Okere Adventures Okere Falls Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Concession and Resource Consent for Commercial Recreation 18728AP2 15 May 2019 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Concession and Resource Consent for Commercial Recreation Prepared by: Ella Tennent Senior Planner MNZPI Reviewed and Approved for Release by: Sarah Hunt Senior Planner MNZPI Date: Reference: Status: 15 May 2019 18728AP2 Final This document supersedes all previous issues and is the property of Cheal Consultants Limited. Any unauthorised employment or reproduction, in full or part is forbidden. This document has been prepared for a specific purpose for the above client and shall not be used for any other unauthorised purpose. Cheal Consultants Limited does not acknowledge any duty of care or responsibility to any other party. © Cheal Consultants Limited TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.  2.  3.  4.  INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 6  SITE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................... 6  Activity Site ................................................................................................................................................... 6  Parking and Check-in Sites ...................................................................................................................... 11  Surrounding Environment ......................................................................................................................... 13  2.1  2.2  2.3  DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL ........................................................................................................... 15  Proposal Details ......................................................................................................................................... 15  Structures .................................................................................................................................................... 16  Services ....................................................................................................................................................... 19  Vegetation Clearance ............................................................................................................................. 19  Access and Parking .................................................................................................................................. 19  Signage ....................................................................................................................................................... 21  Earthworks ................................................................................................................................................... 22  3.1  3.2  3.3  3.4  3.5  3.6  3.7  STATUTORY CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................................ 22  Reserves Act 1977...................................................................................................................................... 22  Resource Management Act 1991 .......................................................................................................... 24  National Policy Statements ...................................................................................................................... 25  National Environmental Standards ......................................................................................................... 25  4.1  4.2  4.3  4.4  5.  DISTRICT PLAN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................ 28  6.   CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................................ 28  7.   ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ................................................................................... 30  7.1  Introduction to Effects .............................................................................................................................. 30  7.2  Permitted Baseline ..................................................................................................................................... 30  7.3  Ecological Effects ...................................................................................................................................... 31  7.4  Landscape Effects..................................................................................................................................... 31  7.5  Noise Effects ............................................................................................................................................... 34  7.6  Cultural Effects ........................................................................................................................................... 34  7.7  Effects on Recreational Values ............................................................................................................... 34  7.8  Traffic Effects .............................................................................................................................................. 35  7.9  Parking......................................................................................................................................................... 35  7.10  Health and Safety ..................................................................................................................................... 35  7.11  Character and Amenity ........................................................................................................................... 36  7.12  Social and Economic Effects ................................................................................................................... 36  7.13  Summary ..................................................................................................................................................... 37  8.  9.  RELEVANT POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................... 37  Rotorua Lakes Recreation Strategy ........................................................................................................ 37  Bay of Plenty Conservation Management Strategy ............................................................................ 38  Rotorua District Plan, Part 10 – Reserves, Community Assets and Water ......................................... 42  Rotorua District Plan – Rural Zone ........................................................................................................... 43  District Plan Residential Zone ................................................................................................................... 45  Summary ..................................................................................................................................................... 46  8.1  8.2  8.3  8.4  8.5  8.6  SECTION 104D CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................................. 47  3 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 10.  NOTIFICATION .................................................................................................................................. 47  10.1  Concession Notification ........................................................................................................................... 47  10.2  Resource Consent Public Notification ................................................................................................... 47  10.3  Resource Consent Limited Notification ................................................................................................. 48  11.  RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS........................................................................................................ 49  12.  RMA PART II ...................................................................................................................................... 51  13.  CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................... 52  Appendices – 1. Record of Title 2. Plans 3. Ecological Assessment from Wildlands 4. Traffic Impact Assessment from Traffessionals 5. Preliminary Design Comments from Avalon Geotechnical Services 6. Written approvals 7. HAIL comments from Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) 8. DoC Concession Application Forms 9. Okere Business Plan 10. Safety Operation Plan (draft) 4 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 APPLICATION DETAILS Authority: Department of Conservation and Rotorua Lakes Council The Applicant: Okere Adventures Address for Service: Cheal Consultants Limited, PO Box 396, Rotorua 3040 Address for Invoice: Okere Adventures, PO Box 969, Rotorua 3040 Site Details: Recreation Sites: Street Address .............................................. Trout Pool Road Legal Description ......................................... Sections 7-8 BLK VI Rotoiti SD Record of Title .............................................. SA53B/482 Area .............................................................. 19.2372ha District Plan Zoning ...................................... Reserve 1 – Conservation Reserve Owner/Status .............................................. Scenic Reserve Street Address .............................................. 811 State Highway 33, Okere Falls Legal Description ......................................... Taheke Papakinga 30 Block Record of Title .............................................. SA25D/902 Area .............................................................. 20.3430ha Zoning ........................................................... Rural 1 – Working Rural Owners .......................................................... The Proprietors of Okere 1B3C3 and adjoining blocks (Maori Freehold Land) Parking Site: Street Address .............................................. unnamed Maori roadway, Okere Falls Legal Description ......................................... Okere 1B3C3B2 Record of Title .............................................. SA41D/238 Area .............................................................. 1,232m2 Zoning ........................................................... Residential 4 Owners ......................................................... Rawiri Te Putu Raiwhara Kingi Activity for which Consent is sought: A Concession (lease/licence) and resource consent are sought to establish a commercial recreation activity within the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. The proposal is a non-complying activity under the Rotorua District Plan. 5 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 1. INTRODUCTION A concession and resource consent are sought to establish a zipline activity within the Okere Scenic Reserve and crossing over to the adjacent Maori owned rural land. The applicant is Okere Adventures which is a joint venture between the operator of Rotorua Rafting and Maori landowners from Ngati Hinekiri and Ngati Hinerangi. Parking is to be established on a privately-owned site. Customer check-in and preparation will occur in conjunction with Rotorua Rafting’s existing site which is accessed from a Maori roadway. Minimal disturbance to existing indigenous vegetation is anticipated and new riparian plantings are proposed to form part of the tour activity. Landscape effects will be minimised by using small, low platforms and avoiding the need for new buildings. In accordance with Section 88 of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the Conservation Act 1987, the following report provides a site description, description of the proposal, consideration of the relevant rules and standards, Environmental Impact Assessment/Assessment of Environmental Effects and consideration of the relevant objectives and policies of the District Plan and the Conservation Management Strategy. Conditions of approval are discussed and lastly the proposal is assessed against Part 2 of the RMA. Appended to this report are the plans, Assessment of Potential Ecological Effects from Wildland Consultants and the Traffic Impact Assessment from Traffessionals. 2. SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1 Activity Site The ziplines are to be located over the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve and the adjacent Maori rural land to the east. The Okere Falls Scenic Reserve contains a popular short walk, the remnants of an old hydro electric power station and sites of cultural value. A ridge walk has recently been constructed which allows for a loop track. The reserve is Crown land administered by the Department of Conservation and governed by the Lake Rotoiti Scenic Reserve Board who is mandated to control and manage the reserve (Gazette No. 63 on 15 June 2017). The Kaituna River flows through the site and currently there are five commercial operators providing rafting tours on the river. The walk through the small reserve is popular due to its proximity to Rotorua, accessibility from a State Highway, easy distance and gradient for walking, scenic waterfall and river views, historical information provided along the walk, indigenous forest and ability to observe the river rafting. The reserve contains a large public carpark. A cycleway from Paengaroa to Okere Falls is nearing construction completion. An archaeological site is identified at the south western boundary of the site (U15/636), which is identified as a house floor. H1.39 is also identified on the subject site which is described in the District Plan as ‘Steps down to the former Government Power Works’. Despite being a Scenic Reserve, the site is not an Outstanding Natural Feature or Landscape or a Significant Natural Area as defined by the District Plan. 6 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 The Department of Conservation website describes the reserve as: This reserve has significant Maori cultural and spiritual value and features the waterfalls of the Kaituna River, including the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. History and culture Flowing through the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, which is rich in resources, the Kaituna River has been highly valued by the people of the area for centuries. This reserve has significant Maori cultural and spiritual value. The river name ‘Kaituna’ (kai = food, tuna = eels) reveals much about its significance as a food source. Below the four main waterfalls are numerous with large eel holes. Further down the river, whitebait were caught in great numbers, koura (freshwater crayfish) were another local delicacy. Innumerable battles have been fought on its shores to guard the important food sources. The river was the site of New Zealand's first hydro-electic power station. It is the traditional river of Ngati Pikiao, who have made their home here for many years. In 1984, the Waitangi Tribunal confirmed Ngati Pikiao as the traditional owners of the river.1 Source: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/bay-of-plenty/places/okere-falls-scenic-reserve/ retrieved 31 March 2019 7 /52 1 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 The sites are identified in Image 1 below. Rural land subject to proposal Okere Falls Reserve Reserve carpark Image 1: Subject site (Source: Geyserview, RLC) The subject site is zoned as Reserve 1 – Conservation Reserves, which are described in the District Plan as publicly owned land administered by the Crown and the Rotorua District Council and includes esplanade reserve areas and strips. The conservation reserves include areas of native bush and unique biodiversity areas that are nationally and regionally significant such as Mt Ngōngōtahā Scenic Reserve. Conservation reserves have a range of highly valued cultural and historical characteristics that are worth protecting for future generations and provide for recreation activities and public access to water bodies. The site is outside of the Airport Obstacle Clearance Limitation Surface as shown in Image 2 below. Signage within the reserve advises that local Maori were involved in the early development of tourism in the area and operated a ferry across the top of the river before the bridge was constructed. Local guides took tourists to the lake and river. The Okere River has hosted tourists for over 100 years and was originally developed as a spa resort. Photos of the reserve are included below. 