October/November 2022 including LWAG Agenda November 17th
General Business: LWAG will be hearing from US Scientist Pierre Glynn at our November 17 meeting. Pierre will present on his research looking at new approaches to water management.
Statutory Processes: District Plan Changes 38-43 have been notified. Submissions due December 9th. The Water Services Entities Bill (See more information below)
Farming Issues: He Waka Eke Noa is a partnership between government, the primary sector, and iwi/Māori to equip farmers and growers to measure, manage, and reduce on-farm agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
The partnership’s work includes developing an effective system to price agricultural emissions from 2025.
Appendix: LWAG agenda
Download Agenda & scroll down here for LWAG activities/updates & community participation opportunities: STATUTORY PROCESS UPDATE, COMMUNICATION
October 2022/November 2022 (Recent updates highlighted)
TAUPŌ DISTRICT COUNCIL:
DISTRICT PLAN REVIEW 2019 - 2022 – TDC’s Hilary Samuel is heading up this major piece of policy work specific sections to be tidied up. Additional work to be undertaken when Govt policy further progressed. Rural & Residential chapters to be reviewed. SNA’s awaiting NPS on Significant Natural Areas. Objectives: to improve areas of plan which are causing excess process and therefore costs for marginal benefit. To allow district to develop in an integrated and sustainable way, incorporate the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Ensure adequate space and choice for different land uses. Plan Changes 38-43 have been notified. Submissions are open until 4.30pm on Friday 9 December.(See further information below)
https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/consultation/district-plan-changes-2022
TDC CLIMATE CHANGE – ADOPTION OF EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS & DIRECTIVE – TDC also signed off at Aug 30 meeting TDC Media release: https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/news?item=id:2j9n4bu5v1cxbyyqa0tf
(Ref: LWAG minutes attached ‘Climate Change, what the Council is Doing’ – Aiden Smith, Snr. Advisor Climate Change)
TOWN CENTRE TAUPŌ UPGRADE – Tongariro St work progressing to transform the street into a two-lane, slower speed zone with extra carparks, pedestrian islands and a cycle lane plus outdoor dining spaces. https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/projects/taupo-town-centre-transformation/2project-phases
TDC - # LOVE TAUPO ‘Te Ihirangi – A Destination Management Plan for the Taupo Destination’ – strategic plan consultation identifying a pathway for sustainable growth and resilience for the benefit of the local communities and visitors. Jane attended meeting focusing on consultation on environmental issues/opportunities.
For more information contact: rowan@roamconsulting.co.nz
NUKUHAU PRIVE PLAN CHANGE – approved March 2022. Hearings Panel recommended council approve the plan change, with some amendments including heightening the council’s discretion when granting a resource consent for the subdivision; ensuring the management of traffic impacts of the subdivision; the inclusion of a cultural values assessment for the site; the introduction of minimum and maximum lot sizes; additional stormwater management; and provisions around crime prevention and ecology. In line with the recommendations, TDC will also be looking to bring forward their investigation into the control gates bridge to next year as part of the Annual Plan process. Alongside this, no development within the plan change area can progress until an appropriate solution to dealing with increased wastewater is addressed. Of note are the updated maps illustrating decision to allow for existing gullies to remain intact for stormwater/recreational/biodiversity uses/values as per LWAG advocacy. For more information on the Hearings Panel findings and the Plan Change, please head to taupo.govt.nz/nukuhauplanchange. Appeal option open until early April.
LOCHVIEWS ESTATE LTD SUBDIVISION APPLICATION (STAGE 1) – Lodged July 2021 for 111 residential lots above Acacia Bay. Proposal includes: water to be reticulated, but independent Wastewater TP and disposal system as wastewater cannot be accommodated by TDC. LWAG correspondence incl. response from TDC head planner Heather Williams (abridged): Louise Wood is processing consent currently on hold awaiting the applicant to respond to some questions. The land was rezoned (as residential) a few years ago so there is a lot to consider about where the effects lie and what notification may be involved. LWAG interest passed onto Louise to keep updated once the information in. Stage 2 has also now also been lodged.
NORTH SIDE OF TAUPŌ: NUKAHAU PLAN CHANGE, RYMAN DEVELOPMENT, LOCHVIEWS – INFRASTRUCTURE OPTIONS CURRENTLY BEING ASSESSED BY TDC Internal interim plan being developed by TDC to be completed soon.
TURANGI WWTP – Consent Renewal lodged November 2017. LWAG commented re; options. Processing by WRC deferred pending steering group progression. Steering group including John Williamson, TDC staff, Tuwharetoa MTB and local iwi External project manager contracted re; overseeing steering group process. TDC are looking at land disposal options and are likely to some direction from Council on this in the new year. Currently reviewing specific potential sites for land disposal. A carbon dosing system now installed. TDC are seeing good results with reduction in the amount of nitrogen discharged after commissioning of the carbon dosing system. Interim consent may be required due to delay in disposal site decision - October 2022 plan required.
