Auckland Conservation Board

Te Runanga Papa Atawhai o Tamaki Makaurau AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING OF THE AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD HELD AT UMUPUIA MARAE ON 16TH MAY 2012

PRESENT: Dr Jacqueline Beggs Chairperson Mr Laurie Beamish Deputy Chair Mrs Stella Chan Board member Mrs Dianne Glenn Board member Mr Thomas Grace Board member Mrs Jo Knight Board member Mr Ian Rodger Board member Ms Wiki Walker Board member

APOLOGIES: Mr Ross Aitken Board member - overseas Mr Martin Gummer Board member - illness

STAFF IN ATTENDANCE ON 16 MAY 2012: Mr Sean Goddard Conservator Mr John Galilee Conservation Support Manager Mr Matt Ward CMS Project Manager Mrs Raewyn Bennett Board Support Officer Mr Jonathon Miles Auckland Area Manager (CMS workshop only)

COMMUNITY & TANGATA WHENUA FORUM PRESENTERS ON TUESDAY 15 MAY. Mr James Brown Chairman, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki Trust Mr Wii Wanoa Ngati Porou, resident of Kaiaua, principal of Tangikaroro a conservation initiative at East Cape that has a relationship with Eco Quest Ms Carmen Kirkwood Former Board member, Founder of Ngai Tai ki Tamaki Trust Ms Makareti Atama Chairperson, Umupuia Marae Ms Ripeka Stout Ngati Paoa Ms Kathy Walsh Former Board member, resident of Kaiaua Mrs Carmella James Resident of Mangatangi Mr Cedric Hockey Visitor from Matakana

1 MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU BOARD MEMBER PROFILES Ross Aitken, Mahurangi: Director, past CEO The Equitable Group of companies, operator of Waipiata Lodge. Previously senior manager Westpac Group, business mentor. Member of Friends of the Mahurangi, Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Supporters, a founding member of Zealandia – the Karori Sanctuary. Recreation interests include kayaking ,swimming , tramping. Laurie Beamish, Ngai Tai of Umupuia: Deputy Chair. 35 years marine experience commercial fishing and skippering a charter boat; voyaged extensively on both coasts of the North Island and to the Kermadec Islands; CEO of Ngai Tai environmental arm; Co-secretary of Ngai Tai ki Tamaki Tribal Trust; Trustee and member of Tiriti negotiation team on Hauraki and Tamaki Makarau collective; direct ancestral links to both European and Maori first settlers in the Auckland region; recreational interests include traditional food gathering, Waka Taua, boating, surfing and diving. Dr Jacqueline Beggs, Ngati Awa of Glendowie. Board Chairperson. Doctorate in terrestrial ecology, Director Joint Graduate School in Biodiversity and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland. Involved with a number of restoration projects in the Auckland region, and the Kakapo Recovery Programme. Fulbright Scholar 2007, recreational interests include sailing and tramping. Sze Man (Stella) Chan of Remuera. Founding trustee of Chinese Conservation Education Trust and other projects; speaks fluent Mandarin and Cantonese; Executive Committee member of Hong Kong NZ Business Association; recreational interests include hiking and trekking. Dianne Glenn, of Pukekohe: Former chair of Environmental Management & Regulatory Committee, ARC with connections to both urban and rural communities in the South Auckland region. Recreation interests including bird translocations, camping, fishing, tramping, walking holidays, visits to conservation land in Hauraki Gulf and also South Island, Australia, USA. Thomas Grace, of Woodhill: beef farmer and member of Rodney Local Board, former Rodney District Councillor who donated Thomas Grace Reserve to RDC. Past chair for many community and sporting organisations, recreational interests include forest running and historic vehicles. Martin Gummer, of Newmarket: FNZIM company director, qualified barrister & solicitor, conservation volunteer for Motutapu Restoration Trust with strong knowledge of NZ native flora and birdlife. Former CEO of EECA, Transfund , Auckland Regional Transport Network Ltd. Recreational interests include cycling, gardening, landscaping, tennis. Joan (Jo) Knight, of Birkenhead. CEO, senior manager and consultant experienced in not-for- profit, council and educational institutions; project manager with expertise in the areas of environment, orthinology, waste, public health and sustainability; interest in water quality issues and the tension between business and the environment, e.g. aquaculture; Chair of the Kaipatiki Project Incorporated; past Trustee of Te Araroa Trust; former Curator of Community Programmes at Auckland Zoo, collaborated with DOC on the Kakapo Experience; wrote development plan for award winning Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony; set up education at Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World prior to 1990; recreational interests include tramping, walking, kayaking, bird watching, travel. Ian Rodger, of Howick: Lifetime interest in agriculture and outdoors, Chair of Auckland section NZ Institute of Agricultural Science. Past president NZ Federation Freshwater Anglers, previous CEO Te Araroa Trust . Retired ex Dow AgroSciences 36yrs, also farmer. Recreational interests include sea & freshwater fishing, sailing and tramping. Janis (Wiki) Walker, Nga Puhi, Ngatihine, Waiohua Waikato, of Matakana: Experience in environmental and resource management, co-management between local government and Maori communities; Winston Churchill Fellowship recipient - study of Swedish model of sustainable development and synergies to Maori view of natural sustainability; business administration and strategic fit in sustainability; advocate of ecological design and conservation of natural flora and fauna; part owner Rainbow Valley Farm; recreational interests include food gathering and foraging, gardening, perma culture farm and native forest walks.

