September/October 2024 including TLAW/REAP co-hosted Forum on Freshwater Gold Clams November 25th
This evening aims to be educational, interactive and encouraging of community advocacy toward preventing the spread of this unwanted aquatic pest. It will include NIWA & MPI presentations, a panel discussion with key agencies and a supper. All welcome! Please help us spread the word. When: 5-8 pm Monday November 25th, Where: Central Plateau REAP, 73 Titiraupenga Street, Taupō. For catering purposes please RSVP to: reception@ReapCentralPlateau.nz
Statutory Processes: TDC adopted their Long-term Plan 30 September
WRC Freshwater Policy Review: Draft Plan ready by December 2025, notification by 2027
Rural Update:
Science Update:
Monday November 25th Taupō Lakes & Waterways are co-hosting an Aquatic Biodiversity Forum with REAP outlining the critical threat to our waterways from the Freshwater Gold Clam.
Gold Clams in the Waikato River have multiplied to cover a stretch from Mangakino to Tuakau. They have also closed our local Aquapark. We do not want them in our Lake and Rivers!
Appendix: LWAG agenda
Download Agenda & scroll down here for LWAG activities/updates & community participation opportunities:
STATUTORY PROCESS UPDATE, COMMUNICATION
September/October 2024
TAUPŌ DISTRICT COUNCIL:
DISTRICT PLAN REVIEW 2019 - 2022 – Council has now adopted and notified the Commissioner Decisions on Plan Changes 38 and 40-43
TDC LONG TERM PLAN 2024-34 – Paul gave oral submission. Decisions include: TDC adopted a new Community Funding Policy and Community Funding Eligibility and Assessment Framework, but made a few changes based on feedback, including shifting one-off funds to two rounds per year. Tūrangi & Taupō Wastewater: ‘Yes’ to short to medium term options. The Council confirmed the short to medium-term options for managing wastewater that were set out in the draft plan and consultation document. (See minutes attached)
They added in $300,000 to prepare a new Water Services Delivery Plan, which will be required by upcoming central government legislation. This is a massive piece of work that will involve a lot of time, effort and expertise, hence the cost. TDC adopted the Long-term Plan 30 September
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 their 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:
https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/council-meetings/te-kopua-kanapanapa/
Film: Te Kopu a Kanapanapa / Te Piringa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY5MUieaRNg
Te Kōpu ā Kānapanapa Meeting: September 30, 2024 Including WRC’s FW Policy Review update. Of note: Te Kaupapa Kaitiaki, the catchment management plan for Taupō Moana, and Te Ture Whaimana o te Awa o Waikato, the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato and Waipā rivers, remain as the primary direction setting instruments for their respective catchments.
A summary of WRC Integrated Catchment Management – 2023/2024 was receiver (Author, Deb Nickel Zone Manager) Attachment: Regional Pest Management Plan 2022-2032 Pūronga ā-Tau mō te Mahere Mahi Operational Plan Annual Report 2023-24
An update on the development of the implementation framework for Te Kaupapa Kaitiaki, Author: Tutahanga Douglas, Kaiwhakarite Summary Tracking Table
ENVIRONMENT WAIKATO:
WRC’s FRESHWATER POLICY REVIEW – Combined Joint Working Party established, October 2024 – Waikato/Waipa Catchments Freshwater decision making Committee established, October 2024 – Waikato/Waipa catchments, Round 3 targeted iwi/sector engagement – October-July 2025
Round 4 engagement of all parties including the wider community October – November 2025
Draft Plan ready by December 2025, notification by 2027
Further information: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/freshwater-policy-review
PC1 HEALTHY RIVERS/WAI ORA: The decisions documents are available on Waikato Regional Council’s website www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/healthyrivers. The Environment Court hearing is complete and we now await the Court’s decision (end of 24/beginning of 25) Further appeals on the Environment Court decision will be based on points of law, process then goes to the High Court. Likely that PC1 will become operative during the Coalition Government’s RMA review timeline which will create further complexities.
In August 2021, the Government released the findings of a review of Overseer. The review identified shortcomings in Overseer’s modelling approach.
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. No further meetings planned.
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. Currently with the select committee - report back due 18 October 2024 - Report back on the Fast-track Approvals Bill (Environment Committee). On 6 October, the Government announced its decisions to list 149 projects the Fast-track Approvals Bill’s (FTA Bill) Schedule.
These projects will be referred to Expert Panels for evaluation after the Bill becomes law.
(See link to RNZ interview below – Kathryn Ryan - EDS’s head Gary Taylor & Nick Leggett Chief Executive of Infrastructure NZ)
From Nine To Noon, 9:08 am on 8 October 2024
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. Select committee report back - 30 September 2024 (Primary Production Committee). Background: Last December, the Resource management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 was repealed, which extended the statutory period that the council has to progress its policy review and notify its freshwater planning instruments from December 2024 to December 2027.
The Government also indicated that there will be changes to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, including rebalancing the hierarchy of obligations in Te Mana o te Wai. These changes are expected to be enacted in late 2025.
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 has taken 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.
2nd EMISSION REDUCTION PLAN CONSULTATION consultation on New Zealand’s second emissions reduction plan opened on 18 July 2024 comments due by 21 August 2024. (See more below)
New climate strategy released
On 10 July 2024, the Government released its climate change strategy ‘Responding to a changing climate’, setting out its approach to how it will deliver on New Zealand’s climate goals.
The strategy is focused on five pillars:
· Infrastructure is resilient and communities are well prepared
· Credible markets support the climate transition
· Clean energy is abundant and affordable
· World-leading climate innovation boosts the economy
· Nature-based solutions address climate change.
