Minutes of Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee

1. Welcome/Karakia /Apologies/Notices

Councillor Rick Barker welcomed everyone to the meeting and Councillor Martin Williams opened with a karakia.

Item 9 Organisational Ecology by Dr Edgar Burns has been withdrawn.

Resolution

EICC100/22 That the apologies for absence from Dr Roger Maaka and Councillor Charles Lambert and for early departure from Councillor Hinewai Ormsby and Allana Hiha be accepted.

Van Beek/Foley

CARRIED

2. Conflict of Interest Declarations

There were no conflicts of interest declared.

3. Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee meeting held on 11 May 2022

EICC101/22

Resolution

Minutes of the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee meeting held on Wednesday, 11 May 2022, a copy having been circulated prior to the meeting, were taken as read and confirmed as a true and correct record.

Ormsby/van Beek

CARRIED

Follow-ups from previous Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee meetings

The item was taken as read.

· The Chair welcomed Allana Hiha as newly appointed Regional Planning Committee representative on this committee.

· In response to a query from about the role of the Future Farming Trust and whether the Trust can support farmers affected by storm events it was advised that there have no announcements to that effect to date however the Trust is working on a project that will involve farm assistance in the Wairoa District if funding can be sourced.

· Disappointment was expressed that the Tukipo wetland fieldtrip has been delayed.

EICC102/22

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the Follow-ups from previous Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee meetings.

van Beek/Foley

CARRIED

5.	Call for minor Items not on the Agenda
	There were no items raised.

Ahuriri Regional Park development framework

Councillor Rick Barker welcomed Tania Eden, Maree Brown and Allana Hiha from Mana Ahuriri Trust and Keith Price, Annette Brosnan and Richard Munneke from Napier City Council as members of the Ahuriri Regional Park Working Group (ARPWG). Councillor Hinewai Ormsby welcomed the invited guests introduced the agenda item, which was taken as read. Key points of discussion covered:

· A lot of mahi has been put into developing the proposed Terms of Reference for the establishment of a joint committee

· Important to acknowledge the collaborative approach to this project

· Each partner council has provided funding for the Ahuriri Regional Park project through their Long Term Plans

· Seeking a recommendation from the committee to Council to establish the Joint Committee and appoint members as proposed in the item.

Councillor Annette Brosnan (Napier City Council) and Tania Eden (Chair, Mana Ahuriri Trust) were invited to speak and noted:

· Feel privileged to work in partnership with Mana Ahuriri, NCC and HBRC to progress this project

· Four representatives of Mana Ahuriri on the Joint Committee include Tania Eden, Allana Hiha, Maree Brown.

· Encourage members to read through the history of Ahuriri Regional Park (Lagoon Farm) to understand the historical background of this project.

· Napier City Council, through their District Plan review, is proposing a new special nature conservation zone for Ahuriri (

· currently zoned as industrial land).

EICC103/22

Resolutions

1. That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and considers the Ahuriri Regional Park development framework staff report.

2. The Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee recommends that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council:

2.1. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy, and that Council can exercise its discretion and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community or persons likely to have an interest in the decision.

2.2. Agrees to the establishment of the Ahuriri Regional Park Joint Committee comprising of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Napier City Council and Mana Ahuriri Trust.

2.3. Adopts the Terms of Reference as proposed, allowing only for minor immaterial changes.

2.4. Appoints councillors Hinewai Ormsby and Neil Kirton as the Regional Council’s Joint Committee representatives, and Councillor Martin Williams as the alternate.

2.5 Agrees to share the costs of the Joint Committee with Napier City Council.

Ormsby/Kirton

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 12.15pm and reconvened at 12.48pm.

State of Our Environment 3-Yearly synthesis report

Iain Maxwell introduced Anna Madarasz-Smith, Manager Science, the first woman appointed to lead the Science team, and acknowledged the team who produced this comprehensive report.

The State of the Environment report (SoE) was previously delivered every 5 years and will be delivered every 3 years, to meet the requirements of the new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

Anna Madarasz-Smith introduced the Science team of Jamie Wu, Janine Barber, Simon Harper, Kathleen Kozyniak, Shannon Weaver and Sandy Haidekker who presented the report which highlighted:

· overview and summary of the current state of the environment on a catchment by catchment basis

· Only 34% of the indigenous ecosystems covering Hawke’s Bay before human occupation remain. Half of the remaining forest types are categorised as threatened, with the greatest losses to lowland forest types.

· The main air pollutant of concern is ﬁne particles, which can affect human health

· Our environment faces potentially rapid and substantial changes in temperature and rainfall over the next century as a result of climate change.

