TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TE UPOKO O TE IKA A MAUI HAWKE’S BAY CONSERVATION BOARD CONFIRMED MINUTES OF MEETING FRIDAY 04 SEPTEMBER 2009

AT DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION WELLINGTON HAWKE’S BAY CONSERVANCY OFFICE

PRESENT Helen Algar (Chairperson) John Hancock Margaret Shields (departed 2pm) Andrew (Andy) Foster (arrived 10am) Nicola (Nicky) Nelson Geoff Doring Rob McColl

IN ATTENDANCE Alan McKenzie Conservator, DOC (arrived 1.30pm) Colin Miskelly Conservation Analyst Bronwyn Bell Conservation Board Secretary (CBS), DOC Hugh Barr New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association (NZDA) Bev Abbott Botanical Society

1.0 KARAKIA, WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS

The meeting started at 9.00am in the level 1 meeting room, Wellington Hawke’s Bay Conservancy Office, Thorndon, Wellington. Koro Tamarapa opened the meeting with a karakia. Helen Algar welcomed everyone.

2.0 APOLOGIES

Ra Pomare

3.0 CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA, INTERESTS DECLARATION

The Agenda was confirmed, with the following changes:

Conservator Alan McKenzie gave apologies that he could not make the morning session. Item 6.0 Update with the Conservator, was rescheduled for the afternoon. Colin Miskelly attended on Alan’s behalf.

Other changes and extra items for the agenda:

Item 8.1 – Operation Kaka, moved forward before the Public Forum.

Item 11.0 – General Business added: Conservation in the Cathedral, Jack Harris Tamara Block bequest, Fish & Game liason report, and National Environmental Standard on sea level rise from the Ministry for Environment.

Interests Declaration

None noted

509120 2 4.0 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING 26 JUNE 2009

Draft minutes for June’s meeting had been circulated previous to the meeting with a request for amendments.

The Board: • Approved the Minutes of the meeting 26 June 2009. Helen Algar/Geoff Doring

5.0 MATTERS ARISING and ACTION SCHEDULE

The matters arising of note included: • John Hancock said that DOC deserves congratulations for the new Atiwhakatu Hut, as he has received numerous positive comments . • Geoff Doring said that a large number of people attended the most recent planting day in the Wairarapa and it was a great success. • The action schedule was covered later in the meeting.

8.0 ADVICE TO DOC ON MANAGEMENT ISSUES

8.1 Optimising Biodiversity with Tararua Forest Park – Operation Kaka (working title)

Colin Miskelly updated the Board on progress with ‘Operation Kaka’, the proposed new animal pest control regime in Tararua Forest Park. The Board was first introduced to the proposed project at the April 2009 Board meeting. The intention of the proposal is to move from the current 6 year rotation of canopy control for possum over 60,000 hectares, to a multi-pest targeted zone of 22,000 hectares to manage for improved biodiversity that uses a 3 year pest control rotation. The targeted pests are possum, rats, and mustelids (stoat/weasel family). Colin stressed that the title does not mean the project is supposed to focus on kaka alone, but biodiversity in general (including forest birds), with the potential to possibly re-introduce native species such as kiwi, whio and robin.

The intention is to start in spring next year, suppressing predators before the bird breeding season begins. It is proposed to do a 3 year rotation with the application of a ‘pre-feed’, which is laying non-toxic bait a week or so before the toxic bait, to increase the chance of predators eating the toxic bait. This pre-feeding method has been demonstrated to achieve very high kill rates for rats and stoats. Up till now the Conservancy has not done the ‘pre-feed’ except with the current Otaki bio-zone. Due to the increased costs of using pre-feed, and a three-year return, aerial 1080 application over approximately 38,000 hectares will cease.

The Board will receive the same information as stakeholders. There is a pamphlet, and a PowerPoint presentation being developed. Other information of a technical nature, such as monitoring and operational documents, is not intended to be given out to the public. Board member Rob McColl, the Board representative on the steering committee for this project, sent members the two recent draft documents about the proposal which were given to stakeholders also.

Points from discussion included: • Sites both inside and outside the treatment area will undergo monitoring of animal pests and overall biodiversity, as it is important to see how the untreated areas will change. • Other agencies keen to assist in monitoring are; DOC’s National Research & Development group, Landcare Research (has it listed as their #1 national site), and Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC). • GWRC has Animal Health Board (AHB) funding on the eastern side of the zone which overlaps that area of the proposal, though long term funding may not be possible with AHB basing its priorities for possum control on bovine TB levels. DOC is still budgeting for the 3 year return. • October and November each year are the main times for baseline monitoring, which entails checking tracking tunnels and doing bird counts. Preparation for monitoring baseline data on mustelid/invertebrate levels is currently underway for this year.

