Agenda of Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting

Terms of reference - Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group

Membership

Co-chairs	Two members to be appointed as co-chairs. Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston, Co-chair representative of consent holder and Darlene Dinsdale – Mokopuna o Tia me Hei, Co-chair representative of iwi/hapū
Tauranga City Council representatives (2)	Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston Commissioner Bill Wasley
Western Bay of Plenty District Council representatives (2)	Mayor Garry Webber Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour
Iwi/ hapū representatives (4)	Jo'el Komene - Tapuika Iwi Authority Maru Tapsell – Te Kapu o Waitaha Darlene Dinsdale - Mokopuna o Tia me Hei Manu Pene - Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu (Te Hononga)
Iwi/hapū representatives (alternates)	Tapuika Iwi Authority Te Kapu o Waitaha Mokopuna o Tia me Hei Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu (Te Hononga)
Bay of Plenty Regional Council representative (non-voting)	Consents Manager
Quorum	Two representatives from the consent holders and two representatives from iwi/hapu, including one of the Co‑chairs. However, where a major decision is required, the quorum will be one representative from each entity. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council representative is not counted towards quorum.
Decision making	By consensus where possible. If consensus cannot be reached, by majority vote. If there is an equal number of votes, the Co-chair who is chairing the meeting has a casting vote.
Meeting frequency	Four times a year or as required by the group. Meetings to alternate between week and weekend days if possible.
Meeting venue	To alternate between marae and council venues; or as appropriate to a meeting agenda and agreed by the Co‑chairs.

Advisory staff

Tauranga City Council

Chief Executive

General Manager: Infrastructure

Director: City Waters

Manager: Water Services

Manager: Water Infrastructure Outcomes

Manager: Strategic Māori Engagement

Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Chief Executive

Group Manager: Engineering

Utilities Manager

Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Compliance Officer with responsibility for Resource Consent #65637

Ko te wai te ora o ngā mea katoa

Background

· The Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group (WKAG) was established by consent conditions to provide advice to Tauranga City Council (TCC) and Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) as the joint consent holders in relation to matters covered under Resource Consent #65637, which authorises the take and use of water from the Waiāri Stream for municipal supply.

· Resource Consent #65637 was granted in 2010; since then there has been significant consolidation of iwi interests in the region.

· Te Kapu o Waitaha (2013) and Tapuika Iwi Authority (2014) have signed historic Treaty Settlements and Te Runanga o Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu (Te Hononga) are still in negotiations.

· Tauranga City Council has active protocol agreements with Waitaha, Tapuika and Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu including addendums that set out items and areas of significance to each entity.

· The treaty settlements, protocols, addendums and any subsequent plans submitted by Waitaha, Tapuika and Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu shall be considered as background and context to the operations of the WKAG.

· Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority was established by the Tapuika Claims Settlement Act 2014 for the purpose of restoration, protection and enhancement of the environmental, cultural and spiritual health and wellbeing of the geographical area of the Kaituna River Catchment. It is a permanent joint committee under the Local Government Act 2002 and co-governance partnership between local authorities and iwi that share an interest in the Kaituna River. Recommendations will be made to Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority where required.

Role

· To exercise kaitiakitanga in relation to the Waiāri Stream to restore, protect and enhance the awa.

· To provide advice and recommendations to Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, as the joint consent holders, in relation to matters covered under Resource Consent #65637 which authorises the taking of water from the Waiāri Stream for municipal supply.

Scope

· Provide advice and recommendations to the consent holders relating to projects, action or research designed to restore, protect or enhance the health and well-being of the Waiāri Stream.

· Consider the monitoring requirements and outcomes under conditions 7.1 and 7.2 of the consent. Discuss the results of other monitoring undertaken by the group, which may include monitoring the adverse effects on environmental, heritage, cultural, economic and recreational aspects.

· Determine the actions to be taken in response to monitoring reports and make recommendations to the consent holders as appropriate.

