Activity Level of service Performance measure Target Commentary (as at 30 April 2018) Status
River management
To achieve a balance between maintaining channel capacity,
channel stability and
environmental values in the management of priority rivers
and streams in each
management zone.
Percentage of river instability enquiries responded to within three days, and appropriate actions taken on a prioritisation basis.
95% Two enquiries were recorded and both were responded
to within the specified time frame.
Proactive monitoring (inspections, surveys and scheme reviews) of priority rivers and streams on a cyclical basis as per agreed work programme
Achieved
Inspections have again been undertaken in the Waiotapu. Following the 29 April rain event further works are planned in the Waiotapu as outlined in Doc # 12463516
Integrated Catchment Management -
Biosecurity
To control plant and animal pests within the Waikato region to maintain and enhance
biodiversity and protect
agricultural productivity and community health.
Average number of possums caught for every 100 traps set for possum operations. Less than 5% residual trap catch (RTC) for ground control Less than 3% RTC aerial control.
This will continue to be reported annually.
Reducing trend in the number of known sites for each species of eradication pest plant*
*plant pests with limited
distribution or density.
Achieved
The recruitment of a new Biosecurity Officer (internal appointment and Taupo based) has been completed. Hirini Rolleston commenced work on 21 May 2018.
Biodiversity
Work with partners,
stakeholders and community to
maintain and enhance
indigenous biodiversity.
Improving trend in the habitat condition score of sites under active management.
Achieved Geothermal and wetland biodiversity sites – Weed
control work has been carried out at a number of geothermal sites in the Upper Waikato and neighbouring Lake Taupo zones. Main sites in Upper Waikato are Craters of the Moon and Otumuheke. Both of these are follow-up operations, to consolidate on work that has been carried out in previous years. Reserve management plan implementation began at Otumuheke at end of April.
Wai-o-Tapu - Funding has been provided to Ngati Tahu Ngati Whaoa to assist with wilding pine removal and follow up blackberry and seedling control at the Echo Lake (Whangioterangi), at Wai o Tapu. Ngati Tahu Ngati Whaoa have arranged with Timberlands to co-ordinate wilding pine control around the rest of the lake when existing forests are harvested.
Tauhara – Photographs taken during a recent flight show success over the controlled areas on Mt Tauhara. No work will be funded by WRC this year as the trust has sufficient funding from other sources. WRC staff are continuing in an advisory capacity at the request of the trust. WRC provided a letter of reference for Tuwharetoa’s WCEET funding application.
To collaborate with other agencies and the people of the Waikato to fund projects that deliver economic,
environmental and social outcomes for the region.
Projects funded through the Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) achieve milestones as per the funding agreement.
100% No applications were received from the Upper Waikato
Zone for the recent Small Scale Community Initiatives Fund (SSCIF) funding round. Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) funding round opened for applications on 15th
May 2018. It closes on 15th of June. Applications need to
be submitted online at the following link:
https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats- happening/funding-and-scholarships/environmental- initiatives-fund/
Environmental farming systems
Work with partners,
stakeholders and community to promote land management
practices to improve
environmental and agricultural sustainability.
Percentage of people (as surveyed) who participate in extension
programmes* organised by
Waikato Regional Council who make a change in agricultural practice within 12 months of attendance.
30% The FEP Guidelines and Template have been
finalized and are currently being trialed.
Further draft Catchment Stories in line with the
recently completed Torepatutahi Catchment paper are planned in the Upper Waikato.
Catchment planning and management
Work with partners,
stakeholders and community to improve soil conservation and water quality.
Identify priority sub catchments and sites for soil conservation and remediation
Achieved This continues on track with attention on the Whirinaki
Programme Strategic
Objective/Outcomes Measure/Targets Commentary Status
Strategy 1: Prioritisation
Complete Priority Catchment snapshots
Pokaiwhenua, Whirinaki, Little Waipa, and Tahunaatara snapshots completed
Good progress is being made on progressing an outcome focus for the Whirinaki as a priority.
Strategy 2:
Complement work of other stakeholders.
Co-host an annual planning day for zone stakeholders with WRC’s river iwi partners
Meeting held annually The outcome of this objective is largely being fulfilled by the work associated with the Waikato Waipa River Restroation Strategy. The final strategy was launched in April 2018 and provides a good basis for collaborative projects. Plan and the development
of interagency projects
. Work continues to develop a
partnership with TARIT to facilitate the Whirinaki project.
Strategy 3:
Information and facilitation for landowners.
Provision of one on one advice to landowners relating on sustainable land management, biodiversity protection, etc
Ongoing This is a key focus in the Upper Waikato. All staff are actively supporting the HRWO project and sustainable land management. Capacity building for
understanding sustainable management
Build capacity understanding of nutrient related issues
Ongoing work to trial the soil conservation template for Environmental Property Plans. Staff have completed Oversee training.
Strategy 4 New Works projects
Develop funding criteria for new works funding
Criteria developed by 2015 The funding criteria was developed and approved by the Committee in March 2017 Target new works funding
to priority catchments
60% of new works funding expended in priority catchments by 2018
Ontrack
Strategy 5:
Zone Maintenance.
Maintain property files Files accurate and up to date On track Regular property
inspections
Properties on a regular cycle of inspection by June 2017
Having completed a full cycle of inspections in June 2017, the Committee decided to adopt a risk based approach. However inspections have been delayed in this financial year due to the need to engage a new inspector. It is anticipated by the time of the meeting we will have two inspectors and we will be back on track early in the 2018/19 year.
Ensure existing projects covered by Land Improvement Agreements are managed and maintained.
Maintenance programmes proposed as required to ensure landowners meet their obligations under their LIA’s .
This is progressing well with 66 projects currently underway.
Strategy 6:
Preparing for change.
Prepare for healthy Rivers Plan Change
Provide technical support for Healthy River Project Team
Providing technical advice is the primary focus at this stage of HRWO
.
Develop engagement plan.
On track
Strategy 7:
Special places and projects
Animal Pest Control/focus Waotu Possum control. Rook Control and monitoring.
Plant Pest Control/focus
Old Man’s Beard (OMB)
Yellow flag iris
Pampas
These matters will be reported on as part of the RPMP Annual Report.
Biodiversity Otumuheke Major ($1m+) reserve
management project led by Taupo District Council and Patuiwi Reserve Trust has begun. Rising visitor numbers at the site have led to significant erosion, safety, and rubbish problems. The natural hot springs flow into the Waikato River and are of cultural importance to local iwi as an historic bathing and meeting place. The stream is also home to a rare species of native fern.
Redevelopment plans include a new toilet block, changing rooms, walking tracks, a bridge and a coffee kiosk. The cultural and environmental significance of the site will be displayed on storyboards placed along the walking track.
WRC has been ongoingly contributing to the revegetation and weed management of the geothermal stream and wetland and has been participating in the reserve design process.
Special places/Projects Control Lake Karapiro aquatic weed problem
Spraying for hornwort in Lake Karapiro was completed in April 2018. A total of 55 hectares was treated with diquat by helicopter and boat, with costs split between Land Information NZ, Waipa District Council and WRC.
Three Lakes Project A 3 Lakes hui is planned for the 7th June to plan a potential second stage to this project.