LOWER WAIKATO CATCHMENT COMMITTEE

Transcription

1 1 LOWER WAIKATO CATCHMENT COMMITTEE Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee of the Waikato Regional Council to be held at the Te Kauwhata Bowling Club, Waerenga Road, Te Kauwhata on Tuesday 23 August 2016 commencing at 10.00am. VRJ Payne Chief Executive Officer RECOMMENDATIONS contained in reports are NOT to be construed as COUNCIL DECISIONS. Please refer to Council minutes for RESOLUTIONS. MEMBERS: Waikato Regional Council Councillor Peter Buckley Councillor Theresa Stark Councillor Stu Husband Ex officio: Councillor Paula Southgate or Councillor Tipa Mahuta Land Owner and Community Representatives Andrew Sinclair Stuart Muir Syd Goodwright Ian McDougall Gordon Holdom Malcolm Lumsden (Chair) Keith Holmes Matthew Dean Vijay Bhana Territorial Authority Representative Councillor Jacqui Church (Waikato District Council) Councillor Lionel Petersen (Waikato District Council) Iwi Representatives Hero Potini (Ngati Tamaoho Trust) Taroi Rawiri (Waahi Whaanui Trust) Rosalie Ellis (Huakina Development Trust) Raymond Kumar (Nga Muka Development Trust) Department of Conservation Andrew Styche Genesis Energy Nigel Goodhue Mighty River Power David Payne Doc #

2 2 STAFF: APOLOGIES: Director: Integrated Catchment Management (Clare Crickett), Manager Lower Waikato/Waipa/West Coast Catchments (Matthew Davis), Zone Manager Lower Waikato (Michael Duffy), Democracy Advisor (Dominique Thurlow). Councillor Lionel Petersen Opening Karakia 1 Confirmation of Agenda 2 Disclosures of Interest Any disclosures of interest relating to the business at this meeting. SECTION A: (UNDER DELEGATION AND FOR THE INFORMATION OF COUNCIL) 3 Minutes of Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meeting File: (Doc # & ) Minutes of meeting held on 19 May Extract from Integrated Catchment Management Committee meeting held on 9 June 2016 (Doc # ) Issues/Actions from Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Meeting 19 May 2016 File (Docs # ) Report back on actions and issues discussed from the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meeting held on 19 May Chair and Deputy Chair Reports File: (Doc # ) The Chair and Deputy Chair will provide updates on meetings attended since the last Committee meeting. 6 Orchard Road Pump Station Project File: Z (Docs # ) This report provides an update on the status of the Orchard Road Pump Station Replacement Project. Doc # Page 2

3 3 7 Lower Waikato Zone Plan and Asset Management Plan Review File: (Docs # ) This report provides an update on the proposed Lower Waikato Zone Plan and Asset Management Plan review process and timeline. 8 Lower Waikato Zone 2015/2016 Annual Works Programme End of Year Report and 2016/47 Annual Work Programme File: (Docs # ) This report provides end of year commentary on the 2015/2016 annual programme outcomes with reference to the key objectives, targets and levels of service as set out in the zone plan. The report also provides an overview of the proposed 2016/17 annual work programme, with budgets and key project deliverables. 9 Lower Waikato Zone 2015/16 Health and Safety Audit and Environment Compliance Summary File: /Z (Docs # ) This report provides a progress update and financial year end summary of the key milestones and improvements achieved through the Lower Waikato Asset Health and Safety Implementation and Onsite HSE Compliance Assessment Programmes. 10 Lake Waikare Consent Section128 Consent Review Process and Lake Waikare Catchment Management Plan Update 23 August 2016 File: (Doc # ) This report updates the Committee on the Section 128 consent review process and the Lake Waikare Whangamarino Wetland Catchment Management Plan. 11 Swan Road Drainage Area File: (Doc # ) This report updates the Committee on issues relating to the Swan Road drainage area, and seeks support or feedback for the direction being taken. 12 Healthy Rivers Wai Ora Project Update File: (Doc # ) This report updates the committee on the progress of the Healthy Rivers: Plan for Change/Wai Ora: He Rautaki Whakapaipai project. Doc # Page 3

4 4 13 Member Report A Sinclair File: (Doc # ) A member of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee, Andrew Sinclair, will provide an update to the Committee on items of interest. Doc # Doc # Page 4

5 5 LOWER WAIKATO CATCHMENT COMMITTEE Minutes of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee of the Waikato Regional Council held in the Council Chambers of the Waikato District Council, 15 Galileo Street, Ngaruawahia on Thursday 19 May 2016 at 9.50am. MEMBERS: Waikato Regional Council Councillor Theresa Stark Councillor Tipa Mahuta Land Owner and Community Representatives Andrew Sinclair Stuart Muir Syd Goodwright Ian McDougall Malcolm Lumsden (Chair) Keith Holmes Vijay Bhana Territorial Authority Representative Councillor Lionel Petersen (Waikato District Council) Iwi Representatives Hero Potini (Ngati Tamaoho Trust) Taroi Rawiri (Waahi Whaanui Trust) Mighty River Power David Payne STAFF: APOLOGIES: Manager Lower Waikato/Waipa/West Coast Catchments (Matthew Davis), Zone Manager Lower Waikato (Michael Duffy), Democracy Advisor (Alex Williams), Principal Advisor Integrated Catchment Management (Amy Robinson), Team Leader Integrated Catchment Management (Mohammed Hassan), Manager Science and Strategy (Katie Mayes). Councillor Paula Southgate, Councillor Stuart Husband, Councillor Peter Buckley, Councillor Theresa Stark (lateness), Matthew Dean (Community Representative) Councillor Jacqui Church (Waikato District Council) Rosalie Ellis (Huakina Development Trust) Andrew Styche (Department of Conservation) Accepted

6 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Minutes 19 May SECTION A: (UNDER DELEGATION AND FOR THE INFORMATION OF COUNCIL) 6 Hero Potini opened the meeting with a karakia. Confirmation of Agenda Agenda Item 1 A verbal update on Swan Road would be included at the end of the meeting. S Muir moved/cr L Petersen seconded LWSc16/13 RESOLVED THAT the agenda for the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee of 19 May 2016 be confirmed as the business for the meeting. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/13) Disclosures of Interest Agenda Item 2 Keith Holmes disclosed that he is a ratepayer and resident of the Tauhei catchment. Minutes of Previous Meeting Agenda Item 3 (Doc # ) The Committee was presented with the minutes of the previous meeting. A spelling error was noted at page 8. Mangamea should be spelt Maungahumea. S Muir moved/k Holmes seconded LWSc16/14 RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee held on 29 February 2016 and the extracts from the Integrated Catchment Management Committee meeting of 14 April 2016 (Doc # ) and Council meeting held on 28 April 2016 (Doc # ) be received for information. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/14) Issues/Actions from Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Meeting Agenda Item 4 (Doc # ) The Zone Manager (M Duffy) outlined the matters arising from the meeting held on 29 February During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: It was suggested that the table include a next step column, where an action may have been undertaken but there is still further work to be completed. The Committee was advised that time had been set aside for the Tauhei Flood Protection discussion as part of the topic Draft Annual Plan. K Holmes moved/cr L Petersen seconded

7 7 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Minutes 19 May LWSc16/15 RESOLVED THAT the report Issues/Actions from Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meeting 29 February 2016 (Doc # dated 29 April 2016) be received. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/15) Chairman s Report Agenda Item 5 (Doc # ) The Chair provided a report that outlined the previous Integrated Catchment Management meeting. During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: Regarding the Healthy Rivers Update: There was discussion regarding sources of E.coli. It was understood that 65% of E.coli in the Waikato River came from farm runoff. E.coli levels were at an increased level where the Waipa met the Waikato Rivers. This was understood to be due to agriculture in the Waipa region. However, this was not the case where the Karapiro Dam met the Waikato River. The question was raised regarding what impact the sewerage treatment works at Otorohanga/Te Awamutu had on E.coli levels, and was E.coli sourced from human, animal or both. While there was no one available to input to this query, it was suggested that a paper come to the next Committee meeting that outlined water quality and E.coli sources. Cr Tipa Mahuta arrived at 10:05am Regarding the Project Hunua 1080 drop Ngati Tamaoho representative (Hero Potini) advised they had submitted against a 30 year blanket 1080 drop due to the changing nature of technology that was envisioned. The Deputy Chair provided a report that outlined the work being undertaken to prevent the spread of Alligator Weed. M Lumsden moved/s Muir seconded LWSc16/16 RESOLVED THAT the report Chair and Deputy Chair Reports (Doc # dated 29 April 2016) be received for information. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/16) Freshwater Project Let s Talk Water Agenda Item 6 (Doc # ) The Strategy Manager (K Mayes) advised the Committee of progress with Let s Talk Water project, launched at the 2 May 2016 Sustainable Waikato Forum meeting. This included a detailed PowerPoint presentation that would be circulated to the Committee with the minutes. During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: There was no direct connection between Let s Talk Water (LTW) and the Collaborative Stakeholders Group (CSG). The CSG was working within current legislation to detail with current issues. The LTW was taking a long term view. It was requested that the Let s talk water document clarify:

8 8 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Minutes 19 May How will Waikato Regional Council cope with the demand from Auckland 2. How will Waikato Regional Council cope with power companies and the flow/fluctuation they cause in the river 3. How will Waikato Regional Council deal with those using ground water consents to make money. It was suggested that the picture on page 3 for Iwi aspirations and interests, was inappropriate. While the list of organisations at page 28 of the agenda didn t include elected representatives of Territorial Authorities, all councillors had been invited to attend and/or present. Discussions had occurred at staff level and it was noted that Chief Executives were satisfied with the Territorial Authority engagement happening at that level. It was suggested that those considering resource consents in regards to water should include provision to ensure that water is adequately used. There is currently little opportunity for consent authorities to influence this under the Regional Plan. Cr T Stark arrived at 10:37am While it was expected that the Watercare Auckland allocation application would be processed before allocation limits were reached, the Committee was reassured that over allocation would not be considered as the environmental flow needs to continue to sustain a healthy waterway. The environmental impacts of the consent would be considered by the consenting authority. It was noted that in Auckland where water metering was established, their consumption was declining. The Committee request that feedback through to Lets talk Water and Healthy Rivers be considered part of a standard meeting practice. While the Committee meeting time was spent considering catchment specific issues, once these policy changes were established, they would affect the catchment. It was noted that while there was currently only 3 iwi representatives who had undertaken engagement opportunities with the LTW Forum, the invitation was extended to all and this number will increase if more Iwi take up the opportunity. LWSc16/17 Cr L Petersen moved/i McDougall seconded RESOLVED THAT the report Freshwater Project Let s Talk Water (Doc # dated 3 May 2016) be received for information. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/17) SECTION B: (FOR RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL) Draft 2016/17 Annual Plan Lower Waikato Zone Agenda Item 7 (Doc # ) The Zone Manager (M Duffy) provided an update to the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee on the Draft 2016/17 Annual Plan process since submissions closed 11 April 2016, including any requirements for an internal Waikato Regional Council submission on the draft Annual Plan 2016/17.

9 9 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Minutes 19 May During discussion, the following points were noted: The Committee was advised that staff were considering sourcing fish friendly pumps from the UK. The Committee raised concerns about the size of their eels in comparison to the NZ eel population being much bigger. The Committee was advised that this was still being considered by designers/engineers. Staff agreed to provide feedback periodically to the Committee. I McDougall moved/s Goodwright seconded LWSc16/18 RESOLVED THAT the report Draft 2016/17 Annual Plan Lower Waikato Zone (Doc# , dated 1 May 2016) be received. RECOMMENDED 1. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council that a total of $607,540 of additional operational expenditure be expensed for the 2016/17 year from the operating reserve surplus. 2. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council that $1,693,100 of capital renewal expenditure will be bought forward from already approved Long Term Plan budgets to fund the 2016/17 work programme. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/18) The Committee was advised of the Annual Plan submission and hearing process including the hearings regarding the Tauhei flood Protection Scheme. After the hearings, Staff had gone to those parties who had submitted against the Tauhei Flood Protection upgrade and had discussions that had resulted in an agreed revised project with the following conditions. 1. Full completion of the design and specifications between a 1 in 5 and 1 in 10 year flood protection standard. 2. Application and granting of the consents to build to the agreed specifications of the flood protection scheme. 3. Redrafting of the works programme to a cost of a first stage implementation of between one $1,000,000 to a capped maximum of $1,600,000. This total cost included the cost of resource consents. 4. The works programme shall be strategically aimed to achieve best return on investment. These discussions would be outlined in a report to Council to assist in their deliberations. The Committee agreed to the revised project plan and further agreed to advise council of their endorsement as proposed by the tabled recommendations: M Lumsden moved/s Muir seconded LWSc16/19 RECOMMENDED 1. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council to support the revised option as agreed to by the Tauhei Landowners (15 May 2016). 2. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council based on the revised scope of works, they support the capped project cost of $1.6 million. 3. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council

10 10 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Minutes 19 May that they understand that through this capped works proposal, there will be a reduction in levels of service and some increase in flood risk upstream, for the Tauhei flood protection scheme, which the local landowners understood and support. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/19) Lower Waikato Local Flood Protection Assets Health and Safety Audit Findings and Implementation Programme Agenda Item 8 (Doc # ) The Zone Manager (M Duffy) sought approval to implement the proposed Prioritised Health and Safety Implementation Programme with associated additional capital and operational budget requirements to address health and safety risks of flood protection assets within the Lower Waikato zone. During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: The increase in 1/3 of all project costs to cover Health and Safety aspects was a substantial cost. This cost would be prioritised over 5 years. The cost of training was built into this budget. I McDougall moved/a Sinclair seconded LWSc16/20 RESOLVED THAT the report Lower Waikato Local Flood Protection Assets Health and Safety Audit Findings (Doc , dated 4 May 2016) be received for information. RECOMMENDED 1. THAT That the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee supports the proposed Prioritised Health and Safety Implementation Programme to address health and safety risks over a five year period with: a. All identified high risk items to be completed in year 1; and b. All identified pumpstation risks resolved on a prioritised basis over a three year period; and c. All identified floodgate risks resolved on a prioritised basis over a five year period. 2. That the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee support the additional budget requirements to resolve urgent and high priority health and safety risks for the 2016/17 year (year 1 of a 5 year programme) totalling $677,540 ($425,000 (capital renewals) and $252,540 (operational expenditure) from surplus operational reserve and renewal budget. 3. That the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee supports the total cost ($1,973,456) to address health and safety risks over a five year period. 4. That the year one additional budget requirements be recommended to Council for inclusion within the draft 2016/17 Annual Plan. 5. That year s two to five additional budget requirements be recommended to Council for inclusion within the draft 2017/18 Annual Plan and Long Term Plan. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/20) Full Five Yearly Annual Licence Fee Review for the Lower Waikato Zone Agenda Item 9 (Doc # ) The Zone Manager (M Duffy) presented the annual licence fees for the Lower Waikato Zone for the year commencing 1 June 2016 based on advice obtained from a

