Tukituki Catchment Proposal –Board of Inquiry Hearing

Day 13 – 5 December 2013

Hawke’s Bay resident - Jeremy Dunningham

Jeremy Dunningham told the board he was not opposed to the concept of water storage, but has concerns that there is little evidence of overseas experts being brought in to assist with developing the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme.

Beef & Lamb NZ

Beef & Lamb NZ Chairman Mike Peterson told the board the organisation strongly supports the intent of Tukituki Plan Change 6 and Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme. However it has some concerns, especially with the nutrient management approach, which it believes will have a substantial financial effect on sheep and beef farmers in the Tukituki Catchment.

Hastings District Council & Central Hawke’s Bay District Council

Counsel for the councils says the majority of Councils’ concerns about the water storage scheme have now been addressed through caucusing. The only outstanding matters largely relate to Councils’ roles in administering any approvals the board my grant.

Witnesses called:

• Allan Planning and Research Ltd - Independent planning consultant- Syliva Allan

• Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Technical Services Manager - Stephen Thrush

o CHBDC installing new wastewater plants in Waipawa and Waipukurau with the water discharged better than the requirements of Plan Change 6.

o Asked the board if any changes are made to Plan Change 6 standards that the financial situation of Central Hawke’s Bay ratepayers, who will have to pay for the works, are taken into account.

Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society (Central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings/Havelock North & Napier branches)

Counsel for Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society told the board it supports the proposal for Plan Change 6 to establish freshwater objectives and set limits to avoid over-allocation in terms of water quality and quantity. However it does not support the single nutrient management approach and opposes any increase in groundwater abstraction.

The society opposes the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme on the basis of its effects on water quality through land use intensification, aquatic ecology, terrestrial ecology and recreation.

Witnesses called:

• Freshwater Ecology Researcher – Dr Mike Joy

o Told the board the water storage scheme and subsequent land intensification will have negative impacts on the ecosystem health of the Tukituki River. He states there would be changes to water quality from an increase in nitrogen and phosphorous and effects on native fish from the removal of habitat and impediments to fish passage.

To read daily transcripts from the hearing follow this link:

http://www.epa.govt.nz/Resource-management/Tukituki/Hearing/hearing-proceedings/Pages/Hearing%20transcript%20and%20proceedings.aspx

ENDS

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