and the pilot study is to test methods in preparation for a comprehensive, three-year nationwide study beginning as soon as next summer. Mr Bedford says the valuable information yielded by sampling at Bertrand Rd will expand current knowledge about the river and feed into proposals to be considered by the Waitara River Committee, being established as part of requirements of the Waitara Lands Act of 2018. The Committee will be made up of five TRC appointees, along with four appointed by iwi
Taranaki iwi Ngaa Rauru to raise awareness and educate the community about the damage hornwort and other aquatic pests can do. Kotuhotuho Puutaiao Fiona Shaw says Te Kaahui o Rauru is concerned about the spread of hornwort into and within its rohe, and will be looking to support the Check, Clean, Dry freshwater biosecurity initiatives alongside the Council in the new year. The Council is also working with the Ministry for Primary Industries, Department of Conservation and Land Information New Zealand
million, mainly thanks to property and asset revaluations and the build-up of funds for Waitara River catchment improvements and the Kaitake Trail Te Ara, with progress on both projects subject to ongoing negotiations with iwi and hapū. There were also significant injections of Government COVID-19 funding for some projects and programmes. Excluding these extraordinary influences, the budget ran as planned. The Council began taking steps to meet new requirements rolling out under the Government’s
that would not be status quo but would be a step backwards. “This is about what is right for our region moving forward and how we can guarantee Māori at the decision-making table, with full voting rights. We have a huge few years ahead of us as a Council and to be successful we have to effectively engage with Māori. “While the Māori constituency system may not be perfect, all eight iwi in Taranaki told us this was a step in the journey they want to take.” He thanked everyone who took the time to
valve was shut off when not in use,” says Mr McLay. He says the discharge had unacceptable impacts on sensitive freshwater and coastal environments, and was also an offence to iwi values. All industrial and commercial operators have a duty of care to ensure they comply with the rules and protect the environment.
community. The creation of a Māori constituency could be a meaningful step towards this, providing a clear democratic mandate for a Māori constituency councillor to represent and advocate for Māori views. If the Council decides to create a Maori constituency following consultation, a representation review would be held to decide the number of constituencies, their boundaries and the number of councillors in each. The three iwi representatives on each of the Council’s two key standing committees are
city-dwellers and an iwi ranger. Although all from different walks of life, they share a commitment to leaving this region better than how they found it. They’re also all excited about the native birds they can see returning and take satisfaction out of helping make that happen. They have a lot to be proud of, as does the wider Taranaki community. Urban residents are embracing backyard rat trapping, with thousands of traps distributed to households across Taranaki. The rural programme is now into year three
eight submissions including two from iwi authorities. All but one were in general support of the changes. Council Director-Operations Daniel Harrison says the Plan change is a positive step that recognises the importance of effective predator control to the region. The Council began rolling out a 10-year rural mustelid trapping programme in 2018, as part of Towards Predator-Free Taranaki. About 75,000 hectares have been covered with more than 6,000 traps so far, including a trap barrier all the way
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Date: 23 July 2024
Venue: Taranaki Regional Council Boardroom, 47 Cloten Road, Stratford
Document: 3292506
Present: C L Littlewood Chairperson
S W Hughes
B J Bigham zoom
D M Cram
D H McIntyre
A L Jamieson
N W Walker (ex officio)
P Moeahu Iwi Representative
E Bailey Iwi Representative
M Ritai Iwi Representative
L Gibbs Federated Framers
B Haque New Plymouth District Council (left meeting at 11.04am)
C Filbee South
While 370 applications were processed as non-notified consents, there was significant consultation, with 324 parties including 129 iwi consulted and/or giving their written approval. There were also 12 limited-notified consents. Seven attracted 12 submissions in opposition, but all were resolved via the efficient pre-hearing process, reducing costs and improving understanding between all parties. At year’s end there were 4841 current consents, an increase of 11. The Council processed resource