Docdm-485525 3 • It won’t be necessary to establish as many new lines on the western side, since the existing Otaki bio-zone has plots set up already. The eastern side will need a considerable amount of work. • The current Otaki bio-zone is 4,000 ha on the western side of Tararua Forest Park which consists of two overlapping blocks on the 6 year pest control cycle, and uses the 3 year cycle with ‘pre feed’ method. The entire Tararua Forest Park is 115,000 ha. • Rob McColl noted that multi-pest control over smaller areas with high biodiversity values is a national trend, and that this proposal is a ground breaker for research of national value. • Board members asked about the untreated 93,000 ha, and advised that DOC convey to the public and interested groups that this area is still under stewardship. • Colin said the expectation is that any decline in canopy condition will take a long time to determine, and noted that there are three other Forest Parks in the Conservancy that already don’t have any pest control program. DOC has been fortunate with the AHB’s work on the borders of the forest parks. • The current short-tailed bat zone is not included in the proposed area. There will still be a monitoring program for the bats. • Nicky Nelson asked whether the project area would be likely to expand once the core area was sorted. Colin said they hadn’t touched on that yet, due to the possibility for pest control programs in the other forest parks, but in principle it could happen. • There are plans to monitor threatened plants, which include a new shrub recently discovered in the Holdsworth area that has been known to suffer from browse damage. • It is not expected that toxins will be applied above the bush line as few pest mammals are expected there, compared to the benefits of protecting a larger area of forest. • Water quality in the streams is to be monitored before and after control takes place.

It was agreed that while Rob McColl is away, Nicky Nelson will take his place at the steering group’s meetings. Action:Inform Nicky of meeting dates. (Colin)

The Board: • thanked Rob McColl for his input on the steering group • noted that fees for this work, at Board member rates, were covered by the Conservancy.

6.0 PUBLIC FORUM

Hugh Barr addressed the Board on behalf of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) in relation to ‘Operation Kaka’. Hugh presented a paper from NZDA outlining their view of the project, noting that there are 9 hunting clubs in the Greater Wellington region. The NZDA sees Tararua Forest Park as a conservation park, thus the need to also facilitate recreation , which includes hunting. Hugh noted that he also comes from a scientific background.

Hugh presented points on behalf of the NZDA: • There is not enough information from DOC in regard to the current Otaki bio-zone or native bird data. A report on this area would be relevant to the success of the proposed project. • 1080 is not ideal for rats as it doesn’t kill all of them, and there is still a food source available. • Kaka are already a feature in mainland islands, and are rarely seen in this area anyway, so why make more area for them. • Ruru are seen/heard in the area and are particularly susceptible to 1080 poisoning. • Features of the proposed area are quite rough, and much of it is infertile land with few birds, and only experienced trampers or hunters are able to get to much of it. • NZDA says if there are no deer in this 22,000ha, they won’t go there, but are interested to work with DOC in other areas of the park.

Board members raised questions to clarify Hugh’s points: • Nicky Nelson asked whether there would be benefits for deer management by the NZDA on the parts which will be released from the 1080 control. Hugh agreed, saying that there would be benefits from NZDA and DOC making a Deer Plan for the Forest Park.

Docdm-485525 4 • Colin Miskelly clarified that mainland islands are different in control methods, and this is not a mainland island proposal. • Rob McColl asked whether the NZDA supported any biodiversity management. Hugh said the NZDA does give biodiversity support. Some groups have stoat trap lines set up, as they want native birds too, but they also want deer, which is why they want a deer plan. • Asked if there was any way in which NZDA could support this proposal. Hugh said it would have to go back to the Hunter Liaison Committee.

Helen thanked Hugh for his input, and welcomed Bev Abbott to speak to the Board.

Bev Abbott raised two items with the Board: 1. Operation Kaka – There is lack of focus on vegetation monitoring, and the health of forest ecosystems. GWRC’s Hutt Valley water catchment monitoring is a great example of what can be achieved. Bev urged DOC to veer away from the idea of a corridor, and expand on areas already being well protected, as there would be fewer edge effects. 2. Environmental Education – Cuts made by the current government in the Enviro-schools budget are devastating. In August 2005, 10 years after the initial Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) was put in place, the Board looked at objectives set at that time. It was questioned how DOC was enabling teachers to become conservation educators. The response was that the Ministry of Education was supporting teachers in this objective. This is the support that has now been cut. She asked whether as a result DOC would look again at its role in conservation education. Noting that DOC’s Statement of Intent indicates that New Zealanders should be able to cite a wide range of benefits of conservation, including economic and social, Bev urged the Board to investigate whether the latest CMS says anything about promotion of conservation values through education.

Points raised in discussion included: • Area offices address promotion of conservation values in the Conservation Action Plans. • At the moment resources for enviro-education are spread thinly and in pockets, i.e. the Areas meet with local public and schools during Sea Week and Conservation Week. • Bev said that in 2005 there were 4.73 FTE working with public in the Conservancy. • John Hancock said he see lots of kids at the local weed swaps and planting days, and thinks these are more effective tools for education. Also, Amanda Cosgrove, the Wairarapa Area Office’s Community Relations Program Manager, drives a huge amount of public input, so more money should be allocated to people like her. • Rob McColl noted that the Conservancy’s local newsletter Footnotes, put together by Conservation Support Officer, Sue Galbraith, is educational. • Bev urged the Board to address this issue on a strategic level, asking what values do you want DOC to contribute to, and how is this Conservancy responding to the national directive. • Margaret Shields pointed out that it appears government bodies are getting better at drawing attention to items with star quality, but still not very good at highlighting other related and vital issues. Interdepartmental committees need to look at the big issues, eg. water catchments in view of how they affect birds. Action: Ensure Bev’s comments are included in the Board’s response to the draft CMS (Nicky) • Geoff Doring noted that Pukaha Mt Bruce lost its education teacher who was funded from outside DOC, before the current government cuts, which was a shame, as a large number of children go through the Centre. He said that Amanda Cosgrove deserves kudos for her work with school groups and GWRC. • Helen Algar said she was keen to learn how the CAPs address the conservation education aspect of public awareness. Action: Conservancy highlight how CAPs address conservation education in relation to public awareness. (Colin)