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU

1. WELCOME & APOLOGIES 1.1 The Chairperson Jacqueline Beggs opened the meeting at 1.20pm, and welcomed the Conservator Sean Goddard who had arrived during the CMS workshop.

1.2 Apologies had been received in advance from Ross Aitken who was overseas, and Martin Gummer who was unwell.

2. CONFIRMATIONS 2.1 CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA / ITEMS FOR GENERAL BUSINESS There were no additional items for General Business

2.2 REGISTER OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST Nil

3 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: 3.1 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES RESOLVED That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14th March 2012 be confirmed as a true and correct record with the corrections noted in Matters Arising. MOVED Thomas Grace SECONDED Ian Rodger CARRIED

3.2 MATTERS ARISING 3.2.1 Laurie Beamish noted that item 6.2.6 in the March minutes should read “ three places for members of the Tamaki Makaurau Collective and one place for a representative of Ngati Manuhiri and Ngati Rehua who are not in the collective” also 5.1.2 Update on Treaty Settlements should read that he advised "there are two groups in the Auckland region who are not in the Tamaki Makaurau Collective, that is Ngati Manuhiri and Ngati Rehua."

3.2.2 Ian Rodger reported re Item 6.3.2 in the March minutes that he had a good discussion with Auckland Council regarding the Hazmobile, and advised that it had been put up for tender for a private operator to provide the service, however proposed changes to the RMA legislation regarding council’s core activities activities may affect this in future, so the Board needs to keep a watching brief. ACTION – IAN RODGER

3.2.3 Dianne Glenn said Item 6.3.2.6 in the March minutes should read “Dianne Glenn noted a lack of funding for the Hazmobile.” Item 6.1.11 should read “the large aquatic species identification work done by Ecoquest with Bill Brownell .” She also asked that Item 6.3. iv have “Te Arai” added to clarify which subdivision, and 9.1.1. be amended to read ”The Board agreed that attendance on behalf of the Board on major pieces of identified Board work e.g the Auckland Plan and CMS can be claimed for reimbursement from the Board budget.

3.2.1 Ian Rodger noted with regard to Item 8.1.3.2, that the ‘selling of freshwater fishing rights’ was prohibited by the Conservation Act section 26ZN. However there is no law covering the ‘Sale of the access to fishing water’ – rather a contentious issue with anglers. (Ian has noted the complication with ‘farmers property rights’ is however understood by most.)

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU

4. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT 4.1 Jacqueline Beggs spoke to her report which is attached as Item 4 , noting in particular her involvement with the translocation of Kakapo to Hauturu. She asked the Deputy Chair Laurie Beamish to report on his attendance at the Conservation Board Chairpersons conference held in Wellington on 11-12 May 2012.

