EPA Report: Verified Source: Pestlink Operational Report for Possum, Ship rat Control in the Russell Forest and Cape Brett

12 Sep 2018 - 29 Sep 2018 27/02/2019 Department of Conservation Whangarei Contents 1. Operation Summary

Operation Name Possum, Ship rat Control in Russell Forest and Cape Brett Operation Date 12 Sep 2018 - 29 Sep 2018 District Whangarei Region: Northern North Island Pestlink Reference 1819WNG01 Treatment Area Russell Forest and Cape Brett Size (ha) 7936.00 Conservation Unit Name(s) GA Id(s) Taparahaia Stream Marginal Strip 2795376 Russell Forest 2795709 Russell Forest 2797484 Deep Water Cove Scenic Reserve 2797568 Manawahuna Scenic Reserve 2797569 Te Toroa Scenic Reserve 2797570 Whangamumu Scenic Reserve 2797571 Ngaiotonga Scenic Reserve 2797602 Russell Forest 2797603

Treatment Block Details Treatment Blocks Size (ha) Grid Ref GIS Ref Cape Brett 1717.00 AV30 Russell Forest 6219.00 AW30

Contractor Name EPRO Treatment Dates Start Completion Cape Brett 12 Sep 2018 29 Sep 2018 Russell Forest 12 Sep 2018 28 Sep 2018

Target Pest Details Target Treatment Blocks Control Method Name Pests Cape Brett Possum, Pesticide Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Cape Brett-(1) Ship rat Russell Forest Possum, Pesticide Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Russell Forest- Ship rat (2)

Conservation Outcome(s) Russell Forest Block This operation will not restore the degraded state of Russell Forest alone. It should temporarily reverse the decline of canopy and sub-canopy trees, allow a cohort of seedlings to germinate, and improve the nesting success of most forest birds for up to 2 years. A comprehensive outcome monitoring regime is not yet in place, and time does not allow pre- treatment data to be collected, however there is a commitment to put at least basic outcome monitoring in place following the operation. This regime may include:- • Nest monitoring (including non-treatment control block) • Photo points of foliar browse. • A re-measure of historic foliar browse indices Cape Brett Block At Cape Brett the operation aims to build on the work already being done to rid the headland of introduced predators. An aerial 1080 operation will significantly reduce numbers of possums and rats, enabling populations of some native species to recover and increase. In early July 2018, a team lead by Isabel Castro (Massey University) collected kiwi call count data using automated recorders. This will provide a useful baseline of information from which kiwi population changes can be tracked over time. The team also collected rat tracking and possum bite mark data as a pre-treatment index. Result Target(s) Treatment Area/Block What we got • • A Bite Mark Index Cape Brett 4%BMI (BMI) of less than 10% or a Residual Trap Catch of less than 3% (3 possums per 100 trap-nights) by 30 October 2018

• • A Bite Mark Index Russell Forest 16%BMI (BMI) of less than 10% or a Residual Trap Catch of less than 3% (3 possums per 100 trap-nights) by 30 October 2018

• • Cape Brett 0%RTI

• • Russell Forest 0.6%RTI

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Outcome Targets What we got • Outcome targets have not been well defined but outcomes will be measured via Manaaki Whenua Matauranga Maori project following the operation.

• Cape Brett outcomes are being measured by an arrangement with Massey University co-ordinating this work.

2. Introduction

2.1 TREATMENT AREA

Non-target species Common Name Scientific Name Pig Sus scrofa Cattle Bos taurus

Target benefit species Common Name Scientific Name pigeon Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae Petroica macrocephala South Island tomtit macrocephala - Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae

Threatened species Common Name Scientific Name North Island brown kiwi Apteryx mantelli king fern Ptisana salicina paua slug Schizoglossa gigantea kauri snail Paryphanta busbyi watti

