ERMANZ Report: Verified Source: Pestlink Operational Report for Possum Control in the Mt () 2009/10

19 May 2010 - 16 Jun 2010 17/08/2010 Department of Conservation Contents

1. Operation Summary...... 2 2. Introduction...... 3 2.1 TREATMENT AREA ...... 3 2.2 MANAGEMENT HISTORY...... 5 3 Outcomes and Targets ...... 5 3.1 CONSERVATION OUTCOMES...... 5 3.2 TARGETS ...... 5 3.2.1 Result Targets...... 5 3.2.2 Outcome Targets...... 5 4 Consultation, Consents &...... 5 Notifications ...... 5 4.1 CONSULTATION...... 5 4.2 CONSENTS ...... 6 4.3 NOTIFICATION...... 6 5 Methods...... 7 5.1 TARGET SPECIES...... 7 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ...... 10 5.2.1 Effects on Non-Target Species ...... 10 5.2.2 Effects on Soil and Water Quality...... 11 5.2.3 Effects on Ecosystems...... 11 5.2.4 Effects on Human Health...... 11 6 Monitoring Results and Outcomes ...... 11 6.1 RESULT MONITORING - TARGET SPECIES ...... 11 6.2 RESULT MONITORING - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS...... 12 6.3 OUTCOME MONITORING ...... 14

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1. Operation Summary

Operation Name Possum Control in Mt Karioi (Pirongia Forest Park) 2009/10 Operation Date 19 May 2010 - 16 Jun 2010 Area Office Waikato Conservancy: Waikato Pestlink Reference 1011WAI01

Treatment Area Size (ha) Mt Karioi (Pirongia Forest Park) 2009/10 1613.00 Conservation Unit Name(s) Conservation Unit Number(s) Te Toto Gorge Scenic Reserve R14008 Pirongia Forest Park S15001 Treatment Block Details Treatment Blocks Size (ha) Karioi Ground Treatment Block 232.00 Karioi Aerial Treatment Block 1381.00

Contractor Name EcoFX Ltd

Treatment Dates Start Completion Karioi Aerial Treatment Block 19 May 2010 16 Jun 2010 Karioi Ground Treatment Block 19 May 2010 16 Jun 2010 Target Pest Details Control Treatment Blocks Target Pests Name Method Karioi Aerial Possum Pesticide Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Treatment Block Karioi Aerial Treatment Block-(1) Karioi Ground Possum Pesticide Hand Pesticide - Hand Laying Treatment Block Laying in Karioi Ground Treatment Block-(1)

Conservation Outcome(s) Mt Karioi and Te Toto Gorge Scenic Reserve are areas of public conservation land that collectively represent the few remaining protected forest areas with a full succession of vegetation sequence from the coast to mountain top on the west coast of the . Maintaining very low possum densities and controlling rats will have major benefits on the botanical and fauna values at these sites.

Result Target(s) Treatment Area/Block What we got • Less than 3% RTC for Karioi Aerial Treatment Block 1.06% possums

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• Although not reported Mt Karioi (Pirongia Forest 0 as a specific target or Park) 2009/10 performance measure we were hoping to achieve less than 5% RTI

Outcome Targets What we got • Increase foliar cover of monitored trees Post operation monitor to (kamahi, kohekohe) occur prior to the next operation. • Increase the abundance of native bird species Bird monitor yet to be (to be monitored through distance sampling). undertaken.

2. Introduction

2.1 TREATMENT AREA

Non-target species Common Name Scientific Name Australasian Harrier Circus approximans Dog Canis familiaris Bush falcon Falco novaeseelandiae "bush"

Target benefit species Common Name Scientific Name Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae Bellbird Anthornis melanura melanura Petroica macrocephala kohekohe Dysoxylum spectabile kamahi Weinmannia racemosa

Threatened species Common Name Scientific Name pigeon, Kereru Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae Nestor meridionalis North Island Kaka septentrionalis

Geographical location The Mt Karioi (Pirongia Forest Park) 2009/10 is situated 6 km North of Raglan.

