Agenda Papers

AGENDA PAPERS

Te Rūnanga Papa Atawhai o Tāmaki Makaurau AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD

AGENDA FOR THE 146TH MEETING OF THE AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD TO BE HELD VIA ONLINE VIDEO CONFERENCE, FROM 8.30AM ON WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 2020

MEMBERS: Ms Lyn Mayes Chairperson Dr Andrew Jeffs Board member Mr Nathan Kennedy Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau – Marutūāhu rōpū Mr Fale Lesa Board member Ms Nicola MacDonald Board member Mr Malcolm Page Board member Mrs Robin Taua-Gordon Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau – Waiohua Tāmaki rōpū Mr Glenn Wilcox Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau – Ngāti Whātua rōpū Ms Natalie Hansby Board Member Dr José Derraik Board Member Mr Pengbo Jiang Board Member Ms Kate Waterhouse Board Member Auckland Conservation Board Te Rūnanga Papa Atawhai o Tāmaki Makaurau 3 June 2020 Virtual Meeting

Action D Decision Required A Advice Required I Information Only

Agenda Item Time Topic Speaking/Lead Action Page 1 8.30am Welcome Chair I Board Administration 2 8.35am Apologies Chair A 3 8.40am Confirm Agenda Chair D 4 8.45am Conflicts of Interest for the Meeting Chair A 1 5 8.50am Minutes Chair D 2 6 8.55am Actions Chair A 11 7 9.00am Correspondence Chair D 16 8 9.05am Budget Chair I (tabled) 9 9.15am Forward Meeting Schedule Chair D 18 Governance 10 9.20am Chair’s Report Chair I 19 11 9.30am Annual Work Plan Priorities Chair D 23 12 9.45am Director’s Report Ops Director I 27 13 9.55am Operation Managers’ Report Ops Managers I 29 14 10.05am Partnerships Group Report Partnerships I 39 10.15am Morning Tea (15mins Break) Governance Continued 15 10.30am Kauri Protection Report Ops Managers I 43 16 10.40am Threatened Species Report Chair I 48 17 10.50am Update on Aotea Conservation Nicola MacDonald I 52 / Kate Waterhouse 18 10.55am Heritage Management Presentation Raewyn Hutchings I 60 19 11.30am CMS Implementation Monitoring John Galilee I 61 Report 20 11.40am CMS Milestones Reporting John Galilee I 68 21 11.50am CMS Supplementary Milestones John Galilee D 78 12.10pm Lunch Break (1 hr Break) Governance Continued 22 1.10pm Concession and Translocation Report Rebecca Rush I 83 23 1.20pm RMA Activities Report Georgia Rastovich I 96 24 1.30pm RMA Presentation Amy Robinson I 99 25 2.10pm Sub-Committee Reports Sub-Committee A 110 • Board Communications Strategy Chairs 26 2.45pm NZCA Report Nicole Anderson I (verbal) ACB – 3 June 2020 Agenda – DOC-6268738 27 2.50pm Liaison Reports Liaison Members I (verbal) 28 2.55pm Auckland/Waikato Fish & Game Andrew Jeffs I (verbal) Council Advocacy 29 3.00pm Public Forum Chair A (verbal) General Business/Reflections 30 3.10pm General Business/Review Chair A (verbal) • Board achievements Meeting Close

ACB – 3 June 2020 Agenda – DOC-6268738 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 4 Meeting No. 146

AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD REGISTER OF INTERESTS and IDENTIFICATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

For meeting on 3 June 2020

Please use this form to update your register of interests and to note any actual or perceived Conflict of Interest with regard to any agenda item for this meeting

Name

…………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………… Identification of any actual or perceived ………………………………………………………………… conflict of interest with regard to any ………………………………………………………………… agenda item …………………………………………………………………

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Signed (ACB member)

Date

DOC-2969085 1 Auckland Conservation Board Te Rūnanga Papa Atawhai o Tāmaki Makaurau

28 February 2020 Meeting

Meeting 145, held at 7.30am, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland Viaduct, Auckland

Unconfirmed minutes

PRESENT:

Lyn Mayes, Chairperson José Derraik Natalie Hansby Andrew Jeffs Pengbo Jiang – from Item 14 Fale Lesa Kate Waterhouse Glenn Wilcox – for Items 1-3

APOLOGIES:

Nathan Kennedy Nicola MacDonald Malcolm Page Robin Taua-Gordon

WAIKATO CONSERVATION BOARD:

Alan Cockle, Chairperson – for Items 1-6 Flora Bartholomew – for Items 1-6 Joyce Birdsall – for Items 1-6 Fiona Gower – for Items 1-6 Pauline Hickey – for Items 1-6 Melissa King-Howell – for Items 1-6 Regan Robinson – for Items 1-6 Clare St Pierre – for Items 1-6 Scott Summerfield – for Items 1-21

IN ATTENDANCE:

John Galilee, Department of Conservation Statutory Manager, Auckland Olivia Keane, Department of Conservation Administration Officer, Auckland Andrew Baucke, Department of Conservation Director Operations, Auckland, for Items 1-14 Kirsty Prior, Department of Conservation, Operations Manager Mainland, for Items 1-14 Sam Thomas, Department of Conservation, Marine Policy Manager, for Item 4 Dr Rochelle Constantine, University of Auckland, for Item 5

DOC-6135720 2 2

Mihi Whakatau / Karakia Glenn Wilcox opened the meeting at 8.00 am with a karakia and welcome. Alan Cockle responded.

Agenda item 1 – Introductions and welcome from the Board Chairs Lyn Mayes welcomed everyone to the meeting. Members of the Waikato and Auckland Conservation Board introduced themselves to Minister Sage. They noted that this was their first joint meeting since 2011.

Agenda items 2 & 3 – Minister Sage – Key Discussion Items & Open Forum

Marine issues

Andrew Jeffs introduced the topic. There is frustration at the lack of progress towards halting the decline of the marine environment. The Sea Change report has a number of recommendations that should be moved forward. He identified a number of issues such as impacts on seabirds, the “Niagara” wreck, marine dumping, and lack of protection for marine mammals such as Maui’s dolphin. An update on progress by the Sea Change Ministerial Advisory Committee was sought.

Minister Sage acknowledged all those present and noted she shared the frustration at the slow progress in the marine space. She listed some of the key elements of Sea Change and the work that was being done to give effect to them. The Ministerial Advisory Committee was appointed in 2019 and is working hard with agencies to present a report to Ministers outlining a strategy and priorities for responding to Sea Change.

She noted the lack of progress with no new marine protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf, that there was good information about the Gulf available such as the State of the Gulf report, and that more resources for monitoring were required. She welcomed the Hauraki Gulf Forum’s move to a Co-Chair arrangement.

She noted that work was being done on the review of the Hectors and Maui Dolphin threat Management Plan, on a review of the National Plan of Action for Seabirds, and more funding had been secured for fisheries monitoring. A discussion document about marine protected areas legislation reform is expected to be released in the next few months.

Members asked questions about the support that could be given to this work by Conservation Boards, extending the Cape Rodney – Okakari Point (Leigh) Marine Reserve, and wider application of the recent Court of Appeal decision about protection off the waters off Motiti Island (Bay of Plenty).

Minister Sage provided an update on the “Niagara” wreck. Maritime New Zealand has done some work but requires additional funding to bring a specialist wreck inspector over from the United Kingdom.

Treaty Partnerships

Melissa King-Howell introduced this topic. She noted the marine issues and the current consultation on whitebait management. The focus on the environment was acknowledged, but there may be different tools required for different places and situations. It was important to look at the whole environment, to align with mātauranga Māori, and to have tools such as rāhui. She asked about representation by Māori on the technical advisory group working on whitebait.

Minister Sage confirmed that Māori were represented on the advisory group, and that there had been a lot of discussion with Māori in the lead up to development of the whitebait discussion document. She noted that the new Biodiversity Strategy tried to better integrate mātauranga Māori and western science. The whitebait discussion paper does not address the commercial sale of whitebait but that may be looked at further at a later point in time.

Glen Willcox introduced a discussion about the Treaty relationship. The Treaty is for all New Zealanders, and for everyone to talk about. Māori are seeking a partnership. He asked how the conservation boards can be part of these conversations. The landscape has changed with recent

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court decisions about how agencies need to engage with Māori. All iwi cannot be approached in the same way and a conversation needs to happen with each iwi.

Minister Sage noted that after the Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki Supreme Court decision a big programme of work has been established to look at how to better give effect to the Treaty in the Department (DOC), including amendments to the two General Policies. This work could include looking at conservation boards, as the work programme evolves. She noted that boards could influence DOC’s four-year plans which are currently being set up under its Mahi Oranga work programme.

Andrew Baucke advised that DOC does have to work with Treaty Partners differently and confirmed that there was a national programme of work looking at this. Locally new Treaty implementation rangers have been appointed to work with iwi to better give effect to Treaty settlements.

Members expressed concerns including that the Department is still not fully giving effect to the principles of the Treaty and needed to do more than just consultation, and the inadequacies of a number of the milestones in the Auckland and Waikato conservation management strategies.

Climate change

Scott Summerfield introduced this topic. It is a huge issue, but conservation boards can help make it a regional conversation. He had seen DOC’s draft climate change adaptation plan and noted it had a lot abouts impacts on biodiversity and infrastructure but little on mitigation. He felt DOC could be a leader with mitigation including reforestation, stopping grazing on reserves, and promoting a low visitor numbers model.

Minister Sage confirmed that the action plan had a lot of detail and supported decisions by DOC such as moving to electric vehicles. Resources are needed to undertake more monitoring of the effects of climate change on biodiversity. The impacts on infrastructure can be significant, with the example of the recent Fiordland storm event and its impact on the Milford track. She agreed that the visitor strategy should have a focus on visitor experience and not just on promoting more numbers.

Andrew Baucke advised that DOC is in the early stages of understanding the impacts of climate change. It is looking to see how emissions can be reduced and to set up low emissions demonstration sites.

Members raised questions such as the need to better understand the impact on threatened species, if DOC was going to retreat from certain visitor sites, the capacity of the Department to deal with climate change effects, and the need for an easy way for the public to off-set emissions. Minister Sage noted that Landcare Research have an off-setting scheme.

Action: provide information about the Landcare Research emissions off-setting scheme to members.

Members also noted that local government have done a lot of work on climate change and could be a partner for DOC, that it was important to identify and work on priorities as not everything could be done, and that there was a need to understand impacts on ecosystems at a spatial level.

Role of conservation boards

Alan Cockle introduced this topic. Members were interested to know about progress with work on the role of conservation boards since the 2019 Conservation Board Chair’s conference at which Chairs raised concerns with the Minister.

Minister Sage noted that boards need to focus on key issues and prioritise where they want to make an effort, as they cannot do everything. Boards need to increase their visibility and advocacy such as through use of social media, to tell nature’s story and identify what people can do.

John Galilee advised that since the Chair’s conference DOC had done a lot of work to improve the administration and support for boards, but that work on some of the governance issues had been delayed.

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Members asked questions about getting alignment between boards for advocacy, representation by ethnicities on boards, and having a greater role with decisions on applications to the DOC Community Fund.

Minister Sage thanked both boards for their time and for identifying their key issues.

Agenda item 4 – Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pai

Sam Thomas, Manager Marine Policy, DOC, led this item.

Sam spoke to a presentation and encouraged members to provide him with their comments. The presentation explained some background and context to Sea Change, set out the main streams of work being undertaken by DOC and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to develop a draft Government Response Strategy, the role of the Ministerial Advisory Committee, and the timeframe for this work.

Attachment 1: presentation about Sea Change.

Members raised a number of points including:

• How ahu moana will be created and how they will support the community to work alongside iwi. • The NZ Landcare Trust is a model for working with communities to achieve change. • A need for enforcement by agencies of any new protected areas or rules at places such as Aotea/Gt. Barrier. • Fisheries plans were promoted in the past but only one proved to be successful, so the use of such plans as a tool was questionable, especially if problems with the Quota Management System (QMS) are not first addressed. • That crayfish are now functionally extinct in the Gulf is evidence of a failure of the current QMS system, and there is a need to look at reducing fishing catch volume for all species. • There is no need to analyse the marine protected area proposals for how they protect biodiversity, and that there is sufficient social licence to move to implementing those proposals. • Frustration among the community at the lack of progress, the need for DOC to have more resources, and a need for greater engagement with the public so there is better awareness of the parlous state of the Gulf.

Sam encouraged the boards to submit any further comments.

Action: circulate copy of the Sea Change presentation to members.

Action: members to submit any further comments about the Sea Change Response Strategy to Sam Thomas.

Agenda item 5 – Marine Mammals in the Hauraki Gulf

Rochelle Constantine, Associate Professor, University of Auckland, presented on this topic.

Rochelle spoke to a presentation and welcomed questions from members. The presentation included information about the biological diversity of marine mammals in the Hauraki Gulf, why the Gulf is a marine mammal hot spot, potential prey shifts for some species, noise pollution, results of survey work highlighting changes in species distribution in the Gulf over seasons and time, the collaborative work to introduce a voluntary ship speed protocol, recent survey work on Maui’s dolphin, and resourcing constraints.

Attachment 2: presentation about marine mammals.

Members asked questions about the loss of pilchards as a significant prey species in the Gulf, carbon storage by marine mammals, and fish farming.

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Andrew Baucke and Kirsty Prior explained that resourcing for Maui’s dolphin work was provided via the Waikato Region. Rochelle identified that additional support, in the form of use of DOC vessels or staff, would also be of assistance.

Agenda item 6 – Open Forum

Members agreed to close the joint part of the meeting at this point.

