. Off river storage is being explored, with existing open cast mines likely to have contamination issues, which affects drinking water grading and increases cost of treatment. Paul queried Watercare’s position on improving river quality. TB responded with Watercare support for PC1, funding of Waikato Rivercare Trust and retiring forestry land in the Hunua’s. He was content with the response.

Local Board /Councils / Councillors

25.11.20 Hamilton City Council Email / TB called and emailed Andrew Parsons re Stakeholder 26.11.20 – TB arranged a meeting for Phone meeting. 3.12.20 call

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method

3.12.20 Hamilton City Council Teams Key matters / comments: 3.12.20 - LF sent an email with Meeting images from the meeting being - Water allocation and availability of water for Watercare Waikato River water take Hamilton’s municipal supply and growth demand. consent summary, Long List Intake HCC were interested how WSL proposed to free up location options drawing, and water for other users in the event that the 150ML/d preferred option intake drawing, and was granted but not being used. WSL stated they are extend the offer for continued open to water sharing which is provided for under the engagement. WRC framework and which it has benefited from (HCC take). - HCC explained their internal process for providing a position on any application and that the proposal needs to be put to the Councillors. WSL offered to meet with the Councillors if that would be of assistance. WSL also provided some information that would be a helpful summary.

26.1.21 Waikato District Council Email Stakeholder Engagement Letter sent out providing an No Action – Ian Cathcart opportunity to meet in person to discuss the application. (Infrastructure Manager) (Refer to Appendix 2)

Community Groups and recreational users

5.11.20 All community / Email Stakeholder Engagement Letter sent out providing an No Action recreational groups opportunity to meet in person to discuss the application. identified in the Stakeholder Engagement Table (Refer to Appendix 1)

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method

23.11.20 Waikato River Harbour Email Confirmed that, beyond any navigational safety issues, the 25.11.20 – TB confirmed that a Master – Toby Kemp Waikato Regional Council Resource Officer is the appropriate meeting with WRC regulatory team party to consult with. was arranged for 1.12.20 to update them on the revised application.

Part B - Summary of Engagement Following the close of submissions

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method

29.4.21 Director General of Email Provision of invitation to meet with Watercare to discuss the 10.5.21 – LF received email from Conservation C/ - DOC DOC Submission. Stephanie McNicholl providing (Contact person - possible dates for a meeting. LF Stephanie McNicholl) confirmed a meeting for 12.5.21 via Teams.

29.4.21 Federated Farmers Email Provision of invitation to meet with Watercare to discuss the 30.4.21 and 3.5.21 - LF exchanged (Contact Person - Laura Federated Farmers Submission. emails with Laura Jeffries confirming Jeffries) a meeting for 6.5.21 via Teams. On 3 May and 10 May 2021 Watercare representatives and 3.5.21 Hamilton City Council Meetings 10.5.21 – Provision of data to HCC their legal counsel met with representatives of Hamilton CC and and and WDC. and Waipa DC (Andrew Parsons and Shay Thomas) their legal 10.5.21 Waipa District Council counsel, Lachlan Muldowney. (Andrew Parsons, Shay Thomas and Lachlan Matters discussed included the reasons for the Councils’ Muldowney) opposition to the proposal, and their underlying interest in ensuring there is sufficient water available within the allocable flow when their councils’ consents require renewal (including an additional allowance for growth) in the 2040s.

Watercare agreed on 3 May to provide data its hydrologists Tonkin & Taylor had collated from WRC in May 2021 showing

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method that there was still allocable flow available throughout the year, if Watercare’ s application and all other applications lodged with WRC both before and after Watercare’s application were granted. Email exchange with Scott Summerfield to arrange a meeting 6.5.21 Waikato Conservation Emails No Action to discuss the Waikato Conservation Board submission. ,Scott Board (Contact person – said he would discuss with the Board and provide a response Scott Summerfield) when he can. Email exchange with Lucy to arrange a meeting to discuss the 6.5.21, Horticulture New Emails No Action Horticulture New Zealand submission. Meeting set for 24.5.21 11.5.21 Zealand (Contact person and – Lucy Deverall) 14.5.21

6.5.21 Federated Farmers – Teams TB and LF meet with Stephanie to discuss the DOC LF provided a copy of the Pukekohe Laura Jeffries, Alan Cole, Meeting submission. The matters discussed included: Municipal Water Supply – Hilary Walker and Jacqui Groundwater Investigations Report to - Water availability – legacy issues with WRC consent Hahn Laura Jeffries and Alan Cole on processing delays on the dairy industry and their 14.5.21 ability to take water., TB / LF explained how the revised application and the surrender of other applications in the allocation queue has resulted in more water being available across the year. Also discuss how the Regional Plan Variation 6 (RPV6) process may also result in more water availability. Regarding the RPV6 workstream, Federated Farmers expressed a willingness to work with Watercare and other primary river users in any workstreams to support the WRC process. TB confirmed that Watercare would be keen to work with other key river users in this process too. - Other Watercare water sources – Federated Farmers communicated concerns that Watercare was taking up available allocation in other areas, primarily groundwater from the Kaawa Aquifer. TB stated that