No update
MANGAKINO – TDC is including upgrade of WWTP for N removal in new consent application and the planned upgrade will allow for future growth. Draft consent conditions from WRC received, awaiting final feedback from Iwi before the consent is finalized. No update
ACACIA BAY – No intention to connect Acacia Bay WW to Taupo in the short term, the trigger for this would likely be development in Acacia Bay area. No projects planned for Acacia Bay. Capacity over the Control Gate Bridge remains a constraint. No update
RAKANUI RD - TDC/WRC agreed to reduce N loading rates at Rakanui Road for the replacement consent. This will require expansion of irrigation area at View Road.
VIEW ROAD: Expanding View Rd site by 60/70 ha irrigation infrastructure. Site clearing underway.
KINLOCH WWTP Operating very well, community open day being planned. Expect significant reduction in nitrogen discharge.
TDC DRINKING WATER UPGRADES:
UV upgrades underway at River Road and Whakamaru.
CONTACT ENERGY Introduction to GeoFuture Contact Energy are proposing to: Close Wairākei A&B Power Stations no later than 31 June 2031.Stop all discharges of separated geothermal water into the Waikato River and associated streams no later than 31 June 2026.Gain consent to build a larger development at Te Mihi with an option for a small development at Wairākei. Contact are not seeking a material increase in our geothermal fluid take. Hearings 20th October.
COMPOSTABLE WASTE MINIMISATION INITIATIVE: MYNOKE support circular economy processes for Taupō businesses and institutions. (N.B. MYNOKE are currently contracted take TDC wastewater sludge to turn into vermicast.) For more info se: https://sustainable.org.nz/people/ and https://www.mynoke.co.nz/
TE KAUPAPA KAITIAKI ~ TAUPŌ CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN: Te Kōpu ā Kānapanapa, a co-governance body with membership from Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato Regional Council and Taupō District Council, is developing a management plan (Te Kaupapa Kaitaki) for the Taupō Catchment that seeks to protect, restore and enhance its environmental, cultural and spiritual health for current and future generations. The vision for the Taupō Catchment as set out in the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Act 2018 is ‘for a healthy Taupō Catchment that is capable of sustaining the whole community and that is managed in a manner that reflects Ngāti Tūwharetoa tikanga’. More about the Plan: https://www.tekaupapakaitiaki.co.nz/te-kaupapa-kaitiaki/For Te Kōpu ā Kānapanapa agendas: Te Kōpu ā Kānapanapa Co-Governance Committee agendas and minutes | Waikato Regional Council
Film: Te Kopu a Kanapanapa / Te Piringa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY5MUieaRNg
Next Steps: Approval of Te Kaupapa Kaitiaki March – May 2023
ENVIRONMENT WAIKATO:
WRC’s FRESHWATER POLICY REVIEW – Over the next two years, changes to be made to Waikato Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and Waikato Regional Plan. To do this, they are seeking input from tangata whenua, farmers, industry, rural professionals and the general public to identify and understand their issues, values and aspirations for fresh water, and to determine how we’ll measure our progress. The views and feedback will help to inform changes to the RPS and the development of a new regional plan, which we anticipate will be notified for public submission in 2024 and operative by 2026. LWAG represented on community reference group (Jane applied on behalf of LWAG)
Further information: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/freshwater-policy-review
PC1 HEALTHY RIVERS/WAI ORA: Waikato Regional Council has notified the decisions version of its groundbreaking Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora plan change. The decisions documents are available on Waikato Regional Council’s website www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/healthyrivers. In August 2021, the Government released the findings of a review of Overseer. The review identified shortcomings in Overseer’s modelling approach. The Court-assisted appeal process is continuing. However, the Courts are also looking at alternatives to Overseer (e.g. Risk Assessment Tools). New government regulations e.g. Freshwater NES requirements for Farm Plans plus Stock Exclusion Rules are impacting on the process.
LAKE TAUPŌ CATCHMENT COMMITTEE: LWAG received an invitation to participate in a reformed Lake Taupō and Upper Waikato Zone Committee process as a community representative. Further meeting scheduled November 2022.
LAKE TAUPŌ PROTECTION PROJECT JOINT COMMITTEE: Jane attended 23rd August meeting online. Agenda included Monitoring report (Jon Palmer) 23 properties compliant with NP and other consent requirements. Budget for LTP Trust approved to June 30, 2023. Recording & Agendas available here:
https://waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/council-meetings/lake-taupo/ & for more information ref; Latest News section of LWAG website www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz
LAKE TAUPŌ PROTECTION TRUST Lake Taupō Protection Trust - Taupō District Council and Waikato Regional Council have approved funding to continue the Lake Taupō Protection Trust to further protect the water quality of Lake Taupō. This has been approved by MfE. LTP Trust AGM 10.30 am Monday 29th August. For agenda/minutes see: https://www.protectinglaketaupo.nz/the-trust/key-documents/ (Also , See LWAG website ‘latest news’ section) www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz)
WRC CHAPTER 3.10 REVIEW: WRC has separated the review of Variation 5 (now called Chapter 3.10) into 2 stages - stage 1 relates to the Overseer version issue and stage 2 will target all other matters. Regional Council currently investigating implications of the NPS and NES Freshwater on the Waikato Regional Plan. Through that process, parts of the plan that need to be changed will be identified – those changes are likely to include further changes to the Taupo Chapter. The requirement is to notify changes no later than 2024. That means working towards changes will occur in next couple of years.