Alan Cockle thanked the Auckland Conservation Board members for hosting the Waikato Conservation Board and invited the Auckland Board to attend a joint meeting in Waikato in the future.

Agenda item 7 – Apologies

Apologies were accepted from Robin Taua-Gordon, Malcolm Page and Nicola MacDonald. Nathan Kennedy was absent.

Agenda item 8 – Confirm Agenda

Members confirmed the agenda.

Agenda 9 – Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest were identified by members.

Agenda item 17 – Director’s Report

This Item was brought forward.

Andrew Baucke spoke to his report. He highlighted International Visitor Levy funding bids, work on climate change and decarbonising DOC facilities on Gulf islands, the storm event in Fiordland, the DOC Community Fund opening for applications, and a potential office move.

Members asked about the potential for partnering with others to assist with decarbonising DOC facilities on Gulf islands and managing visitor risk at sites in light of the White Island event.

Agenda item 18 – Operations Reports

This Item was brought forward.

Members asked questions about the risk of fire to fairy terns, if there was a role for the Conservation Board in the review of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Mammal Tourism Site Plan, implications for operations arising from closure of the Motuihe Island wharf, and progress towards making improvements at Mansion House, Kawau.

Agenda item 14 – Forward meeting schedule

This Item was brought forward.

Kate Waterhouse informed members that the Aotea Conservation Park Advisory Committee (ACPAC) would like to hold a joint workshop with the Board at a future date.

Members agreed to the following schedule of meetings for 2020.

• 18 March 2020 Workshop on climate change • May 2020 Workshop on work programme and annual report • 3 June 2020 Board meeting – Kawau Island • July 2020 Workshop with ACPAC • 12 August 2020 Board meeting – South Kaipara

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• 18 November 2020 Board meeting - Miranda

Agenda 10 – Confirmation of the minutes of 13th November 2019 meeting

Members had no comments on the draft minutes.

The Board resolved to confirm the minutes Andrew Jeff/Fale Lesa /carried

Agenda item 11 – Actions from previous meetings

The action items were reviewed by members.

14 November 2018 action 14.2: Kate Waterhouse advised that information about freshwater fish can be obtained from Matt Bloxham of Auckland Council.

13 November 2019 action 9.1: Information about support for other management planning processes has been requested.

13 November 2019 action 9.2: Glenn Wilcox and Robin Taua-Gordon have a meeting scheduled with the Tūpuna Taonga Trust in March, about the Motu Plan.

13 November 2019 action 11.2: Kirsty Prior will provide advice about the Department’s work on the Awhitu Peninsula.

13 November 2019 action 11.3: Deferred to the Board’s next meeting.

13 November 2019 action 12.1: John Galilee advised that the need to provide feedback to iwi about permission application outcomes had been discussed with relevant staff.

13 November 2019 action 14.2: The information will be requested. Once updated the table of threatened species will be re-circulated to members.

13 November 2019 action 16.1: Action since closed as the information has been circulated to members.

13 November 2019 action 2.3: Action can be closed as email sent to both speakers by Lyn Mayes.

The Board resolved to confirm the actions report José Derraik/ Fale Lesa/carried

Agenda item 12 – Confirmation of Correspondence Report

Members noted the schedules of correspondence and approved all outgoing correspondence.

The Board resolved to receive the report José Derraik/Fale Lesa/ carried

Agenda item 13 – Financial Report

Members noted the status of the budget for the period to the end of January 2020. Members requested an updated budget with information to the end of February 2020, and additional information about expenditure to date.

Action: John Galilee to request an updated budget report as at the end of February 2020, and a breakdown of expenditure in the year to date and circulate to members. Agenda item 15 – Chair’s Report

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Members had no comments on the report.

The Board resolved to receive the report Fale Lesa/Andrew Jeffs carried

Agenda item 16 – Work Programme

Lyn Mayes reconfirmed that the Department will update the Board’s threatened species tracking table and obtain information about freshwater fish from Auckland Council, and that she will meet with Andrew Baucke to discuss proposed supplementary milestones.

In response to a question she explained that the Board had previously agreed that a number of the milestones in the Auckland Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) were not adequate and had therefore agreed to look at supplementary measures. The new Wellington CMS was reviewed, and potential supplementary milestones had been identified. She will meet with the Department to agree on which ones could be adopted.

The Board is now due to report on progress implementing the Auckland CMS after 5 years since its approval. The 3- year progress report will be circulated to members.

Action: Department to circulate the Board’s 3 year Auckland CMS progress report to members, and to the Waikato Conservation Board.

Members discussed the purpose of identifying milestones and noted that the Board can provide advice on priorities and progress to the New Zealand Conservation Authority and the Department’s, which can be an input for the Department’s annual business planning process.

Members agreed that the March workshop should focus on identifying priorities for the Board’s annual work programme and noted that the Board will need to prepare its annual report for the year.

Members agreed on a number of actions.

Action: Olivia Keane to re-issue the invitation to the workshop on 18 March and book a room.

Action: Board to create a register to log achievements during each year.

Action: Board to write to the Director-General of Conservation seeking faster progress with establishing new marine protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf.

Action: Board to write to the Minister of Fisheries seeking the closure of the crayfish fishery in the Hauraki Gulf, and identifying the collapse of the pilchard stock in the Gulf as an issue of concern.

Action: Board to write to the Hauraki Gulf Forum to thank the Forum for preparation of the 2020 State of the Gulf report and encouraging action on the issues identified in the report.

Action: Board to write to the Mayor of Auckland seeking support for developing partnerships between agencies to tackle climate change.

Action: Board to write to the Local Boards Chairs Forum about marine protection and submit on Local Board draft annual plans seeking marine protection.

The Board resolved to receive the report Andrew Jeffs/ José Derraik /carried

Agenda item 19 – Partnerships Group Report

There was no discussion about the report.

The Board resolved to receive the report

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José Derraik/ Fale Lesa/carried

Agenda item 20 – Concessions & Translocations Report

Members noted the report and sought an update on the application from the Rangitoto Island Bach Community Association (RIBCA). John Galilee advised that one iwi had expressed interest in meeting with the applicants and this interest had been relayed to the applicants.

The Board resolved to receive the report Pengbo Jiang/Natalie Hansby carried

Agenda item 21 – RMA Activities Report

Members sought an update on the issues raised with the Board by the Chair of the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi during the Board’s visit to the island in December 2019, concerning problems with obtaining a resource consent to extend a building for a museum. John Galilee reminded members that the issues related to heritage concerns about the lighthouse precinct. Members agreed to follow up with the Chair and write to the Council.

Action: Board to contact Carl Hayson, Chair of the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, asking about progress with the resource consent for the island museum.

Action: Board to write to the Auckland Council heritage team encouraging them to find a collaborative solution for the resource consent for the island museum (Lyn Mayes & José Derraik lead).

Members noted that the Board had submitted on the consent applications for the Te Whau shared pathway and the replacement water treatment plant at Huia and visited the site of the latter proposal. Members agreed to prepare a holding statement about what the Board has done in relation to the water treatment plant consent application.

Action: Board to prepare a holding statement about what it has done in relation to the consent application for a new water treatment plant at Huia.

Members noted that submissions on the whitebait management proposals close on 16 March, and submissions on the draft National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity close on 14 March. Scott Summerfield advised that the Waikato Conservation Board was preparing a submission on the whitebait proposals.

Action: Waikato Conservation Board to circulate to the Auckland Board its draft submission on the whitebait management proposals.

Members agreed to write a submission on the South East Otago Marine Protection proposals.

Action: Board to write a submission on the South East Otago Marine Protection proposals (Andrew Jeffs lead).

Members noted that submissions on the Aotea/Great Barrier Area Plan and the Great Barrier Local Board’s 3-year plan are open for submissions, and agreed to lodge submissions

Action: Board to write a submission on the Aotea/Great Barrier Area Plan and the Great Barrier Local Board’s 3-year plan (Kate Waterhouse lead).

The Board resolved to receive the report Andrew Jeffs/Kate Waterhouse carried

Agenda item 22 – Kauri Protection Report

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This Item was not considered due to time constraints.

Agenda item 23 – CMS Implementation monitoring report

This Item was not considered due to time constraints.

Agenda item 24 – Threatened Species

This Item was not considered due to time constraints.

Agenda Item 25 – Public Forum

No members of the public had requested to speak to the Board.

Agenda item 26 – Review

Members noted that achievements from the meeting were advocacy on a number of issues, the visit from Minister Sage and the holding of a joint meeting with the Waikato Conservation Board.

Meeting Closure

The meeting formally closed at 3.37pm.

10 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 6 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Laura Chartres, Board Support

Subject: Actions from previous meetings

ACTIONS REGISTER AS AT 22 May 2020

Responsibility Action No Subject Status Meeting 16 May 2018 Department 11.2 John to circulate, once released, the draft Closed - the report will Rangitoto baches report to the Board. be sent to the Board as a statutory requirement once released. The timeframe for release is unknown. Meeting 8 August 2018 Department 7.4 John to invite DOC RMA manager to attend Closed – see agenda the Board’s November 2018 meeting to item 24 discuss DOC’s new RMA strategy and work management changes. Meeting 14 November 2018 Department 13.1 John to obtain more context around the Closed – see agenda process for nominating Landmarks. item 18

Department 13.2 Andrew / John to arrange for a heritage Closed – see agenda management report to be tabled at the May item 18 meeting, providing status on Auckland heritage sites. Department 14.2 John to arrange obtaining a freshwater fish Closed – a report, ideally for the February meeting. presentation from Matt Bloxham, Biodiversity Team at Auckland Council has been noted as a future agenda item. Department 14.4 Scott set dates for Lyn Mayes, Glenn Wilcox Closed – engagement and Nicola MacDonald to attend annual has been deferred meeting with Ngāti Manuhiri to review pending meetings implementation of the Hauturu CMP and between the determine best method of ongoing Department and Ngāti engagement with the Board. Manuhiri. Meeting 12 February 2019

DOC-5702089 Author Laura Chartres Date 22 May 2020 11 Department 11.1 Department to invite Northern Seabird Trust Closed – has been to present to the Board at a future meeting noted as a future agenda item. Meeting 15 May 2019 Board 7.6 Board to publicly re-articulate its position on Closed – the Board has kauri dieback and track closures once the made public Department’s report on compliance has statements and sent been provided. communications to concessionaires, and this action is no longer required. Department 12.1 Department to confirm that all application Open – in progress and listed as having been circulated to the to update at June Concessions Sub-Committee for comment meeting. have in fact been sent to members. Department 12.2 Department to invite a representative from a Closed – has been multi-region guiding company to speak to noted as a future the Board at a future meeting about their agenda item. operating model involving numerous tracks. Department 14.3 Department to provide information about the Closed – has been Mokohinau stag beetle in response to noted as a future questions raised by members. agenda item. Meeting 14 August 2019 Board 9.2 Chair to share with members how the Board Closed – item is no communicates about climate change longer necessary in context of DOC’s Board 15.3 Chair to add a list of back-up species of Closed – Chair interest and recirculate list of threatened confirmed that no species to members further species need to be added to back-up list. Board 16.1 Chair to meet with the Department to Closed – meeting held discuss supplementary measures for on 9 April. Proposed monitoring implementation of the CMS measures revised and to be re-circulated. Board 19.2 Chairperson to invite Julie Kidd to talk to the Closed – item has Board members about increasing been superceded by engagement to the next board meeting the development of the Board communications strategy. Department 27.2 Department to send the Minister's Office the Open – working date and details for a meeting with the through the Pou to set Tupuna Taonga Trust up a meeting with the Trust. Meeting 13 November 2019 Board 2.2 Kate Waterhouse to provide Wendy Gray Closed – advice was with information about the Urban Ark Project provided to Wendy Gray at the February 2020 meeting

Department 6.1 Board Support Officer to amend minutes to Closed – corrected correct the identified typo. version uploaded to website.

DOC-5702089 Author Laura Chartres Date 22 May 2020 12 Department 7.1 John Galilee to discuss the seeking of Closed – Council has information about freshwater fish from the advised there is no Council with Glenn Wilcox and Kate specific report. Matt Waterhouse. Boxham has offered to present at a future Board meeting (see above related Action)

Department 9.1 Department to provide to the Board Open – information has information about funding and support been requested from models from other management planning the Management processes. Planning team.

Board 9.2 Glenn Wilcox and Robin Taua-Gordon to Open – meeting has have informal discussion with the Tūpuna been scheduled. Glenn Taonga Trust. and Robin to provide update.

Board 9.3 Board Chair to follow up by writing to the Open – Board Chair to Tūpuna Taonga Trust seeking a meeting write this letter once with the Board. Robin and Glenn have had their informal discussion.

Department 11.2 Department to provide advice to the Board Closed – comment is on the work it is undertaking on the Āwhitu included in the Peninsula Operations Managers; report (agenda item 13)

Department 11.3 Miranda O’Connell to attend next Board Closed – has been meeting to talk about her work on Waiheke. noted as a future agenda item.

Department 12.1 Department to look at how to provide Closed – comment is feedback to iwi on the outcomes of included in the applications on which iwi have provided Concessions report comments. (agenda item 22)

Department 14.2 Department to add to the threatened species Closed – the report has lists whether a species is being managed been amended to under a specific species recovery include a new column programme or as part of managing for this information. ecosystem sites

Board 14.3 Andrew Jeffs to identify what locations are Open included within the national marine monitoring programme

Department 16.1 Department to find out what the definition of Closed – information “tangata whenua” is in the milestones in the provided to members Wellington CMS and inform members. 21 February.