· Provide advice and make recommendations to the consent holders and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council in relation to Part 2 and, in particular, to sections 6(e) and 7(a) of the Resource Management Act 1991, as they relate to this consent.

· Inform the Bay of Plenty Regional Council of the effects of the water take authorised under the consent on the mauri and mauriora of the Waiāri Stream.

· Review and provide feedback to Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council on the Water Conservation Strategy required to be submitted as a condition of the consent.

· Discuss any other relevant matters that may be agreed by the group.

· Work together with the Kaitiaki Group established under Resource Consent RM16-0204-DC.04; which authorises the Western Bay of Plenty District Council to discharge treated wastewater from the Te Puke Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Waiāri Stream.

· Provide advice and recommendations to the consent holders on the future governance model of the Waiāri Stream.

· Provide recommendations to Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority where required.

Reporting

The Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group will report to its member entities key discussion points, outcomes and actions following each formal meeting of the Advisory Group.

Co-chair selection process

· Co-chairs will be appointed every three years in alignment with the local government election cycle. The appointments will take place as soon as is reasonably practical following local government elections.

· The Co-chair representing the consent holder will be appointed by the Tauranga City Council and Western Bay District Councils.

· The Co-chair representing iwi/hapū will be appointed by the iwi/hapū representatives.

NB: Resource consent condition 10.2 defines the membership of the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group.

Resource consent condition 10.7 notes that the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group shall cease if all members of the group agree the group is to be disbanded. In such case Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council (as consent holders)[1] shall give written notice of this to the Chief Executive of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Advice notes from Resource Consent #65637 include:

(10) The Kaitiaki Advisory Group may make recommendations to the Regional Council to review conditions of this consent in accordance with condition 11 and s128 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Advisory Group is informal in nature and is NOT established as a committee, subcommittee or other subordinate decision-making bodies of Council under clause 30(1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002 and does not have any delegated decision-making powers.

Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting Minutes

24 November 2021

UNCONFIRMED

MINUTES

Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting

Wednesday, 24 November 2021

Order of Business

1 Opening karakia. 3

2 Apologies. 3

3 Public forum.. 3

4 Acceptance of late items. 3

5 Confidential business to be transferred into the open. 3

6 Change to order of business. 3

7 Confirmation of Minutes. 4

7.1 Minutes of the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting held on 15 September 2021. 4

8 Declaration of conflicts of interest 4

9 Business. 4

9.1 Update on Terms of Reference and Co-chairing option for the Waiari Kaitiaki Advisory Group. 4

9.2 Bay of Plenty Regional Council - water shortage management 5

9.3 Waiari Water Supply Scheme - Project Update. 6

9.4 Western Bay of Plenty District Council - project update. 7

9.5 Tapuika Iwi Authority Report - verbal update. 8

10 Discussion of late items. 8

11 Closing karakia. 8

MINUTES OF Tauranga City Council

Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting

HELD AT THE NGATI MOKO MARAE, 314 State Highway 2, Waitangi, Te Puke

ON Wednesday, 24 November 2021 AT 9.30am

PRESENT: Ms Darlene Dinsdale, Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston, Commissioner Bill Wasley, Mayor Garry Webber, Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour, Mr Jo'el Komene, Mr Manu Pene, Mr Maru Tapsell, Mr Liam Tapsell

IN ATTENDANCE: Carlo Ellis (Manager: Strategic Māori Engagement), Neels Osmers (Project Manager - 3 Waters), Peter Bahrs (Team Leader: Water Services), Richard Conning (Senior Project Manager), Kelvin Hill (Manager: Water Infrastructure Outcomes), Anahera Dinsdale (Iwi Liaison Co-ordinator), Sam Hema (Tangata Whenua Liaison), Keren Paekau (Team Leader: Takawaenga Māori), Jennifer Pearson (Community Engagement Advisor: Infrastructure Delivery), Coral Hair (Manager: Democracy Services), Robyn Garrett (Team Leader: Committee Support)

1 Opening Karakia

Mr Manu Pene opened the meeting with a Karakia.