Geographical location The Russell Forest and Cape Brett is situated 12 km West of Kawakawa. TREATMENT BLOCK DETAILS: Treatment block Cape Brett Coastal Broadleaf. Kanuka/ pohutukawa/taraire forest with coastal Vegetation type shrubland in more exposed sites Bioclimatic zone coastal Climate characteristics: Rainfall 1200 mm Temperature: Average Summer 20.0 Average Winter 15.0 Snow level - m

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Altitude 10-362 m Cape Brett is primarily used by the public for walking and tramping. The Cape Brett track leads to the historic lighthouse which has guided in visitors for the past 100 years. There is a 23 bed DOC serviced hut which will be closed along with the track during the operation. The hut, its water catchment, and three workers huts used by the Rawhiti 3B2 Trust will all have 100 metre exclusion zones applied around Community and them. The public hut on the Cape Brett peninsula will be booked out interests by DOC from 13th August to 19 October or until the operation is complete, and an alert will be placed on the DOC website. The Cape Brett coastline is also regularly used by private boats, tourism operators and swimmers/snorkelers. Signage will be in place at known landing sites and personel will be present during the actual operation to prevent people entering the treatment area while bait is being applied. Entire peninsular is significant to most Northland Iwi. Historic sites Historic lighthouse at the northern point. Treatment block Russell Forest kauri-broadleaf forest. Towai/taraire/totara/tanakaha/kanuka Vegetation type dominant canopy types with emergent kauri and podocarp species in places. (Natural Areas of Whangaruru Ecological District 2005) Bioclimatic zone semi-coastal Climate characteristics: Rainfall 1500 mm Temperature: Average Summer 20.0 Average Winter 15.0 Snow level - m Altitude 20-430 m Walking and pig hunting are the two main recreational activities undertaken in Russell Forest. The Te Araroa trail crosses the northern end of the treatment area for a length of approximately 3.6 km and the Te Ranga Trig (northern section) track borders the treatment area for approximately 3.1 km. There is a day shelter on the Papakauri track, Community and Iwi which will have a 100m exclusion zone around it. The track itself will interests be cleared of baits following the operation. The Pukemoremore (southern section) track Extends from Punaruku Road to the Te Araroa Trail junction but is subject to a Rahui due to the presence of kauri dieback disease within the Punaruku catchment. Regardless of this, the track will be cleared of baits following the operation. Historic sites A number of Urupa are present within the treatment area

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

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3 Outcomes and Targets 3.1 CONSERVATION OUTCOMES Russell Forest Block This operation will not restore the degraded state of Russell Forest alone. It should temporarily reverse the decline of canopy and sub-canopy trees, allow a cohort of seedlings to germinate, and improve the nesting success of most forest birds for up to 2 years. A comprehensive outcome monitoring regime is not yet in place, and time does not allow pre- treatment data to be collected, however there is a commitment to put at least basic outcome monitoring in place following the operation. This regime may include:- • Nest monitoring (including non-treatment control block) • Photo points of foliar browse. • A re-measure of historic foliar browse indices Cape Brett Block At Cape Brett the operation aims to build on the work already being done to rid the headland of introduced predators. An aerial 1080 operation will significantly reduce numbers of possums and rats, enabling populations of some native species to recover and increase. In early July 2018, a team lead by Isabel Castro (Massey University) collected kiwi call count data using automated recorders. This will provide a useful baseline of information from which kiwi population changes can be tracked over time. The team also collected rat tracking and possum bite mark data as a pre-treatment index. 3.2 TARGETS 3.2.1 Result Targets The result targets for the treatment area were: • • A Bite Mark Index (BMI) of less than 10% or a Residual Trap Catch of less than 3% (3 possums per 100 trap-nights) by 30 October 2018

• •

3.2.2 Outcome Targets The outcome targets for the treatment area were: • Outcome targets have not been well defined but outcomes will be measured via Manaaki Whenua Matauranga Maori project following the operation.

• Cape Brett outcomes are being measured by an arrangement with Massey University co- ordinating this work.

