June/July including LWAG Agenda July 20th 2023
General Business: We look forward to hearing about the field work Pete does with the Fishery and also the educational work of Doug where visitors, including schools, learn about our freshwater aquatic environment, the Whio (Blue Duck) restoration project and of course the trout hatchery.
Statutory Processes: Of interest this month is the recent and final decision of settlors that TDC retain & become sole trustees of the Lake Taupo Protection Trust 'allowing transfer of functions & responsibilities while retaining gains associated with trust such as reputation, landowner relationships & administration processes.' Full TDC media release here:
https://www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz/latest-news
WRC Freshwater Policy Review Update: online webinar 25th July To receive a link to the webinar, you must register beforehand by clicking here: Freshwater Policy Review Community Engagement Webinar, 25 July 2023, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Appendix: LWAG agenda
Download Agenda & scroll down here for LWAG activities/updates & community participation opportunities:
STATUTORY PROCESS UPDATE, COMMUNICATION
July 2023 (Recent updates highlighted)
TAUPŌ DISTRICT COUNCIL:
DISTRICT PLAN REVIEW 2019 - 2022 –Plan Changes 38-43 Hearings July/August
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
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. Download here: https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/industry/destination-management-plan/
NUKUHAU PRIVE PLAN CHANGE – Became operative in June 2023 (after appeal issues resolved) In line with the recommendations, TDC is looking into the control gates bridge 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 infrastructure including increased wastewater is addressed.
LOCHVIEWS ESTATE LTD SUBDIVISION APPLICATION (STAGE 1) – Lodged July 2021 for 111 residential lots above Acacia Bay. WW now proposed to be stored and fed incrementally into system at off peak times i.e. reticulated. Louise Wood is processing consent which is currently on hold awaiting the applicants addressing of further geotechnical concerns raised by peer-reviewed engineering report (TDC). The land is zoned residential so decision on level of notification of development yet to be made. LWAG interest passed onto Louise to keep updated once the information in.
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. WRC extended the consultation period until 30 June 2023. 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. Iwi engagement ongoing.
ATIAMURI: Wastewater discharge consent application to be lodged by year end. Intention for WWTP upgrade and allowance for future expansion to the wider Atiamuri community.
VIEW ROAD: Expanding View Rd site by 60/70 ha irrigation infrastructure. Site clearing underway. Irrigation contract awarded to WaterForce and now is design phase. Some pivot now installed buy not yet operating.
TDC DRINKING WATER UPGRADES: UV upgrades at River Road and Whakamaru now complete. Kinloch WTP Upgrade – construction starting.
Omori/Hatepe/Motuoapa/Centennial to follow. Acacia Bay now connected to the Taupo scheme.
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
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 they anticipate will be notified for public submission in 2024 and operative by 2026. Jane representing LWAG on community reference group. There is a drop in session in Tūrangi on 20th June. They will also be holding an online webinar on 25th July and will send links to their survey when live. (See more information below)Further information: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/freshwater-policy-reviewPC1 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. The decisions version of proposed Plan Change 1 has been appealed by a number of parties. 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. One meeting held to date.
LAKE TAUPŌ PROTECTION PROJECT JOINT COMMITTEE: Jane attended April 28 meeting. Agenda included: ‘LTPT Quarterly update – compliance with NRA’s’, & ‘options on the future of the LTPT: recommendations to Joint Committee’. N.B. LTPT Chair Clayton Stent tabled a letter outlining issues requiring urgent attention re; wind up of Trust (See attached)
TDC will manage NRA’s going forward with details yet to be finalised. (See below) Unconfirmed minutes here: https://waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/council-meetings/lake-taupo/
LAKE TAUPŌ PROTECTION TRUST The trust settlors (the Crown, Waikato Regional Council, and Taupō District Council), agreed that Taupō District Council would retain and become the sole trustee of the Lake Taupō Protection Trust.
This decision allowed the efficient transfer of functions and responsibilities without losing the gains associated with the trust such as reputation, landowner relationships, and administration processes.
(See more below and 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". http://waikatoregion.govt.nz/GeoFuture.
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, 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.
