Agenda of Māori Committee - Wednesday, 3 September 2025

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 03 September 2025

Subject: August 2025 Statutory Advocacy and Resource Management reform update

Reason for report

1. This item updates the status of 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. This edition features a new-look style and feedback on this is invited.

2. The Statutory Advocacy project centres on local resource management-related proposals on 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. reviews and changes to district plans overseen by a territorial authority

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

3. From time to time, the Statutory Advocacy project also coordinates the Regional Council’s feedback on resource management-related proposals from central government agencies such as Ministry for the Environment, Ministry for Primary Industries and Parliamentary Committees etc.

4. In all cases, the Regional Council is not the decision-maker, applicant nor proponent.

5. Copies of formal submissions made by the Regional Council on resource management-related proposals can be viewed online at www.hbrc.govt.nz (keyword #hbrcsubmissions).

6. The following summary outlines those proposals that the Council’s Statutory Advocacy project is currently actively engaged in. Green text represents an update since the previous report in March 2025.

7. Summary

National

· Programme of new and amended National Direction (NPSs and NESs) under the RMA

· Reforming the Resource Management System – Tranche Two RMA amendments etc.

· Local Government (Water Services) Bill

· National standards for discharges from municipal wastewater schemes.

· Draft National Infrastructure Plan

Regional

· Napier City Council Proposed District Plan

· Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (MACAA).

Other

8. Inactive proposal for current reporting period (with date of previous report to Committee)

· Central Government’s Climate Change Adaptation Policy programme	February 2025
· Application for Water Conservation Order – Ngaruroro and Clive Rivers	May 2025
· Reforming the Resource Management System – Replacement of the RMA	May 2025

9. Completed proposals (no further reporting)

· Fast Track Approvals Act 2024	February 2025
· Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024	February 2025
· Hastings District Plan Change 6 (Category 3 Lifestyle subdivision provisions for displaced owners)	February 2025
· Resource consent application for development at 147 Napier Road, Havelock North	May 2025
· Private Plan Change 7 to the Hastings District Plan (Hastings Golf Course)	May 2025

10. Active workstreams (see tables below)

Name	Programme of new and amended National Direction under the RMA
Proposal Type	National Policy Statements, National Environmental Standards and Regulations
Owner / Lead	Ministry for the Environment (plus other Ministries)
Summary	On 29 May 2025, the Government opened consultation on proposals to change and inform the development of national direction under the resource management system. This included four consultation packages: - Package 1: Infrastructure and development - Package 2: Primary sector - Package 3: Freshwater - Package 4: Going for Housing Growth Package 1 contains proposals for four new national direction instruments and amendments to four existing national direction instruments, including the proposed new National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards and National Policy Statement for Infrastructure. Package 2 contains proposals for changes to eight existing national direction instruments, including changes to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry and the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land. Package 3 contains proposals for changes to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 and the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater. Package 4 contains proposals for freeing up development land and removing planning barriers to promote housing growth.
Update
Potential Impacts for HBRC	There are likely to be significant looming impacts on workstreams across the council resulting from the proposed national direction packages. These will continue to be worked through as more details of the proposed national direction instruments are confirmed.
Actions arising	Staff have submitted feedback on packages 1-4 and have also provided feedback helping to inform a submission prepared on behalf of Te Uru Kahika (the collective of regional councils and unitary authorities).
Important Dates	Consultation on national direction instruments including Packages 1-3 - which closed on Sunday 27 July, and Package 4 closed Sunday 17 August.
Further Information	Ministry for the Environment website – Consultation on updating RMA national direction: https://environment.govt.nz/news/consultation-on-updating-rma-national-direction/
HBRC Lead	Intermediate Policy Planner - Saul Gudsell

Subject	Reforming the Resource Management System – Tranche Two of RMA amendments, etc.
Type	Legislation
Owner / Lead	Ministry for the Environment (plus other Ministries)
Summary	On 17 December 2024, the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill had its first reading and was referred to the Environment Select Committee. This bill amends the RMA to progress Government priorities, including making it easier to consent new infrastructure, encouraging investment in renewable energy, and making medium-density residential standards optional for councils. Proposed amendments include:  empowering the Minister to direct a council to initiate plan changes, and empowering the Minister to direct the type of planning process councils must use to implement national direction  changes to s70 of the RMA to enable the continued management of discharges through permitted activity rules, in circumstances where significant adverse effect on aquatic life exist  clarifying the circumstances in which regional councils can control fishing methods to achieve biodiversity outcomes  strengthened compliance and enforcement powers  changing how applications to change the conditions of a marine aquaculture permit are to be assessed and extending durations for coastal permits for Ports to 2046  changes to enable a 35-year consent duration as the default presumption for long-lived infrastructure and renewable energy projects  one-year consent processing timeframes for renewable energy and wood processing consents  changes to the national Freshwater Farm Plan system to enable industry organisations to undertake certification and audit processes  changes to better enable regulation-making powers following emergencies  changes giving councils greater authority to decline land use consents in areas at risk of significant natural hazards (similar to s106 RMA already applicable to subdivisions).
Update	Staff provided feedback to inform preparation of a submission by Te Uru Kahika (the collective of NZ’s 16 regional councils and unitary authorities). A submission on behalf of HBRC alone was not made. The Bill had its second reading on 15 July 2025. The Government has now progressed, by an amendment paper to the Bill, changes to stop councils from progressing regional plan and regional policy statement changes. The Bill passed into law on 20 August 2025.
Potential Impacts for HBRC	There are likely to be significant looming impacts on workstreams across the council resulting from further RMA amendments. Thes will continue to be worked through as respective Bills work through Parliamentary processes and as more details of the proposed national direction instruments are confirmed.
Actions arising	Staff will actively monitor progress of the Bill through its remaining stages in readiness for when the Bill passes into law. Staff will also remain actively involved in various regional government sector working groups.
Important Dates
Further Information	Ministry for the environment website - https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/rma/changes-to-resource-management/
HBRC Lead	Principal Advisor Strategic Planning - Gavin Ide