RESOLVED That the Chairperson’s report be accepted. MOVED Stella Chan SECONDED Jo Knight CARRIED

4.2 Laurie Beamish reported that the Minister of Conservation, Kate Wilkinson gave her time to attend and the conference had been regarded as very valuable to all who participated. He said there were more issues of commonality than differences with a genuine willingness to work together and correspond between chairpersons. All appreciated each others points of view. Laurie said the Chairs had requested the conference be held annually, and he would provide a further report to the Board. ACTION

RESOLVED That the Deputy Chairperson’s report be accepted. MOVED Dianne Glenn SECONDED Ian Rodger CARRIED

5. AUCKLAND CONSERVANCY REPORTS 5.1 CONSERVATORS REPORT 5.1.1 The Conservator Sean Goddard asked the Board to take his report as read, while he did note the special significance of the Air NZ partnership, translocations and the major infra - structure projects.

5.1.2 Laurie Beamish asked about the marine reserve infringements. Sean Goddard confirmed the majority had taken place at Okura / Long Bay, however some were at Te Matuku. Sean said that the Department relies on the public to report infringements as it does not have a ranger stationed at Te Matuku Marine Reserve.

RESOLVED That the Conservator’s report be accepted. MOVED Jo Knight SECONDED Thomas Grace CARRIED

5.2 UPDATE ON ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES 5.2.1 John Galilee tabled a factsheet for the Board’s information, noting the back page outlines the organisational changes. 5.2.2 Jacqueline Beggs asked what changes the Board could expect on 1 July? 5.2.3 Sean Goddard said that Raewyn would continue to support the Board, and John Galilee as Community Support Manager will be the interface with the Board. He reported that Matt Ward will be moving from the CMS project manager position to Integrator between Conservancy Staff and Shared Services. The CMS timeline was not expected to change, it is still planned for notification in September. 5.2.4 Wiki Walker asked about the Pou Kura Taio position title change to Kahui Kaupapa Atawhai ?

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU 5.2.5 Sean said the new position would have more focus on working with iwi to develop business opportunities. He reported that the number of staff based in the Conservancy Office will reduce from around 40 to about 22 with 14 staff retiring or taking redundancy. A number of specialist staff will remain at the Conservancy Office but report to managers in Head Office. 5.2.6 Jacqueline Beggs asked if the Board needs to meet the new CMS Planner? 5.2.7 John Galilee confirmed the intention is to develop relationships with Conservancies, so the CMS planner will be introduced to the Board. 5.2.8 Laurie Beamish asked if the new structure would lead to Conservancies queuing for services? Sean Goddard said there will need to be prioritising however the intention is that service levels wont drop. 5.2.9 John Galilee explained that part of Matt’s role is to integrate the priorities for the Conservancy and Areas, and to plan ahead on a 2 -3 year basis. 5.2.10 Jo Knight asked about emergencies. Sean said these will still be prioritised and Area staff will be freed up to attend fires, whale strandings and incidents like the Rena stranding.

5.3 UPDATE ON TREATY SETTLEMENTS John Galilee said that a number of Deeds of Settlement are expected to be completed in the next year, and that the Tamaki Collective Deed of Settlement may be initialled in the next few months.

6. STATUTORY FUNCTIONS 6.1 AUCKLAND UNITARY PLAN 6.1.1 John Galilee reported that Mark Tamura expected the draft Unitary Plan to be available around mid year.

6.2 CMS REVIEW 6.2.1 The Board agreed that liaising with the Waikato and Northland Boards is a priority. 6.2.2 John Galilee undertook to ask Matt to prioritise updating of the Firth of Thames and Kaipara places to enable discussions with the Waikato and Northland Boards. FOLLOW UP 6.2.3 The Board agreed that Jacqueline and Laurie should discuss ways to facilitate an integrated approach to their common CMS places with the Northland and Waikato Board Chairpersons. ACTION

6.3 PLANNER’S REPORT John Galilee asked for questions. i John was asked to clarify the current position with 1.1 Ann’s Creek as the report was contradictory. FOLLOW UP ii Jacqueline asked Jo Knight to look at the Kermadecs submissions to see if there was any further concerns for the Board to give advice on. ACTION iii Ian Rodger undertook to look at the current status of the Waikato Regional Coastal Plan on their website. ACTION iv The Board Support Officer will confirm to Mark Tamura that the Board would like to see the draft Unitary Plan as soon as it is available. FOLLOW UP v Ian Rodger asked about Item 2.2 concerning the removal of mangroves. Dianne Glenn said that is covered under the Regional Coastal Plan. vi Laurie Beamish asked about the extent of the Department’s ability to be be exempt from rules in the Unitary Plan pertaining to land use (section 4 RMA) where such activities are identified in the Conservancy’s draft CMS. FOLLOW