MFE ETS REVIEW The review is to ensure the NZ ETS is best equipped to reduce climate pollution at source while also supporting greenhouse gas removals. The NZ ETS in its current form may not be incentivising emissions reductions. This is because it is cheaper for most companies to pay for their emissions rather than invest in ways to reduce them. The review will focus on the benefits, trade-offs and risks of changing the NZ ETS so it can to incentivise gross emissions reductions, but continue to support removals.
It follows advice from He Pou a Rangi | Climate Change Commission. It recommended that the Government consider amending the NZ ETS to provide more robust support for gross emissions reductions and manage the amount of exotic forest planting driven by the scheme. (See more below)
Consultation Closes 11 Aug 2023 https://environment.govt.nz/news/nz-ets-review-consultation-now-open/
MPI ETS Permanent Forest Category Proposal to redesign the permanent forest category in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Public consultation opens on redesigning the Permanent Forest CategoryThe Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking feedback on how best to redesign the ETS for the permanent forestry category. Submissions close 11 August 2023.
HE WAKA NOA The He Waka Eke Noa partnership has recommended the introduction of a farm-level levy system from 2025.
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 – In November 2022 the Government introduced 2 new bills: Natural and Built Environment Bill (NBE), focused on land use and environmental regulation; the Spatial Planning Bill (SP) A Climate Adaptation Bill will be introduced later in 2023 to address the issues associated with managed retreat. LWAG submitted Feb 2023
FUTURE OF LOCAL GOVT. REVIEW: On 28 October 2022, the Future for Local Government review panel released their draft report ' He mata Whâriki, he matawhanui'. The independent panel will now embark on a round of consultation with the wider local government sector to seek submissions, before producing its final report by June 2023. Report available here: https://www.futureforlocalgovernment.govt.nz/
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/
THREE WATERS REFORM POLICY: In a press release on the 13 April 2023, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Hon Kieran McAnulty announced revised changes to water services reforms. Currently, water services are operated by 67 councils, which will now be combined into 10 publicly owned and regionally distributed entities. This amends the original proposal of four entities. These changes are cited by Hon Hipkins as an improvement to the reform with regionally led entities which enable them to work closer with communities they serve, with representation from territorial authorities. Hon McAnulty stated that the new changes prioritised affordability of the reform which is expected to be passed on to households accessing water services through rates savings. Furthermore, the cost of establishing the entities would be funded from credit and would not be budgeted from council's current expenditure. The operation of the entities is expected to now commence by 2026.
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
Stats NZ and Ministry for the Environment (MfE) released the latest instalment of reporting series that detail the state of New Zealand’s freshwater environment in ‘Our Freshwater 2023’. It is the third report in the series, following the 2017 and 2020 reports, released under the Environmental Reporting Act 2015. Interactive graphs and maps can be found on the Stats NZ website. (see more below)
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
MFE: NZ’S GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY:1990-2020 https://environment.govt.nz/publications/new-zealands-greenhouse-gas-inventory-1990-2020/
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
MfE Ngā Kōrero Āhuarangi Me Te Ōhanga: Climate Economic and Fiscal Assessment 2023 was codeveloped by Treasury and the Ministry for the Environment (MfE). The assessment highlights key future economic and fiscal implications of climate change for New Zealand and utilises the Living Standards Framework and He Ara Waiora. The assessment was designed to support public and private sector decision-makers identify and manage the risks and opportunities of physical climate change and to transition to a low emissions and climate-resilient future.
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/ 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.
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
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.
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! shirley@tongariro.org.nz Contact Shirley if you would like to help our SMALL Wednesday weeders group.
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 – Planting days 2023: Saturday 29th April: 11 am Wairakei Dr, Saturday 13th May: 11 am along Centennial Drive, Friday 2nd June: 9.30 am Crown Park for Greening Taupō & Arbor Day
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.
MOTUOAPA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION – contact Larry Hadley (treasurer) to get involved and/or receive their newsletter troutnabout.nz@gmail.comLWQ Soc Rotorua Lakes –
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
Freshwater for Life latest news
Degrowth
Dr. Joy said we need to stop overshooting planetary boundaries and urgently put policies in place “to prioritise ecological and human wellbeing over economic growth”. (June Sustainable Bay of Plenty - Tauranga event) ‘Degrowth’ talk Link:
https://sustainablebop.nz/degrowth/
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.