Name	Local Government (Water Services) Bill
Proposal Type	Legislation
Owner / Lead	Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) plus other Ministries
Summary	The Local Government (Water Services) Bill is the latest in a series of bills that reshape management and supply of water services (networks for supply of water, wastewater and urban stormwater). The Bill sets out details relating to the water services delivery system, economic regulation and consumer protection regime, and changes to the water quality regulatory framework.
Update	The Local Government (Water Services) Bill has been referred to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee. Submissions on the Bill closed on 23 February 2025. Feedback from staff was provided to Te Uru Kahika to inform a submission lodged on behalf of the sixteen regional councils and unitary authorities. On 3 July 2025, the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee reported back on the Bill and recommended by majority that it be passed with numerous amendments. Most recommended amendments are merely technical in nature, with the substantive scheme of the Bill remaining the same.
Potential Impacts for HBRC	These will continue to be worked through as the Bill progresses into law. Much of the bill will not directly apply to HBRC as HBRC is not an operator of water supply or wastewater services. The Bill will certainly have greater impact on those services provided by the city and district councils. The Bill will have indirect impacts on HBRC as a consenting authority under the RMA.
Actions arising	Remain actively involved in various regional government sector working groups.
Important Dates	The Bill will be set down for its Second Reading in Parliament shortly, however, no date has yet been given.
Further Information	https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/54SCFIN_SCF_FB7B9127-28F5-42B3-5E06- 08DD18A12BFB/local-government-water-services-bill
HBRC Lead	Group Manager Policy & Regulation – Katrina Brunton

Name	Napier City Council Proposed District Plan
Proposal Type	Proposed Plan under RMA
Owner / Lead	Napier City Council (NCC)
Summary	The Proposed District Plan (PDP) review was publicly notified on 21 September 2023. Public submission period closed 15 December 2023. The PDP provides a comprehensive framework for guiding land use, subdivision and development for Napier City, and includes policies and rules. Some (but not all) rules have immediate legal effect from the date of notification. NCC indicated it intends to publicly notify ‘Variations’ to the PDP to introduce specific chapters and other provisions relating to natural hazards.
Update	HBRC presented to the hearings panel at Hearing Streams 1, 2, 3, 6a and 8. HBRC did not present at Hearing streams 4, 5 and 6, which generally related to designations and financial contributions. In March, NCC opted to pause its work on preparing a Variation to the PDP to add a chapter for natural hazards. NCC have cited the pause as waiting on new national direction from the Government in relation to natural hazards.
Potential Impacts for HBRC	The Proposed District Plan must give effect to the Regional Policy Statement. HBRC has lodged submissions in relation to issues in the PDP relating to natural hazards and risk, indigenous biodiversity, climate change and transportation.
Actions arising	HBRC staff prepared evidence in response to NCC officers’ reports for presentation to the hearings panel at:  Hearing Stream 8 in relation to the Ecosystems variation  Hearing Stream 6A in relation to Ahuriri Station and Riverbend Road rezonings
Important Dates	Most recent hearing dates were held on:  Ecosystems variation, Hearing Stream 8 – Thursday 14 August 2025  Rezoning, Hearing Stream 6A – Friday 15 August 2025 HBRC staff are currently waiting on the Hearings Panel decision for further action, no date has currently been given.
Further Information	https://www.napier.govt.nz/our-council/plans-strategies-reports/napiers-district-plan/proposed-district-plan/
HBRC Lead	Senior Policy Planner – Dale Meredith

Name	Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (MACAA)
Proposal Type	MACAA applications Customary Marine Title (CMT)
Owner / Lead	High Court; various applicants.
Summary	Hawke’s Bay has numerous overlapping applications for CMT in various stages of progress. HBRC is an interested in party in the following hearings: 1. Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust, Maungaharuru Tangitū Trust, Ngāi Tāhū O Mohaka Waikare, Ngāti Parau Hapū (Waiohiki Marae Board of Trustees): Decision on Stage 2 Hearings 19/01/23. Appeals still to be scheduled. 2. Rongomaiwahine Iwi Trust (RIT): Stage 1 High Court hearing for Mahia Peninsula: Scheduled for May 4, 2026. 3. Group M (Ngāi Tūmapūhia-a-Rangi Hapū; Ngāti Kere): Stage 1A Hearing completed 4/09/2023. Stage 1B Hearing completed 19/02/2024. Interim Decision issued 10/12/24.
Update	Rongomaiwahine Iwi Trust has sought a Stage 1 High Court hearing for Mahia Peninsula.
Potential Impacts for HBRC	A CMT order provides for rights in relation to the RMA, notably permission rights in relation to consents and permits; and the right to create planning documents. HBRC has obligations under the RMA and LGA regarding these planning documents, including the requirement to initiate a process to determine whether to alter its regional planning documents.
Actions arising	HBRC maintains a watching brief on all proceedings. HBRC is registered as an interested party in the Rongomaiwahine Hearing; staff will review and prepare evidence if required in preparation for the hearing in late 2025/early 2026.
Important Dates	21 July 2025 Group M Stage 1(b) wahi tapu hearing 20 October 2025 Group M Stage 2(b) hearing 20 February 2026 Interested parties' evidence due for RIT HC hearing. 4 May 2026 Rongomaiwahine Iwi Trust Stage 1 HC hearing.
Further Information	Rongomaiwahine-Hearing-Overview.pdf
HBRC Lead	Policy Planner – Shelley King

