Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve Factsheets

INDEX

1. Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island and Nature Reserve Land Classification

2. Significance of Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island to Ngāti Manuhiri

3. What is a Conservation Management Plan

Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island and Nature Reserve Land Classification

Hauturu Values

Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve contains one of the largest remaining areas of northern forest that is free from mammalian pests. As the highest island in the /Tīkapa Moana (722 m), Hauturu has a well-developed cloud forest and is home to a number of plant species that are otherwise restricted to a small number of high peaks in northern New Zealand. Most of the island has never been logged or browsed (except by kiore/rat (Rattus exulans)). The distinctive altitudinal sequence and ecological associations, the presence of species as outliers, and unexpected species absences make its forests outstandingly important.

The island has one of the highest levels of fauna species diversity for forest habitat in New Zealand and is a site of international significance. Significant populations include the (Pealeornis maoriana) the only naturally occurring population of hihi/ (Notiomystis cincta), the largest known population of tītī/Cook’s petrel (Pterodroma cookii), two species of pekapeka/bat (long-tailed, Chalinolobus tuberbulatus; and short-tailed, Mystacina tuberbulata), and wētāpunga/Little Barrier giant wētā (Deinacrida heteracantha) and niho taniwha/chevron skink (). It is also home to a growing population of northern tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus punctatus), a significant number of which have been released from captivity in recent years after the island was declared free from cats and kiore/rat.

The protection and preservation of the flora and fauna of the island in their natural state and their cultural value to Ngāti Manuhiri takes priority over public access including advocacy activities on the island. Visitation to the island is by permit only.

Land Classification

A Nature Reserve must be managed and maintained in accordance with s20 of the Reserves Act 1977. The purpose of a nature reserve is to protect and preserve in perpetuity indigenous flora or fauna or natural features that are of such rarity, scientific interest or importance, or so unique that their protection and preservation are in the public interest. Specifically, the Act requires a nature reserve to be managed and maintained so that:

• it is preserved as far as possible in its natural state, • the indigenous flora and fauna, ecological associations, and natural environment shall as far as possible be preserved and the exotic flora and fauna as far as possible be exterminated • for the better protection and preservation of the flora and fauna in its natural state, no person shall enter the reserve, except under the authority of a permit • entering the reserve includes any physical contact with the land by a boat; which includes the attaching (by rope or otherwise) of a boat to the reserve or to a wharf constructed on the reserve • where scenic, historic, archaeological, biological, geological, or other scientific features are present on the reserve, those features shall be managed and protected to the extent compatible with the principal or primary purpose of the reserve. However, this power does not enable the doing of anything with respect to fauna that would contravene any provisions of the Wildlife Act 1955 or the doing of anything with respect to archaeological features in any reserve that would contravene any provision of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. • its value as a soil, water, and forest conservation area shall be maintained to the extent compatible with the principal or primary purpose of the reserve.

Re-introduction of missing species to a Nature Reserve is permitted if within the species known natural range. Out-of–range species may be transferred only if the transfer is temporary and or in the national interest.

All access to Nature Reserves requires a permit. Access is limited to supervised nature tourism visits, research and education, translocations, and island management (including volunteers); subject to strict biosecurity measures.

Significance of Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island to Ngāti Manuhiri

Background

Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island – the windblown summit of Toi - is a place of iconic importance for Ngāti Manuhiri and those other iwi who also share ancestral ties to it. Until 1896, the island was a permanent home for Ngāti Manuhiri, a refuge and an important burial place for Ngāti Manuhiri rangātira. Gardens on the island and the resources from the surrounding sea sustained many generations of Ngāti Manuhiri. Historically and culturally significant remains include stone structures, terraces, middens, burial sites and seven p ā. The Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act 2012 vested Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island in the trustees of the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust. Seven days after the settlement, the gift area was revested in the Crown as a gift back to the Crown by the trustees of the Ng āti Manuhiri Settlement Trust for the people of New Zealand. It is managed by the Department. The text below reflects the statement of Ngāti Manuhiri values, protection principles and agreed actions of the Director-General of Conservation in relation to Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island as recorded in the Deed of Settlement.

WHENUA RAHUI created over Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/ Little Barrier Island

1. Ngāti Manuhiri Statement of Values

Te Hauturu-ō-Toi is an iconic island and landform for Ngāti Manuhiri. The island is visible from almost all parts of the traditional rohe or tribal domain of Ng āti Manuhiri. The physical presence of Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/ Little Barrier Island, its mauri or spiritual essence, and its traditional history are central to the mana, identity, unity, and tribal affiliations of Ng āti Manuhiri, extending over many generations down to the present. The island takes its name from its highest point –the wind-blown summit of Toi. This name, which features in whakataukī, pepeha and waiata, is a reminder of the earliest period of human settlement in the region. It stems from the arrival of the ancestor Toi Te Huatahi within Te Moana Nui ō Toi and his brief occupation of the island. Through intermarriage with the early tribal groups of Ngāi Tāhuhu and Ngāti Te Wharau, Ngāti Manuhiri are direct decendants of Toi Te Huatahi.