8 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Image 2: Path to viewing area below proposed zipline 1 Image 3: Okere Falls Image 4: Okere Falls Reserve Carpark Image 5: Former power station site 9 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Image 6: Rotorua Airport Clearance to Obstacle Limitation Surface Image 7: District Plan Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes An ‘Assessment of potential ecological effects for a proposed zipline at Okere’ has been completed by Wildlands and is enclosed in Appendix 3. The report advises that the reserve has a high level of human use from the existing walking tracks and river-based activities. The cultural and ecological significance of the Kaituna River is a key reason for the location of the proposed zipline attraction. 10 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 2.2 Parking and Check-in Sites It is proposed to utilise the existing Rotorua Rafting site for customer check-ins. The Rotorua Rafting site is located at 761 State Highway 33 and accessed via an unnamed sealed Maori roadway. The roadway is a short no-exit road serving a small number of rural and lifestyle lots. The State Highway is particularly wide in this location with two lanes, a central median, parallel parking on the lake side of the road and a large side median on the west side of the road – resulting in a total formed width of almost 19 metres adjacent the intersection. The Rotorua Rafting site contains a large barn style building and covered deck, used for customer check-ins. The site also contains approximately 18 sealed parks and indigenous amenity plantings. A small stream/drain is located on the north side of the Rotorua Rafting site and two stream crossings provide access to the Rotorua Rafting parking area from the Maori roadway. Parking for Okere Adventures will be in the paddock north of the Rotorua Rafting site (Okere 1B3C3B2 owned by Rawiri Kingi and 1232m2). The area is flat with a gentle grade towards the south. A gate and gravel access are already formed to the site from the east boundary which is delineated with a hedge. Post and wire fencing is established on the north boundary. The flat area available for parking is approximately 20m x 40m – providing for approximately 20 car parks. The south boundary is not fenced. The parking site is within the Residential 4 Zone and is outside of the Lake Rotoiti flood level identified in the Rotorua District Plan. North of the parking area is a 4ha site, Okere 1B3C3B3B, which is owned by the same owners as the rural site which is to contain 2 ziplines and riparian planting. This site can be utilised for additional parking if demand exceeds the capacity of the 1,232m2 parking site. This site is within the Rural 1 Zone. At the State Highway intersection with Okere Falls Road (which becomes Trout Pool Road and is used to access the reserve), there are ‘no parking’ yellow lines on the lake side of the State Highway, a central turning median, two lanes and a very wide side median for vehicles turning left into the road (such as vehicles travelling from the Rotorua Rafting check-in site to the Scenic Reserve) – resulting in a formed width of approximately 12 metres. The road has a posted speed limit of 70km/hr. Although there have been no serious crashes in the locality recently, safety improvements have been approved by NZTA and potentially the speed limit will be reduced to 60km/hr. 11 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Image 8: Rotorua Rafting building and parking Image 9: Okere Adventures proposed parking area 12 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Proposed Parking Overflow Parking Access to Reserve Rotorua Rafting site Unnamed Maori Roadway Image 10: Proposed car parking location Image 11: Lake Rotoiti Flood Level (Rotorua District Plan) 2.3 Surrounding Environment The surrounding area is comprised of the lakefront settlement, rural and forestry land. The popular Okere Falls Store is located to the south of the Rotorua Rafting premises, with one residential site located between the two businesses. Further south, residential sites line the State Highway on its west side and to the east of the road is the Okere Arm of Lake Rotoiti. Adjoining the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve on its north boundary is the Council owned Trout Pools Reserve. The Trout Pools Reserve is designated (RDC835) for ‘destination’ but zoned Rural 1. The reserve is the location that rafts exit the river. It contains a large sealed carpark, shown in the following image. Potentially visitors do not make the distinction between the Council reserve and the Okere Falls Reserve, although a change to the walking path style and width is evident onsite. North of the Trout Pools Reserve is a Significant Natural Area (Upper Kaituna 678 reference in the District Plan) over the Kaituna River and its margins. 13 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Adjoining the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve on its south boundary is the Hinerangi Urupa. To the east of the Hinerangi Urupa is the Taheke 8C Development Area (District Plan notation) although this area is currently part of the farm. West of Okere Falls Road is Hoko Road which contains a commercial site and a small number of residential sites elevated above the surrounding land and set amongst native vegetation. Image 12: District Plan Map 370 14 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Image 13: View from the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve ridge track of Trout Pools Reserve carpark and surrounding rural and forestry land 3. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL 3.1 Proposal Details It is proposed to establish and operate a zipline recreational activity over the Okere Scenic Reserve and the neighbouring Maori rural land to the east. Customers will pay online and prepare at the existing Rotorua Rafting premises (with new parking to be established on a neighbouring site) and then will be transported by van to the first zipline. Six ziplines are proposed with small entry and exit platforms, resulting in a total of twelve platforms. Ten platforms will be within the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve and two platforms will be located on the adjacent rural land. Included with the proposal is planting of riparian indigenous vegetation as part of the tours, within both the reserve and the rural land. Tours are proposed to operate every 30 minutes (with a minimum booking requirement) from 8am to 5pm then 7pm to 9pm weather conditions permitting, 7 days a week. The full tour is to take approximately 3 hours and the tour duration may be reduced for the evening tours. Tour groups will include up to 10 participants, therefore the activity can cater for up to 70 participants at once if all tours are fully booked. 15 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 3.2 Structures It is proposed to construct low timber platforms at the entry and exit of each zipline. The ‘T’ shaped platforms will be approximately 900 to 945mm wide and 2.745 to 2.9m long and 5m2. The height of the platforms will be kept low, at a maximum of approximately 500mm. Each end of the ziplines will be supported by a post of approximately 500mm above ground level and the ‘zipline’ will consist of a 12mm diameter galvanised wire rope with three anchors and a smaller safety wire rope. Image 14: Typical cross section of zipline and platform Image 15: Artist’s impression of zipline anchors 16 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Image 16: Cross section of anchors The below image from the Rotorua District Plan shows that the site is within Zone A in regards to soft ground potential. Zone A is described as – Areas of volcanic-derived rock and soils. Volcanic processes by their very nature are high-energy. No soft ground is expected in Zone A as the dominant processes preclude the conditions necessary for its development. The site is not affected by fault lines but is potentially susceptible to landslides. The landslide risk is mitigated by the vegetated nature of the land. The method of anchoring the cables allows for adjustment at the time of construction which avoids the need for preliminary geotechnical testing and assessment. A statement of preliminary design comments from Avalon Geotechnical Services is appended. Image 17: Rotorua District Plan, Areas of Soft Ground Potential 17 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 I Image 17: Rotorua District Plan, Areas of Potential Fault Line Impact Image 18: Rotorua District Plan, Geothermal Systems Image 19: Rotorua District Plan, Landslide Potential 18 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 3.3 Services Services are not required within the reserve or rural land. The existing Rotorua Rafting site includes customer toilets which will be available to zipline customers also, avoiding the need for any new water and wastewater connections. A reticulated wastewater system serves the community. Water is provided to Rotorua Rafting premises by a spring and no notable increase in water demand is expected from the zipline activity. The activity does not require any additional power or phone connections. 3.4 Vegetation Clearance Vegetation clearance will be required for the formation of the proposed tracks, platforms and trimming of vegetation will be required for some of the ziplines. Detail is provided in the appended report from Wildlands. 3.5 Access and Parking In order to avoid the requirement for additional buildings, it is proposed to utilise the Rotorua Rafting building and premises located at 761 SH33 for customer check-in, safety briefings, fitting of safety gear and storage of safety equipment. This allows an efficient use of resources. Customer and staff parking will be provided in the area neighbouring the Rotorua Rafting carpark (Okere 1B3C3B2). Although the parcel is approximately 1232m2 the area proposed for parking is a regular shaped and flat area of approximately 800m2. It is proposed to form the parking and access in gravel prior to commencing zipline tours and retaining the remaining land in grass. The formed parking will provide for approximately 20 parks, based on Rotorua District Plan’s parking dimensions (NZS). Amenity planting will be undertaken around the perimeter of the parking area during the first planting season after construction. The plantings will be native and similar to the landscaping that has been established at the Rotorua Rafting parking area. Stormwater will be managed to avoid erosion or flooding of neighbouring sites. The Maori roadway sealed width will be extended in accordance with the recommendations of the appended Traffic Impact Assessment. Tour participants will arrive at the parking site either via a shuttle from Rotorua or by private motor vehicle. A shuttle is operated by Rotorua Rafting and they estimate approximately 30% of customers use this service which avoids the need for parking for these customers. Check-in, safety equipment fitting etc will then take place at the Rotorua Rafting premises before the tour group is transferred to the Scenic Reserve main carpark on Okere Falls Road/Trout Pool Road via van. Once the tour is complete (approximately 3 hours), Okere Adventures will return participants to their parked car or to Rotorua. Based on the Rotorua Rafting experience, the nature of the activity results in a higher number of occupants per private motor vehicle than usual, as tours are booked in advance and most participants choose to undertake the tour with a group of friends or associates which lends itself to carpooling. 19 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Image 20: Proposed parking location Image 21: Unnamed Maori Roadway, looking towards the state highway intersection 20 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Image 22: Looking south at the State Highway from the intersection Image 23: Looking east at the State Highway from the intersection (towards the Okere Falls Road intersection) 3.6 Signage No additional signs are proposed. The existing Rotorua Rafting signs shall be amended to provide for the zipline also, without increasing the size of the signs. The text will comply with the NZTA requirements. 21 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Image 24: Existing Rotorua Rafting Signage 3.7 Earthworks No major earthworks are required to give effect to the proposal. The cables will be secured with a drilled anchor system which avoids the need for earthworks to construct large foundations. The ziplines have been designed to work with the natural landform to avoid earthworks or elevated platforms. Proposed walkways will be formed to provide for single file access. Steps may be required in some places. The longest walkway proposed (approximately 320m) is on the rural land with some of the proposed walkway already formed as a farm track. Sediment and erosion controls will be installed where necessary during the construction of the track over the rural land. 4. STATUTORY CONSIDERATIONS 4.1 Reserves Act 1977 19 Scenic Reserves (1) It is hereby declared that the appropriate provisions of this Act shall have effect, in relation to reserves classified as scenic reserves— (a) For the purpose of protecting and preserving in perpetuity for their intrinsic worth and for the benefit, enjoyment and use of the public, suitable areas possessing such qualities of scenic interest, beauty or natural features or landscape that their protection and preservation are desirable in the public interest. (b) For the purpose of providing, in appropriate circumstances, suitable areas which by development and the introduction of flora, whether indigenous or exotic, will become of such scenic interest or beauty that their development, protection and preservation are desirable in the public interest. 