Tukituki Catchment Proposal –Board of Inquiry Hearing

Day 4 – 22 November 2013

Day 4 focussed on land management, water quality and aquatic ecology

HBRC Senior Land Management Advisor – Ian Milner

Ian Milner outlined HBRC’s approach to nutrient management and farm planning in Plan Change 6 and nutrient modelling for the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme. He was questioned by counsel for Federated Farmers about stock exclusion from waterways and nutrient management plans. Counsel for Environmental Defence Society (EDS) asked Mr Milner about stocking rates under EDS’ proposed reduced nitrogen levels for the catchment.

Senior freshwater scientist at the Cawthron Institute – Dr John Hayes

Dr Hayes reviewed HBRC’s approach to set minimum flow and water allocation limits for the Tukituki Plan Change 6 and how well these will protect the river ecosystem and dependent ecological values.

The board questioned him about the effect the minimum flows proposed for the Tukituki River would have on fish habitat.

HBRC Senior Scientist - Coastal Quality - Anna Madarasz-Smith

Anna Madarasz-Smith discussed the potential adverse effects of Plan Change 6 on the Tukituki Estuary.

Counsel for Ngati Kahungunu and Environmental Defence Society asked how often the river mouth was restricted and what research had been done on the Tukituki Estuary. Ms Madarasz-Smith said it was not currently regularly monitored by HBRC, because it is not classed as a high risk estuary in Hawke’s Bay.

Senior Scientist Cawthron Institute - Dr Chris Cornelisen

Dr Cornelisen discussed his report on the potential effects of land-use changes in the Tukituki catchment on coastal waters in Hawke Bay.

Counsel for Ngati Kahungunu and Environmental Defence Society questioned the amount of research available to him to complete his report. Dr Cornelisen says there is a low risk of any adverse effect from increased nitrogen associated with Plan Change 6 and RWSS.

National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA) Principal Scientist and Programme Leader – Dr Robert Wilcock

Dr Wilcock discussed managing excessive slime and algae (periphyton) in the Tukituki River.

He was questioned by Counsel for Environmental Defence Society, Hawke’s Bay Fish & Game and the board around the accuracy of the conceptual TRIM models developed for the Tukituki Catchment & River. He considers TRIM to be a good semi-quantitative model and deferred detailed questions on TRIM to Dr Kit Rutherford who developed the model.

The board will resume on Monday 25 November 2013 at 9.30am.

To read daily transcripts click on the following link: http://www.epa.govt.nz/Resource-management/Tukituki/Hearing/hearing-proceedings/Pages/Hearing%20transcript%20and%20proceedings.aspx

ENDS

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