Freshwater Futures Update (including update on catchment modelling & scenarios) Rangitāiki River Forum 29 September 2017

National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) Background - National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) Example: Swimming E. coli E. coli concentration and percentage of exceedances Fencing & riparian planting Reduce stocking rates Etc. VALUES ATTRIBUTES OBJECTIVES LIMITS METHODS The NPS FM was rolled out in 2014 and requires Regional Councils to follow a prescribed process to set water quality and quantity standards. Councils have no choice but to follow this approach. In short, following consultation with communities and Iwi and Hapū in particular, we must set standards that meaningfully relate to community values. The government has said it want water quality to improve.

1. Region-wide quantity plan change 2. Water Management Areas NPS-FM Implementation 1. Region-wide quantity plan change Effect change now to address immediate problems Water Quantity focus 2. Water Management Areas Community-based discussions Water quantity and quality Limits developed with tangata whenua & community Explain linkage / difference between the two Stages The Region-wide change plan change 9 the key points I’m thinking of communicating are: Plan change 9 is region wide and is a “hold the line and fix current operational issues” plan change Reinforces existing limits uniformly around the region, anticipating PC12 will take a more tailored sub region approach PC 9 was notified in Oct 2016 and submissions have now closed Key topics are Anticipates development of subsequent plan changes in WMA’s Reinforce/set limits to allocation of water Acknowledge need to phase out over allocation once WMA limits set and avoid creating new over allocation Enhanced efficiency and metering requirements Enhanced transfer provisions Fix existing unauthorised dairy shed takes Recognise importance of municipal takes Continue with provisions relating to HEP schemes, consistent with NPSREG Taking account of tangata whenua values, matauranga Māori, iwi and hapū RMP Unauthorised taking especially by dairy farmers Reduction in groundwater PA volume for small properties Need to explore water storage and MAR where water shortage is a problem Publication of report “Assessment of water availability and estimates of current allocation levels report, October 2016” provides clarity to water users about opportunities   In Rangitāiki this means Water above the HEP dams most of the year is fully allocated to existing users, but some room for sharing out of season water for irrigators Some dairy farmers need to get resource consent for existing unauthorised takes Most dairy farmers will need 2 water meters – for dairy shed use and for stock drinking water Plan change 12 will have limited scope above the dam from a quantity perspective because of the constraints existing allocations impose

National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2017 Te Mana o te Wai Suitability for regional swimming targets and monitoring Enable economic well-being within limits Discussion with communities Monitoring plans Microbial health Macro-invertebrates Mātauranga Māori NICKI/SANTI (check whether RM - SIMON/PIM want to update verbally on Freshwater Improvement Fund) Note wetlands project Simon will update NPSFM 2017 changes came in to being 6 September Strengthens provisions recognising Te Mana o te Wai - the connections between freshwater and the health of the wider environment and people – mountains to the sea , integrated management Introduces requirements to set targets for improving swimmability in the region – regional plan change Changed measures for contact recreation – still need to assign acceptable water quality. Other NPS-FM changes: - Macroinvertebrate monitoring - Maintain or improve within an FMU, Maintain within a band is acceptable - Set targets for DIN and DRP when managing periphyton - Clarification about exemption framework for nationally significant infrastructure (i.e. Intermittently opening lakes and lagoons (not relevant for BoP) Importantly, they will be applied during our current work programme – they don’t change the programme of work that we are undertaking with you much Stock exclusion regulations parked. Uretara Estuary Managers Incorporated – Katikati Hills to Ocean – H20 Improvement Project. Using citizen science to improve knowledge about water quality from the Katikati hills to the ocean.

Delivering on Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki Develop sustainable environmental flow and Rangitāiki catchment load limits [action 3.1] Work with rural industries, iwi, landowners, the community and other willing stakeholders in the Rangitāiki catchment to articulate their aspirations for prosperity and values for fresh water [action 4.1]

Rangitāiki Water Management Area and Kaituna-Pongakawa-Waitahanui (Plan Change 12) VALUES ATTRIBUTES OBJECTIVES LIMITS METHODS Bit by bit the NPS FM requires us to work through the region and better manage water quality and quantity. We are currently looking at Rangitāiki and Kaituna-Pongakawa-Waitahanui areas.

Engagement

Progress to date Engaging with iwi Community workshops Identify freshwater value & measures (attributes) Catchment model: exploring alternative futures We are engaging with Iwi and working closely with community groups who are telling us we must improve water quality. So, we now know what communities want from their water.

More information online

Catchment modelling A computer-based representation of reality/the future to support objective and limit-setting We are now turning our mind to what this means for land use. We have a model for this purpose.

Exploring alternative futures CURRENT PRACTICE Management or mitigation practices ‘GOOD MANAGEMENT PRACTICE’ ADDITIONAL MITIGATIONS Land (and water) use ‘NATURALISED’ REFERENCE STATE CURRENT FUTURE CATCHMENT MODEL Water quality, flow and resource use estimates We are looking at what future land use looks like and will put different land uses into the model and see what it says about water quality.

Exploring alternative futures ? Future land use Current land use This is how it will be done.

Input and feedback: Accuracy of current land use map Growth projections and future water needs, particularly in relation to Māori-owned land or interests Involve and engage iwi Etc… Land use maps are an important part of the exercise so any feedback you have on the accuracy of our maps is appreciated. <<specify how>> Mention website Freshwater Flash