Meeting of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council Maori Committee

 

Date:                 Wednesday 11 August 2021

Time:                10.00am

Venue:

Council Chamber

Hawke's Bay Regional Council

159 Dalton Street

NAPIER

 

Agenda

 

Item        Title                                                                                                                            Page

 

1.         Welcome/Karakia/Notices/Apologies

2.         Conflict of Interest Declarations

3.         Alternate Members for 11 August 2021 Meeting                                                          3

4.         Confirmation of Minutes of the Maori Committee held on 9 June 2021

5.         Take Ripoata ā Takiwā – Taiwhenua Representatives' Updates                                 5

6.         HBRC Chair and Chief Executive's Verbal Updates on Current Issues

7.         Follow-ups from Previous Māori Committee Meetings                                               15

8.         Call for Minor Items Not on the Agenda                                                                      23

Decision Items

9.         Constituency Options for HBRC for Representation Review                                     25

Information or Performance Monitoring

10.       Water Security Programme Update                                                                            29

11.       Tangaroa Tohu Mana Tangaroa Tohu Mauri – Marine Cultural Health Programme

12.       Outstanding Water Bodies Plan Change:  Overview of Decisions                             41

13.       July 2021 Statutory Advocacy Update                                                                        45

14.       Significant Organisational Activities Looking Forward through August 2021             51

15.       Reports from Regional Council and Committee Meetings                                         55

16.       Discussion of Minor Items not on the Agenda                                                            57

Parking

1.       Free 2-hour on-road parking is available on Vautier Street adjacent to the HBRC Building & on Raffles Street.

2.       There is free all day parking further afield – on Munroe Street or Hastings Street by Briscoes.

3.       There are limited parking spaces (3) for visitors in the HBRC car park – entry off Vautier Street – it would be appropriate that the “visitors” parks be available for the members travelling distances from Wairoa and CHB.

4.       If you do pay for parking elsewhere, please provide your receipt to the Receptionist for reimbursement – or include with your expenses claim for the meeting.

NB:      Any carparks that have yellow markings are NOT to be parked in please.


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject: Alternate Members for 11 August 2021 Meeting

 

Reason for Report

1.     The Māori Committee Terms of Reference makes allowance for short term replacements (proxy) to be appointed to the Committee where the usual member/s cannot attend.

 

 

Recommendation

1.   That Māori Committee  be appointed as member/s of the Māori Committee of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council for the meeting of Wednesday, 11 August 2021 as short term replacements(s) on the Committee for _________.

 

Authored by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

 

Approved by:

James Palmer

Chief Executive

 

 

 


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject:    Take Ripoata ā Takiwā – Taiwhenua Representatives' Updates

 

Reason for Report

1.      This item provides the opportunity for representatives of the four Taiwhenua (Te Whanganui-a-Orotū, Tamatea, Wairoa/Kahungunu Executive and Heretaunga) to raise current issues of interest in their rohe for discussion as per the reports attached.

Decision Making Process

2.      Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision-making provisions do not apply.

 

Recommendation

That the Māori Committee receives and notes the Take Ripoata ā Takiwā – Taiwhenua reports”.

 

Authored by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

 

Approved by:

Pieri Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

 

 

Attachment/s

1

Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea report - Dr Roger Maaka

 

 

2

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga report - Marei Apatu

 

 

3

Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotū report - Peter Eden

 

 

  


Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea report - Dr Roger Maaka

Attachment 1

 

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Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga report - Marei Apatu

Attachment 2

 

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Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotū report - Peter Eden.pdf

Attachment 3

 

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HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject: Follow-ups from Previous Māori Committee Meetings

 

Reason for Report

1.      Attachment 1 lists items raised at previous meetings that require follow-up, who is responsible, when it is expected to be completed and a brief status comment. Once the items have been reported to the Committee they will be removed from the list.

Decision Making Process

2.      Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision making provisions do not apply.

 

Recommendation

That the Māori Committee receives and notes the “Follow-up Items from Previous Meetings” staff report.

 

Authored by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

 

Approved by:

James Palmer

Chief Executive

 

 

Attachment/s

1

Follow-ups for August 2021 Maori Committee

 

 

  


Follow-ups for August 2021 Maori Committee

Attachment 1

 

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HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject: Call for Minor Items Not on the Agenda

 

Reason for Report

1.    This item provides the means for committee members to raise minor matters they wish to bring to the attention of the meeting.

2.    Hawke’s Bay Regional Council standing order 9.13 states:

2.1        A meeting may discuss an item that is not on the agenda only if it is a minor matter relating to the general business of the meeting and the Chairperson explains at the beginning of the public part of the meeting that the item will be discussed. However, the meeting may not make a resolution, decision, or recommendation about the item, except to refer it to a subsequent meeting for further discussion.

Recommendation

That the Māori Committee accepts the following “Minor Items Not on the Agenda” for discussion as Item 16:

 

Topic

Raised by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authored by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

 

Approved by:

James Palmer

Chief Executive

 

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.  


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject: Constituency Options for HBRC for Representation Review

Reason for Report

1.      This item seeks the Committee’s recommendation to the Regional Council on whether one or two Māori constituencies is preferred for the representation arrangements for the 2022 and 2025 local elections.

Officers’ Recommendation

2.      Council officers recommend that the Māori Committee considers the options provided in order to input into Council’s process for deciding the total number of councillors and constituencies that will form the basis for elections in 2022 and 2025.

3.      To that end, staff would appreciate the Committee providing guidance and/or feedback on any preference or opposition to the proposed options for:

3.1.      One or two Māori constituencies

3.2.      Suggested constituency names.

Executive Summary

4.      The options for Māori constituencies (whether there is one or two and what the boundaries might be) is a key consideration for Council’s Representation Review, as a result of Council’s 19 May decision.

5.      Under the Local Electoral Act there are two main requirements that determine the viability of options for the Māori constituencies, being:

5.1.      Population – fair and effective representation, where each councillor represents the same number of people within +/-10%

5.2.      Boundaries – practicality of constituency boundaries coinciding with territorial authority or ward boundaries.

6.      If there is to be more than one Māori constituency, the option that Council staff have prepared is for a North/South geographical split.

7.      For the whole the Representation Review, the Governance Team has developed options for consideration of:

7.1.      The total number of councillors

7.2.      The General and Māori constituencies and their boundaries.

Options

8.      Options to be presented to Council for consideration of the total number of councillors will include:

8.1.      Retain total of 9, comprised of 7 representatives elected from 5 General constituencies and 2 representatives elected from either 1 or 2 Māori constituencies

8.2.      Increase the total number of councillors to 11, comprised of 9 representatives elected from 5 General constituencies and 2 representatives elected from either 1 or 2 Māori constituencies.

9.      The options staff will present to Council in relation to Māori representation are either:

9.1.      One ‘whole of region’ constituency for the election of 2 representatives

9.2.      Two constituencies with a north/south boundary split according to population meshblocks, for the election of 1 representative for each.

