May/June 2024 including TLAW Agenda for June 20th
General Business: LWAG are in the process of updating our Name, Vision, and Directions. Our new ‘tag’ is ‘Taupo Lakes and Waterways’ (TLAW)
Statutory Processes: TDC Long Term Plan now open for submissions until July 5th (See more below or in agenda attached)
Thanks to Paul and Jane who gave TLAW’s oral submission to the MfE Fast Track Bill this month
Appendix: LWAG agenda
Download Agenda & scroll down here for LWAG activities/updates & community participation opportunities:
STATUTORY PROCESS UPDATE, COMMUNICATION
June 2024 (Recent updates highlighted)
TAUPŌ DISTRICT COUNCIL:
DISTRICT PLAN REVIEW 2019 - 2022 –Plan Changes 38 (Strategic Directions) decision includes new wording around Te Mana o te Wai ‘Protecting the health of freshwater protects the health and well-being of the wider environment. It protects the mauri of the wai. Te Mana o te Wai is about restoring and preserving the balance between the water, the wider environment, and the community.’ Adding ‘freshwater ecosystems’ in considering effects of subdivisions alongside benefits to waterbodies and receiving environments. Also an objective that LWAG requested: d. Supports emissions reduction through well planned urban form, design and location; PC 40 Taupo Town Centre ‘The permitted height limit for buildings within the Town Centre Environment is three storeys, except for that block between Tongariro Street, Te Heuheu Street, Roberts Street and fronting Ruapehu Street where heights of 12m, 15m and 18m are anticipated to reinforce and connect the town centre with the lakefront, there may be circumstances where a particular development such as a hotel, seeks resource consent to exceed this height. On an appropriate site, this may create the opportunity for a land mark building, without necessarily detracting from the scale and character of the remaining town centre. As part of the consideration of such a development through the resource consent process, assessment of desired urban design outcomes would be expected. (& 43) Decision signed off at TDC’s May 28 meeting which Laurie attended. Appeal period open for 30 days.
TDC LONG TERM PLAN 2024-34 – draft out for consultation submissions close 4.30pm Friday 5 July 2024.
https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/consultation/draft-long-term-plan-2024-34 (See more below including on TDC’s Community Funding review out for consultation which has delayed LWAG and other community group’s triennial application for Community Partnership grant)
TDC CLIMATE CHANGE – ADOPTION OF EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS & DIRECTIVE –https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/news?item=id:2j9n4bu5v1cxbyyqa0tf
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 WRC to issue consent imminently.
ATIAMURI: Wastewater Discharge Consent now granted. Upgrade scheduled by June 2026.
VIEW ROAD: Expanding View Rd site by 60/70 ha irrigation infrastructure.
System now operational 68Ha of irrigation installed.
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.
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 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 – LWAG submitted on this.
MfE NPS Freshwater The requirement to notify new regional freshwater plans by the end of 2024 at the latest has been extended to the end of 2027.
WATER DONE WELL (Formerly 3 Waters): Framework and the transitional arrangement for the new water services system pending. (See more below)
CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE (ZERO CARBON) AMMENDMENT ACT– The Government will deliver on its election commitment to take agriculture out of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) and will establish a new Pastoral Sector Group to constructively tackle biogenic methane. (Beehive media release June 2024)
ALSO: The government said it would introduce legislation (before the end of 2024) to remove a ban on offshore petroleum exploration to attract investment to the country's oil and gas sector.
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. 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 Upcoming planting sessions are scheduled for Saturday, 18th May, and Saturday, 8th June
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
TDC Draft LTP 2024-34 out for submissions
Consultation on TDC’s draft Long-term Plan is now open and they asking for input on some key decisions.
How can you provide feedback on the long-term plan?
You can read the proposal and provide feedback from Tuesday 4 June until Friday 5 July 2024.
You are welcome to come along to speak to the TDC team at one of their pop-up sessions booked in over June. You can find out more by following this link. (Also see below)
Elected Members will hear from those who wish to present their submission the week starting 29 July.
https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/consultation/draft-long-term-plan-2024-34
Scroll down for links to areas of the plan of interest including Wastewater, Waste Management and the proposed:
Community Funding policy review which says they propose funding these community outcomes:
Tangata whenua are acknowledged and respected We want to fund initiatives, projects or activities that: - Meet the needs and aspirations of hapū and iwi - Promote the cultural heritage of Māori - Celebrate Māori identity - Improve knowledge of tikanga and te reo
Vibrant places and connected communities We want to fund initiatives, projects or activities that: - Celebrate our people, history or culture - Support arts, culture, Ngā toi and sporting activities - Connect people for shared experiences
Resilient communities working in partnership We want to fund initiatives, projects or activities that: - Improve the ability of whanau and communities to meet their needs –
Establish safe places that offer support to vulnerable people in our community - Promote collaboration within the community and foster a spirit of working together - Enhance social and economic resiliency in our communities
Innovative, thriving economy We want to fund initiatives, projects or activities that: - Enhance the image of our district –
Support vibrancy and attractiveness of our public places Flourishing environment We want to fund initiatives, projects or activities that: - Improve the state of our natural environment and conservation efforts - Promote sustainable outcomes - Champion activities that emphasize the principles of reuse, reduction, or recycling of waste
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
TCAG had a colourful gazebo at the recent Greening Taupō Day at the edge of the Taupō Golf Course where we made some community artworks with tamariki stopping by to help us sort the bottle caps and glue them onto the pictures. We had some great discussions about re-using the things we already have, and other actions we can take to protect our climate, including driving less, eating green, and of course planting trees!
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.
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.
WRC Policy Signals April newsletter: Update on national water services delivery policy
On 5 April 2024, the Government announced the first set of policies that will establish the Local Water Done Well framework and the transitional arrangements for the new water services system. The Government intends to introduce and pass legislation by mid-2024 that will establish the framework and transitional arrangements for the new water services system. This includes:
· Providing a framework for councils to self-determine future service delivery arrangements via a water services delivery plan (to be submitted within 12 months).
· Steps towards future economic regulation.
· Streamlining requirements for establishing council-controlled organisations under the Local Government Act to enable councils to start shifting the delivery of water services into more financially sustainable configurations, should they wish to do so.
· Providing technical and advisory support to Auckland Council to determine how they wish to create a financially sustainable model for Watercare.
In December 2024 the Government intends to introduce further legislation that will establish the enduring settings for the new system. This includes:
· Setting long-term requirements for financial sustainability.
· Providing for a range of structural and financing tools, including a new class of financially independent council controlled organisations.
· Considering the empowering legislation for Taumata Arowai to ensure the regulatory regime is efficient, effective, and fit-for-purpose, and standards are proportionate for different types of drinking water suppliers.
· Providing for a complete economic regulation regime to ensure consumers pay efficient cost-reflective prices for water services that are delivered to an acceptable quality and that water services providers are investing sufficiently in their infrastructure.
· Establishing regulatory backstop powers, to be used when required to ensure effective delivery of financially sustainable or safe water services.
Sad news regarding one of our long-time members
This month Jane and Laurie attended the funeral of Hilton Reeve (Jocelyn’s husband)
Jocelyn has ben a huge part of our Lakes and Waterways community for many years and has often brought Hilton to our meetings. He will be missed.
Our condolences to Jocelyn and the family.