Board 2.3 Chair to write to the two Public Forum Closed – email sent on speakers setting out a holding statement in 19 November 2019. relation to the matters they raised about urban tree loss Meeting 28 February 2020

DOC-5702089 Author Laura Chartres Date 22 May 2020 13 Department to provide information about the Closed – provided to Department 3.1 Landcare Research emissions off-setting members 15 May. scheme to members.

Department to circulate copy of the Sea Closed – provided to Department 4.1 Change presentation to members. members 3 April.

Board members to submit any further Closed – Board Board Members 4.2 comments about the Sea Change Response submitted further Strategy to Sam Thomas. comments on 1 May.

Open – information has Department to request an updated budget been requested report as at the end of February 2020, and a Department 13.1 internally and is breakdown of expenditure in the year to date expected to be tabled and circulate to members. at the June meeting.

Department to circulate the Board’s 3 year Closed – provided to Department 16.1 Auckland CMS progress report to members, members 15 May. and to the Waikato Conservation Board.

Board Support Officer to re-issue the Closed – replaced by Department 16.2 invitation to the workshop on 18 March and meeting 7 April. book a room.

Closed – item has Board to create a register to log been added to General Board 16.3 achievements during each year. Business (agenda item 30).

Board to write to the Director-General of Closed – sent 12 May Conservation seeking faster progress with and copy provided to Board 16.4 establishing new marine protected areas in members 15 May. the Hauraki Gulf.

Board to write to the Minister of Fisheries Closed – sent 12 May seeking the closure of the crayfish fishery in and copy provided to Board 16.5 the Hauraki Gulf, and identifying the members 15 May. collapse of the pilchard stock in the Gulf as an issue of concern

Board to write to the Hauraki Gulf Forum to Closed – sent 20 May thank the Forum for preparation of the 2020 and copy provided to Board 16.6 State of the Gulf report and encouraging members 22 May. action on the issues identified in the report

Board to write to the Mayor of Auckland Closed – sent 12 May Board 16.7 seeking support for developing partnerships and copy provided to between agencies to tackle climate change members 15 May.

Board to write to the Local Boards Chairs Open – letter is under Forum about marine protection and submit draft. Board 16.8 on Local Board draft annual plans seeking marine protection

Board to contact Carl Hayson, Chair of the Closed – Chair has Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, asking about contacted Carl. Further Board 21.1 progress with the resource consent for the engagement is island museum pending.

DOC-5702089 Author Laura Chartres Date 22 May 2020 14 Board to write to the Auckland Council Open – pending action heritage team encouraging them to find a Board 21.2 collaborative solution for the resource consent for the island museum (Lyn Mayes & José Derraik lead).

Closed – there has Board to prepare a holding statement about been no call for a what it has done in relation to the consent statement from the Board 21.3 application for a new water treatment plant Board in this matter; at Huia. the item is no longer necessary.

Waikato Conservation Board to circulate to Closed – provided to Waikato Board 21.4 the Auckland Board its draft submission on members 15 May. the whitebait management proposals

Open – on hold. Public Board to write a submission on the South consultation has been Board 21.5 East Otago Marine Protection proposals postponed due to (Andrew Jeffs lead). COVID-19.

Board to write a submission on the Open – on hold. Plans Aotea/Great Barrier Area Plan and the Great are expected to be Board 21.6 Barrier Local Board’s 3-year plan (Kate released for Waterhouse lead). consultation June/July.

DOC-5702089 Author Laura Chartres Date 22 May 2020 15 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 7 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Laura Chartres, Board Support Officer

Subject: Confirmation of Correspondence

INWARDS CORRESPONDENCE since close of Board Meeting 28 February 2020 [13418 - 13430] # Received From Topic Status 13418 21/02/20* Environmental Protection DMC Minute 10 – Reconsideration of Email Agency CRL Application 13419 21/02/20* Auckland Council Huia Water Treatment Resource Email Consent Hearing 13420 25/02/20 Paul Majurey, Chair, Tūpuna Public Consultation – Draft Email Maunga Authority Operational Plan 2020/21 13421 06/03/20* Edward Ellison, Chair, NZCA Chair’s Letter – NZCA meeting Email February 2020 13422 27/03/20* NZ Transport Agency Warkworth to Wellsford – project Email milestones 13423 27/03/20* Environmental Protection DMC Minute 11 – Withdrawal of CRL Email Agency application 13424 09/03/20 Lorna Travers, DOC Loder Cup 2020 Nominations Email 13425 03/04/20* NZCA Draft Submission – Proposed South Email Island Marine Protected Areas 13426 03/04/20* Sam Thomas, Manager Sea Change Summary and Invitation Email Marine Policy, DOC for Board Comment 13427 16/04/20 Lorna Travers, DOC Loder Cup 2020 Nominations – Email Extension 13428 24/04/20* NZCA NZCA Meeting Public Minutes – Email February 2020 13429 24/04/20 Edward Ellison, Chair, NZCA Letter to Conservation Board Chairs Email 13430 01/05/20 Paula Smith, Chair, The Future of Tourism Email Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board

*date missing for original incoming; date is the date distributed to members via Correspondence Pack

OUTWARDS CORRESPONDENCE since close of Board Meeting 3 February 2020 [1988-1995] # Sent From / To Topic Status 1988 14/03/20 Chair to Ministry for the Submission on National Policy Emailed Environment Strategy on Indigenous Biodiversity

1989 1/05/20 Chair to Sam Thomas, Feedback on proposed Sea Change Emailed

DOC-5702059 Author Laura Chartres Date 22 May 2020 16 Manager Marine Policy, DOC Implementation for the Hauraki Gulf

1990 12/05/20 Chair to Jacinda Ardern, Call for “green recovery” to revitalise Emailed Prime Minister economy through nature-based jobs

1991 12/05/20 Chair to Phil Goff, Mayor of Developing Partnerships to Reduce Emailed Auckland Climate Change

1992 12/02/20 Chair to Stuart Nash, Minister Decline of Crayfish Populations in Emailed of Fisheries the Hauraki Gulf

1993 12/05/20 Chair to Lou Sanson, Director Marine Protected Areas in the Emailed General, DOC Hauraki Gulf

1994 20/05/20 Chair to Auckland Council Submission on Waste Management Submitted NZ Resource Consent Application – via New Regional Landfill at Wayby Council Valley website

1995 20/05/20 Chair to Pippa Coom and State of our Gulf 2020 report Emailed Nicola MacDonald, Chairs, Hauraki Gulf Forum

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the Inwards Correspondence b) Approve the Outwards Correspondence

DOC-5702059 Author Laura Chartres Date 22 May 2020 17 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 9 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Laura Chartres, Board Support Officer

Subject: Forward Meeting Schedule

A schedule for 2020 meeting dates was agreed by members at the November 2019 meeting. Venues for the meetings were not decided.

Schedule for Auckland Conservation Board meetings 2020 (as agreed Nov 2019)

Day Date Meeting Venue Wednesday 12 August 2020 Venue TBA Wednesday 18 November 2020 Venue TBA

Proposed future agenda items for Auckland Conservation Board meetings Invitation to Northern Seabird Trust Invitation to a guiding concessionaire (e.g. Living Legends) to present on the business model for a multi-region operation Invitation to Chris Green (Technical Advisor, DOC) to present on invertebrates Invitation to Dave Havell (Technical Advisor, DOC) to present on the impact of myrtle rust Invitation to Richard Gibson (Auckland Zoo) to update on work on threatened lizards Invitation to Matt Bloxham (Auckland Council) to present on threatened freshwater fish Invitation to the NZ Transport Agency to present regarding region-wise programme

The Chair will lead a discussion to confirm meeting dates and about potential agenda items and venues for the upcoming meetings in 2020.

DOC-3038615 Author Laura Chartres Date 22 May 2020 18 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 10 Meeting No. 146

Chair’s Report – Auckland Conservation Board, June 2020

Tēnā koutou katoa

In the three months since our hui at the end of February, people’s lives all over the world have changed. Like many, I have whānau in parts of the world that have been massively impacted by COVID-19. It is of comfort that I was able to visit them in January as it is impossible to know when international travel will come back. Figure 1 heron in Orewa estuary

Amidst the silence during lockdown the natural world re-emerged as we started seeing and hearing native birds in our rohe. We were afforded the time to walk around our immediate vicinity and find places which we had not had time to visit before.

At a time when we have been discussing how Conservation Boards should proactively address climate change, many people have had a sudden immersion into working from home. We have all become adept at Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other web-based meeting platforms. During lockdown, I calculated my business’s greenhouse gas footprint, and found that international and domestic travel and transport fuels represent over 90% of emissions. Travel and face-to-face meetings will still be necessary but let’s hope in future on a reduced scale as people realise that virtual meetings have many benefits.

At our February hui, Minister Sage challenged us to think about our priorities for advocacy. These could be targeted issues such as raising awareness of the erosion of sand dunes and danger to already threatened species through vehicular access, focussing on specific biodiversity threats such as decline in crayfish in the Hauraki Gulf as well as broader areas such as climate change.

During the lockdown, our Board has been busy with communications and submissions on Sea Change and the proposed Dome landfill site. Particular thanks to Kate and Andrew for leading our response on Sea Change and to Malcolm, Fale and Nicola on the Communications Sub-Committee which has met weekly to prepare a Communications Plan. This Plan provides a blueprint for Board communications and is included in the Board papers so please take time to read through this so that we can capture everyone’s input.

We have been asked by the Department to determine three major priorities for our Board in the 20/21 financial year. From our six priorities, the Communications Sub- Committee has suggested marine habitats, threatened species, and supporting the

DOC-6303624 Author Lyn Mayes Date 20 May 2020 19 Treaty Settlement natural environment aspirations of mana whenua acknowledging kaitiakitanga as the foundation for all outcomes.

We will take time on our agenda to discuss these and also to discuss adoption of the NZCA’s policy on giving effect to the Section 4 requirements relating to the Treaty Principles, which has been circulated to Boards.

This will be our first Board meeting via video conference, and we have incorporated breaks to allow us to move around. Board papers as always will be taken as read so that we can direct our attention to items which require a decision and to our guest speakers.

We will be receiving presentations from Raewyn Hutchings about management of our heritage sites and from Amy Robinson on the Department’s RMA strategy.

Titiro atu ahau ki te hui.

Ngā mihi

Attachment: NZCA Treaty Principles policy document

DOC-6303624 Author Lyn Mayes Date 20 May 2020 20

NZCA Giving Effect to Section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987 (2019)

How best to give effect to the s4 requirements relating to the Treaty Principles Written June 2007 Reviewed and amended 19 August 2019

The New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) has a statutory obligation to fulfil Section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987 viz: “This Act shall so be interpreted and administered as to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.” The principles that guide the Authority’s actions are: 1. Section 4 is the responsibility of every member of the NZCA. The requirement to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi creates a firm obligation on Authority members and should not be narrowly construed. 2. Members should have an understanding and working knowledge of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and their relevance to the management of conservation. 3. All conservation legislation is required to be applied consistently with the Section 4 requirement. 4. Conservation considerations are paramount. 5. The principle of partnership should guide respectful working relationships with iwi and hapū on matters pertaining to conservation plans, policies or initiatives. 6. The principle of active protection of Māori interests including tino rangatiratanga should also guide the relationship and substance of engagements with iwi and hapū on conservation matters and may include supporting iwi or hapū to reconnect to their ancestral lands by undertaking activities on public conservation land. 7. The principle of options determines that as Treaty partners Māori have the right to undertake kaupapa Māori responsive practices. 8. The principles of mana whenua, right of development and right of redress potentially require a degree of preference to be given to Maori and for Maori economic interests to be considered1. 9. Mana recognition should be exercised (i.e. the correct approach to the mandated tribal authority or spokesperson(s)) and, if this is unclear, advice from a Māori authority on such matters should be obtained to confirm the correct approach is adopted. 10. Decisions should always contain an explicit statement with supporting documentation of how Section 4 was addressed and in this respect any papers prepared for the Authority by the Department or by itself should contain the following information:

1 Refer to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki Tribal Trust v Minister of Conservation and Fullers Group Ltd and Motutapu Island Restoration Trust: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/cases/ngai- tai-ki-tamaki-tribal-trust-v-minister-of-conservation-1/at_download/fileDecision

DOC-167617 21 • What the Section 4 considerations are • What engagement with tangata whenua has been undertaken or, if none, how an informed decision can still be made • Whether adequate information was provided for engagement and what was the nature of that process and information • What comments those engaged with had to make • How those comments have been considered in reaching a recommendation or any decision. 11. In support of these principles, the Authority will also adopt the following practices: • Record and develop a perspective on current Section 4 issues of importance to achieving conservation outcomes (e.g. post-Treaty settlement expectations with respect to governance, management and application of the Conservation General Policy and General Policy for National Parks) • Acknowledge kaitiakitanga as an important foundation for Māori conservation outcomes and its role in guiding how tangata whenua exercise their responsibilities for the care and protection of the natural environment • Respect mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) gained through generations of observation and practice, and support its appropriate application to conservation planning, monitoring and decision making • Meet with local tangata whenua when travelling e.g. on field trips • Schedule engagement with Māori involved in conservation governance and management as part of the annual work programme • Conduct an annual self-review of its performance with respect to Māori engagement and fulfilling its Section 4 obligations, and this policy • Encourage conservation boards to adopt this policy and practice guideline. 12. All members are strongly encouraged to develop, such as through the Department’s Pūkenga Atawhai programme, a foundation understanding of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, tikanga (customs and practices for respective iwi), and a familiarity with te reo Māori (for example, correct pronunciation of Māori place names, flora, fauna etc., a personal mihi/greeting, and/or waiata/song).