10.    The options staff intend to present to Council in relation to General constituencies (for both 7.1 and 7.2 above) are:

10.1.    Retention of the ‘current’ 5 constituencies and their boundaries, as previously determined to represent the communities of interest for the Region

10.2.    Retention of the current Hastings, Napier and Central Hawke’s Bay constituencies, and shifting the boundary between Ngaruroro and Wairoa constituencies southward to delineate a smaller Ngaruroro and an extended Wairoa constituency as a means of increasing the General Electoral Population of the “Wairoa” constituency closer to the average per representative.

11.    In addition to boundaries and populations, staff and councillors have also given some initial thought to changing the General Constituency names to:

11.1.    Ahuriri-Napier

11.2.    Tamatea Central Hawke’s Bay

11.3.    Heretaunga-Hastings

11.4.    Mohaka-Wairoa.

Process Timelines

12.    To meet the statutory timeframes, the timelines for decision making are provided in the following table, with Council/Committee dates highlighted.

Milestone

Date

Description

1.   Corporate & Strategic Committee meeting

18 August 2021

Present options for recommendation to Regional Council

2.   Regional Council

25 August 2021

Council selects and resolves preferred option as Initial Proposal for public notification

3.   Public Notice

1 September 2021

Public notification of Council’s initial proposal and submissions open

4.   Submissions Close

8am, Monday 4 October 2021

Close of submissions on Council’s Initial Proposal

5.   Extraordinary Regional Council meeting

13 October 2021

Council to consider/hear submissions within 6 weeks of submissions closing

6.   Regional Council meeting

27 October 2021

Final Proposal as amended from submissions hearings if appropriate to be Resolved

7.   Public Notice of Final Proposal

30 October 2021

Public notification of Council’s Final proposed representation arrangements

8.   Appeals/Objections period

30 November 2021

Period of 1 month allowed for appeals and objections to Council’s final proposal

9.   Regional Council meeting

15 December 2021

If no Appeals/Objections received, Council confirms proposed representation arrangements as Final

10. Lodge Final Proposal with LGC

17 December 2021

Staff forward all documentation, including any Appeals/Objections, to LGC for final Determination

11. LGC Determination

By 15 Jan 2022

LGC to advise Determination to

 


 

Decision Making Process

13.    Council and its committees are required to make every decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements in relation to this item and have concluded:

13.1.    This decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset, nor is it inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

13.2.    The use of the special consultative procedure is not prescribed by legislation.

13.3.    The decision on how to carry out pre-engagement is not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy.

13.4.    The persons directly affected by this decision are residents of Māori descent in the Hawke’s Bay region.

13.5.    Given the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by, or have an interest in the decisions made, Council can exercise its discretion and make a decision without consulting directly

Recommendations

That the Māori Committee:

1.      Receives and considers the “Tangata Whenua Pre-engagement for the HBRC Representation Review” staff report.

2.      Agrees that this decision specifically is not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy, however feeds into a significant decision about Hawke’s Bay Regional Council representation arrangements for Māori constituencies to be determined in accordance with the Local Electoral Act provisions.

3.      Agrees to the Tangata Whenua Pre-engagement Plan as proposed.

OR

4.      Agrees to the Tangata Whenua Pre-engagement Plan as amended to incorporate:

4.1.     

 

Authored by:

Leeanne Hooper

Team Leader Governance

Te Wairama Munro

Maori Engagement Coordinator

Approved by:

Pieri Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

James Palmer

Chief Executive

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.  


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject: Water Security Programme Update

 

Reason for Report

1.      This report provides an update on the HBRC Provincial Growth Fund Regional Water Security Programme.

Introduction and Executive Summary

2.      Council’s significant role and responsibility in relation to the region’s freshwater resource operates over a complex range of domains, including time. The work of the Regional Water Security Programme is firmly embedded in the longer-term time horizon and is particularly relevant to HBRC’s contribution to regional adaptation to climate change. Such is the importance of freshwater to the environment, iwi, the broader community and the economy, certainty of freshwater supply arguably represents HBRC’s most important area of impact on the long-term wellbeing of the community.

3.      The Regional Freshwater Security programme is a discrete work stream which forms a subset of Council’s wider freshwater responsibilities and work streams, including freshwater quality initiatives that bridge both instream and land-based activities, allocation and enforcement regimes, continuous improvement in the region’s regulatory framework (e.g. implementing the NPSFM), and the establishment and execution of key non regulatory interventions that will deliver multi-value outcomes (e.g. the Erosion Control Scheme). In total, the focus on freshwater occupies a significant proportion of HBRC’s overall resourcing and activity.

4.      The programme is capital funded with $5m through the current Long Term Plan and guided by the Freshwater Security Scheme Policy approved by Council in March 2019. Council has also secured approx.  $6.0m co-funding from the Provincial Growth Fund to support and accelerate the delivery of the programme’s objectives:

4.1.      the completion and delivery of the Regional Water Assessment

4.2.      the conclusion of full feasibility on above-ground water storage option(s)/solution(s) for long term Heretaunga water security

4.3.      the conclusion of a pilot trail of below-ground water storage option(s)/solution(s) for improving Tukituki water security.

Regional Freshwater Security Programme – Why?

5.      In 2010 Stephen Solomon, author of “Water – The epic struggle for wealth, power and civilization” wrote:

Every era has been shaped by its response to the great water challenge of its time. And so it is unfolding – on an epic scale – today.”

6.      Climate change will impact our freshwater systems in many ways and a transition to more extreme drought-flooding hydrological patterns could have profound consequences for freshwater ecosystems, and severe social and economic impacts. The effects of higher temperatures, declining precipitation and more frequent extremes will have implications not only for land and water management, but also community resilience and well-being A 2016 study conducted by NIWA concluded that Hawke’s Bay rivers are likely to experience New Zealand’s largest decrease in average flow by 2090.

7.      That HBRC is tasked with a high level of responsibility for meeting this challenge in the region and is reflected in the significance of its resourcing dedicated to improving freshwater quality and quantity, which is in turn driven by its statutory obligations under legislation, national direction and regulation. A qualitative analysis of the Strategic Plan demonstrates that over 50% of the organisations 23 Strategic Goals are directly linked to freshwater objectives. A similar exercise for the Long Term Plan identifies approximately 35% of HBRC’s 48 core function Level of Service Measures as contributing to and resourcing improved freshwater outcomes.

8.      This effort represents a core public-good function of this organisation and one which the ratepayers of this region rightly expect local government to provide. Measuring the objective impact of Council’s provisions of public goods is difficult and, in this instance, presents the challenge of quantifying the value of loss avoidance as opposed to value of wealth creation. Whereas economic development traditionally focusses on economic growth in absolute terms, ensuring that the region’s freshwater supply provides for both the environment’s needs and the broader community’s will ensure the region avoids both the costs and opportunity costs of mismanagement of our freshwater resource.

