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 James Denyer 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.

Unconfirmed Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting Minutes

10 August 2022

MINUTES

Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting

Wednesday, 10 August 2022

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. 4

6 Change to order of business. 4

7 Confirmation of minutes. 4

7.1 Minutes of the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting held on 18 May 2022. 4

8 Declaration of conflicts of interest 4

9 Deputations, presentations, petitions. 4

9.1 Presentation - NIWA - flow monitoring. 4

10 Business. 5

10.1 Project Report 5

10.2 Mauri Model 7

11 Discussion of late items. 8

12 Closing karakia. 8

MINUTES OF Tauranga City Council

Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group Meeting

HELD AT THE Hei Marae, 154 Manoeka Road, Te Puke

ON Wednesday, 10 August 2022 AT 9.30am

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

IN ATTENDANCE: Mokoera Te Amo (alternate, Te Kapu o Waitaha)

Tauranga City Council (TCC): Nic Johansson (General Manager: Infrastructure), Carlo Ellis (Manager: Strategic Māori Engagement), Peter Bahrs (Team Leader: Water Services), Richard Conning (Senior Project Manager), Kelvin Hill (Manager: Water Infrastructure Outcomes), Rodney Clark (Tauranga City Council Water Treatment Manager), Sam Hema (Tangata Whenua Liaison), Keren Paekau (Team Leader: Takawaenga Māori), Jennifer Pearson (Community Engagement Advisor: Infrastructure Delivery), Robyn Garrett (Team Leader: Committee Support), Anahera Dinsdale (Committee Advisor)

Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC): EJ Wentzel (Utilities Operations Manager), Chris Nepia (Strategic Kaupapa Māori Manager)

Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC): Ruby de Grut

EXTERNAL: Julie Proud and Eddie Bowman, NIWA; Keren Bennett, Technical Director (Freshwater Ecology),4Sight Consulting; Dr Kēpa Morgan, Mahi Maioro Professionals

1 Opening Karakia

Mr Mokoera Te Amo opened the meeting with a karakia.

2 Apologies

Committee Resolution WA3/22/1

Moved: Mr Jo'el Komene

Seconded: Mayor Garry Webber

That apologies for absence from Commissioner Bill Wasley and Manu Pene be received and 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 18 May 2022

Committee Resolution WA3/22/2

Moved: Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour

Seconded: Ms Darlene Dinsdale

That the minutes of the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting held on 18 May 2022 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Carried

8 Declaration of conflicts of interest

Nil

9 Deputations, presentations, petitions

9.1 Presentation - NIWA - flow monitoring

External Julie Proud and Eddie Bowman, NIWA

Key points

· Key components of the flow monitoring programme were outlined – how flow was measured, gauging methods, rating curves, quality and assurance standards, and the Waiāri-specific situation.

· Explained how discharge Q was derived – cross-sectional area x mean velocity; explained how this was applied to the Waiāri.

· Outlined criteria and factors that determined site selection for flow monitoring and discharge calculation. Gauging sections changed over time as the river changed; what was a good section for monitoring may become less than ideal for flow measurement.

· Explained the equipment and method used for flow measurement and velocity. Could be monitored in real time. Pre and post measurement tests and checks were completed. Gauging data was processed as soon as possible while on site; if flows were significantly different than expected then reasons were sought, and more sampling carried out as needed.

· Outlined how stage-discharge rating curves were derived and how the data was used; developed by making direct and indirect discharge measurements. Explained the relationship between water level, channel geography and discharge; and how this could change. Noted that rating curves could be very dynamic.

· Noted that the Waiāri was a lot wider at some sites than it used to be. Both high and low flows could change the river geography which impacted on velocity and flow measurement.

· Noted the various standards that had to be followed and met for a monitoring programme such as on the Waiāri. Outlined quality assurance processes in place at NIWA.

In response to questions

· In terms of causes of a lowering in Waiāri flows, no other streams coming into the Waiāri were being measured, only measured the Waiāri flows at stages. A blockage in a subsidiary stream would create a lowering at the site measured which would be detected.