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU

6.3.1 ENDORSEMENT OF SUBMISSION TO AUCKLAND COUNCIL DRAFT LTP Dianne Glen reported on the oral submissions to the LTP given by herself and Jo Knight

RESOLVED The Board endorsed the submissions. MOVED Thomas Grace SECONDED Stella Chan CARRIED

6.3.2 ENDORSEMENT OF FURTHER SUBMISSION RE TE ARAI PROPOSED PRIVATE PLAN CHANGE

RESOLVED The Board endorsed the further submission. MOVED Jo Knight SECONDED Stella Chan CARRIED

At 2.40pm Wiki Walker gave her apology for an early departure to another engagement.

6.4 CONCESSIONS SCHEDULE 6.4.1 Board members asked for a copy of the Pasadena Bay lease application. FOLLOW UP 6.4.2 John Galilee reported that the Fort Takapuna Officers Mess lease application has been notified for public submissions which close in June. A final decision will be made once the submissions have been assessed, and a hearing held if required. 6.4.3 John Galilee reported that the Vodafone repeater concession application is for a property that is to be transferred to Ngati Whatua which will be managed by the reserves board that manages Bastion Point. With that in mind it may be more appropriate for the reserves board to decide on its long term future. A decision will be made shortly on the application currently with the Department.

6.5 MARINE 6.5.1 ENDORSEMENT OF SUBMISSION RE MAUI’S DOLPHIN Jacqueline Beggs thanked Jo Knight for her work on the submission.

RESOLVED The Board endorsed the submission. MOVED Dianne Glenn SECONDED Laurie Beamish CARRIED

7. PUBLIC FORUM RECORD – see attached Item 7

8. CORRESPONDENCE SCHEDULE 8.1 CONFIRMATION OF CORRESPONDANCE

RESOLVED That the inwards correspondence be received and outwards approved. MOVED Thomas Grace SECONDED Stella Chan CARRIED

8.2 MATTERS ARISING NIL

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU

9 STRATEGIC ISSUES

9.1 COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS 9.1.1 HAURAKI GULF FORUM LIAISON REPORT Dianne Glenn said the meeting had been somewhat heated with controversy over the transfer of Defence land at Takapuna / Narrow Neck. Jacqueline Beggs thanked Dianne Glenn for her extensive report.

RESOLVED That the Hauraki Gulf Forum report be accepted MOVED Stella Chan SECONDED Thomas Grace CARRIED

9.1.2 FISH & GAME LIAISON Ian Rodger said he wanted to register his concern regarding the current review of the Resource Management Act sections 6 and 7, that Water Conservation Orders may be removed. The Board agreed that Ian should draft a submission if required, and circulate to the Board. ACTION Ian reported that he had been to the AGM of NZ Freshwater Anglers in Dunedin recently and a quarterly meeting of The Taupo Fish Advisory Committee (A committee that works alongside DoC in Taupo, the bulk of the members being appointed by the Minister of Conservation). At both meetings there was considerable support for the NZCA’s November paper on Protecting NZ’ Rivers. TFAC is writing to NZCA to show their support for the paper.

9.2 MARINE 9.2.1 Jacqueline Beggs advised that a Brydes Whale Workshop is to be reconvened on 22 June. Sean Goddard said the Department will be meeting with Ports of Auckland and major shipping companies in the next week.

10 BOARD BUSINESS 10.1 FINANCIAL REPORT: RESOLVED That the Financial Rreport be accepted MOVED Ian Rodger SECONDED Laurie Beamish CARRIED

10.2 DATES FOR CMS WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS 10.2.1 Jacqueline Beggs said that she had discussed with Jonathan Miles the proposed August Board meeting at Auckland Area Office or possibly at Home Bay.

10.2.2 The Board also discussed the option to have the November meeting on Aotea / GBI or somewhere around the Kaipara, perhaps at the new Te Uri O Hau facility at Te Hana.

10.2.3 The Board Support Officer noted the tentative October visit of the NZCA, and the scheduling of a visit to Aotea/GBI in conjunction with the CMS submission hearings next year.