10.30am morning tea

Docdm-485525 5 7.0 CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (CMS)

Helen gave a brief history of the development of the current draft of the CMS. The Board had previously agreed with Alan to put CMS work on hold until the 2010/11 year ( which starts July 2010). Alan agreed to make the community aware of the non-statutory preliminary draft CMS, and allow people to make any informal comments. The steering group met recently to discuss how to notify the public that informal consultation will soon begin. Alan wrote a preamble for the CMS to alert the public to the current status. Helen and Rob had input into the preamble. Alan said the existing draft (sent to the Board by CD recently) will be reviewed by his team one more time before it goes live on the DOC website for public viewing, and that the best way to gather and monitor any comments is still being thought through. The possibility of a blog type mechanism was discussed. Ultimately, a revised draft CMS including Hawke’s Bay, will be notified publicly, most likely in 2011. Action: The Board to have their comments in to Alan by the end of September. (members)

Points of note included: • The NZCA noted in their minutes that they were going to have expectations for Boards on CMS timelines. • The Hawke’s Bay places from the previous East Coast Hawke’s Bay (ECHB) Conservancy’s Draft CMS will eventually be merged with the Draft Wellington CMS. This work will occur in 2011 when work resumes on the new WHB CMS. • John Hancock raised the issue of boundaries of the new conservancies, and is concerned about the issue of dairy farms around the Mohaka river, with excess effluent going into the rivers, thus degrading the river and water quality. Action: Create map that highlights the Conservancy boundaries, and come back with advice later this year on the issue of the rivers and water quality which will affect the Conservancy. (Colin) • It was suggested that a similar preamble be prepared for the Draft ECHB CMS, or that the Hawke’s Bay places be extracted and that either version be added to the website with an appropriate explanation. • Andy Foster raised the point that there could potentially be a whole new board by the time the CMS is worked on in full again.

8.0 ADVICE TO DOC ON MANAGEMENT ISSUES

8.2 Concessions Report

Conservation Support Supervisor, Tania Wrightson tabled a concessions report. No new concessions had been added since the Board last met on 26 June 2009. Members questioned why the report was being tabled at meetings as this doesn’t give them time to consider the matters raised.

Action – Colin discuss with CSU to get the report out before hand and not continually tabled. (Colin)

John pointed out that there are some new grazing licences in the Wairarapa. Andy asked Colin whether there were any issues with cows in the water. Colin said that the conditions of the licences include a monitoring program on this and how to resolve any breaches of conditions.

The Board: • received the Concessions Report and agreed to send any retrospective comments to the Board Secretary.

9.0 STATUTORY ADVOCACY

9.1 LTCCP Responses

Helen asked whether there were any points members wanted to follow up on in regard to the various Councils’ responses to the Board’s submissions. Members agreed that the considerable work put into the submissions had been worthwhile, as many of the responses included how the Councils took up the Board’s submission points and incorporated them.

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The Board thanked Nicky for the initial co-ordination of submissions and template design, Rob for tracking these for the Board, and Bronwyn and the Conservancy Planners for their support.

Helen raised the issue of alignment of LTCCPs and CMS consultation strategies. The Board had been separately invited by , Chair of Greater Wellington, and Ian McKinnon, Deputy City, to work with Council and DOC staff to explore the possibilities. Fran Wilde had made further contact through Alan McKenzie, particularly in relation to the development of a ‘One Plan’. Helen said that she would be prepared to work with the relevant planners from DOC and the Councils on this, rather than develop a specific proposal from the Board, as it would be necessary to work through the specific processes and timing. Helen reported that Alan had said that he would talk to Fran Wilde further about this and come back to Helen.

Andy commented that getting groups to streamline their processes is very difficult, as the Board’s interest is a small subset of the interests of Council.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council sent its LTCCP to the Board. Nicky volunteered to take a look at it.

