Agenda of Māori Committee - Wednesday, 4 September 2024

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 4 September 2024

Subject: Coastal and River Bird Survey findings

Reason for report

1. This report Provides a summary of the results of post-cyclone surveys of indigenous bird distribution and abundance along the Hawke’s Bay coastline and Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro and Tukituki Rivers. An introduction to the coastal survey was brought to the Māori Committee in November 2020 and the baseline results were presented in November 2021. Completed reports have been published (HBRC 5663 and 5664).

Executive summary

2. Hawke’s Bay supports a diverse range of bird species, including internationally and nationally significant populations of indigenous shorebirds. Baseline river bird surveys were undertaken annually between 2019 and 2021 and a baseline coastal bird survey undertaken in 2021 this was part of our responsibilities for the sustainable management of natural resources and in line with our strategic goal of healthy, functioning and climate-resilient biodiversity.

3. Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread impacts to coastal and freshwater bird habitats in Hawke’s Bay. To quantify ecological impacts associated with the cyclone, a total of 331 km of the Hawke’s Bay coastline, as well as 292 km along the Tukituki, Ngaruroro and Tūtaekurī Rivers, was re-surveyed between October 2023 and February 2024. The presence and number of all species of birds encountered was recorded for defined sections and these results were compared with pre-cyclone baseline results.

4. Significant declines were observed for several species. Notably, pohowera/banded dotterel numbers declined by 15% on the three rivers and by 31% along the coast, representing a 17% decline in the regional breeding population of this species. Similarly, the regional population of the river-breeding black-fronted dotterel declined by 30% and the regional population of the coastal-breeding tūturiwhatu/New Zealand dotterel also declined by 36%. Each of these results represent the largest population declines ever observed for these species in Hawke’s Bay. It is not yet clear whether these observed declines are a result of adult mortality, or a change in bird distribution in response to declines in habitat quality. To better understand this, and whether populations are recovering, it is recommended that another 3-year series of river bird counts be repeated between 2026 and 2029, and that the coastal bird survey be repeated during the summer of 2028-29. It is also recommended climate change adaptation plans include measures to promote ecological resilience, particularly for climate-vulnerable species which have internationally or nationally significant populations in Hawke’s Bay.

Strategic fit

5. The surveys contribute to our strategic goal of healthy, functioning and climate-resilient biodiversity (HBRC Strategic Plan 2020-2025).

6. They include critical information to increase the effectiveness of implementation existing and upcoming statutory frameworks including:

6.1. Regional Coastal Environment Plan

6.2. New Zealand Marine Oil Spill Readiness and Response Strategy 2018-2022

6.3. National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity

6.4. National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management

6.5. Resource Management Act (Section 30).

7. The survey aligns with programmes in Asset Management, Biosecurity, Biodiversity, Coastal/Marine Science, and Policy workstreams. The dataset will inform the Priority Ecosystem programme, determining Significant Conservation Areas along the coast, and Asset Management operational work.

Background

8. The Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro and Tukituki River catchments support internationally and nationally significant populations of indigenous shorebirds, including pohowera/banded dotterels, black-fronted dotterels, poaka/pied stilts and tōrea/South Island pied oystercatchers. For example, these three rivers support three of the twelve largest single-river populations of pohowera/banded dotterels in New Zealand, representing an estimated 13% of the global population of this endemic shorebird.

9. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) has statutory responsibilities for flood and erosion mitigation in Hawke’s Bay, which includes carrying out activities with the potential to adversely impact shorebird populations. To address this risk, an Ecological Management and Enhancement Plan (EMEP) has been developed for each river. HBRC commissioned a three-year series of systematic shorebird surveys along 292 km of the Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro and Tukituki Rivers between 2019 and 2021 to ensure an accurate, detailed and up-to-date understanding of abundance and distribution of shorebird species to enable the EMEPs to avoid or minimise any adverse impacts.