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method Watercare has been looking at availability in relation to Watercare’s other supply sources but commitment to abstract has not been confirmed despite the Pukekohe WTP being reconsented (for 5 MLD) as a response to the drought. Watercare expressed a willingness to enter into discussions with other parties if the water is not used. TB said that Watercare was happy to share its groundwater resource investigations with Mr Cole. - Future allocation and flows in the river – Federated Farmers asked if Watercare was interested in agreeing to relinquish ‘renewal’ rights to future waters takes. TB / LF stated that the Waikato River, up to a 300 MLD volume, was part of Watercare’s long-term water supply strategy but it is actively investigating what the next long-term source would be as the population is continuing to grow. LF stated that the existing consent to abstract 150 MLD expires in 2032 and prior to that Watercare will have to prepare a new application for this volume and the application would need to justify the volume applied for. This would require a fulsome application consistent with that which has been prepared for this process. - No outcomes nor agreements were sought from the meeting nor were any proposed. - Watercare restated the offer to meet with Federated Farmers following the lodgement of evidence if there are outstanding matters to be discussed.

6.5.21 Shane Solomon Emails Email exchange with Shane to arrange a meeting to discuss No Action his submission. Meeting set for 12.5.21

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method

12.5.21 DOC – Stephanie Teams TB and LF meet with Stephanie to discuss the DOC LF to provide the Watercare McNicholl Meeting submission. The matters discussed included: infographic and allocation graphs to Stephanie – Done 14.5.21 - TB provided an overview of the Watercare application and how the WTP is operated including a description of how the new application would fit within the current operations. - Each of the five ‘concerns’ with the application identified in Paragraph 5 a-e of the DOC submission were discussed at a high-level and TB / LF communicated that these matters were also discussed within the evidence that Watercare was preparing for lodgement on 21 May. - No outcomes nor agreements were sought from the meeting nor were any proposed. - Watercare restated the offer to meet with DOC following the lodgement of evidence if there are outstanding matters to be discussed.

12.5.21 Shane Solomon Meeting TB, Richard Waiwai and LF meet with Shane to discuss his No Action submission. The matters discussed included: - Shane confirmed his submission was an independent one and not associated with Waikato-Tainui - Shane’s explained his role in the Waikato River Settlement process and his position that the way in which allocation of the river did not align with the Vision and Strategy for the river. Watercare acknowledged the differing views of WRC and Waikato-Tainui and others on the Vision and Strategy and how this was impacted by activities within the catchment. TB/LF described the historical and proposed betterment projects and explained how the enhancement trust would provide a mechanism

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Date Stakeholder Contact Discussion/ Outcome Follow Up Actions Method through which projects could be funded for the wider betterment in line with the holistic view of the Vision and Strategy. What betterment meant in the opinion of Shane was also discussed, including the applicability of research work being undertaken at the Waikato Endowed College. - Shane confirmed that a number of his comments were linked to the Crown’s obligations under the Settlement legislation and the disconnect between the RMA and the legislation. - TB stated that Watercare is available for further meetings following the lodgement of evidence if there are outstanding matters to be discussed.

Appendix 1 – List of Recipients of the Stakeholder Engagement Request Letter

Party Relationship Contact Person Genesis Energy Upstream River Users CEO – Marc England [email protected]

Karen Sky (Group GM Environment) – [email protected] Mercury Energy Upstream River user Vince Hawksworth – CEO – (previously Mighty [email protected] River Power) Fonterra Upstream River Users related to processing plant activities Miles Hurrell – CEO – [email protected] Winstone River operations in the vicinity of the intake and downstream take Dave Welsh – General Manager – Aggregates within 2kms - three authorisations that allow it to take up to 5,270 m3 [email protected] per day for mining/quarry purposes

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Party Relationship Contact Person Glenbrook Steel Mill Downstream Water User Gretta Stephens (CEO for NZ Steel and Pacific (NZ Steel) Islands at Bluescope Steel Ltd) – [email protected] Horticulture NZ Water users up and downstream Mike Chapman – CEO - [email protected] Federated Farmers Users up and downstream Jacqui Hahn (Waikato President) - [email protected] Fish and Game Trout and introduced species within the River Ben Wilson – Auckland / Waikato Region CEO - [email protected]