8.4 Poneke Area Office update

Poneke Area Manager, Rob Stone gave an update on the Poneke Area. Points included: • Makara - the walkway will no longer closed for lambing, as some fences have been erected in strategic areas to allow walkers through without disturbing the lambs. • Meridian has plans for developing recreation on the Makara Farm following the construction period of West Wind. Meridian has fenced 35 hectares near Johnny’s Bush as is required in its Resource Consent, (35 ha deemed to be area of new roading created). • Long Gully wind turbines on the south coast are at hearing stage. • Kinnoul Station subdivision - the compensation certificate for the 4 ha Speargrass Weevil Reserve has been released as the land will be included in a 50 ha covenant. DOC may not take on the management. (WCC) is driving much of it. • Discussion is underway for a walking track along Karori Stream, but not for 4 wheel driving. • It is currently seal pup season, they take up a lot of our Rangers’ time. Several news releases have gone out to educate public about the issue. • A submission to WCC has been made on dog control, in the hopes to protect the penguins along the coast line where they nest. • Research on the value of using transponders on little Blue penguins is underway on Matiu Somes Island. Flipper bands are thought to be detrimental to penguins. A lot of data exists on the birds already; it is a matter of working with the Ornithological Society on the data. • It is whitebait season, there’s not much in the Poneke area, but there are still territorial disputes around the Hutt River. • The Poneke Area’s boat, Matahourua, is out regularly around the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, as there are people fishing all week as well as weekends. • A group of 8 Victoria University PhD students are carrying out research within the marine reserve for their studies. • Matiu/Somes has benefitted from installation of solar water heating in 3 of the 5 houses, and the rangers units. National Office has a sustainability program that helps fund these initiatives. • There is discussion about installing a wind turbine and renewable power system, in partnership with a company that makes wind turbines for harsh climates, to eventually convert the whole island to alternative power. • Botanist Peter Russell, has been working on Matiu/Somes for the past year as a weeds contractor, and is on top of the situation. He is currently investigating control of plant species like karaka (not endemic to this area and can be invasive), and separating northern rata and pohutukawa so they don’t hybridize. • There are large numbers of volunteers and work groups on the island on a regular basis, which include corporate groups, interest groups, and individuals.

Docdm-485525 7 • Catchpool Valley in Rimutaka Forest Park: o Has received funds from the Community Conservation Funds for weed control. o Tourism Resource Consultants (TRC) completed a visitor and recreation strategy for the Rimutaka Forest Park. o 3 huts are to be replaced this year with the intention to boost weekday use. This includes a 32 bunk hut on the true right of the Orongorongo River, so large groups ie. school or corporate groups can access it in rainy conditions. o The old visitor centre has been revamped and now has better light and heating. It is available as a bookable resource for workshops, conferences etc. o A contract has been tendered to rebuild the Catchpool ford for better water movement and fish passage. o The pine logging ceased earlier this year but will resume again in November. o A promotional DVD was developed for the area as a free resource for visitor centres, and the pamphlet is being updated. • The Wellington Visitor Centre recently had new energy efficient lights installed. • Turnbull House is running well. • Conservation week is 12-20 September this year and Poneke Area has a lot of activities planned; historical tours of the Old Government Building and the Dominion Observatory, work with school children on pest control, the Marine Education Centre is having another open day and tour of the marine reserve, another weed swap, and much more.

Points of discussion included: • Catchpool wasn’t chosen as a Place in the draft CMS but clearly the strategy for it would fit the criteria for Forest Parks covered in a generic sense in part 1. Action: The Board to receive a cover letter with the CAPs when they are circulated to stakeholders, which points out any linkage between CAPs and the CMS. (Colin/Area Managers) Action: When the Board visits each area, they would like comment from Area Managers on how CAPs are reflecting the CMS. (Area Managers) • The question of road-end security in Catchpool was raised. Rob said it is not generally a problem. There are sporadic episodes of break ins which Police usually shut down quite quickly. Rangers ensure they are visible, both to assist public and deter vandals. • Rimutaka Forest Park is unique in that it has huts that are lockable and bookable, and not far from the road end. It is a good system for the first time outdoors experience. The fact that there isn’t much opportunity for back country experience was raised. Rimutaka Forest Park has a number of back country opportunities such as the Papatahi Crossing, Mathews and South Saddle tracks and over into the Wairarapa. There is not high enough user numbers to justify further development of back country assets at present. • The cycleway proposal to link the Hutt River Trail, Rimutaka Incline, and down around the coast from the Wairarapa is still in discussion.

Helen thanked Rob for his concise and informative oral report.

9.0 STATUTORY ADVOCACY

9.2 Further submissions on GWRC’s Regional Policy Statement

GWRC notified for further submissions, and then sent the further summary of the submissions. Board members decided that no further comment or action was required in relation to the comment that was directed at the Board’s submission by Winstone Aggregates. Rob McColl suggested if he is not away at the time of a hearing, he could attend, but if he is away perhaps the Conservancy’s Planner, Kris Ericksen would be able to present the Board’s view. Action: Rob will speak at the hearing, but if not can DOC speak on our key points. (CBS/Rob Mc)

9.3 GWRC’s Pest Management Strategy

John read the strategy on behalf of the Board and commented that on whole it is very good, its only weakness is in relation to DOC and other territorial bodies. Colin didn’t know whether anyone in the

Docdm-485525 8 Conservation Support Unit had reviewed the Strategy, or whether a submission was made, as there is currently no Animal Pest CSO, but the Conservancy has a good relationship with GWRC and AHB. Action: John to catch up with John Sawyer about it. (John H) Action: Find out if Conservancy has reviewed GWRC’s Pest Control Strategy, and give advice on how it affects any DOC area or work. (Colin)

9.4 Waingawa Swamp

Geoff read through the latest summary of submissions from GWRC and Carterton District Council (CDC) on the resource consent application by Wairarapa Aggregates Ltd in relation to land adjoining Waingawa Swamp. Geoff reports that it was all focused on protecting the water. Wairarapa Aggregates Ltd had requested the hearing be postponed while they decide what to do next. Geoff will attend when the new hearing date is made. Action: Inform Geoff as soon as the next hearing date is announced. (CBS)

