20 August 2024
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme pipeline protest
Enquiry
Reporter sought clarification to information we provided yesterday regarding the Tarawera sewerage scheme work site at Rotokakahi and the protest happening there against the pipeline that is being installed in the roadway: Just reading the line about access to the Doc land - the fence goes fully along that berm, it really did not look like there was an open access point? Skipwith said it was chained and alarmed too
Response
We provided the following clarification:
There are access points past the temporary fence which is required as part of the traffic management process to protect contractors and all road users.
We also noted the line in the reporter’s article, published today on the Rotorua Daily Post website, stating “Skipwith also held concerns the infrastructure planned – a tank – to be built on the fenced-off berm would encroach on iwi land.”
We noted that there was no “tank” being constructed but a pump station that would not be near Lake Rotokakahi and would be installed near the Tarawera Waste Transfer Station in Council’s legal road corridor.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Radio Waatea
Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme pipeline protest
Enquiry
Radio Waatea requested an interview about the Tarawera sewerage scheme protest with someone who could speak te reo Māori
Response
We declined the interview but provided the following from General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Stavros Michael:
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 this week (wc 19 August) to continue works on the road corridor that Council is legally permitted to install water, stormwater and wastewater pipelines within.
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 groundwater into Lake Tarawera which is unacceptable to all parties.
We understand some do not support the pipeline running along Tarawera Road and we acknowledge people’s right to peaceful protest. However, Council 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 community.
The Cultural Impact Assessments and Archaeological Report recommended the road corridor as the risk of disturbing archaeological sites within existing road reserves is very low. There are archaeological monitoring protocols in place.
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.
The scheme has been 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.
We also clarified the following which appear in the Rotokākahi Board of Control’s media release:
“Skipwith says that the iwi have proposed alternatives to the council, such as rerouting the pipeline so as not to disturb the kōiwi (bones) buried in the area.”
The Cultural Impact Assessments and Archaeological Report recommended the road corridor as the risk of disturbing archaeological sites within existing road reserves is very low. There are archaeological monitoring protocols in place.
“This injunction was denied, with Judge Stephen Clark stating that “There is currently no ongoing concerning behaviour.”
The injunction was not denied, was adjourned indefinitely. The indefinite adjournment of the injunction application means it can be renewed on an urgent basis if needed in future.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Radio NZ
Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme pipeline protest
Enquiry
I’m following up a statement from Tūhourangi, Ngāti Tūmatawera about the council failing to listen to iwi concerns on the placement for the Tarawera Wastewater Reticulation Scheme. I also understand the iwi is currently occupying the land in protest.
Can you please answer the following for me:
- How has council responded to mana whenua concerns about the location of the pipeline?
- How is council planning to response to the current peaceful protest?
Response
From General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Stavros Michael:
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 this week (wc 19 August) 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.
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 groundwater into Lake Tarawera which is unacceptable to all parties.
We understand some do not support the pipeline running along Tarawera Road and we acknowledge people’s right to peaceful protest. However, the safety of contractors, road users, the protection of public assets and avoiding costly delays is paramount.
The scheme has been 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 as the risk of disturbing archaeological sites within existing road reserves is very low. There are archaeological monitoring protocols in place. Council 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 community.
Subsequent request from reporter:
Can I please have a copy of the Cultural Impact Assessments and Archaeological Report or is this on your website? If so where abouts please?
Response
We provided the requested reports:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: The Platform
Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme pipeline protest
Enquiry
A producer from The Platform asked if someone could go on air with presenter Leah Panapa to discuss the iwi protest over the Tarawera sewerage scheme pipeline
Response
An on air interview was politely declined but the following statement was provided from General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Stavros Michael:
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 this week (wc 19 August) 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.
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 groundwater into Lake Tarawera which is unacceptable to all parties.
We understand some do not support the pipeline running along Tarawera Road and we acknowledge people’s right to peaceful protest. However, the safety of contractors, road users, the protection of public assets and avoiding costly delays is paramount.
The scheme has been 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 as the risk of disturbing archaeological sites within existing road reserves is very low. There are archaeological monitoring protocols in place. Council 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 community.
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.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Emergency housing consent applications
Enquiry
Following on from the Daily Post’s enquiry earlier this week about emergency housing consent applications, including a request for the total number of submissions received, we subsequently informed the reporter that the number provided was not the final tally and we would provide updated information
Response
Today we provided the following updated information:
As of 16 August 2024, 35 individuals/groups lodged submissions on one or more of the applications. The 35 submitters made a total of 174 submissions across the seven applications.
These numbers are subject to change should we receive and submissions via the post.