10. The Hawke’s Bay coastline (ca 345 km) is an important breeding and foraging ground for many indigenous birds. A large proportion of these species are threatened or at risk of extinction including the ‘Threatened- Nationally Endangered’ matuku moana/reef heron and the ‘At Risk’ tūturiwhatu/New Zealand dotterel and tōrea pango/variable oystercatcher. Species diversity is particularly high at estuaries and coastal lagoons, and along shorelines with a diverse mix of sandy beach and rocky shore habitats.

11. HBRC has statutory responsibilities relating to the sustainable management of the natural values of the Hawke’s Bay coastline, including its indigenous bird values. HBRC commissioned a complete and systematic survey of the Hawke’s Bay coastline in January 2021, to create a regional-scale baseline measure of the diversity, distribution and abundance of indigenous birds inhabiting the Hawke’s Bay coastline.

12. Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread flooding, sedimentation and woody debris deposition in river catchments, estuaries and along the coastline in February 2023. The existence of the previous bird survey datasets created a unique opportunity to quantify the impact that Cyclone Gabrielle has had on shorebird populations. Quantifying these impacts greatly improves our understanding of how New Zealand’s endemic and threatened shorebird species will respond to a changing climate and also assists HBRC to differentiate the impacts of extreme weather events from those caused by the Council’s flood mitigation activities. As a result, another survey of the three rivers was commissioned in late 2023, and another survey of the coastline commissioned in early 2024, to allow comparison with pre-cyclone baseline results.

Discussion

13. A total of 2066 pohowera/banded dotterels were counted in all three river catchments during the 2023 post-cyclone survey, representing a 15% decline from the average of 2418 birds counted during the pre-cyclone surveys. Pohowera/banded dotterel numbers declined by 51% on the Tūtaekurī River, and by 20% on the Ngaruroro River. These are the steepest population declines to have been recorded on these rivers since these bird surveys began in 1962. Declines were not distributed evenly, with most occurring on the Ngaruroro River downstream of Maraekakaho and along the entire length of the Tūtaekurī River (Figure 1).

14. On the Hawke’s Bay coastline, a total of 271 pohowera/banded dotterels were counted during the 2024 post-cyclone survey, representing a 31% decline from the 395 birds counted in 2021. Declines were particularly severe at the base of Māhia Peninsula, in the vicinity of the Wairoa River mouth, along the Napier foreshore between Haumoana and Bayview, and at the Pōrangahau Estuary (Figure 2).

15. Pohowera/banded dotterels are entirely restricted to river and coastal habitats in Hawke’s Bay, so the results of these surveys indicate that the regional breeding population of this species has declined by 17%. It is not yet known whether this regional decline has been caused by bird mortality due to inundation during the cyclone, or by birds emigrating to other parts of New Zealand in response to a decline in local habitat quality. If bird mortality is the cause, then this regional decline of 17% is equivalent to a 2% decline in the global population of this threatened, endemic species.

Figure 1: Percentage change in the density of pohowera/banded dotterels counted per survey section on the Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro and Tukituki Rivers between 2019-2021 (pre-Cyclone Gabrielle) and 2023 (post-Cyclone Gabrielle).

Figure 2: Percentage change in the number of pohowera/banded dotterels counted per survey section along the Hawke’s Bay coastline in 2021 (pre-Cyclone Gabrielle) and 2024 (post-Cyclone Gabrielle).

16. A total of 987 black-fronted dotterels were counted in the three river catchments, representing a 30% decline from the average of 1405 birds counted during the pre-cyclone surveys. Black-fronted dotterel numbers declined by 38% on the Tūtaekurī River, by 32% on the Ngaruroro and by 27% on the Tukituki River (Figure 3). These are the steepest population declines to have been recorded in all three of these catchments since these bird surveys began in 1962.

