SOUTHLAND CONSERVATION BOARD TE ROOPU ATAWHAI O MURIHIKU

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SOUTHLAND CONSERVATION BOARD HELD IN THE SOUTHLAND CONSERVANCY OFFICE, 33 DON STREET , ON THURSDAY, 15 APRIL 2010, COMMENCING AT 9.00AM

1:2010 WELCOME – Viv Shaw Viv opened the meeting and welcomed Roger McNaughton back onto the Board as a co-opted member until 31 August, replacing Muriel Johnstone. Viv formally acknowledged thanks to Stewart in his absence for the awesome field trip the Board had to Rarotoka Island as part of its last meeting in February.

A late item has been added to the agenda, which is looking at an amendment to the Conservation and Reserves Act.

2:2010 PRESENT/IN ATTENDANCE Viv Shaw Russell Ibbotson Roger McNaughton Helen McPhail Ian Buick Ian Wilson

Department of Conservation Staff, Invercargill Barry Hanson* Martin Kessick Gloria Harris Clare Lenihan* Trish Gill* Dave Taylor* Anke Habgood* Rebecca Heenan* Chris Visser* Michelle Gutsell* Leanne Keenan*

Also In Attendance Scott McKay* (Southland Times) Murray Willans* John de Lury* *denotes attendance at part of the meeting

3:2010 APOLOGIES Stewart Bull Paul Duffy Robin McNeill Andy Roberts

Viv requested Board members advise well in advance if they are unable to attend meetings to alleviate the risk of not having a quorum. Ian Buick took this opportunity to put in an apology for the 16 June. Russell Ibbotson/Ian Buick/Carried

4:2010 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (16 February 2010) It was resolved that the minutes of the 16 February 2010 were a true and correct record. Ian Buick/Helen McPhail/Carried Actions All actions were covered off apart from writing a letter to the Minister of Education regarding cutting funding on the LEOTC programme, as the Board was still waiting on information from the Department. Martin advised he had asked both Murihiku and Area Offices to get back to him and would follow up on that today.

Matters Arising Clarification on emissions trading, letter depends on how it is read from both sides.

5:2010 BOARD BUDGET Annual allocation $31,100.00 Funds spent to date $16,438.00 Remaining Funds $14,662

Viv advised the Board that there will be a cut to the Board budget, but given there has usually been a surplus at the end of each year, it is not anticipated the cut will affect the Board’s operation. The Board trip to Te Anau in June is still on track, and anticipating a field trip up the Milford Road will be incorporated.

Board Membership Roger McNaughton has been co-opted onto the Board until 31 August 2010, (replacing Muriel Johnstone), and a letter has been sent to the Minister advising of this. A formal resignation has been received from Ian Buick (as from 31 August 2010), due to his shift to Christchurch. If the new appointments have not been made by 31 August, there is a chance the Board would be down to eight members in the interim, in which case outgoing Board members would have the option of staying on the Board until such time as appointments are made.

Viv raised the issue of the term of appointment for the position of Chair, as when she was appointed no term was set. Russell moved that the tenure of the chair to be for the term of their Board appointment, or three years, whichever is the shorter. Russell Ibbotson/Ian Wilson/Carried

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December Meeting The date for the December has not previously been set, so Viv suggested 2 December. This is the same date as the Kaitiaki Roopu (KR) meeting, and it was suggested the meeting could join up with KR when appropriate.

6:2010 INWARDS/OUTWARDS CORRESPONDENCE Inwards Jan Riddell had sent a letter to all members of the Waiau Working Party (WWP), including the Board, requesting confirmation of continuing membership. Russell moved the Board continued to be represented on the WWP, but as his term on the Conservation Board expires on 31 August this year, another member will need to take his place on the WWP. R

The Board agreed that nominating a replacement for Russell on the WWP would be best done after the appointment process to the SCBd had been completed. Martin advised the Department would keep the Board in the loop with WWP issues in the interim.

Ian Buick advised the Board that he is a member on the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation in his capacity as a Board member, so someone else will need to be nominated to replace him as well. Viv suggested the Trust deed be checked to see if a Board representative is required. Ian Buick will check with Roger Wilson.

ACTION Ian Buick to check if Trust deed requires Board member to be on the Les Hutchins Foundation committee.

