TDC LTP & WRC LTP open for feedback including on future of Lake Taupo Protection Project

Have your say https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/consultation/draft-long-term-plan-2021-2031-consultation/issue-4-the-future-of-the-lake-taupo-protection-project and https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/consultation/draft-long-term-plan-2021-2031-consultation

Taupō District Council has released its Draft Long Term Plan 2021-31with four areas on which they are seeking specific responses including changes to rating for council water supplies, and the future funding for the Lake Taupō Protection Project. (N.B. the WRC LTP is also consulting on the LTP Project.)

TDC LTP submissions are due by Friday 16 April

https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/consultation/draft-long-term-plan-2021-2031-consultation

and WRC LTP submissions are due on 30th April. https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/yourvoicematters/

Joint hearings for the Lake Taupō Protection Trust consultation set down for 17 May.

TDC’s preferred option is:

‘The governance functions should be undertaken by a joint committee, made up of members from Taupō District Council, Waikato Regional Council, Tūwharetoa Maori Trust Board and the Crown. The Lake Taupō Protection Trust will continue to have oversight of the agreements. This is the status quo.’

The same option is worded slightly differently in the proposed WRC LTP:

‘Governance undertaken by the Lake Taupō Protection Project Joint Committee with the management of the contracts undertaken by the Lake Taupō Protection Trust, with their workspace provided in either Taupō District Council or Waikato Regional Council offices.

If this option is agreed to, a review of the arrangement will take place in 12 months’ time to consider whether the new governance and management structures are the most efficient and cost-effective ways to manage the agreements.’

LWAG have consistently supported the Project and believe that the continuation of the Trust will ensure the integrity of the project. We note that Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board also support the continuation of the Trust. In a letter to WRC we outlined our reasons for the Trust continuing including:

‘Management of covenanted properties require a high level of engagement to ensure the public fund of $80 Million facilitating the land-use changes is not compromised. We believe, as do our District Council councillors on behalf of community aspirations, that robust independent governance is essential.

Lakes and Waterways are concerned that the integrity of the Project may be compromised without the continuity of expertise and procedural knowledge held by the Lake Taupō Protection Trust.”

Natalie Haines and Jane Penton met with TDC’s Senior Policy Advisor Tanya Wood, who has been involved with the Project as TDC’s staff representative on the Joint Management Group More recently Tanya has been on an Officials Working Party advising on JMG decisions translating into public consultation by both councils.

Tanya clarified several points in this complex process, including the budgeting for the options regarding the Trust. Since the nitrogen target has been met, the government is no longer involved financially with the Project. That is why consultation is being sought from Regional and District ratepayers.

Of note - there are cost reductions incorporated in the preferred option relating to bringing the Trust in-house by either TDC or WRC.