Kaituna River re-diversion project status report Executive Summary ...

File Reference: 4.01623
Significance of Decision: Receives Only - No Decisions
Report To:
Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee
Meeting Date: 27 March 2013
Report From:
Warwick Murray, General Manager Natural Resource Operations
Kaituna River re-diversion project status report
Executive Summary
This report outlines the key steps to implement the Kaituna River re-diversion project, and
provides an update on progress.
Specifically, this report attempts to define how the outcomes from a successful ‘maximum flow
partial re-diversion’ while leaving Te Tumu Cut open might be defined. It also presents some
detail on the option currently preferred, and what this option will mean in terms of land acquisition
and resources.
In summary, the Kaituna River re-diversion project is on target both in terms of actions and
financial performance, but there are risks of delay to the timeframe through legal processes from
the middle of 2014. Based on current knowledge, the budget allowed for in the Ten Year Plan is
sufficient to achieve the ‘maximum flow partial re-diversion’ while leaving Te Tumu Cut open.
1 Recommendations
That the Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee under its delegated
authority:
1 Receives the report, Kaituna River re-diversion project status report.
2 Background
Council allocated funding in its 2012-22 Ten Year Plan to implement some of the goals in
the Kaituna River and Ongatoro/Maket Estuary Strategy, through the Sustainable
Coastal Implementation Programme. In particular, that funding is to
re-divert as much water from the Kaituna River as possible into Ongatoro/Maket Estuary
to restore the estuary’s health.
Councillors decided during the 2013/14 Annual Plan workshops to bring forward $750,000
of capital funds to negotiate the purchase of 26 hectares of land. This decision was based
on a preliminary analysis showing that acquisition of the land for the Kaituna River rediversion,
and the associated re-creation of wetland habitats, was reasonably necessary
because:
• The costs of protecting the land from flooding were likely to be more than twice the
land value.
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• The land was originally estuarine wetland until 1963 and would be relatively easy
to restore to that original state. This aligned to the separate goal in the Kaituna
River and Ongatoro/Maket Estuary Strategy of wetland restoration. Since 1957
when Te Tumu Cut was created 95% of such habitat has been destroyed in
Ongatoro/Maket, due to the increased salinity.
• Ecological and cultural limitations on Ford’s Cut and the Papahikahawai Channel
preclude sole or primary reliance on these for the re-diversion.
• Acquisition of the land keeps open options to re-divert a higher proportion of the
Kaituna River to the estuary in the future.
3 Key steps for the Kaituna River re-diversion
3.1 Determine the future role of the Department of Conservation
• The Department of Conservation has lodged an application to renew their existing
resource consent to re-divert 100,000 m3 of Kaituna River water for a period of five
years from May 2013. There will be a meeting of affected parties this evening in
Maket (27 March), which staff will be attending.
• Chairman Cronin is corresponding with the Minister of Conservation about the future
role of the Department in the re-diversion. The Minister has stated that the
Department’s role “is complete”. By this the Minister is signalling that future
restoration is the responsibility of Council. Correspondence is ongoing.
3.2 Public meeting in Maket to introduce Land Management personnel, outline
concept plans and obtain feedback.
• This action was completed 24 November 2012. Staff attended a hui at Whakaue
Marae with 40 people present. Feedback from the majority at the meeting can be
summarised as:
• “We would prefer full re-diversion, but will accept partial re-diversion if it does not
rely solely or principally on Ford’s Cut, and if it is seen by Council as a stepping
stone on the path to full re-diversion in the future. We would prefer to see the river
follow a course as close as possible to its path prior to Ford’s and Te Tumu Cuts
being made.”
3.3 Confirm through existing models that 600,000 m 3 per tidal cycle is
hydraulically possible with a range of re-diversion simulations.
• This was completed 5 March 2013 with report received from River Edge
Consulting.
3.4 Identify concept level options for the re-diversion to optimise benefits to
estuary and community while minimising adverse environmental effects and
costs.
• A range of tasks to narrow down the preferred option(s) has been identified. These
include land valuations, legal advice, landowner negotiations and community
feedback to complement the engineering and modelling work.
• A preferred option is emerging. This option would achieve a modelled ~600,000m 3
volume by re-diverting water principally through a large number (perhaps 40) flapgated
culverts under Ford Rd and a new cut across the low-lying farm land midway
between Ford’s Cut and the coast and into the upper part of the Papahikahawai
Channel (shown in red on Figure 1).
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Figure 1
“Simulation 24 from the River Edge Consulting modelling report on options
for the re-diversion, predicted to pass an average of 592,557 m of water per
tidal cycle, but still subject to detailed modelling and investigations.
• This emerging preferred option needs to be tested with 3D models, especially for
salinity and erosion risks, but would leave Ford’s Cut as is; would keep
infrastructure somewhat safer from storm damage and highly saline water than
using the Papahikahawai Channel from its western end, and would come close to
restoring the river to its pre-1957 channel.
• A major co-benefit of this option is the re-creation of up to 26 hectares of estuarine
wetland drained for farming after the 1957 construction of Ford’s Cut, which is
another key outcome sought in the Kaituna River and Ongatoro/Maket Estuary
Strategy.
3.5 Defining a successful outcome
• What will a successful “maximum flow partial re-diversion”, whilst leaving
Te Tumu Cut open, look like? The following outcomes are currently under
consideration, but will need to be tested for feasibility.
(a) A percentage reduction in annual flood tide delta sediment transport into the
estuary, or perhaps a switch from a flood to an ebb tide delta (net annual
outflows of sediment rather than inflows)?
(b)
(c)
A reduction in estuarine water salinity such that estuarine saltmarsh
vegetation can be restored, either naturally or by active restoration plantings
(over at least 100 hectares of the estuary). Historically there were 160
hectares, while now only eight remain due to high salt levels.
A 30% increase in the estuarine habitat suitable for kaimoana beds, without
raising bacterial contamination beyond acceptable levels.
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(d)
(e)
(f)
20 hectare increase in the area of wetlands in the lower Kaituna.
An increase in the mauri of the lower Kaituna River and Ongatoro/Maket
Estuary, as perceived by tangata whenua.
No significant increase in the cost or decrease in the level of protection offered
by the Kaituna Catchment Control Scheme.
3.6 Data collection to update and upgrade 3D models of the river and estuary
• This work started late 2012. It will be completed by 30 April 2013.
• Contracts have been signed with the Maket Taiapure Committee and
Bay of Plenty Polytechnic for the social and recreational use data.
• Water quality and shellfish data collection is ongoing, carried out by Council staff
working with the Maket Taiapure Committee.
• Bathymetry, salinity, currents, flow rates, and water levels are all being surveyed
during March and April 2013 by Council staff and contractors.
3.7 Modelling of options and assessment of effects
• River Edge Consulting’s 1D modelling of scenarios has provided a clue as to what
can be achieved within the hydraulic limitations of the system.
• DHI NZ Ltd has 3D models of the lower Kaituna River, Ongatoro/Maket Estuary
and the open coast from previous contracts with Council. Staff are currently
deciding whether to contract DHI NZ directly based on this previous work, or to put
the work out to tender. The models need to be updated and upgraded with all the
new data during May, June and possibly into July 2013.
• The models will be used to predict the environmental effects of a number of
possible re-diversion and wetland creation scenarios. This is planned between July
and November 2013 (the length of time is required as the modelling is expensive,
and there can be an iterative process to identify optimal configurations.
3.8 Resource consent and designation application preparation
• Once a preferred option that optimises environmental and cultural outcomes within
the allocated budget is identified, an application for resource consent will be
prepared along with an application to place a RMA designation over any land
required for the works. This work is currently planned for the period September
2013 – January 2014.
3.9 Pre-consent consultation and engagement
• When the preferred option is sufficiently well-defined, and the associated
environmental effects determined, a process of pre-consent consultation and
engagement is proposed. This is currently planned for late 2013 or early 2014 and
will include meetings/hui with affected parties, public meeting(s), an open day onsite,
correspondence and media coverage. It is anticipated this will minimise the
risk of appeals during the consenting process.
• Staff will keep the community and stakeholders informed of progress through a
communications and engagement plan currently in preparation. This is due to be
completed shortly.
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3.10 Resource consent and designation application lodgement
• Depending on the feedback obtained during the pre-consent consultation and
engagement process, the applications will either be lodged immediately, or
modified as appropriate. This is planned for February to April 2014.
3.11 Land acquisition
• Council had decided to bring capital funds forward into the 2013/14 Annual Plan to
purchase land. This 26 hectare block of land north of Ford’s Cut is considered
necessary for the partial Kaituna River re-diversion to avoid issues of salinity (too
high nearer the coast), morphology (need to maximise
re-diverted volume and benefits to estuary), and cultural concerns (lack of support
for reliance on Ford’s Cut). It will also facilitate the re-creation of saltmarsh
estuarine wetland habitat, allow for additional open space and recreational
opportunities, and for the continued exploration of options to
re-divert a higher proportion of the river’s flow to the estuary, all of which are
outcomes in the Kaituna River and Ongatoro/Maket Estuary Strategy.
• Negotiations with the landowner are ongoing. Staff will prepare an application for a
designation under the Resource Management Act for concurrent lodgement with
the resource consent application in preparation for compulsory acquisition, should
that be required.
3.12 Construction work to re-divert river and re-create wetland
• Construction is planned to begin in the 2015/16 financial year. However, it is
dependent on Council holding the appropriate consents to carry out the work, as
well as purchasing any land required. Both of these are potentially subject to court
appeals with uncertain timeframes, so there is a risk that the construction phase
will be delayed.
3.13 Update on Papahikahawai Channel
• Staff re-opened tidal flows into the upper part of the Papahikahawai Channel
August 2012 to improve the health of the 13 hectares of estuary impounded by a
causeway built in 1963. Negotiations to acquire land from the adjacent landowner
were stalled by this action based on concern about the flood-risk to his land.
Council staff limited the tidal flows to one culvert in December 2012 so as to reopen
negotiations, which are ongoing. It is anticipated that the complete removal
of this bund and other selected bunds and stopbanks in and around the upper
estuary will occur during the construction works phase of this project. These works
will be required to increase water flow.
4 Risk Management
Key high level risks
Resource consent outcome
and/or conditions unfavourable,
or substantially delayed by
processing or appeals
Proposed mitigation
Thoroughly prepare and peer review application.
Carry out pre-consent consultation and
engagement, and build feedback in where
appropriate. No control over consent authority’s
timing or decision. Failure to obtain consent with
satisfactory conditions will prompt review of
project.
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Land acquisition unsuccessful
Lack of stakeholder support for
project
Construction and data collection
hazards
Communicate regularly with landowners and
attempt to negotiate agreement. Thoroughly
prepare and peer review application for
designation and process to follow after
lodgement. This would include an examination of
all relevant legal criteria set out in legislation.
Failure to acquire the land will prompt review of
the project.
Prepare and implement the communications and
engagement plan.
Ensure all contractors and staff work to best
practice H&S standards, including daily Job
Hazard Assessments, and auditing of H&S
management. Ensure contractors and staff know
their roles and work safely together.
Pim de Monchy
Senior Land Management Officer
for General Manager Natural Resource Operations
19 March 2013
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File Reference: 4.00209
Significance of Decision: Receives Only - No Decisions
Report To:
Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee
Meeting Date: 27 March 2013
Report From:
Nick Zaman, Pollution Prevention Manager
Kaituna River Structures
Executive Summary
In September 2009 Staff undertook a comprehensive survey of a section of the Kaituna River to
identify all structures in the river from Bell Road boat ramp to the Kaituna Cut.
Sixty five structures were located and identified during this survey. These were primarily
structures associated with white-baiting and game-bird hunting. Eighteen structures did not
comply with Rule 63 of Bay of Plenty Regional Water and Land Plan (which permits the
construction and use of whitebait stands and game bird shooting structures, subject to certain
conditions), and did not have a resource consent.
Structures that do not comply with Rule 63 are Discretionary Activities and unless they have a
resource consent, contravene Section 13(1)(a) of the Resource Management Act 1991 (the Act).
Ten of the unauthorised structures were removed as they posed a serious hazard due to their
poor state of repair.
Notices were attached to the eight remaining unauthorised structures, requesting the owners to
contact the council or remove their structure. Two of the structures have since been reduced in
size to comply with the permitted activity rule in the Regional Water and Land Plan. The
remaining structures are illegal, and should be removed.
An overview presentation will be provided at the Committee meeting.
1 Recommendations
That the Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee under its delegated
authority:
1 Receives the report, Kaituna River Structures;
2 Notes that Council staff will apply for a resource consent to remove all
unauthorised structures in, on, under or over the bed of a river, stream or lake
listed in Schedule 1 (Discretionary Activity) of the Bay of Plenty Regional Water
and Land Plan;
3 Notes that Council staff will consider enforcement action where appropriate
against those who have a vested interest in any structure that contravenes Rule
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63 of the Bay of Plenty Regional Water and Land Plan and Section 13(1)(a) of the
Resource Management Act 1991; and
4 Notes that no budget has been set aside for the removal of unauthorised
structures. Staff will use a staged approach for this work and if greater than
$50,000 staff will assign a budget in the next financial year.
2 Purpose
The purpose of this report is to inform the Committee of the work being carried out to deal
with unauthorised structures in, on, under or over the bed of the Kaituna River.
3 Introduction
Bay of Plenty Regional Council has a regulatory responsibility under the Resource
Management Act 1991 (the Act) to monitor, ensure compliance with regional plans and