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4 Consultation, Consents & Notifications 4.1 CONSULTATION

Representatives from the nine hapu/marae have been working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Northland Regional Council (NRC) to draft a 20-year forest health strategy. Twelve consultation huinga have been held on marae that surround Russell Forest over the last 18 months. The aim of the huinga was to develop the forest health strategy, seek support for the use of appropriate pest control tools including aerial 1080, and agree to a long-term governance structure to implement the forest health strategy.

The last four of the twelve huinga was more focused on ratifying the use of aerial 1080 as a start point to the implementation of the 20 year strategy. The roopu (Hapu representatives) gained support for “all the available tools” to be used, including aerial 1080, for pest animal control and a Letter of Agreement was signed by the roopu and the Department of Conservation in July 2018 outlining the conditions under which the respective Hapu agreed not to oppose an aerial 1080 operation.

The process for Cape Brett has been driven by the Rawhiti 3B2 Ahuwhenua Trust who administer the majority of the Cape Brett peninsula. The Trust has had discussions with the wider Rawhiti Hapu (Ngati Kuta and Patukeha) during the “Russell forest health” consultation period and approached the Department of Conservation with a request for their forest, as well as the three Scenic Reserves on the Cape Brett peninsula, to be included in the Russell forest operation. A meeting was held with DOC, the Trust, Nga Whenua Rahui and Hapu representatives on 25th May 2018 at which time an agreement was signed by those representatives endorsing the inclusion of the Trust’s land and Cape Brett Reserves in the operation. The formal support of Nga Whenua Rahui has also been sought.

Adjoining landowners to Cape Brett were also consulted with in order to 1) gain approval for the helicopter to fly from/over their land and 2) to determine if they also want their land to be included. All landowners are supportive of the operation and one property is to be used for the helicopter loading site. Consultation outcomes The respective Russell Hapu agreed not to oppose an aerial 1080 operation. An agreement was signed by Cape Brett representatives endorsing the inclusion of the Trust’s land and Cape Brett Reserves in the operation. Lessons learned Process was complex and involved at least nine Hapu. Consultation on methods took 2 years while consultation on effects took over 2 months. Significant cost overrun due in part to extensive consultation process needs to be provided for in future operations.

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4.2 CONSENTS Consent Consent date File Reference Permission ID DOC permission 03/09/2018 DOC-5560540 MOH consent 17/08/2018 18/005/JJG/NHLP LINZ consent 13/08/2018 DOC-5558156 FNDC consent 19/07/2018 DOC-5534219 Te Rawhiti Trust consent 25/05/2018 DOC-5480087 Elliot consent 10/07/2018 DOC-5528542 Rayonier consent 02/07/2018 DOC-5519828 Mandeno consent 09/08/2018 DOC-5551018 Smith consent 06/06/2018 DOC-5713720 Lindsay consent 27/07/2018 DOC-5539662 Braun consent 30/05/2018 DOC-5495145 Macintyre consent 06/09/2018 DOC-5570368

Lessons learned Complete this process early to define the treatment boundary 4.3 NOTIFICATION The full list of those notified is within the communications plan.

All occupiers directly adjoining or inside the operational treatment area were consulted by personal visit from a DOC/NRC staff member or by phone or email. Each were given a key facts pack and a visit record sheet was completed. If the landowner requested that their land be included in the operational treatment area, a consent form was supplied to them with attached map outlining the area to which they give consent. One adjoining landowner was consulted by email as she did not live locally.

Representatives for multiple owned maori land adjoining the northern boundary in the Waikare and areas were contacted using public notification in the Northern News or via direct contact by local marae representatives (Karetu and Waikare maori komiti Early childhood centres and schools within 3 km were notified Whangaruru School ------1.1km Waikare Te Kohanga Reo ------2.5km Helena Bay School ------2.5km Te Kura Hourua ki Whangaruru ------2km Te Kura o Waikare ------2.5km

The following groups were notified Piano Hill Vets BOI Veterinary clinic BOI Hospital Hauora Whanui Kawakawa Medical Centre Russell Medical Services Moerewa Medical Centre Hikurangi Police Station Russell Police Station Police Station Kawakawa Police Station