ES have supplied the Board with a draft of their Annual Plan and Viv asked members if they felt the Board need to submit on it, given it had submitted on the ten year LTTP. Russell felt it would be appropriate to submit on relevant issues. Viv will write the submission. Russell Ibbotson/Ian Wilson/Carried

ACTION Viv to write submission on ES draft Annual Plan

7.2010 RECENT AMENDMENTS TO CONSERVATION AND RESERVES ACT - Clare Lenihan Clare updated the board with a brief summary on the amendment changes to the Conservation and Reserves Acts currently going through parliament, with five changes/transitional provisions to concessions, and two to Reserve Act changes. The Board was of the view that the changes were a move in the right direction and were positive for the Department. Clare to notify Gloria when the changes come into place.

ACTION Clare to email Gloria when the changes to the Conservation and Reserves Acts come into place.

3 8:2010 CONSERVATOR’S REPORT – Barry Hanson Barry acknowledged his secondment to ‘Prioritising for the Future’ has had an impact, but has a bonus of allowing Andy Roberts to work in a more senior role. He then went on to elaborate what ‘Prioritising for the Future’ and his role in it entailed.

A copy of the Conservator’s report (as below) was circulated to the Board prior to the meeting, and Viv voiced the benefits of this in that Board members could request any areas of concern be elaborated on at the meeting. Capability Barry is about to complete his secondment to the National Office project (Prioritising for the Future). He may be required for some extra follow up work on this in April and May. Stephen Bragg (Pou Kura Taiao) is back at work after a period of sick leave. Infrastructure The Deepwater basin fishing facility is scheduled for disposal via tender by July. Options for the upgrade of the Deepwater amenity area will be considered as part of the flood protection project, but will require additional investment in infrastructure after the completion of the flood protection project. Milford Sound Infrastructure. The flood bank and protection works is currently the largest Milford infrastructure project. The flood warning system is in place. Currently work on the design of the flood bank and channel work is underway. Resource consents are due to be lodged at the end of May and all being equal construction should commence January 2011 with completion due in approx Feb 2012 subject to final design. Pest, Weed, Fire Control & Restoration Environment Southland has proposed that there be a significant increase in Government funding to the Mid Dome Wilding Pine programme. The matter is still being progressed by officials in Wellington. Due to a beech masting (extremely high seeding) year, mice and stoat numbers have been extremely high in Fiordland. This has resulted in confirmed stoat invasions on four islands, with checks on other islands still to be carried out. This number of invasions has never been documented before. Measures to eradicate the invading stoats are in hand by DOC and two community trusts (two of the four islands have pest projects managed by trusts). The Resolution Island pest eradications is proceeding to plan, we have a long way to go but are confident the objectives will be achieved. On Secretary Island the eradication of resident stoats is taking longer than expected, and this has been exacerbated by it being one of the islands with a stoat invasion (new arrivals being confirmed by DNA). Improvements to the eradication effort are being made, results will be monitored, and eradication methodology kept under review. A number of species transfers shifting endangered species between Fiordland sites to Island sanctuaries have been carried out, and all have involved sponsors. Operation Ark The decision not to use 1080 to control rats in the Eglinton Valley proved to be a good one. Rat numbers did not peak to high levels and have been managed effectively through ground control. Interestingly, bat numbers in

4 the protection sites have increased even during the mast year. Blue duck productive has been variable, with good production in the Clinton valley but less productivity in the Arthur valley. This is attributed to the effect of local weather events. Waitutu Forest Possum Control Planning and preparation for this operation is continuing. In February local Member of Parliament Eric Roy participated in a field visit and familiarisation of the project. Arawai Kakariki (Waituna Wetlands a RAMSAR listed site of international importance) The project is progressing well. This work includes; ƒ Baseline surveys of many species, and mapping of wetland extent and hydrological aspects. ƒ Riparian fencing and planting to enhance water quality, this is the ongoing priority. ƒ The 5km Waituna track has been completed and work is beginning on interpretation. ƒ The Nature Heritage Fund purchased Cawes Creek block restoration first stage completed with $10k New World supermarket sponsorship. This will provide a corridor linking two parts of the wetland. ƒ Conservation volunteer and school group programmes. ƒ Promotion of sustainable land use throughout the catchment is continuing involving a catchment community group. This work is lead by a Regional Council land sustainability officer jointly funded by DOC and the Council. ƒ Some success in using this project to generally promote wetland values, and their protection Species management • Great White Shark Cave Diving: An application to establish commercial great white shark cage diving around the Stewart Island coast is being processed. Local paua divers have strongly voiced their concerns about safety if this activity is permitted. They believe use of burly (bait) will mean white sharks will associate people with food and thereby put swimmers and divers at risk. Ian Wilson noted community concerns and Barry agreed to provide an update to Ian. • Successful transfers of robins and saddlebacks took place in Fiordland last month. RMA advocacy Meridian Energy Limited, resource consent . This is a new consent application to increase the discharge of freshwater from to Doubtful Sound. The application was notified by Environment Southland 21 March 2009, with submissions closing 22 April 2009. A hearing was held in September 2009. As of 31 March 2010 the decision by the Consents Committee is still awaited.The issues include: ƒ Increased flow of freshwater into the Doubtful Sound complex with impacts on rock wall communities, bottlenose dolphins, marine reserves, Deep Cove Hostel Trust outdoor education activities and kayakers including DOC concessionaires. ƒ Lake levels in Lake Manapouri and being kept in a moderate range, rather than more natural fluctuation, impacting on, nationally significant lake shore and littoral communities, long-finned eel migration and water quality in the Lower Waiau Arm.