17. Black-fronted dotterels are largely restricted to the riverbeds of Hawke’s Bay, so the 30% decline observed on these rivers represents a 30% decline in the regional breeding population of this species. It is not yet known whether this regional decline has been caused by bird mortality due to inundation during the cyclone, or by birds emigrating to other parts of New Zealand in response to a decline in local habitat quality. If bird mortality is the cause, then this regional decline of 30% is equivalent to a 15-17% decline in the national population of this ‘At Risk’ species.

Figure 3: Black-fronted dotterel densities (mean ± S.E.) in three Hawke’s Bay braided river catchments before and after Cyclone Gabrielle. Different lowercase letters indicate significant differences between pre- and post-cyclone surveys within each catchment using post-hoc Tukey tests with Bonferroni correction (P < 0.05).

18. A total of 1327 poaka/pied stilts were counted in all three river catchments during the 2023 post-cyclone survey, representing a 16% decline from the average of 1573 birds counted during the pre-cyclone surveys. Poaka/pied stilt numbers declined by 37% on the Tūtaekurī River and by 24% on the Tukituki River but increased by 13% on the Ngaruroro River. On the Hawke’s Bay coastline, a total of 1058 poaka/pied stilts were counted during the 2024 post-cyclone survey, representing a 34% decline from the 1606 counted in 2021.

19. 26 tōrea/South Island pied oystercatchers were counted, representing a 43% decline from the average of 46 birds counted during the pre-cyclone surveys. The Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro and Tukituki Rivers are the only locations in the North Island where this species breeds, so this observed decline represents a 43% decline in the North Island breeding population of this species.

20. Cyclone Gabrielle led to substantial reductions in riverbed vegetation in all three river catchments, and substantial increases in the percent cover of fine sediment. Lower levels of vegetation cover were associated with higher local densities of pohowera/banded dotterels, black-fronted dotterels and pied stilts, and a greater percent cover of fine sediment was associated with higher local densities of pohowera/banded dotterels (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Relationships between pohowera/banded dotterel density and the percent cover of riverbed vegetation (A) and in fine (B), medium (C) and coarse (D) substrates on Hawke’s Bay braided rivers. Solid and dashed lines represent significant (P < 0.05) and non-significant relationships, respectively.

21. There was significant variation in cyclone impacts between different shorebird species inhabiting the Hawke’s Bay coastline. Population sizes of a number of ‘Threatened’ or ‘At Risk’ species appear to have been unaffected by Cyclone Gabrielle, with similar numbers of matuku moana/reef herons, tōrea pango/variable oystercatchers, tarāpuka/black-billed gulls, tara/white-fronted terns and pīhoioi/New Zealand pipit counted both pre- and post-cyclone.

22. Several other ‘Threatened’ or ‘At Risk’ species do appear to have been severely impacted however, notably kawau/black shag (40% decline), kāruhiruhi/pied shag (42% decline), tūturiwhatu/New Zealand dotterel (36% decline), pohowera/banded dotterel (31% decline) and tarāpunga/red-billed gull (17% decline). Substantial declines were also observed for poaka/pied stilts (34%) and karoro/black-backed gulls (19%), two native species assessed as ‘Not Threatened.’ A 24% decline in kuihi/Canada geese and other introduced and invasive species was also observed

23. Tūturiwhatu/New Zealand dotterels declined by 36% from 222 birds counted in 2021 to 142 birds counted in 2024, representing a dramatic reversal in population trend for a species that had been increasing steadily in numbers since re-colonising the Hawke’s Bay coastline in 1990. Local declines in tūturiwhatu/New Zealand dotterel numbers were observed along the entire length of the Hawke’s Bay coastline but appeared to be particularly severe at the mouths of the Wairoa and Aropaoanui Rivers, Waipātiki Stream, as well as along the eastern coastline of Māhia Peninsula, at Waitangi Estuary and at Pourerere and Aramoana Beaches (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Percentage change in the number of tūturiwhatu/New Zealand dotterels counted per survey section along the Hawke’s Bay coastline in 2021 (pre-Cyclone Gabrielle and 2024 (post-Cyclone Gabrielle).