22 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 (2) It is hereby further declared that every scenic reserve classified for the purposes specified in subsection (1)(a) shall be so administered and maintained under the appropriate provisions of this Act that— (a) Except where the Minister otherwise determines, the indigenous flora and fauna, ecological associations and natural environment and beauty shall as far as possible be preserve, and for this purpose, except where the Minister otherwise determines, exotic flora and fauna shall as far as possible be exterminated. (b) The public shall have freedom of entry and access to the reserve, subject to the specific powers conferred on administering bodies by sections 55 and 56, to any bylaws under this Act applying to the reserve and to such conditions and restrictions as the administering body considers to be necessary for the protection and well-being of the reserve and for the protection and control of the public using it. (c) To the extent compatible with the principal or primary purposes of the retention and preservation of the natural or scenic values, open portions of the reserve may be developed for amenities and facilities where these are necessary to enable the public to obtain benefit and enjoyment from the reserve. (d) Where historic, archaeological, geological, biological or other scientific features are present in the reserve, those features shall be managed and protected to the extent compatible with the principal or primary purpose of the reserve: provided that nothing in this paragraph shall authorise the doing of anything with respect to fauna that would contravene any provision of the Wildlife Act 1953 or any regulations or Proclamation or notification under that Act or the doing of anything with respect to archaeological features in any reserve that would contravene any provision of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. (e) To the extent compatible with the principal or primary purpose of the reserve, its value as a soil, water and forest conservation area shall be maintained. (3) It is hereby further declared that every scenic reserve classified for the purposes specified in subsection (1)(b) shall be so administered and maintained under the appropriate provisions of this Act that— (a) Except where the Minister otherwise determines, the flora and fauna, ecological associations and natural environment and beauty shall as far as possible be preserved. (b) The public shall have freedom of entry and access to the reserve, subject to the specific powers conferred on administering bodies by sections 55 and 56, to any bylaws under this Act applying to the reserve and to such conditions and restrictions as the administering body considers to be necessary for the protection and well-being of the reserve and for the protection and control of the public using it. (c) To the extent compatible with the principal or primary purposes of the retention and preservation of the natural or scenic values, open portions of the reserve may be developed for amenities and facilities where these are necessary to enable the public to obtain benefit and enjoyment from the reserve. (d) Where historic, archaeological, geological, biological or other scientific features are present in the reserve, those features shall be managed and protected to the extent compatible with the principal or primary purpose of the reserve: provided that nothing in this paragraph shall authorise the doing of anything with respect to fauna that would contravene any provision of the Wildlife Act 1953 or any regulations or Proclamation or notification under that Act or the doing of anything with respect to archaeological features in any reserve that would contravene any provision of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. (e) To the extent compatible with the principal or primary purpose of the reserve, its value as a soil, water and forest conservation area shall be maintained. 23 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 It is considered the proposal is consistent with the provisions outlined above from Section 19 of the Reserves Act 1977. The proposal does not conflict with the purpose of the reserve and the applicant will contribute to the control of exotic pest species. Freedom of entry to the reserve will not be affected. The proposed facilities will enable the public to obtain additional benefit and enjoyment from the reserve in accordance with (2)(c). Disturbance to archaeological sites is not proposed. The report from Wildlands shows that there will be some minor loss of vegetation however new indigenous planting will be undertaken and pest control has the potential for ecological benefits. The proposal has been designed to avoid the need for large structures or landform modification, thereby protecting the beauty of the reserve. 4.2 Resource Management Act 1991 Part 6 Section 88 of the RMA allows any person to make a resource consent application, provided it is in the prescribed form and includes, in accordance with Schedule 4, an assessment of environmental effects in such detail as corresponds with the scale and significance of the effects that the activity may have on the environment. Schedule 4 of the RMA lists those matters that should and must be included in an assessment of environmental effects, as well those matters that should be considered. These matters are referenced throughout the body of this report confirming that the application meets all the requirements of Section 88. In accordance with Section 104(1) and when considering an application for a resource consent and any submissions received, the consent authority must, subject to Part 2 of the RMA, have regard to: a) Any actual and potential effects on the environment of allowing the activity; and ab) Any measure proposed or agreed to by the applicant for the purpose of ensuring positive effects on the environment to offset or compensate for any adverse effects on the environment that will or may result from allowing the activity; and b) Any relevant provisions of: i) A national environmental standard. ii) Other regulations. iii) A national policy statement. iv) A New Zealand coastal policy statement. v) A regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement. vi) A plan or proposed plan; and c) Any other matter the consent authority considers relevant and reasonably necessary to determine the application. The carparking is considered a non-complying activity in the Residential 4 Zone and the ziplines are a discretionary activity in the Reserve and Rural Zones. Section 104D of the RMA applies to non-complying activities and prescribes that consent can only be granted if either the adverse effects are minor or the activity is not contrary to the objectives and policies of the plan. 24 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 In terms of addressing the requirements of the RMA, an assessment of environmental effects is provided in Section 7 of this report where it has been considered the effects on both the immediate and surrounding area are less than minor. The District Plan objectives and policies are discussed in Section 8 of this report. Based on these assessments, it is considered that the application is able to be granted. 4.3 National Policy Statements There are currently five National Policy Statements being:      National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission. National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation. New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement. National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity. The National Policy Statements are not considered relevant to the proposal. 4.4 National Environmental Standards There are currently the following national environmental standards:       National Environmental Standards for Air Quality. National Environmental Standard for Sources of Drinking Water. National Environmental Standards for Telecommunication Facilities. National Environmental Standard for Electricity Transmission Activities. National Environmental Standards for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health. National Environment Standards for Plantation Forestry. Only the National Environmental Standards for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health (NESCS) is considered relevant to this proposal. The NESCS controls the following activities: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Removing or replacing all or part of, a fuel storage system. Sampling the soil. Disturbing the soil. Subdividing the land. Changing the land use. Some soil disturbance will be required for the formation of new walking tracks. The rural land (with two ziplines and a walking track between) and residential 4 land (parking area) is not considered a HAIL site. Both sites have been used for grazing without any evidence of previous sheep dips or other potential HAIL activities. 25 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 In regards to the reserve, the site used to contain a hydro power station. The station was constructed between 1899 and 1901 and was the New Zealand government’s first hydro-electric power scheme; built to power Rotorua which was a major tourism centre2. The station was closed in September 1939 and dismantled during the early 1940s. As the site has previously been a power station (B4 on the HAIL list), it is considered that areas of the site which were subject to the activity are considered a ‘piece of land’. The previous power station site is evident onsite and immediately adjacent to and sometimes within, the flow of the river. Soil disturbance within this area is not proposed. The soil disturbance required within the reserve is very minor in scale and can comply with the permitted activity standards for soil disturbance under the NESCS if necessary. None of the zipline anchors or platforms are within close proximity of the historical power station site. A change in land use under the NESCS is when the proposed use creates more sensitivity to contaminated soil than the existing use. The site is used for recreational purposes currently and the proposed zipline will not increase the sensitivity to contaminated soil and therefore is not considered a ‘change of land use’ under the NESCS. Accordingly, resource consent or further assessment under the NESCS is not required. Image 25: 1944 aerial photo of reserve and surrounding rural land1 Source: Engineering New Zealand – Okere Falls work/heritage/heritage-records/okere-falls-power-station/ 2 Power Station https://www.engineeringnz.org/our26 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Image 26: 1967 aerial photo of reserve and surrounding rural land3 Image 27: 1980 aerial photo of reserve and surrounding rural land4 3 4 Source: Retrolens Source: Retrolens 27 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 5. DISTRICT PLAN REQUIREMENTS The subject sites are contained within three different zones - the Reserve Zone, the Rural 1 Zone and the Residential 4 Zone. The sites are identified on Planning Map 370 of the Rotorua District Plan. The sites are not subject to any District Plan overlays such as Outstanding Landscape Areas, Significant Natural Areas or Fault Lines. There are two heritage points of interest in the Reserve being an archaeological site at the south western boundary of the site (U15/636 – house floor) and H1.39 (steps down to the former power station shown in image 2). Within the reserve, outdoor recreational activities are permitted and buildings for recreational activities are restricted discretionary. In accordance with Rule 2 in table 10.5 any activity not expressly provided for is a discretionary activity. The Council has advised that commercial outdoor recreational activities are not included under ‘outdoor recreational activities’ and therefore the proposal will be considered a discretionary activity. The activity is expected to comply with the noise limits of the District Plan. Within the Rural 1 Zone, commercial outdoor recreation is discretionary in accordance with Rule 41 in Table 9.5. Within the Residential 4 Zone - the proposed parking area - the activity status for commercial outdoor recreational activities is not expressly stated and under Rule 3 of table 4.5 the proposal is a non-complying activity. Parking Requirement Indoor and outdoor commercial recreation facilities and places of assembly (includes churches, community facilities, convention centres, marae and all like activities) require 1 park for every 10 persons the building or activity is designed to cater for. With 30 minute intervals between tours, tour groups of 10 participants and a 3 hour tour completion time, the activity can cater for up to 70 participants at once – resulting in a requirement for 7 carparks. 6. CONSULTATION The applicant has undertaken consultation with Iwi and neighbours. Ngati Pikiao were confirmed as the traditional owners of the river in 1984 by the Waitangi Tribunal5. A part of the Kaituna River is subject to a statutory acknowledgement for Ngāti Pikiao who are a Te Arawa Iwi. Te Arawa have a statutory acknowledgement of geothermal resources in the locality (and stretching as far Rotokawa). Use of geothermal resources is not proposed. 5 Signage at Okere Falls Scenic Reserve 28 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 A brief record of consultation between the applicant and Ngāti Pikaio is provided below.  July 24th, 2018: Initial meeting with Lake Rotoiti Scenic Reserve board to introduce the proposal. Five of the six Scenic Reserve Board members are Ngati Pikiao. The applicant was advised that the next step was to consult with Okere Inc. who represent both hapū that occupy Ōkere being Ngāti Hinekiri and Ngāti Hinerangi.  September 10th, 2018: Proposed venture tabled with Okere Inc. representing the land holdings of both Ngāti Hinekiri and Ngāti Hinerangi. Following the meeting the applicant was directed to proceed with due diligence on the feasibility of the project.  December 17th, 2018: Informed by the Scenic Reserve Board to continue with due diligence.  January 18th, 2019: Meeting with Okere Inc. Board to update on feasibility of venture and discuss co-operation between both parties. The Board advised that they were supportive of the venture and had been relaying information through to their respective Hapū.  14th April, 2019: Okere annual general meeting at Taheke Marae. approved with no opposition. Proposal formally Written approval has been received from:     Ngāti Hinekiri. Ngāti Hinerangi. Piki Thomas as the representative of ‘The Proprietors of Okere No. 1B No. 3C No. 3B 3 and Adjoining Block’ who are landowners to the parcels to the west of the proposed parking area (shown in the following image) and the farmland adjoining the east side of the scenic reserve (to contain 2 ziplines and riparian planting) as well as other neighbouring farmland. Manu Hodge of 759 SH33 (Maori Freehold land registered to Charles Kingi). Image 28: The Proprietors of Okere No. 1B No. 3C No. 3B 3 and Adjoining Block 29 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Consultation has also been undertaken with the Department of Conservation, NZTA and some other neighbouring landowners. No opposition has been noted. The Traffic Impact Assessment has been provided to NZTA for review. 7. ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 7.1 Introduction to Effects It is proposed establish and operate a zipline activity within the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve with two ziplines crossing over to the neighbouring rural land. The reserve is already intensively used for recreation and commercial recreation. The zipline proposal has been designed in sympathy with the cultural and landscape values of the reserve. Vegetation disturbance is necessary but will be minimised. Potential effects of the proposal include:         Landscape effects. Ecological effect. Cultural effects. Traffic effects. Noise effects. Effects on character and amenity. Safety, and Economic and social effects. The proposal requires a concession from the Department of Conservation and resource consent from the Rotorua Lakes Council. Economic effects cannot be considered by the Department of Conservation. Under Section 104(3) the Council must not have regard to any effect on a person who has given written approval to the application. The application is for a non-complying activity under the District Plan. Each of the above listed matters are assessed in the following subsections. Disturbance to archaeological or historic heritage sites is to be avoided. 7.2 Permitted Baseline Under Section 104(2) of the RMA the Council can choose to disregard the effects of the permitted baseline. The reserves and rural zones provides for outdoor recreation as a permitted activity and the ziplines and platforms do not constitute ‘buildings’ under the District Plan. Therefore the proposal could be established as a permitted activity if it were not a commercial activity. The RMA allows for the Department of Conservation to undertake activities within the reserve, such as construction of buildings and walking tracks, without District Council resource consent. 30 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 7.3 Ecological Effects The report by Wildland Consultants advises that the greatest effects of the proposal will result from clearance and trimming of vegetation during the construction and maintenance of walking tracks, platforms and ziplines and that construction of walking tracks, platforms and ziplines should be undertaken in a low-impact manner. Options for mitigation at this site include intensive sustained pest control and indigenous revegetation. Wildlands has considered that overall, the zipline project has some potential for adverse effects, although relatively minor, but there is also considerable potential for positive ecological effects and for high quality ecological interpretation for participants. If the potential adverse effects which have been identified are avoided or minimised, the overall adverse ecological effects of the proposed zipline development will be minor. Intensive sustained pest control, along with weed control, has the potential to improve the state of the reserve and populations of indigenous species. The proposal has been designed to minimise the area of vegetation disturbance by utilising existing tracks as much as practicable. Additional detail is included in the appended Wildlands report. Mobile gear will be used during construction without the need for vegetation clearance for construction vehicles. Indigenous vegetation disturbance is not required for parking areas. The established indigenous vegetation is on the true left side (west) of the river whilst the true right side has little indigenous vegetation. Indigenous planting on the true right side of the river will be undertaken as part of tours and this will expand the area of vegetation cover. Riparian planting can provide benefits such as reducing the amount of phosphorus entering waterways from agriculture, reducing erosion and sedimentation of waterways thereby improving water quality and providing shade to waterways which is advantageous for native fish species and trout. The community group ‘Predator Free Okere Falls’ is working towards eradication of rats, possums and mustelids in the area by 2025 with traps. The proposal can bolster the efforts of this group towards the common goal. The suggested mitigation listed in section 13.2 and 13.3 of the Wildlands report are anticipated conditions of the concession. 7.4 Landscape Effects The reserve is a Scenic Reserve and the proposal has been designed in sympathy with the visual and landscape qualities of the reserve. The reserve is not an Outstanding Natural Feature or Landscape (ONFL) under the District Plan. The scenic qualities of the reserve generally are viewed from within the reserve, rather than from outside of the reserve. The reserve’s scenic qualities are derived from the river within the reserve. The reserve is a narrow band of indigenous vegetation surrounded by farmland on its east, north and west. The State Highway and Urupa separates the reserve from the lake which is an ONFL. Residences are established to the west of Hoko Road. The reserve has a history of anthropogenic activity and an old power station turbine is on display within the reserve’s walking tracks and the power station location is still evident within the river. The tracks include stairs and safety rails. 31 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 The ziplines have been designed to avoid the need for alteration to the landform or large raised platforms. No buildings are proposed. The ziplines will consist of a small low timber platform (up to 500mm high), three anchor points and a low timber post at each end with two wire cables spanning the distance between the anchors. A barrier will be included near the start of the cables to prevent unauthorised access to the lines for safety reasons. None of the structures will be bright colours. The low profile and small footprint of the platforms ensure that these do not have adverse effects on the landscape and visual qualities of the reserve. The platforms will also be set amongst vegetation, further diminishing their visibility. The design has utilised existing walking tracks within the reserve with only short new tracks required to access the proposed ziplines. The longest proposed new tracks within vegetated areas are from the reserve carpark to platform 1 at the start of zipline 1 (approximately 50m) and from platform 2 at the end of zipline 1 to platform 3 at the start of zipline 2 (approximately 85m). The remainder of the proposed tracks within the reserve are very short, i.e. less than 20m. The platform at the end of zipline 3 and the platform at the beginning of zipline 4 are in close proximity of each other, less than 5m apart. Similarly, the end of zipline 2 and the start of zipline 3 are in close proximity. This minimises the area of disturbance from an ecological and visual aspect. Outside of the reserve, on the rural land, a longer new track will be constructed to connect ziplines 5 and 6. This track has greater potential for visual effects due to its length, gradient and lack of existing vegetation (other than pasture). Small soil batters on the steeper areas of the proposed walking track over the rural land shall be planted to avoid adverse visual effects when viewed from the DoC and Council reserves. The rural land is only visible from a few locations within the reserves due to the screening effect of the existing vegetation within the reserves. The topography of the land prevents views of the proposed walking track from the State Highway and east of the rural site. Within the reserve on the east side of the river margin the area is sparsely vegetated and mostly consists of grass and so appears as rural land rather than part of the reserve. This area is to be planted with natives as part of the tour activity and eventually will appear as part of the vegetated reserve. The zipline cables will cross the river. The river margins are not devoid of un-natural structures, with viewing platforms, rails, signs and the like as well as the historic power station remnants within the river. The cables will be visible from some locations, including river viewing areas. The main cable will be 12mm diameter and steel. At the river crossings, the cables will be at a height which provides a vegetated backdrop thereby mitigating the visual effect for persons viewing the river. Outside of the river crossings, the cables will be either above or through the tree canopy, limiting their visibility and mitigating potential adverse visual effects. When in use, persons on the zipline will be highly visible for a few seconds each ride, with a tour group consisting of at least two guides and up to ten customers. Zipline users will be attached via a harness, not a built structure. Ziplines are now widespread throughout New Zealand and the world and photographs of ziplines within forested areas are readily available on the internet and can be experienced locally. Overall the adverse visual effects of the ziplines are expected to be less than minor and are mitigated by the design which avoids buildings and large platforms. The Applicant has provided the following artist’s impression (not a photo-simulation) of the cables from two key viewpoints. 32 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Image 29: Artist’s impression of cables at the waterfall Image 30: Artist’s impression of cables from the powerhouse viewpoint 33 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 7.5 Noise Effects The ziplines themselves are relatively quiet when in operation with a low-pitched whir and noise from riders is dependent upon individuals. It is anticipated that the majority of riders will be quiet, particularly beyond the first zipline however some individuals may choose to scream or yell. The existing noise environment consists of birds, traffic noise and the transient noise from rafters and walkers. A half hour gap between the commencement of tour groups is proposed with each group consisting of up to ten visitors and two to four tour guides. A period of quiet is proposed for approximately 1 hour between 5pm and 7pm each evening. Given the established noise environment with rafters and walkers the adverse effects of the noise from the proposal are expected to be minor. 7.6 Cultural Effects The awa and its margins are of cultural significance to Iwi. Ngāti Pikiao have a history of settlement around the headwaters and the awa and its margins have been valued as a source of kai, plants for weaving and medicinal purposes, access to other locations via the awa, burials within the caves and for ritual cleansings after battles. An urupa is also located adjacent the reserve. The ziplines have been designed to avoid disturbance to culturally significant sites. Consultation with Iwi commenced early in the project and consequently a partnership has been formed with the neighbouring Maori landowners and written approval provided by Ngāti Hinerangi and Ngāti Hinekiri. This has allowed Tangata Whenua considerations to be incorporated into the proposal. The proposal provides for the cultural history and values of the area to be shared with tour participants. 7.7 Effects on Recreational Values The proximity of the State Highway and residential settlements, presence of man-made features, small width of the reserve and the established rafting operations ensure that the reserve does not provide a pristine or wilderness experience in the New Zealand context. The reserve is used extensively for recreation, primarily for walking the tracks and rafting. Observing rafting is a popular use in the reserve. The proposed tours will utilise some of the existing walking tracks and licence fees paid to the Department can be used in part to cover any increase cost of track maintenance. The tracks are already popular with walkers and sightseers and so the addition of the tours will not result in a major change to the amenity and value of the tracks for recreational use. Given the popularity of the tracks and the established commercial tourism within the reserve, the proposal is expected to be consistent with the existing recreational values and provides an additional recreational offering. 34 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 7.8 Traffic Effects The proposal will increase traffic to the parking site and the reserve. Zipline participants will arrive at the parking site via private motor vehicle or shuttle from Rotorua. After check-in and safety fittings etc. a staff member will drive the tour group to the reserve and park in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve carpark. After the tour, the driver will return the participants to their parked vehicles or to Rotorua. At a minimum, there will be 30 minutes between tours – resulting in up to three ingoing vans and three outgoing vans (driven by experienced staff) to the reserve each hour (e.g. 11am incoming and outgoing van, 11.30am ingoing and outgoing van, 12 noon ingoing and outgoing van). When all tours are booked there may be a need to drop off and pick up participants and guides via van rather than leaving the van parked at the reserve carpark – thereby increasing the number of vehicle movements and decreasing the demand for carparks. The State Highway is particularly wide in this locality and improvements to the State Highway have been approved by NZTA. Due to the provision of adequate parking onsite, tour participants are unlikely to cross the State Highway as pedestrians. Improvements, such as widening of the Maori roadway, are proposed in accordance with the appended Traffic Impact Assessment. The Traffic Impact Assessment concludes that from a traffic engineering perspective there is no significant reason the proposal cannot be granted consent. 7.9 Parking Parking for approximately 20 vehicles is to be formed in close proximity of the Rotorua Rafting check in site. The parking area provides for convenient and practical access to the check in area. The number of parks is expected to be sufficient for the demand and additional area is available if necessary. The District Plan requires only 1 park per 10 persons the activity is designed for – with the proposed zipline only requiring approximately 7 parks. The applicant has advised that approximately 30% of rafting customers utilise the shuttle service from Rotorua. Assuming a similar uptake and based on 80% occupancy of tours each half hour, with an average of 3 persons per private motor vehicle then approximately 16 customer parks will be required during the peak. The shuttle service and employment of Okere residents also minimises the number of staff parks required. Accordingly 20 formed parks and the provision for additional parks if required, is considered appropriate. Shuttles to the reserve main carpark will occur at a maximum every 30 minutes – resulting up to three incoming and three outgoing shuttles per hour with a maximum demand of 7 parks. The main carpark at the reserve provides more than 30 parks and accordingly the proposal is not expected to put undue pressure on the demand for parks. 7.10 Health and Safety A draft Safety Operation Plan is appended to the concession application. The applicant is an experienced adventure tourism operator and familiar with managing safety risks through tour guide training. Barriers will be installed on the ziplines to physically prevent persons from accessing the ziplines without authorisation. 35 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 7.11 Character and Amenity 7.11.1 Reserve Land The proposed tourism activity is consistent with the established character and amenity of the reserve. The reserve is popular with walkers and is utilised for commercial rafting. Viewpoints for the rafting activity are an attraction also. The reserve is within close proximity of a main road and is already popular with tourists. Accordingly, the proposed recreation tourism is consistent with this established character and amenity. 7.11.2 Rural Land The proposal includes rural land adjoining the reserve. Once established with plantings, the site will appear as an extension to the reserve rather than a commercial recreational activity within a rural site. As such, no adverse effects on the character and amenity of the rural land are anticipated. 