· Monitoring site location – there was a permanent slackline for monitoring across the river about 30-40m below the Waiāri intake. The Waiāri was problematic to access to wade across to make a physical gauging. Other sites further downstream had been washed out, side banks more susceptible to damage.

· There were problems with verifying rating curve shifts with supporting gauging data taken by physically wading the stream; limited stream access and Covid issues.

· Inaccurate data being provided had caused concern in terms of credibility of the monitoring information provided to the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group. The changing dynamic relationship between ratings and gauging data was emphasised, ratings could be backdated which changed the flow measurements.

· Water drone technology was being developed to be able to take gauging measurements across a river.

· Diagnostic tests were performed on all monitoring instruments used before deployment.

· NIWA was audited externally by Telarc every two years, and internally audited frequently to make sure that all standards were being followed and met.

Attachments

1 NIWA - How we undertake flow monitoring

10 Business

10.1 Project Report

Staff Richard Conning, Senior Project Manager

External Keren Bennett, Technical Director (Freshwater Ecology),4Sight Consulting provided a presentation.

Key points

· Biological monitoring was required as a resource consent condition and began in 2010. There were four established survey sites and there had been eight years of repeat baseline surveys. An extensive baseline data set was being established in advance of the water take commencing to enable analysis of the impact of the intake.

· Noted the diversity of habitats in the Waiāri; and the main habitats preferred by aquatic biota.

· Outlined the macroinvertebrate communities monitored in 2022. Lower stream environment was dominated by snails; upper stream dominated by biting midges.

· Noted variations between years and between upper and lower Waiāri. Variation was minimised by sampling at the same time of year and using the same methods.

· Generally, the health of the stream in terms of aquatic biota was good.

· Generally, the monitoring indices were the same upstream and downstream of the Waiāri intake.

· Currently there was less than the recommended ten years of data to enable trend analysis. Small trends were observed in some indices; however, unsure if significant.

· Fish communities – there was good diversity of native fish in the stream; longfin eel, inanga and redfin bully were the most frequently recorded species. Some variation in fish species between upper and lower Waiāri was expected.

· Water quality monitoring indicated generally cool clear water.

· Waiāri Project itself was progressing well and would be online and into production before the end of the year. Currently working through pre-commissioning tests of the intakes and pumps.

In response to questions

· Noted the differences in upstream and lower stream indices – increased impact of people and other activities as moved downstream.

· Generally, fish looked in good condition with a range of sizes evident. This monitoring was more about what aquatic biota was present/diversity rather than quantitative analysis of numbers of fish.

· Wider diversity of habitat upstream impacted on presence of various biota.

· Monitoring was carried out at the same time of year (February) when possible; tried to avoid any storm events.

· Migratory nature of fish meant that further upstream less numbers of fish were generally found.

· Basic water quality testing was carried out at all sites by measuring set physical parameters – oxygen level in the water (dissolved oxygen), water temperature, PH (acidity or alkalinity) of water, turbidity. Nitrates and nutrient levels were not measured. The factors measured provided a good indication of water quality.

· Queried whether there had been any engagement with the wider Māori community as well as the tangata whenua members of the Advisory Group; there had been no specific community engagement at this point apart from wider initiatives such as planting days. No one was specifically employed in the project to engage with Māori.

Discussion points raised

· Noted that the report was appropriate for the resource consent but that there was a need to consider the broader legislative framework of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) and include Te Mana o Te Wai requirements in the Waiāri context. Suggested that BOPRC be approached for a wider catchment view of the Waiāri to be developed – e.g. the Waikato River Authority. BOPRC had responsibility at regional catchment level and also had funding available. Suggested that a selection of Advisory Group members present to BOPRC around development of a Waiāri Te Mana o Te Wai statement.

· Difference between property rights and customary rights discussed; mana o te wai was about the mana of the water itself. Understanding of Te Mana o e Wai included cause and effect, health of the water – putting the water at the centre, considering wider impacts on the Waiāri.