11 11 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Minutes 19 May registered valuer for recommendation to the Integrated Catchment Management Committee. During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: The Committee was advised that the recommendation at the Integrated Catchment Management Meeting of 14 April 2016: That fee setting be undertaken every 5 years was allowed to sit on the table to enable discussions to be had at the Waihou Piako Catchment Committee meeting, as this affected them too. M Lumsden moved/i McDougall seconded LWSc16/21 RESOLVED THAT the report Full five yearly annual licence fee review for the Lower Waikato Zone (Doc # , dated 27 April 2016) be received. RECOMMENDED THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend that the Integrated Catchment Management Committee adopt Lower Waikato Zone licence fees for the year commencing 1 June 2016 per the recommended rental assessments in Quotable Value's Full Five Yearly Licence Fee Review for the Lower Waikato Zone report of 22 December 2015, less a 5% discount acknowledging the benefit to Council. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/21) SECTION A: (UNDER DELEGATION AND FOR THE INFORMATION OF COUNCIL) Zone Plan Review Agenda Item 10 (Doc # ) The Zone Manager (M Duffy) advised the Committee of Council s intention to review the current Zone Plan prior to adoption of Council s next Long Term Plan During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: The Lower Waikato and Waihou Piako Zone Plans are currently scheduled for review. More information about the review process would be provided once it was available. K Holmes moved/cr L Petersen seconded LWSc16/22 RESOLVED THAT the report Zone Plan Review (Doc # dated 3 May 2016) be received. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/22) Restoration of Whitebait Populations in the Lower Waikato River May 2016 Update Agenda Item 11 (Doc # ) Paul Franklin, Freshwater Ecologist from NIWA, presented an update on Restoration of whitebait populations in the Lower Waikato River, a collaborative project between Waikato Raupatu River Trust and NIWA. This report focuses on the work stream looking to improve connectivity for fish through the modification of

12 12 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Minutes 19 May floodgates, and seeks support to trial a fish friendly tide gate at Aka Aka Stream. A project overview and a progress report were presented. During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: Concern was raised about ongoing maintenance costs of clearing the weed booms and who would bear the cost/effort. Drainage area residents have volunteered to clear the weed booms as required. The weed was spread via plant fragments, people, flooding, wildlife and machinery. Manufacturers of the booms had suggested that the booms be installed at an angle to collect material at a corner point. The placement of the boom would be site specific, analysis of the most appropriate spot was required. The Committee raised concerns regarding water levels, and the requirement of certain levels to enable fish to spawn eg Inanga. The Committee was advised that while fish required certain levels to spawn, the level of these creeks etc was dictated mostly by river levels. Resource consent requires the water level to be 1.56m. The Committee was advised that NIWA would cover the cost of the boom and gate installation. The drainage area residents would cover the cost of maintenance, however these negotiations were still being undertaken. S Muir moved/cr L Petersen seconded LWSc16/23 RESOLVED THAT the report Restoration of whitebait populations in the Lower Waikato River May 2016 update (Doc# , dated 27 April 2016) be received THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee support the undertaking a trial modification of a tide gate system in the Aka Aka/Otaua catchments. Motukaraka Drainage Scheme Regulatory Update Agenda Item 12 (Doc # ) The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/23) Principal Advisor for Integrated Catchment Management (Amy Robinson) provided an update of resource consent applications and consent compliance matters at the Motukaraka drainage scheme. During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: During the winter time, water is pumped out of the scheme for drainage purposes. In the summer months there is the ability for water take to maintain water levels and peat, and for irrigation purposes. Resource consents required clear notation of water take. K Holmes moved/s Goodwright seconded LWSc16/24 RESOLVED THAT the report Motukaraka drainage scheme regulatory update (doc # , dated 27 April 2016) be received for information.

13 13 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Minutes 19 May Lower Waikato Peat Settlement Operational Guidelines Agenda Item 13 (Doc # ) The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/24) The Zone Manager (M Duffy) presented the final Lower Waikato Peat Settlement Operational Guidelines. During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: Feedback had been considered on the draft document and workshops, and a completed technical report would be circulated to members. M Lumsden moved/k Holmes seconded LWSc16/25 RESOLVED THAT the report Lower Waikato Peat Settlement Operational Guidelines (Doc# , dated 28 April 2016) be received. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/25) Lake Waikare Consent Section 128 Consent Review Process and Lake Waikare Catchment Management Plan Update May 2016 Agenda Item 14 (Doc # ) The Manager Lower Waikato/Waipa/West Coast Catchments (M Davis) provide an update on the Section 128 consent review process. The Zone Manager (M Duffy) provided an update on Lake Waikare and Whangamarino Wetland Catchment Management Plan. During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: Concern was expressed regarding the ongoing nature of the S128 consent review and the cost without resolution. Funding the cost of the Lake Waikare hearing was raised. It was commented that the matter could be considered a central government versus Council issue (i.e., broader than a local ratepayer matter). The Committee was advised that progress/agreement regarding the consent conditions was required by 29 July 2016 when the commissioner reports back to the Environment Court. If little progress was made or parties unable to agree by this time, it is expected that an Environment Court date would be set. It was noted that senior managers at Waikato Regional Council/Integrated Catchment Management departments meet with Department of Conservation fortnightly in an attempt to lead to resolution of the matters in dispute. The non compliance of the Department of Conservation Whangamarino weir was noted. This is a separate consent. However, the weir influences sedimentation in the Whangamarino wetland and is part of the system. S Muir moved/k Holmes seconded

14 14 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Minutes 19 May LWSc16/26 RESOLVED THAT the report Lake Waikare Consent Section 128 Consent Review Process and Lake Waikare Whangamarino Wetland Catchment Management Plan Update May 2016 (Doc # , dated 4 May 2016) be received for information. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/26) Multiple Use of Detention Dams Agenda Item 15 (Doc # ) The Committee was provided information on current flood detention dams in the Mangawara flood protection scheme and the potential for using detention dams for other purposes in the future. The Committee agreed to table this at the next meeting to enable the report author to present it. Healthy Rivers Wai Ora Project Update May 2016 Agenda Item 16 (Doc # ) The Zone Manager (M Duffy) provided an update on the progress of the Healthy Rivers: Plan for Change/Wai Ora: He Rautaki Whakapaipai project. During questions, answers and related discussion the Committee raised or noted the following matters: The Committee raised concerns that more up to date information and timelines were not reflected in the report that had been provided. Staff agreed to provide updated information to the Committee following the meeting. Concerns were raised regarding the economic impact of this plan change. It was noted that economic impact was required to be considered under the Resource Management Act The Committee noted that it was inconvenient not having a Healthy Rivers Representative at the meeting to discuss the report. Staff agreed that they would try and get a representative to the next meeting and suggested having a session after lunch to allow sufficient time. Due to the Healthy Rivers timeline, the Committee requested a further meeting prior to the policy mix going to Council. The Committee felt it was important to be able to engage in a thorough conversation without time constraints that would afford the ability to convey constructive feedback via a Healthy Rivers representative. K Holmes moved/s Muir seconded LWSc16/27 RECOMMENDED THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meet again prior to the policy mix being finalised in August. RESOLVED THAT the Healthy Rivers Wai Ora project update May 2016 (Doc # , dated3 May 2016) be received for information. The motion was put and carried (LWSc16/27)

15 15 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Minutes 19 May General Business Principal Advisor for Integrated Catchment Management Amy Robinson was leaving the Council after 12 years of service. The Committee recognised her contribution to Council and wished her well. A workshop with constituent councillors and the Lower Waikato chair was held on pump operation in the Swan Road drainage district where there is a difference of viewpoint between upstream and downstream landowners. Draft recommendations were proposed to alter the pump operation. A report on Swan Road was presented to Franklin and Waikato Drainage subcommittee, which can be provided to Committee members who are interested. Consultation with the drainage district members will be undertaken based on the draft recommendations. It is intended that a report on Swan Road pump operation and drainage district consultation will be presented to the Committee at the August 2016 meeting. The Chair in his closing remarks commented that he was finding it very difficult to complete the meeting agendas in the allocated time and is conscious of driving the meeting to meet the time constraints at the expense of compromising the discussions and inputs from members. It is also unfair on presenters who have their presentations severely limited at times. I think we need to review the amount of items we have on the agendas in future or allocate additional meeting time were needed. The meeting closed at 12:23pm Doc #

16 16 EXTRACT FROM INTEGRATED CATCHMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 9 JUNE 2016 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee File: (Agenda Item 8.3) The Committee was provided with the minutes of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meeting of 19 May Lower Waikato Catchment Committee chair (M Lumsden) voiced his concern about the limited time available for meetings and having to cut people off during discussion due to the need to move on. It was suggested that agenda be shortened to allow for sufficient discussion on the topics included or that more time be allocated for the meetings. Concern was raised regarding the number of staff/consultants attending site works, in particular Lower Waikato drain clearance at one site, querying the cost involved. The Director undertook to investigate this. The Committee was advised that onsite training was often required resulting in more staff being on site, and some consents were bound by consent conditions requiring specialist involvement before being able to progress. The Committee was advised that any activity that appeared inefficient or excessive would be investigated if bought to attention. The Directors welcomed the feedback in regards to this. M Lumsden moved/cr T Stark seconded ICM16/49 THAT the report of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meeting held on 19 May 2016 (Doc # ) be received, and 1) the following decisions made at that meeting be noted and 2) the following recommendations made at that meeting be adopted 1. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council that a total of $607,540 of additional operational expenditure be expensed for the 2016/17 year from the operating reserve surplus. 2. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council that $1,693,100 of capital renewal expenditure will be bought forward from already approved Long Term Plan budgets to fund the 2016/17 work programme. 3. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council to support the revised option as agreed to by the Tauhei Landowners (15 May 2016). 4. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to council based on the revised scope of works, they support the capped project cost of $1.6 million.

17 17 5. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council that they understand that through this capped works proposal, there will be a reduction in level of service and some increase in flood risk upstream, for the Tauhei flood protection scheme, which the local landowners understood and support. 6. THAT That the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee supports the proposed Prioritised Health and Safety Implementation Programme to address health and safety risks over a five year period with: a) All identified high risk items to be completed in year 1, and b) All identified pumpstation risks resolved on a prioritised basis over a three year period; and c) All identified floodgate risks resolved on a prioritised basis over a five year period. 7. That the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee support the additional budget requirements to resolve urgent and high priority health and safety risks for the 2016/17 year (year 1 of a 5 year programme) totalling $677,540 ($425,000 (capital renewals) and $252,540 (operational expenditure) from surplus operational reserve and renewal budget. 8. That the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee supports the total cost ($1,973,456) to address health and safety risks over a five year period. That the year one additional budget requirements be recommended to Council for inclusion within the draft 2016/17 Annual Plan. The motion was put and carried (ICM16/49)

18 Report to Lower Waikato Catchment Committee To be received 18 File No: Date: 1 August 2016 From: Director - Integrated Catchment Management Subject: Issues/Actions from Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Meeting 19 May 2016 Section: A (Committee has delegated authority to make a decision) 1 Purpose The purpose is to report back on actions and issues discussed from the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meeting held on 19 May Recommendation 2.1 That the report Issues/Actions from Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Meeting 19 May 2016 (Doc# , dated 1 August 2016) be received. 3 Report back The Lower Waikato Catchment Committee members have asked for a more formal process of tracking matters raised at committee meetings. Tables 1a (19 May 2016 meeting) and 1b (previous meetings) list both resolutions and matters arising and issues raised that are being tracked over time. Key: Completed Work in progress Not completed / On hold

19 Matters arising Table 1a below is a summary of the key matters which were raised at the 19 May 2016 Catchment Committee meeting and the actions that followed. Date Matters Arising Actions Status update ps19/05/2 016 Issues/Actions from Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Meeting Request now incorporated into status report template. Completed Next Steps It was suggested that the table include a next step column, where an action may have been undertaken but there is still further work to be completed. 19/05/201 6 Chairman s Report The question was raised regarding what impact the sewerage treatment works at Otorohanga/Te Awamutu had on E.coli levels, and was E.coli sourced from human, animal or both. While there was no one available to input to this query, it was suggested that a paper come to the next Committee meeting that outlined water quality and E.coli sources. Response from Waikato Regional Council Science and Strategy Water Quality Scientist. Main conclusion: the discharges of treated sewage wastewater appear to be a minor contributor to E.coli levels in the rivers. Some numbers for the decade : average load from Otorohanga = 724 Gcfu/d average load from Te Awamutu = 136 Gcfu/d By way of comparison, the corresponding results for Huntly, Ngaruawahia and Hamilton were 89, 215 and 2230 Gcfu/d, respectively. Completed Monitoring for effluent at sites within the Waikato/Wapa are on-going by SAS During the same period ( ), the average load of E.coli carried by the Waipa River at Whatawhata was about 189,000 Gcfu/d. So the sewage discharges from Otorohanga and Te Awamutu were equivalent to about 0.4% and 0.1% of the load carried by the river further downstream. So even if die-off of E.coli is ignored in the river, these wastewater discharges appear to be responsible for very small

20 20 proportions of the overall load in the river 19/05/201 6 Freshwater Project Let s Talk Water The Committee request that feedback through to Lets talk Water and Healthy Rivers be considered part of a standard meeting practice. While the Committee meeting time was spent considering catchment specific issues, once these policy changes were established, they would affect the catchment. An update on the project can be found at the website, where the copy of the Issues and Opportunities paper that was considered by Council in June 2016 can be found. In addition, the website has the latest newsletter #4 r%20strategy%20newletter%20no4_mr.pdf which provides a project update and a brief summary of feedback. Completed Ongoing updates as required from the Let s Talk Water project team to the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee. 19/05/201 6 Draft 2016/17 Annual Plan Lower Waikato Zone The Committee was advised that staff were considering sourcing fish friendly pumps from the UK. The Committee raised concerns about the size of their eels in comparison to the New Zealand eel population being much bigger. The Committee was advised that this was still being considered by designers/engineers. Staff agreed to provide feedback periodically to the Committee. A separate agenda report in this Committee agenda addresses Orchard Road pump station upgrade. As part of the 2016/17 Annual Plan process the following recommendations for Tauhei local flood protection upgrade were agreed by Council through its 2016/17 Annual Plan deliberations process for adoption. Completed RECOMMENDED 1. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council that a total of $607,540 of additional operational expenditure be expensed for the 2016/17 year from the operating reserve surplus. 2. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council that $1,693,100 of capital renewal expenditure will be bought forward from already approved Long Term Plan budgets to fund the 2016/17 work programme. 1. THAT the report 2016/17 Annual Plan deliberations Tauhei flood

21 21 After the hearings, Staff approached those parties who had submitted against the Tauhei Flood Protection upgrade and had discussions that had resulted in an agreed revised project with the following conditions. 1. Full completion of the design and specifications between a 1 in 5 and 1 in 10 year flood protection standard. 2. Application and granting of the consents to build to the agreed specifications of the flood protection scheme. 3. Redrafting of the works programme to a cost of a first stage implementation of between one $1,000,000 to a capped maximum of $1,600,000. This total cost included the cost of resource consents. 4. The works programme shall be strategically aimed to achieve best return on investment. protection project update (Doc # dated 31 May 2016) be received. 2. THAT council maintains support of the Tauhei flood protection project and $3.25 M budget allocation in the Long Term Plan, with design and consenting progressed in 2016/17 as planned, with construction in subsequent years. 3. THAT the council considers the alternate option discussed in the report to progress Stage 1 implementation in 2017/18 during the 2017/18 Annual Plan consultation. The Committee agreed to the revised project plan and further agreed to advise council of their endorsement as proposed by the tabled recommendations: RECOMMENDED 1. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council to support the revised option as agreed to by the Tauhei Landowners (15 May 2016). 2. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council based on the revised scope of works, they support the capped project cost of $1.6 million. 3. THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council that they understand that through this capped works proposal, there will be a reduction in levels of service and some increase