24. The results of this survey demonstrate for the first time that extreme weather events exacerbated by human-induced climate change can lead to severe declines in shorebird populations at catchment and regional scales in New Zealand. This in turn provides the first empirical evidence that these species have a high degree of vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. It is not yet clear however whether these observed declines are a result of adult mortality, or a change in bird distribution in response to declines in habitat quality. It is also not yet known whether, or how quickly, these impacted bird populations will recover from these declines.

Next steps

25. These results provide the first empirical evidence collected in New Zealand that demonstrate the vulnerability of these threatened, endemic shorebird species to climate-change driven extreme weather events, and demonstrates for the first time that regional breeding populations of these species can suffer significant declines as a result of these weather events.

26. The severity of these declines indicate that climate change adaptation plans need to include measures to mitigate adverse impacts on our natural ecosystems. In the case of Hawke’s Bay’s internationally and nationally significant populations of riverbed and coastal-nesting shorebirds, mitigation could include large-scale mammalian predator control to offset losses caused by flooding, and the creation of artificial nesting habitats in less flood-prone locations.

27. In the case of coastal shorebirds, future changes in land-use and the construction of coastal defences in response to the rising sea level need to be done in such a way as to avoid a net loss of intertidal and foreshore habitats, as sea level rise causes habitats to migrate inland.

28. It is recommended that a second three-year series of river bird surveys be carried out between 2026 and 2029, and that a third coastal bird survey be carried out during the summer of 2028-2029, to assess the degree to which riverbed and coastal shorebird populations have recovered from the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

29. Understanding whether, or how quickly, these shorebird populations recover from these observed declines will be crucial to further improving our understanding of the vulnerability of these species to the impacts of extreme weather events exacerbated by human-induced climate change. This improved understanding will in turn assist HBRC and other authorities to make better-informed decisions regarding the measures required to mitigate the impacts of climate change on these shorebird populations.

Decision-making considerations

30. 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 Coastal and River Bird Survey findings staff report.

Authored by:

Annabel Beattie

Senior Scientst - Terrestrial Ecology

Becky Shanahan

Senior Scientist Marine & Coasts

Louise van Jaarsveldt

Environmental Engineer

Approved by:

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 4 September 2024

Subject: North Island Weather Events flood resilience programme

Reason for report

1. This item provides the Committee with information on the North Island Weather Events (NIWE) Resilience Programme and Infrastructure Programme Management Office (IPMO) and the current status of projects within the flood resilience programme with respect to mana whenua engagement specifically.

Background

2. The Crown and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) entered into the North Island Weather Events (2023) – Hawke’s Bay Crown Funding Agreement on 10 October 2023 (the NIWE Agreement).

3. The NIWE Resilience Programme consists of several initiatives to provide flood protection schemes to multiple communities across Hawke’s Bay and it also incorporates upgrades to both pumpstations and stopbanks associated with existing schemes, as well as Telemetry upgrades and Scheme Reviews.

4. The packages of work funded through this agreement are highlighted below.

Severely Affected Land Areas	Crown Funding	HBRC Funding	Total
Wairoa	$70,000,000		$70,000,000
Pākōwhai	$70,676,470*	$23,373,530*	$94,050,000*
Whirinaki
Ohiti
Waiohiki
Pōrangahau
Sub Total			$164,050,000
Pumpstation Upgrades	$22,544,329	$7,455,671	$30,000,000
Rapid Repair – stopbank height increases	$22,544,329	$7,455,671	$30,000,000
Telemetry	$3,757,388	$1,242,612	$ 5,000,000
Scheme Reviews	$2,254,433	$745,567	$ 3,000,000
Total	$191,776,949	$40,273,051	$232,050,000

*For the purposed of this table the value for Tangoio (now Cat 3) and Joll Road (to be delivered by HDC) have been excluded from these values.