· Overall, groundwater levels have decreased over the last few decades, with the largest change in the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha Plains, where HBRC has made changes to the Regional Resource Management Plan by setting allocation limits.

· A key challenge for the freshwater ecosystems in the region is sediment build-up in rivers and streams, mainly caused by hillslope erosion on pastoral land.

· The input of ﬁne sediments is a key stressor for estuary organisms in Hawke’s Bay, and levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are elevated within some Hawke’s Bay estuaries.

· The CE reminded the committee that by 31 December 2024, Council must introduce Policies and rules for how freshwater is managed in the region – through Kotahi.

· The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM ) requires councils to report on the extent to which long-term visions for the environment have been achieved along with whether requirements have been met.

· The SoE report will underpin and inform the Kotahi project.

· The SoE report will be workshopped at an upcoming All Governors Wananga.

· The Science team is presenting the SoE report to communities in Wairoa, Waipawa and Napier in August 2022.

EICC104/22

Resolutions

1. That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and considers the Hawke’s Bay State of Our Environment Report 2018-2021.

2. The Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee recommends that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council:

2.2. Adopts the Hawke’s Bay State of Our Environment Report 2018-2021 for publication.

Ormsby/Taylor

CARRIED

Reshaping of the Protection and Enhancement programme

Iain Maxwell introduced the item and Thomas Petrie, noting that this project initially started as the Environmental Hot Spots project. Discussions traversed:

· A review assessed the delivery of the $1m PEP projects including the spend of internal staff time relative to the money spent on physical on-ground project delivery throughout the region.

· Key recommendations from the review were that HBRC should facilitate and not lead projects and that the programme is split into two workstreams – an Environmental Enhancement contestable fund and Targeted Catchment work

· Demand for funding from external groups has increased.

· Encourage social ecology within communities.

· Projects can be aligned with Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay to deliver on the contestable funds

· This work will be reported to Council annually.

EICC105/22

Resolutions

That Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee:

1. Receives and considers the Reshaping of the Protection and Enhancement Programme staff report.

2. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy, and that Council can exercise its discretion and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community or persons likely to have an interest in the decision.

3. Approves the request to implement the new delivery model for the Protection and Enhancement Programme.

Barker/van Beek

CARRIED

Allana Hiha left the meeting at 2.30pm.

9.	Organisational Ecology by Dr Edgar Burns
	Deferred to the 21 September 2022 EICC meeting.

10.

Regenerative agriculture research project

Iain welcomed Lochie McGillivray (AgFirst) who presented Evaluating regenerative farming principles and developing farmer resilience on a dryland demonstration farm. Discussions noted:

· The project evaluates the benefits and environmental outcomes of regenerative agriculture to produce more resilient farming systems in the face of increasing drought risk, as well as the value of species diversity and pasture management including soil carbon.

· A key principle of regenerative farming is maximise photosynthesis and minimise disturbance.

· The environmental and performance data will assist farmers with decision making on-farm to improve long term resilience, productivity and environmental footprint, and will be communicated through a website and regular farm walks.

· The Aim is for Hawke’s Bay Farms to become more resilient to cope with increased droughts while maintaining productivity.

EICC106/22

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the Regenerative Agriculture research project report and presentation.

Barker/van Beek

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 3.06pm and reconvened at 3.15pm.

11.

Right Tree Right Place: Year 1 Report and Year 2 Programme

Michael Basset-Foss presented the item and discussions noted:

· Objectives of the project include significant environmental benefits.

· Year 1 highlight was The Nature Conservancy and Ministry for Primary Industries partnership.

· Learnings include that high quality farm/forestry plans are required, that the landowner’s vision is fundamental, that catchment based focus accelerates education and outcomes, and ecological outcomes are real.

· A recent farm survey about perceptions of the RTRP model has shown high interest from respondents (58% very likely to use RTRP).

· Year 2 will focus on confirmation of the farm planning framework and prioritised farms, farmer enrolment for priority farms, farmer engagement, farm visits and farm/forestry plans, and integrated financial modelling and forecasting.

EICC107/22

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the Right Tree Right Place: Year 1 report and Year 2 programme staff report.

Williams/Foss

CARRIED

12.

March/April 2022 double rain events – Flood scheme impacts, recovery and lessons learned

Chris Dolley introduced the item, which highlighted:

· A comprehensive technical flood report is being prepared and expected to be presented to the 21 September EICC meeting

· The damage from the event (+/- $500k) did not meet the minimum claim threshold for a claim – $1.5M claim minimum requirement

· Most costs will be funded through scheme reserves and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Maintaining the Quality of Great Rides Fund.

· The repair costs for the Tarewa swing bridge in Central Hawke’s Bay are more than the book value to replace and staff are in discussions with CHBDC to erect a “pipe bridge” alternative.

