September/October 2022 including LWAG Agenda October 20
At our October 20 meeting we are receiving TDC’s 3 Water annual update from Asset Manager Mike Cordell.
General Business: Government policy changes in the 3 Waters arena are pending, and Asset Manager Mike Cordell will give us some context on how the new legislation will interface with local infrastructure going forward.
Pierre Glynn, US environmental scientist & Royal Soc. of NZ Fellowship holder is, with his wife, being hosted in New Zealand in November by LWAG Chair Paul White.
Pierre is passionate about environmental policy being informed by local knowledge, values and aspirations and will present to LWAG on “Improving the science & management of water & environmental issues through analyses of knowledge, narratives, & resonances” - 5.15 pm, November 17th at the Acapulco Motel Conference Room.
Statutory Processes: Local body elections have also brought some changes this month (update attached). Congratulations to the successful candidates.
Farming Issues: The Government has released for consultation a proposal to reduce agricultural emissions, putting New Zealand on track to meet our 2030 methane reduction target. For more detail - see attached via link below
Download Agenda & scroll down here for LWAG activities/updates & community participation opportunities:
STATUTORY PROCESS UPDATE, COMMUNICATION
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. LWAG received response to pre-consultation feedback on Draft District Plan Changes. At their Aug 30 meeting, TDC adopted PC 38 – Strategic Directions, PC 39 Residential Coverage (increase from 30-30%), PC 40 – Town Centre (including height increase to 4-6 storeys in some parts of the town centre), and PC 41 – removal of mapped fault lines (now corrected via LiDar). Due to local body elections these will be notified at the end of October with a 2 month submission period. Proposed Plan Changes, Submissions, responses etc available here:
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 The emissions reductions targets are based on a path to meeting the national target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Reducing solid waste, improving energy efficiency, and reducing fuels for vehicles and gardening equipment are areas where the council has the greatest opportunities to reduce emissions. 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) N.B.Council staff will be attending the Taupo Climate Action Group Meeting 21st October, 1 pm upstairs at the Taupo Library - all welcome. Call Jane Penton on 07 378 2043 for more information
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 – Water supply reticulation to town in LTP LWAG asked for wastewater to be considered in submission. No intention to connect Acacia Bay 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. New consent also likely to include Phosphorous limits. Finalizing consent conditions with WRC. Increasing tree planting at the Rakaunui Road ETA boundary and other areas to reduce spray drift risk. Some planting completed last year, more to coming this year and in following years.
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 – 20 October (LWAG oral submission)
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: Jane gave LWAG oral submission to draft document at October 4th hearing. 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.
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. Jane attended 1st June meeting. Zone work programmes reports were presented by Deb Nickle & staff and issues discussed.
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
SCIENCE INFORMATION
'Waikato waterway nitrate levels worsening' - Waikato Regional Council (WRC) report May 2021
(See also ‘Latest News section LWAG website) www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz
Oxygen levels in lakes dropping rapidly, including Taupo - June 2021 – (For more information ref: ‘Latest News section LWAG website) www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz
Statistics NZ ‘Indicators for Our fresh water 2017’ - data accessible from MfE’s website, and indicator pages with dynamic maps and graphs on Stats NZ’s website.
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
Visiting Scientist Pierre Glynn - November 2022
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
“Improving the science & management of water & environmental issues through analyses of knowledge, narratives, & resonances”
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.
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.
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 ACTION GROUP – new local initiative
Please contact Jane on janehadiadup@hotmail.com if you would like to be involved
Next meeting: Friday 21st October 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
The progress results for the 2022 Taupō District elections
Date: 8 Oct 2022, 2:04 pm
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas has been returned for a fourth term in today’s local body elections, with a progress result of 5215 votes.
Mayor David Trewavas said he was overwhelmed to be re-elected. “It’s an honour to be selected to once again represent our beautiful district. “I’m looking forward to carrying on all the great work that we have underway and to keep working to make this a fantastic place to live for all our community.”