22 22 in flood risk upstream, for the Tauhei flood protection scheme, which the local landowners understood and support. 19/05/201 6 Lower Waikato Local Flood Protection Assets Health and Safety Audit Findings and Implementation Programme RECOMMENDED 1. THAT That the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee supports the proposed Prioritised Health and Safety Implementation Programme to address health and safety risks over a five year period with: a. All identified high risk items to be completed in year 1; and b. All identified pumpstation risks resolved on a prioritised basis over a three year period; and c. All identified floodgate risks resolved on a prioritised basis over a five year period. 2. That the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee support the additional budget requirements to resolve urgent and high priority health and safety risks for the 2016/17 year (year 1 of a 5 year programme) totalling $677,540 ($425,000 (capital renewals) and $252,540 (operational expenditure) from surplus operational reserve and renewal budget. 3. That the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee supports the total cost ($1,973,456) to address health and safety risks over a five year period. 4. That the year one additional budget requirements be recommended to Council for inclusion within the draft 2016/17 Annual Plan. As part of the 2016/17 Annual Plan process the following recommendations to address health and safety audit findings were agreed by Council through its 2016/17 Annual Plan deliberations. Support of the health and safety implementation programme over the next five years to address outstanding health and safety issues as identified through the audit. Support of $252,540 additional operational expenditure in 2016/17. Support of $425,000 additional capital renewals expenditure in 2016/17. The above budget approvals will be reflected in revised Long Term Plan budgets, subject to annual plan processes. Completed

23 23 5. That year s two to five additional budget requirements be recommended to Council for inclusion within the draft 2017/18 Annual Plan and Long Term Plan. 19/05/201 6 Full Five Yearly Annual Licence Fee Review for the Lower Waikato Zone RECOMMENDED THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend that the Integrated Catchment Management Committee adopt Lower Waikato Zone licence fees for the year commencing 1 June 2016 per the recommended rental assessments in Quotable Value's Full Five-Yearly Licence Fee Review for the Lower Waikato Zone report of 22 December 2015, less a 5% discount acknowledging the benefit to Council. Lower Waikato licence fees were adopted as per Quotable Value's Full Five-Yearly Licence Fee Review for the Lower Waikato Zone report of 22 December 2015, less a 5% discount acknowledging the benefit to Council. Completed 19/05/201 6 Zone Plan Review The Lower Waikato and Waihou-Piako Zone Plans are currently scheduled for review. More information about the review process would be provided once it was available. A separate agenda report in this Committee agenda provides an update on the Lower Waikato Zone Plan process. Completed 19/05/201 6 Lower Waikato Peat Settlement Operational Guidelines Feedback had been considered on the draft document and workshops, and a completed technical report would be circulated to members. The Operational Guidelines document currently is being peer reviewed before it is signed off at Council. This will then be circulated to all members as a final technical report for your information. Work in Progress Complete peer review and adoption of technical report Healthy Rivers Wai Ora Project Update May 2016 The Committee raised concerns that more up to date information and timelines were not reflected in the A workshop for Healthy Rivers is planned for the afternoon of the 23 August, following to the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meeting. Completed

24 24 report that had been provided. Staff agreed to provide updated information to the Committee following the meeting. The Committee noted that it was inconvenient not having a Healthy Rivers Representative at the meeting to discuss the report. Staff agreed that they would try and get a representative to the next meeting and suggested having a session after lunch to allow sufficient time. Due to the Healthy Rivers timeline, the Committee requested a further meeting prior to the policy mix going to Council. The Committee felt it was important to be able to engage in a thorough conversation without time constraints that would afford the ability to convey constructive feedback via a Healthy Rivers representative. RECOMMENDED THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meet again prior to the policy mix being finalised in August. 3.2 Issues and Actions Table 1b outlines outstanding Actions from previous meetings that have been addressed. Date Matters Arising Actions Status update Next Steps 29/02/16 Matters Arising from Previous Meeting Action Point Zone Manager has discussed with the Chair and will await instruction from Chair as to meeting with Bob Tilsley based on his current health. Work in progress Awaiting feedback from Chair

25 25 The Chair, in conjunction with the Zone Manager, undertook to meet with Bob Tilsley to record his experiences in terms of his contribution to the development of the flood control scheme and drainage in the Lower Waikato area. regarding opportunity to meet with Mr Tilsey. 29/02/ /17 Annual Plan Lower Waikato Zone Action Point A member requested that Council address the issue of water from the Mangamea coming into the Tauhei Catchment area specifically the need for ratepayers in Mangamea to accept their responsibility. RECOMMENDED THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council that the Tauhei local flood protection upgrade as proposed in this report be increased from initial estimate of $3.25 million in the 2015/2025 Long Term Plan to $4.28 million to reflect changes in project scope, improved understanding of site conditions and contractor requirements, and to meet expected increases in current market construction costs during the implementation of the project. Recommendations from 2016/17 Annual Plan process: 1. THAT the report 2016/17 Annual Plan deliberations Tauhei flood protection project update (Doc # dated 31 May 2016) be received. 2. THAT council maintains support of the Tauhei flood protection project and $3.25 M budget allocation in the Long Term Plan, with design and consenting progressed in 2016/17 as planned, with construction in subsequent years. 3. THAT the council considers the alternate option discussed in the report to progress Stage 1 implementation in 2017/18 during the 2017/18 Annual Plan consultation. Completed Zone Manager 29/02/16 Issues and Options for Annual Grazing Licence Fee Process A report to the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee is provided to the May 2016 meeting. Completed Zone Manager RECOMMENDED THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommends fee setting is undertaken every five years and is undertaken at the start of the 5 yearly licensing period.

26 26 29/02/16 Full Five Yearly Annual Licence Fee Review of the Lower Waikato Zone A report to the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee is provided to the May 2016 meeting. Completed Zone Manager RESOLVED THAT the report Full five yearly annual licence fee review for the Lower Waikato Zone (Doc # , dated 15 February, 2016) be left to lie on the table until a report is received by the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee outlining the indexing factors used by Council that are obtained by Quotable Value and an independent valuer. 29/02/16 Lower Waikato Zone Status Report to 31 January 2016 Action Point Staff advised that an audit was undertaken of Lower Waikato local flood protection assets including 66 pump stations, three control gates, one barge site, two drainage assets, four detention dams and 15 floodgates. The issues identified through the audit will be integrated in the Waikato Regional Council s work programmes which will be reported to the Committee in May A report on the findings of the Health and Safety Audit is provided to the May 2016 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee. Recommendations have been included in the submission on the draft 2016/17 Annual Plan. Completed Zone Manager RESOLVED THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee, through a submission to the Draft Annual Plan 2016/17, request that Council actively pursue the virus developed by the Australians to control koi carp. RECOMMENDED THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee recommend to Council that it investigates the information on the virus developed by the Australians to control koi carp. That Council will watch closely developments of this virus that has been developed in Australia, and look at what the process is for it to be considered for future release in New Zealand.

27 27 29/02/16 Draft Lower Waikato Peat Settlement Operational Guidelines A report to the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee was provided to the May 2016 meeting. Completed Zone Manager Action Points - A member requested that proactive peat management be investigated by the Waikato Regional Council. - A request that the use of weirs be included in the guidelines as best practice. RESOLVED THAT Members of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee provide feedback to staff on the Draft Lower Waikato Peat Settlement Operational Guidelines before 2 March Date Issues to follow up Actions Status Responsible 11/11/201 5 Main Channel Barge Tamahere Replacement RECOMMENDED THAT the cost ($600,000) for a replacement barge is included in the 2016/17 Annual Plan to be funded from the Lower Waikato Main Channel operational reserves. This has been included in 2016/17 Annual Plan. It is funded from Main Channel operational reserves. A report to Lower Waikato Catchment Committee is scheduled for the next meeting once options around a barge upgrade have been assessed. Completed Zone Manager

28 28 11/11/201 5 Proposed Orchard Road Pump Station Fish Friendly Pump Upgrade RECOMMENDED THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee support the proposal to trial fish friendly pumps at the Orchard Road Pump Station site. A separate agenda report in this Committee agenda addresses Orchard Road pump station upgrade. Completed Zone Manager RECOMMENDED THAT the additional funding to trial new pump technology at Orchard Road to address fish mortality through pump stations be sourced from other Waikato Regional Council budgets and/or other stakeholder s environmental funding initiatives with no additional cost to the flood scheme due to the fish friendly Orchard Road pump upgrade. RECOMMENDED THAT the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee supports the proposed study and development of best practice guidelines to address fish mortality at pump stations.

29 29 Members Reports Action Point Concern was expressed around the money being spent on stopbanks when there is evidence to suggest that some are being abused. Members were advised that the Resource Use Directorate is investigating this issue. Members were of the view that in order to change these behaviours, farmers need to be educated. As such the Committee suggested the Resource Use Group produce guidelines for farmers which set out the Regional Plan requirements for stopbanks. Staff undertook to investigate this matter and report back to the November 2015 meeting of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee. Action Point It was agreed that Committee members and the Zone Manager will continue to discuss future meeting items The ICM Environmental Compliance team is looking into this issue and how best to respond both internally with RUD and with landowners as a reminder regarding best practice grazing stopbanks. An update will be reported to the catchment committee at a future meeting. Work in progress Michael Duffy Zone Manager Lower Waikato Matthew Davis Manager - Lower Waikato / Waipa / West Coast

30 30 Report to Lower Waikato Catchment Committee To be received File No: Date: 1 August 2016 To: From: Subject: Section: Chief Executive Office Director Integrated Catchment Management Chair and Deputy Chair Reports A (Committee has delegated authority to make a decision) 1 Purpose The Chair and Deputy Chair of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee, Malcolm Lumsden and Stu Muir will provide an update to the Catchment Committee on various items of interest as part of their roles as Chair and Deputy Chair respectively. 2 Recommendation 2.1 That the report Chair and Deputy Chair Reports (Doc# , dated 1 August 2016) be received for information. Michael Duffy Zone Manager Lower Waikato Matthew Davis Manager Lower Waikato/Waipa/West Coast Appendix 1 Chair Person s Report Appendix 2 Deputy Chair Person s Report

31 31 Appendix 1 Chair Person s Report Since the last meeting I have attended a Catchment Services meeting in Hamilton and attended to those other matters as required. Most matters I could report on are on the agenda. In terms of the motion at the last meeting to have a special meeting on Healthy Rivers, organising difficulties meant the meeting would be in Hamilton and time got to the point whereby I decided it would be more beneficial to do it today. As Chairman I have had no direction or any mandate to comment on the proposal, so have refrained from doing so in that role. I am personally gravely disturbed by the process and lack of detailed consultation which I refer to as helicopter consultation. The plan change rules are what needs to be looked at, not the political discussion, as those actual plan change rules are what give effect to the changes. The final rules will not be available until Sept. 5th and Council will vote on Sept. 15. There is an unhealthy element of undue haste about this process. Very few understand the implications both financially and physically on landowners and more concerning to me is that a cavalier attitude exists as to the long term implications on both the economic and personal impacts within the rural community. The Dairy NZ represented made a very factious comment about a lack of interest and anticipation from this region. I reminded him that we had no representation in the North Waikato, and in terms of implementation, we are the first cab of the rank. The devil is in the plan change details and it is the interpretation of the rules that go into the plan change that will remain the most critical issue. History within this council s regulatory department and their nonsensical decisions made about consents and rule interpretations gives me little confidence that the future consenting process for farmers will be anything but either constructive or smooth. I am confident however it will be very costly for everyone. With those few comments I think this is our last meeting so I hope it proves productive for you all. Malcolm L Appendix 2 Deputy Chair Person s Report I was invited to Lower and Central Waikato River unit goal setting workshop. There was a good cross section of interested parties including iwi, council, Dairy NZ, Doc, WRA, Fish and Game etc. The kaupapa was around getting feedback on prioritisation of strategies pertaining to protecting and enhancing the health and biodiversity of the lakes, (shallow and dune), fisheries, the Waikato river and streams including the Waipa catchment, nutrient and sediment control, the extent and scale of riparian margins, cultural and recreational access, pest control etc. Stu M

32 32 Report to Lower Waikato Catchment committee August 2016 To be received File No: Z Date: 5 August 2016 To: From: Subject: Section: Chief Executive Officer Director Integrated Catchment Management Orchard Road Pump Station Project A (Committee has delegated authority to make decision) 1 Purpose This report provides an update on the status of the Orchard Road pump station replacement project. 2 Recommendation 2.1 That the report Orchard Road Pump Station Project (Doc # dated 5 August 2016) be received for information 3 Background The Orchard Road pump station provides drainage service to the Orchard Road catchment, within the Lower Waikato -Waipa Flood Control Scheme area. Due to peat shrinkage and ground settlement, approximately 18 hectares of land are not properly drained with reduction in productivity and this is expected to continue. Investigations have shown that the existing pump station needs to be upgraded by deepening the intake structure and increasing the pumping head of the pumps to provide the same level of service established under the scheme. The existing pump station structure was also identified to have health and safety risks around its intake structure and requires operational improvements. An upgrade of the intake structure was already scheduled. Design for upgrading the intake structure was completed last year. The design included a new intake in the existing drainage channel and an upgrade to the existing McEwan pumps.

33 33 During the course of the year and while the design was in progress, two factors influencing the catchment and total capacity of the pumps have been identified: The development of the Waikato Expressway Long Swamp Section, which will increase the stormwater discharge into the Orchard Road drainage area. Subdivision of Orchard Road catchment into lifestyle blocks, which would also increase discharge into the drainage system. These factors were considered in the final design including the implication of these elements on the overall funding of the project. Discussions have been focussed on addressing these additional factors and how they might affect the final design, construction, costs and funding of the project. Waikato Regional Council Integrated Catchment Management Directorate (ICM) manages the Lower Waikato Zone and is responsible for providing the level of service afforded by the flood scheme in accordance with the asset management plan within the provisions of Project Watershed funding policy. In addition, ICM is also responsible for promoting biodiversity, complying with the regulatory requirements, taking opportunities to introduce environmental improvements and ensure the principles of co-management are upheld. The existing Lower Waikato scheme pump stations were designed and built in the 1960 s through the 1980 s. The pump technology did not take into consideration fish migration through pumps and several incidents of fish kills have been reported within the Lower Waikato area. Over the last 20 years, pump technology has been developed to minimise the effects on fish and different types have been trialled and used in Europe and other countries. The Orchard Road pump station upgrade project is considered an appropriate site to trial this technology and its applicability in New Zealand for native fish migration, as native fish (short finned eels) have been found within the Orchard Road catchment. In May 2016, The Lower Waikato Catchment Committee supported the introduction of this type of pumps on a trial basis within the Orchard Road drainage area. This report provides an update on the status of the project taking into account the needs, legal and regulatory requirements to achieve multiple outcomes. 4 Project Objectives The objectives of the project are briefly described as follows: 1. Provide an efficient and effective pump station that meets the scheme level of service, now and into the future. 2. Ensure that the project is appropriately funded within current funding policy and other funding agreements. 3. Comply with all resource consents requirements. 4. Improve environmental performance. 5. Complete the project within this financial year 2016/17. 5 Progress Update The following aspects have been progressed: a. A Project Manager has been appointed.

