March/April 2024 including LWAG AGM agenda 18 April
General Business: LWAG will take the opportunity to review our strategy and goals going forward and look forward to hearing from you even if you can't attend the AGM next week.
Statutory Processes: TDC LONG TERM PLAN 2024-34 – draft due for consultation date; not publicised but adoption due September. TDC are also consulting on the financing of community partnerships going forward an have indicated that LWAG should apply to other funders as our operational funds will not go beyond August this year. Prioritising our goals at our April 18 AGM will help with this process.
MfE Fast-Track Approvals Bill – submissions due 19th April Forest & Bird and other national environmental organisations have simple submission templates to utilise. LWAG to submit. F&B link here: https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/fast-track-approvals-bill-frequently-asked-questions
Rural Update: Taupo Beef’s Mike Barton to report at our April 18 AGM (See agenda below)
Science Update: “LAKE TAUPŌ FRESHWATER QUALTITY UPDATE” - WRC Senior Scentist Mafalda Baptista (See March Minutes below)
Appendix: LWAG agenda
Download Agenda & scroll down here for LWAG activities/updates & community participation opportunities:
LAKES & WATERWAYS ACTION GROUP AGM
5.15 pm THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
AT THE ACAPULCO MOTOR INN CONFERENCE ROOM
19 RIFLE RANGE RD
LWAG INVITE YOU TO ATTEND OUR MONTHLY MEETING:
“LAKES & WATERWAYS STRATEGIC DIRECTION” discussion & TAUPŌ BEEF UPDATE – Mike Barton
LWAG AGM
1. APOLOGIES
2. CONFIRMATION OF LWAG GENERAL MEETNG MINUTES: March 21
3. GENERAL BUSINESS: i) Payments ii) Speaker programme iii) LWAG archival project
4. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – Paul White
5. TREASURER’S REPORT – Gifford McFadden
6. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Chair, Treasurer, Secretary
7. LWAG strategic direction & funding going forward including a suggested action plan for 2024/25 – discussion led by Paul White
8. STATUTORY PROCESSES – Jane; update incl. MfE Fast Track Approvals Bill LWAG submission
9. RURAL UPDATE – Taupo Beef report - Mike Barton
10. NEXT MEETING: May 16th – ‘Greening Taupō Update’ – Robyn Ellis
LAKES & WATERWAYS ACTION GROUP (LWAG) MEETING MARCH 21ST 2024
PRESENT
Paul White Deb Burton
Larry Hadley Rob van Duivenboden
Alan Coyle Laurie Burdett
Deb Mair Steph Russ
Nick Bradford Jackie Egan
Todd Baldwin Katy Scouller
Terry Kelly Christine Cheyne
Deb Nickel Mafalda Baptista
IN ATTENDANCE
Jane Penton
1. APOLOGIES
Gifford McFadden Natalie Haines
Gill and Gary Richardson Jennifer Sothern-King
Chris Coutts Angie Hendricks
Paul introduced himself and the group and thanked everyone for coming.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
RESOLVED
THAT THE MINUTES OF THE LAKES & WATERWAYS MEETING ON FEBRUARY 15TH BE CONFIRMED Paul/Laurie
3. GENERAL BUSINESS
i) Payments
RESOLVED
THAT STUFF BE PAID $79.22 FOR TT ADDS FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY, THAT JANE PENTON BE PAID $625.00 FOR ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR MARCH & PETTY CASH OF $50 BE AVAILABLE AND THE QUALITY INN ACAPULCO BE PAID $120 FOR VENUE HIRE FOR MARCH Paul/Deb
ii) Speaker Programme
LWAG AGM to be held April 18th with discussion on LWAG’s future including funding process and reports from members and Trustees.
May meeting – Greening Taupo update.
iv) LWAG archival project.
Jane attended zoom with Pierre’s science team including a colleague of Paul’s who is working on papers relating to community engagement in environmental decision making. It was also an opportunity to ask about science studies on oligotrophic/alpine lakes that are showing increasing nitrogen levels despite a lack of nutrient inputs. (Following up on a question from Laurie Burdett regarding this) See also Mafalda’s presentation below.
v) LWAG funding update
Jane reported that our funds will currently last until August, but TDC will be consulting on community partnership funding in their next Long Term Plan round which will not be decided on until well after that, so we are looking at alternatives with the support of the TDC funding team.
