January/February 2024 including LWAG Agenda February 15
General Business: The majority of the forests managed by NZFM are in the Taupo District and Jackie will tell us of the salvage harvest response to the wind damaging events of Cyclone Gabrielle now exactly one year on. She will also update us on NZFM's current work with forest management certification and the criteria and assurances required.
Our January Meeting generated considerable interest and notes are attached. We will provide an opportunity to revisit the "Taupo Natural Gully Systems" topic at a further meeting. Feedback on these minutes including correction/clarifications are welcome.
Statutory Processes: MFE RMA changes to NPS Freshwater outlined by Minister Chris Bishop to Stakeholders Jan 30th 2024 Government’s plans to develop fast-track consenting legislation and introduce changes to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 early this year. (More below)
Science Update: LWAG March 21st meeting - Lake Taupō water quality update – Mafalda Baptista WRC Senior Scientist water Quality & Ecology, Science, Policy & Information (details to follow)
Appendix: LWAG agenda
Download Agenda & scroll down here for LWAG activities/updates & community participation opportunities:
STATUTORY PROCESS UPDATE, COMMUNICATION
February 2024 (Recent updates highlighted)
TAUPŌ DISTRICT COUNCIL:
DISTRICT PLAN REVIEW 2019 - 2022 –Plan Changes 38-43 Hearings August/September (Jane & Laurie gave oral submissions) Decision pending
TDC LONG TERM PLAN 2024-34 – draft due for consultation April/May 2024
TDC CLIMATE CHANGE – ADOPTION OF EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS & DIRECTIVE –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. [No change].
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 Dec 2023. Decision on how this project progresses is imminent.
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. [No change].
ATIAMURI: Wastewater discharge consent application now lodged. Intention for WWTP upgrade and allowance for future expansion to the wider Atiamuri community. [Expect draft conditions from WRC very soon].
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. Construction now well underway. [Expect to be commissioned in Feb].
TDC DRINKING WATER UPGRADES:
Atiamuri and Waihaha water supply UV projects underway.
Omori/Hatepe/Motuoapa/Centennial to follow. Acacia Bay now connected to the Taupo scheme. [no update].
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. (LWAG feedback Nov 2023 see 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. 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. Hearings for appeals now with link to Plan Change 1 information on the Environment Court website: Waikato Regional Council Plan Change 1 | Environment Court of New Zealand
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.
TDC will manage NRA’s going forward with details yet to be finalised. (See below) 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 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
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 here: Water quality of Lake Taupō and its catchment to 2020 (waikatoregion.govt.nz)
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
MFE RMA changes to NPS Freshwater outlined by Minister Chris Bishop to Forest & Bird Jan 30th 2024 {Abridged}I would like to advise you of the Government’s plans to develop fast-track consenting legislation and introduce changes to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 early this year. In late 2023 I announced the Government’s intention to reform the resource management system, beginning with the repeal of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 and the Spatial Planning Act 2023, and the retention of a temporary fast-track consenting regime. This first phase was completed before Christmas. The second phase is to introduce a permanent fast-track consenting process for locally, regionally and nationally significant infrastructure and developments. This was part of the Government’s coalition agreement and will be delivered through a bill introduced in the Government’s first 100 days in office, before 7 March 2024. We recognise how important these developments are for New Zealand's prosperity. That is why providing certainty and a faster consenting pathway for significant projects is a priority for us. In the third phase of the reform we will replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) with new resource management laws based on the enjoyment of property rights. I acknowledge and thank you for your ongoing and valuable contribution to policy development and reform in the resource management space. I hope you will work with us as we enter the next stage (See F&B online response below)
THREE WATERS REFORM POLICY: Territorials awaiting new directives from incoming government
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
Oxygen levels in lakes dropping rapidly, including Taupo - June 2021 – (For more information ref: ‘Latest News section LWAG website) www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz
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
SOE WAIKATO REGION 2022 State of the Environment 2022 | Waikato Regional Council
WATER QUALITY OF LAKE TAUPŌ & ITS CATCHMENT 1973-2020 Water quality of Lake Taupō and its catchment to 2020 (waikatoregion.govt.nz)
FRESHWATER FOR LIFE offers ‘independent honesty into freshwater environmental reporting in New Zealand’: https://waterqualitynz.info/
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 here: https://www.greeningtaupo.org.nz/news/2023-planting-calendar
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.