manage natural and physical resources.
This report covers structures in, on, over or under the Kaituna River that contravene Rule
63 of the Bay of Plenty Regional Water and Land Plan (the Plan) and section 13(1)(a) of
the Resource Management Act 1991.
Rule 63 of the Plan allows for the construction and use of whitebait stands and structures
used for hunting game-birds (including mai mai) in river and streams provided that certain
conditions are met. These conditions include restrictions on the footprint of the structure
and a requirement to maintain the structure in a sound condition.
4 Background
In September 2009, a complaint was received expressing concerns over structures along
the Kaituna River between Bell Road boat ramp and the Kaituna Cut (River mouth).
On 11 September 2009, Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff undertook a comprehensive
survey of this stretch of river to identify all structures in, on, over or under the bed of the
river.
Consideration was given to the following legal requirements:
• Resource Management Act 1991 section 13(1)(a): Restriction on certain uses of
beds of lakes and rivers.
• Bay of Plenty Regional Water and Land Plan Rule 63: Permitted – Mai Mai,
whitebait stands and game shooting structures.
• Bay of Plenty Regional Water and Land Plan Rule 65: Permitted – Removal or
Demolition of Structures in, on under or over the bed of a River, Stream or Lake.
• Resource Management Act 1991 section 330: Emergency works and power to
take preventative or remedial action
5 Findings
Structures were categorised into three main types:
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• Permitted activity;
• Resource Consent required; and
• Immediate Removal or Demolition recommended due to structure being unsafe or
derelict.
Sixty five structures where identified and are summarised below.
Summary table of structures
Structure
Permitted
Activity
Structure
Requiring
Consent
Structure
Derelict or
Unsafe
Total structures 47 8 10
Permitted Activity
Structures that met all the conditions of Rule 63 of the Bay of Plenty Regional Water and
Land Plan are a Permitted Activity, and do not require a resource consent. No further
action in terms of the Resource Management Act is required at this time. It has been
noted that part of some of these structures and their associated access ways may be
located on private land – this is a matter for consideration under civil law.
Example of permitted structure
Discretionary Activity
Structures that did not meet all the conditions of Rule 63 of the Bay of Plenty Regional
Water and Land Plan are Discretionary Activities and contravene Section 13(1)(a) of the
Resource Management Act 1991 unless a resource consent has been obtained. None of
the structures found had resource consent.
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Example of non-permitted structure
Derelict or Unsafe
Derelict and Unsafe structures do not meet condition (q) of Rule 63 of the Bay of Plenty
Regional Water and Land Plan, which requires that the structure shall at all times be
maintained in a sound condition for the purpose for which it was constructed, and be kept
clear of accumulated debris, and therefore breach Section 13(1)(a) of the Resource
Management Act 1991. In May 2011, all structures identified as derelict and unsafe were
removed from the Kaituna River by Council staff under s330 of the Act, which allows the
regional council to undertake preventative or remedial works.
Example of a derelict or unsafe structure
6 Actions to date for non-complying structures not deemed to be
derelict and unsafe
On the 30 June 2010 notices were placed on all the structures that failed to comply with
Rule 63.
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The notice clearly explained the reason and actions that any person having a vested
interest in the structure should take.
Notices allowed a reasonable timeframe for people to contact Council as erections and
alteration of structures usually occur prior to Whitebait and duck shooting seasons.
Four people contacted Council registering their interest in a structure, two of which have
reduced the size of their structure to comply with the permitted activity rule of the Regional
Water and Land Plan.
During 2011 and 2012 further surveys were undertaken to monitor the changing nature of
structures along this section of river.
7 Survey findings
Since 2009 there has been a proliferation of structures along the Kaituna River and this is
becoming an increasing problem in the region.
Mai Mais, whitebait stands and game bird shooting structures are common and normally
minor structures that are not expected to have significant adverse effects on the
environment. The difficulty in controlling and monitoring this type of activity is that
structures can change over a period of time and permitted structures can become
unauthorised as a result. There is also no requirement to register structures and
ownership details with the council, making follow up difficult.
Ten derelict structures have been removed; six non-authorised structures remain.
8 Next Steps
Rule 65 of the Bay of Plenty Regional Water and Land Plan does not permit Council to
remove structures in a river, stream or lake listed in Schedule 1 without resource consent
unless they are causing a significant adverse effect on the environment, such as derelict
and unsafe structures. The Kaituna River is listed in Schedule 1.
Owners of unauthorised structures (if they can be located) cannot be forced to remove
them.
There is no budget set aside for the removal of unauthorised structures, staff will use a
staged approach for removal and if costs exceed $50,000 then staff will budget for it in the
next financial year.
For unauthorised structures in, on, under or over the Kaituna River staff will undertake the
following:
1 Submit an application for consent to remove aforementioned unauthorised
structures; and
2 Oversee and monitor the removal of these unauthorised structures.
3 Consider enforcement action where appropriate.
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John Morris
Senior Pollution Prevention Officer
for Pollution Prevention Manager
19 March 2013
Click
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File Reference: 4.00106
Significance of Decision: Low
Report To:
Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee
Meeting Date: 27 March 2013
Report From:
Warwick Murray, General Manager Natural Resource Operations
National Pest Plant Accord
Executive Summary
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is currently a signatory to the National Pest Plant Accord
which is a cooperative agreement between the nursery industry, regional councils and the crown.
The purpose of the Accord is to stop the spread of specific pest plants by preventing their sale,
distribution, or propagation through the casual and nursery trade.
The Accord and its associated agreement document were reviewed last year and the Ministry for
Primary Industries is again asking Regional Councils to commit to the Accord for another five
years. While signing up to the Accord is optional for Council, it is nicely aligned to the outcomes
we seeking through our Regional Pest Management Plan.
Under the Accord we are currently inspecting approximately 120 nurseries and plant outlets per
year for pests named in the NPPA at a cost of $10,000.
1 Recommendations
That the Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee under its delegated
authority:
1 Receives the report, National Pest Plant Accord.
2 Endorses Council’s continued commitment to the National Pest Plant Accord
until the next review of the Accord in 2017.
3 Confirms that the decision is within the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s
strategic planning framework (Council’s Ten Year Plan, and planning
documents and processes under the Resource Management Act 1991,
Biosecurity Act 1993, Land Transport Management Act 2003, Civil Defence and
Emergency Management Act 2002, and Local Government Acts 1974 and 2002).
2 Purpose
This report seeks the Committee’s endorsement for Council’s continued support for the
National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA).
3 Background
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The NPPA is a cooperative agreement between the Nursery and Garden Industry
Association, regional councils and government departments with biosecurity
responsibilities (primarily the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Department of
Conservation). The NPPA aims to prevent the propagation and trading of specific pest
plants within the nursery industry and private market.
All pest plants listed under the Accord have been declared unwanted organisms under the
Biosecurity Act 1993. This prevents their sale, propagation or distribution across the
country. Many of these plants have been purposefully introduced to New Zealand and
cultivated within the nursery trade prior to their “weedy” nature becoming evident.
The NPPA first came into effect on 1 October 2001. Since this date, most regional
councils have confirmed their commitment to the Accord by becoming signatories.
4 Partner roles under the NPPA
4.1 Regional Councils
Under the NPPA, Councils primary role is surveillance of plant nurseries and other outlets
where plants may be sold (e.g. markets, roadside stalls, pet stores) and providing advice
and information to the public and commercial interests. We also provide qualified to staff
be appointed as Authorised Persons for the purposes of the NPPA by Ministry for Primary
Industries (MPI). As part of our surveillance we also carry out compliance and enter
inspection data into the NPPA Inspection database.
The Regional Councils’ BioManagers also nominates Regional Council representatives for
the NPPA Steering and Technical Advisory Groups.
4.2 MPI and DOC
MPI provides overall leadership and coordination of the NPPA. This primarily involves
providing administrative and advisory support to the NPPA Steering Group and Technical
Advisory Group. They also develop identification and information packages and manage
the NPPA inspection database. Other functions include determining and revoking
“unwanted organism” status of various plants (following recommendations from the
Steering Group) and managing appointments of Authorised Persons.
Both MPI and DOC also provide advice and can assist in surveillance and information
services to support Councils’. They also provide representatives to the Steering and
Technical Advisory Groups.
4.3 Nursery and Garden Industry Association of New Zealand
Nursery and Garden Industry Association of New Zealand is the representative body for
New Zealand’s horticultural industry. While not all growers are members of the
association, it does represent the majority of the industry. The association’s role in the
NPPA includes providing advice and information to its members and facilitating uptake of
the Accord within its industry. Part of this role involves promoting the breeding of low risk
plants and reporting annually on risk reductions in plant breeding activities.
The Association also has a representative on the NPPA Steering Group.
5 Review and updating of the NPPA
Since the NPPA first came into effect in 2001 it has been reviewed and updated several
times with the latest review having been completed last year. As a result of that review
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here to enter text.
the NPPA agreement has been updated and 13 species have been added to the list of
banned plants.
Following this review, MPI is now asking all Regional Councils formally commit to the
“refreshed” NPPA agreement until the next review which scheduled for 2017. A copy of
the new NPPA agreement is attached for your information.
6 Discussion
One of our key outcomes we are seeking from our Regional Pest Management Plan
(RPMP) is “No new pests are established in the region”. To achieve this, the RPMP says
we will “invest in the prevention of new pest populations establishing in the region” by
“supporting national pest programmes” and “undertaking surveillance and monitoring”.
The RPMP also uses the NPPA as an example of our support for national programmes.
While our continued support of the NPPA is not compulsory, it is nicely aligned to the
outcomes and objectives of our RPMP. Without our involvement it is unlikely that any
significant surveillance of nurseries and plant outlets would occur within the Bay of Plenty.
The NPPA provides some excellent resources and the opportunity for staff and
contractors to engage with the nursery industry in a positive manner.
We currently inspected approximately 120 Nurseries and plant outlets each year for NPPA
plants at a cost of $10,000 per year. So far this year we have inspected 102 outlets and
discovered five plant species named in the NPPA totaling 15 plants all of which were
immediately surrendered by the outlets upon being informed they were NPPA plants. A
number of these plants were originally sourced from a single nursery in Ashburton; MPI
have been informed.
7 Financial Implications
Current Budget
All costs associated with NPPA inspections are currently allowed for in our Annual Plan
under the Biosecurity Programme.
Future Implications
All costs associated with NPPA inspections are currently allowed for in our Ten Year Plan
under the Biosecurity Programme.
Greg Corbett
Land Management Manager - Rotorua
for General Manager Natural Resource Operations
8 March 2013
Click
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APPENDIX - NPPA Agreement 2013
$NPPAAgreement2013.3436.0307033629$
APPENDIX
NPPA Agreement 2013
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File Reference: 1.00250
Significance of Decision: Receives Only - No Decisions
Report To:
Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee
Meeting Date: 27 March 2013
Report From:
Warwick Murray, General Manager Natural Resource Operations
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Update
Executive Summary
This report provides an update of progress in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme as well as
giving information on maritime and aquatic pest plant management.
More specific project management information is included on Deed Funded projects; which is
required to meet Ministry for the Environment guidelines. This includes financial progress to 31
December 2012.
There have been some significant key milestones reached within the first half of this financial year,
including installation of de-stratification devices in Lake Rotoehu, completion of the Hamurana
Sewage Scheme, establishment of the stakeholder advisory group and the completion of a 501 ha
of planting in the Rotoehu catchment. These are reported below against the works planned for the
current financial year.
Other key achievements include, approval of a Communication and Engagement Plan, signing of
the Oturoa Agreement, drafting of the kataina Action Plan and the development and launch of the
new website.
See Attachment 1 for all detailed information on the programme and ancillary activities around the
lakes.
1 Recommendations
That the Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee under its delegated
authority:
1 Receives the report, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Update.
2 Introduction
The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme has had numerous successes during the first
six months of the financial year. These successes have continued into the current, third
quarter.
The attached report presents these successes. It also gives project level information for
deed funded projects, including tracking of time, cost and quality. It is divided into the
following areas:
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• Science and Research
• Non-deed Lakes
• Communication and Engagement
• Programme Management
• Policy and Planning
In addition to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes programme there is also information on aquatic
pest plant management and maritime activities.
Anna Grayling
Rotorua Lakes Business Manager
for General Manager Natural Resource Operations
19 March 2013
Click
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$RotoruaTeArawaLakesP.3416.0319085051$
APPENDIX
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Update
March 2013 OMR (4)
APPENDIX - Roto rua Te Arawa L akes Programme Updat e M arch 2013 OMR (4)
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ROTORUA TE ARAWA LAKES
PROGRAMME
Six Monthly Report 2012/2013
1

Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Key achievements ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes water quality trend ............................................................................................... 4
Deed funded lakes ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Lake Rotorua ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Lake Rotoehu .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Lake Rotoiti ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Lake Okareka .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Non-deed funded lakes .............................................................................................................................. 16
Tikitapu ................................................................................................................................................... 16
Ōkataina ................................................................................................................................................. 16
Rotokakahi .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Tarawera ................................................................................................................................................. 16
Ōkaro ...................................................................................................................................................... 16
Rotoma ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Rerewhakaaitu ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Rotomahana ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Science and research .................................................................................................................................. 18
Policy and planning ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Regional Policy Statement ...................................................................................................................... 19
Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district ........................................................................................ 19
Rule Needs Analysis ................................................................................................................................ 19
Programme management .......................................................................................................................... 20
Key achievements ................................................................................................................................... 20
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement ........................................................................................ 22
Programme branding .............................................................................................................................. 22
Website ................................................................................................................................................... 22
Rotorua rules and incentive campaign ................................................................................................... 22
Parter Agency Roadshow........................................................................................................................ 22
Evaluation ............................................................................................................................................... 23
Aquatic Pest Plant update .......................................................................................................................... 24
Lake Ōkāreka Evaluation .................................................................................................................... 24
Lake Ōkataina Evaluation ................................................................................................................... 26
Lake Rotomā Evaluation ..................................................................................................................... 26
2

Harbour master update .............................................................................................................................. 28
Lake levels and usage ............................................................................................................................. 28
Jet Ski campaign ..................................................................................................................................... 28
Summer patrol programme .................................................................................................................... 28
Exclusion zone ........................................................................................................................................ 29
Okawa Bay .............................................................................................................................................. 29
Major risks .................................................................................................................................................. 30
Financials .................................................................................................................................................... 31
3

Introduction
This Report presents progress against the Annual Work Programme for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes
programme for the financial year ending 2013.
The overarching goal of the programme is to reach community aspirations for water quality. This is
measured annually by the Trophic Level Index and therefore the six months achievements made to
December 2012 are not included in the annual water quality results. This report contains the long term
quality trend as at June 2012.
Deed funded projects have contributed to these water quality trends. Various scientific techniques,
including modelling and physical sampling, have been used to qualify the individual project outcomes.
As scientific methods advance, the forecast as well as outcomes within individual projects will vary. The
results for the six month period to December 2012 will be peer reviewed by the Technical Advisory
Group in March and any changes will be updated accordingly.
Also included below is information on non-deed funded lakes, communication and engagement, science
and research, policy and planning and programme management. These activities are key to the
succesfful implementation of Deed funded projects. Information on maritime activities and aquatic pest
plant management are also included as these programmes impact on use of the lakes which is also
important to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme.
In the report actions, achievements and financials for Deed Funded lakes are as at 31 December 2012.
However further updates have been made to non-deed funded components of the programme up to
March 2013.
Key achievements
During the first six months of the year we achieved the following deliverables as planned:
Installing aeration devices in Lake Rotoehu
Completed 501 ha (3027kg/N) of planting in Lake Rotoehu which completes the total agreement
for 668ha (4036 kg N)
Established Stakeholder Advisory Group to oversee Lake Rotorua incentives and rules
development
Completed Hamurana Sewage Scheme with 525 households connected
Embedding project management principles into the management of the programme coordination.
The milestones not reached include the targeted nutrient reduction from land in the Rotorua catchment
and the Tikitere de-nitrification pilot plant. Gisborne point sewage scheme was re-baselined in the
programme plan as a result of Environment Court decisions on sewage treatment plant.
Despite delays in Rotorua projects the overall water quality objective for Lake Rotorua was reached.
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes water quality trend
All work undertaken in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme is to achieve water quality targets set in
consultation with the community. Of the 12 Rotorua lakes in the programme, tracking of the long-term
water quality trend shows:
4

Water quality in Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti and Rotoehu is improving
Water quality in Lakes Rotoma, Okataina, Tikitapu and Okareka is stable
Water quality in Lakes Tarawera, Rotomahana and Rotokakahi is declining
Water quality in Lake Okaro fluctuates and investigation is needed.
These results clearly show that of the 12 lakes in the programme the three showing improving trends
are those that are being actively restored through the Deed Funding programme of works. Lake
Ōkāreka, while not improving, is stable and we hope to see improvements as land use change and
sewage reticulation works take effect.
5

Deed funded lakes
Lake Rotorua
To meet community expectations for Lake Rotorua nitrogen inputs need to reduce by a total of 320 tonnes and phosphorus to reduce 10 tonnes per year. We also need to
reduce the impact of nutrients already in the lake. To achieve water quality targets for Lake Rotorua we are undertaking both short term and long term interventions.
Short term interventions have resulted in the lake reaching its water quality objectives however the lake will decline again if these are not carried out annually. The
solution to sustainable improvements is reducing the amount of nutrients entering the lake.
Set out below are the total targets for the life of each project on an annual average, as well as what we planned versus achieved for the six months to December 2012.
The table also forecasts achievements and budget for the six months to 30 June 2013.
6

PROGRAMME UPDATE – LAKE ROTORUA
Project Deed
Funded
Land use and land
management
change- rules and
incentives
Total
Target
Yes 270 T N
10 T P
Total
achieved
to date
4.6 T N
.239T P
6 month
Target
2.5 T N
TBC P
6
month
result
0 T N
TBC P
Explanation of variance Forecast Project
Status
6 months behind schedule. No
reductions in N have been
achieved. 3 modest phosphorus
detainment bunds were
established and monitoring will
inform outcomes. See below for
further explanation.
Forecast no expenditure against
budget and 5 tonne behind
annual forecast for nitrogen.
0 N and 0P forecast
Sewage
Reticulation –
Hamurana
Yes 5.8 T N
1.3T P
2.9T N
0.65T P
2.9T N
.65T P
2.9T N
.65T P
Completed Hamurana / Awahou
sewerage scheme. 525 households
connected.
No further work planned.
2.9TN .65TP forecast
WWTP Options
Analysis
Yes 0 0 Assesses options to minimise the
discharge of nutrients from
wastewater treatment plan.
Investigation report due in June
2013. Expenditure on track.
Tikitere geothermal
treatment
Yes 30T N 0 0 0 Design proving difficult due to
extreme PH.
Phosphorus locking Yes 4T P 20T P* 2T P 10T P 8 tonnes more achieved than
forecast for 6 months to December
2012.
Greater than anticipated
effectiveness of treatment.
High probability that plant will
not be established by end of
financial year, so budget and
project behind. 0 N & 0 P
Budget will be on track by June
2013.
10T P forecast
Project Status Green = on track Amber = some delays Red = major delays
Budget Status Green = on budget Black = underspent Red = overspent * updated with new modelling results
Budget
Status
7