9.      The impacts of failing to avoid a water-scarce future should not be underestimated. The summer of 2019-20 has witnessed multiple local and regional authorities having to grapple with acute and unexpected water deficits. Independent economic analysis completed for the TANK plan change demonstrated that the impacts of even relatively modest alterations to the reliability of water takes from the Ngaruroro River translated to negative GDP impacts in approaching $100m per annum. Furthermore it was found through social and cultural assessment that poorer communities were likely to disproportionality bear the impact of lower water security. In this regard, sensible and sustainable management of our freshwater supply delivers long term benefits in an order of magnitude over and above other economic development and growth initiatives. A key part of the “Why” of this work will be captured in supporting analysis that will be provided to decision makers that will assess the economic and social impacts of inaction, or the ‘do nothing’ scenario.

10.    The potential impacts of lower water security are increasingly coming into focus at a time when the demands for water security are only escalating. The 2018 census revealed that Hawke’s population increased at the rate of 10% over 5 years, the highest rate of increase in the lower North Island. This growth likely reflects the buoyant economic growth the region is experiencing with Hawke’s Bay annual GDP growth last year outstripping the national average. These statistics reflect the activity within the region including residential and commercial property growth, horticultural expansion on both the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha plains and the significant transport infrastructure investments completed in recent years to manage the movement of people and goods. The Port of Napier’s capital requirements for Wharf 6 were a driver behind its successful listing by this Council.

11.    The main focus of the Tukituki and Heretaunga projects is the investigation of water storage to carry winter water surpluses through to periods of summer deficit. However, regional freshwater security will not be achieved through storage alone. Our freshwater plan changes will continue to reinforce the hierarchy mandated under a Te Mana o Te Wai framework to make more water available for the environment and communities through tighter allocation regimes as well as requirements for conservation and efficient use by all water users. Accordingly, this programme of work should be viewed as one of a matrix of interventions by HBRC to deliver a more certain freshwater future.

12.    With these factors in mind, this programme of work may be criticized for a lack of ambition by some who believe that our focus should be on larger scale storage solutions that solve for the environment, for growth and for future-proofing our communities all at once.  The primary, but not sole, focus of this programme is to identify solutions, in the Tukituki and Heretaunga catchments, that seek to offset the collective environmental impact of our current use of water, and to recover the cost of this offset from water users as the price to pay for continuing to access existing reliability of supply (or reliability standards set down in a regional plan change). Apart from relatively small “growth” water opportunities the first objective is to find water for the purpose of environmental flows other than by way of radical and disrupting reductions in exiting water allocations. That is not to say that through the options analysis pathways ahead decision makers will not have opportunities to consider or direct a focus on storage options that can deliver on both environmental and growth objective (and in this regard it is further worth noting that in the Heretaunga Catchment the need to future-proof municipal and industrial water security will be equally as important as the issue of irrigation water security).

13.    Policies guiding the funding of this programme (see next section) overtly refer to the requirement for Māori social and economic wellbeing to be addressed through the delivery of the programme.  The proposals are consistent with the Crown’s and Local Government’s treaty partner obligations and that the programme provides concise, prioritised and specific opportunities to participate and benefit from individual projects.  Identifying and developing solutions for undeveloped Māori owned land, or creating a pathway to take advantage of the TANK proposal to set aside an iwi-allocation of high-flow water on the Ngaruroro River are two such examples of opportunities that might be advanced through these projects, over and above the environmental objectives that will be on interest to tangata whenua and the wider community.

Regional Freshwater Security Programme – What?

14.    The 2018-28 LTP proposed the establishment of a $5m fund to be available for water augmentation, not fixed to any particular programme but available for technical investigation and feasibility.

15.    In late 2018 a guidance policy in respect of this funding was developed and the Freshwater Security Scheme Policy was adopted by Council in March 2019. The policy states:

“Through experience and engagement, the Regional Council understands the region is demanding an integrated and holistic set of freshwater solutions. The Programme is part of a multi-layered approach to identifying and supporting the development of water management solutions that maximise the benefits of water available for users today, without compromising current and future ecosystem health or the ability of people to meet their needs in the future. Two concurrent work streams will set an evidence-based platform for community engagement and investigate opportunities for water security and reliability through conservation, efficiency or storage.”

16.    The policy proposed the $5m be allocated between a technical investigation of the entire region’s long term freshwater supply and demand balance and a ‘ready reaction fund’ to enable targeted investment for further investigation into and support for specific initiatives. It was intended that the ready reaction fund be used where the Council has completed issues and objectives assessments with the community, such as the Tukituki and TANK catchments. These projects are described in greater detail in the next section.

17.    Concurrently with the development of the Freshwater Security Scheme Policy the coalition government launched the Provincial Growth Fund, including a specific funding pool allocated to support water storage.  The objectives of PGF investment are to:

17.1.    strengthen regional economies by shifting to higher value sustainable land uses

17.2.    address disparities in Māori access to water for land development

17.3.    support micro to medium-scale water storage projects that strengthen regional partnerships and provide wider public benefits

17.4.    support land use that does not increase - and ideally reverses – negative impacts on water quality and maintains and improves the health of waterways.

18.    In meeting these objectives, PGF investment will also consider how investment can:

18.1.    contribute to a transition to a low emissions economy and/or

18.2.    contribute to building community resilience to climate change

18.3.    provide an incentive to change land use that risks degrading the environment to high value more sustainable uses.

19.    In early 2019 staff made a suite of applications to the PGF with a view to leveraging HBRC’s Freshwater Security Scheme funding. The specifics of the PGF applications mostly mirrored what was originally proposed under the Freshwater Security Programme projects but with allowances for better alignment with the PGF’s objectives.

20.    The four projects encapsulated under the Freshwater Security Programme are depicted in Diagram 1 including a breakdown of the primary funding sources and where this budget resides within the Council.

Diagram 1 – Freshwater Security Programme composition and funding sources

21.    Note that the 3D Aquifer Mapping project which secured PGF funding as a part of the application package is in fact a HBRC science project promoted and managed by the Integrated Catchment Management group. HBRC’s co-funding share sits in ICM budgets and is not sourced from the $5m sitting within the Freshwater Security Programme.

22.    The 3D Aquifer Mapping project uses the airborne electromagnetic technology developed by SkyTEM that provides imagery of our sub surface to depths of approximately 300m. It will provide a detailed coverage horizontally and to depths we haven’t seen before. The data captured through this project will significantly enhance our understanding of the region’s key aquifer systems in the Heretaunga, Ruataniwha and Poukawa/Otane Basins and provide information critical for effectively managing our freshwater resources in the future. The aerial operation was recently completed within budget and ahead of schedule.  Now follows a two and half year comprehensive science work programme to process, analyse, interpret the data and develop (or enhance) select models.

Project Updates

Central Hawke’s Bay Managed Aquifer Recharge Pilot

29.    Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) seeks to mimic the natural recharge processes by purposefully replenishing both shallow and deeper aquifer systems in the winter period with the objective of promoting more resilience in both systems in the drier summer months.

30.    The primary purpose of the 2-3 year trial is to understand the impacts and effects of the processes of MAR, and as such much of the effort will focus on the water monitoring and testing regime that is established as part of the pilot. Only once the full effects of the trail are known will we be in a position to consider the use of MAR as a longer term solution for this community.