Name	Draft National Infrastructure Plan
Proposal Type	National Plan
Owner / Lead	Central Government
Summary	The Draft National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) is a strategic document developed by the Government to guide long-term infrastructure investment and planning across the country. It aims to ensure infrastructure is resilient, future-focused, and aligned with national priorities such as housing, climate adaptation, regional development, and economic productivity. The plan outlines key challenges, investment priorities, and coordination mechanisms across sectors like transport, energy, water, and digital infrastructure. It also seeks to improve integration between central and local government planning, and to support better outcomes for communities and the environment.
Update	Staff have reviewed the draft Plan and feedback was provided to inform a submission.
Potential Impacts for HBRC	The plan promotes user-pays funding models, such as water metering and tolling, which may influence how HBRC finances future infrastructure. With only 17 projects selected nationally in the first round of the Infrastructure Priorities Programme, HBRC will need to ensure its projects are well-aligned with national priorities and supported by strong business cases to secure future funding. The plan also supports reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA), which could streamline consenting processes and benefit HBRC’s infrastructure delivery, particularly in areas like flood protection and climate resilience. Additionally, the plan’s focus on climate adaptation and resilience may open up funding opportunities through the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Actions arising	Staff prepared and submitted feedback on the draft Plan.
Important Dates	Consultation closed on Wednesday 6 August.
Further Information	https://tewaihanga.govt.nz/national-infrastructure-plan/feedback-on-draft-national-infrastructure-plan
HBRC Lead	Policy Planner – Shelley King

Decision-making considerations

11. 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 August 2025 Statutory Advocacy and Resource Management reform update.

Authored by:

Saul Gudsell

Policy Planner

Gavin Ide

Principal Advisor Strategic Planning

Nichola Nicholson

Manager Policy & Planning

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s
There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 03 September 2025

Subject: Māori Partnerships Projects

Reason for Report

1. This report provides the Māori Committee with an update on current Māori Partnerships projects underway across the organisation, highlighting progress on key frameworks, cultural capability initiatives, and mana whenua engagement.

Executive Summary

2. The Māori Partnerships team is progressing a suite of significant projects, including:

2.1. Tuia framework design work for the State of the Environment report.

2.2. Te Kapehu – Te Kāpehu is a practical framework that guides how Hawkes Bay Regional Council (HBRC) appropriately engages with and uses Mātauranga in performing its role

2.3. Mana Whenua Document Framework, which sets a consistent organisational approach for engaging with mana whenua planning documents.

2.4. IPMO engagement processes, including review of mana whenua involvement in consenting and project delivery.

2.5. Te Pae Tata and cultural capability initiatives, including Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

2.6. Continued participation in community initiatives such as hapu based planting days.

3. Collectively, these projects strengthen HBRC’s ability to reflect Te Ao Māori perspectives, build respectful partnerships with mana whenua, and embed Māori values into Council’s decision-making and delivery.

Strategic Fit

4. This work directly contributes to Strategic Plan outcomes around:

4.1. Building strong partnerships with tangata whenua.

4.2. Embedding cultural awareness and competency across HBRC.

4.3. Supporting environmental and community resilience through collaboration.

Background

5. HBRC is committed to improving its systems and cultural capability so that tangata whenua participation is enabled and Matauranga Māori is meaningfully integrated across Council.

6. The projects outlined in this report build on earlier Committee discussions and resolutions to strengthen frameworks, engagement approaches, and internal staff capability.

Discussion

7. Māori Partnerships Frameworks

7.1. Tuia – State of the Environment Report

7.2. The Tuia framework sits at the centre of the recently published State of the Environment report, guiding it’s te ao Māori layout and presentation. Tāmanuhiri Russell has completed the design work.

7.3. Te Kapehu now being piloted with the reimagining river project.

7.4. The Mana Whenua Document Framework outlines how HBRC receives and works with mana whenua planning documents, including Iwi/Hapū Management Plans, Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements, Cultural Impact Statements, and Memoranda of Understanding. The framework sets expectations for:

7.4.1. How HBRC responds to and acknowledges these documents.

7.4.2. Building internal capability to understand and apply them.

7.4.3. Embedding their knowledge into Council practices and delivery.

7.4.4. Reflecting shared values in ongoing engagement.

7.5. IPMO Engagement Processes: The Māori Partnerships team will help review the mana whenua engagement process for the Infrastructure Project Management Office (IPMO). This review ensures staff are supported in developing cultural awareness and competency, fostering respectful relationships, and integrating Māori values into project delivery.

7.6. Te Pae Tata continues to guide HBRC’s internal cultural capability. Recent initiatives include planning for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, where safe and relaxed spaces will be created in Tūhono Rau rooms for staff to kōrero. Activities will include pepeha, waiata, and kōrero on local hītori. Videos on pronunciation and staff participation will also be shared across the organisation.

8. Community Participation: The Māori Partnerships team continues to support and participate in community initiatives, such as planting days at Umuroimata Pā and Whātūmā. These activities help strengthen HBRC’s connections with local marae and hapū while supporting environmental restoration.

Next Steps

9. Maori partnerships will continue to develop, implement and enhance projects strengthen HBRC’s ability to reflect Te Ao Māori perspectives, build respectful partnerships with mana whenua, and embed Māori values into Council’s decision-making and delivery.

Decision-Making Considerations

10. 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 committee members receive the Māori Partnership Projects report.

Authored by:

Jack Smith-Ballingall

Māori Partnerships Manager - Central & Internal Relationships

Approved by:

Te Wairama Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 03 September 2025

Subject: Treaty Settlement Commitments

Reason for report

1. This report provides the committee with a status report on the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s (HBRC) register for Treaty Settlement commitments. It establishes a baseline for ongoing monitoring and shared oversight, ensuring transparency and accountability in meeting the Council’s statutory obligations under Treaty Settlement legislation.

Executive summary

2. HBRC has developed a consolidated register of its Treaty Settlement commitments, drawing directly from Te Haeata – the Settlement Commitments Register maintained by Te Tari Whakatau (Office for Māori Crown Relations). Te Haeata provides the official, public record of all commitments made by the Crown in Treaty Settlement Acts.