5 ƒ Loss of water flow and flood events in the Waiau River impacting on, black billed gull habitats, Lower Waiau River ecology, riparian wetlands and the Waiau River mouth and maintenance of the lagoon. ƒ Conservancy staff are continuing to work with the Regional Offshore Islands Coastal Plan – Wellington team attended Kaitiaki Roopu meeting on 24 March, and the Board chair attended the session. Legal protection The Subantarctic MPA recommendations are with ministers for a decision. Biosecurity Nothing to report. Historic Nothing to report. Recreation opportunities ƒ Eyre (Round the Mountain) Cycle Way. This proposal is one of the governments quick start cycle projects with $4 million offered. The project is led by the Southland District Council (SDC) but involves other agencies and groups. The estimated construction cost is $10 million. SDC are currently seeking from local sources the rest of the construction funding and ongoing maintenance funding. Thirty km of the route passes through the Eyre Mountain/Taka ra Haka Conservation Park. The Department is providing technical support for the construction of the track and will also formalise legal access. Construction is forecast to begin next summer. ƒ Rakiura Great Walk; Port William – North Arm track upgrade section – work is continuing on rerouting and resurfacing with gravel. ƒ Chasm stage two upgrade (to the track component) will commence mid 2010. ƒ Bookings on the three Great Walks (Milford, Kepler and Routeburn) are up 3% on last year. While we have less data from the other tracks (no hut wardens) we think the Great Walk numbers, and the slight increase in people using the Te Anau visitor centre, are indicative of use throughout the park. ƒ Fiordland experienced a major storm event that did considerable damage and necessitated the closing of some tracks for three days. It is estimated this will mean $28k lost revenue and require at least $60k of repairs. Such events are a fact of life in Fiordland and our planning needs to assume we will get them on average every 5 years or so. While this is a fairly big event previous storms have caused more damage. We have reprioritised and cancelled other work to deal to these costs. ƒ A new shelter on McKinnon pass is under construction and scheduled for completion at the end of May this year. Concessions management ƒ The MoC is still considering the submissions made by stakeholders regarding an alternative allocation approach for air landings at Milford aerodrome. The MOC visited Milford Sound in late March and is still to make a decision. ƒ Concessions for improved access Queenstown to Milford. Two concession applications are being processed by Southland Conservancy for competing transport options to Milford Sound. Both are major projects with considerable public opinion for and against. ƒ Milford Dart is a tunnel between Routeburn and the Hollyford. A Draft First Determination Report will be with the applicant at the end of April.

6 ƒ Fiordland Link is a monorail largely through public conservation land from the Mavora Road to the Milford Road at Te Anau Downs. The application as submitted is not complete and we have worked with the applicant to identify what the needs to be included to allow the application to proceed to the next stage. ƒ The Wapiti hunting season is underway with hunters now on their balloted blocks. The management programme by the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation (FWF) is producing results with deer and stoat control. The FWF concession application to formalise their management programme will shortly be publically advertised. We have been advised that the FWF will be seeking a meeting with you to brief you on the success of their project and to discuss options for further management. ƒ The national Wild Animal Recovery Operators (WARO) concession process is continuing. Community, education, participation ƒ New DoC Vision being promoted; “New Zealand is the greatest living space on earth” has been discussed with staff, external companies, and groups, and they are all supportive. ƒ The LEOTC programme tender to Ministry of Education for Deep Cove and Borland to continue the education programme has been unsuccessful. We are seeking feedback from the Ministry on why the tender was unsuccessful. We expect a negative response from the two trusts involved, although both are actively looking to other solutions.