31.    A detailed review of the physical setting of the Ruataniwha Basin relative to the use of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) for groundwater management was completed to identify the most prospective areas for a MAR pilot site. The assessment focused on the two primary recharge objectives:

31.1.    infiltration to recharge the shallower parts of the groundwater system, and

31.2.    injection and recovery to recharge deeper parts of the groundwater system.

A mapping tool was developed through this analysis with the optimal recharge areas defined.

32.    Site reconnaissance and analysis was undertaken to identify potential sites with subsequent landowner discussions to arrive at a shortlist of promising sites for the pilot. Following technical analysis of the three shortlisted sites, the options were evaluated and a preferred site for the pilot was selected.

33.    The preferred site is off Makaroro Road east of Highway 50 on the northern side of the Waipawa River and captures high flow water from shallow aquifer beneath the Waipawa River that is then conveyed approximately 2.5km’s via underground pipe across three properties to the MAR site on the fourth property (King).

34.    The final site selection criteria addressed the following factors:

34.1.    Science Objectives – suitability of site based on a technical analysis of the key hydrological and hydrogeological factors determining the potential effectiveness of the site to deliver the recharge benefits to both shallow and deeper groundwater systems. This factor carried the highest weighting

34.2.    Land Access:

34.2.1.   Number of landowners

34.2.2.   Attitude, disposition of landowners to support

34.3.    Public Accessibility to observe trail operation

34.4.    Costs - Conveyance, road crossings, power access, fencing, piping, etc.

34.5.    Lease agreements

34.6.    Potential Beneficial water uses

34.7.    Life after ‘trial’ options

34.8.    Community pressures/opportunities.

Site Validation/Preliminary designs

35.    With a preferred site identified the project team have focussed efforts on bedding in arrangements with landowners, developing concept designs for the site and undertaking onsite technical trials to validate and ground truth the technical analysis and expected effects.

36.    The concept for the MAR pilot on the preferred property takes high flow water (from the defined allocation) from beneath the Waipawa River, by way of an offtake gallery, conveys this water via an underground pipeline and then discharges into a series of shallow infiltration ponds (including a small, constructed wetland to manage water quality). A portion of this water is then drawn via an infiltration gallery beneath the surface of the first pond (ensuring it has gone through multiple infiltration and cleansing steps) is then injected down the ASR bore into the deeper groundwater system.

37.    In conjunction with the onsite investigations considerable effort has gone into engaging and working with neighbouring landowners to discuss the project, expected impacts and benefits and understand what infrastructure, by way of bores, exist that can be used as part pf the pilots extensive monitoring plan. This has opened further opportunities to look at a Cultural health monitoring programme if this is supported and desired by mana whenua. 

38.    The monitoring frameworks are a key component for consenting and will be a key factor during the pilot to ensure the extent of the pilot’s impacts can be robustly and regularly verified.

Consent Process

39.    Our consenting strategy has been to split the application into two packages with the first package lodged as soon as we had the site information.

40.    Package 1 relates to the water take and use and considered the strategic parts of the pilot critical to secure before progressing the preliminary level design. This application was accepted for processing by HBRC on 14 May which has in turn secured access to the high-flow allocation from the Waipawa river necessary to undertake the pilot. Under s91 it is on hold awaiting the lodgement of Package 2 consent. 

41.    Package 2 provides for the MAR scheme infrastructure and activities associated with their construction and use, as well as the proposed abstraction and use of groundwater. This work is well underway and involves complex planning and assessment. Whilst these workstreams are expected to be completed in mid-August providing the evidence base for Package 2 the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) is expected to delay lodgement until, at a minimum, the end of September 2021. 

Mana whenua engagement

42.    A key part of the consenting process relies on mana whenua engagement and the completing of a cultural impact assessment (CIA). On September 15, 2020 we met with representatives of Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea to go over the project and seek guidance on local engagement. Following subsequent discussions, the Taiwhenua sought expressions of interest from its members in working with the project team:

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) as part of their water security strategy for Tamatea and Heretaunga are engaging in a trial for the Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR).  The trial site is on the boundary of Phil King and Andrew Robertson’s properties off Tikokino Road.  They would like to have Tangata whenua input in setting up and conducting this trial.  Are there any volunteers who are willing to participate?  If so, leave your name at the office, if we do not have anyone able to do this I will just inform them to carry on with their project.”

43.    In March we were grateful to receive the names of two individuals that could support the development of a CIA, however, both had to subsequently withdraw due to unforeseen commitments. Fortunately, a replacement has stepped forward and met with the project team in May for a briefing. On recommendation, it has been agreed that the approach will be to engage directly with the relevant marae and seek to hold a series of hui with mana whenua to discuss the project and seek their input and feedback. This will help inform the content of the CIA along with engage directly with mana whenua. The first step taken was on 5th July when the team presented to the Taiwhenua board at their monthly meeting.

44.    We will be unable to complete the consent process until this engagement has been concluded, which we currently anticipate being at the earliest late September (or potentially nearer to the end of the year depending on when marae meetings are scheduled).

Irrigation Field Trail

45.    Because the pilot will involve the recovery of water previously injected into the aquifer to test and verify the effectiveness of MAR, the project team has been considering how best to use any recovered water in a way that meets other important council objectives, for example – demonstrating best practice irrigation management, trailing innovative technology, investigation of new crops that better serve environmental and water conservation outcomes.  It was felt that this presented an opportunity for HBRC to explore partnership opportunities with other interested organisations. As a result, exploratory discussions were held with Waterforce, Ravensdown and the Future farming Trust.

46.    Two locations are potential options to deliver the irrigation trial and offer different advantages and disadvantages. Key factors that will influence the decision as to which property to conduct the trial include cost effectiveness, advancements in water efficiency, management flexibility and ability to demonstrate both sustainable and profitable land use.

47.    Funding options (and potential partnerships) continue to be explored. The outcome of this may impact on the location utilised. 

48.    We remain optimistic that the MAR Pilot, primarily a science trial seeking environmental benefits, is largely supported and has the potential to broaden the options for water security to the CHB community.

Heretaunga Water Storage Investigations

Upper Catchment Investigations –

49.    As a result of securing PGF funding, HBRC has been able to actively investigate whether water storage solutions can or could form a part of a wider set of solutions for long-term water security for the Herataunga Catchments. In the event that viable options are identified a separate process of decision making and consultation would be necessary before any infrastructure could be progressed beyond feasibility investigations.

50.    In 2020 Council provided the project team with a directive to identify potential site(s) that provides a storage volume sufficient to maintain environmental outcomes for future climatic conditions and provide additional supply to meet the foreseeable needs of future generations. In addition to the Council’s guidelines, the project team have also incorporated the Provincial Growth Fund’s investment principles into their evaluation criteria (see Para 17 above).

51.    Following a competitive procurement process, the engineering consultancy Tonkin and Taylor were engaged to undertake a pre-feasibility assessment of multiple sites that either individually or collectively fulfilled these criteria. A final phase of geotechnical investigations is underway with the results expected in three to four months. Staff will then assess the technical investigations and report to Council on their findings and recommendations, in particular whether there is a case for proceeding full feasibility investigations. 