TAUPO CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM – new local initiative
Please contact Jane on janehadiadup@hotmail.com if you would like to be involved
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
Stats NZ and Ministry for the Environment (MfE) released the latest instalment of reporting series that detail the state of New Zealand’s freshwater environment in ‘Our Freshwater 2023’
· 45 per cent of lake sites monitored for water quality worsened between 2011 and 2020, while 36 percent of sites improved, based on a nutrient and algae-level measure of ecosystem health
· Modelling shows efforts by farmers to reduce phosphorus and sediment reaching our rivers between 1995 and 2015. However, the number of farms grew and increased the total amount of nitrogen reaching rivers
· An estimated 45 per cent of total river length is not suitable for activities like swimming, as shown by campylobacter infection risk between 2016 and 2020
· Wastewater service providers reported 4,200+ overflows due to wet weather events, or blockages and failures during dry weather in the 12 months from mid 2020 to 2021
· 48 per cent of river network are at least partially inaccessible to migratory fish
· 68 per cent of freshwater native bird species were either threatened with extinction or at risk of becoming threatened in 2021
· 76 per cent of known indigenous freshwater fish species were threatened with extinction or at risk of becoming threatened in 2017.
WRC Freshwater Policy Review Update received 30/11/2022 (Abridged)
Tēnā koe, As you are aware, the Waikato Regional Council is making changes to its regional policy statement and regional plan. These changes are part of our Freshwater Policy Review, which is part of the council’s response to central government directions on how freshwater is managed in our region.
Citizen Reference Groups - Five Citizen Reference Groups representing the Freshwater Management Units within our region. (N.B., Jane representing LWAG on this Group – input welcome)
Policy development - Policy development is progressing and will consider the feedback we have received from our communities, stakeholders and tangata whenua, alongside science information about the state of waterways and trends across the region.
Next steps - There will be opportunity for further input with more community, tangata whenua and stakeholder engagement planned in mid-2023. This engagement will be ground-truthing and testing what we heard in 2022 as well as checking emerging directions and potential policy options.
For information regarding the current state of freshwater within the Waikato region, please refer to Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) - Waikato region) and the Waikato Regional Council environmental data hub (Environmental data hub | Waikato Regional Council).
As a part of WRC’s second round of Community Engagement, they are holding a series of ‘drop-in’ sessions where members of the public can provide their feedback on the policy drafted so far. Please encourage friends and family to attend a session near them (Freshwater policy review - Community and stakeholder involvement | Waikato Regional Council).
There is a drop in session in Tūrangi on 20th June.
They will also be holding an online webinar on 25th July and will send links to our survey when live.
If you have had any additional thoughts or questions since the previous workshop, please provide them via the forums available on your private group page (Lake Taupō FMU Citizen Reference Group | Your Voice Matters Waikato (waikatoregion.govt.nz)).
Taupō District Council to guide Lake Taupō Protection Trust
Taupō District Council is taking the reins of a trust which has played a crucial role in a groundbreaking project to safeguard the water quality of Lake Taupō.
Joint media release from Taupō District Council, Waikato Regional Council, Ministry for the Environment, and Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board. Date: 6 Jul 2023, 2:30 pm
The Lake Taupō Protection Trust was set up in February 2007 to administer an $81.5 million fund to protect
Lake Taupō's excellent water quality, which was under threat from the effects of land use activities.
The trust was charged with developing a project to reduce the amount of manageable nitrogen leaching into the lake through the ground by 20 percent. The target 170 tonnes a year reduction for the future was secured through land purchases and 27 agreements for land use change, each with a 999-year life.
Since its inception the project, a joint effort between the Crown, Waikato Regional Council, Taupō District Council, and Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, has resulted in leading edge policy and the funding to facilitate the nitrogen reduction.
The trust was initially set up for 14 years, with the expectation that at the end of that period the nitrogen reduction target would be achieved, and the trust would have no assets remaining.