3. HBRC’s internal register reflects those commitments assigned to Council and provides a tool to track their delivery. This ensures HBRC is meeting its statutory obligations and can report transparently on progress.

4. The report ensures there is a shared understanding of Council’s obligations and demonstrates accountability for progress achieved during this term.

5. The initial status review indicates:

5.1. All HBRC-specific legislated commitments from Te Haeata have been identified and entered into the register

5.2. 16 commitments have been completed

5.3. 6 commitments are ongoing or recurring

5.4. 0 commitments require further attention, particularly systematic internal monitoring across multiple Council teams.

6. This paper is provided for information only, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002.

Strategic fit

7. The Treaty Settlement Commitments Register supports HBRC’s Strategic Plan 2020–2025, particularly:

7.1. Partnerships with Tangata Whenua: Treaty settlement commitments are a cornerstone of enduring governance relationships.

7.2. Governance and Accountability: Transparent reporting builds trust with tangata whenua partners and the wider community.

7.3. Delivery of Statutory Responsibilities: Meeting obligations under Treaty Settlement Acts is fundamental to HBRC’s role.

Background

8. Over the past three decades, multiple Treaty Settlement Acts have been enacted across Hawke’s Bay, each placing responsibilities on HBRC as a statutory authority. These obligations include participation in co-governance entities, statutory planning requirements, environmental redress, and ongoing representation.

9. Te Tari Whakatau maintains Te Haeata – the Settlement Commitments Register – which records all commitments from Treaty Settlements, including those assigned to HBRC. Te Haeata is the official source from which HBRC derives its own internal register and progress tracking.

Discussion

10. The register has been compiled from Te Haeata and reviewed against HBRC records. Commitments are categorised as:

10.1. Completed – one-off actions already delivered.

10.2. Ongoing – recurring responsibilities such as appointments, forums, and plan references.

10.3. In Progress – obligations being implemented but not yet finalised.

10.4. Gaps / Risks – areas requiring further work to ensure compliance.

11. Preliminary analysis shows HBRC is broadly meeting its obligations. However, improvements are needed in ensuring clear internal accountability for long-term commitments that extend across multiple business units.

Next steps

12. Continue refinement of the register to ensure completeness and alignment with Te Haeata.

13. Strengthen internal systems for monitoring timeframes, responsibilities, and delivery across Council teams.

14. Address identified gaps and risks to ensure ongoing compliance and partnership integrity.

Decision-making considerations

15. 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 Treaty Settlement Commitments staff report.

Authored by:

Jack Smith-Ballingall

Māori Partnerships Manager - Central & Internal Relationships

Approved by:

Te Wairama Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Attachment/s

1 ⇨

Hawke's Bay Regional Council Treaty Settlement Commitments Register

Under Separate Cover
Available online only

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 03 September 2025

Subject: Mātauranga and Monitoring Update

Reason for report

1. The purpose of this report is to provide Māori Committee members with an update on progress within the Mātauranga Māori workstream. The report outlines the development of the Mātauranga Framework (Te Kāpehu) and presents the undertaking of a stocktake of existing mātauranga monitoring initiatives.

Executive summary

2. The Mātauranga Māori Implementation workstream is advancing in alignment with Council’s Strategic Plan 2020–2025 and the organisation’s partnership objectives with tangata whenua. Key areas of progress include the development of Te Kapehu as a guiding framework for embedding mātauranga, the completion of a stocktake to establish current levels of monitoring and awareness, and the identification of opportunities for greater integration of mātauranga within Council’s planning, monitoring, and reporting activities.

3. This report provides an overview of progress to date and proposes next steps for strengthening implementation, including formal adoption of Te Kapehu, partnership engagement on stocktake findings, and the development of pilot initiatives to integrate mātauranga into works of Council.

Strategic fit

4. This workstream supports the outcome of strengthened partnerships with tangata whenua by embedding mātauranga into Council’s processes and contributes to the goal of a healthy environment by ensuring that mātauranga indicators sit alongside scientific measures of environmental health. The work also advances resilient communities through recognition of mātauranga as an essential dimension of cultural wellbeing, knowledge-sharing, and intergenerational resilience.

Background

5. The Mātauranga Framework, Te Kāpehu, provides Council with a navigation tool for embedding mātauranga Māori in a way that is consistent and authentic. It sets out guiding principles that recognise the authority of tangata whenua in relation to their mātauranga and offers structured pathways for its appropriate application across Council’s environmental management, planning, and reporting processes.

6. Te Kāpehu has been endorsed by ELT in draft and is currently being applied through pilot projects to test its practical use before refinement and final adoption. Importantly, it also supports capacity-building within Council by giving staff a reference point for engaging with mātauranga respectfully and effectively.

7. Alongside this, the mātauranga monitoring stocktake is underway. An internal working group of staff who regularly interact with mātauranga in their projects has been formed, and work has begun to collate existing internal tools and practices.

8. This phase is building the foundation for a broader understanding of how mātauranga is currently reflected in Council’s monitoring. The next step will extend the stocktake externally, to identify and understand the monitoring approaches already being led by iwi, hapū, and marae across the region.

9. Both streams of work point to clear opportunities for deeper integration of mātauranga within Council operations. The pilot use of Te Kāpehu will demonstrate how mātauranga perspectives can be embedded into planning, evaluation, and project design.

10. Similarly, the expanded monitoring stocktake will provide the evidence base for how mātauranga indicators can sit alongside scientific measures in Council’s State of the Environment reporting and other assessment tools.

11. Together, these initiatives present a pathway to strengthen partnerships with tangata whenua and ensure mātauranga contributes more consistently to Council’s decision-making.

Discussion

12. The Mātauranga Framework, Te Kapehu, offers a navigation tool for embedding mātauranga Māori in a way that is consistent and authentic. It sets out guiding principles that recognise the authority of tangata whenua in relation to their mātauranga and provides pathways for its appropriate application across Council’s environmental management, planning, and reporting processes. Importantly, it supports capacity-building within Council by providing staff with a practical reference for engaging with mātauranga respectfully and effectively.

