Similar to what we received at an FMU scale, we also received some region wide feedback from a number of organisations and individuals seeking:

• water quality that provides for swimming and food harvesting without the risk of getting sick,
• thriving native species,
• meaningful, realistic timeframes for goals,
• targeted rates,
• a resilient domestic food system,
• climate change mitigation and adaption,
• the importance of highly productive land to be recognised,
• innovative and sustainable land and water management practices,
• water availability and reliability sufficient to support growth,
• we work together with industry

31 contributions were provided for the Tauranga Moana FMU which covered values such as recreation, natural character, mahinga kai, fishing, drinking water supply, ecosystem health, economic uses and cultural values.

Many of the entries acknowledged the recreational value of the Kaiate Falls, the Wairoa River, Poripori waterhole and McClaren Falls.

Significant improvements were sought to the Uretara River in Katikati, and concerns were raised about areas with permanent no swim health warnings there and at Kaiate Falls.

The majority sought improvements to access, natural character and water quality to provide for clean, swimmable water with thriving aquatic life and healthy kaimoana downstream. Project Parore was identified as a good example of improvements to streams feeding into the Tauranga Harbour.

In terms of water quantity, entries sought the economic value of water be protected, Taumata Stream remain available to support existing local property use, that water storage was encouraged, and town water supply moved to groundwater.

Suggested measures included:

• fencing of waterways more than 1m wide,
• native planting of riparian margins,
• synthetic fertiliser controls,
• reduced stock numbers,
• forest pest control,
• encouraging water storage,
• groundwater municipal supply and;
• improvements to the water quality and habitat of stormwater bodies in Tauriko and Pāpāmoa.

All contributors sought freshwater goals to be achieved within the next 10 years.

Two contributions were provided for the draft Motiti FMU which covered ecosystem health and mahinga kai values. The entries sought thriving kaimoana and fisheries management, improved biodiversity and natural character within 10 years.

19 contributions were provided for the draft Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU which covered values such as recreation, natural character, mahinga kai, fishing, drinking water supply, ecosystem health, economic uses and cultural values. On average a level of improvement was sought for all values identified.

A number of entries were lake specific with some happy with the recreational value of Lake Rotoiti and Lake Tarawera, the current state of Lake Rerewhakaaitu and the enhancement of native flora and fauna around the lake edge at Lake Ōkāreka.

The entries sought:

• improvements to water quality and clarity,
• safe swimming,
• more native species,
• reduced sediment,
• weed control,
• E.coli 95% below 540 for all lakes and tributaries,
• nitrate levels below 1.2 in tributaries not geothermally influenced,
• a commuter passageway,
• native planting and pest control around the Rotorua lake edge,
• improved water quality and less algal blooms in Lake Rotorua,
• biodiversity enhancement around Hamurana,
• continuous improvement and:
• realistic goals that consider the implications on all uses and users.

Concerns were raised over:

• urbanisation close to our water bodies,
• the use of diquat to control oxygen and hornwort weed and the impact it has on trout fishing, koura, bully and dragonfly numbers,
• water quality,
• algal blooms,
• wastewater treatment plant overflows during heavy rain,
• illegal waste traps and stormwater connections and;
• rubbish in and around the lakes.

The use of uwhi mats for exotic weed control was supported and it was noted that freshwater farm plans should result in improvements. Other suggested measures included having some ‘no trout lakes’ to allow native species to thrive and Council support for dams and off stream structures.

The majority sought improvements to the lakes and tributaries within 10 years, but there was some support for a 30- and 50-year timeline.

A number of entries also identified geothermal warm water values however Rotorua’s geothermal resource will be dealt with under a separate plan change (we have passed your comments on to the Geothermal team, thanks).

Nine contributions were provided for the Kaituna FMU which covered values such as recreation, natural character, mahinga kai, fishing, drinking water supply, ecosystem health and economic uses.

The entries sought:

• the restoration of mauri of the water and ecosystems,
• safe swimming,
• thriving fauna including kakahi, koura and tuna,
• clean drinkable water,
• commercial outcomes as well as water quality improvements and food production maintained.

One contributor noted that water quality had improved significantly, and they can see the bottom in many places but was still concerned about nutrient loss into the water.

Suggested measures included wetland treatment of drain water, native vegetation on along banks, pest control, treated discharges, land retirement, synthetic fertiliser controls, planted riparian margins, reduced stock numbers.

The majority sought freshwater goals to be achieved within the next 10-30 years with one entry supporting a 50-year timeframe.

Eleven contributions were provided for the Waihī Estuary FMU which covered values such as recreation, natural beauty, mahinga kai, fishing, drinking water supply, ecosystem health, economic uses and cultural values.

Improvements were sought with regards to all values, although those who provided feedback on economic use were reasonably happy with the ability of water to support economic uses.