ACTION Barry to provide update to Ian Wilson on shark diving.

9:2010 FIORDLAND CONSERVATION TRUST PRESENTATION - Murray Willans/Roger McNaughton Viv introduced Roger as Chair of the Fiordland Conservation Trust (FCT), and Murray as a trustee, and advised Board members she is also a trustee. Roger gave a brief introduction of the background of the FCT and its vision statement, ‘to be an independent Trust inspiring the community to protect the special values of Fiordland and the wider Southland region’, and also its mission statement: ‘1) ‘to enhance the protection of natural flora and fauna within Fiordland and the wider Southland region through the identification of worthwhile conservation projects that might otherwise lack funding. 2) The provision of professional and accountable service to clients matching their desire to support conservation with appropriate project opportunities. 3) Funding of general conservation research education and projects 4) Encouragement of our young people to get involved with conservation 5) The promotion of conservation successes within the region.’ Murray followed by giving the Board a very interesting PowerPoint presentation on some of the projects the Trust has been involved with. The Trust is raising funds for conservation projects for which the Department is currently not funded.

MORNING TEA

7 10:2010 FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES IN MURIHIKU AREA – Dave Taylor Dave listed six areas that relate to Murihiku in the implementation of the Fiordland National Park Management Plan. Wairaurahiri River Jet Boating Concessions Section 5.6 Implementation 23 provides for up to three boats for commercial jet boating and up to 140 trips per annum. Currently there are three operators with varying trip limits all of which have sought an increase in the total number of trips allowed. The Department thinks that all three operators may be conducting business above their allocation (unproven at this point) however no adverse effects have been reported to the Department from this activity. Previous DOC research regarding the impact of jet boats in this area was inconclusive. All three operators have expressed to DOC staff that the small allocation (maximum of 50 trips for any single provider) is not economically sustainable. The Murihiku Area Office would like to see the allocation of commercial jet boat trips on this river raised to a higher level to enable business and to allow for more people to access this part of the Park. Commercial Boating Activity on Lake Poteriteri Section 5.6 Implementation 32 states Lake Poteriteri (and others) in remote visitor settings should be managed for non-commercial boat use only. Small, limited commercial access by boat to these areas would enable business as well as provide visitor access to this area. One-off Aircraft Landings Section 5.51 Implementation 14(a) allows for a maximum of 50 one-off aircraft landings. This limit is currently over subscribed and often private helicopter access is missing out. A moderate increase to the 50 landings could provide for both small scale commercial access and private helicopter use without adversely effecting visitor experience. Provisions for New Infrastructure/Opportunities Generally the plan does not provide for new recreation opportunities and/or infrastructure. The ability of the Department to be agile and take up new opportunities has not necessarily been optimised in the current plan. An example of this is a possible route from Poteriteri Hut to Waitutu Hut. Adjacent Land In the southern portion of Fiordland there are three large tracts of land adjacent to the park, management of which will have impacts on the park. These three areas are the Dean and Rowallan Forests. Consideration could be given for their future inclusion in the Fiordland National Park. Waitutu The Waitutu area of Fiordland National Park is somewhat complex given the adjacent Landless Natives Act (SILNA) Land. Much of the SILNA land is now protected under covenants, providing for the land to be managed as if it were national park. Increased acknowledgement of the complexity of this area within the plan may assist management.

In addition, Dave provided a summary of comments from the Murihiku Area Office with regard to the impending Conservation Management Strategy review.