Lowland Catchment Investigations –

52.    In Oct 2020 HBRC undertook with Heretaunga iwi leaders that the development of any storage facility and distribution scheme must embrace principles of co-design (ref. the Waiwhakaata forum). Understandably, it has been very difficult to get engagement with mana whenua leading up to and during the TANK hearings and through the Māori Representation debate. In the wake of several attempts and miscellaneous one to one engagements with representatives of Mangaroa marae we continue to try to secure a more formal meeting to follow up the 31 March meeting.

53.    The Hearings for TANK Plan Change have been held over a period of three weeks in May and June. Policy within the plan establishes the framework for the establishment of streamflow maintenance schemes across the Heretaunga plains sourced either from groundwater such as the Twyford Irrigation Scheme, or high-flow water stored above ground. The objective of these water-user funded schemes is to offset the cumulative impacts of groundwater takes on adjacent waterbodies.

54.    The Paritua/Karewarewa project represents an opportunity to expand an existing out of stream valley dam on private land that sources its water from the Ngaruroro River during periods of high flow. Stored water would be released into the Te Karamu catchment via the Paritua Stream during the drier summer months. In this respect the project should be viewed as a targeted solution for a specific outcome, unlike the upper catchment dam sites that can service a wider remit of objectives across the catchment.  This project could be integrated with upper catchment sites and it could equally operate as a stand-alone solution (in part) for the Te Karamu Catchment.

55.    In mid-2020, at the invitation of the PDU the project team applied for additional funding to “accelerate” this project (circa 3m m3 capacity) investigations. This application proved successful with the granting of $1.3m of suspensory loan funding for feasibility work and $3.7m project financing, announced in early April.

56.    The building blocks for the project are in place in terms of technical pre-feasibility, and landowner agreement. The project team is acutely conscious of the need to engage with mana whenua to give effect to the commitment to partnership and co-design as well as the obligations set out in the original draft TANK Policy 44 and subsequently further developed over the subsequent years:

Paritua and Karewarewa Streams

TANK POLICY 44

The Council will recognises the connectivity between ground and surface water abstraction on the flows in the Paritua and Karewarewa Streams and their tributaries, acknowledges the contribution of flows from these streams to the flows in the Awanui Stream, Karamū River and the Heretaunga Plains Groundwater Quantity Area Water Management Unit, and their importance to local marae and will work with water permit holders, landowners and tangata whenua to;

a)      further refine the Heretaunga Plains Aquifer Model to improve model outputs for this catchment

b)    investigate opportunities for wetland creation to improve hydrological functioning and water quality in the river, especially during low flows

c)    improve riparian management to provide shade, reduce macrophyte growth, increased dissolved oxygen levels and decrease water temperature

d)    carry out resource investigations to understand natural stream flow regimes and feasible options for remediation including

(i)    managed aquifer recharge

(ii)   flow enhancement from groundwater or storage

(iii)  streambed modification to reduce losses to groundwater in highly conductive reaches

e)    enable and support water permit holders and landowners to collectively manage the maintenance of specified flows in the Paritua/Karewarewa Streams

f)     provide for water to be diverted from the Ngaruroro for the enhancement of flows in the Paritua Stream.

57.    Following the in-principle support received through the Waiwhakaata forum in October 2020, the project team continues to seek engagement with mana whenua on the project. This has been challenged by need to make space for the Māori representation debate and the TANK hearings themselves, the first week of which were held at Mangaroa Marae. A meeting between staff and Mangaroa Marae representatives took place in late March followed by an ad-hoc series of smaller meetings and conversations. We are continuing to follow up on the Marae’s invitation to return to discuss how to improve outcomes for the Paritua and Karewarewa streams.

58.    It is worth noting that Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga already holds an existing consent to take water from the Ngaruroro river, through existing water races and storage infrastructure to facilitate flow augmentation in the Paritua and Karewarewa streams and provide water for water storage and wetlands near Mangaroa and Korongata. The consent application noted that this would increase the availability of water to that system, have a positive effect on the natural character of the stream and would enhance cultural, spiritual, recreational, scientific and amenity values. While this consent was granted in 2017 it has not been exercised, most likely because the allocation available at the time was ultimately insufficient to be fully effective for the intended purpose. We propose to work separately with TToH to better understand the current thinking and opportunities (if any) related to this consent.

59.    This provides some cause for optimism that we will ultimately be able to work towards a solution alongside mana whenua. However, we would be remiss to understate the risk of a failure to successfully engage with mana whenua, especially given the recent public positioning on these issues.  Accordingly, we continue to try to manage a wide range of expectations in relation to this project – including the landowner, the wider community and the PDU.

Regional Water Assessment

60.    The data phase of the RWA currently underway required an assessment of:

60.1.    The current categorisation and volume of the uses of water in the region

60.2.    Projections of the likely increased demand for water for these categories

60.3.    Projections of the likely change of supply of freshwater in the context of climate change (e.g. changing rainfall and evapotranspiration patterns).

61.    The first two phases have now been completed. The effort that has gone into building these datasets reflects the complexity of accounting for the flows of water into, through and out of the system and highlights a need for HBRC to continue to invest in this area to support freshwater decisions and policy.

62.    With the first two assessments now completed we are undertaking a reconciliation review with the project steering group before presenting the results to Council. While these reports focussed on the water taken from and returned to the system, the final piece of analysis will focus on the development of the physical water assets accounts and the integration with those supply and use accounts. Again, this is a complex task and requires the interrogation of multiple datasets and dedicated NIWA modelling. Due to internal capacity constraints as well as external contractor availability this work is currently behind schedule. Once this is received, we can complete the supply-side projections of region’s long term water balance.

63.    While all three datasets are required to complete the picture, the first two reports already provide insights into the region’s long term water security, broken down to a district scale.

64.    Based on the 2019-20 year, the region extracted 212 million m3 of water for use. Of that water:

64.1.    61% was used in the Hastings District

64.2.    19% was used in the CHB District

64.3.    15% was used in Napier City

64.4.    4% was used in the Wairoa District.

64.5.    46% (98 million m3) was returned to the system (e.g. hydro, wastewater, treated sewerage, irrigation return flows)

64.6.    Agriculture uses 42% of the total water extracted and 74% of the water consumed (i.e. not returned to the environment).

65.    Projecting overall demand out until 2060 is an equally complex undertaking that considers population growth, industry growth, climate change impacts on demand and varying degrees of technological innovation in water use intensity (how efficiently water is used by various sectors). In terms of the potential for agriculture and horticulture the report authors also evaluated future scenarios in which irrigation growth was either constrained or unconstrained. With both the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha water management zones essentially being fully allocated the project teams’ operating assumption is that, in the absence of community scale water storage solutions that take advantage of currently unused high-flow allocation, irrigation growth is likely to be completely constrained or subject to an allocation sinking lid with the Te Mana o Te Wai hierarchy. We are not making any assumptions about the likelihood or impact of multiple private water storage schemes.