PROGRAMME UPDATE – LAKE ROTORUA
Project Deed
Funded
Total
Target
Total
Achieved
6 month
Target
6 month
result
Explanation of variance Comments and forecast Project
Status
Sewage Reticulation
Brunswick/
Rotokawa
Hinemoa Point
Tarawera Road
Paradise Valley
Floating wetland
(Tanner et al 2010)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
5.5T N
1.2T P
Yes .180T N
.30T P
5.5
1.2
.180T N
.30T P
2.75T N
0.6TP
.06T N
.015T P
2.75T N
0.6T P
.06T N
.015T P
Complete
Complete
Total
311.5T N
16.53T P
13.18T N
22T P
8.2T N
3.26T P
5.7T N
3.26T P
2.5 Tonne behind nitrogen
target due to land use change
16.7T N
22.7T P
Project Status Green = on track Amber = some delays Red = major delays
Budget Status Green = on budget Black = underspent Red = overspent
Budget
Status
8

Comments on behind schedule projects – Rotorua
Reducing nutrients from rural land
A decision was made by Regional Council to integrate the Deed of Funding incentives project with the development of regional rules to control discharges. This recognises
the independencies between the two projects. The project is behind as the policy for rules needs to be developed before the incentives policy and framework can be finalised. Further
contributing to the delay in planned expenditure is the deferral from Cabinet in making a decision to approve the funding transfer from in-lake interventions to catchment land use
reductions.
To support land use change Rotorua District Council’s proposed District Plan includes Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) to reduce nutrients entering the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes.
The intent of TDRs is to encourage land use change from high nutrient intensive practices such as dairy farming to lower nutrient activities such as residential living. TDRs propose that if a
landowner can demonstrate that a proposed change to their land will reduce nutrient losses by 500kg N below the benchmark, then a TDR may be granted by the Rotorua District Council
and registered to that property. The nutrient reduction creates the opportunity for extra lots which allows a higher density development than would normally be approved in a rural area.
The landowner may sell the right to subdivide their land to another owner in a specified area within the rural zone so that the income can help finance a change in land use. It is proposed
there should be a "cap" on the number of TDR lots that can be created so that supply does not exceed demand.
Key achievement over the past six months includes the establishment of a Stakeholder Advisory Group to provide oversight, advice and recommendations on rules and incentives options.
Active engagement with all stakeholders reflects a more collaborative approach being taken within the programme.
Several small scale detainment buds have also been established to mitigate phosphorus with very minor reductions and budget.
Tikitere
The Tikitere pilot is behind schedule because of issues with equipment and plant malfunctions due to extreme PH levels in the inflow.
An alternative option using Zeolite is being trialled. This option was explored several years ago but as there was no use for the waste product the option was discarded. With changes in
the fertiliser industry in New Zealand there is now potentially a use for the waste product. So zeolite trials began in early 2013.
The 2013 zeolite trial will extend the original work undertaken six years ago where zeolite demonstrated to be effective at absorbing ammonia. The new trial will test a range of flow
configurations to find the optimal operating conditions. When these are established and if the results of the trial are positive, then further testing will be undertaken on a larger scale.
Results for the two trials will be available mid-2013 to enable full scale plant assessment and design. No significant nutrients are being removed by the small scale trials. It is unlikely that
the full scale plant will be built by 30 June 2013, so budget and project are behind are not likely to meet deadline.
P-locking plants
There has been additional alum applied over the past six months which has resulted in an overspend of budget. Less alum will be used over the next six months to bring budget in-line.
Expected outcomes remain high due to higher than anticipated impact in lake.
The Water Quality Technical Advisory Group has agreed on an alum dosing protocol for the two dosing plants in Lake Rotorua as a result of the success of these plants. The key priority is
to reduce alum dosing to necessary levels based on keeping the lake P concentration below the target of 0.020 ppm, which is the level needed to meet the target TLI of 4.2.
9

Lake Rotoehu
To meet community expectations for water quality Lake Rotoehu needs a reduction of 8.9 tonnes of nitrogen and 708 kg of phosphorus. The main long term intervention in
Lake Rotoehu is land management change which is complemented by some short term interventions.
Set out below are the total targets for the life of each project on an annual average, as well as what we planned versus achieved for the six months to December 2012.
The table also forecasts achievements and budget for the six months to 30 June 2013.
10

PROGRAMME UPDATE – LAKE ROTOEHU
Project Deed
Funded
Total
Target
Total
achieved
6 month
Target
6 month
result
Variance Comments and forecast Project Status Budget
Status
Land use and land
management
change
Yes 6.6 T N
.460T P
4.036 T N
.768 T P
3.027T N
.576T P
3.027 T N
.576T P
Land use change agreement for 668 ha
has been completed and audited. No
work or expenditure planned for next 6
months.
Weed Harvesting Yes 3.5T N 0 0 0 Forecast 3.5 tonnes of N in next 6
months and on budget.
Phosphorus
locking plant
Yes .700T P .700 T P .350T P .350T P Phosphorus locking on track, plant
operational. Business as usual.
Aeration Yes 0 0 0 Budget on track and monitoring report
due within next 6 months.
Machines installed. Some delays due to
anchoring issues.
Floating wetland Yes .132T N
.021T P
(Tanner et
al 2010)
Total 13.23TN
1.18TP
.066T N
.010T P
4.102
1.478
.066T N
.010T P
.066T N
.010T P
.066T N
.010T P
.066T N
.010T P
Complete
Project Status Green = on track Amber = some delays Red = major delays
Budget Status Green = on budget Black = underspent Red = overspent
11

Comments on behind schedule projects – Rotoehu
Aeration trials
Testing of the Lake Rotoehu de-stratification (aeration) equipment is well advanced. Machine installation was completed in September 2012. Extensive testing was
undertaken in February 2012 using pink dye to show how far the air pushes the water and how this mixes up the water.
The trial work is being undertaken by a number of scientists from University of Waikato, National Institute of Water and Atmosphere, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and
a specialist water quality engineer from Osaka Japan to assist with the modelling work.
Reporting will be available later in 2013. This will include the update to the lake model programme to evaluate suitability of this intervention to other lakes and in
particular Lake Rotorua.
12

Lake Rotoiti
To meet community expectations for water quality Lake Rotoiti needs a reduction of 130 tonnes of nitrogen and 19 tonnes of phosphorus. The Ohau
diversion wall is established and protecting the lakes water quality while nutrient reductions to lake Rotorua are achieved. Additional sewage reticulation is
the only outstanding action.
Set out below are the total targets for the life of each project on an annual average, as well as what we planned versus achieved for the six months to December 2012.
The table also forecasts achievements and budget for the six months to 30 June 2013.
13

PROGRAMME UPDATE – LAKE ROTOITI
Project Deed
Funded
Total
Target
Total
achieved
6 month
Target
6 month
result
Variance Comments and forecast Project Status Budget
Status
Sewerage Scheme – Curtis
Road to Hinehopu
Yes 4.9T N
1.1T P
0 0 0 No expenditure or works forecast.
Works have been delayed due to
resource consent appeals in the
Environment Court for the proposed
wastewater treatment plant.
Ohau Diversion wall No 130T N
15T P
150T N 75T N
7.5 T P
75T N
7.5 T P
Project complete
Sewage schemes
complete
Okere/Otaramarae
/Whangamarino
Mourea/Okawa Bay
Yes 8.5T N
1.9T P
8.5T N
1.9T P
Project complete
Total 143.4 T N
18T P
158T N
1.9T P
75T N
7.5T P
75T N
7.5T P
Project Status Green = on track Amber = some delays Red = major delays
Budget Status Green = on budget Black = underspent Red = overspent
14

Lake Okareka
To meet community expectations for water quality Lake Okareka needs a reduction of 2.5 tonnes of nitrogen and .08 tonnes of phosphorus.
No actions are planned for Lake Okareka this financial year. Nitrogen and phosphorus targets have been met according to models. On-going monitoring of existing
interventions will inform if further actions are required in later years of the programme.
PROGRAMME UPDATE – LAKE OKAREKA
Project Deed
Funded
Total
Target
Total
achieved
6 month
Target
6 month
result
Variance Comments and forecast Project Status Budget
Status
Sewage Yes 2.4 T N
.02 T P
1.9 T N
.02 T P
Project complete
Land use change Yes .9 T N
.06 T P
1.1 T N
.231 T P
Project complete
Total 3.3 T N
.08 T P
3 T N
.233 T P
15

Non-deed funded lakes
Tikitapu
No actions are being undertaken for Lake Tikitapu. The main action of sewerage reticulation was
completed in October 2010 and it will take time to see improvements in water quality from this
action.
Ōkataina
An action plan has been developed for Lake Ōkataina. A draft action plan was notified in October
2012 with two main actions:
1. Investigate impact of understory browse
2. Communication with the catchment stakeholders.
Staff have proposed two additional actions to reduce nutrient input through land use change as a
result of public feedback. These actions are designed to meet the Lake Ōkataina nitrogen reduction
target and to contribute to the overall phosphorus reduction. The additional actions were
considered by the Partnership Steering Group on the 15 March 2012 and a paper will be presented
to the next OMR Committee.
BOPRC has agreed to fund a PhD study on Lake Okataina. It was identified during the Action Plan
process that there was uncertainty around the origin of nutrients reaching the lake. This study will
be used to inform a review of actions and will:
Identify the level of nutrient leaching in the steep catchment
Identify the impact of exotic forest harvesting
Develop a lake model for Ōkataina that will assist in advising management decisions around
possible interventions.
Rotokakahi
An actions plan for Rotokakahi will progress following consultation with iwi.
Tarawera
An action plan is in development and will progress after further consultation with iwi and the
community.
GNS is developing models for the Tarawera catchment, including:
A geological model due to be completed by mid-2013
A flow model for groundwater
A land use model due to start October 2013.
Ōkaro
Water quality in Lake Okaro has fluctuated over the last 10 years. All actions in the action plan
have been completed. Despite this Lake Okaro continues to experience algal blooms. A prolonged
algal bloom and health warning has been in place since July 2012.
Additional alum dosing took place during August 2012 to address phosphorus levels in the lake. 15
tonnes of aluminium sulphate were applied by boat.
16

