26 Aug 2024: Tarawera sewerage scheme
Media: Te Karere News
Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme
Enquiry
We request information and comment on the proposed sewage line along Lake Rotokākahi, which has sparked opposition from Tuhourangi iwi and concerns from Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
Key issues:
- Tuhourangi iwi opposes the sewage line, advocating for a wastewater site instead
- Te Arawa Lakes Trust claims exclusion from planning processes, leading to protest
- Environmental and cultural concerns surrounding Lake Rotokākahi
Requests:
- Copies of all plans, reports, and documents related to the sewage line project
- Comment from Council representatives on the projects and engagement processes
- Permission to broadcast and publish the obtained plans and information as part of our reporting
Broadcast intentions:
We intend to broadcast and publish the obtained information and plans as part of our investigative report, highlighting the concerns surrounding the project.
Deadline: 2pm
Please provide the requested information, and grant permission for broadcasting at your earliest convenience.
Response
The reporter was advised that, due to the volume of documentation, we would be unable to provide all documents by 2pm and the request would need to be processed under the Local Government Official Information Act (LGOIMA). The reporter was provided with the two cultural impact assessments and the archaeological report which were provided to media last week. The reporter was also referred to previous LGOIMA responses on the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme project webpage.
From General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Stavros Michael:
The purpose of the Tarawera scheme is to protect the health of the community and the lake. Without the scheme, untreated human wastewater will continue to leach through septic tanks and groundwater into Lake Tarawera which is unacceptable to all parties.
The scheme is the result of extensive community consideration over many years, including discussion with and input from, iwi and hapū. Arriving at the preferred option followed careful consideration of all technical, cultural, financial and planning factors.
The Cultural Impact Assessments and Archaeological Report recommended the road corridor to be used for the main pipelines as the risk of disturbing archaeological sites within the existing road reserves is very low. There are archaeological monitoring protocols in place. Council has entered into and is bound by legal commitments and we cannot now re-design or re-route the project, changing decisions made some four years ago which would come at a significant cost to the Tarawera and wider community.
We understand some do not support the pipeline running along Tarawera Road and we acknowledge and respect people’s right to peaceful protest. However, the safety of contractors, road users, the protection of public assets and avoiding costly delays is paramount.
Work on the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme was paused in January following protest obstruction, interference with the work site and safety concerns raised by the contractor. Contractors have re-established at the site to continue works on the road corridor that Council is legally permitted to install water, stormwater and wastewater pipelines within. There are access points to Lake Rotokakahi and Department of Conservation land on either side of the road reserve past the temporary fence.
Rotorua Lakes Council’s injunction application was adjourned indefinitely. The indefinite adjournment of the injunction application means it can be renewed on an urgent basis if needed in future.
From Cr Rawiri Waru (in response to being asked if the project was going ahead, whether he believed the protesters were right to challenge the process council undertook to get the project approved and whether he thought the protesters might be arrested if they continued):
Yes the project is underway.
Everyone has a right to peaceful protest. Council officials followed a process of communicating extensively with iwi and hapu over several years. However, the participants in that consultation have changed over that time and so too have some opinions. My personal opinion is that mana whenua have a right to mana motuhake but I also support the mahi to protect our lakes.
[Re question regarding potential for arrests}: I hope not and that shouldn’t happen if their protests are peaceful
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Media: Kia Mau Media Ltd
Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme
Enquiry
Is anyone from Council available for an on camera interview today regarding Tarawera Reticulation Scheme. Or a written statement would be great. And received before 5pm today.
Questions
1) How did Council get approval in the first place to lay pipes along this cirrent route?
2) Rotokākahi Boarder Control attended a hui at Apumoana marae earlier this year with Council present and a majority vote was made they did not want the pipies layed where they are being placed today, what is Councils response?
3) Those on todays hikoi oppose of the laying of the pipes through urupa, Pa sites and so close to Rotokākahi if there is a leakage from pipes there will be an enviromental crisis, Councils reaction?
4) Are Councils doors still open for dialoue with concerned parties on the scheme and its positioning on the laying of pipes?