2 Apologies

Apology

Committee Resolution WA4/21/1

Moved: Mayor Garry Webber

Seconded: Mr Manu Pene

That the apology for absence received from Reuben Fraser be accepted.

Carried

3 Public forum

Nil

4 Acceptance of late items

Nil

5 Confidential business to be transferred into the open

Nil

6 Change to order of business

Nil

7 Confirmation of Minutes

7.1 Minutes of the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting held on 15 September 2021

Committee Resolution WA4/21/2

Moved: Mayor Garry Webber

Seconded: Commissioner Bill Wasley

That the minutes of the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting held on 15 September 2021 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

The appointment of Ms Darlene Dinsdale as the iwi appointed co-chair was confirmed.

Carried

8 Declaration of conflicts of interest

Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour, Mr Jo’el Komene, Mr Maru Tapsell and Mr Manu Pene declared a conflict of interest in relation to Te Ohu Papawai, the Te Puke Wastewater Treatment Plant Advisory Group.

9 Business

9.1 Update on Terms of Reference and Co-chairing option for the Waiari Kaitiaki Advisory Group

Staff Coral Hair, Manager: Democracy Services

Key points

· The report was taken as read.

Committee Resolution WA4/21/3

Moved: Mayor Garry Webber

Seconded: Commissioner Bill Wasleyl

That the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

(a) Receives the report “Update on Terms of Reference and Co-Chairing option for the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group.

(b) Approves the following corrections be made to the Background section of the Terms of Reference for the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

(i) Te Kapu o Waitaha (2013) and Tapuika Iwi Authority (2014) have signed historic Treaty Settlements and Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu (Te Hononga) are still in negotiations

(ii) Ngāti Whakaue to be referred to as Te Runanga o Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu (Te Hononga).

Carried

9.2 Bay of Plenty Regional Council - water shortage management

Staff Steve Pickles, Regulatory Compliance Team Leader, Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Powerpoint presentation

Key points

· Definition between drought and water shortage event was clarified. Drought was a creeping phenomenon and was difficult to define. Drought was predicted to become worse through climate change. A water shortage event provided a temporary shortage of water, but did not necessarily coincide with a drought. Duration, magnitude and geographical coverage vary; a water shortage event could impact a catchment or a single stream. A prolonged period of rain was needed to ease the problem.

· Over the last two years, parts of Bay of Plenty had received only 50% of the average summer rainfall and was also 25% down in annual rainfall. Also noted very low flows from streams originating in the Kaimai/Mamaku Ranges.

· Some stream flows had reached the lowest ever charted levels in the last two years. There was more of a demand for water in drier conditions. This was tempered slightly by Covid and lower visitor numbers to the Bay of Plenty

· Bay of Plenty Regional Council had set up a water shortage process with a water shortage decision group. This process included the steps of: assess, evaluate, engage, inform.

· All of the Bay of Plenty was currently at level 0. The Mamaku water sources and Rotorua focus area were being closely monitored. A level can be for a portion of the region not all of the Bay of Plenty.

· Bay of Plenty Regional Council could issue a water shortage direction under the Resource Management Act 1991. This was not limited to consent holders but consent holders tended to be the focus being the largest users. A water shortage direction could include permitted use activities, but Bay Of Plenty Regional Council had limited visibility of these uses as there was no requirement for registration.

· If a stream was receiving a municipal or industrial discharge, restrictions could be placed on the amount of discharge.

· A water shortage direction ended after 14 days but could be reissued.

· The presenter provided examples of stream flow in Te Takapu o Tapuika. Most streams in Te Takapu o Tapuika feed from freshwater springs or puna. The Waiāri was charged from rainfall; the current stream flow was the lowest ever recorded. This was also a pattern with Paraiti, Ngongotaha and the Kopurererua streams. Amount of water filtering down into groundwater was significantly less with current conditions.

