Sent: Wednesday, 25 September 2024 9:49 am
Subject: LGOIMA request for documentation on alternative routes for the Tarawera Sewerage pipeline
I refer to your Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request of 31 August 2024 regarding documentation on alternative routes for the Tarawera Sewerage pipeline, and respond to your specific requests below:
1. Documentation on all alternative routes or solutions considered for the sewage pipeline that would avoid culturally significant sites, including Lake Rotokākahi.
Please find attached the following documents:
There is also information on the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme project page on Council’s website which refers to the ‘Sewerage Scheme options – estimated costing summary’ – refer to the Quick links at the bottom of the page.
The Tarawera Steering Committee explored the options for sewerage management at Tarawera, and included representatives from: Tūhourangi Tribal Authority (TTA), Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Māori land owners, the Lake Tarawera Ratepayers Association, Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) and Rotorua Lakes Council. A current member of the Rotokākahi Board of Control (RBOC) was part of this steering group.
The Tarawera Sewerage Steering Committee selected a preferred option in 2018 with input from various iwi entities. Following this, a Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) was commissioned and executed by manawhenua to gather feedback from all relevant mana whenua stakeholders, including the RBOC. The CIA incorporated the RBOC’s views and feedback. The CIA identified some concerns related to the route, and these concerns were incorporated into the project’s operational procedures. While opposition to the pipeline was noted, the Council's decision to proceed with the adopted option took into account several considerations, including the need for effective and efficient solutions, achieving environmental and health objectives, and managing costs for the wider community. The Steering Committee, which included iwi and community representatives, unanimously recommended the preferred option, which involves using low-pressure grinder pumps and connecting to Rotorua through the Tarawera Road corridor. Arriving at the preferred option was the result of careful and balanced consideration of all technical, cultural, financial and planning factors.
2. Records detailing the reasons for rejecting any proposed alternatives that were deemed less impactful on cultural and environmental sites, particularly those in the vicinity of Lake Rotokākahi.
As advised above, the Tarawera Sewerage Steering Committee selected a preferred option in 2018 with input from various iwi entities. Refer to the minutes of the Tarawera Steering Committee.