9.5 Fitzroy Bay – Horokiwi Quarry

Conservancy Planner, Kris Ericksen was sent advice from the Board on the Fitzroy Bay – Horokiwi Quarry resource consent application. When the oral hearings happen, hopefully Kris will be able to use some of the Board’s advice. Part of the advice from the Board was for GWRC to analyse the data they have already got. Action: Board members to talk to Kris about using the Board’s suggestions to expound upon related points. (Helen) Action: Post the Board’s letter on the web in the submissions page. (CBS) Action: Send as letter to GWRC (Geoff/John/Rob/Helen/CBS)

Lunch 12.45pm – 1.15pm

5.0 Action Schedule Review

Item 1 – Future meetings and inspections 2009. The Board will undertake a field trip in Hawke’s bay Friday 20 November, and hold a Board meeting on Saturday 21 November, with an extended public forum in the morning. Items 2, 7-22 had been completed and were closed. Items 2, 3 and 4 are pending Item 5 was closed and incorporated in a later action point

10.0 BOARD MATTERS

10.1 Expenditure Report

The final Financial Report for 2008/09 and the Budget for 2009/10 were tabled. The Board’s budget for 2008/09 was under spent by $7,000. The agreed 2009/10 budget covers 4 meetings and 2 field trips. It was agreed to that one meeting would be held in each Area. It had been agreed that if there were savings from some members not attending meetings/field trips, an extra field trip would be included. Action: Propose where the next field trip should be. (Alan) Action: Prepare forward budget to cover planned meetings and field trip(s) based on where Alan thinks the next field trip should be. (CBS)

The Board • received the Expenditure Report. Helen Algar/Geoff Doring

10.2 Correspondence Inwards/Outwards

Several members had read the conservation estate articles from DOC’s Director General, and the Minister of Conservation, and suggested that everyone should read them.

Docdm-485525 9 Comments of note included: • John commented that he has consistently purported that not enough information was clear and available on the money coming and going from DOC’s Concessions. These articles both indicate money is very important, so it’s time for DOC to be transparent about concessions. Does DOC give away grazing licences? Are the helicopters concessionaires making money? • NZCA has considered a paper on the approach to concessions and commercialisation. • Colin commented that concessions do bring money into DOC. The department is focussing on being open to business, including new concession opportunities. • Helen noted that DOC’s strategic direction implies that if concessions are compatible with and don’t compromise conservation values then they should be pursued. • Land Information NZ has developed a good land cover database that is freely available. This example is taking the public good approach at a marginal cost. • No attempt has been made in this Conservancy to appraise the value of ecosystem services. On a national scale some work has been done.

Action: Need the update on the NZCA’s commercial framework principles paper for the next meeting (CBS)

The Board: • Noted the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Walking Access Commission, in respect to the transfer of statutory functions under the New Zealand Walkways Act 1990. • received the inwards correspondence and approved the outwards correspondence.

10.3 Kapiti Marine Reserve Committee (KMRC)

Nicky is the Board’s representative on the KMRC. She reported that minutes from the Committee’s June meeting were circulated, and that the she was unavailable to attend that meeting. Board members were given a hard copy of the Committee’s Annual Report. The Committee had made a great deal of progress and engagement with the public this year. It was good to have the Royal Society Teacher Fellow working with them.

The Board: • received the KMRC’s Annual Report.

10.4 Progress with Strategies and Actions

Board members thanked Rob for his work done on this document. It was decided to keep adding to the document in 2009/10.

The Board: • received the updated Strategies and Actions spreadsheet.

10.5 The National Wildlife Centre Trust

Geoff is the Board’s representative on the National Wildlife Centre Trust. Geoff tabled a handout with an update from the Trust. It is working well as a promotional body for conservation related lectures/history. Recently they hosted the inaugural Sir Edmund Hillary Memorial lecture and had a full house. John was at the lecture and commented that it was really good, and captured a wide cross section of community.

10.6 Te Angiangi Marine Reserve Committee

The Associate Minister of Conservation had written to the Board suggesting the appointment of Zack Makaore, a member of the former East Coast Hawke’s Bay Conservation Board as the Board’s

Docdm-485525 10 representative on the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve Committee, whilst new appointments to the Board were progressed.

The Board: • resolved to appoint Zack Makoare as its representative on the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve Committee until the end of February 2010..

10.8 East Coast Hawke’s Bay Conservation Board (ECHBCB) – last minutes, annual report & letter from NZCA to the new Board Chairs’

The Board: • received the 2008/09 Annual Report of the ECHBCB and the unconfirmed minutes of the June 2009 meeting.

6.0 UPDATE FROM CONSERVATOR

Helen welcomed Alan to the meeting. Alan gave an oral report.

CMS • Alan thanked Helen and Rob for their input into the preamble for the CMS. • It was suggested that Alan and the East Coast Bay of Plenty Conservator prepare a joint preamble for the ECHB CMS, to alert the respective areas’ stakeholders and public. Alan’s view was that the ECHB draft CMS should just be used to support the new WHB CMS. Members thought it was important to acknowledge the work that has been done on the ECHB draft CMS already, and draw from it. Action: Discuss with ECBOP Conservator, Henry Weston about a joint approach on the previous ECHB draft CMS, and email the steering group about it. (Alan) • There may not be any original Board members left by the time the next substantial work occurs on the CMS. Alan said he did not anticipate the form and content of document changing greatly, except to include Hawke’s Bay places and to ensure fit with the national model; therefore the work the existing Board members have put in will be of enduring value.