13. Council’s Kaihautū Pūtaiao is undertaking a project to stocktake mātauranga monitoring, or cultural monitoring, within the region. This process has identified a wide range of initiatives being led by iwi, hapū, and marae across the region. These efforts are particularly evident in the areas of freshwater, coastal ecosystems, and biodiversity, and they highlight the depth of environmental knowledge being applied at a local level.

14. The stocktake also shows that awareness of these activities within Council is uneven, with some programmes well recognised while others remain relatively unknown. This presents a significant opportunity to strengthen partnerships and ensure that mātauranga monitoring is more consistently incorporated into Council’s environmental assessments.

15. There are clear opportunities to embed mātauranga more fully within Council operations. These include integrating mātauranga indicators and monitoring outcomes into Council’s State of the Environment reporting, resourcing partnerships to co-develop new monitoring programmes, and providing staff with training to enhance their understanding of mātauranga principles.

16. In addition, the use of Te Kapehu as a decision-support tool offers a structured approach for applying mātauranga perspectives in planning, evaluation, and project design.

Next steps

17. The next phase of work will focus on completing the pilot applications of Te Kāpehu and reviewing their outcomes. Council has already endorsed the framework in draft, with finalisation dependent on the insights gained from these pilots. Following the review, refinements will be made to strengthen Te Kāpehu as a practical tool for guiding practice across the organisation.

18. In parallel, the mātauranga monitoring stocktake is progressing. To date, an internal group of staff who regularly interact with mātauranga in their projects has been established, and collation of existing internal tools is underway. The next phase will extend this work externally, to build a clearer understanding of iwi, hapū, and marae-led monitoring initiatives across the region.

19. Insights from both the Te Kāpehu pilots and the wider monitoring stocktake will then be shared with tangata whenua partners for validation and joint planning of priorities. Pilot projects will continue to demonstrate how mātauranga indicators can be embedded alongside scientific measures, providing tangible examples of how mātauranga strengthens Council’s reporting and decision-making.

20. Staff will also develop an implementation programme, including training and guidance materials, to ensure Te Kāpehu is consistently embedded across Council functions.

Decision-making considerations

21. 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 Mātauranga and Monitoring Update staff report.

Authored by:

Te Kaha Hawaikirangi

Kaihautū Pūtaiao - Mātauranga Māori

Approved by:

Desiree Cull

Strategy & Governance Manager

Te Wairama Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Attachment/s

1 ⇩

Te Kāpehu

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 03 September 2025

Subject: Three Yearly State of the Environment Report

Reason for report

1. This item provides the Committee with a summary of the three yearly State of the Environment report (SoE). This item will give an overview of Hawke’s Bay’s environmental health, which can be used to inform the HBRC’s Long-Term Plan, and policy plan effectiveness reviews, as well as inform and benefit local communities, landowners, and tangata whenua.

Executive summary

2. The SoE provides a transparent and objective assessment of Hawke’s Bay’s environment and supplies recommended actions in support of HBRC's strategic environmental goals.

3. The SoE report summarises the science presented in a series of more detailed technical reports at a high level intended for non-experts, stakeholders and the Hawke’s Bay community.

4. This year's SoE report includes a dedicated chapter on mātauranga Māori (Māori traditional knowledge) as a commitment to Te Tiriti. The report is framed around a whakataukī that highlights the interconnectedness of all elements of our environment, including people. The chapters are organised into four main elements: Sky, Land, Water, and People, with a fifth concept of Balance providing an overview of how the other four elements come together by catchment.

5. Sky: This section covers the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle and climate-related issues. The monitoring period includes both pre- and post-Cyclone Gabrielle data, highlighting the event's impact, record-high rain levels, river flows, and sediment mobilisation through erosion. The cyclone caused significant damage to riparian margins and freshwater ecosystems, leading to declines in fish and macroinvertebrate communities. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of such extreme weather, leading to hotter, drier summers with less frequent but heavier rainfall, compounding water availability issues, and increasing irrigation demand.

6. Land: Rising sea levels are exacerbating natural coastal processes, endangering residential properties, infrastructure, and habitats. Hill country erosion is increasing the sediment levels in our rivers, estuaries and nearshore environment. The cyclone negatively affected many terrestrial ecosystems, causing declines in coastal bird species and the quality of monitored wetlands.

7. Water: Groundwater levels varied over the monitoring period, with the wet summer of 2022-2023 leading to high well levels. Groundwater quality is generally good, but many monitored wells show signs of land use impact. Hawke’s Bay’s shallow lakes and lowland freshwater ecosystems exhibit low water quality metrics. These conditions lead to poor fish and macroinvertebrate populations. The marine and coastal environment is also vulnerable to water quality decline, with sediment being a key issue, especially in estuaries.

8. People: Air quality in Napier and Hastings has improved since 2006, but, Hastings only met National Environmental Standards once during the period. Further reductions in particulate matter are needed to meet the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines for PM2.5, one of HBRC’s strategic goals. Hawke’s Bay’s freshwater and marine swimming spots are usually suitable for swimming, however estuary/lagoon swimming spots are not meeting HBRC’s strategic goal in this area.

9. Balance (Our Catchments): Dashboards outline the health of each catchment's environment including climate, wetlands, groundwater, river flows, freshwater bodies, aquatic habitats, and suitability of its swimming and shellfish gathering spots.

Strategic fit

10. The SoE contributes to Council’s strategic priorities of water security, land management, climate change and flood risk.

11. The SoE also contributes to many of the outcomes outlined in the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan through measuring outcomes, providing technical support, and identification, detailed in the following paragraphs.