DOC-167617 22 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 11 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Lyn Mayes, Chairperson

Subject: Annual Workplan Implementation

ACB Strategic The Board has approved an annual work programme for Priority and/or the 2019/2020 which identifies six strategic priority areas of focus. Relevant DOC SOI Goal

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Agree actions to implement its annual work programme. b) Agree priorities to inform the annual Letter of Expectation.

Context At its November 2019 meeting the Board endorsed its work programme for the 2019/2020 year, which had been submitted to the Minister of Conservation on 27 September (Attachment 1). The work programme is an evolution of the work programme implemented in the previous year, and continues the Board’s focus on 6 priority areas: 1. Predators, landscape scale predator control & threatened species. 2. Freshwater habitats and indigenous freshwater fish. 3. Marine habitats and ecosystems, and bycatch of threatened species. 4. Relationships with Treaty partners. 5. Protection of ecosystems. 6. Connecting people with nature. The Board has also been asked to identify three priority areas for the 2020-21 year to inform the annual Letter of Expectation. The Chair will lead a discussion on progress with implementation of its 2019/20 work programme and the Board’s priorities for 2020/21.

DOC-5933585 Author Laura Chartres Date 19 May 2020 23 Auckland Conservation Board: July 2019 - June 2020 Work Programme

Priorities Strategies / Actions Milestones / Performance Indicators

1 Address the predator crisis and New Zealand’s Support predator-free programme in Auckland region. Communications Plan active declining indigenous biodiversity particularly Develop communications plan for promoting Predator through landscape scale predator control. Free – make predator free real and understandable for Aucklanders

Continually monitor threatened species in Auckland Board to release a report with its region including New Zealand fairy tern, takahe and overview of progress with the kākāpō. Report on 2018/2019 status of threatened management of critically species in the region and agree action programme threatened species in the with DOC including management of “predator threats” Auckland region (dogs, stoats, possums, pigs etc)

2 Improve the enhancement and restoration of Commission/ request full assessment of stream and Board to report on the state of freshwater habitats and the protection of lake ecology across Auckland Council and DOC native freshwater fish species in indigenous freshwater fish estate including a stock take of native fish levels. Auckland, and whether further measures to protect and restore their populations are required in Auckland 3 How to enhance and regenerate marine habitats Based on review of existing CMS milestones, Board Board to develop supplementary and ecosystems and reduce bycatch of protected needs to develop a strategic plan or pathway to performance measures to better species reverse a decline in species. Milestones need to assess performance against CMS. measure success.

Ensure that our marine reserves and conservation Board advocacy to include: land are not compromised by the rapid housing • Submit on applications development and construction taking place in the which threaten our marine Auckland region. places • Media strategy Continue to seek progress with the marine protection • Advocate to Government measures proposed to government agencies, including DOC, through the Sea Change process.

Auckland Conservation Board-Work Programme 2019-2020 – DOC-6207471

24 Continue to seek action to address the threat of oil from the RMS Niagara shipwreck.

Support and promote initiatives to protect marine mammals including Māui dolphin and Bryde’s whale.

4 Enhance relationships with Treaty Partners Based on review of existing CMS milestones, develop Board to hui – tikanga Maori; new milestones which reflect the range of CMS Board’s role in giving effect to the Objectives and incorporate protection of cultural and principles of the Treaty of historical resources and heritage Waitangi.

Advocate for progress on the CMP for the inner motu Board to develop supplementary islands of the Hauraki Gulf. performance measures to better asses performance against CMS Continue to work with Ngāti Manuhiri to deliver the milestones which also reflect the Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island CMP. journey and the resourcing issues

Work on the Motu Plan has commenced.

At least one meeting held with Ngāti Manuhiri about implementation of the Hauturu CMP.

5 How to protect ecosystems Prioritise an acceleration programme for research and Board to develop new investigation into kauri dieback disease and how its supplementary performance spread might be contained in the Auckland region, measures to better assess where there is the largest estate of kauri. performance against CMS milestones which relate Ensure oversight of DOC and Council plans for kauri specifically to ecosystems, with dieback management by seeking regular reports from measurable milestones. The CMS the agencies monitoring their progress. needs to reflect the importance of Ensure there is an appropriate strategy to address Auckland Council’s role in myrtle rust and other diseases impacting native flora. conservation.

Auckland Conservation Board-Work Programme 2019-2020 – DOC-6207471

Board assessment of the effectiveness of kauri dieback management in the region.

6 Ensure more people connect with and appreciate Work with iwi and hapu, council, NGOs and other Board to develop new nature organisations to empower people to work alongside supplementary performance the department to ensure that indigenous plants and measures to better assess wildlife thrive and their habitats restored and performance against CMS regenerated. milestones which relate specifically to visitor satisfaction Promote recreational benefits of conservation and connection with conservation with measurable milestones.

Underlying these priorities, the Auckland Conservation Board also wishes to progress:

. Raising the profile of the Board by commenting on key issues impacting the Auckland region;

Auckland Conservation Board-Work Programme 2019-2020 – DOC-6207471

26 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 12 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Andrew Baucke, Director, Operations

Subject: Director’s report

ACB Strategic The Conservation Board represents the community of interest in Priority and/or the the work of the Department. A function of the Board is to provide Relevant DOC SOI advice to the Department and the NZCA on conservation matters Goal (section 6M of the Conservation Act 1987 refers).

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of this paper.

Context This information is provided so that the Board is aware of current Director work and priorities in the Auckland region, especially that related to significant or high-risk projects. The Board may choose to provide advice to the Department on any of these matters if it wishes to. These matters are as follow:

National Context 1. COVID-19 i. At alert level 4 and 3, DOC offices closed and staff were directed to work from home. This continues at alert level 2 for office-based staff who can continue to do so; operational delivery staff are back on the job. ii. We will use technology better and capture the wins we made during lockdown. iii. Encourage flexible working on-going. 2. Climate change i. Cut air travel by 25 - 50% ii. Only purchase Hybrid and EV vehicles iii. Reduce helicopter, 4WD and boat usage. 3. Fiordland storm event i. Allocated $13.7m

DOC-3023424 Author Andrew Baucke Date 18 May 2020 27 4. Budget 2020 i. $200 million over four years in a Jobs for Nature package for DOC to partner with councils, tourism businesses, iwi and hapū, and communities to provide nature-based jobs. (Mainly led by others) ii. $154.3 million over four years for enhancing nature and indigenous biodiversity on public and private land. DOC will work with the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, regional councils, Treaty partners and landholder groups to create jobs in pest and weed control, revegetation and riparian planting. iii. $147.5 million over four years for jobs in pest control and eradication, including advancing Predator Free New Zealand and working with iwi to prevent the collapse of North Island forests.

Regional Context 1. COVID-19 i. Providing logistical support to our staff on islands during alert level 4 and 3 ii. Delivery staff returning to work at alert level 2 with refreshed hygiene practices. iii. Most offices remain closed at alert level 2; only a few staff working from Bledisloe House and the Auckland Downtown Visitor Centre at Princess Wharf is still closed. 2. Working with Council and Treaty partners to build opportunities for Jobs for Nature. 3. The dry weather is having serious impacts on wildlife across our islands. 4. Sea Change i. Continues to progress under lockdown with online hui 5. DOC Community Fund i. Completed our proposals for the Region; 12 projects totalling $460k

DOC-3023424 Author Andrew Baucke Date 18 May 2020 28 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 13 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Kirsty Prior, Operations Manager, Tāmaki Makaurau Mainland George Taylor, Operations Manager, Aotea/Gt. Barrier Kat Lane, Operations Manager (Acting), Inner Islands

Subject: Operations reports

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of this paper.

Context This information is provided so that the Board is aware of current operational work being undertaken by the Department, especially that related to significant or high-risk projects. The Board may choose to provide advice to the Department on any of these matters if it wishes to.

DOC-5686764 Author Laura Chartres Date 18 May 2020 29 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 13 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Kirsty Prior, Operations Manager, Tāmaki Makaurau Mainland George Taylor, Operations Manager, Aotea/Gt. Barrier Kat Lane, Operations Manager (Acting), Inner Islands

Subject: Operations reports

Tamaki Makaurau Mainland District report

Biodiversity • Tara-iti / NZ Fairy Tern (NZFT): The breeding season has been successful with seven young chicks fledging (including one from Pakiri and one from Te Arai). There were 11 nests (7 Mangawhai, 2 Waipu, 1 Pakiri & 1 Te Arai) from nine pairs and 20 eggs. The young bird that was supplementary fed at Te Arai, mentioned in the previous report, has since fledged and has been seen with other NZFT on the west coast at Manukapua (Tapora). Work has been initiated to create additional safe breeding habitat at Papakanui with the NZ Defence Force as has occurred in previous years.

• Deer fence compliance inspections: initiated for most north Auckland farms in conjunction with ongoing deer control in the wider Auckland region.

• Monitoring and protection of threatened plants: weeding and monitoring of Veronica jovellanoides (Nationally Critical species only found in QEII covenant in Riverhead Forest) and dwarf musk (Mazus novaezeelandiae subsp. impolitus Heenan f. impolitus) found on the eastern side of the Waionui Inlet, Papakanui.

• Marine reserve compliance has been effective over the summer months. One worthy mention was a sting operation at Long Bay Okura marine reserve to catch a set-netter at 6am.

Community • Engagement events: Below are a list of events the community team led over the period. Three events had a marine theme & one a kauri protection theme: - Okura Forest Festival: Marine reserve messaging and shared stand with council who delivered kauri dieback messaging; - 20th Anniversary of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park: To celebrate Tīkapa Moana/Te Moana-nui-ā-Toi and the launch of Hauraki Gulf Forum’s State Of Our Gulf report 2020. The Auckland Conversations event was held at Royal NZ yacht squadron with Minister Sage, hosted by Clarke Gayford. - 29 February – 8 March Seaweek: Minister Sage visited a mussel restoration project in the Mahurangi and Cape Rodney-Okakari Point marine reserve with DOC, Ngati Manuhiri and Auckland University staff. - 14-15 March Kumeu A+P Show: We asked the public what communication is most frequently used. Facebook and radio were the most preferred options.

DOC-5686764 Author Laura Chartres Date 18 May 2020 30 There are no upcoming events due to COVID-19. We are currently working with Auckland Council to scope the viability of trapping workshops running online. The DOC Auckland Facebook continues to grow.

• The team has been delivering a virtual Cultural Capability course for Auckland DOC staff. This includes te reo pronunciation, karakia and waiata.

• DOC Community Fund 2020: There were 34 applications received in Auckland totalling $2,358,483.12, out of a total fund to be allocated of $460,000. Recommendations have been made.

• New community groups continue to surface. Community agreements have been signed for predator trapping at Te Henga / Bethells as part of a Petrel project. We are also working with Tapora Coast & Landcare for their restoration project at Okahukura, predator trapping by the Lighthouse Station Ltd at Awhitu Peninsula and several other small community trapping projects.

• Predator Free Awhitu: DOC has provided community facilitation and is supportive of the Awhitu Landcare project, which aims to eradicate possums, rats, mustelids, cats, goats etc from the peninsula, primarily across private land. This is part of the community-led initiative Te Arahikoi to eradicate pests across Franklin region. We have also recently provided a letter of support to support future funding applications. Landscape restoration around Lighthouse Farms: DOC is working with private landowner of a farm adjacent to public conservation land (PCL) at the northern end of Awhitu Peninsula on landscape scale restoration, including predator trapping and revegetation planting on the 74 ha of PCL adjacent to their farm. DOC is working with the landowner to formalise an agreement that includes both predator trapping and planting.

• Statutory Land Management / RMA: - The Huia Water Treatment Plant and Reservoirs Hearing adjourned in March to consider the key issue of kauri dieback. Watercare will then be required to: (a) undertake the testing; and (b) prepare an information pack for the experts to enable substantive expert caucusing to occur. The experts will then be required to produce a joint witness statement once the expert caucusing is complete. The testing will need to wait until after the COVID-19 lockdown is over. - Auckland Council Te Whau Walkway proposal: DOC submitted against this proposal. Following a site visit, however, concerns have been addressed outside of hearing. - The Department is currently considering submissions for the Waste Management New Zealand and Pakiri sand mining resource consent applications.

Recreation/Historic • Two Kauri Dieback Ambassadors at both entrances to the Goldie Bush tracks have been a successful advocacy initiative.

• Partial upgrade of Te Henga Walkway car park (Bethells Beach) was undertaken with support from Council.

• On-going upgrades include Te Henga Walkway, Okura Bush Walkway, kauri dieback upgrades and Remiger Road Campsite (Te Araroa Trail) nearing completion.

DOC-5686764 Author Laura Chartres Date 18 May 2020 31 Aotea/Great Barrier Island District report

Biodiversity • Hirakimata Good Nature Project: Scoping of the track lines for the Good Nature grid of traps around Hirakimata began in December. Steep terrain, thick understory and large slips from the big storm make this a very challenging undertaking. Unfortunately, the delay from the COVID-19 lockdown may mean longer delays on this project as we approach winter and the ground becomes wetter, with more risk of spreading kauri dieback. Conditions will be reassessed once the green light is given for backcountry and off-track work.

• Pateke Project: Cat trapping for pateke protection began again in January and continued through until the COVID-19 lockdown at the start of April. This trapping should hopefully be able to begin again soon. Flock counts were completed in February with very low numbers of pateke at flock sites. High predator numbers this year and extremely dry conditions may have contributed to the low counts.

• Black Petrels: Wildlife Management International Ltd continued their research on the Black Petrel colony on Hirakimata this year with two trips. The third and final trip for the season to band chicks before they fledge has been postponed until the alert levels allow. This should hopefully be before the chicks have fledged. Cat trapping around the tracks and summit occurred before Christmas, but the second round of trapping to coincide with fledging has been delayed due to the lockdown.

