Rotorua Lakes Council’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee will next week be asked to give an indication of support for discussions between Ngāti Rangiwewehi and the Crown for the return of Rewarewa Springs.
Ngāti Rangiwewehi recently wrote to Council to advise that they are in discussions with the Crown for the return of ownership of Rewarewa Springs. Ngāti Rangiwewehi have also requested an indication of Council’s support for those discussions.
A report to the Committee notes that Council has resource consent to take water from Rewarewa Springs, for the supply of potable water to homes in Hamurana and Kaharoa. The resource consent will expire in 2026.
Council is working with Ngāti Rangiwewehi to prepare an application for a new (replacement) consent for a 25-year term, which would allow the continued take of water for potable supply. It says that work is progressing well, and has benefitted from the experience and strong working relationships that Council and Ngāti Rangiwewehi have developed through the successful resource consent process for Te Puna a Pekehaua (Taniwha Springs), the report says.
“Ngāti Rangiwewehi have committed that if the land is returned to their ownership, that an easement would be granted to enable Council to continue to access the springs for water take,” Council said in a statement.