· Outlined the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Resource Consent forecast for the years 2021 and 2022. La Nina weather system predictions could bring tail ends of tropical storms; also soil moisture levels were near normal at the moment. Warm temperatures and near normal rainfall were expected but there were likely to be distinct high rainfall storm events.

· For further information, visit Bay of Plenty Regional Council and NIWA websites.

In response to questions

· Water forecasting work needed to take into account the creeks into the Waiāri that were meant to be well protected as the life force of the awa; also the regional parks with impact on aquifers. These discussions were being included in the National Policy Statement – Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) work. Smaller tributaries were not generally taken into account in water shortage work unless they were ecological indicators.

· The return period for rainwater to recharge the aquifers was variable across the region. The recharge rates were included as a part of assessment of effects for consents. There was currently a year’s lag between good groundwater recharge coming through to the stream itself. Stream flow was currently still in decline. About 25mm of rainwater was needed to get any penetration into groundwater.

· Heavy rainfall did not recharge as heavy dumps tend to wash off and flow straight out to sea. Need an analysis of the Waiāri from top to bottom with the impact of weather changes e.g. high flood events. No trends, at this stage, over a 20 year period.

· Bay of Plenty Regional Council managed consents for groundwater differently from surface takes. There was currently some intensive work around this interrelationship under NPS-FM which must be completed by 2024; impact on groundwater was taken into account with newer resource consents.

· There needed to be a better handle on recharge rates; a catchment perspective was required for the Waiāri as there were many moving parts with a variety of takes, multiple water uses and climate impacts. A ‘state of the resource’ report from mountain to the seas was necessary, including future forecasting. Council had a responsibility to manage distribution of water to residents but a bigger complete picture was needed to inform management decisions. Data quantity and analysis was improving, better quality information was becoming available. Unconsented takes and uses were important and becoming increasingly visible and were now being included in Regional Council water monitoring.

· Bay of Plenty Regional Council was happy to do an interim report on the state of the Waiāri catchment.

· Unlikely the Waiāri was currently being monitored for illegal takes; not aware of any consent applications for the Waiāri currently being considered.

· Noted the cumulative impact of three years of declining groundwater/aquifer recharge, combined with increased take from the Waiāri.

· Consultation with iwi in the water shortage direction process was queried, as the process referred to informing iwi rather than engaging. Explained that these were short notice decisions made for an interim solution; consultation would be developed more robustly through the NPS-FM. It was considered that it should be possible to engage with iwi for any restrictions/decisions affecting streams, even if at short notice and for a number of streams at once.

· Suggested that there should be opportunity for WKAG to be more proactive and be resourced to be part of the decision making process – sit alongside the Regional Council to consider consent applications or make water shortage decisions – rather than wait to be consulted.

· Any discharge consent had limits in terms of volume and quality.

· Councils were looking at water recycling options. There was a drive from the Regional Council to make sure water was not allocated without consideration of efficiency of water use e.g. better technology and water management systems for dairy and horticulture users. Water metering was now commonplace for domestic users.

Committee Resolution WA4/21/4

Moved: Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston

Seconded: Mayor Garry Webber

That the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

(a) Receives the Bay of Plenty Regional Council – water shortage management report.

(b) Requests that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council provides a water quantity analysis report of the Waiāri catchment, from the maunga to the moana, in its current state.

Carried

9.3 Waiari Water Supply Scheme - Project Update

Staff Richard Conning, Senior Project Manager: Waters

External Dr Kepa Morgan – demonstration of the Mauri model with live data.

Key points

· The planning team was looking at developing a long term water management plan for the Waiāri.

In response to questions

· The resolution was updated to include Tuhourangi and Whakaue marae.

· Concern was raised about putting more staff time into the Tapuika water supply report issues as these will be overtaken by the Three Waters Reform process, which included consideration of supply for marae throughout New Zealand.

· The final decision would lie with the new water entity to provide marae with water services. Marae water allocation would be decided at a national level. There was concern around duplication.