Wairarapa Moana • The Establishment Group is a handshake committee between GWRC, DOC, SWDC, Rangitaane and Ngati Kahununu. The Chair is Fran Wilde from GWRC, and there are two representatives from each organisation. They have been working on a vision statement and goals for the past year. Action: Give vision statement/goals document to Board when it is out of draft form. (Alan) • Fish & Game are requesting involvement in the Management Group which works under the Establishment Group. Currently Fish & Game are placed in the advisory group. • There will be a launch in February 2010 of the Establishment Group. • Work is starting to be coordinated ie. the walkway to Boggy Pond - DOC has tabled this to the group and they’ve supported this work. • The National Cycleway going somewhere near the lake was still a possibility, as are mountain bike trails. John commented that a fair number of land owners will not allow access. • Board members enquired whether there was to be a statutory entity which would involve longer term governance, and whether the Board could be involved directly and have strategic responsibilities, as discussed last year. • Alan said that the Establishment Group was the governance group, and consisted of the parties that own the land and that are committing resources. Other groups with involvement in the Lake, eg. Ministry of Fisheries, have been in the advisory group, and this may be the appropriate place for the Conservation Board . Action: The Board write to the Conservator to outline what direct value the Board would give with a representative on the Establishment Group. Alan will raise the issue at the next Establishment Group meeting. (Helen/members/Alan)

Docdm-485525 11 Whareroa Farm • Work on a short walking track is currently underway, in order to be open before the Christmas holidays. • There is a new grazing concession. • The funds allocated for the shearing shed were lost as part of the cut backs. • There are still a lot of ideas and proposals under consideration for work to be done, and the department is working closely with the Guardians on the plans.

Commercial Framework Paper – NZCA’s • From the NZCA’s last minutes, DOC’s National Office Commercial Manager, Harry Maher had comments about concessions/tourism/ecosystem services and how they are linked. Action: When the paper is finalised a copy will be obtained for the Board. (Alan) • DOC Director General, Al Morrison’s theme of ‘conservation is not a cost but an investment’ is amenable to commercial interest. There is a review of the concessions process due for release before Christmas, which will change the way concessions work, to make it easier for both DOC and the concessionaires. • The question was raised whether conservancies would charge more for concessions. Alan said it’s about making public conservation land more open and available to new business opportunities. Charges are based on the market and a fair return for use of public land.

CAPs Process • The final product for Poneke and the Wairarapa are just about to be released, Kapiti and Hawke’s Bay’s are due in November. Action: Provide hard copies of CAPs to Board – with cover letters outlining any linkages with the draft CMS (Alan/Colin) • Actions in each have been prioritised by staff. A lot of work has been done to improve and retain consistency. • The Board appreciates the updates with the Area Managers and would like future updates to be based around linking the CAPs work to the CMS, as a proxy in lieu of CMS monitoring while the CMS is on hold. • Alan explained briefly how the Conservation Support Unit (CSU) is structured. The Board asked to have updates from the CSU Supervisors and the various work streams that relates to their support of the CAPs. • All the work being done by the Conservancy, and the conservation outcomes, is linked to the Strategic Direction and CMS. Rob McColl suggested the level of reporting can be lifted to meet bigger outcomes. Action: Alan asked the Board to write a request to identify which areas of work they are interested in so staff can be arranged to provide updates. (Helen/Members)

Hawke’s Bay • Alan and the Board discussed the field trip in Hawke’s Bay on Friday 20 November. It was agreed to visit places in the morning, and have presentations in the afternoon. Action: Contact Zak Makeora about giving a presentation on the marine reserve in the afternoon of Friday 20 November. (CBS) Action: Alan ask Hawke’s Bay Area Manager, Jan Hania if there was anything the previous Board dealt with that would be useful and where the most value would be for the Board to go visit. • It was decided to hold a longer Public Forum on Saturday 21 November, and to invite the Chair of the outgoing Board. • Geoff Doring mentioned that there are strong Forest & Bird branches in the region and will talk to them about coming. • Alan noted that the Crown is currently in negotiation with Ngati Pahauwera, whose rohe is in the Hawke’s Bay Area. It is the first of the Treaty settlement negotiations in the Hawke’s Bay Area. Alan is discussing with iwi of the East Coast from Makara to Palliser, the possibility of setting up a Kaitiaki Roopu, to enable the department to seek advice from with iwi on its work and direction.

