Gisborne District Council will be preparing to develop a Catchment Plan for the Hangaroa-Ruakituri catchment as part of its implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.
The Hangaroa-Ruakituri, or Southern, Catchment Plan will also include the Mangahauini and smaller adjacent coastal catchments within the Gisborne region. The plan will set the regulatory and non regulatory framework for water quality and quantity within the catchment that will eventually sit within the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan.
Timeline for 2024
This catchment planning process is due to start in 2024
Development of the Hangatoa-Ruakituri Catchment Plan will:
- Ensure the mauri and values of waterways are recognised, protected and enhanced.
- Ensure the interests and rights of tangata whenua are reflected in the plan.
- Ensure residents and stakeholders have opportunities to inform how water will be managed.
- Provide clear direction for sustainable management of freshwater in the catchment.
Engagement with tangata whenua
Tikanga, mātauranga, kaitiakitanga and the aspirations of mana whenua are essential for designing the values, objectives, limits and activities in the catchment plan.
Community Engagement
We'll hold community workshops with residents and whānau from the catchment communities. All meetings are open to everyone.
Through community engagement we will:
- Identify issues and values of waterbodies in the catchment
- Map freshwater management units (FMU)
- Formulate objectives
- Set targets
- Set limits for water quality and quantity
- Outline non-regulatory projects that support achieving objectives and targets
The catchment plans should be ready for public notification by the end of 2026.
Map of the Hangaroa-Ruakituri (Southern) Catchment
How to get involved
- Check for any open engagements - kōrero mai via our engagement portal
- Ask us a question - email the team at [email protected]
- Sign up for Council News | He Pānui - using this form.