• Mt Heale Mustelid Sighting: A visitor to the island in February reported a suspected weasel sighting at Mt Heale Hut. An incursion response was initiated, including a threats advisory group, mustelid dog, trail cameras and a trap-and-tunnel network. Luckily, after five weeks of trapping and monitoring tracking tunnels and camera footage, no sign of any mustelid was found. The mustelid dog made no indications on site. Luckily the decision had been made to shut down the network and close the response before the lockdown began.

• Weed Control: All the planned weed control for the 2019-2020 year was completed before lockdown.

• Dotterels: Staff participated in a community-led Dotterel post breeding flock count a few days before lockdown.

• Pest free islands: Unfortunately, the COVID-19 lockdown prevented us from visiting the Mokohinau Islands and Rakitū. Visits to undertake monitoring will be undertaken at Level 2.

Recreation / Historic • Tracks and huts: Aotea tracks and huts continue to be in good condition, exceeding the national DOC service standards. Huts were closed during COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4 and are re-opening at Alert Level 2 with a limit of 10 people per hut to ensure visitors are kept safe from COVID-19.

• Campgrounds: Campgrounds were also closed during COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4 and are re-opening at Alert Level 2.

DOC-5686764 Author Laura Chartres Date 18 May 2020 32 • Other visitor assets: The Single Quarters at Akapoua have been prepped prior to contractors undertaking painting and reflooring that will get underway at Alert Level 2.

• Kauri dieback protection: Preparations have been completed for kauri dieback mitigation works on Warren’s Track. At COVID-19 Alert Level 2, a local contractor will commence with elimination of wet and muddy sections, track alignment and installing box steps. Some dangerous pine trees will also be removed. Our two Kauri Dieback Ambassadors for the 2019-20 season were out engaging with the public until the national lockdown, primarily on the Windy Canyon and Hot Springs tracks. Kauri dieback workshops in the form of a storytelling presentation were also a regular item around Aotea prior to lockdown. These workshops were aimed at community groups and stakeholders and were delivered by one of our ambassadors.

Community • DOC Community Fund: Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in July 2020.

• Advocacy and support: The team have been supporting community groups, concessionaires, whānau, hapū and the community during the COVID-19 lockdown through emails and telephone conversations. During the lockdown, events have been cancelled until next year – Community Beach Cleanup, Wharf to Wharf and Pestival.

DOC-5686764 Author Laura Chartres Date 18 May 2020 33 Auckland Inner Islands District report

Scott Antcliff, Auckland Inner Islands Operations Manager has taken six months leave without pay until September 2020, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Kat Lane (Senior Ranger Community) is acting Operations Manager.

Treaty Partners Across the district we are working with our treaty partners to progress interpretation of cultural sites, cultural values assessments of key archaeological works, refining our engagement strategies to work more productively together and exploring ways to operationalise iwi aspirations and priorities in our daily work.

• Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki - Ngai Tai and the Department are in the early stages of developing an MOU to work with global engineering management and development consultancy Mott MacDonald on the development of a de-carbonisation vision/ plan for Motutapu. Mott MacDonald are providing their services free of charge as part of their corporate social responsibility programme. -Te Uri Rakau/ MPI have allocated funding to Ngai Tai to deliver a One Billion Trees Project on Motutapu. The original applicants, Motutapu Restoration Trust (MRT), withdrew from the funding application in April due to COVID-19 impacting their ability to deliver the programme in its original scope. Ngai Tai are primarily looking to use the funding to plant on Hukunui, with the option to potentially plant on Public Conservation Land at Home Bay. Both sites will require Heritage NZ authority and archaeological assessment prior to planting. Ngai Tai are still keen to find ways to work with MRT to deliver the programme. - A bid to the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority is being led by the Department in partnership with Ngai Tai to reduce the carbon footprint on Motutapu. The bid, which is due for submission by the end of May, is likely to seek around $2m to improve the solar power capacity on the motu, move away from reliance on LPG, upgrade the vehicle fleet and move towards zero-emission motorised tools. - Work is progressing on capital funding bids to improve the Motutapu farm infrastructure with a view to having sheep back on the motu by the spring.

• Ngati Manuhiri - Work is underway to develop an implementation framework for the Hauturu CMP. This is to ensure a regular programme of business planning and reporting takes place to realise iwi aspirations for Hauturu and provide assurance to the Conservation Board. - Ngati Manuhiri are leading discussions for the possible creation of a marine protected area around Hauturu. The Department will support as required.

• The second of three Treaty Implementation Rangers for the region has been appointed to the Inner Islands district.

Biosecurity • There is currently a stoat on Council-managed Motukorea / Browns Island. This was detected in March and Council has run the incursion response throughout COVID Levels 4 and 3. DOC is watching the situation closely as there is a risk it could swim to DOC- managed Rangitoto, Motutapu or Motuihe Islands.

• Pest surveillance has continued on staffed DOC-managed islands during COVID Levels 4 and 3, and there has been no evidence of pest mammal incursions on these islands.

DOC-5686764 Author Laura Chartres Date 18 May 2020 34

• A programme of upgrading island surveillance networks in the Inner Islands district is about to get underway. These networks have been in place for 10 or more years and are being upgraded to meet best practice which has changed over time.

• A dedicated quarantine/biosecurity store for Aotea / GBI is a high priority and a programme is underway to implement design and build. This facility is for storing and cleaning items before use on the Mokohinau group, Rakitu and Aotea itself. A design team is currently looking at standardised facility designs, which Aotea will adapt. A concept bid for capital expenditure to pay for the facility has been submitted from GBI District.

• The DOC National Threats team had previously committed to deliver by 30 June 2020: - a biosecurity audit for Hauturu, Motuora and Tiritiri Matangi. This has been delayed by COVID-19 so will be finished in July 2020; - a regional Biosecurity Plan, which is on track to be finished by the due date.

• The new Regional Pest Management Plan is now in effect for terrestrial species. The plan lists the unwanted organisms for the Auckland region and Council’s management strategies for each species; it includes many new plant, bird and reptile species. DOC is considering its own biosecurity processes with respect to the new species listed.

• The Controlled Area Notice (CAN) that applies to the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park under the Biosecurity Act has been revised but is yet to be gazetted. The revisions include more punitive fines and the requirement to have portable, prefabricated or flatpack buildings (considered a high-risk cargo) inspected before being transported through the Controlled Area. DOC biosecurity inspectors already inspect buildings and many other types of high-risk cargo such as building materials and potting mix. DOC is working with Auckland Council and the DOC legal team to understand the implications of the fines if its contractors are in breach of the CAN.

Biodiversity • Following the successful 2019-20 hihi breeding season on Tiritiri Matangi (the end of season survey recorded in excess of 250 birds) Auckland Council are seeking permission to translocate hihi to Shakespear Regional Park in June/ July 2020.

• Iwi, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi (SoTM) and the Department agreed to release captive moko kakariki/ Auckland green geckos on Tiritiri Matangi on 16 May. This was an earlier than scheduled soft release due to COVID-19 creating uncertainly over how they might be managed in captivity over winter. In December 2016 the SoTM were issued a 10-year permit for the transfer of moko kakariki from the Hunua Quarry, Papakura, prior to vegetation clearance for quarrying operations. The rescued moko kakariki have been held in captivity on Tiritiri Matangi, in a breeding programme to build up numbers for release on the island.

DOC-5686764 Author Laura Chartres Date 18 May 2020 35

Auckland green gecko release on Tiritiri Matangi, 16 May 2020

• The exceptional drought this summer has been hard for kiwi on Motuora. At least eight adult and five juvenile kiwi have been found dead on the island, and four struggling young kiwi were removed from the island for treatment at Auckland Zoo - unfortunately all but one of these birds died. The island Ranger has been providing supplementary water and feed for the kiwi, with other species also benefiting from this. Conditions should improve on the island with autumn and winter rainfall.

• COVID-19 restrictions have required most island field work to be put on hold during alert levels 3 and 4. Exceptions have been possible for animal welfare requirements, these being supplementary feeding of hihi and captive geckos on Tiritiri Matangi, and for priority biosecurity work such as servicing of island sentry stations (traps and tracking tunnels). More island work is set to resume under lower alert levels, provided all hygiene, social distancing and health and safety requirements can be met.

• Under alert level 4, special permission was granted by the DOC Deputy Director- General, Operations, to release 850 wetapunga on Motuihe by Auckland Zoo staff on 27 March. This was in order to find a suitable home for these animals when their continued survival in captivity at the Zoo could not be guaranteed.

Recreation/Historic • Prior to COVID-19 restrictions, the public were making the most of the good summer weather with all island campgrounds reporting high visitor numbers. The Tiritiri Matangi Bunkhouse was close to fully booked and Kawau continued to be a popular day visit site. The Tiritiri Matangi Bunkhouse roof and kitchen are scheduled for repair and refurbishment this winter.

• The drought has reduced the amount of mowing required across the islands but has also put strain on our water systems, with many islands having to pump from the reserve supplies.

DOC-5686764 Author Laura Chartres Date 18 May 2020 36 • Repair works at Fort Stony Batter on Waiheke Island are nearing completion, though delayed by COVID-19. Unfortunately, a grass fire was accidently started by a contractor’s welding spark in February, charring around two acres of the DOC reserve before it was brought under control by our neighbours at Man O’ War vineyards and the local fire brigade. The repair works were temporarily stopped as a result; resumption of work was authorised by the Director following a team review of the incident.

• Throughout level 4 and level 3 COVID-19 restrictions rangers have remained on island to ensure that essential infrastructure and wildlife welfare is maintained. COVID-19 put a stop to almost all recreation and historic work on the islands for two months leading to a backlog of tasks to catch up on. We have increased the autumn/ winter hours for the ranger on Motuora to help with the backlog of recreation and historic work tasks and also to help with the ongoing kiwi drought challenges.

• Kawau Smelting House stabilisation, Copper Mine barrier and mine safety lids works are underway and due to be completed by September 2020. All three projects have funding approved and are now at iwi consultation and design phase.

Wharf Upgrades • Islington Bay Wharf: Waiting for final design then construction can commence. An Indicative Business Case is under review for Stage 2 additional works that were identified after the initial business case for repair works was approved.

• Yankee Boat Ramp: Procurement underway and works due to commence in September 2020.

• Motuihe Wharf: Indicative Business Case drafted and ready for sign off. Approx $2m for full replacement by end of 2021.

• Motuihe Boat Ramp upgrade: Emergency business case has been approved and works are expected to get underway in September 2020.

• Kawau Mansion House Wharf: Contractors are completing works in May/ June.

DOC-5686764 Author Laura Chartres Date 18 May 2020 37

• Tiritiri Matangi Wharf: An assessment was undertaken after a cracked fender pile was identified by the rangers. Work to repair the wharf is booked in for June/July. The wharf is still operational in the meantime.

Community • COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the ability of DOC rangers, our treaty partners and community trusts to continue with their conservation work on the islands. The Total Sport DUAL event was cancelled prior to the lockdown, which has also meant a significant impact on fundraising for the Motutapu Restoration Trust this year. It has also had a big impact on our concessionaires including the Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp (MOEC) who are taking measures to expedite the safe return of clients, such as contact tracing, reconfiguration of sleeping and eating to achieve greater separation. In early May, MOEC were reporting near 100% cancellations until September, and are therefore looking to promote several non-school packages.

• Volunteering was restricted under COVID-19 level 4 and 3 restrictions but can now resume at level 2. We look forward to supporting volunteers to return to the motu; however, access will be a challenge for many groups with Fullers not resuming regular services to Rangitoto until Queens Birthday weekend, and to Tiritiri Matangi until July.

• Throughout lockdown we have continued to engage with the public using stories from pest-free islands through social media: a kiwi wandering into the house on Hauturu-o- Toi, and a kiwi encounter on a beach on Motuora. Between them, the two stories reached 1.5 million users and gathered more than 77,000 reactions/likes, 6,000 comments and 11,000 shares. Newshub also ran a story on the importance of boaties checking for pests before returning to the Gulf on Friday 15 May, ahead of the first level 2 boating weekend.

• Island rangers have also kept connected with the public through writing blog posts and appearing as guest judges for the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Takahe art competition:

DOC-5686764 Author Laura Chartres Date 18 May 2020 38 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 14 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Cameron Johnson, Partnerships Development Advisor

Subject: Partnerships Group report

ACB Strategic The Conservation Board represents the community of interest in the Priority and/or work of the Department. A function of the Board is to provide advice the Relevant to the Department and the NZCA on conservation matters (section DOC SOI Goal 6M of the Conservation Act 1987 refers).

Recommendatio It is recommended that the Conservation Board: n or Action Required a) Note the contents of this paper

Context The overall role of the DOC Partnerships group is to: Identify and pursue opportunities to achieve collective impact There are 4 key focus areas for the group:

1. Protect NZ’s natural heritage by building alliances that align effort and attract new investment; 2. Mainstream conservation through connecting new audiences with nature; 3. Grow conservation by supporting community conservation efforts; and 4. Enabling and supporting actions.

Waiheke

Waiheke Island’s iwi and community-led land and sea restoration projects (with the support of DOC) have managed to stay buoyant during the COVID-19 lockdown thanks to innovative use of technology. The projects, Te Korowai o Waiheke (stoat and rat eradication) and Waiheke Marine Project involve mana whenua, community and several agencies working together to transform Waiheke Island into a thriving natural environment.

While some project milestones have had to be postponed (like stoat trap operation and running a 3-day 80-person event), the iwi and community—assisted by partners like DOC—have been resilient and found innovative ways to maintain project momentum.