12. Smart and sustainable land use:

12.1. Measuring and quantifying fenced and planted areas in riparian margins of rivers, creeks, lakes, and wetlands stock, ensuring stock is excluded from all of these bodies, and at least 30% are fenced and planted by 2025. Prior to Cyclone Gabrielle, stock was excluded from 50 percent of surveyed waterways and 30 percent of surveyed waterways were supported by riparian planting.

12.2. Technical support in providing Land Use Suitability information to landowners. This has been completed; a refresh is planned for 2025.

12.3. Measurement of contaminants from urban and rural environments in their surrounding waterbodies, ensuring a 50% decrease by 2050. We have a baseline for this information, but it is too soon to report on trends.

13. Water quality, safety and security:

13.1. Providing technical support and monitoring to ensure that by 2050, there will be an improving trend in the life-supporting capacity of all the region’s degraded rivers and major streams. We have a baseline for this information, but it is too soon to report on trends.

13.2. Inform management options of, and monitor, Hawke’s Bay’s swimming sites, ensuring they are suitable for swimming 80% of the time by 2030 and 90% of the time by 2040. We have a monitoring programme in place.

14. Healthy and functioning biodiversity:

14.1. Identifying and informing where priority ecosystem restoration needs to be implemented. Priority terrestrial ecosystems have been identified and are monitored. More work is required to identify priority marine ecosystems.

14.2. Identifying and quantifying indigenous habitats and ecosystems along with their taonga species to maintain and increase these areas. Establishing a baseline and annual monitoring is planned but not funded beyond 2025/26.

15. Sustainable services and infrastructure:

15.1. Measuring air quality and recommending initiatives to ensure this consistently meets WHO guidelines. A monitoring framework is in place.

16. Our SOE reporting also supports policy plan effectiveness reviews, the future development strategy, and spatial planning.

Background

17. HBRC is required by section 35 of the RMA to monitor the State of the Environment (SoE) information. The primary reason is to enable us to promote the sustainable management of our natural and physical resources. The Act requires the data acquired from this monitoring to be published at least every five years.

18. Our last SoE summary report was released in 2022 in which HBRC merged the traditional scientific technical reports and the summary report to produce a long synthesis report of nearly 200 pages. This style of reporting has made it difficult to make comparisons between what was seen in the last reporting period and this reporting period.

19. For this reporting period, the ‘synthesis report’ is about 40 A4 pages in length.

Discussion

20. This year, as a commitment to Te Tiriti, we have included a chapter on mātauranga Māori (Māori traditional knowledge). To underscore this, we have framed our report around a whakataukī that illustrates the interconnectedness of all elements of our environment, including people. The report’s chapters are presented as elements outlined in this whakataukī:

20.1. Sky, including the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle, and our climate.

20.2. Land, including coastal processes, soil and erosion and terrestrial biodiversity (including wetlands).

20.3. Water, including ground and surface water, and freshwater and coastal/marine health

20.4. People, including mātauranga Māori, air quality (how it relates to human health), how we use our land, and our swimming and recreation spots.

21. Sky: Monitoring for this period covers both pre- and post Cyclone Gabrielle. This extreme event brought record breaking rain levels, river flows and sediment amounts mobilised through erosion. Riparian margins and freshwater ecosystems also suffered with loss of planting and fencing, and declines in fish and macroinvertebrate communities. There was a notable increase in deposited and suspended sediment in our freshwater and marine environments. The 2022-23 period was also impacted by two other heavy rainfall events. All three monitoring years had heavy rainfall above the long-term average. Because of climate change, extreme weather like Gabrielle is expected to become more commonplace, likewise summers are expected to be hotter and drier, with rainfall occurring less frequently but more heavily. These conditions will have compounding effects, reducing water availability and increasing demand for irrigation.

22. Land: Rising sea levels are exacerbating natural coastal processes and causing beaches to retreat inland, endangering residential properties, infrastructure and habitats. Hill country erosion likewise is delivering 8.5 megatonnes of sediment to our streams and rivers, and 8 megatonnes of sediment to the coast every year. Many of our terrestrial ecosystems were negatively affected by the Cyclone with declines in coastal bird species on a regional, national and global scale. Likewise, many of our monitored wetlands have declined in quality.

23. Water: Hawke’s Bay had varying groundwater levels over the monitoring period, with the wet summer of 2023-2023 leading to high levels of groundwater and less demand for irrigation. Groundwater quality is generally good, however many of the wells we monitor are showing signs of impact from land use. River flows were also 175% higher than average in the 2022-23 period across the region.

24. Water: The health of our freshwater ecosystems is negatively affected by poor land management practices. Our shallow lakes are largely observed to have poor water quality. Likewise, our lowland freshwater ecosystems are exhibiting high temperatures caused by lack of natural shading, oxygen depletion, high macrophyte cover and high amounts of sediment. This in turn leads to poor populations of fish and macroinvertebrates. Our marine and coastal environment is also vulnerable to water quality decline with deposited and suspended sediment standing out as a key issue, especially in our estuaries with erosion reducing their clarity and increasing levels of mud.

25. People: The air quality in Napier and Hastings has improved since 2006 which can be attributed to residents switching to cleaner forms of home heating. However, it has plateaued more recently. Hastings only met National Environmental Standards once in the period. We will need to further reduce particulate matter if we are to meet the World Heath Organisation’s air quality guidelines for PM2.5 (One of HBRC’s strategic goals).

26. People: Hawke’s Bay’s freshwater and marine swimming spots are meeting HBRC’s strategic goal of being suitable for swimming 80% of the time or more. Estuary and Lagoon swimming spots have only been suitable for swimming 68% of the time, however.

27. Highlights and lowlights of Hawke’s Bay’s catchments:

27.1. Northen Coast has very poor lake water quality and aquatic habitats, especially the riparian zones of its monitored waterways. Two shellfish gathering sites (Maungawhio Lagoon and Te Mahia) have never been compliant with shellfish gathering guidelines, however Mahia beach has been suitable for collection since monitoring started. Although Northern Coasts marine and Estuary/Lagoon swimming spots are meeting HBRC’s strategic goal of being suitable for swimming 80% of the time, its freshwater swimming sites did not, being suitable for swimming only 58% of the time.