The entries sought:

• the restoration of the mauri of the water and ecosystems,
• safe swimming and shellfish collection,
• a drinkable Puanene Stream,
• reduction in mangrove spread,
• improved water quality for water bodies feeding the estuary,
• reduced contamination from rural and septic tank sources,
• pest control (privet from banks),
• whitebait regulation,
• the ability to continue farming,
• increased funding for community projects and;
• reduced sediment erosion and fertiliser runoff.

Suggested measures included:

• wetland treatment of drain water,
• native vegetation along banks,
• enforcement action,
• sewerage treatment plant for Pukehina Beach,
• rezoning of low-lying coastal areas to water treatment wetlands,
• fencing and;
• Council working with the Waikokopu catchment group and the Waihī District Drainage Society Incorporated to help achieve improvements.

All contributors sought freshwater goals to be achieved within the next 10-30 years.

Two contributions were received but as feedback was related to the Waihī Estuary FMU and Kaituna FMU we have transferred the feedback to those FMU’s.

Nine contributions were provided for the draft Tarawera FMU which covered values such as recreation, natural beauty, mahinga kai, fishing, drinking water supply, ecosystem health, economic uses, cultural values and geothermal warm water.

Some improvement was sought for all values identified with significant improvements sought to mahinga kai, mauri and tauranga waka values.

The improvements already made to water clarity and quality over recent years were acknowledged by a number of entries and improvements below the mill was the focus for some of the feedback.

The entries sought:

• improvements to the mauri of the water,
• clear, clean, swimmable, drinkable water,
• more whitebait spawning habitat,
• thriving flora and fauna,
• native plantings along the bank,
• no discolouration below the mill,
• continual improvement over time for all users with defined measurable targets,
• community action,
• improved water quantity accounting,
• water allocation supported by science,
• better access around Waterhouse Street bridge and;
• reuse of mill water rather than discharging it into the river.

All contributors sought freshwater goals to be achieved within the next 10-30 years with the majority seeking a timeframe of 10 years.

Three contributions were provided for the Rangitāiki FMU which covered values such as recreation, natural character, mahinga kai, irrigation, cultivation and food production, commercial and industrial use, animal drinking water, traditional resources and taonga species. Where these values were present the contributors’ sought improvements to the current state.

The recreational value of kayaking along the river and at Aniwhenua / Aniwaniwa was identified with some concerns raised about maintaining or improving access to the river and its whitewater.

Entries acknowledged the importance of being able to swim safely.

Concerns were raised about water availability and storage, erosion control and acknowledgement of the work landowners had undertaken already.

They sought protection of Whirinaki Forest park for its natural character and the community working together to keep our awa clean and available to all people.

Contributors sought freshwater goals to be reached from 10 to 50 years.

Two contributions were provided for the Whakatāne FMU which covered values such as natural character, mahinga kai, drinking water supply, ecosystem health and cultural values.

Significant improvements were sought to cultural values in Te Totara Stream with concerns about agricultural takes affecting cultural and ecosystem health flows and the stream running dry in summer.

The other key theme was protecting Whakatāne’s drinking water supply.

Improvements were sought within 10 years.

Eight contributions were provided for the Ōhiwa Harbour FMU which covered values such as recreation, natural character, mahinga kai, fishing, drinking water supply, ecosystem health, animal drinking water, traditional resources, taonga species, wai tapu, te mauri o te wai, culturally significant sites and tauranga waka.

Concerns raised included the lack of mangrove control and its impact on wading birds, water quality, siltation, overfishing, recreational activities disturbing bird species, freedom campers and a lack of access for boaties.

Contributors sought:

• mangrove control,
• improved water quality,
• native fish and ecosystems to thrive,
• fencing and revegetation of riparian margins and steep slopes,
• safe swimming,
• input controls (for fertiliser and discharges),
• plantation forestry setbacks from waterbodies,
• restoring wetland habitat,
• silt retention ponds and;
• the harbour to be a food basket.

All sought improvements within the next 30 years with most seeking improvements within the next 10 years.

One contribution was provided for the draft Waiōtahe FMU which covered ecosystem health and cultural values.

The entry sought significant improvements to ecosystem health and some improvements to cultural values including traditional resources, taonga species, mahinga kai, wai tapu, te mauri o te wai and culturally significant sites.

They were particularly concerned with increasing contaminants in groundwater and suggested mapping and protecting groundwater recharge areas.

Goals were sought to be achieved within 10 years.

One contribution was provided for the draft Waioeka-Otara FMU which covered recreation, natural character, fishing, drinking water supply, ecosystem health and economic uses.

The contributor was happy with the current state of the water and all values identified, and believed that the water was potentially improving.

They also noted the importance of the stopbank system and recommended continued education and sustainable improvements.

Goals were sought to be achieved within 10 years.

No responses were received, however there will be opportunity for further input at a later date.