DOC-6298056 Author Cameron Johnson Date 18 May 2020 39

In response to the lockdown context, Ngāti Paoa, multiple layers of the Waiheke community, Auckland Council, DOC and funding supporters have turned their collective might to a seamless shift to digital connection:

• Te Korowai o Waiheke are sharing track camera footage, birdsong and the benefits of a predator-free Waiheke on social media. • Waiheke Marine Project, forced to postpone a major community event until late September, is producing engaging communications like “Interviews in isolation” – a series of videos that enable the diverse voices of marine issues on Waiheke to be heard. • Ngāti Paoa is embarking on a digital connection pathway to connect broadly within the iwi about marine issues and links with Waiheke Island.

These examples of ongoing momentum give hope that even with the dramatic impact of COVID-19 on business (Waiheke is a tourism hot spot), there is commitment that with improved nature outcomes there will be improved social outcomes.

Figure 1 DOC and Waiheke Marine Project hosting a Virtual Reality session for understanding marine issues Photo: Miranda O’Connell

One Billion Trees Programme

DOC is actively working with Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and other delivery partners to advance reforestation on Motutapu Island. The planned project would include the planting around 100ha of indigenous forest and is in the process of applying for One Billion Trees funding from Te Uru Rakau.

DOC-6298056 Author Cameron Johnson Date 18 May 2020 40

Cultural Capability Programme

During lockdown three PG1 (Partnerships Team 1) team members have played key roles as members of Team Haati (the Cultural Capability Team) designing and delivering a cultural capability programme to 160 staff across the Auckland Region. This programme aims build the capability of staff to have confidence to be an effective Treaty Partner, with initiatives including:

• Te reo lessons • Karakia Sessions to begin and end the week • Access to an Outlook Maramataka Calendar function and associated lessons • Tāmaki’s Iwi Landscape sessions

DOC Community Fund

Partnerships supported the DOC community fund panel sharing strategic guidance on where CF investment could support wider outcomes this year. Final decisions are yet to be made and applicants will be notified of funding decisions in July 2020

Urban Nature Strategy

The Urban Nature Strategy has the vision that: “Every Aucklander connects with and nurtures our nature”

Current activity includes:

• In partnership with Auckland Council and NZ Golf, a project for 37 Auckland golf courses to undertake predator control to contribute to Predator Free 2050. This work is part of the partnership with national Golf Associations with the aim to have all 390 courses (14,500 ha) under predator control in the next 5 years. • America’s Cup 36 – working in partnership for the Legacy and Leverage group to support the vision to ‘Ignite the passion – celebrate our voyages’ and the principles of Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga and Kotahitanga. Further details will be shared in our next update. • A partnership with Auckland Council for a Business Strategy to support the vision that “Every business restores nature.” • A partnership with Auckland Council for Libraries to be Nature Hubs connecting a potential 450,000 library members to nature. • PG1’s Urban Nature team are exploring options to support Mana Whenua and Maata Waka led nature restoration initiatives in South and West Auckland including:

- A partnership with Te Pu-a-nga-Maara to amplify and scale up Mana Whenua and Maata Waka led nature restoration in Tāmaki Makaurau;

DOC-6298056 Author Cameron Johnson Date 18 May 2020 41 - An associated investigation into the potential to leverage from the partnership experience with Te Pu-a-nga-Maara to amplify and scale up Mana Whenua and Maata Waka led nature restoration in Tāmaki Makaurau; and - A partnership with Kainga Ora (the leading organisation) and several other central, local and non-government agencies to explore the possibility of community-centred ecological regeneration in urban spaces to provide a range of economic, social and environmental outcomes. The South Auckland suburb of Otara is proposed as a pilot area for this partnership-based model of urban regeneration.

DOC-6298056 Author Cameron Johnson Date 18 May 2020 42 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 15 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Kirsty Prior, Operations Manager, Tāmaki Makaurau Mainland George Taylor, Operations Manager, Aotea/Gt. Barrier Kat Lane, Operations Manager (Acting), Inner Islands Rebecca Jerram, Regional Lead - Kauri Protection, Auckland Region

Subject: Auckland Region Kauri Protection Report

ACB Strategic The response to Kauri dieback is a high strategic priority for the Priority and/or the Board (Priority 5 in the Board’s work program ‘How to protect Relevant DOC SOI ecosystems’ for 2019/2020). Goal

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of this paper.

Context For some years the Board has identified Kauri dieback as an important strategic priority for attention by the Board. The Board has expressed interest in understanding the effects and spread of the disease, new knowledge and science, and in the management responses of agencies. It has also written to key agencies to express its concern about the disease, has sought information from the Department about its management response work, and has visited sites on Aotea/Great Barrier and on the mainland to see how tracks and footwear cleaning stations are being upgraded to mitigate against the further spread of the disease. A comprehensive report was submitted to the November 2018 meeting of the Board in which the Department addressed a series of questions that members had asked in several earlier Board meetings. Members considered that the report responded well to their questions and asked that it be updated by the Department from time to time as new developments arose. At the May 2019 meeting the Board decided that Kauri dieback should henceforth be a standing agenda item. The Department has in response brought together information about new developments in the management of Kauri dieback that would have normally appeared in the Operations Managers reports. Anything about Kauri dieback will now be presented in a stand-alone report, under this standing item.

DOC-6013604 Author: Rebecca Jerram Date 18 May 2020 43

Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 15 Meeting No. 145

REPORT

Meeting Date: 28 May 2020

Subject: Auckland Region Kauri Protection Report

1. Action: Department to provide information on the Kauri dieback aerial surveillance and soil sampling programme in the Auckland Region.

Note: The updates below apply across all three Districts in the Auckland Region.

1.1 Aerial imagery: As anticipated in the last Report to the Board, Auckland Council has now captured high resolution imagery across outer-lying, rural DOC Scenic Reserves, from flights between November - February 2020. This included the Hunua Ranges, Clevedon, Nukumea, Avice Miller and the Hauraki Gulf Islands (East Waiheke Island, Hauturu, and portions of Aotea and surrounding Motu). Additional helicopter imagery and associated data will be provided for Pakiri and Aotea, including some opportunistic photos of other species affected by drought, requested by local DOC staff. Much of this imagery has not been updated since 2014. The Department will be receiving the imagery from Auckland Council in the coming weeks (May 2020) delayed due to COVID-19. DOC staff will review areas of concern in Kauri stands within Scenic Reserves and make an assessment as to whether further investigation via ground truthing methods is justified in each location. 1.2 Ground-truthing/Soil testing: Auckland Council has recently progressed surveys of Kauri trees on public conservation land (PCL), and soil sampling has been completed at 59 sites. As Auckland Council’s process for ground-truthing and soil sampling differs in terms of attribute data and sampling methodology, DOC may undertake further assessment in some locations. Work restrictions in force due to COVID-19 Level 3 and 4 lockdowns has meant the Department’s scheduled 2020 soil sampling Program across 31 sites will now fall outside of the seasonal periods considered optimal for Kauri Dieback sampling. This generally spans the summer (October to April), to avoid moist ground conditions which may aid transmissibility of the disease between trees, stands or locations.

DOC-6013604 Author: Rebecca Jerram Date 18 May 2020 44 1.3 Soil sampling kit: A standardised backpack test kit for Kauri Dieback soil sampling has been created for use by DOC staff, Iwi, Auckland Council and Contractors working on PCL in the future. This is to ensure consistency in approach and has enabled revision of the materials list and associated sampling protocols at the same time within Auckland Region, and with the National Kauri Protection team. Four locations across the DOC Districts will receive their kits once Lockdown levels enable access to Bledisloe House and courier services.

2. Cross-Agency Sharing of information/ DOC Public Outreach:

2.1 Mana whenua Hui, Auckland Region: DOC attended a Kauri Dieback cross-agency hui with mana whenua led by Auckland Council on 27 February 2020. This focussed primarily on Auckland Council work and enabled strategic relationship building. 2.2 AMP show 2020 - Kumeu Showgrounds: DOC and Auckland Council staffed a Kauri protection stall at the AMP show at the Kumeu Showgrounds on 14 March 2020. Using a track counter to verify ‘contacts’, this team was able to speak with 524 members of the public and private landowners across two days. Departmental and MPI program material was distributed, including boot brush and bag sets, and activity books for younger attendees.

3. National Kauri Protection Program

3.1 Regional involvement in Operational Portfolio Groups: In April 2020 the National Kauri Protection Program implemented a series of working groups to bring together staff working in the Operations Group across DOC District and Regional Kauri lands in different parts of the North Island. These Portfolio Groups aim to combine expertise and experience from staff in both field roles and other facets of DOC Kauri protection to problem-solve operational issues and streamline the advice to the National Kauri team. 3. 2 Kauri Protection Plans for Scenic Reserves: Development of Kauri Protection Plans for DOC Scenic Reserves within the Auckland Region was first discussed during the consultation phase of MPI’s Kauri Dieback National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) in November 2018.

Kauri Protection Plans have the potential to provide for a coordinated approach to management in specific locations and aim to unite efforts by local communities, Iwi, other Agencies (Auckland Council in this instance), and other Non-Governmental Organisations such as community conservation or trapping groups.

Kauri Protection Plans are currently being progressed for the Scenic Reserves in the Auckland Region listed below:

• Mainland District Goldie Bush/Motutara Settlement Area • Aotea District Bushes Beach Scenic Reserve

DOC-6013604 Author: Rebecca Jerram Date 18 May 2020 45 4. Mainland District:

4.1 Kauri Protection Plan for Goldie Bush/Motutara Settlement Area: A Kauri Protection Plan for the Mainland District is progressing for the Goldie Bush/Motutara Settlement Area. This is currently being drafted internally across teams with respect to background information and current management processes.

The track was mitigated as part of the Kauri dieback recreation project and currently has 3 Mark II cleaning stations. 4.2 Track upgrades: Track mitigation has been delayed as a result of COVID-19. Tracks yet to be completed include: • Beverley Price • Moirs Hill • Okura

The DOC barrier across Okura has continued to be vandalised, with the wooden gate thrown into the Marine Reserve while Rangers were confined during level 4 lockdown. 4.3 Track Ambassadors: Two Kauri protection ambassadors were employed at Goldie Bush/Motutara Settlement Areas between December 2019 and up to COVID-19 Alert Level 4. The Ambassadors are effective methods for increasing the use of cleaning stations and sharing the wider Kauri dieback story. 4.4 Advocacy The team has been working with Bivouac (who also sells DOC hut passes) to give a free Kauri protection branded boot cleaning brush with every pair of boots sold. This has been a successful and valuable partnership with 500 brushes up for grabs.

5. Aotea District (Great Barrier Island and outlying islands in proximity) 5.1 Kauri Dieback Cleaning Stations: Six Mark III cleaning stations were delivered to Aotea over the summer construction period. These still need to be installed at the prioritised track entrances Routine maintenance of existing Barrel and Grate stations has recently recommenced under Level 3 with explicit approval from the Auckland Director of Operations. No damage has been reported to any of the DOC Kauri Protection assets on Aotea in the Level 4 and 3 Lockdown period while most staff were confined to their residences. 5.2 Track Ambassadors: Two DOC Track Ambassadors were operational in the Aotea District between October 2019 and March 2020, however the Program had to wind down early due to COVID-19 Level 4 Lockdown conditions commencing on 25 March 2020. The Ambassadors moved between several track locations in the months they were active, and this year widened the narrative with Visitors from the purpose and use of the cleaning stations, to include the overall health of the Ngahere and local aspects of Rongoa Maori.

DOC-6013604 Author: Rebecca Jerram Date 18 May 2020 46 5.3 Kauri Protection Advocacy: The Aotea District’s new advocacy program joined one of the Ambassadors with local Rangers to deliver meaningful Kauri advocacy to the Local Board, tourism organisations and operators proved very successful, and will be further developed throughout the year as funding allows. It is anticipated that this will expand to other groups on Aotea, including schools. 5.4 Kauri Protection Plan - Bushes Beach: As per the initiatives in section 3.2 of this Report, the Aotea District is due to commence a internal work on a Kauri Protection Plan for Bushes Beach in the North of the District. This site includes the well -used Kaiaraara Hut and Kaiaraara Track which links Forest Road with Bushes Beach, and is the site of several known Kauri Dieback infections. The site currently has sections of boardwalk through significant Kauri, and will be subject to a joint ground truthing exercise between DOC and Auckland Council in late 2020 when DOC has reviewed recent aerial imagery, and weather conditions allow fieldwork to be conducted safely within the forest.

6. Inner Islands District 6.1 Hauturu: DOC is awaiting Ngati Manuhiri’s response to soil testing results on Hauturu. A decline in visitor numbers and decreased activities by the DOC Rangers due to COVID-19 has ensured a low risk of transmission of Kauri Dieback on the Island.

6.2 Kauri Soil Testing: Soil testing on Hauturu and Waiheke was scheduled to occur during the Summer period 2019/20, but due to COVID-19 operating restrictions, this will be assessed again in late 2020. A total of 12 sites have been identified as Priority 1 and 2 across Hauturu and Waiheke to detect presence or transmission of the Phytopthera Agathadecida on these Motu.

6.3 Procurement of Barrel and Grate stations for Inner Island Motu: As previously advised to the Board, three new Barrel and Grate installations are being prepared for Hauturu. In early May 2020 an additional station was approved for Waiheke with the location to be confirmed after discussions with the Local Board. Fabrication of components for these is due to commence following the disruption of COVID- 19. It is expected work will commence around mid-May 2020 on the steel grates to DOC National specifications.

DOC-6013604 Author: Rebecca Jerram Date 18 May 2020 47 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 16 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: John Galilee, Statutory Manager

Subject: Threatened Species

ACB Strategic The Board has a statutory function to advise the NZCA and the Priority and/or the Director-General on the implementation of the Auckland Relevant DOC SOI Conservation Management Strategy 2014-2024 (section 6M Goal Conservation Act refers). Monitoring threatened species in the Auckland Region and agreeing on an action programme with DOC is a priority for the Board in 2019/2020 (Priority 1 refers).