Weds 15 Aug - Auckland Area Office or Home Bay, Motutapu if possible. Weds 14 Nov - Aotea /Great Barrier or on the Kaipara Harbour, possibly Te Hana? FOLLOW UP

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU

11 GENERAL BUSINESS Nil

12 MEETING CLOSURE Jacqueline Beggs asked Laurie to say a karakia, closing the meeting at 3.15 pm.

Approved as a true and correct record at the meeting held 15th August 2012.

Jacqueline Beggs Chairperson

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU ITEM 4 Auckland Conservation Board Chair’s Report May 2012 Tēnā rā koutou katoa, April saw the return of kakapo to Hauturu. I represented the Auckland Conservation Board (and as a member of the kakapo recovery group and the Hauturu Supporters Science Advisory Panel) attending a very special day with representatives of tangata whenua, Hauturu Supporters Trust, the kakapo recovery team and DoC Warkworth staff to release seven of these amazing birds. Part of the kakapo release party on Hauturu on 14 April. After a very thorough biosecurity check Photo: Department of Conservation we travelled to Hauturu in time to meet the kakapo arriving by helicopter. There was a powhiri and then the birds were escorted to different locations where they seemed to be very happy to escape the confines of their travelling cages. This was an excellent example of DoC’s skills at managing a complex island transfer – having to co-ordinate weather, birds and people at both ends of New Zealand in remote locations. An eighth bird was released several weeks later after recovering from an infection with the help of Auckland Zoo. I understand many of the birds have wandered quite widely over the island and hopefully their first “health check” in a few weeks will confirm that they have settled into their new home.

The Board held a very productive 1-day workshop on 20 April in order to contribute to the development of the places section of the Auckland Conservation Management Strategy. Many thanks to board members for making the time to review the document prior to the workshop as this made for efficient and effective use of everyone’s time.

Also thank you to Jo Knight for co-ordinating our submission on Maui’s dolphin. The Board is unanimous in its concern for these dolphins and advocates for the immediate extension of conservation measures to protect this species before it is too late. We await the response of the Ministers of Conservation and Fisheries to their review.

Finally, the Board has been active engaging with the various planning documents of the Auckland Council (co-ordinated by Dianne Glenn). Further work will be required to help ensure alignment between DoC and the Auckland Council conservation strategies. Ngā mihi

Jacqueline Beggs

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU

PUBLIC FORUM RECORD 15 May 2012 at 4pm ITEM 7

The Board was welcomed onto Umupuia Marae with a Powhiri. Wiki Walker replied to the karanga and Ian Rodger replied to the mihimihi.

Those present included James Brown, Laurie Beamish, Carmen Kirkwood, Huhana Turei, Makareti Atama, Maora Okeroa Brown , Annie Forgie , Wii Wanoa, Ripeka Stout, Kathy Walsh, Kingi Rahipera , Elizabeth Rahipera, Jacqueline Beggs, Stella Chan, Dianne Glenn, Thomas Grace, Jo Knight, Ian Rodger, Wiki Walker and Raewyn Bennett.

1.1 James Brown introduced himself as the Chairman of Ngai Tai ki Tamaki Tribal Trust, welcomed the Auckland Conservation Board members and explained the position with Treaty Settlements. Ngai Tai have many concerns about DOC’s commercial focus on Rangitoto and Motutapu, when their Treaty Settlement discussions had focussed on the intrinsic values to the people: projected 1.5 million population of Auckland. 1.2 James said he supported the Board and its work, however he had questioned in treaty negotiations, the extent of the governance role of the Board and how much notice the Conservator took of the Board’s advice. 1.3 He stated that Ngai Tai wanted to have its own Conservancy. Their support for the negotiations included Dr. Api Mahuika who had been a chief negotiator for Ngati Porou and a small army of advisors who are helping Ngai Tai. 1.4 James Brown encouraged the Board to continue their work in giving considered advice to the Department, whether or not the current administration gives it effect. 1.5 He noted that the value of the Ureweras which was taken off the table for Tuhoe, is far exceeded by the value of the inner gulf islands to the public of Auckland.