5) Will Council reroute pipes if Rotokākahi Boarder Control and Supporters continue their peaceful demonstration of asserting their tino rangatiratanga?
Response
The reporter was advised that there was no one available for an on camera interview but the following statement was provided:
From General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Stavros Michael:
The purpose of the Tarawera scheme is to protect the health of the community and the lake. Without the scheme, untreated human wastewater will continue to leach through septic tanks and groundwater into Lake Tarawera which is unacceptable to all parties.
The scheme is the result of extensive community consideration over many years, including discussion with and input from, iwi and hapū. Arriving at the preferred option followed careful consideration of all technical, cultural, financial and planning factors.
The Cultural Impact Assessments and Archaeological Report recommended the road corridor to be used for the main pipelines as the risk of disturbing archaeological sites within the existing road reserves is very low. There are archaeological monitoring protocols in place. Council has entered into and is bound by legal commitments and we cannot now re-design or re-route the project, changing decisions made some four years ago which would come at a significant cost to the Tarawera and wider community.
We understand some do not support the pipeline running along Tarawera Road and we acknowledge and respect people’s right to peaceful protest. However, the safety of contractors, road users, the protection of public assets and avoiding costly delays is paramount.
Work on the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme was paused in January following protest obstruction, interference with the work site and safety concerns raised by the contractor. Contractors have re-established at the site to continue works on the road corridor that Council is legally permitted to install water, stormwater and wastewater pipelines within. There are access points to Lake Rotokakahi and Department of Conservation land on either side of the road reserve past the temporary fence.
Rotorua Lakes Council’s injunction application was adjourned indefinitely. The indefinite adjournment of the injunction application means it can be renewed on an urgent basis if needed in future.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Enquiry
I have a couple of questions/comments for response relating to the hīkoi this morning at Lake Rotokākahi if someone is able to please help. As it is live news I'm looking to file it ASAP and by 3pm, thank you.
- Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith said there had been no communication from the council since the protest began - is this accurate and how so/not?
- He said the hīkoi had been referred to as "another ihumātao". "And so this is 2024 and we're still out here doing this, fighting these machinations and policies and procedures that are put in place by councils and governments that aren't willing to listen."
- He said the hīkoi was about protecting the whenua, the environment and to make sure "there's no further environmental damage" (keeping sewerage from entering the lake)
- He said construction was set to begin at the lake edge on Tuesday night - is this correct?
One person attending the hīkoi, Kenzie Moke, said: "I just believe we shouldn't let any pakeha dictate what we do when we've already given so much pand, culture and history."
- Have there been any incidents since the protest began last week and if so what?
- Has or will the council look to restart the injunction application? Why, how?
- What will the council do if the protesters do not move from the iwi land (can work begin if people occupy it?)
- Has the protest cost the council anything to date? As in, delayed works cost etc? If so , what?
Any other comment/info? Message to protesters?
Response
From General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Stavros Michael:
There has been no physical interference to the scheme since contractors re-established at the site last week. Today’s hikoi impacted traffic management and has delayed the start of the works. Council reiterates the right to peaceful protest. The injunction application can be renewed on an urgent basis if necessary if there is conduct that obstructs or interferes with the works. The judge was clear on the Council’s ability to proceed with works within the legal road corridor.
RE: alternative suggestions: The scheme is the result of extensive community consideration over many years, including discussion with and input from, iwi and hapū. Arriving at the preferred option followed careful consideration of all technical, cultural, financial and planning factors.
RE: injunction/delay costs: Council and contractors are doing their best to complete the scheme as efficiently as possible, to protect the health of the community and Lake Tarawera with minimum delay and at the lowest possible cost to the local and the wider ratepayer community. We estimate legal costs associated with the injunction, as well as site security and contract progress delays will add about $200,000 to the scheme which would come at a significant cost to the Tarawera and the wider community. CCTV has been installed at the site for the safety of contractors, road users, and the protection of public assets and are estimated to be around $3,000. We are conscious that any extra legal action and/or work programme delays will create additional costs to the scheme, which we are trying to avoid.