WRC PLAN CHANGE 2: TAUPŌ OVERSEER VERSION: The plan change was made operative on Monday 12 October 2020. More information on the plan change including the operative plan change document is now on the plan change website https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/council/policy-and-plans/rules-and-regulation/taupo-overseer/
N.B. Plantain now in OverseerFM as a pasture type on pastoral and cut and carry blocks
WRC CLIMATE CHANGE ROADMAP EMISSIONS MAN. & REDUCTION PLAN: Council approved its Climate Action Roadmap to guide internal activities, budget planning and opportunities to work with iwi partners and key stakeholders for a climate-resilient Waikato. The roadmap provides nine evidence-based pathways the council will take to respond to the impact of council actions on the climate and the implications of a changing climate on council activities including a proposal to help accelerate the uptake of low emission vehicles in the Waikato region. https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/WRC/WRC-2019/Climate-Roadmap.pdf
CONTACT ENERGY: GEOFUTURES includes proposal to reconsent, re-configure and modernise its existing operations on the Wairākei Geothermal Field, including the maintenance of supply of geothermal water to local businesses that use the supplied geothermal water as part of their activities (known as ‘cascade users’). The overall proposal is referred to as "GeoFuture". For a full list of the activities applied for and to view the application documents and a customised copy of the submission form please visit http://waikatoregion.govt.nz/GeoFuture. Hearings 18 October
LAKE TAUPŌ PROTECTION PROJECT ‘Te wai, te iwi Protecting Lake Taupō’ – publication http://www.protectinglaketaupo.nz/ (scroll down to video and click play) n.b. Hard copies available from Jane.
WRC LAKE TAUPO’S WATER QUALITY DATA
“WATER QUALITY OF LAKE TAUPŌ & ITS CATCHMENT 1973-2020” – comprehensive report being developed by Bill Vant & John Hadfield – available soon See August agenda: https://www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz/monthly-reports-2022/julyaugust-2022-inclduing-august-18th-agenda Follow link. Deep buoy site info here: https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/natural-resources/water/lakes/lake-taupo/lake-taupos-water-quality/ WRC’s monitoring of Lake Taupō’s open water quality shows the lake continues to be of high quality, clear and low in nutrients. However, increasing nitrate levels in the bottom waters of the lake could lead to increases in algae, which can reduce clarity. WRC measures Secchi depth at their open water sampling site to monitor Lake Taupō's water clarity over time. They also collect water samples in the top 10 metres of the lake at this site to measure chlorophyll a, total phosphorus and total nitrogen. The online table gives their average chlorophyll a values for the period 1994 to 2020.
NIWA buoy WRC have contracted Dr Piet Verburg from NIWA to undertake a study using the monitoring buoy data from Lake Taupo. This study will focus on evaporation from the lake, and how this changes over the time the buoy has been in place.
Water quality for human contact recreation: Waikato Regional Council now measures bacteria levels (E. coli) in the water at five sites around the edge of Lake Taupō annually. E. coli bacteria is a useful indicator of the health risk for human contact recreation activities, such as swimming or water skiing.
Algal bloom reporting: scroll down to Lake Taupo on this WRC site:
https://waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/natural-resources/water/rivers/waikato-river/algal-blooms/
GOVERNMENT/He Waka Eke Noa - farmers and growers gave feedback about policy options. Background: The Government has legislation in place to price agriculture greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 through the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) if a credible alternative is not agreed upon.
HE WAKA NOA The He Waka Eke Noa partnership has recommended the introduction of a farm-level levy system from 2025. The Government has released for consultation a proposal to reduce agricultural emissions, putting New Zealand on track to meet our 2030 methane reduction target:
OVERSEER REVIEW REPORT The Government will work to support the development of a next generation Overseer so that it can fully investigate the opportunities and plan an appropriate path for redevelopment. (See more below) https://environment.govt.nz/assets/publications/government-response-to-the-findings-of-the-overseer-peer-review-report-final-.pdf
MFE RMA – to be replaced by 3 acts: Natural and Built Environments Act (NBA), focused on land use and environmental regulation; the Strategic Planning Act (SPA) pulling together laws around development; and the Climate Change Adaptation Act (CAA) focused on managed retreat and its funding. Minister Parker: “Local Govt. will continue to be the key institution, shaping and implementing the new system.”