66.    Under unconstrained scenarios the report demonstrates the rate at which improvements in water use intensity can be achieved will have a huge impact on future water demands. When no change in water use intensity is assumed, growth in economy-wide water demands is very significant i.e., 61% growth by 2060 under the Baseline Future and up to 115% growth under the highest economic growth scenario. On the other hand, widespread adoption of technologies that reduce water use across all categories has the potential to significantly reduce future demand.

67.    The water use demand scenarios provide useful reference points for action. For example, HBRC has approved $1m funding in its current LTP specifically focussed on demand-side interventions, which is timely given the findings of this report.

68.    When the supply projections are completed, we will be able to draw all three parts together to provide a sense of which demand scenario we can either “afford” or “not afford to not avoid”. The extent to which supply side solutions such as above or below ground storage are viable and acceptable will determine how far and how fast the demand-side levers must be pulled.

Mana Whenua and Wider Community Engagement 

Mana Whenua

69.    As the Regional Water Assessment is further developed, data will be shared, via the Māori Committee, Regional Planning Committee, to inform discussion and guidance sought on the cultural context for the assessment.

70.    In relation to the Central Hawke’s Bay Managed Aquifer Recharge Pilot, targeted engagement will continue with Taiwhenua o Tamatea and commence with affected marae in the next few months as part of a cultural impact assessment.

71.    For Heretaunga Water Storage Investigations, the commitment to co-design of solutions for the Paritua/Karewarewa streams is discussed above. For investigations in the upper catchment, the project team will shortly seek guidance and engagement on the terms of reference for the cultural impact assessment for any site(s) that Council progresses to full feasibility i.e. pending technical investigations, an acceptable Council business case and continued PGF support.

Wider Community

72.    Notwithstanding the realities of the impacts of reduced allocations in the Tukituki catchment as the result of Plan Change 6 and the fact of the moratorium placed on further allocation in the Heretaunga, the TANK hearings highlighted a concerning lack of appreciation for the pressure that the freshwater resource is under and the need for far-reaching and integrated changes to water management frameworks to protect and secure the resource for current and future generations.

73.    The region’s current water management frameworks have been established over many decades and reflect historic community preferences and water supply/demand dynamics that face deep disruption in the face of climate change, compounded by the current wave of legislative and regulatory reform. Taking the community on this journey remains a significant challenge for this organisation.


 

Decision Making Process

74.    Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision making provisions do not apply.

 

Recommendation

That the Māori Committee receives and notes the Water Security Programme Update staff report.

 

Authored and Approved by:

Tom Skerman

Regional Water Security Programme Director

 

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.  


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject: Outstanding Water Bodies Plan Change:  Overview of Decisions

 

Reason for Report

1.      This paper presents an overview of the decisions made by the Independent Hearing Panel on Proposed Plan Change 7 (Change 7) to the Regional Resource Management Plan (RRMP).

2.      The identification of outstanding water bodies is a key aspect of implementing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM).

3.      This paper is for information purposes only.

Executive Summary

4.      Change 7 amends the RRMP to include a list of the region’s outstanding water bodies, together with a framework which prescribes a high level of protection for these water bodies in future plan making. 

5.      Change 7 is one of a series of work programmes which are currently being undertaken to implement the NPSFM and ensure that water is available for the use and enjoyment of everyone in the region, including tāngata whenua, now and for future generations.

6.      All waterbodies are important for spiritual, physical and customary reasons. Change 7 does not act to lessen the importance of waterbodies that are not labelled ‘outstanding’ or change the way in which these waterbodies are managed.

Background

7.      In 2017, HBRC staff began working with the tangata whenua representatives of the RPC towards identifying outstanding water bodies within the region.

8.      Between 2017 and 2019:

8.1.      a thorough review of over 90 documents including deeds of settlements, statutory acknowledgements, customary use reports, Waitangi Tribunal reports, and several other documents produced in a national and regional context between 1979 and 2018, was undertaken

8.2.      a number of meetings were undertaken seeking feedback from iwi authorities, city and district councils, key stakeholder groups and the general public on Change 7 and the associated values listed for water bodies across the region

8.3.      a local expert panel was appointed via nominations by key stakeholders, iwi authorities and city and district councils to make recommendations around those water bodies in Hawke’s Bay which contained outstanding values.

9.      On 31 August 2019, Plan Change 7 was publicly notified with an extended six-month submission period. A total of 41 submissions were received from a range of groups.

10.    In July 2020, Dr Roger Maaka, Dr Brent Cowie and Christine Scott were appointed as hearing commissioners to hear submissions on Change 7.

11.    Hearings were held in December 2020, with decisions released end of July 2021. A full copy of the decision can be found here - https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/assets/Document-Library/Outstanding-Water-Bodies/Decision-of-the-Independent-Hearing-Panel-PC7.pdf.


 

Summary of decision

12.    The key aspects of Independent Hearing Panels decisions on Change 7 are set out below. 

13.    The identification of 15 outstanding water bodies, or parts thereof, in Hawke’s Bay.

·     Lake Tutira (including Lake Waikōpiro)

·    The Mohaka River Mainstem upstream of Willow Flat

·     Lakes Rotoroa and Rototuna (the Kaweka Lakes)

·    Ngamatea East Swamp

·      Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary)

·    Ngaruroro River upstream of the Whanawhana cableway

·     Lake Waikaremoana

·    Taruarau River

·     Lake Whakakī – Te Paeroa Lagoon – Wairau Lagoon and Wetlands

·    Pōrangahau River and Estuary downstream of the Beach Road Bridge

·     Lake Whatumā

·    Te Hoe River

·     Mangahouanga Stream

·    Tukituki River downstream of SH50 bridge to the sea, including the estuary

·      Mainstem of the Tūtaekurī River upstream of the SH50 Bridge

 

14.    The adoption of a policy framework which:

14.1.    directs future plan making to protect the outstanding and significant values of outstanding water bodies in their current state for future generations

14.2.    confirms that the test for outstanding sets a high bar and that in order to be classed as outstanding, a water body or part thereof, must be exceptional in some way, with the values standing out or being superior to others

14.3.    confirms that outstanding values include cultural, spiritual, recreation, landscape, geology, natural character, or ecology value(s) but do not include consumptive or economic use values

14.4.    uses a set of outstanding water body identification screening criteria to identify outstanding water bodies

14.5.    provides for existing activities in or near outstanding water bodies to continue providing they are managed in a way which protects their significant values.

Next Steps

15.    The period for lodging appeals with the Environment Court against those decisions closed on the 6 August 2021. Staff will report back to the RPC meeting of 1 September 2021 and provide an update of the number and content of appeals (if any). 

16.    Any appeals will proceed through the Environment Court's processes, which include mediation and formal court hearings if necessary.

Decision Making Process

17.    Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision making provisions do not apply.

 

Recommendation

That the Maori Committee receives and notes the “Outstanding Water Bodies Plan Change:  Overview of Decisions” staff report.