A retention dam is being constructed in the catchment of the lake to reduce peak storm flows to
the lake and reduce the times when stream flows exceed the capacity of the wetland and require
by passing. It has been estimated the performance of the wetland can be enhanced by up to 40%
by this improvement.
University of Waikato is undertaking lake modelling to identify medium term changes expected as a
result of interventions already completed, as well as understand why there has been a decline in
water quality since meeting the target briefly during 2010.
Rotoma
No actions are being currently being undertaken for Rotoma.
The main action in the action plan for Rotoma is sewerage reticulation. No work can be undertaken
on this until the Waste Water Treat Plant Upgrade is resolved.
Rerewhakaaitu
BOPRC agreed to support the Rerewhakaaitu farmers in developing their own catchment plan to
improve Lake Rerewhakaaitu's water quality. As such an Action Plan has not been developed for
the Rerewhakaaitu.
The primary focus of the catchment plan is to prepare and implement a nutrient management plan
for each farm. Farmers have committed to undertake all actions and independent auditing by
2015.
In addition a number of other projects are planned for Lake Rerewhakaaitu:
Testing a de-nitrification wall to treat nutrients from ground water and heavy rain events
Developing a Lake Model.
Rotomahana
No actions are being undertaken for Lake Rotomahana as it has not reached the trigger point to
need an action plan.
17

Science and research
The five year agreement for the Chair in Lakes Management and Restoration at the University of Waikato ended
in September 2012. A new agreement has been signed with Professor David Hamilton to provide science and
research support for the programme. The agreement has been renewed to 2017.
University of Waikato have been engaged to model the reasons behind the significant improvement
in Lake Rotorua’s water quality with a focus on identifying the role of alum dosing and short term
climate effects.
University of Waikato also undertook sediment sampling in Lake Rotorua to compare with two
previous samples with the aim of identifying any changes in sediment concentrations of phosphorus
and alum. The results do not identify any major changes. This is positive from the point of view of
Alum but it does raise questions as to why phosphorus sediment concentrations are not reducing.
The Technical Advisory Group recommended regular sediment sampling to get long term trends
every three years.
GNS completed ground water investigation work around the RDC sewage disposal area and
considered any linkage with Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake). Main conclusions support initial research
that there is no linkage between the sewage disposal area and Rotokakahi.
PhD Student Jonathan Abell completed his PhD thesis on variations in nutrient loads coming to lakes
and part of his study looked closely at nutrient loads coming to Lake Rotorua. Some key findings
include:
Storm events can carry un-proportionally high nutrient levels
The bio-availability of P can be complex but is potentially available in the long term
3 D modelling can be used to identify nutrient transport processes and these affect algal
distribution.
18

Policy and planning
Regional Policy Statement
In February 2012 the Lake Rotorua Primary Producers' Collective, Federated Farmers and the Bay of Plenty
Regional Council signed the Oturoa Agreement, this is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a way
forward to reduce nutrients entering Lake Rotorua.
Under the Oturoa Agreement, farmers and the Regional Council will cooperate and collaborate to achieve the
sustainable nitrogen load by 2032, with 70 per cent of the nitrogen reduction target catchment wide achieved by
2022.
A consent order has been drafted which reflects the conditions agreed in the MOU. This is due to be signed
within the next 2 weeks and will put to rest appeals against policy WL 6B.
Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district
The Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district was endorsed with changes at the Full Council on 14 March
2013. The Strategy will be presented to RTALSG in April, following which it will be released for public
consultation.
The new Strategy retains the original vision but builds on the commitment of partner organisations to provide an
integrated and holistic direction for the management of the lakes catchments.
Rule Needs Analysis
Council agreed to consider rules to manage nutrients in the catchments of the Rotorua lakes, but directed staff
to proceed with rules for lake Rotorua as a matter of priority.
A needs analysis for the other lakes will commence by June this year to determine what rules, if any, might be
required. This is an important piece of work for lakes currently not protected by intensification of land use, such
as Lake Rotomā, Lake Tarawera, Rerewhakaaitu and Rotomahana.
19

Programme management
In May 2012 an audit was completed on the programme by IQANZ. Since then significant progress
has been made towards implementing the recommendations of that audit.
Key achievements
Implementing a new programme structure that (refer Diagram 1):
Meets the needs of the programme
Can deliver MfE reporting requirements
Reflect the partnership aspect of the programme
Improve co-ordination between partners.
Diagram 1
A Project Coordinator joined the team in September and the new Programme Manager will
commence on 1 May 2013.
Work stream leaders meet fortnightly. Since January 2013 this has included representatives from
both RDC and Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
The Partnership Steering Group meets monthly with all representatives from partner organisations in
attendance (BOPRC, MfE, RDC and TALT).
A Programme Risk Management Framework has been implemented (based on the BOPRC
organisational risk framework) and is included in all reporting.
The Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Plan was developed and approved by the
Partnership Steering Group. The recent launch of the new Rotorua Lakes website is an output of that
20

plan. Already significant improvements are being seen within both the community and also with
our stakeholders as a result of the programme communications.
The six monthly report to the Ministry for the Environment was well received by all partners. This
was the first output of the new reporting framework. Programme and Work Stream status reports
have been developed and are in use.
A programme of workshops was held with staff and work-stream leads during September, October
and November to identify information required to populate the Programme Management Plan.
Development of the overall Programme Management Plan is well underway and expected to be
finalised end of April
A full review of all programme contracts was completed and a contractor database developed and in
use. This will ensure complete transparency of all external contracts and deliverables due.
21

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
In November 2012 the Partnership Steering Group approved the Communications and Stakeholder
Engagement Plan for the lakes programme. The overall goal of the communication and engagement
plan is to provide appropriate information to key stakeholders and partner agencies to create
awareness and understanding of the programme and collaborate for a solution when required.
Programme branding
As part of the communication and engagement plan the programme name has changed from
‘Rotorua Lakes Protection and Restoration Action Programme’ to the more user-friendly ‘Rotorua Te
Arawa Lakes Programme’. This new name also aligns the programme with the Governance Group
‘Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group’.
This led to a rebranding of the logo. A brand guidlines document has been developed and a Proud
Partners logo created which will be used on all material produced under the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes
Programme branding. Agreement has been made with Partner organisations when the lakes
programme branding will be used.
Website
A stand-alone website www.rotorualakes.co.nz has been created. The website provides a one-stop
shop for information on the lakes, the programme, its actions and achievements.
The standalone website also presents a united front to the community and our stakeholders that the
programme is a joint partnership and the partner agencies are all of equal importance in protecting
and restoring the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes.
The website enables the general public to register for updates on various parts of the programme.
The new website launched on 8 March 2013. In the first week an average of 50 new visitors per day
viewed the site and visited on average five pages per visit.
Rotorua rules and incentive campaign
A Rotorua Rules and Incentives campaign commenced on 11 March 2013 to:
Introduce revised programme name and brand
Promote the new website
Raise awareness of Lake Rotorua’s need for rules and incentives for sustainable water quality
improvement
Get the community to sign-up for updates on the lakes programme
Get the rural community to get involved and sign-up to provide feedback on rules and
incentive development.
Parter Agency Roadshow
To raise awareness in partner agencies of the programme and to introduce the revised programme
branding a Lakes Programme Partner Roadshow is underway. This included:
Two roadshows at Rotorua District Council, with a total of 45 staff attending
Roadshow at Te Arawa Lakes Trust
22

Roadshow in Tauranga and Rotorua BOPRC offices in March and the roadshow for the
Whakatane office is planned in early April.
Positive feedback has been received by staff on the roadshows.
Evaluation
The effectiveness of the Communication and Engagement activities will be measured through six
monthly surveys including:
1. Community survey – an on the street survey to measure the wider communities understanding
and knowledge of water quality issues and what actions are being taken
2. Stakeholder survey – a web-based survey to measure and track key stakeholder’s views on the
programme communication and engagement
3. Programme partner staff survey – a web-based survey to measure and track programme staff
knowledge, awareness and understanding of the lakes programme.
The community survey was undertaken in January and February 2012 with interviews being
conducted in various locations throughout Rotorua city and lakeside areas. The survey results
showed:
82% of people interviewed used the lakes
Mixed views on water quality, 28% believed water quality was variable across lakes and at times
of year while 34% of people believe water quality was poor across the board. Historical knowledge
and/or beliefs about the causes of pollution of Lake Rotorua appear to cloud people’s views on the
lakes in general.
The physical presence of rubbish appears to the primary concern to many residents
Locals are concerned about water quality first and foremost because of the effect on personal
health and the potential loss to swim in local lakes
30% believe farm-run to be the main pollutant to Rotorua lakes, followed closely with 27%
household rubbish and 22% sewage
60% residents believe there are plans to restore the water quality in the lakes, but have very
little knowledge or understanding of what this could entail
Nearly half the responders believed Rotorua District Council is responsible for managing the
Rotorua lakes and only 4% believed it was the responsibility of multiple agencies.
Overall the survey showed a passionate community on the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes but highlighted
large knowledge gaps on water quality issues, causes and actions.
The stakeholder and partner staff surveys are underway and results will be available late March
2013.
23

Aquatic Pest Plant update
Lakes aquatic pest monitoring was completed during the 2012-2013 summer with the following
results:
Lake Days of Surveillance Summary
Ōkāreka 6 Hornwort incursions found
Ōkataina 6 Part of the 2010 Hornwort
Incursion Response Plan. One new
infestation found.
Rerewhaakitu 2 No incursions found
Rotomā 4 No incursions found
Tikitapu (Blue Lake) .5 No incursions found
Lake Ōkāreka Evaluation
Hornwort fragments were found by a local commercial operator in May 2012 and reported to Bay of
Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC). The report was immediately followed with surveillance by BOPRC
and National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA). In order to assure that best efforts had
been taken to locate fragments and plants, further and more extensive surveillance was completed
in March 2013. This is the time of year is when hornwort has new growth and fragments are a light,
fluorescent green making the plant more visible to divers.
Monitoring was undertaken using a mix of manta boarding, spot diving, snorkelling and an
underwater scooter over a three day period.
Table 1: Lake Ōkāreka monitoring sites and hornwort presence/absence.
Ōkāreka
Hornwort
site
Site name
2010
results
2011
results
2012 results 2013 results
Site 1
Boyes Beach
No plants
found
No plants
found
Scattered plants
found
Scattered plants
found
Site 2
Steep Street
Reserve
No plants
found
No plants
found
Scattered plants
found
Scattered plants
found
Site 3
Acacia Road Bay
No plants
found
No plants
found
Not monitored
Small plant (1)
found
Site 4
Outlet
No plants
found
No plants
found
No plants found
Small plant (1)
found
Site 5
Weed Cordon
No plants
found
No plants
found
Small plant found in
raupo
No plants found
Site 6
Black House Bay
No plants
found
No plants
found
No plants found
No plants found
Site 7
DOC Camp
No plants
found
No plants
found
No plants found
No plants found
24