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the content of the report. b) Note that additional information about current population baselines and current management will be added.

Context At its meeting of 12 February 2019, the Board agreed to develop indicative milestones for monitoring the Department’s performance across a range of key areas, particularly its management of threatened species. At a Board workshop on 12 April 2019 members compiled an indicative list of species. The intention was that the Department would provide regular updates to each Board meeting on each species, as a way by which the Board could track the Department’s performance. At its meeting on 14 May 2019 the Board received a presentation about how the Department makes decisions about its species management work. Following feedback from the Department on the indicative list, and after considering the presentation given at its May meeting, members agreed to revise the list of species. A second workshop was held on 26 June 2019, which involved Department technical specialists. A revised list was compiled (see Attachment 1). A list of “back-up” species, plus a list of species present on Hauturu, were also agreed at the workshop. The Hauturu list was compiled due to the Board’s interest in monitoring implementation of the Hauturu Conservation Management Plan. At its 14 August 2019 meeting the Board agreed to adopt the revised list of species.

DOC-6025914 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 48

The Department has updated the lists with information about current population baselines and current management. Information about whether or not species are subject to formal recovery plans has been added, as requested by the Board at its 13 November 2019 meeting.

DOC-6025914 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 49 Auckland Threatened Fauna and Flora

Common Name Threat Ranking Group Location Details Status June 2020 Management type Work planned 2019‐20 Matuku, Australasian bittern Threatened: Nationally Critical Bird Found throughout NZ. Auckland is important stronghold for national population. Population unknown, however the None. Predator control at Papakanui may benefit Botaurus poiciloptilus Papakanui Difficult to monitor because of flight. number of 5x5k grid cells occupied species. in the Auckland region was ~58 at the last assessment (1990‐2012) and reflects steady decline since 1900 (~78). NZ Storm Petrel Threatened: Nationally Vulnerable Bird Te ‐Hauturu‐o‐Toi Thought to be extinct until 2003, the NZ storm petrel is known to Size of breeding population EMU (Hauturu) Work by Northern NZ Seabird Trust on mark recapture, Pelagodroma marina maoriana breed on Hauturu and is likely recovering after the eradication of unknown monitoring and artificial colony on hold due to covid‐19. rats there. Taiko, Black Petrel Threatened: Nationally Vulnerable Bird Te ‐Hauturu‐o‐Toi; There are feral pigs, feral cats, ship rats and kiore on Great ~100 pairs on Hauturu, ~1000 pairs Ongoing monitoring on Aotea, bycatch mitigation. Procellaria parkinsoni Aotea Barrier Island (Aotea), most of which have been recorded at the on Aotea Biosecurity to maintain pest free status of Hauturu helps main breeding colony on Mount Hobson/Hirakimata. Black ensure survival there. petrels have been caught by commercial and recreational fishers both in New Zealand and overseas and are recognised as the most at‐risk seabird in New Zealand from commercial fishing.

Taraiti, tara teoteo, fairy tern Threatened: Nationally Critical Bird Kaipara/ Auckland Tara iti is New Zealand’s most threatened breeding bird with and 35‐39 birds; 6 fledglings Recovery Intensively managed & monitored at 2 sites (maybe 3: Sterna nereis davisae estimated population size of 35‐39 birds. NZFT habitat is programme Papakanui, Pakiri & Te Arai Stream mouth ‐ sometimes) restricted to estuaries and harbours between Auckland and EMU at Papakanui, in our Region, but the programme is across 2 Districts, as Whangarei Harbour. Currently the only successful breeding sites Species are the birds. The main focus is on protection over are Waipu sandspit, Mangawhai sandspit, Pakari River mouth management for nesting season, as they are very mobile outside of that and Papakanui sandspit. This season (2019‐2020) one pair other sites time, but work also includes RMA submissions/ work, successfully bred at Te Arai Stream mouth. Recovery planning, off season predator control and working with others, including iwi & NZDF, Birds NZ, community groups, sponsors etc. Extended post‐ breeding monitoring observations undertaken at Papakanui this summer / autumn. Annual census. Increase number and security of shell patches available for nesting at Papakanui.

Tuturuatu, New Zealand shore Threatened: Nationally Critical Bird Motutapu Island It is one of the world’s rarest shorebirds, with a global population 18 birds (6 breeding pairs) on Recovery Monitoring of survival and breeding success. plover of about 243 adults, the majority of which are in the Chatham Motutapu at last count. Current programme Thinornis novaeseelandiae Islands status unknown as Covid‐19 has EMU (Rangitoto/ prevented post breeding Motutapu) monitoring. Bryde's Whale Threatened: Nationally Critical Cetacean Hauraki Gulf Shallow divers so at risk from vessel traffic Around 135 whales use the Hauraki Passive monitoring, RMA submissions, concession & Balaenoptera edeni/brydei Gulf (State of the Gulf 2020). research mgt, working with researchers & iwi on ship strike issues & dead animals. Cetacean funding helping w/ Bryde’s research in coming years pre Americas cup.

Kera wēra, orca Threatened: Nationally Critical Cetacean Hauraki Gulf New Zealand is home to an estimated 150–200 individuals, which Passive monitoring, RMA submissions, concession & Orcinus orca travel long distances throughout the country’s coastal research mgt, working with researchers & iwi, refloating waters.One of the key threats to this species is disturbance by stranded ones – quite successfully. recreational vessels, both through noise pollution and boat strike, and research is aimed at determining ways in which this can be reduced to minimum levels.

Maui's Dolphin Threatened: Nationally Critical Cetacean Most likely to be found A recent estimate of the Māui dolphin population indicated 63 individuals > 1 year of age Sighting data base & verification system. Assist with boat Cephalorhynchus hectori between Manukau that approximately 63 individuals over one year of age remain. & drone based photo surveys. Harbour and Port Waikato Katipo At Risk: Declining Invertebrate Port Albert; Pakiri Beach Declining quantity and quality of habitat along with competition Unknown. No species monitoring Weed control and predator control at sites may benefit Lactrodectus katipo from introduced spiders are contributing to the ongoing decline species. of the species. Wetapunga At Risk: Relict Invertebrate Te ‐Hauturu‐o‐Toi Original population on Hauturu, translocated populations Secure on Hauturu. Established on EMU (Hauturu, Monitoring of Tiritiri and Motuora populations. Deinacrida heteracantha establishing on rodent‐free island sites. Breed for release Tiritiri and Motuora, establishing Tiritiri Matangi) Auckland Zoo monitoring Noisies and planning programme at Butterfly Creek and Auckland Zoo. on 2 other islands in the Noisies. translocations to 2 other sites using captive‐reared animals.

50 Common Name Threat Ranking Group Location Details Status June 2020 Management type Work planned 2019‐20 NZ long tailed bat Threatened: Nationally Critical Mammal Te ‐Hauturu‐o‐Toi; Patchy distribution across Auckland region. Generally in areas Unknown population. Distribution There is a NZ bat None but biosecurity to retain pest‐free status of Chalinolobus tuberculatus Aotea; Mainland where there is no predator control we predict that bats are as per map. Likely to be declining recovery group but Hauturu ensures survival there. declining between 5‐9% per annum based on mark‐recapture in areas not receiving sustained no current recovery work that has been done around the country. predator control plan.

Short tailed bat Threatened: Nationally Endangered Mammal Te ‐Hauturu‐o‐Toi Lesser short‐tailed bat (Mystacina tuberculata ) is an Restricted to Hauturu in Auckland EMU (Hauturu) None but biosecurity to retain pest‐free status of Mystacina tuberculata endangered ancient species unique to New Zealand and is found region. Population there likely to There is a NZ bat Hauturu ensures survival there. only at a few scattered sites. be healthy and stable but not recovery group, but monitored. no current recovery plan. Kōwhai ngutu‐kākā, kākābeak Threatened: Nationally Critical Plant Auckland; The original site is no longer managed by DOC (Moturemu was A number of plants in cultivation EMU (Motuihe Support Motuihe Trust with cultivation on that island. Clianthus puniceus Motuihe/Rangitoto returned to iwi in 2013) and has not been visited since. Plants are on Motuihe. kakabeak & other in cultivation at the ABG & other sites. No transplanted ones threatened species). have survived at translocation site (Casnell Island), but From next year, Motukorea is more successful. kakabeak work on Motuora will constitute a new EMU. A recovery group exists and a recovery plan is valid until 2021.

Parahebe Threatened: Nationally Critical Plant Riverhead Forest Known only from a small (20ha) mixed Podocarp/hardwood Found in 3/6 monitoring plots at Monitoring of plant survival & effectiveness of weed Veronica jovellanoides forest where it grows on shaded, seasonally damp ground original site control – annual. amongst sparse ferns, liverworts and mosses alongside a small stream. Board viewed this at Botanic Gardens Titirangi At Risk: Declining Plant South Kaipara Covenant Relationship with Iwi is important to retain this No monitoring Prescription has not yet been funded, but have had Veronica speciosa initial discussion with iwi land owners for a site visit.

Chevron skink Threatened: Nationally Vulnerable Reptile Te ‐Hauturu‐o‐Toi; Currently only known to be found on Great Barrier Island / Aotea Unknown. Recovering slowly on Oligosoma homalonotum Aotea and Te Hauturu‐o‐Toi / Little Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Hauturu. There have only been around 500 sightings reported since it was first described in 1906.

51 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 17 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Nicola MacDonald and Kate Waterhouse, Board Members

Subject: Update on Aotea Conservation

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of this paper

Context The Aotea Conservation Park and related conservation land makes up approximately 40% of DOC land in the Auckland region. The park has an advisory committee (ACPAC) of 10 members, comprising 5 iwi and 5 community members appointed by the Minister of Conservation. The following is a brief update on the recent work and activities of the committee.

ACPAC held two meetings/workshops in February and March to develop an overarching strategic vision (long term) and identify our key priorities for the next 3 years. This will inform our advice to the Minister and related groups and communities on Aotea, including the Auckland Council Area Plan for Aotea.

A supporting online meeting was held with all members to check in on welfare and wellbeing during COVID-19.

A letter was sent to Minister Sage seeking her support to lift restrictions and allow for trapping of feral cats and chick banding on Hirakimata. Cats pose a serious threat to fledging Takoketai /Black Petrel chicks. The Chair was interviewed on the Hauraki Gulf and highlighted the need for Takoketai protection on Maunga Hirakimata and to increase efforts on cat trapping.

Committee members and our community are supporting a collective project named Tu Mai Taonga, which focuses on feral cat and rat control to protect and restore the North of Aotea. This area is the largest tract of possum, mustelid and browsing animal free forest in Aotearoa. It includes Te Paparahi, the Whangapoua

DOC-6303840 Authors Nicola MacDonald / Kate Waterhouse Date 22 May 2020 52 estuary, and Hirakimata. It is home to national strongholds of black petrel, pateke kaka and chevron skink as well as Kakariki, bittern, NI robin, pekapeka, and banded rail.

We are currently developing our strategic priorities into a communication tool for sharing with the community and stakeholders.

Planning is underway for our next ACPAC meeting on 5 June to review our priorities and programme of work.

Furthermore, in March 2020 the Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust made a submission to Auckland Council on the Aotea 30 Year Area Plan and the Local Board Annual and 3 Year Plans. A copy of their submission is attached for the Board’s information.

DOC-6303840 Authors Nicola MacDonald / Kate Waterhouse Date 22 May 2020 53 29 March 2020 Aotea Great Barrier Local Board Annual Plan, 3 Year Plan and Aotea Area Plan Submission summary Background

Following the unavoidable cancellation of planned consultation meetings between our trust and the Aotea Great Barrier Local Board in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have summarised our submission to both the Local Board’s Annual Plan, 3 Year Plan and the Auckland Council Aotea Area Plan in this document. We would like the opportunity to discuss this document with the board when conditions allow either in person or via Zoom/Skype. Overview

There are 10 areas we would like the board and Auckland Council to focus on in respect of the natural environment of Aotea over the next three years. We discuss these here then provide suggested actions in the table below.

1. Vision and leadership – the board has significant influence and is democratically elected. Please use this influence to achieve tangible environmental outcomes in this term, while we still have time to restore the ecosystems of Aotea. Please think beyond the Ecology Vision’s current scope and resourcing. 2. Mana whenua role and aspiration – post settlement iwi are able to support accelerated conservation and restoration activity and richer community cultural and visitor experiences. Please support them to fulfil their role as kaitiaki, and to benefit from investment in environmental restoration projects. 3. Biodiversity/our taonga – Aotea is a biodiversity life-raft acknowledged internationally. However, the current level of financial support for restoration is less than a tenth of what Te Korowai o Waiheke receives. Developing understanding in the community about what is of value on Aotea and the declines that are ongoing due to the impact of pests require more investment. While much of the high-value biodiversity areas on Aotea are on DOC-managed land, a restored, pest-free Aotea with recovering biodiversity is a goal that can’t happen without your ongoing support. More investment in community knowledge building is needed (also see below). 4. Biosecurity – fast and effective incursion responses need to be business as usual and effectively implemented every time. Further, our November 2019 Conservation hui proposed a goal of no new pests (thank you for participating in this). Community participation in pest management and biosecurity is increasing, but joint work with DOC is needed to support cat eradication/control and establish resident/landowner rat management as the norm. More frequent incursions of pests are predicted as the climate warms, including of marine species. Marine biosecurity on Aotea needs to be managed better, with incursions into the Hauraki Gulf likely to turn up in our waters first. As you know, resourcing does not match the magnitude of the marine risk or problem. Please continue to advocate for improved island-wide biosecurity.