However, while the reduction target was reached, in June 2019 the trust still had significant assets, meaning to wind it up would be a complex process which could take years. The trust period was extended to allow for proper consideration of its future.
Last week, the trust settlors (the Crown, Waikato Regional Council, and Taupō District Council), agreed that Taupō District Council would retain and become the sole trustee of the Lake Taupō Protection Trust.
This decision allowed the efficient transfer of functions and responsibilities without losing the gains associated with the trust such as reputation, landowner relationships, and administration processes.
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas says Lake Taupō is a precious taonga and Council takes its protection very seriously.
“I’m glad we have come to a decision which supports further initiatives that will encourage better environmental practices and protect our water quality,” he says.
“It was important to us that this decision retain all the benefits gained by the trust so far, while also being a cost-effective solution.”
Waikato regional councillor and governance committee member Stu Kneebone says: “My father, John, was a founding trustee and its first chairman, so it’s really wonderful to see the project achieve what it was set up to do.
“This has been about the protection of the beating heart of New Zealand, Lake Taupō, for future generations and it’s reassuring that its environmental legacy is in safe hands.”
In a statement, the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board recognised the Tūwharetoa land trusts and incorporations who were a critical part of the success of this kaupapa.
“The Trust Board also wishes to acknowledge the successful efforts of the Lake Taupō Protection Trust, alongside those who did their part to ensure the reduction of nitrogen levels in Taupō Moana. It is important not to lose sight of those targets as we progress into this next phase.
“We must present the lake to our descendants in the same, if not a better state than when we inherited it.”
Background information
In the late 1990s, Waikato Regional Council monitoring showed that water quality in Lake Taupō was deteriorating and losing the clarity it was famed for.
Nitrogen emissions, which stimulate algal growth, were identified as the cause and farming was established as the major source of manageable nitrogen emissions.
The regional council introduced a variety of measures under Variation 5 to the Waikato Regional Plan, including caps on nitrogen emissions from farms and limits on wastewater discharges. The regional council also developed a world-leading scheme allowing the trading of rights to emit nitrogen. All farms within the Taupō catchment now have resource consents to operate within the cap placed upon them.
But to just maintain water quality, a total 20 per cent reduction in the amount of nitrogen coming from farmland and urban areas was needed to restore 2001 levels of water quality and clarity by 2080.
Public consultation opens on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme
Consultation Closes 11 Aug 2023
Four options proposed
Currently, the price of carbon is not high enough to drive significant decarbonisation changes in the energy, transport and waste sectors. The Government is proposing four options if decisions are made to change the NZ ETS design.
Option 1 : Decrease the amount of emissions units so that the carbon price rises
In the short-term this would incentivise polluters to reduce emissions faster and landowners to plant more trees. In the long-term with more removals from activities like forestry the price of carbon would be likely to drop.
Option 2: Increase the demand for emissions units by allowing the Government and/or overseas buyers to purchase them
This may raise the price of carbon, incentivising emissions reductions and removals. But this option includes a lot of uncertainty, and demand from overseas carbon markets is likely to be limited.
Option 3: Restrictions or conditions are placed on removal activities
This means emitters will need to purchase more emissions units from the Government or draw from stockpiled emissions units. This may encourage emitters to reduce their emissions, but it may not encourage new forests to be planted.
Option 4: Emitters will not be able to purchase NZUs from foresters to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions
Emitters would purchase more New Zealand Units (NZUs) from the Government instead. The Government could purchase the removals from forestry to ensure new forests continue to be planted.
Other considerations for review
As part of the review, the Government will also consider whether the NZ ETS should be changed to:
· improve incentives for native forests
· examine additional types of carbon removals such as from wetlands or direct air carbon capture.
While a higher carbon price leads to faster emissions reductions, it is likely to have a knock-on effect of higher prices for goods and petrol.
The Government recognises the potential impacts of higher carbon prices, particular on lower-income families. Strategies for supporting a fair transition are included in the Government’s emissions reduction plan.
The Government has heard that more urgent climate action is required. Māori communities are disproportionately vulnerable and already facing the impacts of climate change. Māori also have significant interests in forestry land.