General Business: LWAG ended the year with a long-awaited presentation by Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua Scientist, Malcolm McLeod. Malcolm has had a long association with the Taupo catchment, overseeing trials on N-leaching under lucerne cut and carry and more recently under grazed lucerne.
2022 will begin with an update on Contact Energy’s Resource Consent Process and mitigation options by Environmental Advisor Todd Baldwin on January 27. On February 17th LWAG are to host climate scientist James Renwick who will present on ‘Climate Change & NZ’s Energy options’.
Statutory Processes: The Nukuhau Private Plan Change seeking to change the zoning of 77.78 hectares of Rural Environment zoned land to a mix of General Residential and Medium Density Residential has been heard by commissioners. LWAG submitted on this and are yet to hear the decision.
We have also expressed interest in the Lochviews Estate subdivision in Acacia Bay which is lodged but answering TDC & WRC planning questions including on their wastewater treatment proposal.
The Government 3 Waters Reform Policy is progressing with the Government continuing to work with iwi/Māori and local government. They have agreed to develop a draft Water Services Entities Bill to give effect to the Working Group on Representation, Governance and Accountability for consideration as part of its work. The Bill is expected to go to Select Committee next year, and people can make submissions on the Bill at that time.
Farming Issues: There are national processes underway on agricultural emissions including the He Waka Eke Noa Discussion Document Steering Group Discussion Document to support Partnership Targeted Engagement Nov/Dec 2021 to inform a much broader engagement in February 2022, where farmers and growers will be able to review the current progress on developing a system to price agricultural greenhouse gases and give their feedback on the options.
For more detail - see attached via link below
Appendix: LWAG January 27 2022 agenda