The results of the monitoring revealed two additional hornwort infestation areas to those found
in the 2011-2012 period (Table 1).
The largest infestations occupy the northern end of the lake (sites 1 and 2) and range from scattered
plants (5-10 m²) to established beds approximately 50 m² in size. Plants were found in depths
ranging from 2 m to 8 m. The entire Boyes Beach area is classed as one site as it has scattered plants,
some up to 50 m² in size, along the whole beach (Figure 1).
Two plants were found at the southern reach of the lake (sites 3 and 4); one small plant at the outlet
that connects to Lake Tarawera, and one small plant within the bay to the eastern side of Acacia
Road point. Plants were found in depths ranging from 4 m to 8 m.
From the monitoring completed it seems relevant that the majority of the small fragments and plants
have originated from the larger, established hornwort beds in the northern end of the lake with
distribution to the southern end occurring via north, north-western winds.
An Incursion Response Plan will be developed for the Operation, Monitoring and Regulations
Committee to consider at the May 2013 meeting.
Figure 1: Map of Lake Ōkāreka showing locations of hornwort.
25

Lake Ōkataina Evaluation
Monitoring was undertaken as part of the Incursion Response Plan on Lake Ōkataina. Extensive
monitoring using a mix of manta boarding, spot diving, snorkelling and an underwater scooter
was undertaken over a four day period.
Table 2: Lake Okataina monitoring sites and hornwort presence/absence
Okataina
Hornwort site
Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site name 2010 results 2011 results 2012 results 2013 results
Exclusion net
South Bay
(raupo)
Haumingi Bay
Oruaroa Point
(Dogga Bank)
Large infestation
found
Large infestation
found
Large infestation
found
Large infestation
found
Small plants
found around
raupo
Small plants
found around
raupo
Large
infestation
found
Large
infestation
found
Site 5 Oruaroa Bay No plants found No plants found
Site 6
Site 7
Site 8
Site 9
West of Tikitiki
Point
Paremata Bay
Ngahaua Bay
Main beach
Small single plant
found
Small single plant
found
Small single plant
found
Large plant found
within weed
cordon
Site 10 Log Pool Bay No plants found
Small single
plant found
Small single
plant found
Small single
plant found
Large plant
found within
weed cordon
No plants found
- one small
fragment found
on beach
Small plants
found around
raupo
Large
infestation
found
Small plants
found (2) in
shallows
Large
infestation
found
No plants
found
No plants
found
No plants
found
No plants
found
No plants
found
No plants
found
Plants found
around
shallows
Small plants
(6) found
Small plant (1)
found
Small plants
(3) found
Small
infestation
found (30 m²)
and scattered
plants (5)
No plants
found
No plants
found
No plants
found
No plants
found
No plants
found
The results of the monitoring were that five sites (6 to 10) that had previous hornwort infestations
had no signs of plants growing (Table 2). With the exception of the new infestation found at Oruaroa
Bay, remaining sites are showing signs of reduction in hornwort presence.
Lake Rotomā Evaluation
Due to hornwort and Egeria densa fragments being found within the Matahī Spit weed cordon in
January 2013, monitoring efforts for the period of 2012-2013 were increased from previous years.
Monitoring was undertaken over a three day period using a mix of manta boarding, spot diving,
snorkelling and an underwater scooter.
26

The initial incursion activated a spot dive within the weed cordon and beach search by BOPRC
divers the week the weeds were found. The biosecurity monitoring for 2012-2013 was
intensified as a result and included a new site (Otangiwai Point) and extra time on manta boards
along Matahī Spit to Anaputa Point and Hikataua Point. Additionally, visibility was excellent
(approximately 15-20 m) which aided in the monitoring.
No hornwort or E. densa plants were found over the three day period. The origin of the weed
fragments found at Rotomā is believed to have occurred via transportation by boat or boat trailer.
27

Harbour master update
The Lakes Maritime team for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council look after 14 lakes, seven of which
are termed high usage.
A pool of volunteer lake wardens (37) assist in educating the public in the safe use of the region’s
waterways in accordance with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaws.
Lake Wardens are appointed as Honorary Enforcement Officers who advise, educate and occasionally
assist the boating public.
Lake Wardens are not enforcement officers but they do have the authority to request the name and
address of any person committing an offence against the bylaws. They can also issue warning
infringement notices if an offence is deemed serious.
Lake levels and usage
Lake levels fell over the summer months and beaches, jetties and ramps have reappeared. Lake
usage has been on the rise since mid-December and more so in January and February as a result of
the favourable weather.
There has been significant use on the lakes this summer especially in the evenings.
Jet Ski campaign
In early December the Regional Council launched a major Jet Ski campaign throughout the Bay of
Plenty highlighting the risks associated with inexperienced Jet Ski operators and the importance of
knowing the rules pertaining to their usage on the waterways.
It may be a bit early to gauge whether the campaign has been effective as a few jet skiers are still not
following safety advice and rules.
Summer patrol programme
The summer patrol programme ran from 26 December 2012 to 8 February 2013. Patrols operated
seven days a week at random times between the hours of 7am – 8pm and consist of a Patrol Vessel
and two Jet Ski’s. High usage lakes such as Rotomā, Rotoiti, Tarawera, Ōkāreka and Tikitapu are
patrolled more frequently than low usage lakes. Patrols will still continue during the weekends up
until the end of March 2013.
The main focus for the 2012-2013 summer season has been speeding, correct use of ski lanes, towing
without an observer and Jet Ski behaviour
INFRINGEMENTS WARNINGS
Rotoiti 10 9
Rotomā 5 12
Ōkāreka 1 8
Tarawera 3 12
Tikitapu 2 2
Okawa Bay 0 1
Total 21 44
28

The most common offences have included, exceeding 5 knot speed limit in certain areas, towing
without an observer, causing or allowing self to be towed without an observer and failing to carry
or wear appropriate personal flotation devices as required. Of these approximately 35 percent of the
infringement warnings involve jet skis.
Exclusion zone
An exclusion zone has been in place at Otangiwai Point Lake Rotoma since the 24 November 2012 on
a trial basis and will end 31 March 2013. The exclusion zone was initiated from concerns submitted
by dive operators that use Otangiwai Point as a training area for new/novice divers. The concerns
raised were boaties/fisherman dropping anchors on divers whilst fishing and Boaties not adhering to
dive flag rules (do not exceed 5 knots within 200 knots of a dive flag).
Prior to the end of the exclusion zone trial, submissions will be requested as to whether:
The exclusion zone is removed
Another idea is trialled; or
An amendment is made to the Bylaws to make the exclusion zone permanent.
Positive verbal reports have been received from the dive companies involved about how safe the
area has been since the installation of the exclusion zone.
Okawa Bay
Recently the Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron boat ramp at Okawa Bay has been opened to
general public use. The ramp is being monitored by the Regional and District Councils and the local
community on its usage and the impact it is having on the current infrastructure.
During the holiday period the ramp was not used as often as expected perhaps due to people not
knowing that is was open and can be used. However it is believed that once awareness increases the
boat ramp usage will increase.
29

Major risks
Intervention Risk Description Mitigation
Wastewater Treatment
and Disposal Options
Unable to get suitable option agreed to by the
community.
Option analysis paper being prepared and will
be considered by partner agencies.
Option chosen will not meet 30 tonnes of nitrogen
limit.
Weed harvest Contract negotiations for weed harvesting halted.
Due to March/April timeframe for weed harvesting,
there is a high possibility that this planned
intervention will not occur in the 2012/2013
financial year. This will impact on budget being
underspent and nutrient targets not being met.
Alternative options being explored. The
preferred being we gain an extension on rental
harvester from Mighty River Power while we
source longer term solution.
Rotorua Incentives
scheme
Cabinet do not approve transfer. Scheme will continue but with significantly less
funding available therefore long term targets
will be affected.
Land Use Change If land use change rules are appealed, then there
may be significant delays to the land use change
component of the programme.
Engage with Stakeholder Advisory Group to get
buy in to new rules.
Pristine lake’s decline as
the focus is on priority
lakes
If we only focus on priority lakes we risk the pristine
lakes water quality declining.
Complete action plans for non-deed lakes
Complete needs analysis for rules on all lakes.
30

Financials
Financials up to December 2012 are outlined below against forecast expenditure for Deed only in Table 1. This table shows significant underspends in
budgets associated with sewage reticulation, land use change and Tikitere de-nitrification plan contributing to a cumulative carry forward of $15M.
FY13
TOTAL PROJECT TO DATE
Crown Funded Activities
C/FWD pri or
yea r
Budget
Expenditure to Date
BOPRC RDC TOTAL
Variance to
budget
Reserves
(made up of 50%
Crown & 50%
BOPRC f unding
Funding Source
Crown BOPRC RDC TOTAL
Actual Budget
Variance to
budget
Lake Rotoehu (363,701) 930,000 745,540 0 745,540 184,460 671,000 140,000 140,000 0 951,000 3,300,077 3,650,000 349,923
Weed Harvesting (12,730) 100,000 4,195 0 4,195 95,805 50,000 50,000 100,000 416,933 500,000 83,067
Land Management Change 61,596 600,000 621,000 0 621,000 (21,000) 621,000 0 0 0 621,000 1,059,484 1,100,000 40,516
P Locking Soda Springs 85,118 100,000 50,089 0 50,089 49,911 50,000 25,000 25,000 0 100,000 655,719 950,000 294,281
Aeration Trial (378,688) 130,000 70,256 0 70,256 59,744 0 65,000 65,000 130,000 448,944 500,000 51,056
Wetlands Rotoehu (118,997) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 718,997 600,000 (118,997)
Lake Ōkāreka 2,372,304 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8,327,696 10,700,000 2,372,304
Sewerage Reticulation 1,813,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7,887,000 9,700,000 1,813,000
Land Management Change 559,304 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 440,696 1,000,000 559,304
Lake Rotorua 3,489,744 13,201,000 468,710 1,933,000 2,401,710 10,799,290 1,454,357 5,637,500 2,611,500 4,575,000 14,278,357 27,909,822 41,001,000 13,091,178
Phosphorous Locking 1,427,200 601,000 409,831 0 409,831 191,169 176,000 212,500 212,500 0 601,000 3,311,631 5,551,000 2,239,369
Tikitere Diversions 2,626,963 1,250,000 46,684 0 46,684 1,203,316 1,000,000 0 0 0 1,000,000 738,577 2,750,000 2,011,423
Land Management Change 847,355 1,700,000 11,975 0 11,975 1,688,025 (221,643) 850,000 850,000 0 1,478,357 1,164,620 3,700,000 2,535,380
Wetlands Rotorua (451,774) 500,000 220 0 220 499,780 500,000 0 0 0 500,000 451,994 500,000 48,006
Sewerage Reticulation (960,000) 9,150,000 0 1,933,000 1,933,000 7,217,000 0 4,575,000 1,549,000 4,575,000 10,699,000 22,243,000 28,500,000 6,257,000
Rotoiti 10,368,000 4,450,000 0 147,000 147,000 4,303,000 0 2,225,000 0 2,225,000 4,450,000 39,978,000 51,200,000 11,222,000
Sewerage Reticulation 10,368,000 4,450,000 0 147,000 147,000 4,303,000 2,225,000 0 2,225,000 4,450,000 39,978,000 51,200,000 11,222,000
TOTALS 15,866,347 18,581,000 1,214,250 2,080,000 3,294,250 15,286,750 2,125,357 8,002,500 2,751,500 6,800,000 19,679,357 79,515,595 106,551,000 27,035,405
31