Delivering the programme

5. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Infrastructure Programme Management Office (IPMO) was established in recognition of the significant step change in capital project delivery that HBRC needs to deliver flood infrastructure across Hawke’s Bay. This work includes NIWE (North Island Weather Event) flood mitigation projects in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle including:

5.1. Flood mitigation projects for Waiohiki, Omahu, Whirinaki, Pākōwhai, Pōrangahau, and Wairoa

5.2. Pump station, Telemetry, other Stopbank upgrades and Scheme Reviews.

6. There is also a portfolio of asset upgrade work that was underway before the cyclone hit, and is delivered by the IPMO:

6.1. Water security: managed aquifer recharge, and water storage

6.2. Gravel extraction from rivers and river treatments

6.3. Parks and reserves: toilet blocks, ducting, power, non-potable water, parking, and general upgrades.

7. The IPMO has a dedicated Director (Jon Kingsford), Programme Management Office including Finance and Controls Manager, Health and Safety Advisor, an Operations lead, a Mana Whenua Engagement Facilitator, and a Comms and Engagement team, as well as Project Management teams. The IPMO sits within the Regional Council’s Asset Management Group, headed by Chris Dolley.

Mana whenua engagement in the IPMO

8. The IPMO has comprehensive mana whenua engagement framework and process documents – both created to guide meaningful collaboration and partnership with mana whenua in the delivery of works for the NIWE projects. This framework and process acknowledges the unique perspectives, values, and mātauranga of mana whenua and seeks to weave in mana whenua insights and aspirations into the planning and implementation of the critical projects to be delivered by the IPMO.

9. The mana whenua engagement framework is designed to meet and exceed the requirements set out in the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Order 2024. The framework ensures early identification and engagement with relevant mana whenua entities, facilitates formal meetings, and promotes the establishment of working groups and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs). It incorporates the use of Cultural Impact Assessments (CIAs) to assess cultural impacts and integrate mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) into project planning. Furthermore, it emphasises ongoing communication, capacity building, and cultural monitoring, ensuring mana whenua are active participants throughout the project lifecycle.

10. MOUs have been developed by the IPMO (Mana Whenua Engagement Facilitator) and are utilised when engaging mana whenua in partnerships, to complete CIAs etc.

The NIWE Flood mitigation projects

11. Each of the projects below has a public project hub page housed on the HBRC website. The hubs house the latest update on the project (usually the latest newsletter) and:

11.1. The project timeline

11.2. Background of the project

11.3. The project team

11.4. Contact details for enquiries (email, web form, phone numbers)

11.5. Archive of previous newsletters

11.6. Archive of meeting notes (from community meetings)

11.7. FAQs (where applicable)

11.8. Useful links (e.g. Insurance Council, relevant TA, financial and housing support etc).

Wairoa ($70m)

12. The largest of the NIWE works programme to move 627 Category 2C properties to Category 1. Two engineering solutions are tabled – stopbanks and spillway.

12.1. August: A Crown Manager, Lawrence Yule, was appointed and discussions are underway as to how the engagement will be handled. Sue Wilson has been employed on a contract basis as Engagement Advisor based in Wairoa, and funding for a Wairoa-based Mana Whenua Engagement Advisor has been received. Two preferred solutions have been recommended by the Stakeholder Group to go to the Tripartite in early September.

12.2. The project working group will reconvene and lead the oversight of the CIA delivery. In late August, Tātau Tātau o te Wairoa has indicated that they will project manage the delivery of the CIA.

Whirinaki ($11.5m)

13. This project ensures 38 Category 2C properties can move to Category 1. Engineering solutions include raising SH2, new stopbanks, upgrades to existing stopbanks, and upgraded culverts.

13.1. August: Petane Marae will be leading the delivery of the CIA. Ongoing engagement with Petane Marae who will progress with entering into an MOU. We are working closely with representatives from Petane Marae on the ground.

Waiohiki ($10m)

14. This project ensures 46 Category 2C properties can move to Category 1. The engineering solution includes a new stopbank, stream alignment, and new drainage swales.