Budget 2022 provided $179 million over four years for implementation of resource management reform. This will ensure funding to help complete the National Planning Framework, the first Regional Spatial Strategies and NBA plans, and the National Māori entity. The Government intends to introduce the Natural and Built Environments Bill and the Spatial Planning Bill to Parliament in October 2022. The third Bill, the Climate Adaptation Bill, is expected to follow in 2023.UPDATES ON THIS AND OTHER GOVT. POLICY CHANGES HERE: https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/key-initiatives/resource-management-system-reform/
EDS has helpful links on its webpage: https://www.eds.org.nz/our-work/rm-reform-project/
DIA WATER SERVICES BILL/
3 WATERS REFORM POLICY: On 27 October 2021, Government confirmed that they would create four publicly owned water entities. https://www.dia.govt.nz/three-waters-reform-programme-frequently-asked-questions (See more below)
UPDATE ON NATIONAL POLICY STATEMENT (NPS) FOR FRESHWATER MANAGEMENT 2020 - This new national direction, part of the Essential Freshwater reforms, contributes to the Government’s commitment to stop further degradation, make immediate improvements, and restore waterways within a generation. The Freshwater NPS 2020 will provide local authorities with updated direction on how they should manage freshwater under the Resource Management Act 1991. It came into force on 3 September 2020.
A factsheet provides information on the amended regulations for intensive winter grazing, primarily for regional council staff and those managing intensive winter grazing activities. guidance will help councils and others working to implement the National Objectives Framework (NOF) and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM).
Guidance for councils and others working to implement the National Objectives Framework (NOF) and the NPS for FM 2020 (NPS-FM). PdF available here: https://environment.govt.nz/publications/guidance-on-the-national-objectives-framework-of-the-nps-fm/
More information on LWAG website ‘Latest news’ and via this link:https://www.mfe.govt.nz/fresh-water/national-policy-statement
CONSERVATION REFORM: taking a phased approach to modernising the conservation system. Reforming conservation legislation is a significant project that will take time. There are some changes that can be made to the legislation in the short and medium-term to establish a foundation for comprehensive reform. There will be plenty of opportunity for the public to have a say in any changes.
Roadmap available: https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/conservation-law-reform/
The conservation law reform roadmap sets out our work over the coming years to improve legislation.
CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE (ZERO CARBON) AMMENDMENT ACT– The Government has a range of initiatives to help New Zealand transition to a low emissions economy and reduce the impacts of climate change: New Zealand's climate change programme, Adapting to climate change, New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, Emissions reduction targets, Progress towards our international climate-change commitments. Links to summary documents here: https://www.mfe.govt.nz/climate-change
Emissions budgets and Emissions Reduction Plan: The ERP sets out policies and strategies for meeting emissions budgets, and contributing to global efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels. Progress is monitored by the Climate Change Commission, as outlined in the Climate Change Response Act (2002). A new inter-departmental executive board for climate change has been established to provide oversight of the Government's response to climate change. It will monitor and report on the delivery of actions in the emissions reduction plan and national adaptation plan. It will also advise on the overall effectiveness and future direction of the two plans to ensure domestic emissions budgets are met. Updating ETS: An oversupply in the emissions trading scheme (ETS) market has (among other factors) pushed the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) into updating the current ETS settings.
MFE: NZ’S GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY, 1990-2018 -https://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/climate-change/new-zealands-greenhouse-gas-inventory-1990-2018
SEE ALSO: ‘ACTION ON AGRICULTURAL EMISSIONS’ update: https://www.mfe.govt.nz/consultation/action-agricultural-emissionS
IPCC — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – February 2022:
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/
Summary for Policy Makers: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_SPM.pdf
See further international media commentary below
For James Renwick & Paul White February presentation to LWAG (including predictions relating to NZ) see minutes attached. Recording available email: janehadiadup@hotmail.com
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY: LWAG submitted in support of a Water Conservation Order for the Ngaruroro and Clive rivers initiated by Fish & Game. ‘The report recommends that there should be a Water Conservation Order for the part of the river above the Whanawhana cableway to the headwaters. Eight parties have since lodged further appeals with the Environment Court.
DoC – NIWA DoC park weather site: https://weather.niwa.co.nz/parks
LAWA (Land, Air, Water, Aotearoa) reports on nation-wide water quality results ?
MERCURY ENERGY LAKE LEVEL LINK
https://www.mercury.co.nz/lakelevels
Scroll down to select ‘Long term’ or ‘Short term’ & hover curser over lake level lines for specific info including current level
Acacia Bay water temperature live data is published on the LAWA staging site.
Please find link here: http://lawa.staging.iteffect.co.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/lakes/lake-taupo/
LERNZ Lake Ecosystem Restoration New Zealand “Linking lake restoration research with end users to achieve outcomes”. Please see the ‘our people’ section of this website (http://www.lernz.co.nz/people) and the University of Waikato website (http://sci.waikato.ac.nz/about-us/school-of-science/staff) www.lernz.co.nz
WRC Lake Taupō Water Quality Monitoring: Water quality for ecological health; measures Secchi depth at open water sampling site to monitor Lake Taupō's water clarity over time. They also collect water samples in the top 10 metres of lake to measure chlorophyll a, total phosphorus and total nitrogen. Water quality for human contact recreation; bacteria levels (E. coli) in the water at a number of sites around the edge of Lake Taupō. https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/natural-resources/water/lakes/lake-taupo/lake-taupos-water-quality/ or contact WRC’s Lakes Scientist/Programme Manager - Science & Strategy Directorate
FRESHWATER FOR LIFE offers ‘independent honesty into freshwater environmental reporting in New Zealand’: https://waterqualitynz.info/ including : Mike Joy’s ‘The Future of Food and Energy’ webinar and ‘The Groundswell protest claimed regulation and The Conversation article: ‘taxes are unfair to farmers – the economic numbers tell a different story’ (See more below)
TOI TE ORA PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES: 31 March 2022 Health warnings issued for Lake Rotorua and the Ohau Channel earlier this month have now been lifted by the local Medical Officer of Health. Email alerts for subscribers: www.toiteora.govt.nz/news
ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS
ADVOCATES FOR THE TONGARIRO RIVER – Contact: secretary@tongariroriver.org.nz and check out their website https://www.tongariroriver.org.nz/ One of the aims of the Advocates for the Tongariro River is to build widespread public awareness and support for affirmative action on key issues affecting the Tongariro River and its environment. All welcome.