· Te Tiriti was recognised through the Te Mana o te Wai framework but could be more explicitly referenced.

· Noted the perceived lack of engagement of WBOPDC in the cultural recognition initiatives being pursued by the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group. Noted that wananga had been scheduled to progress this work.

· Noted importance of the Waiāri to the regional Bay of Plenty economy; balancing of social and economic capital.

Committee Resolution WA3/22/3

Moved: Mayor Garry Webber

Seconded: Mr Maru Tapsell

That the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

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

(b) Writes to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council advising of our understanding of Te Mana o Te Wai in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (which was given effect in 2020) in alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi;

(c) Requests Bay of Plenty Regional Council through Te Hononga to fund the development of a Te Mana o Te Wai statement for the Waiāri and its wider catchment.

Carried

Attachments

1 Presentation - Waiāri Stream monitoring 2022

10.2 Mauri Model

Staff Richard Conning, Senior Project Manager

External Dr Kēpa Morgan, Mahi Maioro Professionals

Key points

· The model was a push of a button away from becoming live and was ready to be used as soon as approved by the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group.

· Was about understanding freshwater quality in Te Ao Māori – rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga.

· Mauri was the life supporting capacity of a thing – the mauri-O-meter allowed accurate measurement of what mattered and facilitated a holistic understanding.

· Outlined the operation of the model; and the importance of understanding the impact of outliers.

· Score of zero was of no significance; +2 is absolute best normal; -2 indicated diminishing of the mauri.

· Demonstrated the mauri-O-meter website. The tewhatewha blade indicated the current state of the mauri of the Waiāri. Could be broken down into individual criteria such as flow monitoring. Included parameters such as the resource consent notification levels: -2 was the minimum flow of the river.

· Various indicators were included in the model e.g. E-coli levels, turbidity, dissolved reactive phosphorus, nitrates. Data could be portrayed on different time scales and levels e.g. monthly average, annual median, 95^th percentile. More indicators could be included as needed.

· Overall indication on the mauri-O-meter was an average of the results of all the various indicators.

· Outlined possible use of QR codes as a way of accessing photographs over time.

In response to questions

· Could include maramataka phases for any of the indicators.

Discussion points raised

· A suite of indicators and thresholds had been developed in conjunction with iwi input; would be a live model in that indicators and thresholds could be changed over time as appropriate and feedback received.

· Tangata whenua involvement was included in monitoring various of the indicators involved in the model; this could be expanded and linked in with the cultural recognition work.

· Noted that Dr Morgan had been approached by Te Ohu Parawai o Te Waiāri regarding similar requirements for the Te Puke Wastewater Treatment Plant resource consent; there was the possibility of alignment of modelling and potential synergy with some of the model indicators. Could provide a more comprehensive longitudinal understanding of the Waiāri.

Committee Resolution WA3/22/4

Moved: Mayor Garry Webber

Seconded: Ms Darlene Dinsdale

That the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

(a) Receives the Mauri Model report;

(b) Endorses the implementation of the mauri model.

Carried

Attachments

1 Presentation - Waiāri mauri model

11 Discussion of late items

· The appointment of Merekeeti Whare-Ririnui as alternate for Mokopuna o Tia me Hei was noted.

· For the commissioning of the Waiāri plant later in the year, TCC would engage with iwi to undertake site visits and a karakia/site blessing before the plant was made operative. A formal opening would also be arranged.

· Noted that this was Mayor Webber’s last meeting as he was not standing for re-election at the upcoming local authority elections after serving one term as a community board member, two terms as a councillor and two terms as Mayor. Commissioner Rolleston acknowledged Mayor Webber’s contribution and service to Western Bay, thanked him for his leadership and wished Mayor Webber all the best for the future.

12 Closing Karakia

Mr Mokoera Te Amo closed the meeting with a karakia.

The meeting closed at 12:40pm.

The minutes of this meeting were confirmed as a true and correct record at the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting held on 8 March 2023.