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Commercial Recreation Activity Currently areas such as the Longwoods, Eyre Mountains and Takitimu do not provide for commercial recreation concession activity. There may be an opportunity in the future to enable business. There is, for example, history of mustering in the Eyres so there may be opportunities for low level guiding and horse trekking. The proposed cycle trail from Lake Wakatipu to Mossburn is likely to result in interest from commercial guiding operators where the trail passes through the Eyre Mountains. Mining Gold and mineral mining of the Longwoods and lignite mining in the Waituna catchment are two examples of places that may have increased interest from external parties in the future. Omissions and Land Acquisitions One known example of an omission in the current CMS is the Popotunoa Scenic Reserve. There will also be new land acquisitions, including covenants, that will require inclusion. Land acquisition through the tenure review process is likely to include a significant tract of land at Glenaray Station in the Waikaia Forest which will require consideration. Consistency The Catlins area is an example of an area where consistency with Otago Conservancy management plans is likely to be of significant interest to the local community. Changing Use Bluff Hill/Motupōhue, Waipapa Point, Curio Bay, Longwoods and Waituna are examples of places where visitor use has significantly changed. The promotion of tourism and changing recreation trends will warrant increased consideration in any future CMS.

The Department has been engaging with territorial authorities and regional tourism authorities to improve the marketing of the Southern Scenic Route. There is likely to be increasing community interest for any potential tourism initiatives along this route.

The Visitor Destination Framework will have a strong influence on our recreation facilities and how they are managed. This framework will also encourage recreation facilities closer to population centres such as Invercargill.

The types of activities people are involved in are changing. Tramping activities are in decline while cycling and front county opportunities are in greater demand. Southland is likely to see the desire to develop cycle ways from Kingston to Invercargill and Invercargill to Bluff.

The last five years has seen an increase in community groups undertaking conservation work and this trend is likely to continue. The opportunity to engage with community groups will influence how the Department works and what it works on. Holistic Approaches Bluff Hill/Motupōhue and Curio Bay are two examples where the Department has interests alongside other agencies/land managers (ICC and

9 SDC respectively). The CMS review could be an opportunity to take a more holistic approach to sites such as these for the benefit of all. Wetlands and the Marine Environment The need for protection and enhancement of wetlands has increased throughout New Zealand, especially in Southland, and has become a significant local priority. The Ramsar wetland site is threatened by the land use around it. The area in which the most important gains will be made will be through working with Councils to positively influence council plans. The protection of coastal areas, especially dune systems is another area of national priority that may require further consideration in a local context.

There is an opportunity during the CMS review to consider the marine environment and how the Department may manage its responsibilities in this area. The slow increase in marine mammals in the coastal environment will be of public interest. Two new marine mammal sanctuaries have been created which will require coverage in a new CMS. Energy Wind farming and new initiatives to produce energy are likely to continue into the future. Some of these initiatives are off Department-managed land, however the Department is frequently involved in assessing the effects of conservation values, primarily through the RMA. How the Department approaches these matters is and will be of significant interest to the community.

PRIORITISATION OF ISSUES IDENTIFIED AT LAST MEETING – Martin Kessick/Rebecca Heenan Potential solutions Rebecca distributed a document (DOCDM-566201) to the Board with regard to concerns raised by Reg Kemper (Te Anau Area Manager) at the last meeting regarding implementation of the Fiordland National Park Management Plan (FNPMP). Rebecca clarified issues that were provided for within the plan, and went over issues on irregular/one-off landings.

Russell reminded the Board that the FNPMP is a ‘living document’, and recalled that when the plan was set, the Board at the time did not intend landings in the National Park to be restricted to 50 landings per year. He emphasised that the Board had also wanted an allowance for flexibility by the Department. Roger agreed that the feeling at the time was the activity had to be controlled, with the ability to grow if the demand was there.

Martin acknowledged the intent in the plan was not clear on one-off landings, ie whether it refers to the number of permits or the number of landings. This makes decision-making difficult for Reg. He suggested to the Board that the choice was either to leave it at the status quo, or preferably to develop a policy to enable Reg to exercise his discretion.

After some considerable discussion, Viv suggested the Board take time to read through the documents before making a decision. Russell moved that Martin’s team draft a set of policies around one-off aircraft landings. Viv requested the draft policies be sent out to the Board prior to its next meeting on 16 June so members can have a chance to read through them.

10 Russell Ibbotson/Ian Buick/Carried

Martin confirmed there were four more issues needing dealt to, including water taxis, historic sites, mountain biking, and the Meridian Hostel. It was agreed that the Board would consider those issues in the current format and Martin’s team would draft policies to support them for the Board’s consideration.

ACTION Martin’s team to draft a set of policies around the implementation issues raised by Reg and Dave which are to be sent to the Board prior to its next meeting (16 June).