27.2. Wairoa typically has good groundwater quality, although our monitoring well has high levels of dissolved reactive phosphorus. Its lakes’ health range in quality from fair to very poor. Although ammonia and nitrates are at good levels in Wairoa’s rivers, most of the other metrics are poor. Wairoa’s estuaries are outside the New Zealand range for suspended sediment, enterococci and chlorophyl-a, and strongly outside the New Zealand range for dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Wairoa’s two freshwater swimming spots have been unsuitable for swimming 47% of the time.

27.3. Mohaka has used minimal groundwater over the last three years – this groundwater is not derived from the Ruataniwha or Heretaunga aquifers. However, 40% of the wells HBRC monitors have exceeded DWSNZ standards for E. coli. These are not drinking water wells but people who have private shallow drinking water wells in the area should treat their water before use. Ammonia and Nitrate are in safe levels in our river water. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in both the marine and estuary sites, but all other metrics in the estuary are within range.

27.4. Esk and Central Coast wetlands are mostly in good or moderate condition, but one of the eight monitored wetlands is degraded. A high percentage of river monitoring sites are high in E. coli and dissolved reactive phosphorus, although ammonia and nitrate levels are low. Our groundwater monitoring well, likewise, shows high levels of Dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) and do not meet drinking water standards for Arsenic or Manganese. Nearshore water quality is mostly within range of other New Zealand sites aside from high levels of DIN.

27.5. Ahuriri has the most urban cover of any of our catchments (12%). Groundwater is primarily used for drinking. Groundwater is showing impacts from land use, with DRP in medium to high levels. Ahuriri’s estuary sites are strongly outside the range of other New Zealand sites in almost all metrics, although dissolved oxygen is within the range of other New Zealand sites. Both Ahuriri’s marine and estuary/lagoon swimming sites have been swimmable 81-91% of the time.

27.6. Tūtaekurī’s monitored wetlands are in good and excellent condition. Three monitored groundwater wells here show medium levels of DRP. Likewise Arsenic and E. coli are above DWSNZ standards in one monitoring well (not used for drinking). Ammonia, Nitrate and DIN are in good levels in Tūtaekurī’s rivers and streams, and its freshwater habitats generally have healthy fish and invertebrate habitats. Tūtaekurī’s freshwater swimming site has been swimmable 85% of the time.

27.7. Ngaruroro has 9 monitored wetlands, four of which are in excellent condition, with three in good condition. Ngaruroro used between 1-9gl of groundwater per year over the last five years, mostly for irrigation. Groundwater shows medium to high levels of DRP. Nearshore water quality is showing a lot of issues including very high levels of chlorophyll-a, faecal coliforms and DIN, along with moderate levels of enterococci. Estuaries are high in DIN and enterococci. Despite this, freshwater swimming spots have been swimmable 91% of the time.

27.8. Karamū has used between 30-46gl of water per year over the last five years; water is used for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes. Groundwater monitoring wells do not meet DWSNZ standards for E. coli or Manganese (these are not drinking water wells). Many also have medium-to-high amounts of DRP. River water has high levels of DRP and E.coli, and poor ecological health, as measured by Macroinvertebrate community indexes (MCI), although they have mostly good levels of ammonia and nitrates. Freshwater habitats generally have poor riparian margins. Karamū is not meeting HBRC’s strategic goal of being suitable for swimming 80% of the time, with its freshwater swimming site only swimmable 59% of the time.

27.9. Tukituki has nine monitored wetlands, with four in good condition. Condition drops moving down the catchment with five wetlands in moderate condition. Tukituki has used between 7-30gl of water per year over the last five years, mostly for irrigation. Wells in the Tukituki are showing signs of land use impacts, with two thirds showing medium to high levels of DRP. A quarter of the wells are also not meeting DWSNZ standards for E.coli (these wells are not used for drinking water). Lake Whatumā has a trophic level index of 6.9 (very poor). Tukituki’s three freshwater swimming sites have been suitable for swimming 89% of the time in the last five years.

27.10.Southern Coast rivers have good levels of visual clarity, ammonia and nitrate, although sites have high levels of E. coli. Southern Coast’s freshwater and marine swimming spots have both been suitable for swimming over 90% of the time, however, estuary/lagoon sites have only been swimmable 70% of the time. Te Awanga and Kairakau Beach have not been compliant with shellfish gathering guidelines for the last three years.

27.11.Pōrangahau is showing high levels of E. coli and poor macroinvertebrate community indexes in its river water. Ammonia, nitrate and DIN are at good levels, however, Pōrangahau’s marine swimming spot has been suitable for swimming 100% of the time over the last five years, though its estuary/lagoon site has only been suitable for swimming 79% of the time.

27.12.When areas within our catchments are degraded by pollution, erosion, or poor land management, communities face increased risks of flooding, reduced water quality, and loss of biodiversity. Maintaining and restoring catchment health is, therefore, essential not only for ecological integrity but also for the social, economic, and cultural vitality of Hawke's Bay’s communities.

Next steps

28. There are about 70 recommendations made throughout the technical and synthesis reports that have been compiled into a prioritised tracker, attached as an appendix to this report. Some of this work can be completed using current budgets, and some will require additional funding. Officers will revert to Council with a plan to approach this work through the next Long Term Plan process.

28.1. Advocate for an increase in riparian planting along waterways. Riparian planting is a widely effective measure for improving river and stream health, reducing land erosion, stabilising stream and riverbanks, and providing suitable habitat for aquatic organisms.