EEC – TAUPO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE aims to: COLLABORATE amongst local organisations for effective mahi; CONNECT to real life educational opportunities; EMPOWER students, teachers and communities; and DEVELOP rangatahi to be kaitiaki/stewards and decision makers.
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.nz
Freshwater for Life latest news
Conference presentations from Day 1 of the Beyond Growth Conference held in Wellington, September 2023
https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/BjgFOA5L-PJ6KSLqK.html
‘World scientists' warning: The behavioural crisis driving ecological overshoot’ – Dr Mike Joy, co-author
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00368504231201372
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
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018836984/expert-calls-for-climate-change-action-after-damning-ipcc-report "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.
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.
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).
Research to reveal effect of climate change on Waikato River - 02/10/23
The Waikato River is at the centre of a new multi-million-dollar programme aiming to reveal how increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are affecting rivers and lakes – and what that means environmentally, economically, and socially.
Lincoln Agritech is leading the new five-year, $10m research programme funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, studying how increasing CO2 is changing the water quality of the Waikato River.
The aim is to develop a model that predicts harmful algal blooms in freshwater systems and the effectiveness of preventative measures.
More here: https://lincolnagritech.co.nz/research-to-reveal-effect-of-climate-change-on-waikato-river/
World breaches key 1.5C warming mark for record number of days
7 October 2023By Matt McGrath, Mark Poynting, Becky Dale & Jana Tauschinski for BBC
The world is breaching a key warming threshold at a rate that has scientists concerned, a BBC analysis has found.
On about a third of days in 2023, the average global temperature was at least 1.5C higher than pre-industrial levels.
Staying below that marker long-term is widely considered crucial to avoid the most damaging impacts of climate change.
But 2023 is "on track" to be the hottest year on record, and 2024 could be hotter.
"It is a sign that we're reaching levels we haven't been before," says Melissa Lazenby from the University of Sussex.
This latest finding comes after record September temperatures and a summer of extreme weather events across much of the world.
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-66857354
Forest and Bird condemns government proposals removing environmental protections
Thursday 1 February 2024
Forest & Bird has received a letter from Hon Chris Bishop, Minister for Resource Management Reform, setting out government plans for reforms to the resource management process and getting rid of safeguards for freshwater. The government is proposing to push through drastic changes that will fundamentally weaken protection of our natural environment at a time when we are facing a climate and biodiversity crisis.
Nicola Toki, Forest & Bird CE says “The Government is setting themselves up to rush through any development without letting the public have their say, and without keeping nature safe. New Zealanders should be alarmed that our incredible natural environment is being treated with such disdain at a time when we’re facing such significant loss.
“This new legislation is completely unwarranted. Fast-track processes should be narrow, focussed and with safeguards in place. Instead, what’s proposed is extremely broad, where Ministers may essentially be able to decide what goes through the process. “As a nation, we’ve lost over 90 percent of wetlands, 98 percent of our kahikatea forest, more than 75 percent of bird, bat, reptile and native fish species.
“We must stop this death by a thousand cuts – a new dump here, a new mine or marine farm there. Every time this happens, we lose more of our unique natural heritage – the very special places that so many New Zealanders have been enjoying over the summer months, the places that international tourists flock to see. These proposals are going to put at risk even more critically endangered species, remove even more kilometres of streams, and threaten more kiwi habitat. It’s not as if our environment is in great shape to start with.
"The lack of transparency and opportunity for the New Zealand public to participate in these processes is the most shocking thing – this country has a long history of public process relating to proposals for developments which may impact the natural values that form part of our DNA in this country. This isn’t the New Zealand way.
"A recent independent survey commissioned by Forest & Bird demonstrates that one in three New Zealanders see Environment & Conservation as one of the top causes that matter most to them. This legislation not only chips away at our ability to protect our natural heritage, but at our very identity as a nation.
“We need to ask ourselves – do we want native birds flourishing, beaches and rivers you can swim in? Or do we want unfettered development and pollution? Let’s be clear here – these changes will enable private developers to go to Ministers directly for approvals - bypassing local communities and undermining the ability of people to have their voices heard. The scope of what can be fast-tracked is so broad that nothing is off the table – mining of conservation land and mining on the sea floor, vast marine farms, property developments, new dams and water storage. Ministers will be able to approve just about anything you can think of.
“Keeping nature safe means having democratic planning processes and solid environmental bottom lines. We are rightly proud of our environment, and we know how important it is to our economy and wellbeing. The moves outlined in the letter are completely at odds with this and who we are as a country.
