B-2 – Area 2 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 97 treatment prior to discharge into the Ohinemuri River. The diversion of groundwater and surface runoff in this manner will ensure there is no loss of water from the wider Ohinemuri River Catchment. Despite the above measures, it is not practicable for the design of the WRS to minimise all adverse effects associated with loss of river extent. Residual effects are therefore remedied by: Diverting clean spring water around the WRS, into the lower tributary. This diversion ensures the hydrological functioning and relationship of the tributary with the Mataura Stream is maintained; and Rehabilitating and reinstating Unnamed Tributary 2 on the completion of works. As set out in Section 5.11 and Section 5.2 of this AEE, the resulting outcome will be of higher ecological, natural character and amenity value than currently occurring within Unnamed Tributary 2. With the above measures in place, more than minor residual effects will remain that cannot practicably be avoided, minimised or remedied. In this instance, an extensive aquatic offsetting programme is proposed, including: Offsetting the residual loss of freshwater habitats from Unnamed Tributary 2 by undertaking 1,150 m of stream riparian restoration in the upper reaches of Unnamed Tributary 3. The rehabilitation of Unnamed Tributary 2 on the closure of the WRS, which has not been taken into account as part of offsetting calculations. The calculations are therefore conservative, with a further ecological benefit provided on closure of the WRS. In addition to the above, further enhancement works are proposed which are not required as part of any offsetting measures. These are detailed by Boffa MIskell (2022a). With these measures in place, a substantial net gain is anticipated. Accordingly, there are no more than minor residual effects outstanding, and avoidance of the activity is not required. The effects of the loss of river extent on Māori freshwater values, particularly mahinga kai, are identified above. OGNZL continues to engage with tangata whenua regarding the activities occurring within Area 2 and the wider WNP. OGNZL are actively engaging to with tangata whenua to ensure the proposed activities avoid the loss of river extent and values and effects or manage them in accordance with the effects management hierarchy. The loss of river extent associated with the WRS is not contrary to the outcomes sought by this policy and will avoid, to the extent practicable, any loss of river extent and values.
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