Tukituki Catchment Proposal –Board of Inquiry Hearing

Day 2 – 19 November 2013

Day two continued with scene-setting evidence from HBRC & HBRIC Ltd witnesses and cross examination, mainly by counsel for Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated. Near the end of the day the focus turned to water quality.

HBRC Group Manager Resource Management – Iain Maxwell
Iain Maxwell told the board that he lead the team that included the scientists who provided technical assessments and information to support the development of Plan Change 6 and RWSS. He summarised the modelling and Land Use Intensification investigations undertaken.

Counsel for Forest & Bird Society questioned Mr Maxwell on his opinion that the Tukituki River is an important catchment for the region, but it is not an outstanding water body.

HBRC Group Manager Water Initiatives – Graeme Hansen

Graeme Hansen outlined the process taken to select the proposed Makaroro dam site, the feasibility phases completed and where the project is currently at.

Counsel for Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated questioned Mr Hansen about when RWSS was transferred to HBRIC Ltd and the consultation over HBRC’s provision to invest $80 million in RWSS.

The board queried whether there should be an expert panel to oversee the design, construction and commissioning of the dam, should it proceed.

Iwi advisor - Dr Benita Wakefield

Dr Benita Wakefield discussed the process taken to develop Cultural Impact Assessments and Tukituki Values report. She was questioned by Counsel for Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated on a wide range of cultural matters. Commissioner Loretta Lovell enquired whether it might be appropriate for more involvement of Taiwhenua o Heretaunga in future stakeholder groups should the RWSS proceed.

HBRC Senior Resource Analyst - Fiona Cameron
Fiona Cameron was not required to give evidence.

HBRC Strategic Policy Adviser Tim Sharp
Tim Sharp outlined his role in assessing freshwater values in the Tukituki catchment and helping develop the Tukituki Choices discussion document.

Counsel for Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated questioned which Maori Mr Sharp consulted with and how he developed his definition of ‘mauri’. Mr Sharp told the board he had a close working relationship with Taiwhenua o Tamatea, Taiwhenua o Heretaunga and Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.

HBRC Principal Resources Modeller - Dr Husam Baalousha
Dr Husam Baalousha developed the groundwater and contaminant transport models for the Ruataniwha Basin. He told the board no model is perfect, but the work he undertook is best practice and fit for purpose.

Counsel for Hawke’s Bay Fish & Game Council and Eastern Fish & Game questioned Dr Baalousha on the accuracy of his modeling work.

The board of inquiry was adjourned until tomorrow morning when Dr Baalousha will continue being cross-examined.

Witnesses appearing Wednesday 20 November 2013

HBRC Principal Resources Modeller - Dr Husam Baalousha (continued)

HBRC Team Leader/Principal Scientist - Rob Waldron

HBRC Senior Consents Officer - Paul Barrett

AgResearch Overseer modeler - Dr David Wheeler (Should time allow)
ends

© Scoop Media