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TREATMENT BLOCK DETAILS: Treatment block Karioi Ground Treatment Block Vegetation ranges from coastal, through lowland broadleaf and Vegetation type higher altitude hardwood (kamahi). Bioclimatic zone semi-coastal lowland Climate characteristics: Rainfall 0 mm Temperature: Average Summer 19.0 Average Winter 12.0 Snow level 0 m Altitude 200-730 m

Community and Main water supply for coastal communities west of Raglan. interests Historic sites -

Treatment block Karioi Aerial Treatment Block Vegetation ranges from coastal, through lowland broadleaf and higher altitude hardwood (kamahi). Nearer the coast, native Vegetation type vegetation is patchy and includes kanuka/manuka interspersed with rank grass. Bioclimatic zone coastal lowland semi-coastal sub-montane Climate characteristics: Rainfall 0 mm Temperature: Average Summer - Average Winter - Snow level 0 m Altitude 0-756 m

Mount Karioi and adjoining Te Toto Gorge Scenic Reserve Community and Iwi has great cultural significance to local Iwi. There is also a interests walking track through the reserve and coastal observation sites along the Whaanga Road. There is unique early Maori garden stone structures and evidence of early stone dwellings within Te Toto Gorge. Historic sites Kumara pits and an old pa are evident on prominent ridges. Part of the area is waahi tapu due to a historical massacre which is reported to have occurred here.

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2.2 MANAGEMENT HISTORY

Management history was not chosen to be shown in this operational report. This history is, however, available via Pestlink

3 Outcomes and Targets 3.1 CONSERVATION OUTCOMES Mt Karioi and Te Toto Gorge Scenic Reserve are areas of public conservation land that collectively represent the few remaining protected forest areas with a full succession of vegetation sequence from the coast to mountain top on the west coast of the North Island. Maintaining very low possum densities and controlling rats will have major benefits on the botanical and fauna values at these sites.

3.2 TARGETS 3.2.1 Result Targets The result targets for the treatment area were: • Less than 3% RTC for possums

• Although not reported as a specific target or performance measure we were hoping to achieve less than 5% RTI

3.2.2 Outcome Targets The outcome targets for the treatment area were: • Increase foliar cover of monitored trees (kamahi, kohekohe)

• Increase the abundance of native bird species (to be monitored through distance sampling).

4 Consultation, Consents & Notifications 4.1 CONSULTATION The Waikato Area developed a robust Communications Plan and communications Steering Group.

Oct 2009-Mar 2010. The Department of Conservation sought expressions of interest for pest control (open to any method) prior to going to tender. This was advertised on GETS, the Waikato Times and the Raglan Chronicle. The rationale behind this was to provide members of the local community with the opportunity to undertake the work themselves by utilising locally

Pestlink Ref: 1011WAI01 Date Printed: 13 Dec 2010 Page 6 of 15 acceptable pest control methods (within acceptable limits). No interest was received from the Raglan community.

A number of hui were conducted with key stakeholders and individuals during the consultation on options (methods) phase: Iwi, Medical, local Government and adjoining landowners. Further hui were conducted during the consultation on effects phase. An invite only meeting with key representatives from various local entities was held and participants were provided with a presentation and forum to discuss the project.

The Departments consultation efforts were supported well by the Contractors operations manager and Environment Waikato’s Project Manager for the private land being treated concurrently.

Consultation outcomes We consider that our consultation efforts were well rewarded with opposition signalled early in the planning phase gradually diminishing as the operational delivery time drew nearer, culminating in absolutely no protest action on the day of the toxic bait application. Lessons learned A significant investment was made in staff time and resources to deliver the level of consultation we did. We are accepting of this, in the current anti 1080 climate. This cost of consultation for this project will act as a model for future pest control work.

4.2 CONSENTS Consent Consent date File Reference Permission ID MOH Consent 19/05/2010 docdm-591646 10-110-DAH-WAPH DOC AEE 26/05/2010 NHT-02-05-27

Lessons learned Consenting process ran smoothly. One minor glitch with the processing of the AEE – whereby staff provided the Contractor with a partially completed AEE to help out. The Contractor submitted this in that state. Naturally this was returned and was subsequently returned with the required standard of content. 4.3 NOTIFICATION April 2010 - An extremely high standard of notification was completed during the course of this operation. There was an initial fact sheet produced to assist with the preliminary consultation on possible pest control methods process. Following this there was a more detailed fact sheet produced. This was used to communicate the intent of this work more widely – included in the recipients were adjoining landowners, Iwi groups, schools, Vets, Medical Centres, stakeholders and recreational user groups.