14.1. August: Ongoing engagement with hapū representatives and project updates. An agreement will be entered in to with the number of landowners for road access.

Ohiti Rd/Omāhu ($10m)

15. This project ensures 11 Category 2C properties can move to Category 1. The engineering solution includes stopbanks, stream works and drainage.

15.1. August: HBRC met with representatives of Te Piringa hapū at the marae to discuss the IRG programme work, Ohwia Stream work, and repairs to the stopbank. The discussion also covered the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The scope of work for the CIA (IRG and Ohwia works) is expected within the week following the meeting. Ongoing communication is taking place regarding the MOU.

Pākōwhai ($50m)

16. This project ensures 74 Category 2C properties can move to Category 1. Engineering solutions include stopbank rebuilds, stream alignment, drainage, and overland flow management.

16.1. August: Ongoing engagement with mana whenua continues. A lead has been identified to write the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) for Ngāti Hori, Ngāti Hawea, and Ngāti Hinemoa. Another lead has been identified to manage the CIA for Waiohiki/Ngāti Pārau. The scope of work has been sent to the writers for their review, completion, and agreement. Ecological works are scheduled to start the week of 19 August. Kaitiaki from Waiohiki Marae and Waipatu Marae will assist and work with the ecologists as they undertake assessments.

Pōrangahau ($13m)

17. This project ensures 138 Category 2A properties can move to Category 2C and then Category 1. Engineering works will include stopbanks, sheetpiling, river management and drainage. Pōrangahau is the last remaining community in 2A. Fortnightly update meetings are held with CHBDC.

17.1. August: Ongoing communication with Ngāti Kere and Rongomaraeroa Marae has led to a request for a joint MOU to strengthen our partnership as part of these works. This agreement will be progressed quickly.

Project	Proposed and/or confirmed solution	Timeframe	Mana Whenua Engagement Lead	Hapū \| Marae	PSGE
Omāhu \| Ohiti Flood Mitigation	New stopbank	Start summer 2024-2025 Approx six month delivery	Te Kaha Hawaikirangi	Te Piringa Hapū	Omāhu \| Ohiti Flood Mitigation
Whirinaki Flood Mitigation	New stopbank	Start mid-2025 tbc	Jack Smith-Ballingall	Petane Marae	Whirinaki Flood Mitigation
Wairoa Flood Mitigation	New stopbank and/or floodway	TBC	Nathan Heath and Te Wairama Munro	Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Tawhiti a Maru Marae Takitumu Marae Ruataniwha Marae	Wairoa Flood Mitigation
Pōrangahau Flood Mitigation	New stopbank	Late 2025 Approx six month delivery	Te Kaha Hawaikirangi	Rongomaraearoa Marae Ngāti Kere Hapū Authority	Pōrangahau Flood Mitigation
Waiohiki Flood Mitigation	New stopbank	Summer 2024 Approx six month delivery	Te Kaha Hawaikirangi (although not engaged in MOU or scope)	Waiohiki Marae Ngāti Parau Hapū Trust	Waiohiki Flood Mitigation
Pākōwhai Flood Mitigation	New stopbank	Late 2025 Approx six month delivery	Te Kaha Hawaikirangi (although not engaged in MOU or scope)	Ngāti Hawea Ngāti Hori Ngāti Hinemoa	Pākōwhai Flood Mitigation
Tūtaekuri Cultural Values Assessment		Complete by end 2024	Te Kaha Hawaikirangi (although not engaged in MOU or scope)	Moteo Marae Wharerangi Marae Timikara Marae Waiohiki Marae	Tūtaekuri Cultural Values Assessment
Ngāuroro Cultural Values Assessment		Complete by end 2024	Anthony Tipene-Matua and Te Kaha Hawaikirangi	Te Piringa Hapū Tamatea Pōkai Whenua Taiwhenua o Heretaunga	Ngāuroro Cultural Values Assessment

Pump stations

18. Pākōwhai – Progress has been made in identifying key contacts from Kohupatiki Marae for the Farndon Rd and Pākōwhai pump station Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA), and a writer has been selected. The draft scope of work has been sent for completion. A meeting was held on 20 August to advance the CIA and MOU.

