Plan Change 10 a landmark decision for Lake Rotorua
Plan Change 10 a landmark decision for Lake Rotorua
2 August 2017
In what has been
described as a landmark decision for the future of Lake
Rotorua, new rural land use rules will be notified on 15
August, 2017 after Bay of Plenty Regional Council today
< Plan Change 10
introduces rules for rural properties in the Lake Rotorua
catchment, to limit the amount of nitrogen entering the lake
from land use, in order to improve lake quality. A panel
of independent commissioners – all experts in their
relevant fields of environmental policy and freshwater
ecology – heard submissions from more than 50 individuals,
groups and organisations over 15 days between March and May
this year. The independent hearing panel recommended some
additional changes to Plan Change 10, particularly in five
key areas – a simplified approach for small lifestyle
blocks, enabling the potential development of Te Ture Whenua
Māori land, a change in nitrogen allowance for
non-benchmarked properties and in the 5ha lot threshold, and
to clarify the reference file methodology. The rules will
now be notified on August 15, with submitters having 30
working days following the receipt of the notification of
the decision, to lodge any appeal with the Environment
Court. RDD Committee Chair, Paula Thompson said the
Council’s decision to accept the independent
commissioners’ recommendations and formally notify the
rules is a “landmark” decision for the
council.
“This is not a decision that has been made
lightly. Councillors have been required to maintain an open
mind to the potential outcomes, and this decision has been
made on the basis of the evidence and submissions heard and
reported on by the independent panel, as required by the
statutory process,” said Councillor Thompson. Councillor
Thompson said the independent commissioners’ report is
extremely comprehensive and robust. “The independent
panel has been thorough in their considerations and
assessment – they had a big job to do and they have done
an important job for Lake Rotorua. “Our environment
won’t wait. We are all responsible for ensuring Lake
Rotorua is in a healthier state to hand down to future
generations, and today’s decision will help us all achieve
that.” In providing his support for Plan Change 10,
BOPRC Okurei Councillor, Arapeta Tahana addressed the RDD
committee and those in the public gallery in te reo Māori,
followed by an English translation. “I have made this
decision with the knowledge and upbringing that I have as a
Māori, and from being brought up by the lake. Interacting
with water has always been part of my life and it is a place
of fun, prayer and healing. I want it to continue to have
this place for ourselves, and our future
generations.” Councillor Tahana said he accepted there
were still challenges to overcome, but there was no doubt
that adopting Plan Change 10 was the right thing to do for
Lake Rotorua and future generations. “Without any
reservations, I absolutely support the recommendations –
and accept them. I hope that we can all continue to work
together, regardless of the challenges, to see this
through.” In accepting Plan Change 10, BOPRC Rotorua
representative, Lyall Thurston, paid tribute to the rural
community for the “dignity and professionalism” they
demonstrated throughout the plan change process, as well as
the efforts and contribution of previous BOPRC
councillors. “This is a process that has been underway
for many years and in that time, I have observed a thorough
scientific process, with considerable economic research,
extensive consultation and public engagement. “This is a
critically important issue – not just for Rotorua, but for
the whole of New Zealand – and Plan Change 10 will help us
reduce nitrogen from entering Lake Rotorua, and achieve the
environmental outcomes that we are seeking.” Councillor
Thompson said BOPRC is happy to meet with interested parties
on Plan Change 10. “Equally, we encourage land owners to
talk to our land management team about what the Plan Change
10 developments mean for them. “We are aware that some
landowners and farmers are ready and want to move forward
through this process, and we have waived the cost for
resource consent applications until September 30. Our Advice
and Support Service is also available to assist landowners
developing a Nitrogen Management Plan if required. We are
genuinely here to help landowners move
forward.” Note: Due to the fact that Councillor Kevin
Winters and Councillor Norm Brunning both sit on the Lake
Rotorua Incentives Committee, neither participated in the
discussion and decision making process. The report was
unanimously accepted by the remaining 12 members of the RDD
committee. The full report from the independent
hearings panel is available
here ENDS