In addition to a pre-operation public notice run in the Raglan Chronicle and Waikato Times. The DOC Waikato Area Communications Team ran five full page pre-operation and post operation advertorials in the Raglan Chronicle.

Lessons learned The Notification process ran exceedingly well, with no negative feedback directed at the Department or the Contractor.

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5 Methods 5.1 TARGET SPECIES

Treatment Block Karioi Aerial Treatment Block Control method Name Target pest species Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Karioi Aerial Possum Treatment Block-(1)

Control Treatment Block Name Target Pest Species Method Karioi Aerial Pesticide - Pesticide - Aerial Possum Treatment Block Aerial in Karioi Aerial Treatment Block- (1) Trade name of pesticide 0.15% 1080 Pellets #7 Name of pesticide Type of bait Cereal pellet Toxic loading 1.5 g/kg Bait quality sampling Not Conducted

Bait Details Pre-feed Toxic Bait type Cereal pellet Cereal pellet Lure/mask/deterrent Cinnamon Cinnamon Lure/mask/deterrent 20.00% 20.00% Dye None Green Individual Bait Weight 12.0g 12.0g

Sowing Rate Details Pre-feed Toxic Wind Wind Date Rate(kg/ha) Direction Date Rate(kg/ha) Direction Speed Speed 19/05/2010 2.00 Calm Nil 16/06/2010 2.00 Light SW

Time between pre-feed and toxic 28 End of Caution Period Date 16/10/2010 Aircraft type Squirrel AS 350 Number of Aircraft 1 Sowing gear details

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Description Capacity Under slung sowing bucket capable of trickling 600 kg

(boundaries) and spinner option capable of effective swathes of 140-180 metres. Agsys III differential global positioning system Type of navigational guidance (DGPS) and the UTS differential satellite along with

system used a portable weather station that records; date, time, wind speed and wind direction. Heli A1 has a proprietary loading system and dedicated truck. Unfortunately due to wet ground conditions the truck was unable to be used; Loading Method however, the loading device was used to good effect, with bait bags hand-loaded directly into this device.

Complaints and Incidents No complaints were received following the operation. The Department was contacted by a vet clinic with a suspected dog poisoning (1080) case, which as it transpires was prior to any 1080 being applied. We elected to have tissue from the euthanised dog tested for traces of 1080 to A) prove that the dog was not poisoned by 1080; and B) to ensure no parties were attempting to discredit the DOC or its agents. A number of possum carcasses were observed in farmers paddocks the day after the drop. To mitigate the risk to farmers dogs over the coming months, DOC elected to walk the treatment block/pasture margin to dispose of all possums located. This gesture was well received by all landowners concerned.

Other Details about this method The Karioi operation was contracted out to EcoFX, who sub-contracted Heli A1 to undertake bait delivery to the site. Bait was flown from a single loading site located on a property adjacent to the operational boundary. Bait loading was carried out by the Conractor (Heli A1 and EcoFX staff).

Deviations from planned operation It was hoped that the toxic application would take place 7-10 days after the pre-feed. Unfortunately weather windows were insufficient for us to proceed with confidence that we would achieve maximum benefit. The toxic application was delivered 28 days after the pre-feed. Despite the delay we are very happy with the result target achieved.

Lessons Learned We invested a significant level of staff time and resources, planning and completing comprehensive communications leading up to this operation. We feel that this largely paved the way for what by all accounts was a smooth operation. In aid of reducing potential budget timing issues, for future operations I would be inclined to split the operation between two financial years, i.e. planning and consultation in one year, with the physical pest control delivered early in the following year. This situation would also provide greater benefit to nesting birds as predators, such as rats, would still be at a low density during the nesting season.