There is a funding workshop on April 17th and Jane will follow up with Rob on attending. (Laurie and Deb attended one last year that the council co-sponsored)
5. STATUTORY PROCESSES
MfE’s Fastrack Approvals Bill is open for submissions until April 19th. LWAG will submit and Jane will circulate information including draft submission by EDS. They and Forest and Bird have been holding webinars. Terry said that Greenpeace are also active. Environmentalists are concerned by these sweeping changes. All are welcome to contribute to LWAG’s submission.
4. “LAKE TAUPŌ FRESHWATER QUALTITY UPDATE”
Mafalda introduced herself as having worked at Waikato Regional council as a water scientist for the past 2 yrs. Before this she was at the University of Waikato researching microbiology. Conversation is her passion, and she is keen to hear about what we do and have a bit of a conversation.
Freshwater monitoring programme WRC. The Regional Council (WRC) has many goals: Reducing nutrient loads is the most effective approach requiring long-term strategy and investment.
Methods to reduce nutrient loads include: upgrading wastewater treatment /sewage spills, upgrading management of stormwater, controlling erosion and reducing fertilizer use in agriculture. Mafalda noted that Lake Taupō is a pioneer in this field.
LAWA website - NIWA – deep buoy monitoring site. Attributes measured in line with NPS FM requirements. Also, trophic level indicators (TLI) – life-supporting indicators Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) - LakeSPI (SPI) ecological condition of lake based on plants present, – giving a good indicator of overall water quality.
Mafalda explained that you can download data at the LAWA website for all lakes in country.
WRC is currently investing in methods for importing data specific to the region. 20 yrs of data – in the form of spreadsheets – loading into WRC data base. For specific data it will be possible to write to labresults@waikatoregion.govt.nz Process taken some time – should be available by end of 2024. LAWA data and profile – vertical from surface to bottom (NIWA/WRC sites). Lake Taupō stratifies – different behaviours summer -spring/autumn. (Graph showing trends for P, N, Chlorophyll a, and secchi disc depth for Taupo.) Cyanobacteria are phytoplankton. (see more below). Total N and Total Phos – metrics – nutrient – ammonia + nitrates plus organic part of n concentrations. Parameters discriminated out. Secci disc – measure of clarity 10-15 m – good visibility all year. Chlorophyll max at 50 m. Upper 50 m visible in the data (graphs) Surface and bottom similar – shows mixed lake.
Phytoplankton and zooplankton data collected. Mostly microscopic – live in water column. Phytoplankton form photosynthesis and zooplankton feed off them – first stages of food chain.
Streams – monitor close to inflow of lake – map – N bands on streams around Taupō in a good state. ‘A band’ – dissolved reactive Phos and E. coli. When water leaves Lake at control gates it is in a really good condition.
Some farms contribute E. coli – one stream in D band – potential to change in future. Eastern side – more pines – dissolved reactive Phos in D band. Showing that these streams flowing into LT and contributing nutrients in different ways due to land use.
Currently WRC calculate trends in 5/10/15 yr periods. However, 20 yrs possible as short-term analysis means trends not easy to calculate. Statistical test vs interpretation, with calculation changes seen in science bodies in last 5 yrs. Trend calculation = trend always happening. Can always calculate more or less based on data. However, change in philosophy stems from ecosystem of site. Interpreting data alone does pose problems. MfE + Stats NZ – looking at different ways of calculating trends. LAWA have made differences in trend calculation as they have seen differences between for instance 5 and fifteen yr trends – results ‘jump around’.
Question – Eastern side ‘D’ band – why? Mafalda - Not sure but it would help to take samples further up the catchment (samples currently taken near lakeshore). Paul common ‘D’ band from high Phos levels as it leaches naturally out of rocks in Taupō. Deb – LAWA/NIWA water quality looking at ecological health? Mafalda – monitor these parameters to make sense of entire system ‘ecological health’ i.e. a more holistic understanding. Deb – lakebed sediment tested for N/Phos? Mafalda – not currently. Some testing done but not in analysis system.
Recreational Bay monitoring programme from end Dec – end Feb, sampled by Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, (Graphs shown up to 2023) 6 Bays – E. coli measured from human activities, birds (near shoreline). Usually Lake Taupō – one of best in country.
Acacia Bay – 2 readings required caution. Stump Bay (unusual). One high reading on Taharepa foreshore – unsuitable for swimming. WRC looking at cause for that plus Acacia Bay – some stormwater pipes may or may not be contributing spills from WW. (pics) Results may indicate source of contamination. Want to monitor highly used recreational areas – test water quality for recreational suitability.
