Co-governance and advisory groups
Technical and community panels have been established to inform our freshwater work.
We collaborate with others to maintain and improve our water resource for future generations. We listen to our communities and consider their values and priorities in our regional plans.
Rural and Environmental Sector Organisation Forum
We have set up this Forum of policy representatives from national organisations to provide early “without prejudice” advice to our Policy and Planning Team as we develop new Regional Policy Statement and Regional Natural Resources Plan policies and rules for freshwater and land management, to improve outcomes for freshwater (directed by the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020). The group will also help us to communicate with their members during public engagement. This Forum replaces the former Regional Water Advisory Panel.
Community groups
We’ve set up community groups in water management areas in Rangitāiki, Kaituna/Maketū and Pongakawa/Waitahanui catchments to help us make some important decisions about water in these areas.
The groups will help:
- Identify local community values for freshwater.
- Set local limits for water quality and quantity.
- Develop solutions for managing water in their catchment.
Similar work will roll out in other Bay of Plenty catchments from 2018.
Rangitāiki Freshwater Community Group Kaituna Maketū Freshwater Community Group Pongakawa Waitahanui Freshwater Community Group
Co-governance
Iwi and hapū are also involved in decision making and management of freshwater through co-governance groups, which are partnerships between iwi and local government.
Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority
Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority is a co-governance partnership mandated to restore, protect and enhance the environmental, cultural and spiritual health and well-being of the Kaituna River. See more.
Rangitāiki River Forum
The Rangitāiki River Forum is a co-governance entity mandated to promote the protection and enhancement of the environmental, cultural, and spiritual health and wellbeing of the Rangitāiki River and its resources for the benefit of present and future generations. See more.
Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group
The Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group (TARSG) is a permanent co-governance partnership established under the Ngāti Rangitihi Claims Settlement Act 2022 (Subpart 9 – Tarawera River).
See more: Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group is the overarching management group made up of representatives from Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Rotorua Lakes Council.
It coordinates policy and actions to improve the Rotorua lakes. The committee is now established in law, as part of the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement, for coordinated management of the Rotorua lakes.
See more: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Ohiwa Harbour Implementation Forum
This committee oversees and monitors the implementation of the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy.
See more: Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum
Tauranga Moana Advisory Group
The Tauranga Moana Iwi Collective Deed of Settlement, once passed into law, required a Tauranga Moana Governance Group to be established. To prepare for the Governance Group, the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group was established.
The first Advisory Group meeting was held on 17 November 2014 and it will continue to meet, share information and provide direction to staff of partner agencies until replaced by the Governance Group.
See more: Tauranga Moana Advisory Group
Territorial Local Authorities (TLA) Freshwater Collaboration Group
Through the Bay of Plenty Freshwater Collaboration Group; regional, district and city council staff that deliver water supply, wastewater, storm water, consenting, policy and other water-related community services meet quarterly to share information and respond to water management issues and opportunities of mutual interest.
The group includes members from Tauranga City Council, Whakatāne District Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Kawerau District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council. They provide advice and recommendations to us on our work to implement the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS).
Land Technical Advisory Group
A panel of agricultural experts and scientists has been providing independent advice on land-based nutrient management solutions for improving water quality in the Rotorua Lakes since 2014. As Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme work is progressed, the Land TAG will expand its focus to wider land management issues across the Bay of Plenty region.
Water Technical Advisory Group
For more than ten years a Water Quality Technical Advisory Group (WQTAG) has been in place to provide technical advice on lake science and management to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme partners to help reach the water quality targets for each lake.
The purpose of the Group is to operate as an informal forum of experts on lake water quality problems, causes and solutions.