Limiting nitrogen loss to lake

Consultation on the development of draft rules to limit nitrogen loss from rural land in the Lake Rotorua catchment has begun.

Rural landowners, iwi and the wider community are invited to have their say on the draft rules, which support the work of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme - a partnership between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Rotorua District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The draft rules set out how nitrogen discharge allowances will be allocated to individual rural properties using a mix of resource consents and permitted activities. 

The rules are likely to affect all properties across two hectares in the Lake Rotorua groundwater catchment.

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group chairman Sir Toby Curtis says the draft rules have been developed in collaboration with the Lake Rotorua Stakeholder Advisory Group throughout the last 18 months, and are vital for the ongoing health of Lake Rotorua. 

“The nitrogen reductions needed for Lake Rotorua are large and challenging.  We all contribute nutrients which affect water quality and we must all play a part in improving and protecting these taonga for the future.”

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chairman Doug Leeder wants to recognise the work already done by farmers in the catchment, but says to reach the nitrogen limit for the lake rules are needed for further nitrogen reductions.

“Landowners will have until 2032 to meet limits that will be set for each property. We know that it is not going to be easy and we will provide support and advice to help them achieve their nitrogen discharge allowances.”

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, vice-chair of the strategy group, says input from landowners and the wider community is vital.

“We need a future that includes both a healthy lake and farming in the catchment.  Through collaboration and community engagement we need to make sure the rules are workable to deliver the water quality the community wants, as well as profitable farming in the catchment.”

Lake Rotorua Stakeholder Advisory Group chairman Dr Tanira Kingi of AgResearch says collaboration between StAG and the programme partners was instrumental in getting the draft rules ready for consultation.

“Developing rules to limit farm nitrogen losses is complex.  StAG has worked alongside the Regional Council to draft rules that are practical and able to meet the 2032 nitrogen target. 

“We have considered how the rules affect farm profits and we need more information on the wider economic impacts. Meanwhile, I urge landowners to get involved and have their say on the draft rules.” 

Information is being sent to landowners and an open day is on Wednesday, July 30 at the Novotel, midday to 7pm.

Briefing sessions are also being hosted by Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Federated Farmers, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ for their members.

Public consultation on the draft rules ends October 14, 2014. 

Feedback will be assessed by the Regional Council and discussed with StAG. 

The revised draft rules will go before councillors in December in preparation to formally notify proposed rules in March 2015.

Go to www.rotorualakes.co.nz for information about the draft rules and how you can have your say.


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