7.11.3 Residential 4 Land The proposed parking area is zoned Residential 4. Residential development to the east of the Maori roadway is separated from the site by elevation and vegetation. West and north of the proposed parking site is rural 1 zoned land (written approval provided). At the end of the Maori roadway is a small cluster of rural-residential sites, also within the Rural 1 Zone. South of the proposed parking area is an undeveloped site, access to the rural land to the west and the Rotorua Rafting premises. A residential site is located south of Rotorua Rafting then the Okere Falls Store. Accordingly the established land uses in the immediate area are comprised of rural, residential and commercial activities. The character and amenity is reflective of the combination of uses and so cannot be considered that of a typical rural, residential or commercial area. The State Highway traffic also influences the character and amenity of the area with traffic noise. Amenity planting will be established around the perimeter of the proposed parking area and no additional advertising signs are proposed. The existing Rotorua Rafting sign will be amended to incorporate the zipline without increasing the size of the sign. The proposed parking area is not visible from the State Highway and is located within a small valley which prevents views from further afield. The proposed carpark with amenity planting will fit with the established character and amenity of the locality due to the area already containing a mix of rural, residential and commercial activities. 7.12 Social and Economic Effects The proposed zipline activity will provide local jobs. The Maori landowners of the surrounding rural land are to financially benefit from the activity and the tours allow the rich cultural history and value of the area to be expressed to visitors. Licence fees will be paid to the Department of Conservation and indigenous tree planting of riparian areas is also proposed. The activity will contribute to pest control in the reserve (and potentially the wider area) with the details to be worked out with the Department of Conservation. A community group, Predator Free Okere Falls, undertakes animal pest control and efforts should be coordinated with this group’s operations also to provide the most effective outcome. Accordingly a number of beneficial social and economic effects are expected to arise from the proposed activity. Economic effects cannot be considered by the Department of Conservation. 36 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 7.13 Summary The proposed zipline activity is consistent with the established tourism and recreation activities within the reserve. The proposal has been designed to minimise ecological, landscape and visual effects by utilising existing walking tracks where possible, using the natural landform for the ziplines rather than constructing large elevated platforms and avoiding the need for additional car parking areas in the reserve. Indigenous vegetation planting in grassed areas will be undertaken as part of the tours – providing beneficial ecological effects. The activity will contribute to pest control with the details to be worked through with the Department of Conservation. No new buildings are proposed and the activity will utilise the Rotorua Rafting premises for customer check-in, storage of safety equipment and fitting of safety equipment etc. A new gravel carpark will be formed on privately owned flat land in close proximity to the Rotorua Rafting premises. Additional overflow parking is available if required. The number of parks to be formed exceeds the number required under the District Plan and is expected to be adequate. The traffic effects have been assessed by a qualified and experienced traffic engineer and the effects found to be acceptable. Consultation with Iwi was undertaken from the inception of the proposal and has resulted in written approval provided by the Hapu of the area and a partnership with Maori landowners. Overall, the adverse effects of the proposal are expected to be minor and the activity has the potential to result in positive effects for ecological values and will enhance the recreational offerings and social and economic effects will ensue. 8. RELEVANT POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES A number of policy documents are relevant to the proposal including the Conservation Management Strategy, Rotorua Lakes Recreation Strategy and the District Plan. These are considered below. 8.1 Rotorua Lakes Recreation Strategy The Rotorua Lakes Recreation Strategy aims to ensure that a diverse range of recreational opportunities are available to the community, while recognising and providing for the physical, biological, social and cultural characteristics of the lakes. Strategy principles: - Principle 1: Management agencies will seek to recognise and protect the existing environmental and physical characters of individual lakes and parts of lakes. Principle 2: A diverse range of recreational opportunities and types will be promoted. Principle 3: The Rotorua Lakes Recreation Strategy will provide a policy context that will guide management of the Rotorua Lakes. The proposal is clearly consistent with the Rotorua Lakes Recreation Strategy. 37 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 8.2 Bay of Plenty Conservation Management Strategy 8.2.1 Overview The Bay of Plenty Conversation Management Strategy (CMS) dates from 1997 to 2007 and is currently under review. The reserve is located very close to the boundary of the Management Area 3 (Otanewainuku- Te Aroha) and Management Area 5 (Rotorua). Wildlands advised that they consider the reserve should be included within Area 3. The Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is not specified in the CMS appendix, specifically not a part of the list ‘Land administered by the Department’ – potentially because the site is governed by the Lake Rotoiti Scenic Reserve Board; however Table 4.5.2 identifies the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve within the Rotorua Management Area. Wildlands have advised that the site is within the Otanewainuku - Te Aroha Management Area from an ecological perspective. The Otanewainuku – Te Aroha Management Area section of the CMS does not contain anything of specific relevance to the site with exception to archaeological sites and therefore it is not considered below. Some objectives and policies of the Rotorua Management Area are considered relevant and are included below. Other objectives of the CMS which are not site specific have been considered below where relevant to the proposal. 2.2 Tangata Whenua Objective The practical expression (by effective consultation and establishment of Charters of Partnership) of the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in all aspects of the Department’s responsibilities for management of natural and historic resources. The proposal has been designed with effective consultation with Tangata Whenua. 8.2.2 Historic Resources and Wahi Tapu The site is identified in Section 4.4 Historic Resources and Wahi Tapu (Sacred Places), specifically within the ‘Table 4.5.1 Priority Sites for Archaeological Survey and Assessment for Management Purposes’. This section states that ‘the conservation of historic resources is important to ensure a representative range of historic resources will survive to be passed onto future generations. The proposal avoids disturbance to historic and archaeological sites. 4.4 Historic Resources and Wahi Tapu Objectives 1. Recognition by the community of its responsibilities for conservation. 2. Conservation of representative examples of the diversity of the Conservancy’s remaining natural resources. 3. The conservation of historic resources and Wähi Tapu. 38 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 8.2.3 Rotorua Management Area This management area includes the Rotorua lakes, a series of high quality, wetlands of international importance for vegetation, culture, water foul and fisheries and has extensive areas of native forest. Rare, endangered and vulnerable species include: - Vegetation: King Fern (Cyclosorus interruptus, Thelypterls); wood rose (Caleana minor, calchillus robertsonii); thermal orchids. Fauna: Kokako, saddleback, kiwi, weka, skinks, gecko, indigenous freshwater fish, two species of bats. There are 14 birds of national importance and five species of regional importance. The management issues identified for the Rotorua Management Area are as follows: Rotorua Management Area Issues 1. The lack of joint management objectives of the Department and Rotorua District Council results in a lack of complementary recreational management. 2. The high public usage can threaten natural and historic resources, for example by fire, litter and pollution of water bodies (see 4.5.1 Visitor Opportunities). 3. Many important natural and historic resources are not legally protected or recognised. Some are vulnerable to degradation and destruction (e.g. geothermal site modification) (see Appendix 3). 4. Rubbish dumping in many reserves near Rotorua attracts animal pests, contributes to plant pests and is unsightly (see 4.6.6 Rubbish and Spoil Dumping). 5. Present classification of some reserves does not reflect their natural and historic resource requirements. The proposed activity relies in part on the natural and historic resources of the reserve as a feature of the tours. Accordingly litter around the ziplines will be actively managed by the concessionaire. Management 1. Develop joint recreation objectives with the Rotorua District Council and develop and maintain facilities in accord with the objectives. 2. Manage sites frequently used by the public by providing appropriate facilities and public education e.g. highly developed road ends such as at Lake Okataina and limited facilities on the southern side of-Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve. 3. Continue to provide high quality information on recreation opportunities. 4. Allow low impact ecotourism concessions. 5. Work with concessionaires to improve their interpretation of natural and historic resources. 6. Work with local authorities to minimise fly-dumping of rubbish in reserves (see 4.6.6 Rubbish and Spoil Dumping). 7. Undertake a historic resource inventory on lands administered by the Department (see 4.4 Historic Resources and Wähi Tapu (Sacred Places)). 8. Reclassify the following are stewardship areas. 9. Increase awareness of natural and historic resources, particularly those associated with geothermal areas (see 4.1 Relationship with Tangata Whenua, 4.2.2 Advocacy and Education for Conservation Management, 4.6. 7 Concessions). 39 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 The proposal will raise awareness of the natural and historic resources of the reserve (and also cultural values). The proposal is considered a low impact ecotourism concession in accordance with 4 above. The reserve already contains a large public carpark and public bathrooms. Bathroom facilities will also be available outside of the reserve at the check-in facility. Lake Issues 1. The many agencies and groups with an interest in management of lakes lack common management objectives. 2. The water quality of many Rotorua lakes has been significantly degraded by inappropriate land management of catchments and discharges, thus reducing the quality of ecosystems for native aquatic life. 3. Stock access to lake shore and riparian margins has adverse effects on indigenous vegetation, aquatic ecosystems and water quality. 4. The impacts of introduced plants and animals dominate most lakes means that those lakes without these pests are very important (see 4.3.6 Plant Pests, 4.3.7 Animal Pests). 5. Lakes with mainly indigenous species are vulnerable to the introduction of plant and animal pests (see 4.3.6 Plant Pests, 4.3.7 Animal Pests). The proposal includes riparian planting and fencing out stock in accordance with 3 above. Pest management is also proposed which accords with 4 and 5 above. Lake Management 1. Legally protect lakes that are to be managed for their natural resources. 2. Work with landowners and local authorities to protect and rehabilitate lake shore and riparian margins (see 4.3.9 Ecosystem Rehabilitation and Restoration). 3. Seek agreement of joint management objectives for the Rotorua Lakes. 4. Work with landowners and local authorities to manage catchments in ways that protect the lakes (see 4.2.3 Statutory Planning). 5. Work with landowners, local authorities and recreational groups to prevent the introduction of plant and animal pests to lakes (see 4.3.6 Plant Pests, 4.3.7 Animal Pests). 6. Raise public awareness of the importance of conservation of lakes (see 4.2.2 Advocacy and Education for Conservation Management). 7. Control aquatic macrophytes. 3.6.4 Indigenous Vegetation. Riparian planting is proposed which accords with 2 above. 40 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Priority activities for the Rotorua Management Area:  Seek better protection of lake margins.  Seek better protection and management of geothermal surface features.  Manage recreation and tourism on land administered by the department by: Providing information and interpretation. Providing appropriate facilities. Developing joint management objectives with the Rotorua District Council; and Allowing appropriate recreation and tourism concessions.  Develop cooperative management objectives to areas such as Mount Tarawera Mokia Island.  Eradicate Old Man’s Beard in consultation with other agencies.  Restrict the spread of wallabies and control possums and goats.  Complete inventory of remaining lands not legally protected.  Seek conservation of volcanic domes.  Undertake an archaeological survey of the 13 sites identified in 4.4 Historic Resources and wāhi tapu(Sacred Places). The proposal provides for appropriate recreation and tourism activity as outlined above. 4.6.7 Concessions Objective Concessions that ensure the conservation of natural and historic resources, the recognition of cultural values and accurate interpretation and also provide for the following (one or both): • Public enjoyment. • Business. The proposal has recognised the cultural values of the locality and provides for accurate interpretation, public enjoyment and business. The proposal will avoid adverse effects on historic resources and has the potential to result in positive effects for the natural resources of the reserve. Accordingly, the proposed concession is consistent with the above objective of the CMS. The CMS also identifies the following issues for concessions, all of which the proposal avoids. New buildings in the reserve are not proposed which avoids the potential issue regarding the scale of expense for removal. Iwi consultation has been undertaken and resulting in a partnership with hapu whereby site interpretation (verbally during tours) will be undertaken in conjunction with hapu, therefore avoiding cultural insensitivity. The proposal for a new concession and issues 5 to 7 are not relevant. 41 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Concession Issues 1. Structures and facilities which may become the Department’s responsibility if businesses fail result in the expense of removal and rehabilitation. 