· It was outside of the local government mandate under the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) to fund marae supplies or provide reticulated water and wastewater without costs – Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 requirements made it prohibitive. Three Waters reform would address this impediment in the LGA and provide a national direction; likely to be able to factor in supply to marae as social providers. Noted that there was uncertainty around the implementation of the Three Waters reform.

· Marae were not necessarily requesting individual pipes being provided to each individual marae.

· 25% water take allocation to Western Bay of Plenty District Council was for protection for future growth. Tangata whenua raised concerns that marae allocation was not factored into the Western Bay of Plenty District Council water allocation.

· Dr Kepa presented on the Mauri Model. Mauri model now had actual Tauranga City Council data loaded. Dr Kepa demonstrated use of the model with the four data sets provided, and the mauri score generated for each indicator. Other data sets such as mahinga kai could also be incorporated into the mode. The model created a holistic picture and could be used proactively to indicate mauri health and as an input into assessment of possible mitigation measures. It was important to understand the cumulative impacts of the various factors on the awa and its environment.

· The thresholds for the mauri model could be calibrated to what was relevant to this awa. Could also apply a weighting to any of the inputs.

Committee Resolution WA4/21/5

Moved: Commissioner Bill Wasley

Seconded: Mayor Garry Webber

That the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

(i) Receives the Waiāri Water Supply Scheme: Project Update report.

Carried

9.4 Western Bay of Plenty District Council - project update

Staff EJ Wentzel, Utilities Operations Manager

Key points

· Report was taken as read.

Committee Resolution WA4/21/6

Moved: Mayor Garry Webber

Seconded: Commissioner Bill Wasley

That the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

(a) Receives the Western Bay of Plenty District Council – project update report.

Carried

9.5 Tapuika Iwi Authority Report - verbal update

External Jo’el Komene

Key points

· Noted that Tapuika Iwi Authority had employed a new General Manager/Pou-Arahi, Andy Gowlan-Douglas and asked that all communication for Tapuika Iwi Authority was directed to Ms Gowlan-Douglas at andy@tapuika.iwi.nz

Committee Resolution WA4/21/7

Moved: Mr Jo'el Komene

Seconded: Mr Manu Pene

That the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

(a) Receives the Tapuika Iwi Authority report – verbal update.

Carried

10 Discussion of late items

Nil

11 Closing Karakia

Mr Manu Pene closed the meeting with a karakia.

The meeting closed at 12.28pm.

The minutes of this meeting were confirmed as a true and correct record at the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting held on 25 December 2022.

...................................................

CHAIRPERSON

Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting Agenda

30 March 2022

9 Business

9.1 Waiari Water Supply Scheme - Project Update

File Number: A13283958

Author: Richard Conning, Senior Project Manager: Waters

Authoriser: Nic Johansson, General Manager: Infrastructure

Purpose of the Report

1. To provide a project update

Recommendations

That the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

(a) Receives the Waiāri Water Supply Scheme: Project Update report.

Waiāri Stream Flow Data

2. The Waiāri stream flows, as provided by NIWA, are shown in the graph below for the period January 2001 to February 2022. The maximum flows have been omitted from the graph to allow better definition of the monthly average and minimum flows.

3. In accordance with the Waiāri resource consent, Tapuika Iwi Authority was notified when flows reached the 2,800 litres per second notification level on the 19 August 2021. On average the flows have remained below this level since August 2021.

Background

4. The Waiāri Water Supply Scheme provides for the treatment and reticulation (pipeline construction) of up to 60,000m3 fresh water for the growing Western Bay of Plenty. The project has approximately 9 months until completion. The resource consent for the water take is shared between Tauranga City Council (75%) and WBOPDC (25%).

5. The physical works to complete the scheme is being delivered via six different construction contracts being three pipeline contracts, a filtration membrane contract, an intake and pump station contract and a treatment plant construction contract.

6. There are several other professional services contracts that form part of the scheme delivery including design and consenting, cost management, construction observation and software development.