The other two mayoral candidates, Christine Rankin and Sean Wakelin, are currently on 3782 and 926 votes respectively.
The progress results are based on approximately 90 per cent of returned votes. It does not include some special votes and the votes returned today as they are still in transit to the processing centre.
The seven successful candidates for the Taupō ward are:
Christine Rankin Yvonne Westerman
Kevin Taylor Anna Park
John Williamson Rachel Shephard
Duncan Campbell
The successful candidate for the Tūrangi-Tongariro ward is Sandra Greenslade.
In the new Te Papamārearea Māori ward, Karam Fletcher and Danny Aperahama Loughlin were the successful candidates.
Kylie Leonard for the Taupō East Rural ward and Kirsty Trueman for the Mangakino-Pouakani ward were both re-elected unopposed.
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.
The Government has released for consultation a pragmatic proposal to reduce agricultural emissions, setting up our biggest export earner for future success and putting New Zealand on track to meet our 2030 methane reduction target, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.
The Government has included many of the recommendations of the He Waka Eke Noa Partnership of agriculture sector groups for farm-level emissions pricing, and proposed modifications in the consultation document based on advice from the Climate Change Commission.
“This is an important step forward in New Zealand’s transition to a low emissions future and delivers on our promise to price agriculture emissions from 2025,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“The proposal aims to give New Zealand farmers control over their farming system, providing the ability to reduce costs through revenue raised from the system being recycled back to farmers, which will fund further research, tools and technology and incentives to reduce emissions.
“The proposal would see New Zealand farmers lead the world in reducing emissions, delivering a competitive advantage and enhancing our export brand.
“No other country in the world has yet developed a system for pricing and reducing agricultural emissions, so our farmers are set to benefit from being first movers.
“Cutting emissions will help New Zealand farmers to not only be the best in the world but the best for the world; gaining a price premium for climate friendly agricultural products while also helping to boost export earnings.
“We’re committed to building a system that works for farmers. We will continue to work in partnership to drive as much consensus as possible to ensure we have a system that lasts the distance.
“The consultation provides an opportunity for people to provide feedback on the issues of sequestration, the levy setting process and transition support,” Jacinda Ardern said.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the proposed farm-level emissions pricing system supported farmers to make decisions about what they do on their farms by incentivising emissions reductions and climate friendly practices.
“By rewarding farmers who take action to cut their emissions we can support more farmers to improve their productivity and profitability while achieving climate goals,” Damien O’Connor said.
“The Government is already supporting farmers by investing in the development of high-impact technologies and practices, including the establishment of the new Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions to shift the dial on climate friendly farm practices.
“Farmers are already experiencing the impact of climate change with more regular drought and flooding. Taking the lead on agricultural emissions is both good for the environment and our economy,” Damien O’Connor said.
Climate Change Minister James Shaw stressed the importance of working with farmers to reduce emissions, rather than relying on forestry offsets.
“The Government made a promise to put a price on agriculture emissions, after thirty years of inaction.
“By 2025 New Zealand will introduce a system that means farmers pay a price for their emissions and are rewarded for taking action to reduce their climate pollution. Countries grappling with the same challenges as us are once again looking to New Zealand for climate leadership.
“The levy improves on the proposal put forward by the He Waka Eke Noa partnership and brings New Zealand’s gross methane reduction targets within reach. It is better than the ‘backstop’ of bringing agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme, which could see agribusiness simply offsetting farm emissions without making any actual changes to reduce emissions on farms.
“Cabinet considered a range of options alongside the levy, including a system based on managing the total volume of pollution, rather than managing the price. While this was not Cabinet’s preferred option for 2025, we are seeking feedback on its merits.
“There are a few other outstanding issues which we are keen to hear views about, such as how nitrous oxide emissions from fertiliser should be treated,” said James Shaw.
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