2. Site interpretation associated with some concession operations can conflict with Departmental objectives and be culturally and environmentally insensitive. 3. Tangata whenua want concessionaires to consult with them. 4. Not all concessionaires consult with tangata whenua. 5. Concessions that result in perceptions of proprietary rights especially when livelihoods depend on them can result in difficulties at time of review e.g. grazing concessions that are critical to the viability of farms. 6. Uses under the terms of some old leases and licences may be damaging natural and historic resources on lands administered by the Department and restricting access. 7. Beekeeping at some sites can impact on native bird species through competition for nectar. The proposed concession is consistent with the CMS. 8.3 Rotorua District Plan, Part 10 – Reserves, Community Assets and Water Objective 10.3.1 Maintain the high amenity, natural, cultural and historical values of reserves and provide for public recreation and access, whilst managing the adverse effects of activities, buildings and structures. Policy 10.3.1.1 Manage the adverse effects of buildings, structures and activities on the amenity of the reserve environment and ensure that it is consistent with the purpose for which the land is held or the relevant reserve management plan. Policy 10.3.1.2 Restrict new buildings and structures on conservation reserves within 25 metres from water bodies, whilst allowing activities and minor structures for reserve management and public access, as well as the operation, maintenance and upgrade of existing structures. Policy 10.3.1.3 Manage adverse effects of activities on ancestral land, water, sites, wāhi tapu and other tāonga through recognition of the relationship of tangata whenua with the land and associated resources. The proposal is considered to maintain the high amenity, natural, cultural and historical values of the reserve and is consistent with Policies 10.3.1.1, 10.3.1.2 and 10.3.1.3 above. 42 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Objective 10.3.5 Recognising the value of lake structures and activities on the surface of the water, whilst the adverse effects are avoided, remedied or mitigated, including cumulative effects on the natural character and functioning of water bodies and their margins, as well as Māori culture and traditions. Policy 10.3.5.1 Enable recreational and commercial activities, structures and buildings to occur on the surface of lakes and rivers, where adverse effects on the natural character and functioning of water bodies and their margins and Māori culture and traditions are avoided, remedied and mitigated, ensuring that, in particular: 1. Existing lake structures continue to be used in a manner that does not increase adverse effects on the lake and lakeside settlements. 2. New lake structures are enabled where: a. Reasonable need can be demonstrated for the lake structure, having regard to: The existing provision and availability of similar facilities in the surrounding area. The contribution of the new lake structure to the social wellbeing of the community, the recreational values and use of the lakes, as well as environmental wellbeing. b. The public use of the lake and adjoining public areas are not unduly affected. c. The design of the lake structure takes into account shore morphology and lake depth and functional needs of water craft using the lake structure. d. The lake structure is in keeping with the character and amenity of the surrounding land, water and environment. e. It will not adversely affect sites of cultural significance to tangata whenua. Policy 10.3.5.2 Activities on the surface of water are managed to minimise any potential conflict between those activities. The proposal is not considered to have adverse effects on the Kaituna River and its margins. No activity is proposed on the surface of the water. 8.4 Rotorua District Plan – Rural Zone Objective 9.3.1 A reduction in nutrient losses from rural land uses to improve the water quality of lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Policy 9.3.1.1 Manage the adverse effects of new rural land use activities within the lake and river catchments that have the potential to increase nutrient losses into streams, rivers, wetlands and lakes. Policy 9.3.1.2 Encourage land use and land management changes that achieve a reduction in nutrient losses and provide for restoration and enhancement of indigenous biodiversity and ecological functioning. Policy 9.3.1.3 Promote indigenous re-vegetation, including the legal protection of land and riparian areas that contribute to improving water quality, in particular on land that is: Susceptible to erosion along lakeshore and other riparian margins. Adjoining already protected features. In area of existing indigenous vegetation or biodiversity or where indigenous vegetation fragments can be reconnected as an ecological corridor. 43 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 The proposed riparian planting potentially provides for a water quality benefit for the river in accordance with objective 9.3.1 and as encouraged by policies 9.3.1.2 and 9.3.1.3. Objective 9.3.2 Rural land that can be efficiently used for a wide range of productive uses. The proposal affects a small riparian area of a very large rural landholding ensuring that the options for productive land uses are not impeded by the proposal. Accordingly the proposal is consistent with objective 9.3.2. Objective 9.3.3 The character and amenity values of the rural environment are maintained and enhanced. Policy 9.3.3.1 Ensure land use change does not create adverse effects on rural character and amenity values. Policy 9.3.3.2 Enable activities that enhance the rural character and amenity in the rural zone, including: Diverse land uses. Maintaining the diverse landscape types. A low density of buildings and generous separation distances between dwellings and other buildings. Buildings that are sub-ordinate to the surrounding landscape. An open vegetated landscape. No continuous ribbons of residential development along roads. Low levels of artificial light. Unobtrusive and limited signage. Minimal earthworks or changes to landform associated with new subdivision, use or development. Policy 9.3.3.3 Manage the establishment of commercial and industrial activities that are unconnected with the rural economy that may adversely affect the vitality and viability of urban, commercial and industrial zones. Policy 9.3.3.6 Avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of activities on the transport network when they could affect the function of the road within the road hierarchy and the safe and effective functioning of the wider transport network by: Providing on-site vehicle parking, loading and turning and safe vehicle and pedestrian access to a road. Considering the impact of increased traffic movements on the transport network, including the wider network intersections. The proposal is consistent with objective 9.3.3 and its relevant underlying policies. The area of rural land affected by the zipline proposal is adjacent the river margin and therefore suitable for riparian planting and retirement. No new buildings are proposed. Signage within the rural zone is not proposed and earthworks will be mitigated with planting and kept to a minimum for single file walking paths. The activity is not suitable for an urban, commercial or industrial zone and so will not affect the vitality and viability of those areas (policy 9.3.3.3). The traffic effects are considered acceptable, with no direct operational traffic on the rural land aside from the delivery of indigenous plants. 44 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Objective 9.3.4 New sensitive activities are located and managed to avoid potential reverse sensitivity effects on lawfully established activities in the rural environment. The proposal is not expected to result in any potential for reverse sensitivity. The proposed ziplines cross onto a large rural landholding with the landowners’ consent. No other rural landholdings are affected by the proposal due to the significant separation distance. 8.5 District Plan Residential Zone Objective 4.3.1 A level of amenity that provides residents with:  A northerly outlook.  Side and rear yards that provide aural and visual amenity.  Residential levels of noise.  Safe parking and turning areas where required.  Street surveillance.  Orientation to maximise energy efficiency. The proposed use of the Residential 4 zoned site is not residential and so has not been designed to provide the onsite amenity described in objective 4.3.1. Amenity planting will be provided around the perimeter of the site and no buildings are proposed. The proposed use will not impede the amenity of neighbouring residential sites in regards to sunlight, parking, street surveillance etc. The proposal will increase traffic to the site however the State Highway influences the noise environment already. The distance from the State Highway to the parking site is approximately 60m, ensuring that vehicles accessing the site are traveling at a low speed, thereby reducing noise. Objective 4.3.2 The character and amenity values of the residential zones are maintained and enhanced. Policy 4.3.2.4 Maintain the following qualities and characteristics of the Residential 4 zone:  Low density residential areas.  A mix of single storey and two-storey buildings.  A high proportion of outdoor open living space.  A variety of building design and materials.  Building that does not dominate the natural character of the lake and its margin.  A sense of space around buildings.  Low levels of noise.  Low traffic levels. The proposed carparking area with amenity planting is consistent with the character and amenity of the locality with established commercial activities, rural land and residential land. Policy 4.3.2.4 focuses on buildings, and buildings are not proposed. The parking will provide a more intense level of activity on the site than a standard dwelling in regards to traffic movements. 45 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Objective 4.3.3 Non-residential activities in residential zones that are domestic in scale and character and do not have an adverse impact on the amenity values and character of the residential zones, or the vitality and viability of the City Centre or Commercial zones. Policy 4.3.3.1 Manage the location and design of buildings for non-residential activities to ensure that the activity is in keeping with the appearance and character of the residential zone sought in Objective 4.3.2 and Policies 4.3.2.1 to 5. Policy 4.3.3.2 Prevent the establishment of non-residential activities where they would be more appropriately located in a commercial, industrial or city centre zone and would have an adverse effect on the vitality and viability of those zones. Policy 4.3.3.3 Avoid adverse effects of noise, vibration, light, smoke, fumes, odours or other sources of disturbance that are detrimental to the amenity of the residential zones. Policy 4.3.3.4 Ensure the location of community activities avoids, remedies or mitigates adverse effects on the quality of residential amenity in the residential zones. Policy 4.3.3.5 Avoid, remedy or mitigate the potential adverse effects of non-residential activities, including community activities, through the provision of:  Sufficient on-site parking, loading and turning.  Landscaping to maintain and enhance the quality of residential amenity, primarily the streetscape.  Noise mitigation measures. The proposed parking on the residential zoned site is not at a residential scale and therefore is not consistent with the first intent of objective 4.3.3. Adverse effects on the established character and amenity values of the locality is not anticipated as the site borders rural land and is within an area that contains commercial activities. The activity is not able to be undertaken within the city centre of commercial zones, due to its need for proximity to the proposed zipline within the reserve and the lack of nearby city centre or commercial zones. Accordingly the proposal will not have any adverse impacts on the visibility or vitality of these zones and therefore does not conflict with the second and third aspects of objective 4.3.3. Sufficient parking is proposed and amenity planting will be undertaken in accordance with policy 4.3.3.5. 8.6 Summary The proposal is consistent with the reserve and rural objectives and policies and some elements are encouraged by the rural objectives and policies, such as riparian planting with indigenous species. The proposal is not encouraged by the residential zone objectives and policies but is not contrary to the objectives and policies overall. 46 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 9. SECTION 104D CONSIDERATIONS As identified, the proposal is considered a non-complying activity due to the proposed parking area within the Residential 4 Zone and therefore Section 104D of the RMA is relevant for the resource consent. In accordance with Section 104D, a consent authority may only grant an application for a non-complying activity if either: 1. 2. It is satisfied that the effects on the environment will be minor. The activity will not be contrary to the objectives and policies of any plan or proposed plan in respect of that activity. Only one of these pathways need apply for the application to be considered under Section 104 and to be granted under Section 104B. Based on the assessments in Sections 7 and 8 of this report, it is submitted that the effects will be minor and the Section 104D gateway test is satisfied. Therefore, the proposal can be considered for granting. 10. NOTIFICATION 10.1 Concession Notification The Conservation Act 1987 section 17SC specifies that the Minister must publicly notify every application for— (a) A lease; or (b) A licence for a term (including renewals) of more than 10 years. The application must therefore be publicly notified by the Department. 10.2 Resource Consent Public Notification Under Section 95A of the RMA the resource consent application is not precluded from public notification. Section 95A specifies that a consent application must be publicly notified if it is required to be publicly notified by the District/Regional Plan or a rule in a NES or the Council decides that the activity will have or is likely to have adverse effects on the environment that are more than minor (in accordance with Section 95D) or the applicant requests public notification. The applicant is not requesting public notification and public notification is not required by the District Plan or a NES rule. Section 95D(a) requires Council to disregard any effect on persons who own or occupy land on which the activity will occur or any land adjacent to the subject site. Also Section 95D(b) allows Council to disregard the effects related to the permitted baseline. As discussed in Section 7 of this report, it is considered that the effects of the proposal are less than minor. There are no special circumstances that necessitate public notification and public notification will be undertaken by the Department of Conservation for the concession application. Accordingly, there is no need to publicly notify the resource consent application to satisfy an assumed public interest. 