 

Authored by:

Belinda Harper

Senior Planner

Nichola Nicholson

Policy Planner

Approved by:

Ceri Edmonds

Manager Policy and Planning

 

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject: July 2021 Statutory Advocacy Update

Reason for Report

1.      This item reports on proposals forwarded to the Regional Council and assessed by staff acting under delegated authority as part of the Council’s Statutory Advocacy project.

2.      The Statutory Advocacy project (Project 196) centres on local resource management-related proposals upon which the Regional Council has an opportunity to make comments or to lodge a submission.  These include, but are not limited to:

2.1.      resource consent applications publicly notified by a territorial authority

2.2.      district plan reviews or district plan changes released by a territorial authority

2.3.      private plan change requests publicly notified by a territorial authority

2.4.      notices of requirements for designations in district plans

2.5.      non-statutory strategies, structure plans, registrations, etc prepared by territorial authorities, government ministries or other agencies involved in resource management.

3.      In all cases, the Regional Council is not the decision-maker, applicant nor proponent. In the Statutory Advocacy project, the Regional Council is purely an agency with an opportunity to make comments or lodge submissions on others’ proposals. The Council’s position in relation to such proposals is informed by the Council’s own Plans, Policies and Strategies, plus its land ownership or asset management interests.

4.      The summary outlines those proposals that the Council’s Statutory Advocacy project is currently actively engaged in.

Decision Making Process

5.      Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision-making provisions do not apply.

 

Recommendation

That the Māori Committee receives and notes the “July 2021 Statutory Advocacy” report.

 

Authored by:

Ellen Robotham

Policy Planner

Nichola Nicholson

Policy Planner

Approved by:

Ceri Edmonds

Manager Policy and Planning

 

 

Attachment/s

1

July 2021 Statutory Advocacy Update

 

 

  


July 2021 Statutory Advocacy Update

Attachment 1

 

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HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject: Significant Organisational Activities Looking Forward through August 2021

 

Reason for Report

1.      The commentary following is for the Committee’s information, to highlight significant areas of Council activity. Significant Council resources are being directed toward various initiatives, which reflect the Council’s evolving agenda and it is considered important that Council is consistently informed on progress in areas that have or may create a high external profile.

 

Whole of Region

Project / Activity Description

Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)

Group /Team or Section

Incidents and Enforcement

1.  There are 19 active prosecutions before the courts, at various stages therefore not able to comment publicly on.

2.  Currently visiting all consented and unconsented vehicle wrecker/dismantling yards in Hawke’s Bay ensuring they are complying with their consents or need to apply for a consent.

Regulation

Compliance & Enforcement

Resource Consent Compliance

3.  Working to establish a “Regional” Stormwater Education programme jointly with NCC, HDC, WDC, CHBDC and HBRC. Initial meeting held 21 July to discuss the potential scope of the programme and available resources.

Regulation

Consents & Compliance

Poplar and Willow harvest and distribution

4.  Harvesting poplar poles and willow wands, with deliveries underway. The next few months (during the planting season) is a busy time for Catchment and Nursery staff.

ICM

Catchment Delivery

Policy Implementation

5.  A range of activities (e.g. Field-days and comms) have been undertaken over the last few months to communicate and help prepare farmers for nationwide expectations re improved practice for winter forage crop management. Quarterly reporting to central government on actions and improvements is required, with the first report due on 1 August. This will feed into combined regional sector reporting.

Catchment Policy Implementation

Outstanding Water Bodies Plan Change 7

6.  OWB decisions notified on 26 June 2021.  The Hearing Panel determined 15 water bodies in the region considered to be outstanding.  Appeal period finishes 6 August.

Policy & Planning

Policy & Regulation

 

Northern Catchment

Project / Activity Description

Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)

Group /Team or Section

River Parade Erosion Protection

7.  Ongoing consultation with Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa and Matangirau. Cultural impact assessment of the site initiated and site works expected to commence September 2021.

Regional Projects

Pest control

8.  Main Predator Free HB team focus is on Whakatipu Mahia, continuing work in and around the township and refining placement of the barrier to protect the peninsula. Remaining areas to be bait stationed targeted for completion in August, when there will be over 8000 bait stations across the peninsula.

9.  Entering the next phase of hunting down surviving possums using predator dogs, motion sensitive cameras, auto feeders, wireless traps and infra-red spotlighting equipment.

10. Possum maintenance contracts for four DOC reserves in Wairoa and HBRC forestry blocks in Central Hawkes Bay and Tangoio are being finalised

ICM – Catchment Services

Right Tree Right Place

11. RTRP workshop on 4 August will update councillors on project progress.

ICM

 


Central Catchments

Project / Activity Description

Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)

Group /Team or Section

TANK Plan Change (PC9)

12. The Hearing Panel determined that an additional 1-2 days is required to discuss some issues in more detail, likely to occur in late September.

Policy & Planning

Omaranui Landfill expansion resource consent applications

13. HDC is currently meeting with all submitters individually and have asked for a time extension while they undertake this consultation.

14. Hearing Panel appointed and hearing likely in September.

Regulation Consents

Clive River Dredging and discharge of dredge materials

15. Applications lodged for the dredging and discharge of dredged material have been assessed by external consultants. Provider of cultural impact assessment has formally withdrawn their offer. A Hearing Panel has been appointed in case the application proceeds to a Hearing.

Asset Management Regulation Consents

Flood Control Schemes

Resilience Fund projects

16. Taradale stopbank strengthening detailed design in progress.

17. Moteo, Omaranui, Ngatarawa, East Clive stopbank strengthening options being worked through with a consultant with estimated delivery by September. Early contractor engagement has commenced on methodology and specifications for construction.

Asset Management

Engineering

Regional Projects

Heretaunga Plains Scheme review

18. The Lower Tukituki River hydrodynamic model is completed, and results show that more significant work will be required to increase resilience of the infrastructure.  This new information is being fed into the work reprioritising stopbank upgrades.

19. Further modelling of lower reaches and river mouth being done to understand the effects and different conditions.

Asset Management

Regional Projects

Gravel Management

20.   All contractors and industries have been updated on upcoming changes with global consent implementation.

21.   Asset Management team is working with consent authority to find a suitable solution for rivers which are not part of the global consent.

22.   Site visit arranged for August and Hearing scheduled for September

23.   CE, Te Pou Whakarae and GMAMG met with iwi representatives to discuss their concerns.

24.   Allocations determined under the existing system for 2021-22.

Asset Management

Consents, Schemes

Waitangi Regional Park

25.   Successful Matariki event and planting days held on Regional Parks and the Karamu stream.

26.   Stage 3 delivery of the Project is now being planned with landscape architect and project delivery team.

Asset Management

Open Spaces

Tangoio and Tūtira Forestry

27.   First tranche of Tangoio and Tūtira logging is complete. Second tranche to resume in summer 2021-2022.

Asset Management

Open Spaces, Forestry

Hawea Historical Park / Karamu Stream Diversion

28.   Hawea Park Management plan is under review, awaiting cultural information from Hawea Historical Park Management Committee.