Department of river ecology, river concessions and whitebaiting Hamilton Office [email protected] Conservation Forest and Bird General environmental protection Waikato Office - [email protected] Watercare General environmental protection Paul Walbran – Chair - [email protected] Environmental Advisory Group Waikato River Responsible for Water and Navigational safety on the river Toby Kemp 021 705 642 - Harbour Master [email protected] DairyNZ Users up and downstream CEO – Tim Mackie - [email protected]

Wilma Foster Waikato Area - https://www.dairynz.co.nz/contact-us/regional- teams/ Waikato RiverCare Non-profit Trust care group focusing on the Lower Waikato Current chair Michelle Archer Group ([email protected])

Operations manager Kevin Hutchinson ([email protected]) Mercer Rowing Club Upstream River User David Waters (President) - https://www.sporty.co.nz/mercerrowing/contact

Counties Manukau Upstream River User Rob Foster (President) - Rowing Club https://www.sporty.co.nz/cmrowing/Committee- Contacts

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Party Relationship Contact Person Elbow Waterski Downstream River User – Port Waikato Gina McGlade (Secretary) - Club https://www.sporty.co.nz/elbowwaterskiclub Port Waikato Yacht Downstream River User [email protected] and Motor Boat Club Hira Bhana & Co Downstream take within 2kms - one authorisation that allows it to Hira Bhana & Co Ltd, 71 Tuakau Road, Pukekohe Limited take up to 1,120 m3 per day for horticulture/market gardening 2120, Auckland, NZ purposes Phone: 09 238 7242 Email: [email protected] Wai Shing Ltd Downstream take within 5km - two authorisations (across three sites) WAI SHING LIMITED that allow it to take up to 2,880 m3 per day for horticulture/market 194 Patumahoe Road gardening purposes Rd 3 Pukekohe, AUCKLAND, 2678 New Zealand +64-9-2363708 Mob: +64-29-2944896

Email: [email protected] Tuakau Proteins Ltd Downstream take within 5 km - one authorisation that allows it to take Phil Hocquard (Director – Commercial Manager) from up to 1,000 m3 per day for industry (food processing) purposes Lowe Corporation - Phil W. Hocquard Envirofert Ltd Downstream take within 5kms - one authorisation that allows it to Alan Copsey - General Manager take up to 421 m3 per day for horticulture/market gardening purposes Email: [email protected]

Annexure A - Watercare – Waikato River Take – Engagement and Consultation Summary

Appendix 2 – Additional Parties Contacted Following the EPA Draft Notification List Party Relationship Contact Person Fastco Trustees Owner of SA70D/856 (Across the river to the SE) 342 Mercer Ferry Rd, RD 1 Tuakau 2696 Limited, C/ - Nicholas John Buxeda New Zealand Health Owner of Lot 402386 (Immediate site to the east) Site Address - 42B Pokeno Rd, Pokeno Food Park Limited C/ Qing Ye Address for service – 291 East Tamaki Rd, Otara, Auckland 2013 Jessica Jane Owner of Lot 463778 (Across the river to the south) No contact details available Carlton Timmins, William Cameron Timmins Mt Beasley Holdings Owner of Lot 549470 (immediately to the north) 89 Trig Rd, Tuakau 2694 - Ltd C/ - Jason Boggs [email protected]

Waikato District Upstream Regulatory Authority Ian Cathcart, Special Infrastructure Projects Manager Council - [email protected]

From: Tanvir Bhamji, Headwork Consents Manager

Subject: Waikato River Water Take Refresh Application – Stakeholder Summary Sheet

MEMORANDUM Date: 25th November 2020

Watercare Services Limited (“Watercare”) is a lifeline utility providing water and wastewater services to a population of 1.7 million people in Auckland. Its services are vital for life, keep people safe and help communities to flourish. More specifically, Watercare is the council-controlled organisation of Auckland Council responsible for municipal water supply within Auckland, and the provider of bulk water supply services to Pokeno and Tuakau in the Waikato District1.

As at November 2020, Watercare supplies approximately 440,000 cubic metres of water per day (“m3/day”) on average across the year, derived from a range of sources and treated to the Ministry of Health Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand 2005 (revised 2018).

Watercare’s three main water supply sources are:2

• Water storage lakes in the Hūnua and Waitākere ranges; • A groundwater aquifer in Onehunga; and • The Waikato River.

The exact proportion supplied from each source varies daily, depending on a range of factors including the levels in the storage lakes, forecast rainfall, treatment plant capacity, and maintenance requirements.