47 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 10.3 Resource Consent Limited Notification Section 95B specifies the criteria for limited notification of resource consent applications. The proposal is not precluded from limited notification by the District Plan or a NES rule. Under Section 95E Council must determine whether any persons are affected, including protected customary rights groups or persons who have a statutory acknowledgment on the land or adjacent to the proposal. Ngāti Pikiao have a statutory acknowledgement area of the river and consultation has been undertaken and hapu approval obtained. Under Section 95E(1) of the RMA a person is considered affected in relation to an activity, if the activity's adverse effects on the person are minor or more than minor (but are not less than minor). The proposed zipline is within Department of Conservation estate and rural land. The written approval of the rural landowners has been provided and so they are not considered affected parties in accordance with Section 95E(3)(a) of the RMA. The ziplines will be a significant distance from any other neighbouring landowners and therefore no other parties are considered affected by this element of the proposal. It is proposed to utilise the existing Rotorua Rafting building and facilities for customer check-ins etc which avoids the need for new buildings. Parking will be formed on a nearby site which is separated from the Rotorua Rafting site by two parcels of land. The owners of one parcel have provided written approval and are therefore not affected. The owners of the other parcel have not provided written approval. Accordingly, the owners of 763 SH33 may be considered an affected party. The land is currently vacant and a condition of consent is suggested to require privacy fencing or landscaping to be reviewed and required if the site is utilised for residential purposes in the future. Access is via the State Highway and consultation has commenced with NZTA but written approval from NZTA has not yet been received. North of the proposal parking area is an area for overflow parking (if demand necessitates it) and the landowners have provided written approval. Adjoining the overflow parking site is a vacant 1.4872ha rural site of multiple-owned Maori land. Across the Maori roadway from the site are residential properties which are elevated above the site and screened with vegetation. Any potential adverse effects on these landowners and occupiers are expected to be less than minor. The proposed parking site is located near the start of the Maori roadway and traffic will be minimised with shuttles. The traffic effects have been considered by a qualified and experienced traffic engineer and some widening of the carriageway proposed. The increased traffic is expected to result in less than minor adverse effects for the other road users. Traffic noise from the site is expected to be relatively low due to the short distance and low speed environment and the ambient noise environment from the State Highway. South of the Rotorua Rafting site is 759 SH33 which is a residential site. Manu Hodge has provided written approval to the proposal as the owner of this site, however the name on the title is Charles Kingi. A timber fence provides screening between 759 and the Rotorua Rafting site. The proposal will increase the level of pedestrian activity at the Rotorua Rafting site but is not expected to affect the number of vehicle movements. No changes to buildings onsite are proposed. Accordingly adverse effects on the owners and occupiers of 759 SH33 are expected to be less than minor. 48 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 11. RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS Recommended conditions of the concession include: 1. Platforms shall be constructed in accordance with the following (from the Wildlands report):           Clearance and trimming of tall trees (particularly podocarps, tawa, pukatea and any indigenous trees over c.30 cm dbh) should be avoided. Disturbance of epiphytes within the tawa-pukatea forest should be avoided. Physical contact with trees (large branches and trunks in particular) should be avoided when construction materials and tools are being transported. Defined low impact routes should be used for carrying in construction materials and tools, to reduce the area of understorey vegetation which is trampled. Indigenous plant seedlings within proposed platform locations should be removed carefully where possible and then used for site rehabilitation. Soil disturbance and erosion during construction should be avoided as much as possible. This is particularly important at Platforms 2, 4 and 5, which are located on narrow ridges. Damage to bark or roots of trees adjacent to the platforms should be avoided. Materials used for platform construction should be suited to the environmental conditions present. Options for platform materials include treated timbers (dried well prior to use), steel, hardwood timbers, fibreglass and glass. Actions to be undertaken during construction include (if required): Restoration of all natural drainage patterns. Restoration of natural ground surface. Restoration of natural soil, including a humus layer. Replacement of groundcover plants. Actions to be implemented following construction should include: - 2. Facility users should be constrained to the platforms, to avoid ongoing incremental trampling damage to the forest floor. Any vegetation trimming that is required for maintenance should be minimised and undertaken with care to avoid damaging podocarps, tawa, pukatea and any indigenous trees over c.30 cm dbh. Walking tracks shall be constructed in accordance with the following:        Walking tracks should follow a path of 'least resistance' so that the clearance of trees can be avoided. Clearance or trimming of tall trees, particularly podocarps, should be avoided or kept to a minimum. Physical contact with trees (large branches and trunks in particular) should be avoided when construction materials are being transported. Defined low impact routes should be used for carrying in construction materials and tools to reduce the area of understorey vegetation which is trampled. Indigenous understorey plant seedlings within the track route should be removed carefully where possible and then used for site rehabilitation. No large lateral roots of any tree should be cut or damaged. Soil compaction should be avoided as much as possible. 49 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019         All bark damage should be avoided. The area of ground disturbance should be kept to a minimum. A suitably qualified and experienced ecologist should assess the final proposed track routes and provide advice on an alternative route if the selected routes contain features of importance. Only ‘clean’ gravel or other track materials should be used, free of weed propagules and pest animals (such as plague skink (Lampropholis delicata). Trees should not be marked with attachments that could result in bark damage (biodegradable flagging tape can be used if required, to be removed when construction is completed). Apart from avoiding the features identified above, track construction should also avoid, as much as possible, alteration of natural drainage patterns. The creation of small impoundments should be avoided. Facility users should be constrained to the formal tracks and defined gathering points, to avoid ongoing incremental trampling damage to the forest floor. Actions to be undertaken during track construction include (if required): Restoration of all natural drainage patterns. Restoration of natural ground surface. Restoration of natural soil, including a humus layer. Replacement of groundcover plants. Removal of all markings and unnecessary artificial objects. Any vegetation trimming required for maintenance should be kept to a minimum and undertaken with care to avoid damaging podocarps, tawa, pukatea and any indigenous trees over c.30 cm dbh. 3. A weed management plan shall be developed for the monitoring and removal of weeds that occur in the Reserve around the ziplines or establish in the future. 4. Weed management shall be implemented in accordance with the Weed Management Plan. 5. A pest animal control plan should be developed and where possible shall be coordinated with the Department of Conservation, Predator Free Ōkere Falls and any landowners in the area who are currently controlling pest animals or are interested in being involved. The recommendations of the Wildlands report shall be taken into account in preparing the pest animal control plan. The report provides recommendations on bait stations and monitoring. The plan shall outline the proposed controls, timeframes for implementation and ongoing requirements. 6. The pest animal control plan shall be provided to the Department of Conservation prior to tours commencing. 7. The requirements of the pest animal control plan shall be undertaken. 8. Restoration planting with indigenous species suitable to the location shall be incorporated into the activity. Planting shall be fenced from stock where appropriate and maintained. 50 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Recommended conditions of the resource consent: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. The activity shall be undertaken in general accordance with the application including formation of parking, implementation of amenity planting and signage. The parking requirement may be reviewed 6 months and 18 months after tours first commence to ensure the number of parks is sufficient for the demand. Amenity planting, consistent with the style of the planting established for the Rotorua Rafting premises, shall be implemented around the perimeter of the proposed parking area. The existing signs may be amended to contain advertising for Okere Adventures with Rotorua Rafting and any changes shall comply with the following:  Signs shall not be similar to or the same as any traffic sign in regards to shape and colour and liable to be mistaken for a traffic sign.  Signs shall not be made of or have affixed to it, any reflective material that is likely to reflect the light from the headlights of any approaching vehicle.  Signs shall not have information displayed by means of a flashing or revolving mechanism have or have affixed to it, any moveable part intended to draw attention to the advertisement.  The spacing between lines of text must be not less than 50mm.  Lettering must not be less than: 120mm in height where the advertisement of a specified kind is installed on any road or in any place visible from a road with a speed limit less than 70km/h. 160mm in height where the advertisement of a specified kind is installed on any road or in any place visible from a road with a speed limit of 70km/h or more. Stormwater from the proposed parking area will be managed to avoid erosion and flooding of neighbouring sites. Soil disturbance shall be controlled to avoid erosion and sedimentation of waterways. Any excess cut material deposited outside of the proposed walking track on the rural land shall be replanted within the first planting season following construction. The conditions of consent may be reviewed if a dwelling is constructed on the site at 763 SH33 with consideration as to requiring privacy fencing along the common boundary. 12. RMA PART II Part 2 of the RMA contains Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8. The assessments contained in Sections 7 and 8 of this report are subject to the matters contained in Part 2 of the RMA. Section 5 sets out the purpose of the RMA, which is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources and is supported by sections 6, 7 and 8. Sections 6 and 7 contain the “matters of national importance” and “other matters” respectively and Section 8 provides for the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. The proposal will provide for the preservation of the natural character of the river and its margins with sensitive design and riparian planting proposed. The reserve is not considered an Outstanding Natural Feature and Landscape under the District Plan. The proposal will not impede public access to the river. The proposal provides for the relationship of Maori with the ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu, other taonga and customary rights. The proposal has been refined in consultation with Tangata Whenua. The proposal is not expected to have adverse effects on historic heritage 51 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 features and effects on indigenous vegetation will be mitigated. Section 6 of the RMA. The proposal is consistent with The proposal provides for kaitiakitanga and the ethic of stewardship and includes partnership with Maori landowners. The sharing of facilities with Rotorua Rafting provides for the efficient use of resources in accordance with 7(b). The proposal is expected to maintain amenity values, ecosystems, the quality of the environment and the habitat of trout. The proposal will not affect the ability to achieve the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Overall, the activity can be considered suitable for the site and in applying a broad judgement over the matters contained in Part 2 of the RMA the proposal is consistent with the principles and purpose of the RMA. 13. CONCLUSION A concession and resource consent are sought for the establishment and operation of a zipline activity within the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve and neighbouring farmland. No new buildings are required and parking will be established within a nearby vacant residential site which borders rural land. The activity will be operated in conjunction with the Rotorua Rafting activity with the existing building providing for customer check-in, equipment storage etc. The zipline has been designed in sympathy with the scenic, cultural and ecological values of the reserve. The design avoids the need for any buildings including raised platforms. Indigenous vegetation planting within the rural and reserve land is proposed as part of the tours and contributions to pest management will be undertaken. Written approval from hapu has been provided and the proposal will provide a partnership with Maori landowners. The tour will provide cultural, historical and ecological education and allow participants to engage in indigenous tree planting. The reserve is relatively narrow and is popular with walkers and provides for commercial and recreational rafting. Accordingly the proposal is consistent with the established uses. Overall the adverse effects are considered minor and benefits will arise from pest control and revegetation. We certify that the information contained herein is in accordance with the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 and that the Applicant has a legal obligation to comply with any Conditions imposed should the Application be approved and given effect to. ELLA TENNENT CHEAL CONSULTANTS LIMITED 15 May 2019 52 /52 Okere Adventures Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 761 SH33, Rotorua Application for Resource Consent for Land Use 18728AP2 Prepared by Cheal Consultants Limited 15 May 2019 Appendix 1 Record of Title RECORD OF TITLE UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT 2017 FREEHOLD Search Copy R.W. Muir Registrar-General of Land Identi?er SA53 13/482 Land Registration District South Auckland Date Issued 19 November 1993 Prior References 792 221 Estate Fee Simple Area 19.2372 hectares more or less Legal Description Section 7-8 and Part Section 9 Block VI Rotoiti Survey District Purpose Scenic Reserve Registered Owners Her Majesty the Queen Interests B532272.1 Notice pursuant to Section 94C Transit New Zealand Act 1989 declaring the adjoining State Highway 33 to be a limited access road - 15.3.1999 at 9:20 am Transaction Id 57206382 Search Copy Dated 14/05/19 4:13 pm, Page I of 1 Client Reference 1 8 728 - ET Register Only R) 18954 8 HWEBEQ ha' Gee Exam \6 a M70 r; 7.53 .11 17 Sj+r$333 (20-12 WIDE n? OVER) RECORD OF TITLE UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT 2017 FREEHOLD Search Copy R.W. Muir Registrar-General of Land Identi?er SAZ 9 02 Land Registration District South Auckland Date Issued 25 March 1980 Prior References Estate Fee Simple Area 23.6007 hectares more or less Legal Description Taheke Papakainga 30 Block Registered Owners The Proprietors of Okere 1B3C3 and Adjoining Blocks Interests 7979818.l Status Order determining the status of the Within land to be Maori Freehold Land - 29.10.2008 at 9:00 am 89528761 CAVEAT BY MIGHTY RIVER POWER LIMITED 23.12.2011 at 3:25 pm Transaction Id 57206382 Search Copy Dated 14/05/19 4:14 pm, Page I of 1 Client Reference 1 8 728 - ET Register Only RECORD OF TITLE UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT 2017 FREEHOLD Search Copy R.W. Muir Registrar-General of Land Identi?er SA4 1 8 Land Registration District South Auckland Date Issued 08 July 1988 Prior References Estate Fee Simple Area 1232 square metres more or less Legal Description Okere 1B3C3B2 Block Registered Owners Rawiri Te Putu Raiwhara Kingi Interests The within land is no longer Maori Freehold Land - See H805887.5 H813738 Mortgage to ANZ Banking Group New Zealand) Limited - 8.8.1988 at 9:05 am Transaction Id 5 7206382 Client Reference 18728 - ET Search Copy Dated 14/05/19 6 pm, Page I of I Register Only ML 20550 Appendix 2 Plans Overall Site Plan 9 Overall Site Map Legend Zipline Proposed Path 7 Existing Walking Path 10 6 8 Platform 8 5 4 Tutea Falls 3 Proposed Activity: Eco/Cultural Guided Zipline tour through the scenic reserve showcasing and enhancing the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve with six ziplines ranging from 40m to 400m. 2 Main Carpark 1 