· Most learnings from the events will trigger a review of Council’s Flood Manual.

· Open Spaces and Cycling type of assets are unlikely to be covered by the NEMA insurance – will have to look at ways to insure these assets in future.

EICC108/22

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the March/April 2022 double rain events – Flood scheme impacts, recovery and lessons learned staff report.

Taylor/van Beek

CARRIED

13.

Gravel extraction - Current situation and new Global Consent

Chris Dolley introduced the item and discussions traversed:

· Very limited availability of gravel in the lower reaches of the Ngararoro, Tutaekuri and Tukituki rivers

· At the current extraction rates, there will be no more gravel available in the Ngaruroro within 1-2 years – current net supply rate of 120,000 m³/year

· Gravel extractors are seeking higher volumes from the reaches where gravel is unavailable and challenging Council’s decisions to move extraction activities to where the gravel is available i.e the Upper Tukituki scheme in Central Hawke’s Bay (CHB)

· Transport costs are a key factor for extractors to manage and have increased significantly.

· An opportunity exists to submit a tender for the IRG gravel extraction and gain subsidies from this funding with a second tender process in due course to extract around 400k m³/year out of the CHB Scheme

· Gravel consents were typically issued for a short term (1 year) which made it hard for extractors

· The Regional Assets Group applied for global resource consent to extract gravel from the Ngaruroro, Tukituki and Tutaekuri rivers, which was granted by the Hearing Panel today. Council will continue to work through the details and implement the new consent regime in the next gravel allocation process as from July 2023.

· Confirming that the new consent arrangements will strengthen environmental aspects and allow more formal relationships and arrangements with all parties involved.

EICC109/22

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the Gravel Extraction - current situation and new global consent staff report.

Barker/Williams

CARRIED

14.

Karamu Urban Catchment Advisor

Chris introduced Andy McCall (Urban Catchment Advisor - Karamu) who presented the item. Discussions traversed:

· Known issues include high level of nutrients, sediment and phosphorus and riparian planting is likely to be the most effective tool for improving the water quality in the immediate future, with longer term focus on nutrient management.

· Working collaboratively with staff in the Integrated Catchments Team focussing on rural and urban aspects in the catchment, and looking at ways to mitigate the issues starting with horticulture and agriculture discharges, stormwater discharges and identifying non-compliant consents.

· Will also work with industry groups to promote best practice fertiliser and irrigation applications on vineyards, orchards and sheep/beef farms.

· A review of the Karamu scheme is currently underway and an analysis where funds can be applied to most effectively lessen stressors and improve the Karamu, such as the impact of plantings on scheme performance, will be presented to a future EICC meeting.

· HBRC drainage schemes planting plans currently scheduled will provide options for how long extensive planting is likely to take and how much it might cost.

EICC110/22

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the Karamū Urban Catchment Advisor staff report.

Foss/Taylor

CARRIED

15.

Catchment engagement framework for policy implementation

Iain Maxwell introduced the item, before Brendan Powell and Richard Wakelin presented the catchment engagement framework being used. Points of note included:

· Joined-up approach between Council and the community.

· Examples of catchment groups working together to solve complex environmental challenges which will inform more robust and relevant policy.

· The Catchment Collective reference group is made up of representatives from various groups operating at the sub-catchment level and its role is to identify and help secure funding for a collective approach, develop a long-term vision and provide an entity for shared governance.

· In early discussions with the Māori Partnerships Team about the Iwi leaders group concept, for a collaborative relationship to help develop knowledge and connections with a shared kaupapa of what success in a catchment could look like.

· An opportunity for the next LTP to look at a business case to scale up the programme to provide greater support and engagement in urban catchment environments.

EICC111/22

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the Catchment Engagement framework for policy implementation staff report.

Williams/van Beek

CARRIED

Councillor Martin Williams left the meeting at 4.30pm.

16.

Deer management

Iain Maxwell introduced the item, which was taken as read.

· Te ara ki mua adaptive framework introduced by Department of Conservation (DOC) is looking to manage deer, not eradicate.

· Limited tools for controlling of deer because there’ no registered poison available and they are incredibly difficult to hunt.

· An approach currently being trialled in the north island looks to use recreational hunters and the NZ Deerstalkers Association to match landowners with deer problems to suitably experienced and responsible recreational hunters.

EICC112/22

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the Deer management staff report.

Barker/Taylor

CARRIED

17.	Discussion of Minor Items not on the Agenda
	There were no items for discussion.

Councillor Jerf van Beek offered a karakia to close the meeting.

Closure:

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 4.40pm Wednesday, 6 July 2022.

Signed as a true and correct record.

Date: ................................................ Chair: ...............................................