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

CHAIRPERSON

Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting Agenda

8 March 2023

9 Business

9.1 Waiari Kaitiaki Advisory Group Update March 2023

File Number: A14438255

Author: Kelvin Hill, Manager: Water Infrastructure Outcomes

Authoriser: Nic Johansson, General Manager: Infrastructure

Purpose of the Report

1. To provide an update on the Waiāri project.

Recommendations

That the Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group:

(a) Receives the report "Waiari Kaitiaki Advisory Group Update March 2023".

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 January 2023. The maximum flows have been omitted from the graph to allow better definition of the monthly average and minimum flows.

3. There has been significant rainfall over the eight-month period June to January, with about 2,060 mm of rain recorded. While there will still be a lag for the aquifer recharge to influence the streamflow, overall the flows have improved with both average and minimum flows increasing however some of this is likely to be surface runoff resulting from the ongoing rainfall. The true baseline flow can only be established once a longer dry period is experienced.

4. The Waiāri water abstraction to supply the city as part of the wider commissioning process, commenced on 14 December 2022 and the following graph indicates the water abstracted during the period December 2022 to February 2023.

5. The annual monitoring of the stream health by 4Sight has been rescheduled into March to give the aquatic invertebrate communities, that have been washed off / disturbed, time to settle back and re-establish themselves. This is standard best practice to wait after a flood event for communities to re-establish. WKAG and iwi representatives are welcome to be part of this monitoring.

cultural recognition

6. A list of potential cultural recognition opportunities has been prepared and will need to be developed further after iwi and hapu have had sufficient time to consider and provide direction back to Council.

7. A review of land parcels alongside the Waiāri Stream is also being completed by TCC and WBOPDC staff to facilitate discussions around future possibilities of access to the Waiari Stream.

8. A bigger picture understanding of the possibilities in recognising the significance and importance of the Waiari will be part of the cultural recognition. Access to the Waiari for Mana Whenua is an important consideration along with re-establishment of native plantings and other cultural opportunities along the length of the Waiari. An opportunity to expand on this “bigger picture” as part of the meeting agenda is considered important.

community engagement update

9. Invitations have been sent out for the project launch, which will take place Wednesday 22nd March at 10am. We hope to see you all there.

10. We are also planning a Celebrate Waiāri day for the community on Saturday 25 March. As part of this day, there will be tours of the plant, which people will need to pre-book and there will also be other activities on site, including the opportunity to taste the Waiāri water, family games, sausage sizzle and food trucks. We would welcome hapu and iwi input to the day.

11. As part of the site tours, we are working on an introductory video which highlights the significance of the Waiāri Stream and its connections to Tapuika and Waitaha and including information about the Mauri model.

Mauri Model

12. The Mauri Model has been developed and implemented as part of a monitoring the health and wellbeing of Waiari. The Model is currently hosted within Tapuika server. It is suggested that all future Waiari Kaitiaki Advisory group meetings. time is allocated to reporting back on the model indications and trending paths.

construction project udate

13. There are a few completions and tidying up areas to complete, with the re-seal of the carpark being completed in April.

14. The works to remove the temporary bridge at the intake site have now largely been completed and a site visit and karakia will be undertaken with Ngati Tuheke representatives Sunday 5 March.

15. A significant amount of silt was deposited along the banks of the Waiāri Stream over the storm events 27-28 January 2023. Iwi will be included in assessment of the silt and decisions on whether the silt should remain or be removed. Some replanting will also need to take place.

16. The Commissioners will be visiting the site on the 22^ndof March to tour the plant and will participate in the official opening for bringing the Waiari Plant online. Preparations for this activity are underway.

three waters reform

17. The effect of Three Waters Reform on WKAG is at present unclear until further legislation has been passed by parliament.

Attachments

Nil


AGENDA Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting Wednesday, 8 March 2023
I hereby give notice that a Waiāri Kaitiaki Advisory Group meeting will be held on:
Date:	Wednesday, 8 March 2023
Time:	9.30am
Location:	Ground Floor - Meeting Room 1 306 Cameron Road Tauranga
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