Usually use last 5 yrs (graphs for sample sites) e.g. Hole in One – used to be tested but no one swims there – changed to Taharepa (after talking with Tuwharetoa). Also stopped monitoring Waipahihi and started testing at 2 Mile Bay.
Comment: Larry – Stump Bay – no-one goes there. Everyone goosed to Motuoapa. Mafalda – thank you will look at that for the next season. Stump Bay - campervan spot historically. Larry – Motuoapa Bay has a marina with 160 boats, 80 boat trailers, a camping ground and 500 houses.
Question: Jane – were signs put up for E. coli red levels at Taharepa Rd? Mafalda – No Bay of Plenty Health responsible for this. District Health Boards not currently aligned but that may change e.g. Waikato Region and Health Board to be the same area of jurisdiction.
A further test done and if green then ok. Mostly of the District Health Boards issue warnings for cyanobacteria. Blanket warning only for E. coli as it is so prevalent in the country. We are encouraged to check on LAWA website for recreational swimming suitability.
Paul – Re; Taharepa Rd site - TDC must monitor that drain as part of their stormwater discharge consent. Event-based data collection. Mafalda – yes, there can be a lag of information from consents/results.
Reduce algae blooms: Algae bloom at 5 Mile Bay - grow in the summer in Lakes which typically are calm water bodies. Have not detected cyanobacteria blooms in Taupo. However, algae at high numbers of cells impact contact recreation and ecosystem services – negatively affect other organisms. Can overwinter in sediments. Keeping an eye on algae as over 25 k degrees water temperatures they are a cyanotoxin risk.
Periphyton rank report shown for Awaroa – 5-Mile Bay 8/1/2024.)
Dolichospermum circinale (formerly Anabaena) can dominate other cyanobacteria – grows in warm temperatures and dominates the ecosystem. (Pics) Visually estimate % periphyton cover in summer months and watch for trends.
Question: Nick – blue-green algae blooms in Whakaiapo Bay 2003 and 2004. Mafalda – yes.
Nick - How do you collect samples? Mafalda – small vials (pics shown) Nick – too small – won’t give base line. Mafalda – if bloom happening – adequate. NIWA produce periphyton report – 1 – 10 (rarest). Nick – 5 liters at least needed. Mafalda – don’t agree. Also, have not seen incidents of cyanobacteria causing a problem in Taupō. If Cyanobacteria was higher ranked, then reappraise in Awaroa/5 Mile Bay. Paul – one sample? Mafalda – yes. Paul – top one ‘1’ more common than bottom one ‘10’. Mafalda - Yes. NIWA has the experience to analyse these samples. Each species calculated differently.
Rob – difference in methodology for periphyton and E. coli? Mafalda – yes – try and collect free floating samples. Estimate percentage of cover of periphytons e.g. Acacia Bay (sediment area decreases). Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board – collect samples for E.coli and observe periphytons.
Problem in 2017, alert associated with periphyton. Compare over time and look into it if this appears to be encroaching.
Comment: Deb – WRC/Tuwharetoa sampling - streams and rivers could be tested for cyanobacteria where children swim. Mafalda - not easy to get early warning signs. Part of the issue is it is only detectable when they bloom. Deb - Greater Wellington Council check for cyanobacteria – signs go up in streams and rivers. Mafalda – yes, Wellington and top of NI. All the poisonings of dogs are by specific cyanobacteria – not benthic (in water column) but attached to rocks. We don’t have them Waikato - benthic cyanobacteria.
Jane – Rotorua Lakes same algae as us? Mafalda – most have similar algae to Waikato. BOP Council have a lab. Seasonal contract with people trained to identify and count cells. Increased opportunity to measure samples with lab onsite. WRC Strategy – feel it is a safe approach using lab with 20 yrs of experience. e.g. jumble of organisms – can identify them.
Taupō – keep an eye out. Cyanobacteria can be dangerous in water column and there is concern for the future – warmer conditions. Once they bloom – tend to stay there for a long time unless there is a massive rainfall event. Every single week of sampling – if there are issues the sampling intensified. Deb – suggests WRC look at Hinemaiaia.