LAKES WATER QUALITY SOC. ‘Te Kahui Kounga Wai’ – Taking care of the Rotorua Lakes–https://lakeswaterquality.co.nz/ 2-Day Symposium November 10 and 11. “Get on the Boat – Changes, Challenges & Maintaining Momentum”
DOC/TONGARIRO NATIONAL TROUT CENTRE Taupō for Tomorrow education programme website: www.taupofortomorrow.co.nz no longer being funded so school educational opportunities limited.
Take part in events run by the Department of Conservation, local businesses, and community groups during
Sign up for ‘What’s Up DOC?” newsletter for national projects and resources online.
DOC/GENESIS - WHIO FOREVER RECOVERY PROGRAMME: In March - celebrating over 10 years of partnering with Genesis to protect the native whio. The number of protected whio breeding pairs has nearly tripled over the past 10 years, growing from 298 pairs in 2011 to 863 in 2021. Together with Genesis, DoC celebrate this milestone and the whio with stories and competitions.
MAHI AROHA SUMMER PROGRAMME CENTRAL NTH IS (See Project Tongariro below)
TREES THAT COUNT (Project Crimson affiliated) A digital marketplace connecting native tree planters with funders and counting trees. From their website: By counting the trees we all plant, we can measure our collective impact on climate change and improve our environment. As they grow, these native trees will help to remove about 2,498,207 tonnes of carbon from our atmosphere. Link to newsletter and other info here: https://www.treesthatcount.co.nz/
ONE BILLION TREES PROGRAMME: Gvt goal to plant one billion trees by 2028.
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/funding-and-programmes/forestry/planting-one-billion-trees/
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
NATIONAL WETLAND TRUST http://www.wetlandtrust.org.nz a non-profit organisation established to increase the appreciation of wetlands and their values by all New Zealanders. The reserve between Hamilton and Te Awamutu is open to the public. Access is via double wooden gates off SH 3, between McFall and Jary Roads (left hand turn in and out only). The Trust is also keen to hear from willing volunteers.
PROJECT TONGARIRO: - Plenty of opportunities to get involved...check out their volunteer activities! Community planting days Oruatua Recreation Reserve - Saturday 11 June contact Shirley Potter shirley@tongariro.org.nz Also contact Shirley if you would like to help our SMALL Wednesday weeders group Community Planting Day Tauranga-Taupō - Thursday 9 June, 9am at the end of Tuki Street.
To get involved check out - https://www.tongariro.org.nz/ or email: info@tongariro.org.nz p: +64 7 386 6499
Predator Free Taupō – see their Facebook page for information on what's happening here & elsewhere in New Zealand. If you are keen to become involved or wish to donate a trap or two to help protect Taupō's native flora and fauna contact them: info@tongariro.org.nz
Toyota Kiwi Guardians Lake Rotopounamu part of a nation-wide programme encouraging families to get out and explore our special places.
GREENING TAUPŌ – new planting dates available: Sun 14th Aug 11 am Spa Park, Sat 27th Aug 11 am Centennial Drive
www.greeningtaupo.org.nz or contact: Robyn Ellis, Greening Taupō Coordinator 027 628 8008 or e.mail info@greeningtaupo.org.nz Look out for details in The Taupō Times, on radio, at www.greeningtaupo.org.nz or contact info@greeningtaupo.org.nz.
PWMT - Pukawa Wildlife Management Trust: set up to improve the birdlife in and around the Pukawa settlement on the southern shores of Lake Taupō. Contact Jean Stanley on 0274504982 or morepork02@gmail.com
FOREST & BIRD TAUPO BRANCH: Branch contact: Laura Dawson Phone 07 378 5975 Email laura@reap.org.nz or visit the website to get involved at: http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/branches/taupo
Forest & Bird in conjunction with DoC and Predator Free Taupō, project to clear the Opepe Reserve (on the Napier Taupo Road - 15 km out of town) of pests and bring back the birds. What is involved? - checking trap lines, emptying traps and re-setting them. If this appeals to you, please see: https://predatorfreetaupo.nz/ - click on Projects.