“Our Government has committed to meeting our climate change targets - reducing net emissions is one of the nine Government targets to achieve better results from the public service.” Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said.
While the climate strategy outlines the Government’s overall approach to the climate response, the second emissions reduction plan will form the basis of the Government’s response to reduce New Zealand’s emissions in line with our targets.
Climate Change Commission delivers first emissions reduction monitoring report 30th July 2024
Ref also: The Climate Change Commission's first emissions reduction monitoring report says our plans and policies need to be urgently strengthened to meet climate targets. Commissioner Rod Carr spoke to Corin Dann.
IPCC — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – March 2023: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/ Summary for Policy Makers here: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/
DoC – NIWA DoC park weather site: https://weather.niwa.co.nz/parks
LAWA (Land, Air, Water, Aotearoa) reports on nation-wide water quality results https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/swimming
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
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/
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/
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
TAUPO CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM (TCAG) – 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.
Next Meeting Friday 22nd November 1.30 pm upstairs at the Taupo Library
All welcome
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/
On 22 July 2024, the daily global average temperature reached a new record high in the ERA5 dataset*, at 17.16°C. This exceeds the previous records of 17.09°C, set just one day before on 21 July 2024, and 17.08°C, set a year earlier on 6 July 2023
https://climate.copernicus.eu/new-record-daily-global-average-temperature-reached-july-2024
Freshwater Gold Clams
6th August interview with MPI's director of pest management John Walsh
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.
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment review of freshwater models June 2024
In his latest report ‘A review of freshwater models used to support the regulation and management of water in New Zealand’, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment reviewed how councils across New Zealand are using models in freshwater management. Water resource models that help predict freshwater quantity and quality are important tools for decision makers to make robust, evidence-based management decisions on issues such as contaminant discharges and water takes.
The report found that freshwater modelling in New Zealand is fragmented, under-resourced, under-supported and lacking leadership, with many gaps, overlaps, inefficiencies and inconsistencies in modelling between councils.
“When freshwater management was devolved to councils 30 years ago, central government failed to provide the support, coordination or guidance needed. Councils were largely left to and continue to rely on their own devices with modelling’”, the Commissioner, Hon Simon Upton, explained.
The report identified 75 freshwater models in use across the country, with much duplication and overlap between their uses. This array of options has created confusion and uncertainty for council staff when trying to determine the best model for their needs. Further, the report found that New Zealand’s modelling resource is dispersed and unevenly spread among regional councils, publicly funded research institutions and some businesses.
To address these issues, the Commissioner recommends several actions to improve freshwater modelling in New Zealand:
· The establishment of a national freshwater modelling support centre to provide guidance and practical advice to regional councils, unitary authorities and mana whenua.
· Further development of national guidance on the use of models in a regulatory context.
· The establishment of a rōpū of experts to support the development and implementation of Māori freshwater models.
· The evaluation of existing freshwater models against guidance.
· The development of a preferred suite of models adaptable to local circumstances.
The full report, as well as a summary for policymakers and StoryMap, is available on the PCE website.
Local Government Water Services Bill ‘Local Water Done Well’
On 8 August, the Minister of Local Government and Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs announced details of Cabinet policy decisions on Local Water Done Well.
The legislation, the proposed Local Government Water Services Bill to implement the new water service delivery models and other enduring settings for Local Water Done Well, is expected to be introduced in December 2024 and passed by mid-2025. It is the third piece of legislation in the Government’s three-stage process for implementing Local Water Done Well.
This factsheet outlines the proposed Local Government Water Services Bill including:
· A new delivery system for water services
o An expanded range of water services delivery models for councils to choose from
o Clear minimum requirements for water service providers
o A new planning and accountability framework for water services
o New financing options for councils from the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency
· A new approach for managing urban stormwater with flexibility for councils to choose the arrangements that best suit their circumstances
· New mechanisms for the Minister of Local Government to address problems facing local government water service providers.
· A new regulatory regime for water services
· A new economic regulation regime for local government water service providers, implemented by the Commerce Commission
o Changing how Taumata Arowai operates
o Referring to the ‘Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai’
o Reducing the regulatory burden for drinking water suppliers
o A change in approach to Te Mana o te Wai and requiring Taumata Arowai to take account of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and any regional plans prepared under the Resource Management Act 1991 that relate to freshwater
o A new approach to wastewater standards so there will be a single standard, rather than a minimum or maximum.
The Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill is currently before Parliament and is expected to be enacted in August 2024.
Further details about Local Water Done Well, the Water Services Policy legislation and process can be found on the Department of Internal Affairs website. Cabinet Committee papers on the decisions are also available on the DIA website.
Climate Change Commission first annual monitoring report
An at a glance summary for decision makers can be accessed here. He Pou a Rangi - Climate Change Commission has released its first annual monitoring report on emissions reductions, which assesses progress against the 2050 target, emissions budgets and the first emissions reduction plan.
Fast track list, questions over expert panels
Environmental groups are questioning how the government will be able to stand up enough expert panels, for the sheer volume of projects unveiled in its fast track list .
The list of 149 projects, ranging from roading and housing, through to controversial mining applications, and wharf and port extensions was released yesterday. Some projects that have been rejected through RMA applications, have been revived, and will now be heard by expert panels.
Environmental Defence Society head Gary Taylor says some of the projects, such as renewable energy applications, are welcome. But he says others -- if approved -- will have a detrimental impact on the environment. Kathryn also speaks with Nick Leggett Chief Executive of Infrastructure NZ.