‘Blue Waters, Green bottoms: Benthic Filamentous Algal Blooms are an Emerging Threat to Clear Lakes Worldwide’ – Article Yvonne Vadeboncoeur … NZ contributing to this international research. Why is it happening? Where are these oligotrophic lakes getting their nutrients? (Ref: also ‘Statutory Processes attached)
“Our lakes, our future: holistic approaches to transform lake management and restoration in a changing world” 5 yr study led by Susie Wood & Mark Vandergoes include 80 NZ lakes but Lake Taupō not in this round. Mafalda explains that this project should give us insight to Lake restoration and management in a changing world. (Screenshot from MPI website)
Another project New Endeavour Programme (2023-2028) Aiming to reveal how increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are affecting river and hydro lakes particularly regarding algal blooms. Several NZ institutions involved and WRC pus an extensive advisory group. Marine environment effects of carbon increase – acidification – know about this through global studies. Now looking at Waikato River.
DNA-based method to look at biodiversity of Lake Taupō. Sampling by NIWA . Sampling design and collection by Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Boar. DNA-based results for Lake Rotoroa in Hamilton (graph shown) Includes algae eDNA survey. WRC can compare results from DNA surveys with NIWA data to give more understanding of biodiversity.
Comment: Jane – study on zooplankton in relation to trout food cycle done in Taupo (DoC) Mafalda – yes. Challenges of this technique in sampling. Comment: Deb – eDNA limited range. Has been sampling for 5 yrs and shares with Susie Wood. Birds here – effect eDNA but can see what is there. Mafalda – won’t give abundance but will say what is there. Also, fish survey does not give age of fish. May capture a small mealy bug though which is helpful. Microbiology background – eDNA has revolutionized gathering information. Really good tool. Jane – samples analysed in-house or sent away? Mafalda – sent away Wilderlab. Have kits– easy to use - biggest strength is this. Cawthron Institute are developing an alternative – kits/analysis. Wilderlab – gives general overview e.g. Waikato problem with gold clam – monitoring – specific to clam.
Deb – Environmental Protection Authority offers single or multi-version - can be used as a group for simultaneous sampling which is helpful. Kits given away for free. Gives a snapshot on the day. Data set created with multi-group eDNA kit (6) Wilderlab – data kept on map – publicly available.
Laurie – what is the algae that looks like confetti? Nick – Anabaena. Mafalda – distinctive shape (slide). Jane – did the episodes of wind and rain this summer help prohibit algae growth in Taupō? Mafalda – there is a lag in time for results. Last year lots of rain and no monitoring results through yet. But cyclone and weather events did bring nutrients. With a proper summer this year and settled weather plus high levels of nutrients – great condition for cyanobacteria in Waikato.
Lake Taupō – don’t expect huge blooms in oligotrophic lakes – not enough nutrients to feed them. Other algae blooming in low level nutrient lakes. Changes expected as we see more severe weather events with bigger variation. Cannot predict algae behaviour as yet as they respond to conditions that we are yet to experience.
Paul – evidence of warmer water in bays than deep waters – more algae? Mafalda – yes algae will proliferate, accumulate on shore (wind direction) intermingled mats of different species. Increasing temperatures and increasing nutrients cause conditions for algae blooms. In Lake Taupō - less nutrients but increasing temperatures and extreme weather events can be unpredictable.
Nick – hydrothermal eruptions can contribute nutrients to Lake Taupō. Mafalda – agrees. Paul – ‘bad lake’ in Waikato Region – what does it look like? Mafalda – ‘bad lake’ - acidic peat lakes – absorbs more nutrients and organic matter cannot break down. Nutrients – trade off with their bioavailability. Peat lakes store nutrients and hold onto them but when threshold reached (also due to draining of lakes) more nutrients released. e.g. Ngaroto by Te Awamutu has big problems. Also Kainui lakes north of Hamilton. Paul – intensive land use around these contributes nutrients. Mafalda – yes. Even more than urban lakes – problem.
Comment: Deb – Fish and Game releasing 5 million trout won’t be helping. Mafalda – yes can affect lakes. Riverine lakes in lower Waikato – in poor condition. Hydro lakes plus surrounded by farms. Cyclone Gabriel – saw how scheme protects downstream areas from flooding. Difficult to manage these.
Meeting ended 6.45 pm
STATUTORY PROCESS UPDATE, COMMUNICATION
April 2024 (Recent updates highlighted)
TAUPŌ DISTRICT COUNCIL:
DISTRICT PLAN REVIEW 2019 - 2022 –Plan Changes 38- 40 and 43 Hearings August/September (Jane & Laurie gave oral submissions) Decision pending likely to be signed off May meeting of Council
TDC LONG TERM PLAN 2024-34 – draft due for consultation date not publicised but adoption due September. Taupō district mayor David Trewavas has signaled to the community that although work on the Long-term Plan is still under way, Taupō District Council will most likely be looking at a double-digit rates increase in the upcoming year. (From TDC website/media release)
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 update from the waters team as at this stage we are not involved in the consent process, will need to discuss with our planners.