Viv thanked Rebecca and Martin for all the work they had put in to bringing this to the Board

11:2010 RAKIURA/STEWART ISLAND CMS & NPMP – Rebecca Heenan/Viv Shaw Viv advised the Board that the presentation of the Rakiura/Stewart Island CMS & National Park Management Plan to the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) had gone very well yesterday. Viv complimented Becca on the work she had put into the plan, as well as her very professional presentation. Don Ross (NZCA Chairman) had asked for the NZCA’s congratulations to be passed on to the Board on the work done on the plan, as well as the calibre of the presentation.

The areas the NZCA picked up on were on the naming of hunters huts, and also white tailed deer, although most of the discussion was outside of the formal presentation.

The NZCA subcommittee are coming down from 31 May until 2 June for a field trip to view the Stewart Island issues themselves. Viv suggested that it is important that Robin (Chair of the SCBd subcommittee) and Ian Wilson (also a member of the subcommittee) meet with the NZCA as well. It was agreed that it would be good to have Ngai Tahu involvement as well, with either Stewart or Gail participating in the NZCA field trip. It was agreed that Viv should attend the meeting to develop the relationship between the SCB and the NZCA.

Russell expressed concern that a tighter restriction on mining was not included in the plan, given the recent developments on mining potential on Conservation land. This would be discussed with the NZCA.

LUNCH

12:2010 MILFORD DART TUNNEL CONCESSION – Chris Visser Martin gave a brief introduction to Chris’ presentation and advised that they will be presenting a similar document to Otago Conservation Board tomorrow in relation to the current Mount Aspiring National Park Management Plan. Martin advised that the Department has a draft first

11 determination report, and will have a final draft for release to the applicant next week. It is proposed to supply the Board with a copy of the final draft, which will have the recommendations in it as well. The Department requested that the Board receives that draft document in confidence, as it will not be publically available until it is out of draft form.

Chris provided the Board with a history of the application and the process, before asking the Board for any comment/suggestions on the summary document that she had arrange to be posted to them earlier.

Russell read a copy of comments on behalf of Robin, who was unable to attend the meeting. Chris requested a copy of the letter to collate against issues she had addressed in her report. Viv reminded members that they should only to consider issues on the Hollyford side of the proposed tunnel, not the Otago side. Martin advised that the Department would like to have feedback from the Board at their next meeting on 16 June. Local iwi and Ngai Tahu will also be having input. The Board agreed it would be beneficial to have a ‘whole Board approach’ as opposed to a subcommittee being set up. Viv suggested that Board members provide their comments to her in advance of the next meeting so the information can be collated.

Viv proposed that the Board agrees to receive the draft document in confidence. Viv Shaw/Russell Ibbotson/Carried

13:2010 INDIAN ISLAND RAT ERADICATION PROJECT – Michelle Gutsell Viv and Roger both declared an interest. Michelle gave the board a background on the proposed aerial rat eradication on Indian Island in Dusky Sound. The project will be funded externally from the Department, and the Department has been contracted to manage the operation. Standard conditions will apply to the operation. The planning documents have been put together and the consultation phase has been started, with the AEE having been sent to the Board for consideration, and the resource consent sent to Environment Southland. Michelle advised they had no negative responses from agencies contacted and had numerous offers of support. She had come to ask the Board if it had any concerns with the AEE or questions about the work that will be done. Russell congratulated the Department on their significant achievement of putting together the application with a nil opposition result, and moved the Board provide a letter of support. Russell Ibbotson/Helen McPhail/Carried

ACTION Viv to write a letter to ES supporting the Indian Island Rat Eradication

14:2010 MINING ON CONSERVATION LAND – Viv Shaw Consultation Document Prior to the Board working through the discussion document, ‘Maximising our Mineral Potential Stocktake, Schedule 4’, Viv advised members that she had identified a number of issues pertaining to Conservation land in

12 Southland and that the deadline for submissions is 4 May. The Board agreed that there were some positives in the document in that Fiordland National Park is not being considered for mining at this point in time. However, the statement “further investigations into mining on Rakiura” caused the Board some concern. It was agreed that the Board should not consider the issue of mining on Schedule 4 land in general, but should limit its consideration to mining within the Southland Conservancy. The Board went on to have an in depth discussion on the mining issue as it potentially impacts our area. Paul and Robin had both sent their comments on the mining issue to Viv. In their absence their concerns were raised at the meeting.