Water Supply Report

7. Engagement with iwi has been very positive and reflects the existing relationships between each other and the priorities they face.

8. Waitaha and Whakaue have informed Council that they are focused on growth and capacity for their rohe and their position on water supply is kaitiakitanga first. Looking after the awa and supporting this group is their focus with contributions to supply data and information for water supply will come at a later stage. Both are supportive of Tapuika to progress their input. Tapuika marae reps have all contributed, with the inclusion of Tuhourangi marae through Darlene Dinsdale's support. There are some gaps in information however we will look to progress a report based on the information provided by Tapuika and will work with them and Tuhorangi to gather additional information where possible.

Cultural recognition

9. TCC are currently in discussions with tangata whenua around cultural recognition. Late last year our reps provided feedback to us around what recognition means to each of them and what it should mean for this project. The feedback was broad ranging from opportunities for water access, site access, scholarships, education projects, monitoring, art features and supporting cultural practices.

10. The tangata whenua representatives’ regular monthly meetings have helped to create wider discussions and shape a joint view on what aspects of cultural recognition matters most to this group with the help of council support. We will work with the representatives to define the priority areas to focus on as the next step in this initiative.

11. A budget of $200,000 has been allocated by TCC, the budget was presented to the members to consider as we want to be working collaboratively with all members to ensure we are supporting the contributions from our iwi partners.

Ecological Monitoring

12. Annual ecological monitoring was undertaken on the 1^st and 2^nd of March at locations up and downstream of the WTP intake site and wastewater treatment plant outfall. We expect the formal report to be provided in May and will include in the 18^th May WKAG meeting agenda if received in time. Hiria Te Amo (Tapuika) and Darlene Dinsdale (Mokopuna Tia me Hei) were able to participate in the monitoring exercise.

13. Below is a summary of the monitoring provided by Keren Bennett from 4Sight Consultants:

14. The Waiari Stream biological monitoring for 2022 occurred over the 1^st and 2^nd of March at all four monitoring sites. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected from all sites and are being processed for identification. Basic water quality monitoring recorded cool water temperatures of about 13 - 14^oC near the WTP intake and about 14-15^oC near the WWTP outfall. Oxygen levels were high at all sites and pH around neutral. The stream was flowing very clear at the time, with turbidity monitoring at the WTP recorded at or near 0 NTU indicating very low levels of particulates in the water. Turbidity near the WWTP was also very low.

15. A diverse range of fish were recorded through the stream, consistent with previous years’ monitoring. Of interest this year was several giant bullies in the lower stream (around the WWTP). These are an ‘At Risk: declining’ species that has been recorded previously in the surveys, but not for several years. Large schools of inanga were common in the lower stream, as well as smelt, common bully, redfin bully, longfin and shortfin tuna. Longfin tuna, banded kokopu, redfin bully and inanga were also recorded in the upper stream near the WTP. The presence of inanga above the WTP weir is a good sign that the weir isn’t preventing these fish from moving up the stream. Several juvenile and adult brown trout were also observed near the WTP.

Banded Kokopu

Giant bullies (middle and right), and a large common bully (left)

Tuna (longfin eel) being released

Community Enagement Updates

16. The communication and engagement team have been actively keeping the community and stakeholders informed of progress and planned works that may affect them.

Construction Project Updates

Membrane Hall: Skids ready for the microfiltration membrane units to be installed

WTP permanent stormwater detention and treatment pond nearing completion

Consent Compliance: Physical works

17. We have had an independent compliance auditor engaged since the commencement of works to ensure all sites maintain compliance with the resource consent conditions for physical works. Where issues or concerns are identified they are notified to the contractor, MSQA team and TCC project manager for action. No compliance issues have been identified this reporting period.

18. BOPRC undertake regular compliance checks across all the work sites. To date no non-compliance notices have been issued.

Intake and Pump Station contract

19. The pump station building structure is complete and works on the parking area and lower access road are underway. Pump station pipe work and the connection to the raw water rising mains has been completed. Mechanical and electrical fitout is underway.