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Recreation • The Conservancy recently employed another recreation planner, Emma Greig. It became clear due to the size of the new Hawke’s Bay area, and changes on a national level for recreation, that there was a necessity for two recreation planners. • From a national view, there has been the perception that most recreation funding was allocated to back country. • In the last few years, research has been done on patterns of where people go for their holidays, and it turns out the majority do not go very far from home. It became clear that front country opportunities were necessary in order to fully involve and educate the public on conservation values, eg. short walks. • The government has raised the profile of tourism. This fits with DOC’s shift to front country focus as tourists, both international and domestic, are keen on outdoor opportunities but often don’t have time or experience for back country travel. • Conservancies were asked to look at visitor assets expenditure and how they could add to the national initiatives. The Wellington Hawke’s Bay Conservancy had recreation consultants assess Rimutaka Forest Park and visitor enhancement for Kapiti Island. • The Conservancy is now moving to fund some of the suggestions from a recreation consultant, such as a new large Oakes Hut in the Orongorongo Valley. • For the enhancement of visitor experience to Kapiti Island, work is underway to identify funds to build a reception centre with information and interpretation panels on Paraparaumu beach, and develop a short walk on the island.

Te Araroa • The Conservancy anticipates a lot of comments to come in from the invitation to submit on the proposal from the Te Araroa Wellington Trust, for the Te Araroa Trail to go along Oriwa ridge in the Kapiti area of Tararua Forest Park. • The Te Araroa Trust has funds for ongoing track maintenance; this was not known in previous information given to the Board. • Board members commented that Oriwa ridge is back country, and definite tramping as opposed to walking type territory, so it is important that analysis has taken place on how this initiative aligns with the front country vs back country recreation overview. • Board members enquired as to the thoroughness of the Trust’s investigation with private landowners of the lower altitude options. • The Board decided to maintain a neutral stance on the issue, to not submit, and to wait to see what kind of comments start coming in, as the Board’s role is to consider whether the CMS is appropriately reflected. • Alan said he would be looking to the Board to provide advice to him in the making of a decision on the proposal.

11.0 GENERAL BUSINESS

11.1 Ministry of Fisheries – North Island Finfish Plan

The Ministry of Fisheries invited submissions on their North Island Finfish Plan. Submissions are due on 16 October 2009. Board members decided not to submit, and to so advise the Ministry of Fisheries. Action: Send Geoff a hard copy of Finfish Plan. (CBS) Action: Draft letter declining invitation to submit on Finfish Plan for Helen. (CBS)

10.0 BOARD MATTERS continued

10.1 The Board’s Annual Report

Helen thanked Bronwyn for her work on the Annual Report.

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The Board: • approved the Annual Report 2008-2009 for submission to the NZCA.

11.0 GENERAL BUSINESS continued

11.2 Conservation Week at the Cathedral

Ted Abraham has retired from organising Conservation at the Cathedral, which has been a very successful conservation group information exchange, and public awareness raising exercise for conservation week for more than 12 years. He was nominated for the conservation awards last year.

The Board: • agreed to write to Mr Abraham thanking him for his work.

11.3 Jack Harris conservation estate bequest

Margaret raised the issue of public relations over areas of significance that get overlooked, and used the Tamara block as an example. Often these areas are the closest to populations. Jack Harris gifted this block to conservation in the Kapiti Area as a bequest. Margaret requested that a note be put in the Conservancy’s newsletter, Footnotes, about this block.

Action: Conservancy investigate a boost in profile of this block and any other small blocks of similar nature, possibly to be put into Footnotes. (Colin)

11.4 Fish & Game Liaison

John gave a brief update on Fish & Game’s back country licences for fishing. The area notified is not in the Wellington Hawke’s Bay Conservancy but is similar to many areas in the Conservancy, especially around Hawke’s Bay. John advised that the Board and DOC need to be alert to possibilities of this occurrence here. The main issue is that there is little public access along the river (Rangitikei) thus creating territorial disputes between local fishers, and land owners whose properties may or may not have obvious access to the river. Also Fish & Game want to be included in a statutory capacity on Lake Wairarapa.

11.5 National Environmental Standard (NES) on sea level rise from the Ministry for Environment

Rob found a small notice inviting submissions for NES on sea level rise, in the Ministry for Environments last issue of Discovery, simply dated ‘August 2009’. No letter was sent to the Board about it. Colin didn’t know whether the Conservancy had been notified, as it would be a National Office issue. Action: Find out whether National Office submitted on the NES sea level rise. (CBS)

12.0 FORWARD MEETINGS AND AGENDA ITEMS

Discussion on the next meeting took place earlier (see Item 5.0, pg 8). Board members relayed their schedules for availability before the next meeting: Rob will be overseas from 9 September and back 19 October. Helen will be overseas 21 to 30 September – Nicky will be Acting Chair of the Board in Helen’s absence.

The meeting ended at 4.00pm

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Revised by Chair 20/9/09 - Action Points:

Future meetings and inspections Field inspection Friday 20 November 09 - All members Hawke’s Bay Area Meeting Saturday 21 November 09 – Napier 9.2 Conservation Awards Develop proposal for joint awards with Greater Ben Reddiex and Nicky Nelson Item 11 Dec 08 Action point Wellington in 2010. Conservation Support April 09 Action pt 5 Manager to report progress to Board meeting June 09 Action pt 3 November 2009. 11.2 GW Environmental report Alan to advise the Board on joint monitoring Conservator cards; work with Greater Wellington. 12.1 WCB Communications Identify a programme of key stakeholders to Members/CBS strategy invite to address the Board in 2010. Discuss with the Conservator. 7.1/8.2 Conservation Action The Board requested an outline of significant Alan/Colin Plans; changes to work in the Areas as a result of developing the CAPs. 8.1 Operation Kaka Nicky Nelson to stand in for Rob McColl on Colin Miskelly Operation Kaka Steering Group September to 18 October – Colin to inform Nicky of meeting dates. Item 6.0 Public Forum Ensure Bev Abbotts comments are included in Nicky the Board’s response to the draft CMS Item 6.0 Public Forum Advise how the CAPs have addressed Colin Miskelly conservation education in relation to public awareness. Item 7.0 CMS Board members to provide any comments on the Members draft CMS to Alan McKenzie before the end of September. Item 7.0 CMS Provide for the November Board meeting maps Conservator of the Wellington Hawke’s Bay Conservancy, clearly showing the new boundaries and the CMS places from the two draft CMSs Item 7.0 CMS Provide advice on the rivers, water bodies and Colin Miskelly water quality issues within the new Conservancy. Item 7.0 CMS & Item 10.1 Develop a draft programme of meetings, venues Conservator with Chair and field trips for 2010 Item 8.2 Concessions report To be distributed with Board papers, not tabled Colin Miskelly at meetings Item 9.1 LTCCP Responses Agree with the Chair of Greater Wellington that Conservator Helen Algar and DOC planners will meet with Greater Wellington planners to identify opportunities for aligning consultation on the CMS and LTCCPs and other Council planning documents. Follow up a similar invitation from Wellington City Council Item 9.2 Greater Wellington Preference for DOC to speak to key points in CBS to follow-up; Rob McColl Regional Policy Statement Conservation Board submission at the GWRPS hearing; Rob McColl to attend if he can. Item 9.3 Greater Wellington Talk to John Sawyer about matters in Greater John Hancock Pest Management Strategy Wellington’s Pest Management Strategy and report back to the Board. Item 9.3 GW Pest Management Report to the November meeting on how GW’s Colin Miskelly Strategy Pest Management Strategy affects DOC work within the Conservancy. Item 9.4 Waingawa Swamp Inform Geoff Doring of the next hearing date re CBS Waingawa Swamp.

509120 15 Item 9.5 Horokiwi Quarries 1. Write to Chair of Greater Wellington making Geoff/John/Rob the Board’s points about the Fitzroy Helen/CBS Bay/Horokiwi Quarries resource consent application. 2. Publish the letter on the Board’s submissions page. Item 9.5 Horokiwi Quarries Board members to talk to Planner Kris Ericksen Helen about using the Board’s suggestions to expound upon related points. Item 10.1 Board Financial Phase budget for 2009/10 according to planned CBS Report schedule of meetings and field trips (refer action item 12 above). Ensure that Financial Reports are distributed with Board papers. Item 10.2 & Item 6.0NZCA’s Update on the NZCA’s commercial framework Conservator Commercial Framework principles paper , as presented to the NZCA, for the November meeting.

Item 6.0 Wairarapa Moana Provide the Wairarapa Moana Establishment Conservator Group’s vision statement/goals document as soon as available for Board. Item 6.0 Wairarapa Moana Consider whether and how it might add value to Chair and members the Governance group for Wairarapa Moana and consider writing to the Establishment Group. Item 6.0 Hawke’s Bay Contact Zack Makoare about giving a CBS presentation on the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve in the afternoon of Friday 20 November. Item 10.6 Hawkes Bay Phone and write to Zack Makoare inviting him Chair to be the Board’s interim representative on the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve Committee until the end of February 2010. Item 6.0 Hawke’s Bay Seek advice from the Hawke’s Bay Area Conservator Manager as to matters the Board should pick up from the previous Board, including key places to visit. Item 6.0 Te Araroa Alan invited Board members to consider the Members proposal and how it fits with conservation concerns and the Government directions. Item 11.1 Finfish Plan 1. Send Geoff a hard copy of Finfish Plan CBS 2. Write declining invitation to submit on Finfish Plan . Item 11.2 Conservation at the Write to Mr Abraham. CBS/Chair Cathedral Item 11.3 Tamara Block Ask Sue Galbraith to consider boosting the Colin Miskelly profile of the Tamara Block and any other small blocks of similar nature, possibly to be put into Footnotes Item 11.5 NES sea level Find out whether National Office submitted on CBS the NES on sea level rise. Item 7.0 & 6.0 CMS Alan talk to the Bay of Plenty East Coast Conservator Conservator about the possibility of putting the draft ECHB CMS on the website with a similar preamble to that agreed for the draft Wellington CMS and advise the CMS Steering group. Item 6.0 Conservation Action Hard copies of CAP’s to be provided to the Colin Miskelly Plans (CAPs) Board as they are completed, with a cover note explaining their alignment with the draft CMS Item 6.0 Conservation Action As CAPs are released to stakeholders, make Conservator Plans (CAPs information available about alignment with the draft CMS. Item 6.0 Conservation Action Continue the practice of rotating meetings Conservator;

Docdm-485525 16 Plans (CAPs) around the Areas with each Area Managers Chair to confirm request presenting the activities and progress with its CAP to the Board, noting particularly any changes in the activities and priorities as a consequence of development of the CAP, and also the alignment between the CAP and the draft CMS. General Reinstate the practice of presentation to Board Conservator; meetings on cross-cutting areas of the work of Chair to confirm request the Conservancy

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