January/February 2023 including LWAG Agenda February 16
Statutory Processes: TDC Plan Changes 38-43 notification for further subs at the end of Feb – for 2 weeks. Hearings due June pending availability of commissioners.
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 on Natural & Built Environment Bill Feb 2023
Farming Issues: HE WAKA NOA The He Waka Eke Noa partnership has recommended the introduction of a farm-level levy system from 2025.
For more detail - see attached via link below
Appendix: LWAG agenda
Download Agenda & scroll down here for LWAG activities/updates & community participation opportunities: STATUTORY PROCESS UPDATE, COMMUNICATION
February 2023 (Recent updates highlighted)
TAUPŌ DISTRICT COUNCIL:
TDC - The Water Services Entities Bill was enacted on 14 December 2022 bringing with it the requirement for local government organisations to inform the DIA of any intended decision “that relates to, or may affect, the provision of water services”. This will be discussed at TDC’s meeting 7th February. Ref agenda here: https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/meetings/meeting-agendas-and-minutes
DISTRICT PLAN REVIEW 2019 - 2022 –Plan Changes 38-43 notification for further subs at the end of Feb – for 2 weeks. Hearings due June pending availability of commissioners.
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
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. Document completed and due to be signed off at forthcoming TDC meeting.
NUKUHAU PRIVE PLAN CHANGE – approved March 2022. Hearings Panel recommended council approve the plan change, with some amendments. In line with the recommendations, TDC will 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.
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.
NORTH SIDE OF TAUPŌ: NUKAHAU PLAN CHANGE, RYMAN DEVELOPMENT, LOCHVIEWS – INFRASTRUCTURE OPTIONS CURRENTLY BEING ASSESSED BY TDC. Short term solution of peak time storage and off peak pumping are being considered for all of the above. TBC.
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 other 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. Irrigation contract awarded to WaterForce and now is design phase.
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.
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. Independent Hearing Commissioners have made a decision in respect of this application: https://subsite.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/have-your-say/rc-applications/geofuture/
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 they anticipate will be notified for public submission in 2024 and operative by 2026. Jane representing LWAG on community reference group. 1st meeting March 14 (See more information below)
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. One meeting held to date.
LAKE TAUPŌ PROTECTION PROJECT JOINT COMMITTEE: Jane attended Dec 2nd meeting. Agenda included Review Lake Taupo Protection Project findings and recommendations. TDC will manage project going forward with details yet to be finalised. Minutes not yet available.
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 until June 2023. 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. See decisions in link below – open for appeals
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.
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. Subs close on 28 February. Contact: 04 495 7200; online https://www.futureforlocalgovernment.govt.nz/ submission;
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: The government's Water Services Entities Bill has been reported back to the House on 11 November. (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: The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) is a key tool for meeting our domestic and international climate change targets, including the 2050 target set by the Climate Change Response Act 2002. The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme helps reduce emissions by doing three main things:
1) requiring businesses to measure and report on their greenhouse gas emissions 2) requiring businesses to surrender one ‘emissions unit’ (known as an NZU) to the Government for each one tonne of emissions they emit. 3) limiting the number of NZUs available to emitters (i.e. that are supplied into the scheme).
The Government sets and reduces the number of units supplied into the scheme over time. This limits the quantity that emitters can emit, in line with New Zealand’s emission reduction targets.
Businesses who participate in the NZ ETS can buy and sell units from each other. The price for units reflects supply and demand in the scheme. This price signal allows businesses to make economically efficient choices about how to reduce emissions.
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
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 Contact Shirley if you would like to help our SMALL Wednesday weeders group.
The 2023 Mahi Aroha Summer Programme is live.
The programme has a lineup of more than 25 events focused on connecting New Zealanders with opportunities to enjoy and protect their environment. Families can discover new ways to experience our unique backyard from Taupō to Tongariro National Park and everywhere in between! https://www.tongariro.org.nz/mahi-aroha
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 – Over 25,000 native plants were planted by over 3,000 volunteers across 10 community planting days in 2022 – Congratulations!