20. Construction of the intake and pump station is expected to be completed by July 2022

Water Treatment Plant contract

21. The majority of the structural works on the water treatment plant building have been completed. Mechanical, electrical and membrane installations are underway and are the primary focus of the team. The treated water reservoir is approximately 80% completed.

22. The majority of the landscape planting has been completed; the balance will be completed next season.

23. The effects of COVID and global supply chain challenges are having a negative effect on the contractor’s ability to complete the works. The construction of the water treatment plant and reservoir is expected to be completed by August 2022.

Pipelines

24. All of the pipelines are now installed and have been flushed ready for the commissioning of the scheme. They will be disinfected as part of the scheme commissioning process before potable water is delivered to the community.

Commissioning and testing

25. Once the construction contracts are complete there will be a period of commissioning and testing before potable water can be delivered to the community. Commissioning is scheduled to commence in September 2022, it is expected that potable water will be delivered to the community from December 2022.

Attachments

Nil

Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting Agenda

30 March 2022

9.2 Water Planning Update

File Number: A13293636

Author: Claudia Hellberg, Team Leader: Waters Strategy & Planning

Authoriser: Nic Johansson, General Manager: Infrastructure

Purpose of the Report

1. To provide an update on TCC Water planning activities as requested at the last Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting.

Recommendations

That the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

(a) Receives this Water planning Update report.

Executive Summary

2. TCC identified in its 30 year Infrastructure Strategy (2021 – 2025) a range of issues and actions related to water allocation and consumption. The development of a Freshwater Management Tool and moving towards an Integrated Water Management approach are two key projects TCC is progressing in its response. These projects are in an early stage and are being described in this report.

Background

3. Tauranga City Council’s 30 year Infrastructure Strategy (2021 – 2051) identified a range of issues, which are related to water allocation and consumption and include amongst other issues:

· Meeting the intention and requirements of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM). Priority is now given to freshwater health, water for people and the other uses.

· Freshwater sources (surface and groundwater) in the Western Bay of Plenty have been identified as overallocated, meaning that the amount of consented water takes is above a sustainable level.

· Council’s water take consents set out conditions which help to mitigate any negative effects on the environment. With the consents for the water take from the Waiorohi and Tautau Streams expiring in 2026 we will need to demonstrate how we will meet the requirements in the NPS-FM including Te Mana o Te Wai. The reconsenting of the existing water takes poses a significant risk to the water supply strategy beyond 2026 if the water takes are reduced substantially from existing levels.

· Based on current per capita water demand levels and future population growth projections and allowing for the possible reduction in surface water takes after 2026, a new water source may be required within the next 30 – 40 years.

· Increased droughts due to climate change.

4. In response to these identified issues Tauranga City Council stated in the 30 year Infrastructure Strategy to action:

· Improve (its) understanding of ecological and cultural freshwater health.

· Establish Tangata Whenua partnership for management of freshwater.

· Active management of how much water is actually being used for residential, commercial, and industrial activities.

· Efficient use management and better understanding and management of water loss throughout the network.

· Improve understanding of linkages between wastewater and stormwater management on water supply needs. This could potentially include grey water reuse options, and the use of stormwater for non-portable purposes.

5. Tauranga’s 30 year Infrastructure Strategy also states that Tauranga City Council is looking to provide sustainable longterm solutions acknowledging Te Mana o te Wai and respecting the values Tangata Whenua place in water resources.

6. Key related projects, which have already been started or are in the initiation stage are the establishment of a Freshwater Management Tool and initiating an integrated water management approach. Further actions include a range of smaller initiatives on staff level, eg how use data is being captured.

Freshwater Management Tool

7. The “Freshwater Management Tool” is a model suite, which allows TCC to simulate the current hydrological and water quality run off state, and which is able to predict future changes based on intervention options and climate change predictions. This will support good decision making and value for money investment decisions. The focus of this modelling suite is the average everyday situation on a long-term basis. The extent of the model includes all 3 water take hydrological catchments. A key feature for this tool is the interlinkage of groundwater and surface water.