34 34 b. A consultant was engaged to update the design drawings to include the full replacement of the pump station. The design drawings and specifications are due by 30 September. c. The Zone Manager and Project Manager have met with the Orchard Road drainage area representatives to confirm their funding contribution towards the new pump station. The drainage area have since confirmed in writing their contribution of $115,000. d. The project has initiated correspondence with the supplier of the pumps to formalise their procurement. e. NZTA have confirmed a contribution towards the fish friendly pump of $100, Budget and Funding As indicated above, the estimate cost of the project is approximately $800,000. This includes the following elements: Investigation and design $80,000 Intake Structure $400,000 Discharge pipes and outlet $120,000 Surge chamber $15,000 Pumps $165,000 Supervision/management $20,000 Total $800,000 The project will be funded as follows: Beneficiaries $115,000 Asset renewal $585,000 NZTA $100,000 Total funding $800,000 It should be noted that the above costs are based on current market values and quotations for the supply of the pumps. The Lower Waikato Zone has allocated an overall programme contingency of $760,000 to cover differences in market movement and increased construction costs. Hence no specific contingency is included at the project level. Changes in cost will be managed through formal reporting and approval. 7 Timeframes This project is scheduled to be completed within the 2016/17 financial year. To deliver the project within time and budget, the following schedule is proposed. Milestone Timeframes Complete design requirements 30 September 2016 Consents obtained 30 October 2016

35 35 Procure pumps (from the UK) 30 November 2016 Contract for construction 30 November 2016 Construction completed 30 March 2017 Electrical and mechanical testing 30 April 2017 Project formal opening 30 May 2017 The procurement process is proposed to start in August 2016 and progress against the above milestones will continue until completion and closure. 8 Conclusion That the progress to date, indicative budget and the timetable for upgrade of the Orchard Road pumpstation be noted. Ghassan Basheer Technical Principal Advisor Matthew Davis Manager Lower Waikato/Waipa/West Coast

36 Report to Lower Waikato Catchment Committee August 2016 to be received 36 File No: Date: 1 August 2016 To: From: Subject: Section Chief Executive Officer Director - Integrated Catchment Management Lower Waikato Zone Plan and Asset Management Plan Review A (Committee has delegated authority to make decision) 1 Purpose To provide the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee with an update on the proposed Lower Waikato Zone Plan and Asset Management Plan review process and timeline. 2 Recommendation 2.1 That the report Lower Waikato Zone Plan and Asset Management Plan Review (Doc # dated 1 August 2016) be received. 3 Background The Lower Waikato Zone Management Plan (ZMP) was written in 2012 with the following purpose: The purpose of this plan is to: Set out the long-term strategic direction for the Waikato Regional Council s (WRC) River and Catchment Services (RCS) within the context of a 50 year horizon Provide an overview of the zone generally with a focus on the work programmes and other activities of RCS Provide a communication tool for staff, Council committees and sub committees, iwi, key stakeholders, the general public and audit Improve understanding of service level standards, options and costs Manage the environmental, service delivery and financial risks of asset failure Identify lifecycle costs to provide agreed level of service over the long term Explain how the long term works programmes have been developed and how they will be funded Provide a management tool that is live and adaptable with regard to the changing needs of RCS assets

37 37 The Zone Plan is due for updating to reflect current requirements and changes since It will also need to take into consideration any developments in relation to plan changes and the possible outcome of Healthy Rivers Plan Change. The review process will involve revisions to the current structure of the Zone Management Plan to accommodate a more strategic focus, with a lesser focus on asset management/technical detail, as this will be included in a regional asset management plan. To obtain efficiencies during the review process, it is proposed that the development of the Zone Management Plan will follow a regional template. Running in parallel to this process will be the review of the asset management portion of the zone plan with the intention of separating the asset based information into a regional asset management plan. This will provide regional consistency and prevent duplication of information. The plans will be reviewed over the next six months, including workshops with members and meetings with stakeholders. The results of which lead into the next Long Term Plan to inform future work programmes. It is intended to have two Lower Waikato Catchment Committee workshops with Council staff in the months of October and December. The focus of those workshops will be around opportunities and challenges, goals and objectives (October workshop) and risk and financial management (December). These workshop dates will be confirmed after the tabling of this report to this committee. A generalised timetable is attached setting out the proposed steps and it is intended that a small working group of Committee members be convened in the near future to assist with the Zone Plan and Asset Management Plan review process. Michael Duffy Zone Manager Lower Waikato Matthew Davis Manager Lower Waikato / Waipa / West Coast

38 38 DRAFT Zone Plan Review Process Complete relevant section of Project Plan (Zone Manager) Identify internal resources required (set up a steering group) Assess budgets and allocate external costs Identify risks Highlight who the key stakeholders are Identification of key documents to inform the review Raise awareness of a review (Committee, iwi and Stakeholders) Confirm consultant for facilitation and writing of zone plan (if required) MILESTONE - PROJECT PLAN COMPLETE Ensure Zone Plan review is on August Catchment Committee agenda Schedule meetings/workshops with internal resources/steering group Review existing plans Utilise template document and complete relevant sections ie insert maps, delete other zone guidance notes Review existing zone plan and insert relevant detail into template Review vision and prepare notes for committee meeting # Identify key opportunities and challenges for the zone MILESTONE: CATCHMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Meeting/workshops with stakeholders (led by Zone Manager and facilitated by consultant) # Review existing vision and brainstorm future vision for the zone Highlight and further identify key opportunities and challenges for the zone Identify where the key focus areas will be (prioritise on importance) Review objectives Identify implementation actions Hold workshop with Catchment Committee working group (led by Zone Manager and facilitated by consultant) # Review vision for the zone Review key opportunities and challenges for the zone Identify key focus areas Review objectives Identify implementation actions Drafting of Zone Plan (Consultant) Writing of plan utilising gathered information 1:1 meeting with stakeholders and specialists for further information (as required) MILESTONE: COMPLETION OF DRAFT ZONE PLAN Review of Draft Zone Plan Review of draft when draft completed Review after zone plan has gone to Catchment Committee MILESTONE: CATCHMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Final Zone Plan to committee for sign off Sign off from manager Recommendation of approval from Catchment Committee MILESTONE: INTEGRATED CATCHMENT COMMITTEE MEETING July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept 29 JULY AUG 23 DEC FEB JUNE

39 39 Regional Asset Management Plan development Regional Asset Management Plan draft completed Regional Asset Management Plan final draft Investment/funding requests required for LTP LTP budget November 2017 February 2018

40 40 Report to Lower Waikato Catchment Committee to be received File No: Date: 1 August 2016 To: From: Subject: Section: Chief Executive Officer Director Integrated Catchment Management Lower Waikato Zone 2015/2016 Annual Works Programme End of Year Report and 2016/17 Annual Work Programme A (Committee has delegated authority to make decision) 1 Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide end of year commentary on the 2015/16 annual programme outcomes with reference to the key objectives, targets and levels of service as set out in the zone plan. The report also provides an overview of the proposed 2016/17 annual work programme, with budgets and key project deliverables. The following are also described in this report: Financial performance. Non-financial: o Long Term Plan Group Of Activity (GOA) Measures 2015/16 Outcomes (S7.1). o Lower Waikato Zone Plan Measures/Targets 2015/16 (S7.2). o Proposed Annual Work programme 2016/17 (S8). 2 Recommendation That this report Lower Waikato Zone 2015/2016 Annual Works Programme End of Year Report and 2016/17 Annual Work Programme (Doc # , dated 1 August 2016) be received for information. 3 Zone Overview The Lower Waikato Zone completed the year in a good financial position with the annual budget expended, levels of service achieved and projects completed (refer to Sections 4 and 5 of this report). There were a number of key projects undertaken this year, both operational and capital. These are reported within Section 6 of this report.

41 41 4 Expenditure to date 2015/16 The following graphs provide an illustration of actual expenditure to date from 1 July 2015 to 30 June The budget columns reflect the approved annual plan (Full Year Annual Plan) and the (Full Year Budget Revised) reflects revisions to date of the Annual Plan, being the inclusion of any carryovers from 2014/15 and forecast changes from the September, December and March rounds. The % Spent reflects the percentage of YTD Actual to FY Budget (Revised).

42 42 Operating Expenditure - Main Channel Year End Financial Summary 2015/ Outcome areas Year End 2015/16 Year-end commentary Directorate key result areas (Lower Waikato Zone) Opex Lower Waikato Catchment Scheme Budget Actual Variance $

43 43 Lower Waikato 100% 108% 5,116,992 5,660, ,969 Opex Lower Waikato Main Channel Scheme Budget Actual Variance $ Lower Waikato 100% 90% 329, ,454 (37,313) Capital (CAPEX) - Renewals Scheme Budget Actual Variance $ Lower Waikato 100% 89% 2,487,735 2,202,322 (285,058) Capital (CAPEX) Main Channel Scheme Budget Actual Variance $ Lower Waikato 100% 24% 37,011 9,035 (27,976) Capital New Works (CNW) Lake Waikare Scheme Budget Actual Variance $ Lower Waikato 100% 117% 550, ,802 64,802 5 Financial Commentary The 2015/16 year financial result for operational expenditure reflects a slight overspend as reported against the revised budget for the Lower Waikato Zone. This overspend reflects additional staff time and costs associated with operational projects such as health and safety and environmental compliance audits, additional labour resources to deliver on a number of operational scheduled works. Catchment new works was over allocated due to strong demand from local landowners in priority catchments. The catchment new works budget was fully allocated. Awareness from landowners about reducing the impact of their land-use on the receiving environment. Catchment Oversight shows an-overspend, due to increased compliance costs and labour to enable the delivery of this work stream. Capital renewals was slightly under budget, however some works that did not get completed will be carried over into the new financial year. Main channel maintenance and capital spends were slightly under budget and reflect that the barge is still not operational. 6 Specific project update(s)

44 6.1 Zone activities Progress was made toward the achievement of the performance measures set out in the 2014/2015 Annual Plan and zone specific goals up to 30 June 2015 are described below in Table Tauhei local flood protection upgrade Council has undertaken extensive consultation with the Tauhei community and has, via the 2016/17 Annual Plan process, confirmed its commitment to flood protection works at Tauhei. The scheme will be designed in a way that enables a staged implementation based on affordability and benefit. It is proposed to carry out the first phase of the works in 2017/18 within the main downstream channel of the Tauhei Stream. Consultation with Tauhei ratepayers will be undertaken during next year s 2017/18 Annual Plan consultation process to gauge the level of support for the staged works programme. Staff will spend 2016/17 working through the resource consent processes. 6.3 Aka Aka Otaua stopbank upgrade 44 The Muir/Volz section of stopbank upgrade has been upgraded using clay and spoil material sourced from the Muir property. The site is now fully reinstated. 6.4 Orchard Rd Pumpstation Upgrade Refer to separate report to this Committee (23 August 2016) 6.5 Peat Options Management Guidelines The draft Lower Waikato Zone operational guide for flood protection and drain management affected by peat settlement was reported to the 19 May 2016 meeting. Final editing of the report is being undertaken and subsequently will be made available. 6.6 Lower Waikato Hazard Management Plan A very positive workshop on the Lower Waikato Hazard Management Plan was undertaken on July 1 st. A summary of the draft report was presented and discussed with the subcommittee members present. There were a number of actions identified to enhance the report. The main action points to address are included in the table below:

45 45 Actions to be integrated into report Role of Civil Defence in an event Evacuation/welfare vital Discussion of the interconnections of hazards and secondary effects Effect of sea level rise and climate change on flood schemes and infrastructure resilience strategies How the loss of storage is monitored and accounted for at Waikare and Whangamarino Tauhei flood scheme improvements plan and implications Add data on historic flood levels recorded Risk assessment Divide into three principal components (seriousness, manageability, and growth) and discuss each separately before aggregating Discuss prevention vs response and how this affects the calculations Discuss generalised (vs site specific) nature of the assessment Touch on financial considerations with hazards Insurance and risk transfer How are floor levels set in the zone Development considerations how are areas taking into account natural hazards Urban sprawl Growth areas Other actions unlikely to be fully captured in report Presentation at a committee meeting about the role of Civil Defence and how this related to Waikato Regional Council particularly in a flood event. Should be more emphasis placed on animal welfare during a natural hazard emergency response. Public engagement with report findings open days, school visits, flood education signs. A final draft will be provided in September. The Waikato Regional Council Regional Hazards Team would like to thank the committee members for constructive and positive input.

46 46 7 Non-financial outcomes As reported in Section 4.1 and 5 of this report. Long Term Plan GOA Measures 2015/16 Outcomes (Sect. 7.1) Zone Plan measures (Sect. 7.2) Proposed Annual Work Programme 2016/17 (Sect. 8) The tables below provide an update on activities completed in 2015/16 against Long Term Plan Group of Activity measures (Sect. 7.1) and Biodiversity/Natural Heritage, Catchment Management and Flood Protection, relevant to the Lower Waikato Zone measures (Sect. 7.2) Long Term Plan GOA Measures Key On plan Issues being addressed At risk Complete Group of Activity Sub activity Level of service Performance measure Target Commentary Status Flood Protection Flood protection To provide the standard of flood protection agreed with communities as set out in zone plans and associated documents Major flood protection and control works are maintained, repaired and renewed to the key standards defined in relevant planning documents Maintained: Percentage of planned maintenance completed Percentage of stopbanks maintained to above the design 70% Maintained full year result reflected 74% of a reviewed maintenance programme.

47 Group of Activity 47 Sub activity Level of service Performance measure Target Commentary flood height 91.5% Repaired full year result was 91.8% Status Repaired: Flood damage identified, prioritised and a repair programme agreed High priority works undertaken as soon as practicable. Renewed: Total kilometres of embankment renewed each year. Achieved 10km The total kilometre embankment KPI of 10km was not met. The actual length of upgrades was 6.2km (Waikato Region) this was due to the deferral of Piako river LB length from Pipiroa to Ngatea to enable the urgent replacement of the Scotts floodgate and the deferral of Lower Waikato river Huntly North section due to material and contractor availability. Integrated Catchment Management River management Land drainage Biosecurity To achieve a balance between maintaining channel capacity, channel stability, and environmental values in the management of priority rivers and streams in each management zone To provide reliable water table management on land within drainage schemes for the purpose of maintaining pastoral production To control plant and animal pests within the Waikato region to maintain and enhance biodiversity and protect agricultural productivity and community health Percentage of river instability enquiries responded to within three days, and appropriate actions taken on a prioritisation basis Proactive monitoring (inspections, surveys and scheme reviews) of priority rivers and streams on a cyclical basis as per the agreed work programme Number of reported incidents where it takes more than three days to remove surface water after events with up to a 10% annual exceedance probability. Average number of possums caught for every 100 traps set for possum operations - ground control Not applicable for 2015/16 Achieved Less than 5 Less than 5% residual trap catch (RTC) for ground control Less than Not applicable for 2015/16 pending introduction of a corporate based enquiry system. To be reported as from 2016/17. However several erosion issues were remediated, particularly in the Mangawara River catchment. The inspection programme has been undertaken and is complete for 2015/16. Not applicable for 2015/16 system to be developed to report against this measure. PossumPlus The second year of these three year contracts has been completed as per the agreed operational plans. All reporting requirements have been fulfilled. No performance monitoring occurs until year three (2016/17).