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. The pīwauwau rock wren has won Bird of the Year 2022
MOTUOAPA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION – contact Larry Hadley (treasurer) to get involved and/or receive their newsletter troutnabout.nz@gmail.com
LWQ Soc Rotorua Lakes – LakesWater Quality Society – AGM Announcement- Sunday March 19 2023, Sudima Hotel N.B. Presentation confirmed to LWAG May 18th
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
Freshwater for Life latest news
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365447763_Overshoot_and_our_options_for_a_liveable_future
‘Levelling the Grazing Paddock’ - Mike Joy, Lisa Marriott and Simon Chapple
https://waterqualitynz.info/2022/11/12/levelling-the-grazing-paddock/ (Full paper here)
ABSTACT: ‘This article assesses the financial contribution made by the primary sector in terms of taxes paid. It also reports on some of the subsidies, concessions and other forms of assistance that the primary sector receives from the government. We provide illustrative examples of indirect subsidies to intensive farming. We also provide examples of farmers being paid to de-stock their land. In highlighting the significant direct and indirect financial subsidies to the agriculture sector and concluding that national and local governing bodies are reluctant to take direct action that results in costs to farmers, we propose the radical solution of paying the polluters to stop polluting. This approach has recently been adopted in Europe and is also already in place in Taupō and Rotorua. While it will be unpalatable to many who do not pollute, it overcomes the current self-interested stymieing of reform by polluters. As a one-off payment, it could provide a quick resolution to mitigate ongoing harms. It also addresses the privatisation of profits for polluters and the socialised costs that are otherwise passed on to future generations.’
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
Next meeting:TBC
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 Government’s Water Services Entities Bill & TDC processes –
Items 5.2 & 5.3 February 7th council meeting
The Water Services Entities Bill was enacted on 14 December 2022 bringing with it the requirement for local government organisations to inform the DIA of any intended decision “that relates to, or may affect, the provision of water services”.
Some intended decisions will be considered Significant, and decisions that the DIA consider Significant cannot be implemented until the DIA confirms the decision in writing (WSE Act, sch. 1, s.32 (1)), subject to certain contracts that are excluded from DIA oversight and monitoring. The DIA will ‘endeavour’ to advise Local Government Organisations whether it will confirm, decline or require further information regarding a Significant decision within 20 working days. Any decisions subject to DIA oversight will take longer, and Council staff need to account for the additional time requirements as far as they are able. Council staff have identified two aspects of Council business that will likely be subject to DIA oversight: i) Renewal of the three waters network maintenance contract; ii) Renewal of the Tūrangi Wastewater Treatment Plant consent to discharge treated wastewater.
TDC accepted the full report at their Tuesday 7th February meeting.
As part of the three waters reform process land with a ‘primary purpose or predominant use’ that is three waters related must be transferred to Entity B.
A number of land parcels owned by Taupō District Council (TDC) are used for multiple council functions, e.g. stormwater management and recreational reserve. The Water Services Act 2022 (WSE Act) states a ‘Guiding Principle for treatment in allocation schedule of secondary water services assets or property’ (WSE Act, sch. 1, s.6): (2) The principle is that secondary water services assets or property of a local government organisation should be specified in the should-not-transfer part of the entity’s allocation schedule, unless the organisation and the establishment chief executive agree otherwise.
(3) In this clause,… secondary water services assets or property, for a local government organisation, means any assets or property— (a) of the local government organisation; and (b) that have or has more than 1 purpose or use (see also clause 5(3)(b)); and (c) whose primary purpose or predominant use is not the delivery of water services The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has also issued further guidance regarding the transfer of assets in its ‘Draft Transfer Principles’ paper issued to Councils in December 2022. Councils will be compensated for any debt associated with transferred assets, but not for the value of the asset.
Staff recommendations accepted at Tuesday 7th February meeting – Full reports here (minutes yet to be published). https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/meetings/meeting-agendas-and-minutes
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) First meeting: March 14th: ‘FORMING, SHARING INFORMATION & PERSPECTIVES’ Including: Te Mana o te Wai, National freshwater direction and our task, Understand results from Engagement Round 1, Members’ thoughts and perspectives.
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.
We appreciate your valued input to date and look forward to continuing our work with you as the review process continues. Noho ora mai, Freshwater Policy Review team