8. Key drivers for TCC to develop this tool are:

(a) To better enable TCC to understand future quantum and reliability of water supply from existing water take locations; and

(b) To enable TCC to explore the effectiveness of various urban and where applicable rural contaminant management options.

9. The Freshwater management Tool will support decision making on the following key matters:

· Re-consenting of existing water takes;

· Testing of BOPRC proposed target setting under the NPS-FM and cost implications for TCC; and

· Development of capital and operational works programme to meet NPS-FM objectives, which will be determined by BOPRC.

· TCC City Plan provisions (stormwater rules and land use development).

10. The development of the Freshwater Management Tool has been approved through the LTP process, the supplier engaged and is currently in its first stage of data collation. Development and calibration of the tool will take around 1 year, and thereafter Tauranga City Council will be able to use the tool to test scenarios to inform decision making.

11. BOPRC staff have been engaged during the set-up of this project and agreed to be involved on an ongoing basis. This includes providing data, and review of the development of the tool and outputs.

12. This project is being presented to Te Rangapu in March 2022.

Integrated Water Management approach

13. This project is still in its initiation stage. The aim of this project is to “think watersupply, wastewater and stormwater together” on a sub-regional scale where appropriate.

14. The key issues facing the sub-region that necessitate a different approach to the management of three waters, which have been identified to date, include:

· Long-term viability of water sources and the ability to meet growth demands while adapting to climate change are highlighted.

· Regulatory reform and the need to give effect to Te Mana o te Wai which will place more emphasis on enhancing the health and wellbeing of water and the environments it sustains.

· Increasing issues with affordability as assets age and require replacement.

· Resilience of water services to natural hazards.

15. A first step in establishing a working group between BOPRC, WBOPDC and TCC focusing on the question of watersupply allocation has been done. Further discussions are ongoing on working more closely together on other integrated water management topics.

Strategic / Statutory Context

16. The development of the Freshwater Management Tool and an Integrated Water Management approach will support TCC in responding to wide-spread legislative changes around freshwater. This includes but is not limited the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

Financial Considerations

17. The development of the Freshwater Management Tool has been signed off through TCC Long Term Plan (2021 – 2031).

Legal Implications / Risks

18. These projects have no direct legal implications but will support decision making with legal effects. This includes for example the re-consenting of TCC’s existing water takes.

Consultation / Engagement

19. Both projects are in an early stage, but ongoing engagement with a wide range of stakeholders is anticipated. This includes working in collaboration with tangata whenua partners and councils (BOPRC and WBOPDC).

Significance

20. The Local Government Act 2002 requires an assessment of the significance of matters, issues, proposals and decisions in this report against Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. Council acknowledges that in some instances a matter, issue, proposal or decision may have a high degree of importance to individuals, groups, or agencies affected by the report.

21. In making this assessment, consideration has been given to the likely impact, and likely consequences for:

(a) the current and future social, economic, environmental, or cultural well-being of the district or region

(b) any persons who are likely to be particularly affected by, or interested in, the matter.

22. In accordance with the considerations above, criteria and thresholds in the policy, it is considered that the related issue these projects support is of high significance, however the decision proposed in this report is of low significance, as it provides an update on the initiation of projects to support the decision making to address these issues only.

Next Steps

23. Continuation with the implementation of the Freshwater Management Tool and the initiation of an integrated water management approach.

Attachments

Nil


AGENDA Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting Wednesday, 30 March 2022
I hereby give notice that a Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting will be held on:
Date:	Wednesday, 30 March 2022
Time:	9.30am
Location:	Makahae Marae 16 Te Kahika Road West Te Puke
Please note that this meeting will be livestreamed and the recording will be publicly available on Tauranga City Council's website: www.tauranga.govt.nz.
Marty Grenfell Chief Executive