(See update from F&B on Gvt draft Climate Change adaptation below)
MOTUOAPA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION – contact Larry Hadley (treasurer) to get involved and/or receive their newsletter troutnabout.nz@gmail.com
LWQ Soc Rotorua Lakes – The Society is a community organisation that works on behalf of the whole Rotorua Community and many outside of Rotorua to ensure that lakes remain or are restored to a high quality. Contact: secretary@lakeswaterquality.co.nz
Biodiversity crisis in New Zealand link: https://theconversation.com/despite-its-green-image-nz-has-worlds-highest-proportion-of-species-at-risk-116063
Lakes & Waterways website
Check it out & feedback (and pictures) welcome: www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz
Pierre Glynn is an affiliated scholar with Arizona State University and Scientist Emeritus/USGS Science & Decisions Centre (USA) with a background in geochemistry & groundwater science.
His 3-yr Royal Society of New Zealand “Catalyst/Leader” Fellowship aims to bring science-policy approaches to NZ’s groundwater sector.
Pierre will be visiting Aotearoa/New Zealand in November 2022 & presenting to LWAG
“My research on new approaches to water management and science through community knowledge and project learnings”
5.15 pm, November 17th at the Acapulco Motel Conference Room
Papers FYI 1) Glynn et al., 2022, "Value of Information: exploring behavioral and social factors"
2) Glynn et al., 2022, "Value of information and decision pathways: concepts and case studies"
A date for your diaries: Lake Water Quality Society – Rotorua Lakes
2-Day Symposium November 10 and 11.
“Get on the Boat – Changes, Challenges & Maintaining Momentum”
LWAG members discount offered:
The Lakes Water Quality Society is inviting members and supporters of the Lakes and Waterways Action Group Taupo to participate in the symposium for a reduced registration fee of $170 GST Inclusive or $150 GST inclusive for online (virtual attendance).
The standard registration is $250 for the two days.
Freshwater for Life latest news:
The IPCC 6th Assessment Report (AR6) contains the latest advice on human-made climate change and its effect on the planet – and people. The second of three parts of AR6 was released in April.
“Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health. Any further delay in concerted, anticipatory global action... will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all.”
Expert calls for climate change action after damning IPCC report
– RNZ interview with James Renwick 6th April 2022
"It's now or never". That's the verdict from the world's leading scientists in a landmark UN report on climate change which came out overnight.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report says rapid, systemic transformation is needed across all parts of society to rein in catastrophic global warming.
Even if all the policies to cut carbon that governments had put in place by the end of 2020 were fully implemented, the report says the world will still warm by 3.2 degrees celcius this century.
It says greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 and then be halved this decade, or the world will be hit by "unprecedented heatwaves, terrifying storms, and widespread water shortages."
Victoria University of Wellington Professor of physical geography James Renwick spoke to Corin Dann.
TDC District Plan Changes 38-43 have been notified.
Submissions are open until 4.30pm on Friday 9 December. Please find the public notice attached.
The Plan Changes include:
Plan Change 38 – Strategic Directions (full new chapter)
Plan Change 39 – Residential Coverage (increase from 30%-35%)
Plan Change 40 – Town Centre Changes (building height, temp activities and laneways tweak)
Plan Change 41 – Removal of out of date fault lines
Plan Change 42 – Rural Lifestyle and General Rural Environments (full new chapters)
Plan Change 43 – Additional Taupō Industrial land
You can find the plan changes and all accompanying reports at www.taupo.govt.nz/districtplanchanges .
Climate Change MfE update
Aotearoa New Zealand’s first emissions reduction plan is now available for download. Launched in May, it puts us on our path to net-zero emissions by 2050. To provide certainty and allow for planning, this first plan also signals what our emissions budgets will be for 2026-2030 and 2031-2035. These budgets are ambitious, but achievable, with combined effort and commitment. A te reo Māori translation of the ERP summary is also available. https://environment.govt.nz/publications/aotearoa-new-zealands-first-emissions-reduction-plan/
Local government is fundamental to meeting the 2050 targets, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and helping communities to adapt to climate change. Local government makes decisions in many sectors that will need to transition; actions that relate to local government are dispersed throughout the plan, including for planning and infrastructure, transport, waste, building and construction.
TAUPO CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM – new local initiative
Please contact Jane on janehadiadup@hotmail.com if you would like to be involved
Next meeting: Friday 18th November 1pm, upstairs at the Taupō Library
– all welcome
The 13 biggest environmental problems of 2022
According to Earth.Org, the 13 biggest environmental problems of 22 are:
1. Global warming from fossil fuels 2. Poor governance 3. Food waste 4. Biodiversity loss
5. Plastic pollution 6. Deforestation 7. Air pollution 8. Melting ice caps and sea level rise
9. Ocean acidification 10. Agriculture 11. Food and water insecurity 12. Fast fashion and textile waste
13. Overfishing
He Waka Eke Noa: ‘Pragmatic proposal to reduce agricultural emissions
and enhance exports and economy’ – Beehive press release 11.10.2022
Prime Minister, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Agriculture Minister Hon Damien O’Conner, Climate Change Minister, Hon James Shaw
Proposal would see New Zealand farmers lead the world in reducing emissions and help give NZ a competitive advantage in green conscious global marketplace.