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Police search and rescue BOI SPCA Whangarei SPCA Russell Landcare Northland Pig Hunting Club Basically Bush - Kerikeri Striders Bay of Islands Watchdog BOI Runners & Walkers Whangarei Tramping Club Te Araroa Trust Mark Weatherall CEO The Farm - runs homestays and school camps Guardians of the Bay Of Islands Eastern Bay of Islands Preservation Society Bay of Islands Walking Weekend Charitable Trust Ngatiwai Trust Board (beehive concession) All local marae

Lessons learned As the two treatment blocks were managed effectively by the two DOC District Offices where they were situated, the added complexity required an extra degree of co-ordination. The spread of workload was a positive aspect of this approach. 5 Methods 5.1 TARGET SPECIES

Treatment Block Russell Forest Control method Name Target pest species Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Russell Possum Forest-(2) Ship rat

Target Pest Treatment Block Control Method Name Species Russell Forest Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Russell Forest- Possum (2) Ship rat 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

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Bait Details Pre-feed Toxic Bait type Cereal pellet Cereal pellet Lure/ mask/ deterrent Cinnamon Cinnamon Lure/ mask/ deterrent 0.30% 0.30% Dye None Green Individual Bait Weight 6.0g 12.0g

Sowing Rate Details Pre-feed Date Rate(kg/ha) Wind Speed Direction 12/09/2018 2.00 Calm South

Toxic

Date Rate(kg/ha) Wind Speed Direction 28/09/2018 4.00 Light SW

Time between pre-feed and toxic 16

End of Caution Period Date 28/03/2019 Aircraft type Long Ranger Squirrel AS 350 Number of Aircraft 2 Sowing gear details Description Capacity DOC EPRO identifiers LV1, LV2, LV8, and trickle 650 kg bucket

Type of navigational guidance TracMap- FlightPro system used

JCB Telehandler and Loading Method Hiab

Complaints and Incidents Complaints Register was created & held on file. Sabotage event at loading site with security evaded and $30k worth of damage to EPRO buckets and fuel storage. Several hundred litres of jet fuel spilled on the site. Other Details about this method OIA’s from Walsh, Grey & Torrington were received. Details held on file in Whangarei DO Deviations from planned operation Security did not follow their own plan. Despite a robust consultation process some people felt that they were not consulted with adequately. Lessons Learned Use BFoB endorsed security. Accept that there will always be people who will oppose aerial operations so plan ahead and keep good records for OIA/ ministerials etc.

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Treatment Block Cape Brett Control method Name Target pest species Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Cape Possum Brett-(1) Ship rat

Target Pest Treatment Block Control Method Name Species Cape Brett Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Cape Brett-(1) Possum Ship rat 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 Cereal pellet Cereal pellet Lure/ mask/ deterrent Cinnamon Cinnamon Lure/ mask/ deterrent 0.30% 0.30% Dye None Green Individual Bait Weight 6.0g 12.0g

Sowing Rate Details Pre-feed Toxic Wind Wind Date Rate(kg/ha) Direction Date Rate(kg/ha) Direction Speed Speed 12/09/2018 2.00 Calm South 29/09/2018 4.00 Light SW

Time between pre-feed and toxic 17 End of Caution Period Date 29/05/2019 Aircraft type Squirrel AS 350 LongRanger Number of Aircraft 2 Sowing gear details Description Capacity DOC identifier codes for EPRO buckets LV1, LV2, 650 kg LV8 and trickle bucket.

