Taharua/Mohaka Water Interests Taking Action

A big step has been taken towards addressing water quality issues of the upper Mohaka and Taharua Rivers with the formation of the Taharua Stakeholder Group.

This group will work in partnership with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to develop long-term solutions. It initially includes all catchment landowners, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Dairy NZ, all relevant iwi, Fish & Game, Department of Conservation, Taupo District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

It builds upon a previous partnership formed in 2007 between landowners and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council after issues about water quality were identified in 2006. Several informal information-sharing meetings had been held over the past year.

At a meeting in mid-October attended by landowners, Federated Farmers and Fish & Game, Regional Council staff outlined current science investigations and the policy direction recently taken by Council. The Council’s preferred approach at present is for an effects-based regulatory framework with agreed environmental targets. These targets would be met through ongoing, adaptive management of farm practices.

“Everyone who attended the meeting was really committed to the partnership approach, as there are issues that need addressing and they want be fully involved in developing solutions. They have all agreed to a partnership approach with open communication, as this is much more likely to achieve outcomes that benefit everyone,” said Helen Codlin, Strategic Development Group Manager for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

Iain Maxwell of HB Fish and Game said: “Fish and Game New Zealand are pleased to be part of this process and look forward to contributing towards the recovery of one the North Island’s most iconic water bodies. It has been satisfying to see the various agencies and landowners come together and begin looking at solutions to this issue.”

“Federated Farmers wants to be involved in the development of solutions to nutrient loss into the Taharua River catchment for the benefit of all stakeholders,” said Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay Chairman, Kevin Mitchell.

Jan Hania, Department of Conservation Area Manager Hawke’s Bay, also commented that the partnership initiated through the Taharua Stakeholder Group will be key in progressing sound, long term outcomes in protecting water quality in the Mohaka Catchment. “There are difficult challenges ahead that can only be tackled through thoroughly understanding the issues and impacts of landuse, the perspectives of the various stakeholders and the tools that are available to develop real solutions,” he said.

There was a commitment by the group to achieving a decisive and long lasting solution for this catchment. As land ownership changes, any effective solution will need stay in place without being dependent on who happens to own land in the catchment at any particular time.

“The group recognises that action needs to be taken promptly to hopefully provide landowners with certainty,” says Steve Smith, General Manager, Poronui Station.

The expanded Taharua Stakeholder Group will meet again later this month.