28.2. Advocate and promote the continuation and improvement of stock exclusion measures by fencing waterway margins.

28.3. Target a reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus inputs from catchments, and implement targeted mitigation strategies in high-risk sub-catchments

28.4. Implement predator and weed control measures over vulnerable environments including our wetlands and coastal habitats.

29. As a result of the Effectiveness and Efficiency review, it is planned to review the SoE processes and report, including the frequency of reports. This is to ensure the delivery of value for money that is aligned with Council priorities and legislative requirements, and that the information continues to be of use to HBRC and the community.

30. The Communications plan for the report envisages aligning with other council stakeholder engagement initiatives to reduce the number of stakeholder engagement requests. There is a strong focus on Mana Whenua/Iwi, catchment groups, and youth, through a pilot programme using an app. There will be an update for Councilors with key messages after October.

Decision-making considerations

31. 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 Three-yearly State of the Environment staff report

Authored by:

Toni Gordon

Science Translator & Fundraising Coordinator

Haley Ataera

Manager Science

Approved by:

Richard Wakelin

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

Attachment/s

1 ⇨

Hawke's Bay State of the Environment 2021-2024

Under Separate Cover
Available online only

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 03 September 2025

Subject: Hawea Park Update

Reason for report

1. This report provides an update on the status of the Hawea Historic Park project and the planned completion of the park including the installation of pou and other landscape design elements as agreed with Ngāti Hawea as part of the development of Te Ara Kahikatea.

Staff recommendation

2. Staff recommend that the update report be received for information.

Executive summary

3. Staff continue to work with Ngāti Hawea on the legalisation and development of Hawea Historic Park as agreed as part of the Te Ara Kahikatea project.

Background

4. Hawea Historical Park represents a collaborative effort, with a 50/50 partnership involving four hapū. This project has also experienced delays due to the cyclone recovery efforts, and the unspent funds ($407k) are requested to be carried over to meet the commitments made to partners and stakeholders. Commitments include walking and cycling paths, the design and installation of corten steel sculptures, four pou, storyboards, and an information centre.

5. Covid 19, Cyclone Gabrielle, and staff turnover have delayed the development and completion of Hawea Historic Park however there is now renewed momentum with completion of the park scheduled for the current financial year before 1 July 2026.

6. There is available capital budget that has been carried forward to develop Hawea Historic Park.

Strategic fit

7. This report relates to sustainable and climate resilient services and infrastructure through the utilisation of a flood scheme for environmental, cultural and amenity enhancement.

8. Completion of Hawea Historic Park means Council is delivering on its strategic objectives and ensures it is meeting Treaty Settlement obligations.

Discussion

9. There is a long history relating to the development of Hawea Park area and it has been the subject of long and ongoing discussions between hapū, Council, and the wider community. Hawea Park sits within an area which has significant cultural significance and importance to local hapū. It is understood that Council’s predecessor (Flood Catchment Board) constructed the flood gates originally with little to no regard for sites of cultural significance.

10. From this the Hawea Park concept was born, and land ownership was a fundamental requirement of hapū support for the project, and removal of the floodgates. A compromise was reached between Councillors Rex Graham and Rick Barker, and Ngāti Kahungunu Chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana, that if the return of land acquired by Council was not possible, then a partnership approach to land ownership would be achieved. This was always spoken of in context of 50/50 ownership between two parties being hapū and Council. The ownership includes a representative from each of the four Marae identified; Kohupatiki, Matahiwi, Ruahapia and Waipatu Marae.

11. The land under the proposed park boundary includes a range of land status and ownership. Over half the land area is Crown land riverbed namely for the purpose of soil conservation and flood control. Only a portion is held by Council, some of which were acquired back in 2018 by Council to add to their ownership and expansion of the park space on behalf of the whole community as is the intended use.

12. The 50/50 ownership of Council land within the park was agreed and the Property Group were introduced to the process to assist in legalising a joint ownership and management model arrangement.

13. In order for Council to join the four Marae representatives to the title of Council land, they needed to establish an entity to do so. The Marae representatives agreed to develop a Whenua Topu Trust under the Te Ture Whenua Māori Land Act. This was considered the most appropriate by the four Marae and this entity is named Ngāti Hawea.

14. In addition to achieving legal joint ownership, Council and Ngāti Hawea also worked together to develop “Te Ahikaroa” a co-management document to which sets out the day to day management and planning of the park, and to support the development of the Whenua a Topu Trust.

15. It has taken considerable time for this unique joint ownership and co-management arrangement to work its way through the legal process but the Whenua a Topu Trust was recently established and co-management document agreed to by all parties.

16. The Property Group has also been engaged by Council to finalise legal arrangements with regard to Ngāti Hawea being in 50/50 joint legal ownership of Hawea Park.

17. Following a soft opening of the park involving the Marae representatives in December 2023, there is available budget and plans to complete the park. The design of the cultural elements such as the pou, sculpture and Waharoa structure has had input from designer Tuhoe Huata. This involves the installation of the following landscape elements:

· Installation of Sculpture incorporating 3 feathers symbolic of the Marae and area on top of the mounded area of Hawea Park.

· Installation of four pou representing each of the four marae.

· Installation of a Waharoa at the entrance to the park.

· Installation of Information shelter which includes storyboards and historical narratives.

· Park seats.

· Final limesand pathways to connect various areas of the park and its features.

18. The installation of the sculpture, pou, Waharoa is programmed to occur before July 2026. All other remaining landscape enhancements are programmed to be delivered before end of financial year 1st July 2026.

Financial and resource implications

19. $407,000 excl gst of unspent capital has been carried over to meet the commitments. These include walking and cycling paths, and the design and installation of corten steel sculptures, four pou, storyboards, and an information centre. Loan funding has not yet been drawn. Internal loan interest and repayments for this loan have been allowed for in the 2025-26 budget.

Decision-making considerations

20. 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 Hawea Park Update staff report

Authored by:

Bart Leslie

Regional Park Planner

Approved by:

Chris Dolley

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

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