48 48 Group of Activity Sub activity Level of service Performance measure Target 3% RTC aerial control Commentary 20 landowner queries and/or complaints were received and resolved during this period. Status Average number of possums caught for every 100 traps set for possum operations - aerial control Increasing trend in the number of Tui in Hamilton Continue the direct control trial of koi carp in lake Waikare to reduce the adverse environmental impacts. Reducing trend in the number of known sites for each species of eradication pest plant* *plant pests with limited distribution or density. Less than 3% RTC aerial control No bird count this year Ongoing Acheived N/A N/A Continue to operate the lake Waikare pest fish trap and digester. Outcomes from this will be available to all zones in annual report. The work programme has continued as planned. ICS Pest Plant Officers have undertaken passive and active surveillance to find and destroy eradication species within this zone. Any eradication pest plant species found have been surveyed and destroyed. These sites will be respected next season. Eradication species in RPMP (bold highlights species found in zone) African feather grass Cathedral bells Chilean flame creeper Evergreen buckthorn Horse nettle Lantana Chinese Knotweed Japanese knotweed Manchurian wild rice Mile-a-minute

49 49 Group of Activity Sub activity Level of service Performance measure Biodiversity Environmental farming systems Work with partners, stakeholders and community to maintain and enhance indigenous biodiversity To collaborate with other agencies and the people of the Waikato to fund projects that deliver economic, environmental and social outcomes for the region. Work with partners, stakeholders and community to promote land management practices to improve environmental and agricultural sustainability Improving trend in the habitat condition score of sites under active management Projects funded through the Environmental Initiatives Fund achieve milestones as per the funding agreement Percentage of people (as surveyed) who participate in extension programmes* organised by WRC who make a change in agricultural practice within 12 months of attendance Target N/A N/A N/A Commentary Nassella tussock Noogoora bur Purple loosestrife Rhododendron ponticum Sagittaria spp. Sea spurge Senegal tea Spartina Variegated Thistle Water poppy White bryony Any eradication pest plant species found have been surveyed and destroyed. These sites will be respected next season. No projects underway No projects underway Following compliance monitoring in the Tahuna to Kaiawa area, there has been an effluent management compliance workshop in Waitakaruru. The Beef and Lamb Environmental Focus Farm we are supporting is holding their first field day on 2 nd of August in Te Miro Support of the MP3 dairy push project has help include the roll out of Sustainable Milk Plans to all of the participating farms. Status

50 50 Group of Activity Sub activity Level of service Performance measure Target Commentary Status Catchment maintenance Ensure existing projects covered by Land Improvement Agreements are managed and maintained. Implement an annual inspection programme. Property inspections programme in place and completed. Maintenance works programmes undertaken where identified. No LIA s were inspected this year due to efforts instead focusing on addressing maintenance works required on compartments identified from inspections undertaken last year. This resulted in an under spend in labour. Maintenance works were undertaken on 16 properties this year. Works ranged from minor fence repair to in fill planting to replace dead plants and to ensure adequate ground cover to prevent weeds and erosion. Although the overall budget was not spent, this underspend was labour. The coordination of physical maintenance works was completed to budget. Catchment planning and management Work with partners, stakeholders and community to improve soil conservation and water quality. Identify priority sub catchments and sites for soil conservation and remediation Achieved Upper Waikato, Lower Waikato (2015/16) Percentage of sampled catchment scheme works* maintained in effective condition to the standards set out in the zone plans 70% Not included in the Lower Waikato yet

51 Zone based measures Activity Financial management Catchment oversight Zone Strategic Objectives/Outcomes Manage operational and capital activities within budget. Demonstrated by monthly financial reports and end of year full result. To provide a high standard of support and servicing to the catchment committee Measure/Targets Commentary Status Target equal or less than 102% variance from budget. 4 effective Catchment Committee meetings per year and one field trip. Refer to section 4 of this report. Meetings held on 24 September, 11 November 2015, 29 th February and 19 th May 2016 respectively. Information and advice Respond effectively to zone enquiries and information requests Report on the outcomes of the annual zone environmental monitoring programme. Enquiries received are recorded in asset management system and are responded to appropriately. Recent queries have been specifically to do with rating and rates invoices. Catchment maintenance Continue maintenance and catchment new works programmes with a focus in high priority areas Catchment new and river management works To complete new riparian, coastal and land protection measures across management zones according to established priorities in zone management plans and within budget estimates Ensure existing projects covered by Land Improvement Agreements are managed and maintained. Implement an annual inspection programme. Promote new catchment works in priority catchments being: Matahuru Awaroa Opuatia Mangatangi Mangapiko Property inspections programme in place and completed. Maintenance works programmes undertaken where identified. Complete works in priority catchments. Maintenance works were undertaken on 10 properties this year. Works ranged from minor fence repair to in fill planting to replace dead plants and to ensure adequate ground cover to prevent weeds and erosion. No LIA s were inspected this year due to efforts instead focusing on addressing maintenance works required on compartments identified from inspections undertaken last year. New Works completed on 22 properties this past year. With the large majority carried out in priority catchments and lake margins. There is ongoing implementation of the Lake Waahi riparian enhancement project which is jointly funded by WCEET, WRC and Solid Energy. The Mangatangi Riparian Management Plan continued

52 52 Waerenga Lake Margins Undertake awareness raising and promotion of new works in these catchments Implement Mangatangi Riparian Management Plan (in conjunction with Watercare Services Ltd). Seek new projects and assist with funding application where applicable to be implemented with two further properties receiving planting. Project planning, funding application and implementation support was provided to various co management and multi-agency projects including Whangape, Waahi, lake Puketi and Rotoiti. Develop community awareness programmes and strategies Key aspects to be considered when reviewing the target Flood Protection and Control Work Maintained Completion of maintenance programme. System performance design standard. Target set by the local authority Target Description Percentage of planned maintenance completed. Percentage of stopbanks maintained to above the design flood height:[1] WRC Comments 2015/16 (Target) 70% Note: there have been challenges accurately reporting on the Lower Waikato maintenance program. The program was revised midway through the year and this lead to reporting issues due to the seasonal nature of some types of work. Overall a theoretical result of 73% is able to be demonstrated for Lower Waikato and this is expected to be more accurately reported in 2016/17. - achieved 91.5% Lower Waikato Length of stopbank above design flood levels is 92.5% an increase of 0.5% this year achieved. Status

53 53 Repaired Renewed Response to flood event or other damage. Completion of renewals programme. Flood damage identified, prioritised and a repair programme agreed. High priority works undertaken as soon as practicable. Total kilometres of embankment renewed each year. Achieved or N/A 10km No claims on Regional Disaster Reserve from Lower Waikato achieved or N/A Lower Waikato 1.32km of stopbank have been renewed this year at Aka Aka Otaua and Woolscourers. This is below the start of year target of 4.93km Not achieved. The Huntly North stopbank upgrade works had to be carried forward to 2016/17 as clay material could not be sourced from Huntly Quarry due to the expressway project. The Parish Polder pumpstation was fully renewed and works completed before winter. The Whangamarie floodgate inlet was also extended and works completed prior to winter. Other renewals projects completed 12 pumps and 5 motors overhauled Harveys and Island Block south pumpstation buildings replaced Island Block South switchboard replaced 4 pumpstation roofs replaced Henry s and Tickles pumpstation inlet bays and screens upgraded 6 pumpstation pipelines repaired or re-laid 7 power supply lines upgraded 2 Morrison Road floodgates reconstructed 2 Mangawara floodgate outlets reconstructed Johnson s bridge (Mangawara) beams repainted

54 8 Key Projects Annual Plan 2016/ /17 Annual Plan changes 54 The work programmes activities where budget changes were revised as part of the 2016/17 Annual Plan process (not included within current Long Term Plan budgets) are described within the following table. Lower Waikato Annual Plan Revised Budget Summary 2016/17 Activity Cost $ Lake Waikare Whangamarino CMP 100,000 Motukaraka Pump Station - RMA issue - permitted activity 100,000 Motukaraka Pump Station - RMA issue - S ,000 Fish Friendly Pumps 35,000 Health & Safety Operating* 252,540 Funding Source Impact on Rates Operating Reserve 0.00 Operating Reserve 0.00 Operating Reserve 0.00 Operating Reserve 0.00 Operating Reserve 0.00 AP 16/17 Budget $ Total OPEX 607,540 6,294,246 Capital Renewals - Revised programme (additional pump station upgrade) 527,400 ICM response to price increase driven by market conditions 740,700 Health & Safety Audit compliance 425,000 Renewal Reserve 0.00 Renewal Reserve 0.00 Renewal Reserve 0.00 Total Capital Renewals 1,693,100 2,517,100 Total Budget change OPEX +607,540 6,901,786 Total Budget change CAPEX +1,693,100 4,210, Maintenance and capital programme 2016/17 This table represents the operational expenditure budgets for 2016/17. The activities reflect the direct and indirect expenditure required to maintain the Lower Waikato zone service levels, achieve multiple benefits such as soil stability and improved water quality, maintenance of the local flood protection schemes, catchment oversight and management of scheme reviews and river and lake systems. Communicate with the community and report on our progress.

55 55 Lower Waikato Maintenance GOA 2016/17 Catchment oversight CM 1,018,784 Information and Advice CM 129,682 Catchment maintenance CM 40,146 Catchment new Works CM 365,888 River management FP 320,688 Main channel FP 336,394 Flood protection general FP 4,389,149 Interest on reserve FP 334,635 Total Maintenance Expenditure 6,935,366 Capital Capital main channel FP 47,743 Capital renewals FP 4,817,700 Capital new works FP 1,279,710 Total Capital Expenditure 6,145, Key maintenance projects to be completed this year are: Co management consultation and relationships to be progressed. Ongoing relationship building with key stakeholders. Undertake promotion of catchment works within priority catchments to raise awareness of the benefits or undertaking works Develop and implement Catchment New works programme in line with Zone Plan. Undertake Catchment Maintenance works on priority existing works to ensure they are in working condition and are providing the required level of catchment protection. Seek funding support from WRA and other funding providers to commence and implement works in priority areas/catchments. Complete works associated with wetland enhancement and lakes to meet annual discretionary consent requirements. Undertake maintenance work on the shallow lakes and wetlands as agreed by the Waikato District Lakes and Freshwater Wetlands Accord. Complete river maintenance and riparian fencing/planting works on properties where vegetation removal works were carried out in 2015/16. Focus on routine river management works and plan for aerial inspections to take place to better determine future maintenance works and level of resourcing. Work with Waikato RiverCare; and continue to provide funding to assist with the management and delivery of riparian enhancement projects along the Waikato River aligned to outcomes through their successful WRA funding.

56 56 Promotion and completion of further riparian work around lake margins, using WCEET funding. Continue to work through S128 Consent Review process and appeal for Lake Waikare Northern Outlet Control gate. Velvetleaf programme Biosecurity plans completed and planning towards the next season control. Asiatic Knotweed Taupiri control completed. Resource consent for applying herbicides over water operational report has been prepared and submitted to RUD to allow for 2016/17 control programme. Alligator weed and Yellow Flag Iris programme surveillance along the Waikato River and season planning underway. Enforcement s122 Issued the first Biosecurity Act notice to fence off Waikato river banks for alligator weed control (Hakarimata Road). Enforcement RPMP pest plants. Pest Plant management Continue working with Waikato River Authority (WRA) applicants to manage overlapping pest plant management conflicts. This is to prevent the risk of undermining the required RPMP operational biosecurity pest plant work on the Waikato River. Biodiversity/Natural Heritage - Staff working with DOC on long term plan for Lake Areare. Biodiversity/Natural Heritage koi carp- The koi carp trap digester continues to operate in a research mode, Waikato Regional Council paying. Biodiversity/Natural Heritage Continue supporting Waikato Beachcare Programme in Port Waikato. Complete the issue and options report for Fish Passage at flood protection infrastructure Continue to work on the development of the Waikare Whangamarino Catchment Management Plan. Implementation of health and safety improvement maintenance tasks Routine operational inspections and maintenance tasks to keep the flood protection assets performing as agreed with the communities.

57 Infrastructural capital renewals programme 2016/17 The following tables describe the planned renewals work programme for 2016/17. This programme is set in conjunction with the Technical and Operations teams and is overseen by a Governance structure. The programme is initially set from known priorities at the beginning of the financial year, including zone plans, stop bank prioritisation and asset management schedules. It includes an overall financial contingency per zone. This contingency is included to enable staff to mitigate the risk of cost estimate variances and unforeseen failures where capital replacement, either part or whole, is required. A review of the contingency is undertaken at each projects steering group meeting. Capital Renewals 2016/17 Work Programme and Budget Asset Upgrade Tasks Budget ($) Total ($) Health and Safety Stopbanks Pumpstation upgrades Floodgate upgrades Weedscreen lighting Inlet bay upgrade Pump access Screen replacement Confined spaces Site fencing Investigation & Design Construction Pump and Motor Rewinds, replacements, switch board replacements, sluice gate renewals, screen platform overhauls, Pump replacements (Orchard Rd and Onewhero P/S), Investigation & design. Barrel replacement, lifting gear renewals, outlet structure renewals 34, ,000 25,000 43,000 23,000 5, , ,000 1,036,000 1,201,000 1,951,500 1,951, , ,000 Health and Safety other projects Huntly Sth & Hakanaoa P/S 96,000 96,000 Bridge upgrades Resurface decks 54,000 54,000 Contingency Market conditions 740, ,700 Total Capital Renewals 4,817, Capital new works programme Two key ongoing new works projects, Tauhei local flood protection upgrade and S128 Waikare Consent Review. Budget and key tasks described in the following table.

58 58 New Works Work Programme and Budget New Works Tasks Budget ($) Tauhei Design and Investigation Resource consent Consultation 1,100,000 S128 Waikare Consent Options analysis, 150,000 Review Investigation and design options Total 1,250,000 Michael Duffy Zone Manager Lower Waikato Matthew Davis Manager Lower Waikato / Waipa / West Coast

59 59 Report to Lower Waikato Catchment Committee to be received File No: , Z Date: 1 August 2016 To: From: Subject: Section: Lower Waikato Catchment Committee Director Integrated Catchment Management Summary of Asset Health and Safety Implementation Programme and Health and On-site Environment, Health and Safety Compliance Audits - Lower Waikato Zone 2015/16 A (Committee has delegated authority to make decision) 1 Purpose To provide a progress update and financial year end summary of the key milestones and improvements achieved through the Lower Waikato Asset Health and Safety Implementation and On-site Healthy and Safety and Environmental Compliance Assessment Programme. 2 Recommendation That the report Summary of Asset Health and Safety Implementation Programme and On-site Environment, Health and Safety Compliance Audits - Lower Waikato Zone 2015/16 (Doc # dated 1 August 2016) be received for information. 3 Asset Health and Safety Implementation Programme Update A health and safety audit of the Lower Waikato pump stations and a selection of floodgates was completed December 2015 to assess and identify any health and safety risks associated with the assets, which formed the basis of the Lower Waikato Prioritised Health and Safety Implementation programme. The findings of the audit and budgets and key milestones of the programme have been previously reported at the May 2016b Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meeting (Doc# ). Since the previous update report, significant progress has been made in addressing the majority of urgent and high-level risks, with the overall programme tracking to time and budget in accordance with the approved programme plan. Of particular note are the following key achievements: Reallocation and additional dedicated staff resource assigned to the health and safety programme;

60 60 Where possible immediate isolation of risks through temporary warning tape or signage on all pump station assets; Required signage (warning of the risks) ordered and erected at all assets where deficiencies were noted. We note that at the time of writing a small number of signs were still to be erected where these required additional input e.g. weight limited on weed cleaning platforms; Resolution of all urgent risks on assets including: o o o o o o o o o o Lake Hakanoa fencing Churchill East fall risk on inlet structure and electrical switchboard upgrade Huntly No. 1 and 2 outlet fall prevention Huntly floodgate 2 and floodgate 3 fencing Mangatawhiri compartment 2 pump station confined space Laxon Road floodgate (note that this is outside of the Lower Waikato remit) gate and railing Meremere Main upgrades including ground levelling, fencing the top of the building roof, fall prevention railings around the site, and access to inlet screens Meremere Peters outlet fall prevention and surge chamber lid replacement Island Block North guard rails designed, scoped and installed; Island Block South fall prevention around the site in progress; Quality assurance inspection programme underway for the above capital / operational works to ensure that improvements are of an acceptable standard, are in accordance with legislative requirements and address the identified risk; All maintenance actions uploaded to Conquest - this includes action to rectify each issue, estimated costs, and indicative timeframes; Additional H&S audits on the three pump stations located in Otorohanga; Training programme for FY17 developed with specialist (across zones) training and equipment provided for working at heights, confined space and First Aid (for those staff who required the training); Close collaboration with Corporate Business Manager and ICM H&S Advisor (contractor) to integrate the programme with corporate and directorate-wide processes including updates to SOP s and development of screen cleaning risk register; Completion of scoping for over 80% of assets to identify engineering / suitable solutions to identified H&S risks with input from technical specialists (engineers, H&S consultants) where required; Capital workshop completed to scope and confirm programming and resourcing requirements for implementation of the programme in the 2016/17 FY. 4 Asset - Environmental Compliance Audits In addition, to ensure that the wider-legislative requirements and risks are understood for all Lower Waikato assets, environmental assessments to assess environmental compliance of the structures against permitted activity rules, assess environmental compliance against standards and industry best practices, and to identify potential or actual environmental risks/impacts have also been completed for a majority of assets (refer to Section 5 below for further information). While the information gained from the audits is currently being reviewed and reported, a total of 57 audits of pump stations and floodgates were undertaken to date. Overall, the majority of structures were scored as technical non-compliance which were primarily related to erosion occurring as a

61 61 result of the discharge from the structure or erosion around the structure itself. Other noncompliances related to structural integrity of the structures and stability of the ground around the structures. The lack of provision of fish passage on stopbanks as per the permitted activity requirement(s) was also identified; however, this is a region wide issue which is well understood and forms part of the wider-discussions currently occurring with respect to the Motukaraka flood management scheme. No visible contamination was observed during any of the audits A further summary of the environmental assessment results are provided in the following table. Table 1: Asset Environmental Audit Ratings Assessments Environmental Assessment Rating Key: 1: Fully compliant with environmental legal requirements 2: Compliant with environmental legal requirements with opportunities for improvement identified 3: Technical non-compliance(s) with environmental legal requirements 4: Minor non-compliance(s) with environmental legal requirements 5: Moderate non-compliance(s) with environmental legal requirements 6: Major non-compliance(s) with environmental legal requirements 5 Physical Works On-site Environmental, Health and Safety Assessment Programme As also previously reported, Waikato Regional Council Integrated Catchment Management Directorate (ICM) committed to ensuring the risks and impacts associated with its physical works are appropriately managed, best practice standards are achieved and legal compliance requirements are met. To help meet this commitment ICM implemented the On-site Environmental, Health and Safety Assessments Programme. This programme assessed environmental and health and safety compliance on physical works projects including: compliance against resource consent conditions; compliance against permitted activity rules; compliance against standards and industry best practices; and potential or actual environmental risks/impacts; The programme was initially implemented in the Lower Waikato, Central, West Coast and Waipa Zones as a pilot and covered capital projects, maintenance and drainage related works. The scope included site audits on active work sites. It also involved building internal capability and awareness of ICM staff and contractors of risks and legal requirements. 5.1 Lower Waikato Health and Safety Audit Findings Under the On-site Environmental, Health and Safety Assessments Programme, 22 health and safety assessments were undertaken in the Lower Waikato Catchment. This included capital projects, maintenance works and drainage works. For the Lower Waikato overall the level of compliance was high with 19 assessments scored as fully compliant (1) or compliant/opportunity for improvement (2). One site received a score of major noncompliance (6), which was related to a confined space. Corrective action has since been undertaken and a training programme around confined spaces is underway.

62 62 A total of 32 health and safety risks were identified through these audits of varying risk levels (based on likelihood and consequence) with: High risk: 5; Moderate risk: 11; Low risk: 14; and Very low risk: 2. Of the risks identified, risks can all generally be categorised as relating to either: confined space; substances; personal protection equipment; fire extinguishers; emergency response/procedures; first aid; tools and machinery; worksafe notifications; and documentation e.g. health and safety plans and inductions. The health and safety audit ratings for the Lower Waikato are further summarised the following table: Table 2: Lower Waikato On-site Environmental, Health and Safety Assessment Programme Key: H&S Audit Ratings Assessments Health and Safety Assessment Score : Fully compliant with health and safety requirements and actual or potential risks on site being eliminated, isolated or minimised 2: Compliant/Opportunity for Improvement with health and safety requirements and potential risks identified have not been eliminated, isolated or minimised 3: Technical non-compliance(s) with health and safety requirements resulting in no actual risks 4: Minor non-compliance(s) with health and safety requirements resulting in no actual risks 5: Moderate non-compliance(s) with health and safety requirements resulting in moderate risks 6: Major non-compliance(s) with health and safety risks resulting in major risks 5.2 Lower Waikato Environmental Compliance Audit Findings Under the Onsite Environmental, Health and Safety Assessments Programme, 20 environmental assessments were undertaken in the Lower Waikato Catchment. This included capital projects, maintenance works and drainage works. Overall, the level of compliance was high, with 19 assessments scored as fully compliant (1) or compliant/opportunity for improvement (2). With one site scored as technical non-compliance (3). Eight environmental risks were identified as either moderate or low risk (based on likelihood and consequence). Of the risks identified they can all generally be categorised as relating to either: Missing documentation (e.g. resource consents, environmental management plans); Sediment controls; and

63 63 Fish recovery. Table 3: Lower Waikato On-site EHS Assessment Programme - Environmental Audit Ratings Key: Assessments Environmental Assessment Score : Fully compliant with statutory standards and requirements and no actual or potential risks on site 2: Compliant/Opportunity for Improvement with statutory standards and requirements and potential environmental risks identified that if occurred could result in adverse environmental effects 3: Technical non-compliance(s) with statutory standards and requirements or actual environmental risks resulting in no adverse environmental effects 4: Minor non-compliance(s) with statutory standards and requirements or actual environmental risks resulting in minor adverse environmental effects 5: Moderate non-compliance(s) with statutory standards and requirements or actual environmental risks resulting in moderate adverse environmental effects 6: Major non-compliance(s) with statutory standards and requirements or actual environmental risks resulting in major adverse environmental effects 5.3 Overall Programme Summary Overall, a total of 64 environmental, health and safety risks were identified (19 environmental, 45 health and safety) across the programme. With no high-risk environmental risk identified, and major health and safety risks identified relating to confined space, notifiable works (e.g. confined space and tree felling), and clarity regarding overall responsibility for site and staff inductions. The key observation noted was an improving trend in the assessment ratings with significant improvement in assessment ratings after the third month of programme from an average of two to three ( opportunities for improvement and technical non-compliance ) to one to two (fully compliant / best practice levels and opportunities for improvement ), with all projects generally compliant in final months of programme. Additionally, generally all recommendations from assessments have been addressed by ICM staff or contractors as a matter of priority following the assessments. The significant improvement in the assessment results demonstrates the benefits of the programme and the results that can be achieved in a relatively short period of time. In addition, the programme has also achieved the following key outcomes: Majority of all physical works sites visited all types of works covered; High-risk H&S risks all resolved through training or process improvements; High-levels of staff and contractor engagement; Increased awareness of EHS risks and legal requirements by staff and contractors; Emerging capability in undertaking self-assessments ; Contractor improvement across all sites they are working on; and Sound foundation for self-monitoring regulatory compliance established. The focus of the programme for Year 2 in the Lower Waikato will now shift to internal capacity building and training with a reduction in the number of external audits. Completed. A further update will be provided in due course.

64 64 Michael Lindgreen Director 4Sight Consulting (Project Management Contractor) Michael Duffy Zone Manager Lower Waikato Matthew Davis Manager Lower Waikato/Waipa/West Coast

65 65 Report to Lower Waikato Catchment Committee To be received File No: Date: 1 August 2016 To: From: Subject: Section: Chief Executive Officer Director - Integrated Catchment Management Lake Waikare Consent Section 128 Consent Review Process and Lake Waikare and Catchment Management Plan Update 23 August 2016 A (Committee has delegated authority to make a decision) 1 Purpose The purpose of this report is to update the Catchment Committee on the following: Section 128 consent review process. Lake Waikare and Whangamarino Wetland Catchment Management Plan. 2 Recommendation That this report Lake Waikare Consent Section 128 Consent Review Process and Lake Waikare and Whangamarino Wetland Catchment Management Plan Update 23 August 2016 (Doc # , dated 1 August 2016) be received for information. 3 Background S128 Consent review As previously reported with respect to the Section128 (s128) review of conditions 6 to 11 of the Lake Waikare Northern Outlet Control Gate (NOCG) Consent two significant issues remain unresolved related to: Conditions These conditions currently suggest that the NOCG be operated differently when a certain RL level is reached within the Pungarehu Canal. A hydrology work plan has been agreed (and completed) to further assess the historic and future operation of the NOCG in this regard and any benefits that may result; and Conditions 41 and 42. These conditions relate to setting of specific sediment concentration limit and/or target reductions over time. A sediment targets work plan has been agreed to further assess and inform this issue. 4 Work programme Work programmes continue to progress in both of these areas with updates as set out below:

66 1. All parties have provided experts to work through a Hydrology Work Plan with the first phase of the Hydrology Work Plan completed. The outcome of the work stream is that overall there does not appear to be potential to reduce NOCG discharge as per the proposed conditions 43 to 46 (of the decision) and therefore no further assessment would be required under this work plan. ICM has now received confirmation from all parties that the Hydrology Work Plan can be closed. With respect to Condition 43 to 46 however the Department of Conservation have confirmed that they do not wish to settle on deletion of these conditions at this time and await the outcome of the next phase of work with respect to the Sediment Targets work plan (as below). 2. All parties have provided experts to work through a Sediment Targets Work Plan. This included undertaking a Rapid Options Screening Assessment which was completed and reported on the 22 nd July The outcomes and outputs from this work stream was discussed by all parties on the 1 st August 2016 where agreement was reached on progressing to the Phase 2 of the programme including detailed feasibility and design assessment. This Phase 2 programme is currently being scoped. A revised reporting date to the Environment Court of 19 th August 20190remains and this report will summarise the position as above and also outline the expected timeframes for the Phase 2 works. This will include a request to delay any Environment Court hearing to allow the Phase 2 works to progress. At the forum of the parties on the 1 st August further discussion was also held on the other outstanding minor matters of consent condition appeal points. These appeal points all appear to be close to resolution and will be incorporated into the Environment Court reporting memorandum as necessary. In addition the overall s128 work programme includes ICM managing the continuous turbidity monitoring programme at the Pungarehu Canal Farm Bridge Site. Overall therefore the above work programme is designed to inform, and potentially address, the two key outstanding appeal points as above. Progress has been made on these matters. Overall the resourcing for this appeal process continues to be similar to that for the s128 hearing itself and includes a project manager, internal Waikato Regional Council staff, technical experts and legal counsel as necessary. 5 Lake Waikare and Whangamarino Catchment Management Plan Waikato Regional Council Integrated Catchment Management Directorate (ICM) also continue to progress the Catchment Management Plan process. As previously reported a communication strategy has been finalised which includes the formulation of a web site and ensuring that any technical and planning linkages with other projects is promoted as required. Further recent points of interest include: 66 a. The Project Team continues to progress the state of understanding work package which includes technical and specific cultural aspects. This state of understanding work package will be sent to external key parties for feedback as the next step. b. Integration with other WRC projects is occurring where possible. Internal workshops have identified a range of integration opportunities which continue to be explored.

67 67 c. Ongoing consultation with all key stakeholders continues including landowners. A newsletter has been completed and distributed, which is provides opportunity for feedback from a number of parties. d. The development of Volume 1 (details of the catchment features, legislative and planning background, catchment visions (which will be confirmed through further consultation) and key matters for the catchment which include soil, land, water quality, biodiversity, water management and values) continues which includes draft CMP objectives and background details. e. ICM continues with detailed discussions with Waikato-Tainui and processes for input and involvement with the CMP. Iwi representation is now also provided within the Project Team. Linkages between the CMP and the s128 project are acknowledged and significant technical work associated with target setting for sediment deposition and also hydrology continues to be undertaken, which will also inform parts of the CMP. The CMP remains on target for completion in Conclusion ICM will continue to attempt to resolve s128 appeal matters outside of the Environment Court process however if this is unsuccessful an Environment Court hearing will occur on any outstanding matters. The CMP development will continue and remains on target for 2017 completion. Michael Duffy Zone Manager Lower Waikato Matthew Davis Manager - Lower Waikato/Waipa/West Coast

68 68 Report to Lower Waikato Zone subcommittee - August 2016 File No: Date: 1 August 2016 To: From: Subject: Section: Chief Executive Officer Director Integrated Catchment Management Swan Road Drainage Area Update and Recommendations on Operating Plan Changes A (Committee has delegated authority to make a decision) 1 Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide an update to this Committee on issues relating to the Swan Road drainage area and to seek support on the direction recommended by Council. 2 Recommendation 2.1 That the report titled Swan Road Drainage Area Update and Recommendations on Operating Plan Changes (Doc # , dated 1 August 2016) be received. 2.2 That this committee support the recommendations made by Council in formulating a final decision on this matter. 3 History The broad issues relating to the Swan Road Drainage area can be summarised as below: The Swan Road Drainage area was set up by Waikato District Council (WDC) in There is no gravity outlet for this area. All drainage and flood water is discharged into the Whangamarino via the Swan Road pump station. The Swan Road pump station is an asset owned by Waikato Regional Council and funded by the Lower Waikato Zone. While the drainage area was managed by WDC, there was a huge amount of dissent among the landowners as to what levels to pump to. The issue centred around the 2 different land uses (maize vs pasture) and the levels to set the pumps at. Land transects were surveyed by WDC in 2005 to determine the ground levels at that time WDC set up a pump operating plan in 2006/07 which determined the pump start/stop levels The setting of these levels was challenged by the maize growers which resulted in huge legal and professional costs to address this.

69 69 WDC transferred the responsibility for managing this area to Waikato Regional Council in July With that transfer of management, came the historical issues associated with this area. Those issues mainly relate to the levels to pump to. It also came with a debt of around $32,000. The adopted operating plan with the pump levels is continually being challenged. Land transects undertaken in 2012 show that there has been further land settlement. Despite several meetings and discussions, the issue remains unresolved. 4 Councils Decision Making Process The Local Government Act (LGA) 2002 provides Waikato Regional Council with the power to set the pump levels, and the process which needs to be followed can be summarised as: a) Gather information and form a preliminary decision. b) Communicate the preliminary decision to the potentially affected landowners and invite their submissions. c) Receive and consider submissions. d) Make a final decision and communicate that decision to the potentially affected landowners. Appendix 1 provides a comprehensive summary of the issues. It has been sent to all the landowners who pay drainage rates to Swan Road drainage area. As a part of the LGA decision making process, Waikato Regional Council has gathered information and has formed a preliminary decision which is shown in the recommendations section of that report. That report has been approved by Council. The ratepayers of the Swan Road drainage area were given an opportunity to make a submission on this preliminary decision, with the deadline for receiving submissions of 17 August Final Decision It is the intention to make a final decision on this matter by the current Council before its current term of office ends. Submissions are invited from the Lower Waikato Zone, and the Franklin Waikato drainage advisory subcommittees for consideration in making the final decision Roger Spooner Drainage Manager Matthew Davis Manager Lower Waikato/Waipa/West Coast

70 70 Appendix 1 Report on Swan Road Pump Operating Regime File No: Date: 20 June 2016 To: From: Subject: Councillor Workshop Roger Spooner Swan Road Drainage Area Pump Operating Regime 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this report is to record the outcome of the workshop regarding the ongoing drainage issues within the Swan Road drainage district and to confirm the preliminary decision under the LGA 2002 to change the Operational Plan related to the (1) winter pump regime, (2) changeover from the winter to summer pump regime seasons and (3) summer pump regime. 2.0 Recommendations From the Workshop 2.1 That the report titled Swan Road Drainage Area - Pump Operating Regime (Doc # ), dated 3 March 2016 be received. 2.2 That the winter pump regime is modified to reflect pump manufacturer recommendation and good practice of a 300 mm operating range between pump operating start and stop. 2.3 That the change from summer to winter operating regime is made on 1 May. Changes to winter operating levels will not be made in summer outside of the general seasonal change period. 2.4 That the change from winter to summer operating regime is made on 1 November 2.5 That the summer pump regime is modified by lowering the pump operating start point by 125 mm [to RL 1.85 ] to recognise the peat subsidence in the lower catchment that has occurred since 2007 when the Operating Plan was adopted, 2.6 A minimum 300 mm operating range is between start and stop levels is adopted for the summer regime 2.7 That the peat depths be resurveyed to provide more accurate information regarding the long term viability of providing pumping to this area with the existing structure. 2.8 That trials be undertaken to create more effective weir systems in the upper reaches of the

71 71 catchment to retain ground water in summer. 3.0 Executive Summary Swan Road drainage area lies some 2 km east of Te Kauwhata. It comprises some 1000 ha of land of which 520 ha is predominantly flat peat land. The Swan Road drainage area was set up in 1974 and administered by the Waikato District Council (WDC). There is a long standing difference of opinion between upper catchment pasture landowners and downstream maize growers regarding the pump operating levels. WDC made a decision in 2006 regarding summer and winter pump operating, with clarifying letters issued to the drainage district in 2007 and These decisions have been compiled into an Operating Plan by Waikato Regional Council (WRC) who now operate the pumps. The summer pump operating range is the matter in dispute and WDC s decision for the summer operating regime largely reflected a compromise between the upper and lower catchment landowner viewpoints. The pump stations comprise two pumps: a duty pump and a secondary pump. These pumps also provide flood protection and the pump station, pumps and adjoining stopbanks are assets in the Lower Waikato and Waipa Flood Control Scheme (LWWFCS). Since 2006, peat subsidence has occurred, some 300 mm in the lower catchment and 200 mm in the upper catchment. The lower catchment maize growers strongly support lowering the summer pump stop level, arguing that the groundwater level is encroaching on the viability to grow corn (and in fact one landowner has its own local pump to ensure groundwater is lower for added security for growing corn). The upper catchment pasture growers support maintaining the existing summer pump stop levels. Two councillor facilitated meetings in 2014 and 2015 with the landowners were unsuccessful in finding a solution. The Waikato Regional Plan (WRP) does not contain explicit rules regarding peat management. Regional policy is to maintain or slow the degradation of peat soils. For Peat s Sake provides guidance on their management. There are no restrictions around type of land use for the Swan Road drainage district in the WRP or the district plan. WRC strategic direction and outcomes support a strong economy and vibrant communities. The Operating Plan has not been formally adopted by Council, although it reflects the decisions issued by WDC. Given these matters, a decade has passed since the pump operating regime was established, it is timely for WRC to review the Operating Plan and consider any modifications. There are three matters for consideration: A. The winter operating regime The winter pump operating regime adopted by WDC has a start and stop range that is less than 300 mm, which reflects the manufacturer s recommendation and good practice. WRC operations staff initiated trial changes to the winter pump operating regime with the 300 mm gap between start and stop. The winter pump operating regime is not in dispute, no complaints have been received during the trial and there was general consensus at the 2015 councillor facilitated workshop regarding the winter operating regime. The matter for decision is: (i) (ii) winter operating regime status quo or modify the winter operating regime to accommodate the 300 mm operating range.

72 72 B Changeover from winter to summer pump regime seasons In the WDC letter of 2007 to Swan Road drainage, the changeover between pump regime seasons was given as when there is flow over the upper catchment weir. How the flow over the weir is registered (e.g., the timing or duration of the flow over the weir required) remains ambiguous. The matter for decision is to confirm this operational protocol and firm up what constitutes flow over the weir. This includes confirmation of the duration of flow over the weir that triggers the change, identification of the changeover period for each season, and avoidance of a changeover anomaly in the middle of the summer which could reduce groundwater levels and promote further peat subsidence. C Summer operating regime Consideration of this matter is the topic of contention for the landowners. The matter for decision is: (i) (ii) (iii) summer operating regime status quo or modify the summer operating regime equal to the peat subsidence in the lower catchment (i.e., lower the summer pump operation start level by 300 mm and adopt a 300 mm range between pump start and stop) or modify the summer operating regime to balance the peat subsidence in the lower catchment with consideration of peat management and upper catchment matters (i.e., a compromise to lower the summer pump operation start level by 125 mm and adopt a 300 mm range between pump start and stop). There are pros and cons for each one of these options. Maintaining the status quo is more supportive of maintaining and slowing the degradation of peat, and is supported by upper catchment pasture landowners. Lowering the summer pump level is more supportive of providing surety to maize growers that they can continue to operate, supporting a strong economy and vibrant communities. The compromise option attempts to seek balance between these competing objectives. These pros and cons and how they align with WRC policy and strategic direction are explained further in section 11 of this report. In the remainder of this paper, the historical context and additional detail are presented regarding these matters for decision. The appendix contains maps, records of water levels and a summary of regional policy. 4.0 History Swan Road drainage area lies some 2 km east of Te Kauwhata. It comprises some 1000 ha of land of which 520 ha is predominantly flat peat land (Appendix A). The Swan Road drainage area was set up in 1974 and administered by the Waikato District Council (WDC). Originally it had a gravity outlet into the Whangamarino Swamp, but when the Whangamarino weir was installed, the water levels in the swamp rose and resulted in the gravity drainage being completely prevented. The drainage area is now entirely pumped into the Northern Outlet Canal via the Swan Road pumpstation. There are strongly conflicting views on what the pumping levels should be set at. The grazing landowners who predominantly farm the upper reaches of the flat land want the pump levels over summer set high to lessen the settlement rate of the land. The maize growers who farm the lower portion of the flat land want the pump levels over summer set lower to provide a minimum aeration depth of about 350 to 400mm which they believe is the minimum requirement for maize.

73 73 WDC tried several times to resolve this issue while it was under their management. This involved the engagement of numerous consultants to provide information to resolve this standoff but no amicable agreement was ever reached. WDC adopted an Operating Plan in 2006 which confirmed the levels of which to pump to; breaking it up to one range for winter levels and another range for summer levels. A copy of that plan and the operating levels is shown as Appendix B. These pumping levels have been the centre of conflict. The maize growers challenged the WDC through the Courts regarding the Council s rights, and ability to be able to set these levels. This cost thousands of dollars to defend. WDC won the case. The legal costs for the court proceedings were debited to the Swan Road drainage area. In February 2005, WDC engaged a surveyor to undertake a land survey to record the land levels at that time. This took the form of 4 transects and is recorded in doc # (Appendix C). In July 2011, WDC transferred responsibility for Swan Road drainage to Waikato Regional Council (WRC). With that came a debt of some $32,000. However, the debate over the pumping levels continued. Several reports to both the Franklin Waikato Drainage Advisory subcommittee and the former Catchment Services Committee have provided information on the issues but no recommendations for change have eventuated. In dealing with this issue, the request has been to keep the costs of the process to a minimum due to the high costs that have been historically charged against this area. The Swan Road drainage issues are well documented in numerous documents. Basically it can be summarised by the two primary land uses in the area seeking to have different pumping levels to suit their farming practices. 5.0 Waikato Regional Council Policies and Rules The relevant section in the Waikato Regional Policy Statement relating to peat soils is shown as below. Policy 14.5 Peat soils Manage the adverse effects of activities resulting from use and development of peat soils, including by slowing the rate of subsidence and the loss of carbon by oxidation from peat soils. Implementation methods Manage peat subsidence Regional plans shall control activities on peat soils to promote best practice land management to: a) slow the rate of subsidence of peat soils and carbon loss; The relevant objectives are: 3.1A Resource use and development 3.7 Ecosystem services 3.9 Sustainable and efficient use of resources 3.11 Built environment 3.15 Riparian areas and wetlands 3.24 Values of soil b) mitigate the adverse effects resulting from use and development of peat soils, including off-site effects on habitats, infrastructure, properties and other development; and c) ensure drainage infrastructure minimises any adverse effects on peat soils and subsidence on peat lakes Research Waikato Regional Council will undertake and promote research to increase information on the rates and long-term impacts of subsidence and carbon loss on peat soils, associated environments and infrastructure Advocacy and education Waikato Regional Council will advocate soil management and land use practices that avoid degradation of peat soils, including through environmental education programmes.

74 74 Explanation Subsidence occurring as a consequence of drainage activities can adversely affect adjacent infrastructure, such as roads, and provision of services. In these situations it is appropriate that plan provisions provide for the remediation or mitigation of adverse effects. The Waikato region contains 94,000 hectares of farmed peat, about half of New Zealand s peatland resource. Drainage and cultivation allow these soils to be farmed but this results in subsidence and oxidation of the peat and ultimately the loss of the peat resource. Subsidence can also draw down the water table on adjacent wetlands and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through carbon loss. Good moisture and pasture management can reduce the rate of subsidence and prolong the life and the use of the resource. Research is required to better understand the effects of land management on rate of subsidence and the long-term impacts of this on the peat resource and associated wetland ecosystems. Reduction of subsidence will be achieved through advocacy of practices identified to reduce moisture There are no explicit rules in the Waikato Regional Plan (WRP) that relate specifically to the management of peat. Further policy and matters related to the Vision and Strategy are presented in Appendix D. 6.0 Councils ability to make a decision under LGA Council has previously obtained a legal opinion from Tomkins Wake Lawyers which has confirmed that it has the powers to set the pump levels under the Local Government Act (LGA) (doc # ) The recommended process to be followed in carrying this out, is the general decision making process described in the LGA 2002 which is summarised below: a) Gather information and form a preliminary decision. e) Communicate Council s preliminary decision to the potentially affected landowners and invite their submissions. f) Receive and consider submissions. g) Make a final decision and communicate that decision to the potentially affected landowners. 7.0 WRC publications on peat management Council has produced a publication for peat management called For Peats Sake (2006). It is available on WRC s website and it outlines good practice for peat management. In that publication (under section 4.2) it recommends maintaining a water table of around 0.5 metres below ground surface in peat areas. Table 7 of that document also shows ideal water table depths of 300mm for pasture and 800mm for maize. In addition, a draft Lower Waikato zone operational guide for flood protection and drain management affected by peat settlement (2016; WRC internal series 2014/32) has been published for feedback. The report provides operational guidance with respect to decisions around pumping, including installation of additional pumps and who bears the cost (e.g., a drainage district or flood scheme). Good practice requires that operations are consistent with these publications.

75 8.0 Meetings with the ratepayers At the Catchment Services Committee meeting on 6 March 2013 it was recommended that The present pumping regime as set and adopted by Waikato District Council remain operative. That motion was put and carried. 75 So while a decision has been made by Council to retain the existing pumping regime, WRC staff are continually requested to review the pumping regime, principally by one of the large maize growers. This continues to burden this area with non operational expenses. In March 2014 a meeting was held at Te Kauwhata with the ratepayers to try to resolve this standoff. The minutes of that meeting are recorded in doc # Key outcomes from that meeting were: - Both parties generally agreed on the winter pumping range. - The land transects surveyed by WDC in 2005 should be resurveyed to gauge what settlement has occurred (Appendix C). The transects were resurveyed from LIDAR information that was photographed in Rates of settlement are shown elsewhere in the report however they are consistent with other peat areas around the Waikato region. In broad terms the transect surveys in 2005 (physical) and 2012 LIDAR have shown that land levels in the lower area (cropped for maize) have sunk by some 200 to 300mm over a 6 year period. As a result the maize growers now want pump levels to go down by that amount. Land levels in the upper flat land have sunk by 100 to 200mm Another meeting was held with the ratepayers in February 2015 (minutes of that meeting in doc # ) to try again to reach some form of amicable agreement following the results of the re survey. No agreement was reached at the meeting Key considerations Maize growers want a minimum aeration depth of 350 to 400mm over summer for growing maize. That means approximately 500mm of freeboard along the drains. That is totally consistent with the For Peats Sake publication. Maize growers say the pump (set at current summer pumping range) cuts out before the drains at the top end empties out sufficiently. When the pumps turn off, the water continues to flow to the lower end of the system at the pump, but often not in sufficient quantity to reach the start probe to empty the drain again. One landowner asked if the pumps could be depowered to lessen their pumping capacity so they will pump for longer. Another option is to enlarge the drain near the pumps to act as a reservoir, or widen the other drains. It could be that the drains are undersized for the pumps There were thoughts that there may be some inefficiency at the pump which was not helping the operating output of the station. This is yet to be confirmed...but unlikely to be significant. Water level control weirs have been placed in the drain tributaries in the upper part of the catchment where the graziers are but the landowners claim that the ground has a shallow timber layer that is porous so the weirs are not that effective. Graziers want to keep the water level high in summer to lessen peat settlement. Peat consolidates faster in dryer conditions so they want to keep it on the wet side.

76 76 All agreed that the winter (lower) pumping range is acceptable. It is only the summer (high) range that is the issue Maize growers claim that the peat is highly mineralised now after years of consolidation, and they believe that the peat is unlikely to shrink further, especially at the lower end where there is cropping. Prior to the transect re survey the maize growers lobbied for pumping to RL With the survey outcome revealing that the land has sunk, they now want it lower than the RL WRC is mindful of the expenditure to date in this area including legal and professional fees incurred, together with ongoing staff costs. A number of meetings have taken place in an attempt to come to a suitable outcome where both parties are comfortable. These attempts to date have been unsuccessful. A concern remains about the ongoing cost of gathering more information to try and reach agreement. At the October 2013 Franklin Waikato Drainage Advisory subcommittee meeting it was recommended that staff look at revising how the rating structure is applied to the relevant landowner s. It was thought that maybe this was the best option to bring this issue to a conclusion. The reason was to look at options to shift annual operating costs to the upper landowners [pastoral farmers] who were happy with the current arrangements. It was also the most cost effective option to keep the financial burden to a minimum. However, in light of the continuing challenges and correspondence, it was unlikely to resolve the ongoing issue and decided not to proceed with this. Council staff and Councillors have met with the ratepayers at Te Kauwhata on 2 occasions in an attempt to reach agreement [March 2014 and February 2015]. Neither meeting reached an agreement. With no regional plan rules, Council will have to make a decision whether this area needs to be considered either - From a straight out drainage point of view [in which case the levels should be lower] - From a peat sustainability point of view - From a mixture of both - There is evidence that there has been ground settlement since the operating plan was introduced. From LIDAR survey it appears the following rates of settlement have occurred to 300mm in the lower area where cropping occurs to 200mm in the upper part where grazing is the predominant land use Through soakage and natural evaporation etc, it has been observed that the water level in the system over summer is normally around RL 1.5. It has got lower in some instances. So under most occasions the pumps won t need to run. However after heavy rain the water levels rise, the paddocks become sodden and the maize growers want the summer pumping levels set lower. If the pumps are set lower there is no way of determining whether the current free water level observed in a normal summer will be affected. If more effective weirs could be put into the system to hold ground water levels high in the upper reaches, then there is likelihood that perhaps a partly amicable outcome could be achieved. But the locals are convinced that weirs won t be effective due to the nature of the ground. However in saying that, each year at the end of spring the upper landowners do install an earth weir in the three major drains to retain water. The weirs are then removed before winter so this is semi acknowledgement that weirs do have some effect. The pump operating plan acknowledges one of the weirs as a trigger point for changing the pumping range from summer to winter. If Council was setting up the drainage scheme from scratch but using the existing pump structure the key aspects would be: - Maximise the efficiency of the pump station (owned / funded by Lower Waikato Scheme). - Ensure the drains feeding the station were the correct size to deliver the required volume to the pump. In determining this, factors such as gradient, bank composition and pumping levels would be key considerations.

77 77 - Establish effective weirs in the upper reaches to retain ground water levels - Set key pump operating levels to ensure that drainage is effective, but not too deep given the composition of the peat land. - For longer term management, undertake peat transects frequently and establish peat depths to monitor and predict the future management and viability of the pumps; and plan for replacement or upgrading. It appears that some of this has been done but in a rather piecemeal and ad hoc basis. However when considering the above, the establishment of more effective weirs in the system could be the single most important item. The locals continue to claim they won t be effective in this ground due to composition of the sub strata Important statistics 10.1 Ground levels From the recent LIDAR survey, average low ground levels are now around RL 2.1 to 2.2. The lowest point is around RL 2.0. From anecdotal records it appears that the free or natural water level over summer when no major climatic events occur is around RL 1.5m. Water level does get down to RL 1.2m in extreme dry periods Ground settlement Following the meeting in March 2014, the transect lines originally surveyed by WDC in 2005 were surveyed and plotted using LIDAR information flown in While there is a margin of error in this process, in general terms over the 6 year period there has been peat settlement, under the current pump operating plan in the order of: to 300mm in the lower area where cropping occurs to 200mm in the upper part where grazing is the predominant land use. Unfortunately, the peat depths are not available to go with this information. The rate of peat settlement can be influenced by a number of factors including weather, depth, ground water level and land use Land use areas and rates paid Land use areas and rates paid are per the following table. The total number of landowners in the pastoral land, however, exceeds those of crop landowners. Land Use Area Ha Rates paid Average Crop 301 [58%] $37766 [60%] 59% Pastoral 220 [42%] $25689 [40%] 41% 10.4 WDC adopted pump operating levels (Operation Plan) The current summer (high) range pumping from the operating plan is: Start RL Stop RL Duty Pump Second Pump The second pump is set to activate if the duty pump has:

78 78 - Run for more than one hour continuously - Started 2 times in a 24 hour period The crop farmers have previously suggested that the duty pump be set at RL 1.55m to give the best aeration depths. However, they have previously lobbied for the level to be set at RL 1.85m as a compromise that they could live with. These levels were relative to the land levels identified in the transect lines surveyed in The current winter (low) range pumping from the operating plan is: Start RL Stop RL Duty Pump Second Pump Both parties accept that these levels are acceptable to maintain acceptable water levels in the winter months. There is an issue with the narrow range between the start and stop levels. From experience with pump operating, Operations staff believe that there should be a minimum operating range of 300mm between the start and stop levels of a pump. This is so pumps can operate for an effective period of time without switching on and off after short bursts. The current pump operating ranges do not comply with that and the duty pump often has a very short running time, particularly in winter Freeboard heights With observations that the summer free water levels in the drains over summer usually sit around RL 1.5m [with very few recent rainfall events], and the lowest ground levels being around RL 2.0, this would give freeboard of around 500mm in the lowest land and some 600 to 700 mm for the average low land. This is consistent with the parameters for peat farming in the For Peats Sake publication Operational improvements Since taking over the management in 2011 the following operational improvements have been made within the drainage system: - Regular spray programme - Use of Aquathol and Reglone to control the invasive aquatic weeds like Hornwort and Oxygen weed. - Ultra sonic management of the pump operating levels - Warnings of weed blockages and power issues via text messaging. Apart from the above, the management has remained the same as when it was managed by WDC. That includes the drainage area paying annual machine hire costs to install and remove clay blockages (weirs) placed in the upper reaches to retain water in the drains during summer Options for decisions Three matters are for consideration to be modified in the existing Operating Plan: B. The winter operating regime

79 79 The winter pump operating regime adopted by WDC has a start and stop range that is less than 300 mm, which reflects the manufacturer s recommendation and good practice. WRC operations staff initiated trial changes to the winter pump operating regime with the 300 mm gap between start and stop. The winter pump operating regime is not in dispute, no complaints have been received during the trial and there was general consensus at the 2015 councillor facilitated workshop regarding the winter operating regime. The matter for decision is: (i) (ii) winter operating regime status quo or modify the winter operating regime to accommodate the 300 mm operating range. From the ratepayers meetings, it has been generally established that both parties (upper catchment and lower catchment) are comfortable with the low range in the Operating Plan which is in effect over the winter months. However, there have been some recent minor trial adjustments made to these levels to provide a minimum 300mm pumping range between the start and stop levels. The new levels are shown in the following table (option ii); with the previous (WDC Operating Plan) levels shown in brackets (option (i). Winter (Low) Range Start RL Stop RL Duty Pump [1.38] Second Pump 1.75 [1.65] 1.30 [1.40] The general consensus is that the levels (option (ii)) have been an operational improvement. Recommendation: operating range. option (ii) - modify the winter operating regime to accommodate the 300 mm B Changeover from winter to summer pump regime seasons In the WDC letter of 2007 to Swan Road drainage, the changeover between pump regime seasons was given as when there is flow over the upper catchment weir. How the flow over the weir is registered (e.g., the timing or duration of the flow over the weir required) remains ambiguous. Changing between summer and winter operational pump regimes is a seasonal alteration that recognises the changing need to retain water when there is little water input during the dry months (summer) and provide drainage for the excess water within the system during the wet months (winter). As such the changes between the seasonal regimes is expected to occur from summer to winter in the April and May months and from winter to summer in the October and November months. An anomaly with the current wording of this trigger is that if overflow of the weir occurs from rain in, say, January, then the weir overflow triggers a change to winter operating levels while it is still summer. This can result in water levels lower than the normal summer operating range and if there is no further rain through the remainder of summer the system is depleted of water, promoting higher rates of peat consolidation. The matter for decision is to confirm this operational protocol for the change from summer to winter seasonal operations but not allow the winter levels to be applied in summer with more explicit wording as proposed: That the trigger for making the change from summer to winter operating regime is when water has been confirmed by Waikato Regional Council staff to have been flowing over the weir in

80 80 Drain C continuously for a period of three days or more. Changes to winter operating levels will not be made in summer outside of the general seasonal change period. C Summer operating regime Consideration of this matter is the topic of contention for the landowners. The current summer (high) range pumping has not been changed from the WDC Operating Plan and is: Summer (High) Range Start RL Stop RL Duty Pump Second Pump Note that these levels are at the pumpstation measured inside the sump. When the pumps are operating there will be a water gradient through the screens and up the drain; so the effective water levels in the drain further up the system will be higher than the levels at the pumpstation when the pump stops. The second pump operating range in summer is an anomaly in that it is the operating range for the winter duty pump and is at a much lower level than the duty pump operating range in summer. The second pump operation is triggered by the following: The first pump runs for more than one hour continuously The first pump has started more than two times in a 24 hour period This is reported to have been adopted as it was an indication that rainfall has resulted in inflow that is greater than normal daily drainage so the second pump was triggered to clear the inflow of water. Unfortunately the result is that the drainage system is then pumped down to winter levels and it may never recover to the higher levels that are designed to retain the peat soils in summer. Staff recommend that there should be a minimum of 300mm between start and stop levels on each pump. This is a practical operational observation which provides a range for the pumps to operate through, it prevents multiple starts and stops resulting from short run times, and avoids premature pump stopping when water is still flowing into the system. The matter for decision is: (i) (ii) (iii) summer operating regime status quo or modify the summer operating regime equal to the peat subsidence in the lower catchment (i.e., lower the summer pump operation start level by 300 mm and adopt a 300 mm range between pump start and stop) or modify the summer operating regime to balance the peat subsidence in the lower catchment with consideration of peat management and upper catchment matters (i.e., a compromise to lower the summer pump operation start level by 125 mm and adopt a 300 mm range between pump start and stop). There are pros and cons for each one of these options. Maintaining the status quo is more supportive of maintaining and slowing the degradation of peat, and is supported by upper catchment pasture landowners. Lowering the summer pump level is more supportive of providing surety to maize growers that they can continue to operate, supporting a strong economy and vibrant communities. The compromise option attempts to seek balance between these competing objectives. The following table further presents the pros and cons and alignment with policy, Vision and Strategy or Council strategic direction. Option Pros Cons

81 81 Option Pros Cons Supports PWRPS policy 14.5 in part, to maintain/reduce peat soil subsidence. (1) Summer operating regime status quo (2) Reduce summer operating regime (pump level) = to full peat subsidence over decade (300mm) This precautionary approach is consistent with Vision and Strategy, Policy 8.5 (Recognise Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato). Remains consistent with the purpose of the RMA Not inconsistent with the PWRPS objective to protect regionally significant infrastructure. Fully maintains drainage service established by WDC 2006 Operating Plan in the lower catchment for croppers to account for peat subsidence. Less viability for downstream cropping due to peat soil subsidence and less depth to groundwater. Does not maintain drainage service established by WDC 2006 operation plan due to peat soil subsidence since Does not support PWRPS policy 14.5 to maintain/reduce peat soil subsidence or Policy 8.3 of the PWRPS which requires Council to manage the effects of activities to maintain or enhance the identified values of fresh water bodies. Not a precautionary approach and inconsistent with Vision and Strategy and associated provisions in the PWRPS. Higher chance of peat subsidence in upper catchment. Potentially inconsistent with the PWRPS objective to protect regionally significant infrastructure if the peat levels subside further and this impacts the effective and efficient functioning of the drainage area.

82 82 Option Pros Cons Not inconsistent with the PWRPS objective to protect regionally significant infrastructure. (3) Reduce summer operating regime (pump level) = to partial peat subsidence over decade (125mm) Contributes to WRC community outcomes for strong economy and vibrant communities though added surety for economic development to local croppers. Fulfils section 5 of the RMA to manage resources to enable people and communities to provide for their social, economic, and cultural well-being. Maintains groundwater level at 300mm below surface in accordance with For Peats Sake best practice guideline for pastoral farming. Partially in conflict with PWRPS policy 14.5 to maintain/reduce peat soil subsidence. Increased chance of lowering peat soil subsidence in upper catchment. Recommendation: option (iii) - modify the summer operating regime to balance the peat subsidence in the lower catchment with consideration of peat management and upper catchment matters (i.e., a compromise to lower the summer pump operation start level by 125 mm and adopt a 300 mm range between pump start and stop) Conclusion Given the background and the completely opposing points of view, any decision is unlikely to be popular with any one side. For the first two decision points: The modification to the winter pumping regime to accommodate 300 mm operating regime is generally agreed. More explicit wording is provided to add clarity to transition from winter to summer seasons. For the third decision point, it is believed that the summer pumping levels should be lowered due to the ground settlement, but probably not to the levels that the maize growers want. Issues to consider are: The measured amount the land has gone down. The need to give due consideration to the Regional Policy Statement on peat management. The need to give consideration that this is a drainage area and they pay targeted rates to receive drainage benefits.

83 83 There are currently no rules to limit or prevent any of the current land uses For the summer season, as a compromise measure it is believed that the duty pump start level for summer operation should be lowered to around the RL 1.85m mark. That is a drop of 125mm and provides freeboard of around 300mm for the average low ground levels before the pump kicks in. The stop level would be set 300mm below that being RL 1.55m. With the proposed start levels of RL 1.85 (at the pump). This effectively only gives the average low areas around 300mm of freeboard with the lowest areas only 150mm of freeboard before the pump starts. It is important to note that the recommended levels in this report is for a pumping range that is still above the observed normal free ground water level of RL 1.50m. So the intention at this point is not to pump below the free or natural water table levels that are achieved over the summer period. The recommended levels are conservative and staff believe that it could safely pump lower to RL 1.50m; and it is still less than the 500mm freeboard as recommended in item 4.2 of the For Peats Sake publication. If effective weirs could be put into the system to hold ground water levels high in the upper reaches, then there is likelihood that perhaps a better outcome could be achieved, but the locals are convinced that weirs won t be effective due to the porous nature of the ground even though they continue to put them in each summer 13.1 Proposed pumping levels for a preliminary decision The following table and graphic present an amalgamation of the recommendations for the winter and summer seasons, including showing the natural water level and the average ground level. Winter (Low) Range Start RL Stop RL Duty Pump Second Pump Summer (High) Range Start RL Stop RL Duty Pump Second Pump When the pumps do operate over the summer time, it is in response to a reasonable rainfall event. With the stop levels at RL 1.55 [or 1.50], once the pumps stop there will continue to be inflow to the system and the levels will rebound up to whatever the water table level is at the time.

84 84 **Note that for the existing summer pump operating regime, the second pump is triggered by the following: The first pump runs for more than one hour continuously The first pump has started more than two times in a 24 hour period 13.2 Way forward It is intended that a report with recommendations from this workshop is presented at the Franklin Waikato Drainage subcommittee for information. A similar report will be presented to the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee for consideration and recommendation to the Integrated Catchment Management Committee, which in turn would provide a recommendation to full Council for consideration. Following this, consultation would be undertaken for any proposed changes to the Operating Plan with affected parties in accordance with the Local Government Act. Roger Spooner Drainage Manager Matthew Davis Manager Lower Waikato/Waipa/West Coast Catchments

85 85 Appendix A Swan Road Drainage Area [Smartmap image] Pumps

86 Swan Road Drainage Area [Lidar image] 86

87 Weirs 87

88 88 Appendix B SWAN ROAD DRAINAGE AREA OPERATING PLAN 1. Purpose The purpose of this plan is to set defined parameters to manage the Swan Road pumping regime. 2. Background In May 2007, the Community Services sub-committee of Waikato District Council (WDC) approved a pumping regime for operating the pump settings at Swan Road. This is attached as Appendix 1. Management of this area was passed over to Waikato Regional Council (WRC) on 1 st July The operating parameters set by WDC have been adopted by WRC. This document is to ratify that agreement. 3. Operating Plan (i) High Range Pumping (generally over Summer) Start RL Stop RL Duty Pump Second Pump Note: (ii) The second pump is set to activate if the first pump has run for more than one hour continuously...or started two times in a 24 hour period [providing that the second start doesn t result from blocked weedsceens] Low Range Pumping (generally over Winter) This mode is to be engaged when water is flowing over the weir in drain C on a consistent basis Start RL Stop RL Duty Pump 1.55m 1.38m Second Pump 1.65m 1.40m (iii) Time Periods for Operating Ranges Typically, the periods of time for the respective ranges will be High Range - Low Range - October/November to April/May April/May to October/November The actual changeover will occur when the weir overflow status on drain C is consistent as deemed by the chairman and confirmed by Waikato Regional Council.

89 89 In the event of heavy rainfall occurring during the High Range period, the Low Range shall be engaged if the weir at drain C is overflowing. The High Range shall be reinstated once the weir stops overflowing.

90 90 Appendix C Map Showing Location of Transects Weirs