29.   Stage 3 of development is underway with detailed design partly completed. Due to delay in receiving outstanding LINZ and archaeological authority approval 2020-21 construction has been delayed and CAPEX carried forward to 2021-22 financial year.

Asset Management

Open Spaces, Regional Assets

Bayview/ Whirinaki Cycleway

30.   Project on hold pending resolution of land matters with NCC.

31.   HBRC and NCC teams have met and agreed to carry out a further clarification, risk, budgets confirmation, and feasibility on achieving the outcomes for this project.

32.   A report on outcomes of this process will be distributed to NCC and HBRC Executive teams in August.

Asset Management Regulation Regional Projects

Hastings By-election

33.   Nominations closed 15 July with 3 nominations received.

34.   Election day is 10 September.

Electoral Officer

 


Southern Catchments

Project /Activity Description

Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)

Group /Team or Section

Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme

35.   Earthworks completed on Waipawa river erosion above SH50 and handover to asset owner is under way.

36.   Meeting with Ratepayers on 6 July 2021 received some positive feedback with some concerns regarding Iwi engagement and consultation.

37.   Early engagement with local contractor underway to determine availability.

Asset Management

Regional Projects, Schemes

 

Decision Making Process

2.      Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision-making provisions do not apply.

 

Recommendation

That the Māori Committee receives and notes the “Significant Organisational Activities Looking Forward through August 2021” staff report.


 

Authored by:

Allan Beer

Team Leader Biosecurity - Animal Pests

Jack Blunden

Team Leader Compliance - Urban & Industrial

Tania Diack

Team Leader Consents

Ben Douglas

Forest Management Advisor

Ceri Edmonds

Manager Policy and Planning

Russell Engelke

Team Leader Open Spaces

Dean Evans

Manager Catchments Delivery

Craig Goodier

Principal Engineer

Martina Groves

Manager Regional Assets

Rob Hogan

Manager Compliance

David Keracher

Manager Regional Projects

Campbell Leckie

Manager Catchment Services

Malcolm Miller

Manager Consents

Brendan Powell

Manager Catchments Policy Implementation

Wendy Rakete-Stones

Acting Team Leader Plant Pests

Dr Jeff Smith

Manager Science

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Chris Dolley

Group Manager Asset Management

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

 

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.  


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject: Reports from Regional Council and Committee Meetings

Reason for Report

1.      This item provides information from recent meetings attended by the Committee Co-chairs and representatives on Council committees, and the opportunity for the Māori Committee representatives to discuss any matters of particular interest arising from those meetings.

Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee (EICC)

2.      Dr Roger Maaka represents the Māori Committee on the EICC, which met on 23 June 2021, considering:

2.1.      The Coastal Hazards Funding Model agenda item sought an in-principle agreement with the findings and recommendations of the Funding Review undertaken by Mr Raynor Asher QC on how to progress to implement the Strategy. Essentially the review report recommended that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council takes the lead on all aspects of the adaptation and mitigation of coastal hazards along the coast from Clifton to Tangoio.

2.2.      The Tangaroa Tohu Mana Tangaroa Tohu Mauri – Marine Cultural Health Programme presentation outlined the unique and innovative cultural monitoring framework to assess the cultural and ecological health of the marine environment in and around Ahuriri, including Pānia Reef. The programme is founded on mātauranga Māori and recognises that everything is connected – the spiritual world, natural world, te taiao (environment) and people. Te Kaha Hawaikirangi has been invited to make the same presentation to this Committee at a future meeting.

2.3.      The Hawke’s Bay Airport Wildlife Management presentation focused planning work being undertaken in relation to the development of Ahuriri Regional Park, particularly around bird strike concerns.

2.4.      The Te Mata Park Trust Presentation outlined the Trust Board’s objectives, recent achievements, and the Ngā Tipuna (Masterplan) for the Park, and thanked the Regional Council for their continued support.

2.5.      The Te Karamū Project update provided the Committee with a progress report on enhancement works undertaken as part of “Te Karamū Enhancement Review and Management Strategy 2016-25” and the work planned for the remaining years.

2.6.      The Verbal Gravel Extraction update item provided a summary and background to the global resource consents being sought by the Council’s Asset Management Group (AMG) for gravel extraction from the Ngaruroro, Tukituki Catchment and Tūtaekurī rivers.

2.7.      The QEII National Trust Presentation introduced the Trust, their work and partnership with HBRC in Hawke’s Bay, tthe future of QEII and their objectives to protect and preserve New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Hearings Committee

3.      Katarina Kawana and Roger Maaka represent the Māori Committee on the Hearings Committee which met on 23 June 2021 to consider:

3.1.      Hearings Committee Terms of Reference and Associated Delegations clarified the role of the Committee and its delegations to enable a wider review of the Terms of Reference. The item was prompted by a previous discussion at the Committee about how to manage conflicts of interest for tangata whenua committee members recommended for appointment to Hearing Panels.

3.2.      Delegation Register – Resource Management Act 1991 and its Amendments agenda item informed the Committee of the current delegations provided to staff for processing and deciding on resource consents under the Resource Management Act and provided an opportunity to review and update these.

3.3.      Appointment of an Additional Commissioner for the Omarunui Landfill Expansion Hearing provided the means for appointing a Māori representative to the Hearing Panel to consider and decide on the resource consent applications to expand the Omarunui landfill. Katarina Kawana was appointed.

3.4.      Appointment of Hearing Panel for the Clive River Dredging Resource Consent Applications appointed the Panel to hear and decide the resource consent application in the likely event it proceeds to a formal hearing. Because the applicant is HBRC the Committee appointed independent panel members:

3.4.1.   Paul Cooney (Chair)

3.4.2.   Dr Malcolm Green, and

3.4.3.   Rau Kirikiri.

4.      The Hearings Committee is seeking input from tangata whenua representatives on the Māori Committees in relation to potential clause for insertion into the Terms of Reference for the Hearings Committee, that sets criteria for when a hapū or iwi representative is eligible for appointment to a Hearing Panel in circumstances where they a member of the/an affected mana whenua or could potentially have a ‘conflict of interest’. For example:

4.1.      if the person has not been directly involved in the writing of a submission on behalf of the mana whenua

4.2.      if the person is not a member of a directly affected Marae Committee.

Regional Council

5.      Co-chairs Michelle McIlroy and Mike Paku are invited to attend Regional Council meetings and workshops with full speaking rights (no voting rights). Since the Māori Committee last met on 9 June 2021, there have been two Regional Council meetings. The Co-chairs will provide verbal updates on discussions from those hui.

Decision Making Process

6.      Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision-making provisions do not apply.

 

Recommendation

That the Māori Committee receives and notes the “Reports from Regional Council and Committee Meetings”.

 

Authored by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

Leeanne Hooper

Team Leader Governance

Approved by:

Pieri Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

 

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.  


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Subject: Discussion of Minor Items not on the Agenda

 

Reason for Report

1.      This document has been prepared to assist committee members note the Minor Items to be discussed as determined earlier in Agenda Item 8.

 

Topic

Raised by