The ancestor Manuhiri with his father Maki and his uncle Mataahu conquered Te Hauturu-ō- Toi/Little Barrier Island sometime in the seventeenth century. After several generations of occupation Ngāti Manuhiri made strategic alliances and marriages with Ngāti Manaia, now known as Ngāti Wai. Following the marriage of Rangihokaia of Ngāti Wai and Tukituki, the granddaughter of Manuhiri, Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island became symbolic of Ngāti Manuhiri links to Ngāti Wai whanui as a coastal and ocean-going iwi, as expressed in the whakataukī - Ka tangi Tūkaiaia ki te moana, ko Ngāti Wai kei te moana e haere ana – “When the guardian bird Tūkaiaia calls at sea, Ngāti Wai are travelling on the ocean”.

Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island is not only seen as a place associated with, and occupied by, the ancestors of Ngāti Manuhiri. It is also seen as being a tipuna or ancestor in its own right. The island is also known as Te Whai Rahi – “the huge stingray” which is the paramount kaitiaki of Ngāti Manuhiri. Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island was occupied by Ngāti Manuhiri as a permanent home for many generations until 1896. Cultivations were maintained on the Maraeroa flats between Waipawa and Te Waikōhare. The surrounding seas provided a rich source of fish and other kaimoana, and Ngā Puke Tarahanga ō Hauturu – “the many peaks of Hauturu” were a rich source of birds, in particular manu oi, or varieties of mutton birds. Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island was at times used as a refuge and was an important burial place for rangātira of Ngāti Manuhiri. The circumstances surrounding the forced sale and subsequent eviction of Ngāti Manuhiri from the island symbolise the loss suffered by Ngāti Manuhiri over the last century and has been a central grievance for Ngāti Manuhiri. The transfer of the island to Ngāti Manuhiri and its gift-back to the Crown is of fundamental importance in enabling Ngāti Manuhiri to move toward to a more positive future. 2. Protection Principles

2.1 Recognition of Ngāti Manuhiri mana, tikanga and kaitiakitanga within Te Hauturu-ō- Toi/Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve.

2.2 Respect for and inclusion of Ngāti Manuhiri tikanga within Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Nature Reserve.

2.3 Recognition of the relationship of Ngāti Manuhiri with the many wāhi tapu and wāhi whakahirahira on Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island and its immediate environs.

2.4 Respect for the presence of Ngāti Manuhiri on Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island generally, and the occupation of the Te Waikōhare papakainga in particular.

2.5 Encouragement of the respect for the association of Ngāti Manuhiri with Te Hauturu- ō-Toi/Little Barrier Nature Reserve.

2.6 Accurate portrayal of the association of Ngāti Manuhiri with Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Nature Reserve.

2.7 Recognition of Ngāti Manuhiri kaitiakitanga in relation to the mauri and natural values of Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve.

2.8 Protection of wāhi tapu, wāhi whakahirahira, indigenous flora and fauna and the wider environment on Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve.

3. Director-General actions

The Director-General has determined that the following actions will be taken by the Department of Conservation in relation to the specific principles:

3.1 Department of Conservation staff, volunteers, researchers, contractors, conservation board members, concessionaires and the public (permitted to visit Te Hauturu-ō- Toi/Little Barrier Island) will be provided with information about Ngāti Manuhiri‘s values and role as a Kaitiaki in relation to Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island and will be encouraged to recognise and respect Ngāti Manuhiri‘s association with the island, and their role as Kaitiaki.

3.2 Ngāti Manuhiri‘s association with Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island will be accurately portrayed in all new Departmental information, signs and educational material about the Island.

3.3 The Ngāti Manuhiri Governance Entity will be consulted regarding the content of any proposed introduction or removal of indigenous species to and from the island.

3.4 The importance of the ecosystems and life forms of Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island to Ngāti Manuhiri will be protected by the Department of Conservation through measures to monitor the health of and threats to Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island, and where necessary take steps to protect the indigenous flora and fauna of the area.

3.5 Significant earthworks and soil/vegetation disturbance (other than for ongoing track maintenance) will be avoided where possible. Where significant earthworks and disturbances of soil and vegetation cannot be avoided, the Ngāti Manuhiri Governance Entity will be consulted and particular regard will be had to its views, including those relating to koiwi and archaeological sites.