In December 2013, Watercare applied to the Waikato Regional Council (“WRC”) for resource consents to authorise abstracting an additional 200,000 m3/day of water from the Waikato River, a new water intake structure and discharges from a new water treatment plant. Since that time, Watercare’s water take application (and the associated applications) have been on hold while the WRC processes and determines other applications to take water from the Waikato River Catchment that were lodged before Watercare’s application.

During the period from late 2019 through to mid-2020, the Auckland region experienced one of the most extreme drought events in modern times with rainfall for the period between January and May 2020 being approximately 30% of what would normally be expected for that period. At Watercare’s

1 Under a bulk supply agreement with Waikato District. 2 Watercare also operates individual water supplies from various sources including groundwater and surface water for several other communities such as Muriwai, Algies Bay, Snells Beach, Bombay, Waiuku, Warkworth, Helensville and Wellsford.

recommendation, in May 2020 Auckland Council imposed water use restrictions in Auckland for the first time since the early 1990s. Watercare also took additional steps to improve security of supply during the drought by exercising emergency powers under section 330 of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA),3 and by re-establishing supply from previously decommissioned sources.4

While the above steps have been taken to ensure Auckland’s short-term water supply requirements are met, the focus has now turned to the future. Watercare focus remains planning for water demand over the long term by securing sustainably sourced water to achieve:

• Certainty of supply in up to a 1:100-year drought with 15% residual dam storage; and

• Certainty of supply to meet the peak demand.

On 30 June 2020, after considering advice provided by the Environmental Protection Authority, the Minister for Environment issued a direction under section 142(2) of the RMA to call in Watercare’s 2013 application and refer the matter to a Board of Inquiry to determine the application. The Minister direction recognised Watercare’s application as a proposal of national significance.

Given the passage of time since the 2013 application was lodged, Watercare has updated the application to address a range of matters including updates to population and demand assessments, changes to the policy framework within which the application is to be considered, consultation that has taken place, reassessment of potential water supply sources and intake options, and updated assessments of environmental effects including the effect that granting Watercare’s application would have on the allocation available to other users. The updated application will be heard by the Board of Inquiry.

The most significant revision to the 2013 application, resulting directly from Watercare’s ongoing engagement with Waikato-Tainui is a reduction in the volume of the proposed water take from 200,000 m3/day to 150,000 m3/day. This reduction reflects Waikato-Tainui’s special relationship with the Waikato River as outlined in the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Act 2010. It recognises Waikato-Tainui’s relationship with the Waikato River and its respect for the River lies at the heart of Waikato-Tainui’s spiritual and physical wellbeing, tribal identity and culture.

Watercare currently holds three resource consents authorising the abstraction of water from the Waikato River adjacent to the Waikato Water Treatment Plant (“Waikato WTP”) near Tuakau as follows: a) Resource consent 960089.01.04 authorising a net take rate of up to 150,000 m3/day at any time of the year.

3 Reduced environmental flows from the Waitakere, Wairoa and Cosseys Storage Lakes, and a short term take from the Waikato River. 4 Groundwater bores at Pukekohe and the Hays Creek Storage Lake in Papakura.

b) Resource consent 141825.01.01 (referred to as the “Seasonal Water Take” consent) authorising a net take rate of up to:

i) 100,000 m3/day during the period 1 May to 30 September (inclusive); and

ii) 100,000 m3/day during the period 1 October to 30 April (inclusive) when the 7- day rolling average flow of the Waikato River at Rangiriri exceeds 330.03 m3/second. c) Resource consent 142090.01.01 (referred to as the “Hamilton City Council Water Allocation” consent), authorising a net take rate of up to 25,000 m3/day (or such lesser volume as determined by Hamilton City Council as being available for any given day) during the period 1 October to 30 April (inclusive). This is a short-term consent till 1 May 2023.

In the event that the consent sought through the Board of Inquiry process is granted for the volume sought, Watercare proposes that resource consents 141825.01.01 and 142090.01.01 would be surrendered. Watercare’s combined take from the Waikato River under its existing resource consent 960089.01.04, and the new water take consent sought through the Board of Inquiry would not exceed a year round take volume of 300,000 m3/day. d) Resource consent 141825.01.01 (referred to as the “Seasonal Water Take” consent) authorising a net take rate of up to:

i) 100,000 m3/day during the period 1 May to 30 September (inclusive); and

ii) 100,000 m3/day during the period 1 October to 30 April (inclusive) when the 7- day rolling average flow of the Waikato River at Rangiriri exceeds 330.03 m3/second. e) Resource consent 142090.01.01 (referred to as the “Hamilton City Council Water Allocation” consent), authorising a net take rate of up to 25,000 m3/day (or such lesser volume as determined by Hamilton City Council as being available for any given day) during the period 1 October to 30 April (inclusive). This is a short-term consent till 1 May 2023.