Type of navigational guidance TracMap- FlightPro for both machines system used

Loading Method JCB Telehandler and Hiab

Complaints and Incidents Complaints Register was created & held on file. OIA’s from Walsh, Grey & Torrington were received. Details held on file in Whangarei DO Other Details about this method Local decisions were being made by separate District offices instead of via the single point of Accountability (Whangarei Ops Mgr)

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Deviations from planned operation Generally this treatment area operation went well. Lessons Learned Co-ordination between two offices running separate treatment blocks should ideally be avoided

5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 5.2.1 Effects on Non-Target Species - Effects on Non-Target Species Not Applicable 5.2.2 Effects on Soil and Water Quality Water from the Waikare, Waihaha, Tangatapu, Waitui, Otutea and Ahitapu Streams, all of which flow into the Bay of Islands coastal environment, was tested by Landcare Research Ltd for the presence of sodium fluoroacetate (1080). The first Russell Forest samples were taken on the day of the operation (28 September 2018), three from the Waikare catchments and one from the Waihaha Stream. They were all negative for the presence of 1080. The first Cape Brett samples were taken on 30 September 2018 from the Tangatapu, Waitui, Otutea and Ahitapu streams and were repeated on 1 October 2018. All were negative for the presence of 1080. Further samples (3) were taken at known drinking water intakes in the Waikare catchment the day after the completion of the operation (29 September 2018) and were all negative for the presence of 1080. However, one sample from a disconnected water intake point within the treatment area feeding the Waiotu stream had a positive sample of 1 ppb (parts per billion). Further samples (3) were taken at the same Waikare catchment water intakes on the 30 of September and were all negative for the presence of 1080. All other water intakes, including the previously positive sample from Waiotu were also re-tested on 30 September and were negative for the presence of 1080. Final samples were taken from the Waikare Stream on 15 October following 10mm of rainfall, and all four of the Cape Brett streams on 28 October 2018. These all tested negative for the presence of 1080. 3b) While not a requirement of the Public Health consent, water from the Waikare Stream was sampled by local Iwi on 30 September and tested for the presence of Escherichia Coli (E. coli). This was only two nights after the operation, so is unlikely to have been affected by the decomposition of carcasses associated with the poison operation. The result, 327 MPN (most probable number) /100ml, showed that the water was already well over the maximum drinking water standard of 200 MPN / 100ml. The source of this contamination is not known but is likely to be related to the very high pig numbers reported within this catchment at the time. Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? The applicant shall verify the location of water supply intakes with all people who source their domestic water supply from the water Yes Yes extraction point within 3km of the operational area For an aerial application of 1080, applicants must provide mitigation to all households and huts/ camping areas that source their domestic water supply from the water extraction point: The Yes Yes domestic water supply shall be temporarily disconnected until such time as water testing finds no VTA contaminant

Effectiveness of performance standards Water testing regime was over that required by the DHB as we wanted Iwi (and water users) to gain assurance that water did not contain 1080 and that mitigation was relatively simple. 5.2.3 Effects on Ecosystems

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Canopy dominants such as towai and totara are beginning to die through a lack of new growth and even the less palatable canopy species such as taraire are being more heavily browsed as a result. In order to recover, this forest will require continuous possum suppression for many years. The 20 year strategy and ancillary plans are intended to address how this will be achieved. The effect of the aerial 1080 operation on common invertebrates within the area will be minor. Most of the native birds within these forests are expected to benefit from the control of rats and possums because of the subsequent decrease in levels of predation and/or indirectly because of the subsequent reduction in competition for food resources. It was concluded that possum- control operations using green-dyed and cinnamon-lured cereal or jam baits laced with 1080 poison pose a very low risk to brown kiwi (Robertson, Colbourne and Graham 1999). Reptiles are highly tolerant of 1080 (Spurr 1993). Aquatic species are not considered likely to be at risk of 1080 poisoning because fish are highly tolerant of 1080 (Bauermeister et al. 1977); and contamination of water by 1080 has rarely been detected and only at extremely low level when it has occurred.

Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? 1. For operations targeting rats, prefeed with this Yes N/A pesticide use 3. Flight paths to and from the bait loading zones by aircraft equipped with loaded or uncleaned bait sowing equipment must avoid: stocked paddocks, residential Yes N/A dwellings, and any other 'no fly zones' specified by consent providers 4. An aircraft must not, when flying to or from the treatment area, fly over a public drinking water supply or waterway that is less than 100 metres upstream of a point Yes N/A of extraction from a water source for a drinking water supply (not being a water supply exclusively for stock). 5. For operations targeting possums, baits will have a mean size in excess of 6g and 95% of baits should weigh Yes Yes more than 4g 6. The baits must be dyed green or blue Yes N/A 7. The boundaries of the bait preparation and loading site are marked and loading site signs docdm-181171 erected. At the end of every day of the operation (including the Yes Yes final day), the loading site and any storage area must be fenced so that people do not inadvertently enter the site and stock can 8. If there is any likelihood that farm stock has been exposed to 1080, the owner must be advised as soon as Yes N/A possible, and stock removed from the area 9.The product must only be used as specified on the Yes Yes manufacturer’s product label 10. Bait sowing rate must be no greater than 5kg/ha for 6gm baits (or equivalent bait density per hectare for other Yes Yes bait sizes). 11. Designate a "Safety Officer" on loading site who Yes Yes audits and ensures adherence to safety standards. 12. Use bait sowing buckets with retractable legs. Yes N/A

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13. All adjacent landowners shall be identified and provided with information on safety and precautions with Yes Yes respect to 1080 baits. 14. No 1080 bait will be laid where it is accessible to Yes No legitimate grazing livestock. 15. Take fresh water eel flesh samples from each of the three main catchments for 1080 assay within 10 days of No Yes the application of toxic bait. 16. All landowners/occupiers adjacent to any public conservation land being controlled must be notified 24 Yes Yes hrs before the start of the operation. 17. No 1080 bait will be laid over a public holiday long weekend e.g. Anzac, Labour and Queens Birthday Yes N/A weekends, Easter, Christmas/New Year.

18. No Warning signs are to be attached to official DOC Yes Yes signs. 19. Should another authority place a condition that is in conflict to these conditions, the more stringent condition Yes N/A is to be applied (e.g. MOH) 20. Monitoring: Visual monitoring for native species - any dead native species found within the operational area Yes N/A shall be brought to the DOC Whangarei office for testing. 21. The operation shall be carried out in accordance with conditions contained within the Northland District Yes Yes Health Board MOH Consent (ref: 18/005/JJG/NHLPH) and the Assessment of Environmental Effects.

Effectiveness of performance standards The only PS where standards were not followed (15) came as a result of a request from Iwi to check tuna flesh for the presence of 1080. The protocol was not followed in that one tuna was taken from within the treatment area (and tested positive) and the samples were taken (by Iwi representatives) approximately 20 days following the operation. In future, all sampling should be undertaken by staff, with the assistance of Iwi representatives. 5.2.4 Effects on Human Health - Effects on Human Health Not Applicable 6 Monitoring Results and Outcomes 6.1 RESULT MONITORING - TARGET SPECIES Result target(s) • A Bite Mark Index (BMI) of less than 10% or a Residual Trap Catch of less than 3% (3 possums per 100 trap-nights) by 30 October 2018 •

6.1.1 Target Species Monitoring WaxTag Method: Species monitored Possum - Trichosurus vulpecula in Cape Brett

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Monitor method details 16 wax tag lines run as a pre index resulted in 79% BMI. 25 lines run as a post index resulted in a 16% BMI. Deviations Time constrains forced a minimalist pre index regime given size of the treatment area. Target pest result details Pre During/Post Monitoring dates 7/2018 11/2018 Results 34%BMI 4%BMI

Result target met? Yes Lessons Learned Contracted service was expensive and added to cost overrun. Ideally this work would have been done using staff but resources and skills in this work were very limited.

6.1.2 Target Species Monitoring Method: WaxTag Species monitored Possum - Trichosurus vulpecula in Russell Forest Monitor method details 16 wax tag lines run as a pre index resulted in 79% BMI. 25 lines run as a post index resulted in a 16% BMI. Deviations Time constrains forced a minimalist pre index regime given size of the treatment area. Target pest result details Pre During/Post Monitoring dates 12/2017 and 9/2018 12/2018 Results 79%BMI 16%BMI

Result target met? No Lessons Learned Contracted service was expensive and added to cost overrun. Ideally this work would have been done using staff but resources and skills in this work were very limited.

