Plan Change 2: Taupō Overseer Version changed the Taupo rules in Chapter 3.10 of the Waikato Regional Plan to allow the use of updated Overseer versions for modelling nitrogen leaching. A Streamlined Planning Process was used for the plan change where the Minister for the Environment directed the process and made the final decision. The Minister has now approved the plan change.
Read MoreLongstanding Lakes and Waterways member and past Regional Councillor, Laurie Burdett brought this issue to the group’s attention. “Despite a number of formal complaints to the Council and contact with various Councillors, it is extremely frustrating that no public action has occurred to deter the ongoing desecration of this valued lakeside reserve and the blocking of public access” says Laurie.
Read MoreThe buoy, separate to the 3-weekly water sampling contracted by WRC, delivers continuous data on lake water quality, providing an up-to-date picture of the lake health. NIWA are unfortunately not funding the buoy beyond 2020 and, despite discussions with potential supporters for this comprehensive monitoring tool including WRC, TDC and the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board, they have not had any guarantees of funds to date. (August 2020)
Read MoreUnfortunately made the call to postpone our August 20 meeting until early next year but our September 17th meeting will go ahead as scheduled under Level 2 or 1.
Read MoreThe National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (Freshwater NPS 2020) will provide local authorities with updated direction on how they should manage freshwater under the Resource Management Act 1991. It comes into force on 3 September 2020.
Read MoreA proposal to transform the delivery of three waters services: including an opt-in reform programme, and a phased delivery with a 3-year horizon
Read MoreKids Greening Taupō has created the Online Nature Classroom to connect tamariki to nature and help them to understand the importance of biodiversity. 11 units of work are being used by schools all over New Zealand.
Read MoreLWAG consulted with the policy team at TDC ensuring that options for a second bridge crossing include consideration for infrastructure needs related to growth on the northern side of the Waikato River especially in relation to future wastewater removal from the Acacia Bay WWTP and reticulation of projected growth in Nukahau.
Read MoreDespite recent legislative changes, a report commissioned by Environment Minister David Parker has recommended repealing the RMA entirely rather than tinkering with it, and recommends two new laws that cover distinct tasks of the RMA. One would be a Natural and Built Environments Act (NBEA) and the other would be a Strategic Planning Act (SPA)….
Read MoreTDC submission PC2: Taupo Overseer Version concerns, Transport Strategy update, appeal PC1 Healthy Rivers recommended by staff, $20M CBD funding injection central government and more
Read MoreWRC councillors voted unanimously in favour of transferring water quality monitoring of summer bathing beaches, regional rivers, rainfall and groundwater within the Lake Taupō catchment to the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board – a first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. This landmark decision will streamline water quality monitoring and create cost efficiencies. The analysis of the results will continue to be carried out by Hills Laboratory and ownership of the data being collected will remain with the council. The transfer of functions from council to the trust board will formally take place in September.
Submissions closed 8th of July 2020- see letter from WRC & LWAG submission here:
Read MoreThe Action for healthy waterways package introduces new rules and regulations to stop further degradation of New Zealand’s freshwater resources and improve water quality within five years and…reverse past damage and bring New Zealand’s freshwater resources, waterways and ecosystems to a healthy state within a generation.
Read MoreFurther update on WRC Climate Change Policy as New climate change committee springs into action after Council received Climate Action Committee report 20 February 2020
Read MoreLake Taupo lake levels are still decreasing
Read MoreRecording of LTPP JC meeting held on 24 April is available online incl. Item 5. Future Governance and Management of the Lake Taupo Protection Project outlining differences between two councils and process/timeline going forward. (See also Lakes & Waterways website: ‘Monthly Report’ March/April/May 2020 for more information)
Read MoreCabinet has agreed to a law change that will block the public from the resource consent process in order to fast track projects that create jobs and stimulate the economy.
Read MoreSee attached link to Plan Change 2 which is being notified under a Streamlined Planning Process (SPP)
Read MoreWaikato Regional Council has notified the decisions version of its groundbreaking Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora plan change. Submitters and their legal counsel now have a time extension to late June-early July to lodge their appeals with the Environment Court.
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A new report on the health of New Zealand's freshwater paints a bleak picture for native species and shows water quality is under threat from human activity.
Read More“As a council, we need to be doing all we can to ensure we are easing the burden including looking at our fees and charges, and ensuring a zero percent general rates rise next year” says Mayor David Trewavas
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