Rakiura/Stewart Island The Board noted that mining was not seen to be a major issue at the time submissions were received on the Stewart Island/Rakiura National Park Management Plan. As a result very few submissions were received on the subject of mining, but if consultation on the plan was taking place now, the Board was of the view that more submissions would be received on the mining issue. Members agreed that this should be covered off in the Board’s submission. Viv raised a concern that Robin had raised with her in writing, prior to the meeting, regarding the Board’s role in informing the community of the proposed investigation into mining on Stewart Island/Rakiura. The Board’s view was that if people were interested enough they should inform themselves. It was not the Board’s duty to inform people about mining issues. Viv reminded Board members that the Stewart Island/Rakiura planning documents have not yet been approved, however, the descriptions of places could be used to support the Board’s views on mining within the national park.

As Rakiura/Stewart Island is pristine by world standards, Russell moved that the Board formally submits its opposition to any opportunity for mining on Rakiura, including any mining related activities that requires the land to be removed from Schedule 4. Russell Ibbotson/Ian Buick/Carried

Longwoods The Board was informed that the Longwoods are not in Schedule 4 and that the area is currently being mined.

Ian Buick proposed a motion that the Board recognised there is a history of mining in the Longwoods, and that some conservation land has minerals that can be mined as long as the RMA process is adhered to in terms of potential effects. Ian Buick/Helen McPhail/Carried

On a general note with regard to mining, Roger noted that although this was only just the start of a process, he hoped that when they find out how many minerals are available, some consideration be given to the time span of mining and the impact on future generations.

Conservation Fund

13 The Board discussed the idea of a contestable fund being set up based on a proportion of the royalties received by the government from mining activities. The Board moved support for the concept of a contestable fund to be managed by an independent group, with administrative support provided by the Department of Conservation. The Board feels that the $10 million maximum per annum is too low. H

Burwood Bush A discussion was had about Burwood Bush. Its status as a scientific reserve means that it should already be protected under schedule 4. A motion was moved that the Board supports Burwood Bush being added to Scheduled 4, provided it is able to continue to be managed to protect and enhance its values. Ian Wilson/Russell Ibbotson/Carried

Joint Ministerial Approval for Access Members of the Board expressed concern that allowing for joint approval for access for mining could set a dangerous precedent. Russell proposed that the status quo be maintained, i.e. that the Minister of Conservation retains responsibility for access arrangements. Russell Ibbotson/Ian Buick/Carried

Additions to Schedule 4 Given the current debate on removing and adding land to schedule 4, a discussion was held on whether the Board should propose that any additional land be added to Schedule 4. A motion was moved that the Board supports consideration of areas that are adjacent to Fiordland National Park (FNP) that have similar values to the areas already within FNP, to look at extending the boundaries as previously indicated in discussions within the Board and the FNP Management Plan (page 93 of FNPMP). Viv Shaw/Russell Ibbotson/Carried

Board’s submission At the end of the discussion, Russell moved that Viv prepare and present a draft submission to Board members to be commented on by Board members within 24 hours of receipt, and that she, as Chair, collate and determine those comments and be authorised to submit a letter on behalf of the Board as a submission in line with the motions already passed at today’s meeting. Russell Ibbotson/Ian Wilson/Carried

ACTION Viv to prepare a draft submission on mining for comment by Board members within 24 hours of receipt, in line with the motions passed at the meeting

GENERAL BUSINESS • Chair’s conference – nothing to report. • Offshore Islands Coastal Plan – Viv commented she would like feedback from the subcommittee • Otago Conservation Board Liaison – against mining on conservation land. Their next board meeting is tomorrow (16 April)

14 • Loder Cup Nomination – resubmit Gay Munro’s nomination from last year

Viv repeated her concern at the low number of Board members attending this meeting and the need to ensure that there is a quorum at all Board meetings.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 4.15pm

ACTION POINTS Viv • Viv to write submission on ES draft Annual Plan • Letter of support for Indian Island rat eradication Prepare and present a draft submission on Schedule 4 for comment to be commented on by Board members asap, and submit submission with motions passed at the meeting. Barry Hanson To provide update to Ian Wilson on shark diving. Ian Buick To check if Trust deed requires Board member to be on the Les Hutchins Foundation committee. Clare Lenihan To email Gloria when the changes to the Conservation and Reserves Acts come into place Martin/Planning To draft a set of policies around FNPMP implementation issues, to Team be sent to the Board prior to its next meeting (16 June).

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