Modelling shows Government’s proposal should meet Zero Carbon Act 2030 methane reduction target
Government largely adopts farming sector’s proposal to price emissions at the farm level, giving farmers control over their own farming systems with the ability to reduce costs
Revenue recycled back into agriculture sector through new technology, research and incentive payments to farmers
Consultation to work through sequestration, levy setting process, and transition assistance. Consultation open from now until 18 November 2022.
Full press release including overview of emissions reduction support details here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pragmatic-proposal-reduce-agricultural-emissions-and-enhance-exports-and-economy
RNZ Media release: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/476451/he-waka-eke-noa-government-proposes-farm-level-system-by-2025
The Government’s The Water Services Entities Bill
- establishes four publicly owned water services entities that will provide safe, reliable, and efficient water services in place of local authorities. Following introduction of the Water Services Entities Bill on 2 June, and its subsequent first reading on 9 June, the Finance and Expenditure Committee are now accepting submissions on the Bill. Further legislation will be introduced later this year to enable the transfer of assets and liabilities from local authorities to Water Services Entities, and integrate entities into other regulatory systems. Another piece of legislation will cover economic regulation and consumer protection, to ensure water services are reasonable and affordable. A National Transition Unit will oversee the establishment of the new entities over the next two years.
The Government expects to introduce the next Bill later in 2022, with a further Bill covering regulation and consumer protection, with the aim of ensuring water services are reasonable and affordable, likely to be introduced in 2023.
Three Waters Reform Programme & The Water Services Entities Bill
https://www.dia.govt.nz/Three-Waters-Reform-Programme
The delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater – the three waters services – is changing.
All New Zealanders need safe, reliable drinking water, wastewater and stormwater – the three waters services. We depend on these for the health and wellbeing of our communities and our environment.
Why do we need reform?
The evidence shows as a nation we haven’t adequately maintained and improved our water service infrastructure. Without change, the safety, reliability and affordability of these services will lead to more New Zealanders getting sick from contaminated drinking water, more sewage spills and increases in cost.
Three waters reform case for change and summary of proposals - 15 June 2022 (PDF, 1.3MB)
How will our water services be improved?
The Government has worked with local government, iwi and water industry leaders to create a detailed, affordable plan to make sure our three waters system is in good condition to meet challenges like population growth, climate change and natural disasters.
Under this plan four new publicly-owned Water Services Entities will run New Zealand’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services – currently operated by councils on behalf of communities.
The Government’s plan will build these new Water Services Entities (WSEs) on the foundations of existing council infrastructure, people, and expertise. The plan is designed to give the new water organisations the financial flexibility to make the necessary upgrades more affordable for everyone.
The Water Services Entities Bill
The Government has introduced to Parliament the first piece of legislation to make these changes – the Water Services Entities Bill. As well as setting up the new entities so they can be ready in two years’ time, the Bill locks in council ownership of the WSEs on behalf of the communities, by making councils the sole shareholders. Councils will have one share per 50,000 people in their area, rounded up – so each council will have at least one share.
The legislation ensures communities will have a say in the running of the new water organisations through council and iwi oversight, while giving them the financial and operational independence they need to get on with the job.
About Drinking Water
https://www.dia.govt.nz/drinking-water-three-waters-reform-programme
Safe, affordable and reliable drinking water, and wastewater and stormwater networks that meet environmental and cultural expectations are the foundation of advanced societies. It is also essential for the protection of public health and the health of the environment.
In mid-2017, following the Government Inquiry into Havelock North Drinking Water, the Government established the Three Waters Review to look at how to improve the regulation and service delivery arrangements of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater – the three waters – to better support New Zealand’s environment, health, and safety. The findings of the Review were consistent with many of the Havelock North Inquiry’s findings and raised system-wide questions about the effectiveness of the regulatory regime for the three waters, and the capability and sustainability of water service providers.
This led to the establishment of Taumata Arowai, the new water services regulator and a strengthened regulatory environment for three waters services. Taumata Arowai has a strong focus on the safety of New Zealand’s drinking water and on 15 November 2021 became the drinking water regulator. In 2024, it will assume responsibility for wastewater and stormwater networks, becoming the three waters regulator for Aotearoa.
Taumata Arowai was established as a Crown entity in March 2021, and took over from the Ministry of Health as the new water services regulator for New Zealand on 15 November 2021 when the Water Services Act [New Zealand Parliament website] came into effect. https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/
Every year an estimated 34,000 people across Aotearoa become ill from their drinking water, and many thousands of households must boil their water to drink it safely. The creation of Taumata Arowai is part of the government’s response to an inquiry into the Havelock North drinking water contamination which resulted in up to 8,320 campylobacteriosis illnesses and at least four deaths.
The inquiry found systemic failures that mean many people do not receive reliable, safe drinking water and recommended the creation of a new drinking water regulator. (From the website)
About Wastewater
https://www.dia.govt.nz/waste-water-three-waters-reform-programme
All too often we see network failures like burst pipes in our streets and raw sewage spilling onto our beaches and into our rivers. These are signs our wastewater and stormwater systems are in trouble. Kiwis expect more from our essential services.
The Government’s reform proposals are designed to ensure our wastewater networks are future-proofed and safe for the environment.