 Proposed Activity Address: Okere Falls Scenic Reserve Troutpool Road Land Owners: Crown/ DOC have ownership of the Scenic Reserve. Platform 9& 10 are located on Maori Land Block Taheke Papakaigia 30 Owned and Managed by Okere Inc. 11 N Office Address: 761 State Highway 33, Okere Falls Rotorua Engineering/Design: Avalon Engineering will be designing building/certifying anchors/ exact location of lines and building the course due to their available technology and experience in both zipline building and minimal impact construction techniques required in difficult and protected sites. 1:100 at A3 
 Riparian Replanting area Every tour will plant 1 native tree with their name tag attached. They will receive annual updates on growth of their tree. Once full we will move to the Western slope of Reserve. Riparian Planting: To enhance the area and give back Okere Adventures will be replanting the river right riparian boundary. Each tour will plant one native tree in a pre-dug hole which will then have a name tag added to the tree so clients can feel connected to improving the area. Once the outlined area is full, we will then move to the western face of the reserve where currently bracken and gorse is overrunning native vegetation. Exotic Plant removal: Okere Adventures will employ groundsmen to help in the preservation of the area including removal of non-native plants like Gorse, Blackberry, and bracken. These areas will again be replanted with native vegetation. Zipline 1 Legend Zipline/ Stays post in ground New Walking Path Platform Zipline Placement: Zipline 1 located to the side of the “Powerhouse” waterfalls. To minimise the visual impact we have offset the line from directly above the waterfalls to reduce any scenic implications from the viewing platforms. Track Placement: All track building will be created by building up as opposed to cutting tracks to eliminate the risk of damaging any roots. A permeant surface will be placed using Geotextile matting to separate between organic material and gravel. The tacks will be single track with guides briefing clients to ensure they stay on the track. 
 Land Owners: Crown/ DOC have ownership of the Scenic Reserve with two anchors sitting on Maori Land Block Taheke Papakaigia 30 Managed by Okere Inc. Zipline #2 Legend New Path Tutea Falls Zipline/Stays Post/ tresile Deck/platform Zipline Placement: Zipline 2 is over the jewel of Okere Falls which is Tutea falls. To minimise the visual impact, we have chosen the highest possible takeoff and landing locations to keep the line above the line of sight to keep the untouched visual aspect for photographers and site seers alike. Main Carpark Track Placement: All track building will be created by building up as opposed to cutting tracks to eliminate the risk of damaging any roots. A permeant surface will be placed using Geotextile matting to separate between organic material and gravel. The tacks will be single track with guides briefing clients to ensure clients stay on the track. Zipline 3,4,5, & 6 Zipline Placement: Ziplines have been designed to utilise the topography of the land to reduce the impact on vegetation. Zipline 6 has been designed to get an overall view on the area and to reduce traffic movement on Troutpool Road by bringing clients back to the starting point. Legend Zipline/Stays Riparian Plantinga area New Path Existing Path Zipline # 4 Zipline # 6 Platform/Deck Post/ Trestle Zipline # 5 access from walking return track built Jan 2019 Zipline # 3 Riparian Plantinga area Tutea Falls Zipline # 2 Typical Anchor Detail Trim bar to no more than 60mm longer than nut; try and finish all material to level Galvanised Reidnut Galvanised Reidnut Spherical washer Galvanised100mm2 Washer Galvanised100mm2 Washer Galvanised Rope Eye 12mm Galvanised Wire Rope fastened with 4 galvanised wire rope grips. Tensioned on install and torqued to manufacturers guidelines compacted back fill typically 300mm Ø PVC Sleeve Grout to surface Typical depth not less than 3m 60mm Ø hole with 25MPA minimum grout 25mm Ø Galvanised Reidbar 25mm Ø Galvanised Reidbar Through overlying soil Direct to rock Anchor Detail: Okere Adventures has chosen Avalon Geotechnical and Engineering services to design and build the course due to their extensive knowledge and construction systems which will moderately reduce impacts to the area by using multiple micro anchor systems which have a minimal footprint. Tools required will be pneumatic augers to drill 100mm ø holes up to 16m deep. These operate with a 150m range from vehicle reducing the requirement for heavy machinery into the reserve. Concrete Grout will be poured using a concrete pump from vehicles on the track with 150m line to reduce the impact of trodding through construction paths bringing materials. Rotorua River Rafting Anchor Concept AVALON INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD PH +64 7 846 1686 // F +64 7 846 1016 // mail@avalonltd.co.nz 94 HIGH ST // PO BOX 5187 // FRANKTON // HAMILTON // 07 386 1686 // NEW ZEALAND www.avalonltd.co.nz Indicative concept for light anchoring of Zip lines for Rotorua Rafting - No testing or load work has been completed however this typically only affects depth of anchor Not to scale Galvanised Line will be used at minimal thickness allowed for line rating to reduce visual impact. A black coloured line has been looked into to again reduce visual impact but due to the fact of wear and tear it was decided against. Typical Anchor/Platform Detail: Multiple anchors will reduce footprint while increasing load capacity. The zipline will then run on a 200mm H5 post to provide ground protection. Platforms will be built to NZS3604 to provide ground protection in high traffic locations again. Platforms will be kept natural colour to match existing infrastructure of DOC’s walkways and paths. Typical Cross-section: This is a typical cross-section for the design of the course by using the natural topography to generate natural platforms and increase stability on lines. Slide-able plastic barrels will be placed on line to restrict general public from having access to the lines. Public Safety: Restricting Public access to the lines and tampering with anchors is something that will be different fro each site. Every platform will have a plastic barrel attached to the line to restrict any public from attempting to slide down the line. It will be 1.5m long and will be pushed down the line after every tour to block from public use. Anchor Detail : Using ground anchors as opposed to trees will enable us to keep minimal impacts and structures. It also enables us to have a leave no trace approach to the venture. All anchors and structures are able to be removed with little damage. Clients will use natural topography of the land to seperate from platform and become suspended. 9\ ORE RE Anchor Detail: Appendix 3 Ecological Assessment from ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS FOR A PROPOSED ZIPLINE AT OKERE providing outstanding ecological services to sustain and improve our environments R4893a ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS FOR A PROPOSED ZIPLINE AT ŌKERE Contract Report No. 4893a February 2019 Project Team: Angela Simpson - Field assessment, report author Ella Buckley - Field assessment William Shaw - Field assessment, report author Jacqui Wairepo - Review of herpetofauna sections Prepared for: Rotorua Rafting 761 SH33 Ōkere Falls Rotorua 99 SALA STREET, WHAKAREWAREWA, 3010, P.O. BOX 7137, TE NGAE, ROTORUA 3042 Ph 07-343-9017; Fax 07-343-9018, email ecology@wildlands.co.nz, www.wildlands.co.nz CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. METHODS 1 3. ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT 3.1 Overview 3.2 Fauna 3.2.1 Avifauna 3.2.2 Bats 3.2.3 Herpetofauna 3.3 Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve 1 1 3 3 3 3 4 4. EXISTING INFORMATION 4.1 Site context 4.2 Kaituna River 4.3 Vegetation and habitats 4.4 Flora 4.5 Avifauna 4.6 Bats 4.7 Freshwater fish 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 5. OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED ZIPLINE DEVELOPMENT 5.1 Overview 5.2 Footprint of the proposed development 5.3 Tour layout 5.4 Zipline structures 5.5 Construction methods 5.6 Walking tracks 5.7 Environmental benefits 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 6. VEGETATION AND HABITATS IN THE RESERVE 9 7. VEGETATION AND HABITATS AT PROPOSED PLATFORM SITES 7.1 Platform 1 7.2 Platform 2 7.3 Platform 3 7.4 Platform 4 7.5 Platform 5 7.6 Platform 6 7.7 Platform 7 7.8 Platform 8 7.9 Platform 9 7.10 Platform 10 7.11 Platform 11 7.12 Platform 12 © 2019 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 Contract Report No. 4893a 8. VEGETATION AND HABITATS ON PROPOSED WALKING TRACK ROUTES 8.1 Track to Platform 1 (c.50 metres) 8.2 Track from Platform 2 to Platform 3 (c.85 metres) 8.3 Track from Platform 6 to Platform 7 (c.25 metres) 8.4 Track from Platform 8 to Platform 9 8.5 Track from Platform 10 to Platform 11 (c.320 metres) 8.6 Track from Platform 12 to track constructed in December 2018 (c.15 metres) 15 15 16 16 16 16 16 9. FLORA 16 10. FAUNA 10.1 Avifauna 10.2 Bats 10.3 Herpetofauna 10.4 Pest animals 17 17 17 17 18 11. ECOLOGICAL VALUES 18 12. POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 12.1 Overview 12.2 Vegetation clearance 12.2.1 Platforms and zipline 12.2.2 Walking tracks 12.3 Weed invasion 12.4 Fauna displacement during construction 12.5 Noise disturbance during guided tours 19 19 19 19 20 21 21 22 13. OPTIONS TO AVOID OR MINIMISE POTENTIAL ADVERSE ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 13.1 Overall intent 13.2 Construction of platforms and zipline installation 13.3 Track construction 13.4 Fauna 13.5 Noise disturbance 13.6 Weed invasion 22 22 22 23 24 25 25 14. MITIGATION 14.1 Overview 14.2 Pest animal control 14.3 Weed control 14.4 Biosecurity 14.5 Restoration planting 25 25 25 27 27 27 © 2019 Contract Report No. 4893a 15. CONCLUSIONS 28 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 29 REFERENCES 29 APPENDICES 1. 3. 4. List of vascular plant species recorded within Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve during site visits List of avifauna recorded within Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve during site visits Site photographs 31 35 36 Reviewed and approved for release by: _______________________ W.B. Shaw Director/Principal Ecologist Wildland Consultants Ltd  Wildland Consultants Ltd 2019 This report has been produced by Wildland Consultants Ltd for Rotorua Rafting. All copyright in this report is the property of Wildland Consultants Ltd and any unauthorised publication, reproduction, or adaptation of this report is a breach of that copyright. © 2019 Contract Report No. 4893a 1. INTRODUCTION A zipline tourist attraction, to be called Ōkere Adventures, is currently being planned by Rotorua Rafting within the Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve. Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve is administered by the Department of Conservation and is located about 20 kilometres northeast of Rotorua. Rotorua Rafting commissioned Wildland Consultants to provide an assessment of ecological effects of the proposed attraction. This report provides a description of vegetation and habitats at the site and an assessment of ecological effects. A selection of site photographs is provided, along with species lists for plants and fauna. Various suggestions are provided for measures to avoid, minimise, or mitigate for potential adverse effects. 2. METHODS A review of existing information about the site and ecological context was compiled. High resolution aerial photographs (BOPLASS 2015/2017) of the project area were obtained and printed at a scale suitable for field use (1:1,000). An initial site visit was undertaken with the client on 13 December 2018 to develop a good understanding of the proposed tourist attraction. A second walk-through site visit was undertaken on 10 January 2019 to evaluate the potential ecological effects of the proposed zipline, including both during construction and ongoing operation. A third site visit was undertaken on 14 February 2019 to visit the locations of proposed platforms which had been added to the proposed zipline route following the first two visits. Vegetation and habitat types present were identified, described, and mapped using the aerial photographs and ArcGIS 10.6. A list of vascular plants observed at the site was compiled (provided in Appendix 1). Bird species observed were recorded (Appendix 2). Photographs were taken of the proposed locations for structures (Appendix 3). Ecological values of the site and potential ecological effects of the proposed tourist attraction were assessed. Options to avoid, minimise, or mitigate any adverse effects were evaluated. 3. ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT 3.1 Overview Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve is located on the southern margin of the Ōtānewainuku Ecological District, within Rotorua District, in the Bay of Plenty Region (Figure 1). The following overview is from Beadel (2006) and Wildland Consultants (2009). © 2019 1 Contract Report No. 4893a 5\1?