FY13 TOTAL PROJECT TO DATE
C/FWD pri or
yea r
Budget
Expenditure to Date Variance to
Funding Source
budget
BOPRC RDC TOTAL
Reserves
(made up of 50%
Crown & 50%
BOPRC f unding
Crown BOPRC RDC TOTAL
Actual Budget
Variance to
budget
Lake Rotoehu (363,701) 937,000 749,540 0 749,540 187,460 671,000 140,000 147,000 0 958,000 3,303,077 3,657,000 353,923
Crown Funded
Weed Harvesting (12,730) 100,000 4,195 0 4,195 95,805 50,000 50,000 100,000 416,933 500,000 83,067
Land Management Change 61,596 600,000 621,000 0 621,000 (21,000) 621,000 0 0 0 621,000 1,059,484 1,100,000 40,516
P Locking Soda Springs 85,118 100,000 50,089 0 50,089 49,911 50,000 25,000 25,000 0 100,000 655,719 950,000 294,281
Aeration Trial (378,688) 130,000 70,256 0 70,256 59,744 0 65,000 65,000 130,000 448,944 500,000 51,056
Wetlands Rotoehu (118,997) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 718,997 600,000 (118,997)
sub total (363,701) 930,000 745,540 0 745,540 184,460 671,000 140,000 140,000 0 951,000 3,300,077 3,650,000 349,923
Non Crown Funded
Weed Harvesting 7,000 4,000 0 4,000 3,000 7,000 7,000 3,000 7,000 4,000
sub total 7,000 4,000 0 4,000 3,000 7,000 7,000 3,000 7,000 4,000
Lake Ōkāreka 2,372,304 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8,327,696 10,700,000 2,372,304
Crown Funded
Sewerage Reticulation 1,813,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7,887,000 9,700,000 1,813,000
Land Management Change 559,304 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 440,696 1,000,000 559,304
Lake Rotorua 3,489,744 13,365,921 521,190 1,933,000 2,454,190 10,911,731 1,454,357 5,637,500 2,793,421 4,575,000 14,460,278 27,962,302 41,165,921 13,203,619
Crown Funded
Phosphorous Locking 1,427,200 601,000 409,831 0 409,831 191,169 176,000 212,500 212,500 0 601,000 3,311,631 5,551,000 2,239,369
Tikitere Diversions 2,626,963 1,250,000 46,684 0 46,684 1,203,316 1,000,000 0 0 0 1,000,000 738,577 2,750,000 2,011,423
Land Management Change 847,355 1,700,000 11,975 0 11,975 1,688,025 (221,643) 850,000 850,000 0 1,478,357 1,164,620 3,700,000 2,535,380
Wetlands Rotorua (451,774) 500,000 220 0 220 499,780 500,000 0 0 0 500,000 451,994 500,000 48,006
Sewerage Reticulation (960,000) 9,150,000 0 1,933,000 1,933,000 7,217,000 0 4,575,000 1,549,000 4,575,000 10,699,000 22,243,000 28,500,000 6,257,000
sub total 3,489,744 13,201,000 468,710 1,933,000 2,401,710 10,799,290 1,454,357 5,637,500 2,611,500 4,575,000 14,278,357 27,909,822 41,001,000 13,091,178
Non Crown Funded
Negotiating LUC 104,534 35,000 35,000 69,534 104,534 104,534 35,000 104,534 69,534
Sediment Capping Trials 60,387 480 480 59,907 60,387 60,387 480 60,387 59,907
Trout Barrier 0 17,000 17,000 (17,000) 17,000 17,000 17,000 0 (17,000)
sub total 0 164,921 52,480 0 52,480 112,441 0 0 181,921 0 181,921 52,480 164,921 112,441
Rotoiti 10,368,000 4,450,000 0 147,000 147,000 4,303,000 0 2,225,000 0 2,225,000 4,450,000 39,978,000 51,200,000 11,222,000
Crown Funded
Sewerage Reticulation 10,368,000 4,450,000 0 147,000 147,000 4,303,000 2,225,000 0 2,225,000 4,450,000 39,978,000 51,200,000 11,222,000
Programme 0 2,416,957 1,093,876 0 1,093,876 1,323,081 0 0 2,416,957 0 2,416,957 1,093,876 2,416,957 1,323,081
Non Crown Funded
Research & Development 964,337 278,000 0 278,000 686,337 964,337 964,337 278,000 964,337 686,337
Comms & Stakeholder Engagement 145,264 37,000 0 37,000 108,264 145,264 145,264 37,000 145,264 108,264
General Administration 884,637 508,876 0 508,876 375,761 884,637 884,637 508,876 884,637 375,761
Non Deed Operations 422,719 270,000 0 270,000 152,719 422,719 422,719 270,000 422,719 152,719
TOTAL PROGRAMME 15,866,347 21,169,878 2,364,606 2,080,000 4,444,606 16,725,272 2,125,357 8,002,500 5,357,378 6,800,000 22,285,235 80,664,951 109,139,878 28,474,927
32

File Reference: 1.00030
Significance of Decision: Receives Only - No Decisions
Report To:
Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee
Meeting Date: 27 March 2013
Report From:
Ken Tarboton, General Manager Natural Hazards
General Managers’ Report
Executive Summary
This paper provides a brief summary of key operational issues and achievements for the
Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee. This agenda items also provides the Committee
with an opportunity to have further input into significant operational matters.
The paper follows the Council’s Ten Year Plan 2012 – 2022 programme structure but only those
programmes that have items to report are included. Some of the items below may repeat
information contained in “Councillor Catchup”. While this represents a degree of repetition,
inclusion in this agenda paper is intended as a means of formally presenting them to Council.
1 Recommendations
That the Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee under its delegated
authority:
1 Receives the report, General Manager's Report.
2 Sustainable Communities – Recreational space
2.1 Onekawa Te Mawhai Management Plan update
The Onekawa Te Mawhai Operational Management Plan is awaiting input from other iwi
within the interest area including Ngi Thoe, Ngti Awa and Te Whakathea. They will
be asked how they would like to be acknowledged before it is finalised. Following this
process, it will be made publicly available for comments.
2.2 Ppmoa Hills visitor numbers
The conclusion of another summer season has once again shown the seasonal
fluctuations in visitor numbers to the Ppmoa Hills Regional Park, with numbers
generally higher than that same period the year prior.
87

3 Sustainable Land Management
3.1 Waiotahi
This project involves ourselves, DcC, ODC the local community, with the HVES site now
being managed in partnership through a BMP which has been supported by Upokorehe.
The BMP was signed off in July 2012 so now we are starting to see some of the results on
the ground.
DOC has continued to fund the pest plant control work around the Waiotahi spit (through
Wayne O’Keefe also our Coast Care Co-ordinator). This work has consisted of Lupin
control, Cape Ivy, Privet, Hawthorn, Tradescantia, Ginger, Willow, Gorse, Broom,
Boxthorn, Briar Rose, Formosan Lily, Japanese Walnut, Sea Couch, salt water Paspalam,
and Green Goddess Lily.
88

Waiotahi sand spit - one of the most intact and weed free coastal dune systems that we
have in the ptiki Ecological District and arguably the BOP. With the back dune system
including Pohutakawa, Houpara, Karo and Cabbage trees.
Previously the community has been involved with plantings through the Coast Care
Programme and DoC Dotteral programme which focused primarily on the sand spit. With
the new BMP in place, enhancement of the ecosystems continues and moves into the
estuarine areas.
Since July last year, a core group of community members have been reducing the Gorse,
Blackberry, Pampus and Japanese Walnut around the estuarine margins. This is evident
in the lack of these species now seen from the road. Working alongside the landowners
there has also been a large number of Scots Pines being poisoned insitu (viewable from
SH2 Waiotahi Bridge). This method was preferred as it left the understory to regenerate
and was the less invasive and costly to undertake (2 days staff time).
Work looking forward over the next six months, involves planting days, removal of pest
plant, working with the local schools, setting up a trapping network and bird monitoring.
89

Waiotahi Esturine margin, the browning of the pines is from poisoning the trees, by drilling
and injecting them with 100% Glyphosate.
3.2 FutureProof Your Land Campaign (Tauranga Harbour)
The Campaign was officially launched at the Tauranga Harbour Symposium 7 March.
Immediately after the launch Land Management staff mailed 733 orange introduction
packs to selected landowners. The first week has shown a very good response, with 65
requests for full toolkits being received. Over the next month staff will be following up all
733 landowners.
Tauranga Harbour Land Management Campaign mail outs – “Future Proof Your Land”
3.3 The Green Party Dirty Water Tour
Green Party MP Eugenie Sage has been visiting various lakes and rivers around the
country, as part of a Dirty Water Tour. This kayaking tour appeared to be picking up where
Russell Norman left off several years ago. Regional Council received an invitation
alongside Ngti Kahu, Federated Farmers and other community leaders on a kayak trip
on the lower Wairoa River at the beginning of March to discuss water quality and land
management of the Wairoa sub-catchment. The trip finished in Fergusson Park, Matua.
90

Barry Roberts from Federated Farmers spoke about the challenge to farmers balancing
their environmental sustainability desires with their land-business earnings. Barry who
farms at the top of the Wairoa catchment, mentioned that where the Wairoa subcatchment
used to have 7500 stock, it now has no more than 3500, a reflection of the
changing economic times and better land use management. He mentioned that farming is
still by far the biggest earner in the western region putting the challenge out to the
community that if they (the farmers) “did their bit, then community should also”, given they
(the community) would receive many of the benefits, both in terms of the local economy
but in environmental gains (such as biodiversity enhancement and water quality).
Staff spoke about Council’s catchment management approach and community initiative’s
support. Eugenie praised the Council’s Catchment Management approach and
collaborative work with local communities and landowners.
3.4 Biosecurity
3.4.1 A change of tactics in the war against Noogoora Burr (Xanthium strumarium)
Noogoora burr is an aggressive invader of grazing and cropping land that can significantly
impact production. Noogoora burr is an eradication/exclusion pest plant under our
Regional Pest Management Plan and it has become a serious problem in the maize
paddocks around Ppmoa and Welcome Bay. Regional Council has been attempting to
eradicate it for the last six years, with 400+ man hours this season spent searching and
hand pulling the weed in 100 hectares of two metre tall maize at the worst affected site.
Staff are talking with specialists about options for controlling this weed as well as
landowners about increased machine hygiene. There is a possibility that alternative land
use (i.e. pastoral grazing) away from maize cultivation is the only permanent solution for
eradication. A communication campaign is being developed to increase landowner and
industry awareness about Noogoora burr, its spread pathways, and its potential economic
impact.
91