6.1.3 Target Species Monitoring Tracking tunnels Method: Species monitored Ship rat - Rattus rattus in Cape Brett Monitor method details Russell Forest 16 lines of 10 tracking tunnels Cape Brett 12 lines of 10 tracking tunnels Deviations Some lines laid out less than straight. Reporting of Cape Brett work lacking detail. Target pest result details Pre During/Post Monitoring dates 7/ 2018 11/ 2018 Results 14% RTI 0%RTI

Result target met? Yes Lessons Learned Accuracy of the tunnel layout and quality of reporting a result of using local kai mahi for their capability development but quality less than ideal. Tracking tunnels

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6.1.4 Target Species Monitoring Method: Species monitored Ship rat - Rattus rattus in Russell Forest Monitor method details Russell Forest 16 lines of 10 tracking tunnels Cape Brett 12 lines of 10 tracking tunnels

Deviations Some lines laid out less than straight. Reporting of Cape Brett work lacking detail.

Target pest result details

Pre During/Post Monitoring dates 8/2018 10/2018 Results 76%RTI 0.6%RTI

Result target met? Yes Lessons Learned Accuracy of the tunnel layout and quality of reporting a result of using local kai mahi for their capability development but quality less than ideal.

6.2 RESULT MONITORING - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 6.2.1 Non Target Species No monitoring of non target species was undertaken.

6.2.2 Soil and Water Quality Monitoring of: water at domestic water supplies Monitor Method details •Guidelines for Sampling and Testing Water associated with Monitoring of Aerial 1080 Baiting Operations (3rd edition), Landcare Research, protocol for sampling and testing water for 1080, Landcare Research. 10 sample points. Due to the number and location of sample points, the first two samples were taken approximately 15 hours and 39 hours after the operation with the third sample taken after 10mm of rain in one day. Deviations none Monitoring dates 29,30 September plus 15 october Results One of the first samples taken from within the treatment area and associated with a disconnected water take had a positive result of 1 part per billion 1080. All other samples were negative for 1080. Lessons Learned Worth the effort and expense to do water tests to provide assurance that poison is not present.

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Monitoring of: presence of E.coli Monitor Method details Microbiological analysis for the collection of Total & Faecal Coliforms in water. Total & Faecal Coliform analysis will be undertaken by Whangarei District Council Laboratory Deviations samples were meant to be taken prior to the aerial operation but were not taken until 2 days after the drop. No post operational sampling was undertaken Monitoring dates 30 September Results Waiotu Stream- 233 MPN/100mL Punaruku Stream - 355 MPN/100mL Waikare Stream- 327 MPN/100mL Lessons Learned Work was undertaken by Iwi kai mahi and was not done within the timeframe specified in the plan. Learned that water quality is very poor- probably as a result of pigs in the catchment.

6.2.3 Ecosystems Monitoring of: Tuna Flesh for presence of 1080 Monitor Method details 15. Take fresh water eel flesh samples from each of the three main catchments for 1080 assay within 10 days of the application of toxic bait. Deviations Tuna samples were not taken until approximately 20 days following the operation. All sample were to be taken outside the treatment area but one was taken from within the treatment area. Monitoring dates 18 and 20/10/2018 Results The tuna sampled from within the treatment area was found to have 7 ppb of 1080 in its flesh. The other two from outside the treatment area (Russell Forest) were negative for 1080. Lessons Learned This request from Iwi was included as a performance standard within the DOC permission but the work was given to kai mahi to perform. Consequently the condition was technically breached (samples taken too late).

6.2.4 Human Health No monitoring of human health was undertaken.

6.3 OUTCOME MONITORING Outcome targets Outcome targets have not been well defined but outcomes will be measured via Manaaki Whenua Matauranga Maori project following the operation. Cape Brett outcomes are being measured by an arrangement with Massey University co- ordinating the work.

No monitoring of outcomes was undertaken

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