"These proposals will not deliver the improvements that New Zealanders need and want. We are willing to engage with Ministers as this legislation is developed, but it will require significant changes to make it acceptable. We are open to measures that can enable fast-tracking but not at any cost. There are bottom lines that need to be maintained - our future wellbeing and prosperity rely on it.”
See also: EDS Media release ‘Government ramps up assault on our natural world’
01 February 2024 https://eds.org.nz/resources/documents/media-releases/2024/government-ramps-up-assault-on-our-natural-world/
Freshwater Gold Clams
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/freshwater-pests/gold-clams/
Gold clams are a species of freshwater clam native to eastern Asia which have become an unwanted invasive species around the world.
Biosecurity NZ (BNZ) is the lead agency in the early stages of an incursion response to the discovery of gold clams. DOC and stakeholders – including river iwi, Waikato Regional Council, Waikato River Authority, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, Mercury Energy, and others – are supporting BNZ as part of the response.
What are they?
The highly invasive gold clam (Corbicula fluminea) was discovered in the Waikato River in May 2023. It is unknown how long the organism has been in NZ, the extent of its spread, nor how it was introduced to New Zealand.
Gold clams breed rapidly and can occur in dense populations in suitable habitats. The clams have been found in wading depth water, in moderately coarse sediments of the Waikato River. They can potentially exist in brackish habitats as well as fresh water. Based on current knowledge, the clams are most likely to spread between waterbodies by people boating and recreating (example: whitebaiting).
In mid-August 2023, the gold clam was given the legal status of an Unwanted Organism under the Biosecurity Act. As an Unwanted Organism, gold clam (and water potentially containing it), must not be knowingly moved or spread.
Why are they a problem?
Gold clam populations can clog water-based infrastructure such as: electric generation facilities, irrigation systems, water treatment plants.
They are filter feeders that can potentially compete with native species for food. It is unknown how this species will respond in New Zealand conditions.
Overseas, this clam has been difficult to control, and eradication has never been achieved.
It is currently unknown how gold clams might negatively impact the whitebait fishery. But, it is important to protect our native species, including native fish, from invasive species even if we do not have complete information.
DOC is taking a precautionary approach by encouraging whitebaiters to abide by the biosecurity measures recommended by Biosecurity NZ and reduce the potential spread of gold clams.
Where are they found?
Currently, gold clams are only confirmed to be in the Waikato River. Since the initial discovery, surveillance has been underway to determine the extent of the population.
Significant numbers of the clam were found at several locations in Lake Karapiro, downstream at the Cambridge boat ramp, with a couple found as far downstream as Hamilton. This indicates a well-established breeding population potentially present for several years.
eDNA and visual surveys are continuing in the Waikato River. The currently known upper limit of the incursion in the Waikato River is in Lake Maraetai. Surveys of high-risk lakes across Aotearoa have not detected gold clam outside of the Waikato River catchment.
High risk locations include waterbodies where boats being used could have been at Karapiro, such as wakeboarding competitors and rowing coach boats. This is also why DOC is so concerned about whitebaiting. Whitebaiters could accidentally spread clam larvae by moving their nets between waterways.
How do they spread?
Gold clam larvae are exceptionally small, at just 200 microns or 0.2 mm, and are basically invisible. This means they can spread easily on boats or other recreational gear, including whitebaiting fishing gear, since they cannot be seen when visually checking gear.
Whitebaiting gear (nets, screens, spotterboards etc.) is very difficult to decontaminate, and so the biosecurity risk posed by whitebaiters is not the act of whitebaiting itself, but the movement of fishing gear from one waterway to another.
DOC’s work
DOC is supporting the Biosecurity New Zealand response to the gold clam through advocacy and sharing information.
It is too early to say what the effects of the clam may be on native species, but we are working to determine that.
DOC has a team of staff working on the gold clam response to understand what it means for us, and for conservation.
How can I help?
DOC supports Biosecurity NZ’s request for whitebaiters to fish in only one river. If fishers wish to move to another river, they should use different fishing gear (nets, screens, and spotterboards).
Fishing gear should be washed thoroughly then dried, and neoprene gear such as waders should be frozen to kill any larvae remaining in the residual water.
Check, Clean, Dry to help prevent the spread of freshwater pests
Check, Clean, Dry (external site) practices are more important than ever. The methodology has been updated for gold clam and is applicable around NZ. It is wise to stay within a single river system and work from upstream to downstream.