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Treatment Karioi Ground Treatment Block Block Control method Name Target pest species Pesticide - Hand Laying Pesticide - Hand Laying in Karioi Ground Treatment Possum Block-(1)

Treatment Block Control Method Name Target Pest Specie Karioi Ground Pesticide - Hand Pesticide - Possum Treatment Block Laying Hand Laying in Karioi Ground Treatment Block-(1) Trade name of pesticide 0.15% 1080 Pellets #7 Name of pesticide Sodium fluoroacetate Type of bait Cereal pellet Toxic loading 1.5 g/kg Bait quality sampling Not Conducted

Bait Details Pre-feed Toxic Bait type Cinnamon Cereal pellet Lure/mask/deterrent Cinnamon Cinnamon Lure/mask/deterrent 20.00% 20.00% Dye None Green Individual Bait Weight 12.0g 12.0g

Sowing Rate Details Pre-feed Toxic Date Rate(kg/ha) Date Rate(kg/ha) 19/05/2010 2.00 16/06/2010 2.00

Treatment details Pre-feed Toxic No. of applications 1 1 How long to apply 1.00 1.00 Average application frequency 0 0 Quantity when filled 0 0 Time between pre-feed and toxic 28 Date Bait Removed - End of Caution Period Date 16/10/2010

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Pattern of hand laying Spur/ridge

Contour

Other Details about this method The ground treatment block was aerially pre-fed at the same time as the aerial block. EcoFX Ltd had sub contractor Heli A1 Ltd fly eighteen staff and contractors onto the summit of Mt Karioi. From here the ground operators traversed their way down the Wainui catchment on predetermined lines (navigating via GPS) hand broadcasting 1080 at intervals along the way.

Deviations from planned operation None

Lessons Learned The system worked well in terms of meeting performance standards and achieved a good result, but was hampered to some extent by an adjoining neighbour not allowing the contractors to access his property. However the contractor reported that the vegetation was very dense and difficult to penetrate, a result of effective goat control at this site.

5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

5.2.1 Effects on Non-Target Species Non-target species could be poisoned by direct consumption of bait or scavenging carcasses. Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? 50m setback from the farm pasture margins for the Yes Yes aerial application. As part of consultation, it was arranged with farmers to keep stock out of paddocks bordering the operational Yes Yes area for as long as possible. Farmers were also offered muzzles for their dogs. DOC staff checked adjacent paddocks to remove any dead possums encountered to reduce the risk to farm Yes Yes dogs. Effectiveness of performance standards The use of additional performance standards, e.g. removing possum carcasses from edge of operational boundary, greatly reduced risk to non-target species, particularly dogs.

Bykill of non-target species A dog was reported to have died as a result of 1080 poisoning, but this happened many days

Pestlink Ref: 1011WAI01 Date Printed: 13 Dec 2010 Page 11 of 15 before any poison had been laid. As a precaution the Department has funded having a toxin residue analysis undertaken of samples from the dog. No results available yet. No other non- target deaths recorded and/or reported.

5.2.2 Effects on Soil and Water Quality General public and iwi concerns were centred around potential contamination of the environment by broadcasting toxic baits, which is represented by contamination of water. Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? Toxin residue analysis of water samples from the Yes Yes Wainui Stream hand broadcast 1080 block. Effectiveness of performance standards No 1080 was detected in water samples from this block, which was expected as it is a hand broadcast block and baits could be and were kept out of all waterways.

5.2.3 Effects on Ecosystems - Effects on Ecosystems Not Applicable

5.2.4 Effects on Human Health Staff could be poisoned by improper handling of bait Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? Standard performance measures from Performance Yes Yes Standard Sheets Effectiveness of performance standards Workers use of PPE was to a very high standard - no non-compliance observed by the DOC staff auditing these standards.

6 Monitoring Results and Outcomes 6.1 RESULT MONITORING - TARGET SPECIES

Result target(s) Less than 3% RTC for possums Although not reported as a specific target or performance measure we were hoping to achieve less than 5% RTI 6.1.1 Target Species Monitoring Method: Residual trap-catch index (RTCI) Species monitored Possum - Trichosurus vulpecula in Karioi Aerial Treatment Block Monitor method details The most current NPCA protocol was adhered to when designing and undertaking possum monitoring. Through this process 12 lines were generated for the aerial block and a further 10 for the ground control block.

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Qualmons was contracted to undertake the monitor commencing 7 days after the completion of the toxin application.

Deviations There were deviations to the planned monitoring regime.

Target pest result details Pre During/Post Monitoring dates September 2009 June 2010 Results 11% 1.06%

Result target met? Yes Lessons Learned The monitoring company conveyed to us that they experienced difficulty traversing the ground treatment block (Wainui Stream) due to the dense forest.