Research from the Three Waters Review has revealed our communities are facing rising costs to grow, maintain and upgrade wastewater networks to meet community expectations and environmental standards. The research published below shows that more than half of the wastewater treatment plants in the country need to be reconsented over the next ten years. These upgrades are expected to be significant and very costly due to increased community and cultural expectations since treatment plants were first consented decades ago.
While these treatment plants are significant and expensive investments for communities, the greatest costs to communities associated with these services lie in the underground pipes, or infrastructure.
Find out more about the 2017-2020 Three Waters Review, related Cabinet papers, and GHD-Boffa Miskell Wastewater Reports below.
2019 National stocktake of municipal wastewater treatment plants
This report provides a national-level stocktake of the regulation of town wastewater treatment plants by regional councils. In particular, the stocktake provides an assessment of resource consents and relevant plan rules in place for these treatment plants, and the compliance, monitoring, enforcement arrangements and practices for these consents and rules.
5. Conclusion
Three waters services are critical for New Zealand’s public health and safety, environmental protection, and economic prosperity and security. A number of Government priorities are reliant on a well-functioning, financially sustainable three waters system.
The Three Waters Review is a cross-government project that is developing proposals for reform of three waters, spanning both regulation and service delivery.
Previous work undertaken as part of the Three Waters Review has highlighted that the Three Waters infrastructure in New Zealand is coming under increasing pressure from a number of sources such as central government policy, population growth, declining rating bases, community and cultural expectations, regulatory requirements and funding issues.
This report has collated and reviewed regional plans, together with resource consent, compliance and monitoring information provided primarily by regional councils to obtain a national stocktake of WWTPs and their performance across New Zealand.
A strong theme across the country is one of variability in monitoring, compliance grading systems and compliance which has led to difficulties in preparing a clear, detailed and accurate national stocktake. Notwithstanding that, some key trends are evident in the data collected with the following implications:
· WWTPs require resource consent as a discretionary activity in most regions.
· More than half of the existing municipal WWTPs in New Zealand require consenting currently, or in the next 10 years. This will result in significant costs for territorial authorities who already have multiple priorities including meeting more stringent water quality standards and responding to climate change.
· Parameters monitored in the discharges from WWTPs and the limits placed on discharges are highly variable, with little consistency apparent both within regions or nationally. There is no relationship between contaminant monitoring and receiving environment, type of plant, or age of consent. In effect, conditions on WWTPs appear to be set in a piecemeal way without systematic regulation, differing widely from plant to plant. Consent conditions could be standardised to provide greater consistency within and between regions and across the country, to enable meaningful comparison with water quality attributes and national bottom lines in the NPS-Freshwater and to improve compliance and enforceability.
· Monitoring, reporting, compliance grading systems and enforcement systems could be standardised to provide greater consistency within and between regions and across the country.
· The high levels of variability in regulation of WWTPs mean that benchmarking, performance comparison, or national reporting is not likely to be possible under current arrangements. Compliance, monitoring and enforcement is likely to be resource-heavy and unduly complicated for both regulators and owner councils. Reconsenting is also likely to be difficult, with each community engaging in reconsenting from scratch with no national standard or guideline to structure consultation.
· The consulting team consider that consistency in consenting, monitoring and reporting will improve the ability to obtain a clear detailed and accurate national stocktake of WWTP performance and is likely to result in streamlining and simplification of systems and therefore cost savings. It also has the potential to make community engagement significantly easier on reconsenting. Proactively released by the Department of Internal Affairs 42 | GHD | Report for Department of Internal Affairs - Three Waters Review, /12505294/
· The high proportion of WWTPs (nearly 25%) operating on expired consents, many for years or even decades, is concerning. There appear to be a range of reasons for this including, the capacity and capability of small councils to manage the consenting processes, lengthy and often difficult consultation processes, challenges with meeting community expectations within affordability constraints, and the need to continue to provide wastewater services to protect public health even when consent has expired.
· The fact that 35% of all WWTPs require new consents in the next ten years presents an opportunity to capitalise on a change point in the regulatory system. Lessons learned, and changes made, to the regulatory system as detailed in this report could well lead to better regulation and operation of wastewater treatment plants.
Three Waters Reform Programme: Stormwater
https://www.dia.govt.nz/three-waters-reform-programme-stormwater
Stormwater Technical Working Group
The Stormwater Technical Working Group (STWG) was established to identify future arrangements for the planning and management of stormwater services and how those services could be successfully delivered by the proposed water services entities, whilst protecting and enhancing the relationship between the proposed water services entities and local authorities.
Stormwater Technical Working Group Report
This report from the STWG identifies key issues, risks, opportunities, and options associated with the transfer, and includes proposals for:
the future arrangements for the transfer of stormwater assets and management of stormwater systems and infrastructure;
managing the interface between the roles and functions of the proposed water services entities, local authorities, mana whenua, transport providers, and regional councils to work together to manage stormwater systems and functions; and
an approach and timeframe for the transfer of responsibility for managing stormwater from local authorities to the proposed water services entities.
https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/transport-and-water/three-waters-reform