"Our proposed vision is to see the Kaituna River in a healthy state where it is protected for current and future generations.
"To achieve this, the document has eight proposed objectives and 21 proposed desired outcomes, all designed to make a positive difference to the well-being of the river," he said.
"In order for the Kaituna River document to positively impact the waterway it must be shaped by those who treasure it, those who are connected to it, and those who benefit from using it.
"In my mind, the Kaituna River is the umbilical cord that unites traditional relationships and responsibilities, while sustaining and nurturing the lives of those that live within its catchment.
"It is of the utmost importance to ensure the sustainability of the river's future."
Mr Flavell said the document was fundamental to helping focus efforts over the next 10 years to help care for land, water, and wildlife in the catchment.
Once the Kaituna River document was approved the vision, objectives, and desired outcomes must be recognised and provided for in the regional policy statement for the Bay of Plenty, as well as in the relevant regional and district plans under the Resource Management Act 1991.
The Tapuika Claims Settlement Act 2014 was the empowering legislation that established Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority and provided for the preparation of the Kaituna River Document.
FACTS:
- Kaituna, he taonga tuku iho - a treasure gifted to us, is the Proposed Kaituna River Document
-Formal submissions now open until 4pm 24 July, 2017
-For more information and to view the consultation brochure and the proposed document visit www.kaituna.org.nz
Hard copies of the full document and associated brochure are available at the following locations:
- Te Maru o Ngati Rangiwewehi - 16 Taui Street, Rotorua
- Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa - 1212 Amohia Street, Rotorua
- Rotorua Lakes Council - 1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua
-Tapuika Iwi Authority - 19 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke
-Te Kapu o Waitaha - 2 Dunlop Street, Te Puke
- Bay of Plenty Regional Council offices - 5 Quay Street, Whakatane; 87 First Avenue,
- Tauranga City Council
- Western Bay of Plenty District Council - 1484 Cameron Rd, Tauranga and 130 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke
- Rotorua, Te Puke and Papamoa public libraries.