3.6 Any koiwi or other taonga found or uncovered will be left untouched and contact will be made immediately with the Governance Entity to ensure representation is present on site and appropriate tikanga is followed, noting that the treatment of the koiwi or other taonga will also be subject to any procedures required by law.

3.7 The Department will advise the Governance Entity of opportunities for input into management planning for Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island and the immediate environs through early engagement in the Conservation Management Strategy processes for the Conservancy.

Removal of Stones

The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Act permits a member of Ngāti Manuhiri to remove stones form Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island for cultural purposes if the member holds a written authorisation by a Commissioner designated by the Director-Generalof Conservation and the Trustees of the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and complies with the conditions in the written authoriation. Te Maraeroa Flat

1.2370 hectares, being section 1 SO 440008 at the Te Maraeroa Flat on Te Hauturu-ō- Toi/Little Barrier Island are owned by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust. It is not part of the Nature Reserve or covered by the Hauturu Plan. The area has high cultural and historical significance to Ngāti Manuhiri. It contains structural and botanical remanants of early occupation on the Te Maraeroa flat, including the assumed site of Te Heru Tenetahi and Rahui Te Kiri, joint chiefs on Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island from the late 1860’s; namely - house and gardens on the east side of the stream, a stone garden system comprising of stone walls and mounds, a stone mound, clumps of taro and possibly archeological features pertaining to Te Whaihokare stone garden system and a pa site.

What is a Conservation Management Plan?

Introduction

Conservation management plans (CMPs) are 10 year documents that implement conservation management strategies and establish objectives for the management of land and other resources managed by the Department. A CMP identifies the values (natural, historical, cultural and social) associated with those resources and DOC’s intention for their management. A CMP includes criteria for making decisions about activities that require permission including those that have a commercial association. It does not identify how DOC will achieve those intentions, and usually not when. These are decided during DOC’s annual and multi-year allocation of staff and money. CMPs are prepared under the Conservation Act 1987, the Reserves Act 1977 and Treaty Settlement legislation. The purposes for which the land covered is held, the level of protection accorded in law to other resources, and specific recognitions given in Treaty settlement legislation establish the context within which a CMP is developed. The Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act 2012 requires the Director General of Conservation to prepare a Conservation Management Plan for Te Hauturu-ō-Toi/Little Barrier Island in consultation with the Auckland Conservation Board, the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and any other persons or organisations that the Director-General considers it is practicable and appropriate to consult. The Auckland Conservation Board and the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust have the statutory role to jointly approve the Te Hauturu-ō-Toi CMP. Before doing so and following the public consultation phase, they will give the Minister of Conservation and New Zealand Conservation Authority the opportunity to provide any comments on the final draft CMP they wish to be considered before the CMP is approved.

Process for developing the Te Hauturu-ō-Toi CMP

Preparation of draft CMP: DOC prepares the draft CMP in consultation with the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, Auckland Conservation Board and others.

Notification: DOC publically notifies the draft CMP and notifies regional councils, territorial authorities and iwi authorities. The public lodge submissions on the draft CMP.

Hearing of Submissions: Representatives of DOC, the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and the Auckland Conservation Board hear public submissions.

Revision of CMP: Following public feedback, DOC prepares a summary of submissions and revises the draft CMP.

Consideration of CMP: DOC provides the summary of submissions and the revised CMP to the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and Auckland Conservation Board for their consideration.

Refferals: The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and Auckland Conservation Board refer the revised CMP and summary of submissions to the NZCA and Minister ofconservation for comments.

Approval: The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and Auckland Conservation Board consider the comments from the NZCA and Minister of Conservation and approve the CMP.

Legislative context – Te Hauturu-ō-Toi

The following table shows the complex legal environment which needs consideration for the development of the Motu CMP. The CMP cannot derogate from any Act, Conservation General Policy, and must give effect to territorial authority statutory planning documents.

The most relevant are below:

• Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act 2012 – Sets out the process for developing the CMP. • Reserve Act 1977 – Hauturu must be managed in a way that reflects the relevant reserve classification (Nature Reserve) • Auckland Conservation Management Strategy – Sets out a vision for Auckland as a whole, and outcomes, policies and milestones for the islands.

Reserves Act 1977 Hauraki Gulf Marine Conservation Act 1987 Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Resource Management

Park Act 2000 Settlement Act 2012 Act 1991

Reserve Classification Hauraki Gulf Maritime Conservation General Coastal Policy Statement e.g. Scenic reserve, recreational Park Bylaws Policy Regional Coastal Plan reserve Regional Policy Statement

Auckland Conservation DOC or government TA Statutory planning

Management Strategy strategies documents e.g. the Island Strategy, Biodiversity e.g. Auckland Unitary plan, Auckland strategy Plan, Auckland Visitor Plan

Conservation Management Plan