3.5 Friends of Puketoki Reserve Care Group – unexpected pest animal issue
The members of the Friends of Puketoki Reserve Care Group used their problem-solving
skills recently to address an unexpected issue during this year’s rodent control
programme. The group switched from the usual Ditrac rodent blocks in bait stations, to
RatAbate rodent blocks, which are a softer, more tasty bait for rats and mice that contain
the same type and amount of anticoagulant. The new bait was extremely effective.
However even though rodent numbers dropped dramatically, the bait was continuing to
disappear every week. Remote cameras were then used to record animal activity at the
bait stations and it was discovered that blackbirds were taking all the bait. The group fitted
plumbing elbow bends to one end of each bait station and a sleeve over the fixing pin at
the other end. As they had hoped, the birds don’t like to go around bends in tunnels and
the rats still have access to the bait – the problem has been very cleverly fixed.
3.6 Pest plant facility opened in celebration of collaboration
In February Regional Council’s pest plant collection was opened in partnership with the
Bay of Plenty Polytechnic at the Windermere campus. The opening was to celebrate the
educational pest plant facility, the polytechnic’s new student learning facilities and also
recognise the collaboration between the Regional Council and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.
This collection gives Regional Council the opportunity to hold workshops on pest plant
identification for the public and industry groups, and the ability to grow in a contained area
unidentified pest plants to confirm identification at a later stage. Currently there are
approximately 100 species of pest plant at the facility and this is expected to grow as staff
collect further specimens.
92

3.7 Rook Control – East Taup
Aerial control was undertaken in October on a rookery discovered on Matea Road,
Rangitiki. Approximately 35 birds were present at the rookery, control was undertaken
using DRC1339 laced petroleum jelly to 15 nests. Ten of the nests contained eggs, chicks
or a combination of the two and as soon as the control operation was finished, all adults
were witnessed returning to the rookery. Upon inspection one week later, 4 adult rooks
were discovered dead below the rookery and it is assumed others died on the nest which
is typical for this type of control. Approximately 20 birds were witnessed still using the
rookery and these individuals survived the control attempt. This operation has prevented
any juvenile recruitment this year, possibly reducing the number of hen birds present in
this rook population. Surveillance will continue at the site over the summer months in an
attempt to establish whether another control operation is possible.
3.8 Catfish Surveillance
During February 2013, catfish surveillance was undertaken on Lake Tarawera and Lake
kataina as part of the biosecurity surveillance programme. With a number of sightings
being reported in the last 5-10 years, Council has developed a surveillance plan for the
Rotorua Lakes in an attempt to confirm the presence in the Bay of Plenty region. The
monitoring was done using fyke nets evenly distributed throughout the lakes and baited
with sardines as an attractant, the nets were left overnight and emptied in the morning as
catfish typically feed at night. No catfish were discovered during the 2012/13 surveillance
programme. Three more lakes will be monitored late 2013, or early 2014.
3.9 Koaro Restoration Project
The koaro restoration project is a collaboration between Ngti Rangiwewehi, Bay of Plenty
Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Fish and Game, and the Te Arawa Lakes
Trust. Koaro are a galaxiid species and are one of the five fish species whose juvenile
form is collectively known as “whitebait”, they are capable of establishing land-locked
populations but their cryptic nature means their presence is often undetected. Koaro are a
taonga species that were once common in the area, but predation from introduced
species such as trout, and habitat degradation has led to a significant decline in their
abundance. A trout exclusions barrier, comprising of a concrete in-stream structure, has
been placed in a tributary of the Hamurana Stream as a case study to identify if trout
exclusion alone will allow the population to rebuild. The project notched up another
milestone at the end of January with the first of the trout removal operations being
completed. The trout removal was completed using a combination of gill nets and electric
93

fishing with 20 trout being removed from the tributary on the day, ranging from fingerlings
up to fish approximately 2 kg in weight. Two points of interest from the day included that
generally the trout removed were large, weighing over 700 grams, and only three koaro
were caught during the days fishing. We know from previous monitoring that many more
koaro inhabit this stream, this leads us to believe that during the day the koaro are in
refuge in the upper limits of the stream where trout are not likely to predate on them.
Further removal attempts will be planned in the upcoming year.
3.10 Biosecurity Managers Field trip and meeting
Rotorua hosted the national Regional Councils Biosecurity Managers Working Group 13-
14 March. The hui was attended by representatives from Regional Councils from around
New Zealand. The first day was based around a fieldtrip which highlighted unique
Biosecurity issues in the region. It included innovative approaches to tackling biosecurity
or land management issues. There were also site visits and healthy discussion on
hornwort and other aquatic pests, wallabies, in-lake interventions including the Rotoehu
aeration trial and the Ohau diversion wall, and Biodiversity projects including the BMP at
Kaokaoroa and the koaro restoration project. Feedback from the fieldtrip was extremely
positive and discussion throughout the day brought up valid points for consideration. As a
result, actions are being taken at the Biosecurity Managers level that could lead to more
collaboration regionally, which could improve information sharing between the Regional
Councils.
3.11 Ornamental Pond Invader – Water poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides)
A concerned land owner from Lake Rotoiti, called the Bay of Plenty Regional Council
seeking information on a plant growing in one of their ornamental ponds. Alarm bells rang
when they cleared their pond, only to have the plant return with vengeance, completely
covering the ponds’ surface within a year. The land owners thought it might be water
poppy as they had read the council’s Pests of the Bay of Plenty booklet and recognised a
photo of the flowers.
Staff visited the property and confirmed the identification of the plant, with assistance from
NIWA as water poppy. Water poppy is classified as an Exclusion and Eradication Pest
Plant in the Regional Pest Management Plan for the Bay of Plenty region.
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Neighbouring properties were inspected and the nearby shoreline of Lake Rotoiti was
checked. No sign of the offending plant was detected.
The water poppy has been manually removed and the pond drained using a sludge pump
(kindly loaned by the Department of Conservation). A water blaster was used to dislodge
remaining fragments from the pond walls and the pond was then left to dry out.
The weed was placed into heavy-duty polythene bags and stacked in the sun to kill the
plant material. The dead plant material was disposed of at the Rotorua Landfill.
The success of this eradication operation will only be known once the pond has been refilled
and left to re-establish.
The Property owners have been very helpful and supportive of our work to control this
priority pest plant. Staff will continue to monitor the site but we are confident that any signs
of a re-infestation will be reported immediately.
Figure 1: Water Poppy sample collected from the pond
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Figure 2: Steph Bathgate and Dale Williams manually removed the water poppy from the
pond
Figure 3: A water blaster was used to dislodge remaining fragments
4 Sustainable Coastal Management
4.1 Tauranga Harbour Symposium
On 7 March, Bay of Plenty Regional Council together with the University of Waikato and
Priority One hosted a symposium “Tauranga Moana – Te Papa Our Harbour - Our Place”
to share the latest information and ideas on protecting and managing the Harbour.
The symposium gave those attending an opportunity to learn about:
• the latest research on the harbour and catchment
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• community work to improve our harbour and catchment
• agency projects to improve and restore the harbour and its catchment.
The Opening address by Chairman Cronin was followed by keynote addresses from:
• Rahera Ohia, representing the Tauranga Moana Iwi Collective who spoke about the
Treaty settlement negotiations with respect to Te Moana o Tauranga and the
expectations and opportunities arising from the settlement, and
• Professor David Schiel from Canterbury University Marine Ecology Research Group
who spoke about research for underpinning management of coastal ecosystems.
Following the keynote addresses were three themed sessions “Our Knowledge of the
Harbour”, “Increasing Community Understanding and Action” and “What are the Councils
doing”. Twelve separate presentations were given in these three sessions providing
insights into the latest research on the harbour and catchment, community work to
improve our harbour and catchment and council projects to improve and restore the
harbour and catchment.
The last session of the day involved a panel discussion, facilitated by Tommy Kapai
Wilson, with questions from the audience. The panel comprised Prof. Chris Battershill, Dr.
Riri Ellis, Warwick Murray and Rob McGowan. The closing address was given by Mayor
Stuart Crosby.
There were 150 registrants for the symposium, covering a wide cross section of the
community. Actual numbers on the day were slightly less than 150.
All of the presentations are now available on the Council website at
http://www.boprc.govt.nz/environment/coast/tauranga-harbour/tauranga-harboursymposium-2013/
5 Rivers, Drainage and Flood Management
5.1 Kopeopeo Canal Remediation
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has a conditional agreement in place for the purchase
of land for site 1 very close to the Kopeopeo Canal, to be used for the storage and
remediation of sediment. This purchase is conditional on the necessary consents being
obtained for the work to proceed.
As of 12 March 2013 we also have a signed lease agreement for site 2. For the third and
final site the process of land ownership transfer from the Department of Conservation to
the Bay of Plenty Regional Council is progressing.
Provided that consent approval is obtained in time it is anticipated that the removal of the
40,000 m 3 of sediment will commence in October 2013, following a competitive tendering
process.
5.2 River Scheme Liaison
Meetings with the respective River Scheme Liaison Groups are currently underway and
will be completed by the OMR meeting on 27 March 2013. The Rangitiki-Tarawera
Liaison Group meeting was held on 13 March 2013. The Liaison Group was supportive of
completing the Rangitiki floodway widening works and wanted staff to explore the
possibility of bringing the spillway works forward.
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here to enter text.
The Liaison Group also emphasised the need for both the Consent Authority and the
Natural Hazards Group to put adequate resources into the Matahina appeal.
The Whakatne-Waimana Scheme Liaison Group meeting was held on 19 March 2013.
The Liaison Group was concerned that they are not able to identify delinquent targeted
ratepayers. Paki Nikora of the Thoe Putaiao Trust expressed appreciation for the work
done by the Regional Council in river scheme management.
The Kaituna Catchment Control Scheme meeting will be held on 21 March 2013 and the
Waioeka-Otara Scheme Liaison Group meeting on 26 March 2013.
Ken Tarboton
General Manager Natural Hazards
20 March 2013
Click
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