2.1 Laurie Beamish elaborated on the Board’s role to approve the Conservation Management Strategy and the proposed Conservation Management Plans for islands. He said that his attendance at the Conservation Boards Chairpersons conference was helpful because those present reported that a number of iwi post settlement are in a working relationship with the Department. 2.2 Laurie said that only two of the other Board Chairs (from Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki, and Wellington Hawkes Bay ) reported a good relationship with their Conservator and felt listened to. The others all shared concerns that they were not listened to. 2.3 He said the conference discussed the Department’s role in the marine environment and recognised the connectivity between the catchments on land, and what goes down the waterways into the sea, right out to the 200 mile limit. 2.4 Laurie noted the Conservation Act legislation says “ give effect” to the Treaty of Waitangi, so the Department must take into account historic and cultural values of Maori.

3.1 The Board chair Dr. Jacqueline Beggs welcomed everyone to the public forum and thanked James for putting the issues on the table, and recognising matters of common concern. 3.2 Jacqueline presented former Board members Carmen Kirkwood and Kathy Walsh with Certificates of Service for their years on the Board.

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU 4.1 Carmen Kirkwood acknowledged James Brown as the chairperson of the Ngai Tai ki Tamaki Trust and their chief Treaty negotiator who was a man of courage and bravery, and acknowledged her nephew Laurie Beamish as a good man. 4.2 Carmen explained how offensive it was to the people of Ngai Tai, who had huge tracts of land unfairly taken from them, to be offered tiny parcels of reserve land in redress and then be told that they couldn’t do anything with it, that public access must be maintained. She said all that was being offered was a piece of paper. 4.3 Carmen said that soon the Board would hear and see the PR machine of the government and probably DOC. She asked the Board to always consider the other side of the story and to put themselves in the other person’s shoes, keep to their kaupapa and not worry about tourism or money, be true to the core values of conservation. Carmen excused herself to travel home to Whatapaka at 5.15pm

5.1 Kathy Walsh introduced herself as a former board member. She outlined her background and explained that as a young clerk on her OE working for Shell Oil in Scotland in the late 1970’s, she had to learn how to read and absorb huge technical documents quickly. 5.2 She said the first concession the Board looked at when she joined it in 2003, was for Motuihe, where the Board was asked to rubber stamp a concession to build a large wedding venue and also chalets on the beach found in the last pages of the document, which she felt was totally inappropriate. 5.3 Kathy acknowledged Ripeka Stout’s work on resource management and environment issues and many, many submissions regarding these matters on the Seabird Coast. She said that many conflicts and wars around the world are caused by resource management issues, greed and economics. 5.4 Kathy reported on an RMA application in 1999 for 1000 acres of mussel farm from Matingarahi to Whakatiwai , and outlined the history of applications for huge areas of aquaculture which up until now have largely been confined to Wilsons Bay. She noted that when the supercity was formed, at the very last moment the Seabird Coast to Kaiaua was left out and put into Hauraki District. 5.5 She explained the geology and hydrology of the Firth of Thames with such features as its Whakatiwai boulder ridges and said the designated RAMSAR site only went to the bridge in Kaiaua, however in reality went further north and said that the board should push for RAMSAR sites in New Zealand to be fully protected in law as currently they are not. 5.6 Kathy said the whole coastline should be regarded as waahi tapu because so many koiwi are buried along the beaches, shoreline and rivers. She stated that the whole coast - with the Whakatiwai boulder ridges, chenier plain, Ramsar site, Hunuas and Tikapa Moana if had been left unmodified would have been a World Heritage site, however in their present form are still incredibly significant. 5.7 She often saw juvenile hammerhead sharks washed up on the beaches dead, and explained that they spontaneously abort if caught in nets and are vunerable in storms. Kathy said the Hammerhead shark species are about 400 million years old and if landbased like the Moa would be immediately secured and protected. She described the hotwater springs off the beaches where sharks come to breed in the shallow warm water of the Firth and noted that marine scientist Bill Brownell calls the Firth of Thames the ‘womb of the Pacific’, with similar in Mexico. 5.8 Kathy explained that people of the Seabird Coast liaised with Dr Liz Slooten at Otago University and were informed that Brydes Whales in the Hauraki Gulf are a separate sub species. She had been saddened to find that a Brydes whale photographed feeding in close to

