Engagement with the community throughout the plan review process is crucial.
At all key stages of the plan review, we will be holding targeted workshops with interest groups (e.g. well owners, direct heat users, tourism operators), and the wider community. Hui have also been held to ensure the multiple interests of Māori in geothermal management are provided for, and these will continue throughout the process.We began our engagement in the Rotorua area in 2018 and will extend this more widely over time.
Most recently in September and October 2019 we met with Māori and interest groups to share information about the state of the Rotorua geothermal system and to discuss and gather feedback on issues, objectives and policy options identified in two key documents:
Key themes we heard were:
- Questions about how certain the science informing the plan review can be
- Efficiency, use and innovation should be a focus
- Incorporation of Mātauranga Māori principles a priority
- Consenting and process barriers need to be addressed
- Governance and ownership an unresolved issue
- Bringing the community together to listen to differing views is important
Next steps
The feedback that we’ve gathered to date will be used to help inform the development of a draft Rotorua System Management Plan.
Throughout 2020 we will be:
- refining management options through data analysis, computer modelling and further research
- working with Māori, including members of the Ahi Kaa Roa working group, on how best to ensure the inclusion of Mātauranga Māori principles
- engaging with our Treaty partners at regular intervals
- seeking guidance and direction from our geothermal liaison group
- facilitating focussed workshops with stakeholders and key agencies/industries
- reporting key project milestones to Council for approval.
Timing for completion of the draft Rotorua System Management Plan is expected to be towards the end of 2020.
This will then be used to guide the development of Rotorua specific provisions for the geothermal chapter of the Regional Natural Resource Plan.
A formal plan change under the Schedule 1 of the RMA to incorporate provisions will then follow later in 2021, this will include a public notification and formal consultation process.
Please contact us if you'd like to be added to our database and be kept informed.