6.1.2 Target Species Monitoring Method: Tracking tunnels Species monitored Norway rat - Rattus norvegicus , Ship rat – Rattus rattus in Mt Karioi (Pirongia Forest Park) 2009/10 Monitor method details A rodent monitoring network, based on the DOC small mammal tracking tunnel protocol, was established on the south eastern flanks of

Mount Karioi several months prior to the bait application. The network consisted of 6 lines, with no part of a line closer than 200m.

Deviations Not applicable

Target pest result details Pre During/Post Monitoring dates 24/05/2010 8/07/2010 Results 87% 0

Result target met? Yes Lessons Learned Addition of rat monitoring is very useful for site managers and the public when one of the stated outcomes for a site is an increase in native bird abundance.

6.2 RESULT MONITORING - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 6.2.1 Non Target Species Farm boundaries were checked for possum Monitoring of: carcasses Monitor Method details DOC staff walked farm boundaries and removed any possum carcasses found for

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safe disposal. Deviations Not applicable Monitoring dates 16/07/2010 Results No dogs have died and chances of them dying should be much reduced. Lessons Learned Our voluntary measure of walking the boundaries of the operational area was well received and appreciated by all of the landowners some of whom applauded this proactive step to further mitigate the risk to their dogs.

6.2.2 Soil and Water Quality Wainui Stream was monitored for presence of Monitoring of: 1080 as a condition of the MOH consent, despite this block being hand broadcast. Monitor Method details Water samples were taken from the Wainui Stream (following the pesticide hand broadcast) by an independent entity who then forwarded these on to Landcare Research for analysis - as per MOH conditions. Deviations No deviations to prescribed monitoring Monitoring dates 16/06/2010 Results No 1080 was detected in water samples taken from the Wainui Stream. Lessons Learned This exercise was more to alleviate concerns of the public (as perceived by the MOH) rather than in the expectation that 1080 would be present in the water samples.

6.2.3 Ecosystems No monitoring of ecosystems was undertaken. 6.2.4 Human Health Compliance by staff handling toxins with use of Monitoring of: appropriate PPE Monitor Method details Water samples were taken from the Wainui Stream (following the pesticide hand broadcast) by an independent entity who then forwarded these on to Landcare Research for analysis - as per MOH conditions. The use of PPE as per OSH hazard control plans - these standards were monitored by DOC staff on the day of baiting. Deviations Not applicable Monitoring dates 16/06/2010 Results No breaches to the DOC or MOH conditions were

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identified by the key DOC, EW and DHB staff tasked with monitoring these standards. No breaches to OSH standards were identified by the DOC staff tasked with monitoring these actions. Lessons Learned Professional approach by contractors means less likelihood of faulty practice. Auditing of these standards ensures these standards are maintained.

6.3 OUTCOME MONITORING Outcome targets Increase foliar cover of monitored trees (kamahi, kohekohe) Increase the abundance of native bird species (to be monitored through distance sampling).

6.3.1 Outcome monitoring : kamahi - Weinmannia racemosa kohekohe - Dysoxylum spectabile Monitoring Method(s) Foliar browse index (FBI)

Monitoring information due 10/8/2011 date Method details Most current version of the Foliar Browse Index method, with site details available on file. Monitoring dates TBC Outcome Results Post operation monitor to occur prior to the next operation. Outcome target met? Monitoring ongoing Lessons Learned The current management regime, a return cycle of 5-6 years, with Environment Waikato Regional Council controlling possums on adjoining private land, has resulted in a great improvement of forest health on Karioi. Future FBI will be undertaken only as an audit of the ongoing effectiveness of this return cycle, not as an immediate monitor of each operation.

6.3.2 Outcome monitoring : Bellbird - Anthornis melanura melanura New Zealand pigeon, Kereru - Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae Tomtit - Petroica macrocephala Tui - Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae Monitoring Method(s) Distance sampling - transects

Monitoring information due 10/10/2010 date Method details Line based Distance Sampling is to be used to monitor the long term effect of pest (possum, rat) control on Karioi. A network of transects has been established on the south eastern flanks of the

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mountain, which will be used for rat and bird monitoring. Monitoring dates 20/08/2010 Outcome Results Bird monitor yet to be undertaken. Outcome target met? Monitoring ongoing Lessons Learned Native bird densities were very low prior to this pest control being undertaken. With the reduction of possums and rats to the level we have achieved we expect an increased abundance of a range of native bird species.

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