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 are now processing our consent for discharge at the current site as this discharge will continue for some time regardless of the long-term direction. Council decision over a potential land disposal system is yet to be made and development of the land disposal option continues.
MANGAKINO – TDC is including upgrade of WWTP for N removal in new consent application and the planned upgrade will allow for future growth. Consultation complete and now finalizing conditions, expect to finalize this month!
ATIAMURI: Wastewater discharge consent application now lodged. Intention for WWTP upgrade and allowance for future expansion to the wider Atiamuri community. Draft Condition received from WRC and we expect to finalize this week! A WWTP upgrade will follow.
VIEW ROAD: Expanding View Rd site by 60/70 ha irrigation infrastructure. Construction complete; now commissioning.
TDC DRINKING WATER UPGRADES: Kinloch WTP construction has started.
Atiamuri and Waihaha water supply UV projects underway. 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
Next Co governance meeting September 30, 2024
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. https://protectinglaketaupo.nz/the-trust/
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 Fast-Track Approvals Bill – submissions due 19th April (See more below)
& 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
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. AGM 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/ for this season’s planting days 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/ for this season’s planting days 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. Many opportunities to connect! https://www.eectaupo.co.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.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
Creating a community for Taupō locals who advocate for climate change mitigation through a range of solutions such as minimising fossil fuel use, walking and cycling, reduced consumption, plastic free solutions, and waste minimization. We meet quarterly and get involved in a variety of initiatives including submission to Local and Central government, education, advocacy, and coordinating with like-minded groups.
Please contact Jane on janehadiadup@hotmail.com if you would like to be involved
There was no action on the School Stride Day in Taupō, but a colourful mural was created by the Taupō Climate action Group and the children of Taupō at the Taupō Children’s Day teddy bears picnic Thursday 4th April.
People around Taupō collected their plastic lids for the mural for over a month. These were sorted into different shapes and sizes by colour and a scene of Taupō Moana and our Maunga was drafted on a re-purposed coreflute sign. On the day tamariki came and helped glue the lids onto the different coloured parts of the mural.
More Taupō community activities using this theme to follow, and the Group also supported Taupō’s first Repair Café at the Venture Centre on Saturday 6th April which was very successful.
Up to 45% of global emissions come from the things we buy and use every day. Repairing items rather than buying something new reduces our consumption, contributes to the circular economy, and keeps things out of landfill, where they contribute to methane emissions.
At the Taupō repair café the things repaired included bikes, clothing, toys, handbags, shoes, small appliances, and hand tools.
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 2023
By 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
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.
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.
Gold clams found, Lake Taupō Aqua Park closed under biosecurity controls
RNZ March 29, (abridged)
Biosecurity New Zealand has temporarily closed a Taupō water park following the discovery of the invasive freshwater gold clam.
The authority was now asking anyone who has been at the Lake Taupō Aqua Park in the past two weeks to take action to prevent the spread of the pest.
Gold clams, also known as Asian clams, were found in the Waikato River in May last year and have multiplied to cover a 99km stretch.
Biosecurity New Zealand staff spotted the freshwater gold clam when inspecting the water park lagoon following a positive environmental DNA test.
The lagoon at the Lake Taupō Aqua Park doesn't discharge water into any other body of water, including Lake Taupō and the Waikato River.
Because of this, the most likely way that clams could spread from the lagoon would be human activity, so temporarily closing the lagoon while they look at longer term options for dealing with the clams there is the best way to avoid this.
New Zealand’s Fast-Track Bill Sparks Outrage The People’s Network - Mazhar Abbas
Amidst a controversial move by New Zealand's government, a new Fast-Track Approvals Bill has passed its first reading, sparking a fierce debate between environmental activists and industry supporters. The bill, designed to expedite the consenting process for significant infrastructure projects, has led to a clash of perspectives on development and environmental protection.
Environmental Defence Society chief executive, Gary Taylor, has labeled the bill's powers as 'radical beyond measure,' voicing fears over the bypassing of regular consent processes and the potential for environmental harm. Meanwhile, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop's inability to assure that conservation lands would remain untouched by mining projects under the new law has further fueled the debate. Critics, including Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki, argue the bill undermines democratic processes and could lead to detrimental environmental outcomes without sufficient checks and balances.