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU Kaiaua was dead a week later after being hit by a vessel of some type and it was known that sick and dying marine mammals come into the Firth to die. 5.9 She reported anecdotal evidence of more and more marine life coming back into the Firth every year since the marine reserve was gazetted at Te Matuku Bay, and reported prolific marine life right where the aquaculture will go, which will have significant impacts. Kathy noted world trends and how she was told many years ago that the world powers would be viewing and moving to develop and extract natural resources from Australia, NZ, Antartica and the South Pacific as it became more difficult to do so in other places, which is now happening. 5.10 Kathy stated that the Seabird Coast Compartment Plan being developed between Auckland City, Hauraki District Council and Environment Waikato was a management tool that needs to be recognised in the CMS. However no budget or mention of this work was included in the Hauraki District Council 10 year plan. She noted the danger of invasive species such as Enduria seaweed which will come with increased massive expansion of aquaculture providing increase3d habitat: it has a wide base which completely covers rock and takes over from all other species, and also drew attention to the danger of lead weighted mussel lines, only a few farms use rocks to weight their lines. 5.11 She explained that mussels which grow slowly and are left in the water too long grow barnacles, which then have to be removed by machinery which damages the shell, so they are sold cheaply. The risk if there are too many farms a poorer quality of the shellfish will become common and just go to waste or be used for pet food.

6.1 Ripeka Stout acknowledged Kathy’s work for Kaiaua and said Kathy was always on to it, and passionate about conservation. Ripeka said she wanted to tautoko Kathy’s knowledge and hoped the kids of tomorrow would inherit the benefits.

7.1 Laurie Beamish advised that the oyster virus affects the shallow water pacific oyster which is an introduced species, not the deep water dredged Bluff oysters which are native to New Zealand. He reported that the polluted discharges from the Piako and Waihou rivers go right through the proposed aquaculture areas and have the potential to cause plankton bloom which makes the water anoxic i.e deficient in oxygen. 7.2 He acknowledged the benefits of the Te Matuku Marine Reserve to fishing off Umupuia, and advised that Ngai Tai have instituted a rahui on taking cockles to allow numbers to recover, as they need a minimum density to breed. Kathy Walsh reported that Kaiaua had lost its cockle population due to run off from a quarry. 7.3 Laurie said that damming the Wairoa River had reduced its flow up to 70%, which greatly increased sedimentation. He said Ngai Tai recognise 4 seas around Motutapu which all feed into Tikapa Moana. He said the waters off Umupuia were important shark fishing grounds to Ngai Tai up to the 1940’s when the catchments of the Wairoa River in the Hunua ranges were dammed for Auckland’s water supply.

8.1 Dianne Glen said it is really important for the Board to ensure the Firth of Thames “place” and CMS is right because Auckland Council Plans have to recognise and give effect. 8.2 Wiki Walker also stated that the CMS needs to line up ahead of other Council Plans.

9.1 James Brown explained the significance of uruapa to Ngai Tai. Historically up until 112 years ago, they had always buried their people on the foreshore and in the riverbanks if they were important, so the whole coastline from St Heliers to Kawakawa Bay was wahi tapu.

MINUTES OF THE 113TH MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY 2012 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD - TE RUNANGA PAPA ATAWHAI O TAMAKI MAKAURAU

He tautokoed Kathy’s korero about looking after uruapa and said she spoke from the heart, her motives were pure. 9.2 James explained the traditional role of the marae to host visitors, and the importance of kaimoana to feed them, however mussels had been dredged clean out of the Firth quite recently. He also noted the Ngai Tai interest in the seam of red churt (red chip) which ran through the Firth. 9.3 He drew attention to the Independent Maori Statutory Board audit report on Auckland Council which so far has failed on ten areas of best practise , and encouraged the Board to look at the report on the website http://imsb.zes.zeald.com/English/Key+Programmes/Treaty+of+Waitangi+Audit.html

10.1 Laurie Beamish reported a willingness on the part of Board chairpersons to work across boundaries. 10.2 Wiki Walker explained that the current RMA essentially makes everything a permitted activity, unless you can prove that it isn’t: that is why it is so important for the CMS to line up and spell out what should be allowed and what is not desirable. 10.3 James Brown said the Board had to hold out for and persist in pushing for the Manukau harbour place. 10.4 He said the treaty settlements will give more clarity as they will be embedded in legislation i.e “ give effect” rather than “have regard”. 10.5 Wiki Walker noted the Waikato Iwi management Plan for the Manuka Harbour.

The Board Support Officer advised that Carmen Kirkwood had reviewed the plan in 2007 and provided both hard copies and electronic copies on CD to the Board and Department.

The forum adjourned for dinner at 7.00pm