19. Awatoto – Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust has identified a key contact and selected a writer for the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) for this project.

20. Brookfields– Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust has identified a key contact and selected a writer for the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) for this project.

Asset Management Group BAU projects (administered and delivery by the IPMO)

21. Tūtaekurī CVA – Ongoing collaboration with Mana Ahuriri Trust in developing this document. The work is progressing well, with the estimated completion targeted for the end of the year. Regular updates and wānanga are being held with hapū.

22. Ngāuroro CVA– The plan is progressing well and is currently in its final draft stage, it is currently under review with TPH. An interim report has been submitted further and revisions are expected before finalising the document.

23. Farndon Road– Progress has been made in identifying key contacts from Kohupatiki Marae for the Farndon Rd and Pākōwhai pump station Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA), and a writer has been selected. The draft scope of work has been sent for completion. A meeting was held on 20 August to advance the CIA and MOU.

24. Omaranui stopbank upgrade– Ongoing engagement with the Moteo Marae and Ngāti Pārau Hapū representatives is underway for the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) related to this work.

25. Maraenui Golf Course– Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust has identified a key contact and selected a writer for the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA).

26. Moteo– Ongoing engagement with the Moteo Marae representative is underway for the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) related to this work.

27. East Clive Tukituki– The chairperson of Matahiwi Marae has been in contact with the relevant party, and a writer has been identified for the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA). The scope of work has been sent for review. A meeting is scheduled onsite for 20 August to progress the CIA.

28. Raupare Upper and Chesterhope Upper – HBRC met with representatives of Te Piringa Hapū at the marae to discuss the BAU programme of work, Ohiwia Stream work, and repairs to the stopbank. The discussion also covered the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The scope of work for the CIA (BAU and Ohiwia works) is expected within the week following the meeting. Ongoing communication is taking place regarding the MOU.

29. Brookfield Lower– Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust has identified a key contact and selected a writer for the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA).

30. Pākōwhai Park, Raupare Lower– No engagement has started yet; this has been raised with the relevant party. However, there are plans to engage a suitable candidate to discuss undertaking this CIA, as they are leading the CIA in Pākōwhai.

31. Ohiwia Stream works– HBRC met with representatives of Te Piringa Hapū at the marae to discuss the BAU programme of work, Ohiwia Stream work, and repairs to the stopbank. The discussion also covered the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The scope of work for the CIA (BAU and Ohiwia works) is expected within the week following the meeting. Ongoing communication is taking place regarding the MOU.

What the next six months look like

32. The IPMO will continue to prioritise the delivery of key flood resilience projects and we will continue working in partnership with mana whenua, hapū, and marae, undertaking CIAs and entering into MOUs to support resourcing and capability. We remain committed to upholding our mana whenua engagement framework, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of mana whenua are integral to our project planning and implementation processes.

33. To maintain transparency and foster continued collaboration, we propose providing the HBRC Māori Committee with regular updates on the progress of these projects. We are open to discussing the preferred format and frequency of these updates, whether through monthly reports, dedicated project updates, or regular briefings at future committee meetings.

34. Your feedback is crucial to ensuring that our approach aligns with the expectations and needs of the Māori Committee. We look forward to your guidance on how best to keep you informed and engaged as we move forward.

Decision-making considerations

35. 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 North Island Weather Events flood resilience programme staff report.

Authored by:

Jess Bennett

Programme Finance & Controls Manager

Sarah Cameron

Team Leader - IPMO Communications & Engagement

Te Kaha Hawaikirangi

Kaihautū Pūtaiao - Mātauranga Māori

Jon Kingsford

Manager Regional Projects

Approved by: