Your waikato 81

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R U YO

O T A K I A W

NCIL U O C L A N O I O REG T A K I A W M E FRO T A D P U S W E AL N

N YOUR REGIO

ISSUE #81

MARCH 2014

waikatoregion.govt.nz 0800 800 401

Working together for a greater Waikato THERE’S A LOT TO LOVE ABOUT THE WAIKATO REGION. We live relatively well on the back of a diverse economy built on high quality land, water and mineral resources and our prime location at the heart of the upper North Island. We’re never far from bush, beach or other special natural places that allow us to explore, relax and recharge. And perhaps most of all, we value being part of an involved community with active social and business networks. Yet all that’s good is not shared evenly across the Waikato region. In line with global trends, urban areas grow, while rural populations shrink. The decline is due only in part to the exodus of people from rural areas to the main centres for work, education and social reasons. More significantly, falling birthrates and increasing numbers of elderly people mean there are more old folk than young in some areas and too few babies being born to sustain the population.

The size and structure of a population along with the diversity and performance of industries contribute to the cycle that can cause local economies to wither. In small or greying communities there are too few people to run local businesses, which leads to less investment and so businesses fail to thrive or survive. With less money and employment in the community, services disappear and shops shut, affecting the quality of life for those who stay. On key economic indicators and quality of life measures, some areas in Waikato are doing well, while others lag. There’s opportunity to lift our economic and environmental performance and improve the quality of life for all the people who live in our region. Waikato Regional Council is working with business, education and research organisations, iwi, local and central government to collaborate on policies and actions that ensure we use our resources wisely, harness investment and innovation and make the most of opportunities.

Continued on page 7


Say it before you spray it Landowners about to undertake widespread autumn agrichemical spraying are being reminded to have a plan and to first talk to their neighbours. “We’re heading into a popular time of the year for spraying, so it’s timely to remind people to first speak with their neighbours – it’s the right thing to do,” said the council’s incident response manager, Derek Hartley. “It allows them to avoid contact from chemicals on the day spraying occurs, as well as to

disconnect rainwater systems and choose another day to hang out the washing.” Mr Hartley also urged landowners to ensure the weather conditions are right for spraying to minimise the risk of spray drift impacting on neighbours. “Complying with the rules when spraying is not onerous and reduces the likelihood of complaints to the regional council which require investigation,” Mr Hartley said.

What the rules say Under the Waikato Regional Plan, people undertaking “widespread” spraying activities are required to: • have a spray control plan, including measures to avoid drift • notify neighbours before spraying. “Widespread” is considered to be anything that is more than the use of low pressure

hand-held spray equipment used for spot spraying. Failure to follow the rules could result in an infringement notice or prosecution in court, where the maximum penalty is two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $300,000 for an individual or up to $600,000 for a company. Read the rules at www.waikatoregion.govt.nz, or freephone 0800 800 401 for advice.

Be driven for free to the Night Glow NEWS IN

BRIEF

Heading to the Balloons Over Waikato premier event, the Night Glow, later this month? Waikato Regional Council’s free park and ride bus services are back to take the hassle out of getting to and from the event.

Deadline looming for agrichemical collection

Last year, more than 13,000 people took advantage of our free services to the Night Glow.

Waikato farmers and growers are being urged to get rid of any unwanted agrichemicals through the upcoming Agrecovery collection. Many agrichemicals and animal health products are eligible for free disposal through support from 57 brand owners participating in the programme. Disposal of others may be subsidised by Waikato Regional Council. A record six tonnes of unwanted or expired agrichemicals that might have otherwise leached into waterways was collected last year. Bookings must be made by 28 March 2014 – visit www.agrecovery.co.nz/chemicals or phone 0800 247 326. Those with unwanted household or garden chemicals should contact their local council as these are not subsidised under the Agrecovery chemicals programme.

“The buses certainly play a significant part in saving people the hassle of finding parking close to the university. Our services get people safely to and from the event, while reducing congestion on our roads,” said the regional council’s acting public transport operations manager, Ben Barlow. Five routes will run between key Hamilton locations and the University of Waikato from 4.15pm on Saturday 29 March, with the last bus leaving park and ride sites at 7pm. Event patrons will also be collected from official ‘event bus stops’ on route when they signal the drivers.

New stock truck effluent facility opens A new facility which will help to reduce spills of stock effluent on King Country roads has just opened in Te Kuiti. The stock truck effluent disposal facility has been designed and built by Waitomo District Council, with funding from the Waikato Regional Council and NZ Transport Agency, and will provide 24/7 truck access. It’s located in Cotter Street, just off Waitete Road (SH30), and is immediately adjacent to the Te Kuiti Sale Yards. Effluent is spilled onto the road from stock trucks when the holding tanks are deliberately discharged or accidentally overflow. The discharge causes smelly and unsightly pollution on highways and road sides, and can be a hazard for motorists. Uncontrolled effluent discharge can also cause environmental problems if it enters waterways.

People will be able to board buses from Melville High School, Frankton Primary School, Grosvenor Park, as well as from the Harrowfield end of River Road and the CBD. At the conclusion of the Night Glow, buses will leave on a continuous, as-available basis until all event-goers have boarded for their return journey. If rain postpones the Balloons Over Waikato event until Sunday 30 March, there will still be park and ride services available.

Waikato Times Farmer, Franklin County News, North Waikato News, Hauraki Herald, Full details of the parking locations and pick-up points are on the BUSIT website. Piako Post, Matamata Chronicle, Cambridge Edition, South Waikato News, Taupo Times, www.busit.co.nz North King Country Farmer 10cm high x 26.2cm wide

014 2 E H T

uent out effl b a w o kn n’t. eed to thing you do n u o y d no h i ng Ever yt agement an n a m

Talk to key effluent industry providers and advisors who can help you plan the right effluent system for your farm.

FREE ENTRY

Attend seminars and outdoor irrigation displays.

.govt.nz/forfarmers

For more info go to www.waikatoregion

YOUR WAIKATO

2 www.waikatoregion.govt.nz


LIFT OUT!

2014/15 DRAFT ANNUAL PLAN SUMMARY Just 0.3% more to lift Waikato’s environment and economy Message from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Keeping service levels up for minimal extra cost to the ratepayers has been central to decisions made on Waikato Regional Council’s draft 2014/15 budget released for public comment.

proposed rates revenue of $78.008 million. For the majority of ratepayers, the overall increase will be less than $5 per annum.

We are proposing an average rates increase of just 0.3 per cent to existing ratepayers, while still featuring a big boost to work to protect water quality, as well as solid funding for biodiversity and flood control. We are well aware of the community’s strong desire for us to act to protect the region’s waterways. So, improving water quality remains our number one priority to help protect agricultural and tourism interests and also so people can enjoy fresh clean water for recreation and as a food source. Over the past few years we have focused on increasing the council’s efficiency and effectiveness and it’s good to see our efforts paying off this year. The proposed rates contribution of 0.3 per cent is down from the 3.6 per cent projected in the 2012-2022 Long Term Plan. The draft work programme for 2014/15 will be delivered on a

While we have achieved this budget by concentrating on a few key projects, we need to signal now that there’s a lot of work ahead of us and we will have to be smart about finding further efficiencies. This is a responsible draft budget aimed at delivering on the council’s strategic priorities of sustaining the quality of our land and water resources, facilitating regional development, meeting our co-governance requirements with iwi, addressing coastal and marine issues, and increasing community partnerships. It is an extremely positive start for this council in its first year of the triennium to be able to increase service delivery while containing costs. We would like to hear what you think of our draft plan for 2014/15 and encourage you to take the time to make a submission. The suggestions, comments and viewpoints we get from individuals and organisations will inform decisions for our final plan being adopted in late June 2014.

Chairperson Paula Southgate and Chief Executive Vaughan Payne. Photo: Waikato Times

A FULL COPY OF THE 2014/15 DRAFT ANNUAL PLAN SUMMARY IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.WAIKATOREGION.GOVT.NZ AND FROM WAIKATO REGIONAL COUNCIL OFFICES.

Fresh resources for water

which are key to a vibrant regional economy. This is the first time the council has undertaken a collaborative project within a co-management framework. These new ways of working, though necessary and beneficial, mean increased costs in terms of staff time and resources. The council’s 2014/15 Draft Annual Plan allows for an extra $2.2 million over each of the next two financial years for collaboration to develop solutions that will provide the best outcomes for the rivers. During budget talks, councillors were told total direct costs of $4.8 million would be offset by savings elsewhere, meaning a net increase in costs compared to the level forecast in the 2012-2022 Long Term Plan. The staff report said the original $1.9 million budget envisaged the plan change would follow a traditional Resource Management Act (RMA) process, involving development of policy, consultation with stakeholders followed by notifying a plan change for public consultation. However, it had been recognised that a collaborative process would deliver more effective policy, and could help avoid expensive court costs in future.

Water quality consistently ranks as our region’s top environmental issue. Clean water is important for human health and aquatic life. Waterways provide food and recreation, and rivers are taonga (treasure) for Māori. Waikato Regional Council has the challenging task of

balancing these values with the needs of agriculture and other industries. The Healthy Rivers: Plan for Change/Wai Ora: He Rautaki Whakapaipai project will work with stakeholders to develop changes to the regional plan to help restore and protect the health of the Waikato and Waipa rivers,

The extra costs of collaborating would include a Collaborative Stakeholder Group (CSG), tasked with developing a recommended plan change, and a Technical Alliance of experts to provide the CSG with information and advice. Technical studies and extra staff would also be required. It was possible external funding from industry groups might offset some costs.

National bovine TB programme funding to stop: proposal Waikato Regional Council has resolved to maintain its position on a decision two years ago to stop funding the national bovine tuberculosis (TB) eradication programme.

had been continuing delays by TBfree New Zealand to review their funding strategy. As a result, TBfree New Zealand requested that the council fund a net $705,000 contribution to the TB programme in 2014/15.

The council decided in May 2012 to continue collecting the funds for the $650,000 regional contribution to the programme for a further two years. This was to give TBfree New Zealand time to find alternative funding mechanisms, rather than using the regional council as a collection agency.

Councillors emphasised their support for pest control and the eradication of bovine TB, but stood by the council’s decision to stop collecting funding for the national programme.

However, councillors considering what proposals to include in the 2014/15 Draft Annual Plan heard there

The regional council currently rates rural landowners for the contribution to TBfree New Zealand to help fund possum control in the Waikato to eradicate bovine TB.

For more information on this proposal, see page 32 of the 2014/15 Draft Annual Plan. YOUR WAIKATO

3 www.waikatoregion.govt.nz


2014/15 DRAFT ANNUAL PLAN summary

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW The 2014/15 Draft Annual Plan represents a review of year three of the council’s 2012-2022 Long Term Plan (LTP), the planned work programmes and the way that work is funded.

Budgeted expenditure This plan proposes a decrease in budgeted operating expenditure from $116.754 million in 2013/14 to $113.178 million in 2014/15. The budget for 2013/14 included the payment of reserve funds of $4.828 million held for the Protecting Lake Taupō project to allow for the completion of this work. However, the budgets for three key council activities will increase in 2014/15: • provision for the Healthy Rivers: Plan for Change/Wai Ora: He Rautaki Whakapaipai project ($2.869 million) • extension of the council’s priority possum control operations ($259,000) • provision for changes in the cost of public transport services as a result of inflation ($293,000). The council is proposing that the funding it currently provides to TBfree New Zealand for its national bovine tuberculosis management programme is stopped. This confirms the position adopted by the council through the LTP. In 2013/14, the council contributed $650,000 to this programme.

How we will fund our planned work programmes Total revenue is planned to increase from $112.834 million to $113.619 million. Rates revenue Total rates revenue is projected to increase from $77.047 million to $78.008 million. This compares to $83.65 million in the LTP – a decrease of $5.642 million. After allowing for growth, this equates to an estimated average increase of 0.3 per cent to existing ratepayers. General rate The general rate is proposed to increase from $26.777 million to $27.965 million. The key reason for this is the additional cost associated with the Healthy Rivers: Plan for Change/Wai Ora: He Rautaki Whakapaipai project. In order to manage the impact of these costs on ratepayers, the council is proposing to fund the work required over the next two years, and will use internal borrowing from the investment fund to facilitate this. Biosecurity rate The biosecurity rate is proposed to increase from $6.229 million to $7.185 million. This reflects an increase in the priority possum control programme ($259,000) as well as the final stage of the phasing in of funding for these projects. The LTP saw the funding requirements for biosecurity being phased in over a three year period by utilising reserve funds to smooth the impact to ratepayers. The 2014/15 period is the last year over which this spread of funding has been managed. Targeted rates – flood control and protection In setting the proposed rates, the council has revisited the progress that the catchment zones are making towards the establishment of flood disaster recovery reserves. This review has highlighted that many zones are able to meet these reserve provisions without the need for ongoing rates funding due to operational savings made over the last three years. In addition to this, the repayment of costs for the development of Project Watershed has now been completed. As a result of both of these matters, this budget proposes reductions in the rates for most zones.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN RATE REVENUE REQUIREMENTS 2013/14 rates ($000)

2014/15 proposed rates ($000)

Increase/decrease ($000)

General rate

26,777

27,965

1,188

Uniform annual general charge (UAGC)

8,479

8,231

248

Civil defence and community safety

2,346

2,422

76

Biosecurity

6,229

7,185

956

967

975

8

2,605

2,599

(6)

47,403

49,377

1,974

Rates paid by all properties

Natural heritage Protecting Lake Taupō Total rates paid by all properties

Estimated average decrease to existing ratepayers after providing for growth

CHECK YOUR RATES

3.3 per cent

Targeted rates Public transport (Hamilton city ratepayers only)

7,372

7,190

(182)

20,549

20,463

(86)

1,011

929

(82)

Stock truck effluent (properties 2ha and above only)

49

49

-

TBfree New Zealand (properties 2ha and above only)

663

663

-

29,644

28,631

(1,013)

River and catchment services Permitted activity monitoring (properties 2ha and above only)

Total targeted rates

Estimated average increase to existing ratepayers after providing for growth Total rates revenue

77,047

Estimated average increase to existing ratepayers after providing for growth

10.2 per cent 78,008

961 0.3 per cent

FEES AND CHARGES Changes proposed to fees and charges for 2014/15 are: •

The continued phasing-in of increases to SOE monitoring charges in relation to geothermal takes and discharges, surface water takes and ground water takes is planned for 2014/15.

Fares for passengers using the public transport network in Hamilton city are planned to increase by 5 per cent with effect from 1 January each year. These increases are aimed at ensuring the council continues to progress towards meeting farebox recovery targets (the share of costs met by service users) set by the NZ Transport Agency.

YOUR WAIKATO

4 www.waikatoregion.govt.nz

Check the rates for your property using our simple online rates calculator: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/ratescalculator You can obtain more detailed information on your proposed individual rates for 2014/15, or find the answers to many commonly asked questions, by:

• visiting www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/rates • calling freephone 0800 800 401 • emailing rates@waikatoregion.govt.nz


2014/15 DRAFT PLAN ANNUAL PLAN 2014/15 DRAFT ANNUAL summary

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

WHER Corporate

Prospective statement of comprehensive income

Total revenue

2013/14

2014/15

$000

$000

112,834

115,152

Council controlled organisations Catchment management Community safety

Expenditure Interest expense

-

-

7,630

7,710

Other operating costs

109,124

105,468

Total expenditure

116,754

113,178

Net surplus

(3,920)

1,974

Depreciation

Environmental community and economic information Flood control and protection works

Amortisation - intangible assets

Regional democracy Resource management implementation

Prospective statement of cash flows 2013/14

2014/15

$000

$000

Net from operating activities

4,937

7,079

Net from investing activities

(9,823)

(6,761)

-

-

(4,886)

318

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Natural environment and heritage

Strategic and integrated planning Transport connections

($000)

Opening equity Property, plant and equipment revaluation gains taken to equity Closing equity

2014/15

$000

$000

431,776

461,141

31,337

-

(3,920)

1,974

459,193

463,115

Prospective statement of financial position 2013/14

2014/15

$000

$000

49,237

28,465

Non-current assets

439,576

453,524

Total assets

488,813

481,989

26,421

15,937

3,199

2,937

29,620

18,874

459,193

463,115

Current assets

Current liabilities Non-current liabilities Total liabilities Total equity

WE’VE MADE IT

EASIER FOR

$5,000

$10,000 $15,000

$20,000

$25,000

WHERE OUR FUNDING COMES FROM INVESTMENT INCOME

Prospective statement of changes in equity 2013/14

$0

YOU

TO HAVE

YOUR SAY

6% FEES AND CHARGES 17% GOVERNMENT GRANTS 10%

GENERAL RATE 24%

UAGC 7% TARGETED RATES 36%

Click on the link to the online submission form Register your details – now you’ll be able to read the draft plan and make your comments Read something in the plan that makes you want to jump for joy or just scream? Tell us about it by clicking on ‘add comments’ and then follow the prompts.

BOOK MARK

US

What’s even better about our new online form is that it saves your submission. So, if there’s something you want to think about or investigate further, save it and come back to it later.

www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/annualplan Need some help using our new online submission form? We have trained staff who can help you from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays. Just call our freephone 0800 800 401. YOUR WAIKATO

5 www.waikatoregion.govt.nz

YOUR WAIKATO

5 www.waikatoregion.govt.nz


YOUR WAIKATO

6 www.waikatoregion.govt.nz Mr

Mrs

Ms

Miss

Other (please specify) ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

All submissions will be acknowledged and fully considered by the council.

EMAILED TO: haveyoursay@waikatoregion.govt.nz

FAXED TO: 07 859 0998

DELIVERED TO: Waikato Regional Council 401 Grey Street Hamilton East, Hamilton

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POSTED TO: Corporate Planning and Development Unit Freepost 118509 Waikato Regional Council Private Bag 3038 Waikato Mail Centre Hamilton 3240

Yes

No

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(please circle):

Do you support the council’s decision to stop collecting monies from rural ratepayers on behalf of TBfree New Zealand for national bovine tuberculosis control?

REGIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL BOVINE TB STRATEGY

Please tell us what you think about this specific issue:

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Written submissions can also be:

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General comments: ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

Note that your submission and any information you supply as part of your submission is considered public information and will be available in reports and documents relating to this process and may be published on our website at www.waikatoregion.govt.nz.

YOUR SUBMISSION

Signed: ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

Hearings are scheduled for 12-14 May 2014. You will be notified when to appear.

I/we wish to present my/our group’s comments to the council in person at the hearings. (please circle): Yes No

Email (please print): �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

Phone (daytime):............................................................ Mobile: ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

.........................................................................................................................................................................................................Postcode: �����������������������

Postal address: (Please ensure you provide your full postal address, including rural delivery and postcode) ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

Organisation/group submitting (if applicable): �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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For all enquiries about the consultation documents and the submission process, please call Waikato Regional Council’s freephone 0800 800 401.

ENQUIRIES

You will be sent a written explanation of the outcome of your submission after deliberations have taken place.

Dr

First name: ..............................................................Surname: �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

Title (please circle):

SUBMITTER

Please tell us what you think about our proposals. You are welcome to use the submission form here or send in your submission on a separate sheet. The council looks forward to receiving your feedback.

Making your submission online at www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/annualplan helps us to reduce costs.

HOW TO SUBMIT

Please make your written comments as clear as possible and use the presentation time to highlight the most important aspects.

If you indicate that you wish to present your submission to the council in person, we will contact you to arrange a date and time. Hearings are scheduled to take place from 12-14 May 2014 at Waikato Regional Council’s Hamilton East office.

HEARINGS

online at www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/annualplan at public libraries in the Waikato region at any Waikato Regional Council office from 8 am to 5 pm by phoning 0800 800 401 to request a copy.

The councillors will meet to deliberate on all submissions in May, with the final plan adopted on 26 June 2014.

You can view the draft annual plan:

• • • •

DELIBERATIONS

READ THE DRAFT ANNUAL PLAN

Submissions close at 4pm on Thursday, 17 April 2014

If you wish to submit on any matter in this draft annual plan, you can make a submission online at www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/annualplan.

MAKING A SUBMISSION

SUBMISSION FORM


Tui Mine streams showing excellent improvement in ecological health Water quality is improving and life is returning to two Waikato streams following completion of work to remediate the contaminated Tui Mine on Mt Te Aroha.

In the Tui Stream, there has been a significant reduction in contaminants downstream of the remediated tailings dam.

Recent monitoring undertaken for Waikato Regional Council shows there has been excellent improvement in the ecological health of both the Tunakohoia and Tui streams. There is increased diversity and abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates, such as stoneflies, caddisflies and diptera, which live in water for at least part of their lifecycle.

However, the water quality goals for Tunakohoia Stream haven’t reached the levels expected at this stage in the process, although water quality is improving and the total weight of contaminants going into the stream is generally on the decline.

“These small animals are highly sensitive to pollutants, so an abundance of them is a very positive sign that the water quality is improving in both streams,” said the council’s special projects manager, Ghassan Basheer. “We’re excited to see results like this already, because it means we’re on track to meet water quality levels which will enable swimming in the next 15 years. “There will now be a natural process of habitat and aquatic life regeneration in these streams, which we will continue to track,” Mr Basheer said.

Tunakohoia Stream was contaminated with heavy metals leaching from the mine and was unsuitable for swimming, fishing, drinking or irrigation. The Tui Stream was dead and unable to support any aquatic life. These streams flow into the Waihou River and eventually into the Firth of Thames, so the mine’s toxic legacy extended well beyond Te Aroha. The $21.7 million remediation project ended in May last year and involved the Ministry for the Environment, Waikato Regional Council, Matamata-Piako District Council, the Department of Conservation and local iwi.

James Conway of Pattle Delamore Partners Consultants collecting a fresh water invertebrate sample for ecological assessment.

Cafe catch-ups with councillors Visit Waikato Regional Council’s website and Facebook page for details on cafe catch-ups coming up with councillors. It’s hoped they will become regular events to give you the opportunity to talk face to face with your local councillor.

Have a brew with Hugh and Stu Our first cafe catch-ups are taking place in the Waihou constituency, with Hugh Vercoe and Stuart Husband.

Friday 28 March 10.30am-12pm: Robert Harris, 284-294 Main Road, Tokoroa 1.30pm-3pm: Robert Harris, 47-49 Broadway, Matamata

While we can’t shout you a coffee, councillors will lend an ear. If you’re unable Monday 31 March to attend an event and there’s a matter 10.30am-12pm: Crazee Cow Cafe, 314 Thames Street, Morrinsville you’d like to discuss, you can email or call 1.30pm-3pm: The Courtyard, 72 Normandy Road, Paeroa your councillor – see the back page of this www.waikatoregion.govt.nz www.facebook.com/WaikatoRegion issue of Your Waikato for contact details.

@ourwaikato

Working together for a greater Waikato From page 1

Waikato Regional Council’s new strategic direction, adopted by the council in late February 2014, is all about protecting and enhancing everything we value about the Waikato region by working with others to build a healthy environment, a strong economy and vibrant communities. Our legislative responsibilities and activities: • e nsure that roads, industry and other developments enable economic growth without harming the natural environment

• create a quality regulatory environment to make it easier for businesses to grow, invest and create jobs • coordinate and deliver council activities that protect people, property and the environment from natural hazards and dumb development • facilitate investment, industry and employment growth and work with others to attract funding for projects like the Waikato Expressway and Kopu Bridge, cleaning up Tui Mine and protecting Lake Taupo

The top five strategic priorities Land and water – People value our waterways for a range of economic, social and cultural uses. However, water quality and quantity is under pressure from pollution and over-allocation. Sustaining land and fresh water values continues to be a priority for the council and the community, with water pollution consistently ranking as people’s number one environmental concern. While our water is of excellent quality in some areas, it is poorer in intensively farmed areas. We acknowledge the farming sector’s focus on improving environmental performance and welcome the wide interest in water quality improvement projects across the region. www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/healthyrivers Coastal and marine – At more than 10,000 square kilometres and extending 22 kilometres offshore, our coastal marine area is one-third of the Waikato and of our greatest resources. It is a significant economic asset and a special space to enjoy. Growing demands are a problem in the Hauraki Gulf, for example, so focus on the coastal marine area will help to avoid conflicting uses, degradation and loss of future opportunities, while preserving its valuable natural processes. www.seachange.org.nz www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/aquaculture

• work closely with Auckland, Bay of Plenty and other neighbouring regions to maximise economic growth opportunities and manage environmental risks • support people to participate in activities that protect and enhance our environment • contribute to economic growth by protecting the productive capacity of our land through managing plant and animal pests, providing drainage and flood protection.

Co-governance with iwi – As a result of Treaty of Waitangi settlements, we have a number of co-governance and co-management agreements with iwi regarding their participation in natural resource management decision making. Waikato Regional Council is aiming for iwi partnerships to become ‘business as usual’. In line with this, we introduced two Māori constituencies with two new councillors being elected to the council last October. Regional development – The Waikato region is facing natural resource and labour supply constraints. Our priority is to work with others to help the region realise the potential of its prime location and the quality of its businesses, people and natural assets. The regional council was instrumental in establishing the Upper North Island Strategic Alliance and other collaborative groups, such as the Waikato Mayoral Forum. Our focus is on working with others on spatial planning and economic development. www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/economy Community partnerships – The people of the Waikato are the region’s greatest assets, with about 40 per cent of us involved in volunteer work. We support people to achieve what’s important to their community in a range of ways. We help school students learn about and protect the environment through the Enviroschools programme. We provide support and information to community groups for environmental protection projects and work with volunteers involved in 42 Landcare and 20 Beachcare groups across the region. We provide these and other groups with financial assistance through our Environmental Initiatives Fund. www.makearipple.co.nz YOUR WAIKATO

7 www.waikatoregion.govt.nz


What do you love about the Hauraki Gulf? Tell us and be in to win! Do you love the Hauraki Gulf? Tell us about your experiences before 21 April 2014 and you’ll go into the draw to win a Waiheke Island Explorer Tour family pass for two adults and two children. You’ll also be helping create Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari, a marine spatial plan designed to safeguard the gulf.

systems. It will also provide the Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari Stakeholder Working Group with really valuable information about who uses the Hauraki Gulf, for what purposes and why – so please take a few minutes to complete the survey at www.seachange.org.nz/ survey.

The Hauraki Gulf Use and Values survey is being conducted by AUT PhD student Rebecca Jarvis and gives you the opportunity to tell us all about your experience with the gulf: the places you visit – sea, coast and islands – and why you value these locations.

Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari is a partnership involving mana whenua, Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council, the Department of Conservation, Ministry for Primary Industries and Hauraki Gulf Forum. The collaborative process of developing and drafting the Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari plan is being managed by a stakeholder working group, appointed to the role in December 2013.

The survey results, which are anonymous, will form part of Rebecca’s PhD on conservation and social-ecological www.seachange.org.nz

A ‘magic’ road safety campaign

Boaties: check for pests Waikato Regional Council’s harbourmasters are urging boaties to help protect the Hauraki Gulf’s islands from destructive pests by following a few simple steps before setting off. A major pest eradication project is underway at Ahuahu-Great Mercury Island, initiated by landowners in partnership with the Department of Conservation.

Kia Magic netball players star in a series of video clips being rolled out to promote the ‘drive sober – protect your whanau’ message. The second year of the campaign kicked off this month. It involves multiple stakeholders including Kia Magic Netball, Waikato Regional Council, local authorities, New Zealand Police, and the NZ Transport Agency.

WATCH THE VIDEO AND WIN

You can go in the draw to win two tickets to the next Kia Magic home game.

Go to www.reducetherisk.co.nz

NEWS IN

BRIEF

The gulf’s islands are particularly vulnerable to invasions from unwanted animal pests, such as rats, mice and rainbow skinks.

www.treasureislands.co.nz

Making your boat pest-free

Pest-free cargo

• Keep your boat tidy and clean. Don’t leave rubbish or fish scraps on board. • Inspect your boat for signs of rodents and insects before departure. • Owners of larger vessels are encouraged to maintain pest control on board. • All food should be packed in sealed containers – shopping bags and cardboard boxes are known to harbour pests. • Load in daylight – most pests are active at night and will come on board then.

Day visitors are welcome on Ahuahu-Great Mercury Island. To stop stowaway pests arriving with you: • visually inspect all items as close to departure time as possible • clean items to remove seeds, dirt and plant material • only land in daylight hours • if in doubt, don’t bring it onto the island.

Report suspicious pests on the island to 0800 DOCHOT (362 468).

Collaborative group to start work

Sustainable purchasing event

A 25-strong Collaborative Stakeholder Group, a core part of the Healthy Rivers: Plan for Change/Wai Ora: He Rautaki Whakapaipai project, will meet for the first time later this month. The group consists of representatives from a broad range of sectors and the community. They are tasked with recommending solutions to help restore and protect the health of the Waikato and Waipa rivers. www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/healthyrivers

Waikato Regional Council places importance on financially, socially and environmentally responsible spending of ratepayers’ money. We consider sustainability in all our purchasing, guided by sustainability requirements in our procurement policy. All existing and potential suppliers are invited to join us at an event in Hamilton on 9 April 2014 to find out what we consider in our purchasing decisions. www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/procurement

Name

Constituency

Phone

Email

Name

Constituency

Phone

Email

Jane Hennebry

Hamilton

021 229 8591

jane.hennebry@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Hugh Vercoe

Waihou

021 673 716

hugh.vercoe@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Lois Livingston

Hamilton

021 704 293

lois.livingston@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Kathy White

Taupō

021 676 947

kathy.white@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Bob Simcock

Hamilton

021 673 940

bob.simcock@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Clyde Graf

Thames-Coromandel

021 919 504

clyde.graf@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Paula Southgate

Hamilton

021 589 957

paula.southgate@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Stu Kneebone

Waipa-King Country

(07) 827 3079 or 021 943 055

stuart.kneebone@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Peter Buckley

Waikato

021 227 3436

peter.buckley@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Alan Livingston

Waipa-King Country

021 670 511

alan.livingston@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Theresa Stark

Waikato

021 941 314

theresa.stark@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Tipa Mahuta

Ngā Hau e Whā

021 919 398

tipa.mahuta@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Stuart Husband

Waihou

027 233 0030

stuart.husband@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Timoti Bramley

Ngā Tai ki Uta

021 675 703

timoti.bramley@waikatoregion.govt.nz

This document is printed on an environmentally responsible paper produced using third party certified elemental chlorine free pulp sourced from wellmanaged and legally harvested forests and is manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental System

YOUR WAIKATO

8 www.waikatoregion.govt.nz


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