Submission of Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust - 29 March 2020 1

54 5. Marine protection: The Hauraki Gulf Forum’s 20 year State of the Gulf Report and Sea Change process create leverage points for change. Commercial fishing is still a no-go area politically, but Barrier people have been clear they want this for many years. The High Court’s Motiti Island (Bay of Plenty) decision shows how the RMA can be used to protect biodiversity in the coastal zone; other tools are available (see Barrier Bulletin 5 March for more on this). Please actively progress marine protection during this term, noting that it was an objective in the 2017 plan and needs urgent action now. 6. Impacts of the climate crisis – climate change will amplify the risks faced by the ecosystems of Aotea and will introduce novel stressors. This change strengthens the case for pest control, eradication and restoration actions, and for marine protection. Our taonga are going to need all the help they can get. 7. Community engagement and participation – in pest management and supporting the taonga that Aotea is home to are key. Please increase your investment in education, Ecology Vision Facilitator, EV events, projects like the Aotea Trap Library, community pest projects at Oruawharo Medlands, Okiwi and new locations, Aotea Bird Count, community nursery and landowner restoration. If you as a board ask for enforcement of dog rules on Aotea and consideration of an Aotea- specific cat policy (e.g. no new domestic cats) and/or responsible cat and dog ownership this will lead to fewer dead birds and reptiles. 8. Actively pursue more effective collaboration between Auckland Council departments and DOC on goals and priorities for the restoration of Aotea – and between both agencies, mana whenua and the many community organisations and landowners actively investing their own time and funds and those of funding organisations. This applies to all the challenges we face (climate impacts, biosecurity, pest management and visitor strategy). It could also include joint funding of dedicated communications capacity and budget to change the behaviour of visitors and locals alike (e.g. towards rats, feral cats, other pests, biosecurity risks on land and at sea, and the value of the native species that call Aotea home). 9. Visitor strategy and impacts: Visitor strategy is driven by Destination Great Barrier, yet more than 60% of the island is managed by the Department of Conservation; climate risks and impacts, and projected declines in international tourism require re-evaluation of the visitor strategy and identification of sustainable visitor models. A destination management plan that includes the views of ALL affected parties is needed, and ATEED has the capability to do this. Visitor information is limited vs other NZ destinations (see Oparara Valley visitor area example / photos for what is possible). A visitor levy to fund biosecurity and conservation work on the island, as is in place on Rakiura, is warranted.

Submission of Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust - 29 March 2020 2

55 Aotea Conservation Priorities for Aotea Great Barrier Local Board 1-3 Year Plans

Action area What is needed? 1. Leadership and vision • See below 2. Support mana whenua • Increase visibility of Māori place names, cultural sites, historical information and visual presence across the island and aspirations for te • Build in capacity building and employment for iwi members to board environmental initiatives; and for projects, taiao engagement with appropriate iwi members to ensure mataurangatanga is embedded in projects at all stages. 3. Biodiversity/ taonga • Advocate for an MOU to work towards a restored, pest-free Aotea – between DOC, iwi, AC, Local Board, sanctuaries, trusts, landowners on an ‘opt-in’ basis, including members of the public (also on an op-in basis) • Support the North Aotea Project / Tū Mai Taonga (e.g. by advocating to Predator Free NZ for this project and partnering with Aotea for trial of new landscape-scale rat and cat suppression technologies) • Plan a visit to Lord Howe - with Te Korowai and Rakiura communities, potentially supported by Predator Free NZ 4. Biosecurity • Advocate for relevant agencies to base marine biosecurity staff on Aotea • Advocate for appropriate enforcement action for biosecurity offenders and support residents to be the ‘eyes and ears’ for new pests, and adherence to regulations, including in protected areas 5. Marine protection • Support constructive partnership with mana whenua to restore the marine ecosystems around Aotea and seek island- generated options for marine protection led by iwi, and community driven • Advocate to the Auckland City Mayor for a marine dredge spoil policy review to enable disposals at sea to cease • Actively support new marine protected areas including significantly more no-take reserve areas (up to 30%) • Ask for no-take period for crayfish until stocks recover and no commercial fishing inside 12 nautical mile coastal waters on biodiversity grounds (options to ask Auckland Council to do this via a plan change under RMA) 6. Climate risks and • Request an Aotea Climate Change Risk Assessment – jointly with DOC and central government and share widely. Develop impacts an integrated response to the key threats and risks identified. 7. Community • Build a Conservation Hub in Claris – creating a community support point and collaborative space for AC, DOC, Ecology engagement Vision, Trap Library, and others to operate from • Fund more education and community engagement on biosecurity and biodiversity risks – confronting reality vs myths 8. Collaboration • Seek an Aotea-specific MOU and work programme between DOC and Auckland Council to support improved restoration and conservation outcomes on the island • Support the North Aotea Project / Tū Mai Taonga • Work closely with DOC and community groups to raise awareness of the taonga of Aotea in the whole community and with visitors 9. Visitor strategy and • Improve natural and cultural history content of interpretation areas at points of entry PF, Claris, Tryphena and at key sites impacts where not present e.g. Whangapoua estuary, Windy Canyon carpark • Explore with DOC, options for a visitor levy to fund restoration and biodiversity protection.

Submission of Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust - 29 March 2020 3

56 Progressing the vision for a restored Aotea

We recognise the intent of the Great Barrier Local Board to protect and restore the island's ecology and that this has been the case for at least two previous terms of this board. The priorities in the last board’s three-year plan included a focus on the Environment, which continues from previous years and was appreciated. We support continuing the Ecology Vision Facilitator and programme of work, the Aotea based biodiversity officers and investment in community and private land pest/ecology projects.

However, achieving a significant change in the quality of our natural environment and abundance of our taonga species, will require Auckland Council and the Local Board to go further than just continuing current activities. We ask that the board take a leadership role and follow through on the intent of the application to Predator Free NZ 2050 in October 2017. Our members, friends and supporters want the board to progress a restored, pest-free Aotea. We also support the aspirations of many mana whenua to restore the mauri of the motu and Aotea group.

This goal does not necessarily mean more investment from the budget of the Aotea Great Barrier Local Board. Instead in the next 1-3 years we would like to see you:

• Advocating to the Auckland Council Islands Team and Regional Parks to provide more support for pest management on the main island - and eradication of rats on adjacent seabird islands and biodiversity hotspots like Hirakimata and Te Paparahi, in the short-term. • Asking for investment in innovation: It is important to recognise that a pest-free Aotea will require solutions that are a step-up from current trapping; solutions that may be new or yet to be made available. We encourage both Auckland Council and the Local Board to work with Windy Hill, Glenfern and GBIET to approach DOC and Predator Free NZ 2050 to request the trial and use of non-toxin landscape-scale technologies on Aotea. • Advocating for action and effective collaboration with Auckland Council and DOC: A pest-free Aotea is specifically identified in the RPMP as a regional goal. This is not for Aotea residents and ratepayers to solve alone; this is an opportunity for the island, the Auckland region and New Zealand. Aotea is a life-raft for nature as well as all who visit or call it home. Collaboration is needed with mana whenua, Auckland Council, DOC and central government to achieve and to sustain this effort over time. This kaupapa should be a key pillar of the 30 Year Area Plan. In the short term (this year), the board should support the proposed North Aotea Project that aims to eradicate feral cats and intensify rat management from Hirakimata north, to the Needles.

Submission of Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust - 29 March 2020 4

57 The Area Plan: Aotea in 30 Years

We have three recommendations for the process and content of this plan.

1. Enhancing the “Consultation” process for the plan: The purpose of the plan and how it will affect the island and its community is not clear. There is a great opportunity for Auckland Council to involve mana whenua, the community – resident and non-resident – and DOC as the major landowner on behalf of the people of Aotearoa and in co-governance with Ngāti Rehua - Ngātiwai ki Aotea. As has been observed many times, policy made from Auckland has too often led to unintended consequences or poor results for Aotea. We ask that Auckland Council engage in a less traditional, more place-centric consultation process to finalise the 30 Year Area Plan; one that starts on Aotea, is interactive, and involves Aotea interests in finding solutions. If the process is adaptive, the result will be better quality content, increased community buy-in and a plan that is enacted and delivers positive outcomes. A less flexible top-down (‘traditional’) process is likely to lead to resistance, reduced relevance, or the plan being written off as a waste of ratepayer time and money.

2. The natural environment is in decline - restoration is key for Aotea and needs a collective response: We have observed common goals emerging (for example, see Aotea Conservation Collaborative Workshop outputs November 2019 and Ecology Vision survey results) as people are equipped with knowledge, including from mana whenua, of what has been lost on Aotea, and what will be lost if we continue to allow resource use and pest levels to continue as they are now.

In the past, people have not understood the extent to which Aotea is a ‘life-raft’ and the amazing range of species still present here (these are well documented e.g. in Council’s Biodiversity Focus Areas and the 2010 State of the Environment Report for Great Barrier Island). Nor has there been recognition of the slow erosion of Aotea’s marine and terrestrial environments and their values . This lack of acknowledgement may well be because the island and seas are more abundant with life than elsewhere in the region; but that is no measure of health, and not one that any of us could justify to our grandchildren.

It is clear (e.g. the Auckland Council’s 2019 reports on marine and terrestrial environments) that climate change will warm our seas, endanger or extinguish seabirds, some marine life and some of our forests and drought-sensitive species, reduce dune ecosystems, and increase the risk of biosecurity incursions – marine, freshwater and terrestrial. More frequent and severe drought (with implications of aquatic ecosystems and wetlands), and wildfires are predicted. We cannot just maintain the status quo. If we settle for that, in 30 years, we will be surrounded by more degraded environments and Auckland Council will not have met its legislative obligations under the RMA to maintain indigenous biodiversity on Aotea.

3. A long-term vision for the natural environment is needed to guide collective effort: This vision should be developed based on treaty principles and mana whenua aspirations, data on the status of the natural environment and taonga species, climate risks for Aotea and probable impacts, legislation (including the Conservation Act and Auckland Conservation Management Strategy Aotea section) and the needs of the entire community. This vision should build on existing work (such as the Ecology Vision, CMS and hapu management plan) and include some long term goals. Based on currently available data, a proposed set of goals are set out below to inform the development of the Area Plan. These should be validated with mana whenua, the community, DOC and stakeholders.

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30 Year Goals to 2050 … which means we would see…

1. Aotea is known as a safe haven for taonga – mana whenua have been able to • Visible and strong mana whenua presence and historical context in exercise kaitiakitanga, residents and visitors appreciate Aotea’s special value key places and frequent use of Te Ao Maori and mataurangatanga and do the ‘right thing’ while on the island in managing the natural environment 2. Few mammalian pests remain on Aotea – feral cats, ship rats and kiore have • A return to more abundant local fishery (that feeds residents and been removed; feral pigs and rabbits are at acceptable levels e.g. for harvest visitors at sustainable take levels) with appropriate enforcement 3. 30% of the marine environment is managed as no-take marine sanctuaries, • More marine life and more abundant seabirds, visible around the with locally defined rules in place for the remaining areas, including shellfish island, kina barrens have almost disappeared as crayfish, large beds snapper and hapuka return to the inshore reef ecosystems 4. Biodiversity has increased – lost species have been returned (e.g. kōkako, tīeke, • Water quality in harbours, estuaries, wetlands and streams has pōpokatea (whitehead), titi pounamu (rifleman) and seabirds are breeding on improved the main island; lizards, frogs, bats, invertebrates and freshwater fish are • Forest quality has increased as the impact of rats disappears and increasing regeneration improves (e.g. kohekohe forests in most gullies and in 5. Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility and is business as usual for residents, regenerating forests, rarely seen elsewhere) visitors and agencies – no new animal pest species are established • Increased forest cover as retired farmland continues to regenerate, 6. Estuaries, wetlands and streams are protected from climate effects, leaking with increased resilience to weather events and fire risk landfills and septic system leakage by appropriate policies, regulation and • Abundant and diverse birdlife (e.g. comparable to 1920 vs 2020) riparian management and restoration which is visible to residents and visitors 7. Aotea has a sustainable visitor industry where the visitor experience is centred • Responsible pet ownership: clear rules for where dogs can be and on the natural environment and does not adversely impact it when, few or no domestic cats

8. Aotea’s community benefits from an enhanced natural environment both • A visitor experience based on fewer sustainable, high value low economically and in terms of well-being and sustainable living. volume visits and more businesses based on the ecology (e.g. honey, mānuka products, research and education).

For further information please contact:

Kate Waterhouse, Chair, Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust (m: 021 881218)

George Perry, trustee (m: 02105508554) or Emma Waterhouse, trustee (m: 027 700 1189)

Or by email: contact.gbiet@gmail .com

Submission of Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust - 29 March 2020 6

59 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 18 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Raewyn Hutchings, Heritage Advice Manager

Subject: Heritage Management Presentation

Strategic Priority for The Conservation Board represents the community of interest in the ACB and/or DOC the work of the Department. A function of the Board is to provide advice to the Department and the NZCA on various conservation matters (section 6M Conservation Act refers). Heritage is not a specific priority for the Board in its 2019/20 work programme but the Board has a long history of interest in this area.

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of this paper and the presentation.

Context For some time the Board has been seeking information from the Department about how the Department manages heritage. This stems from: • The Board’s interest in heritage matters, particularly cultural heritage, but also other heritage sites such as Mansion House (Kawau) and Stony Batter (Waiheke) which the Board has visited; • A desire to know how the Department prioritises its work on heritage; and • Lack of information about how the Department manages the long list of “actively conserved historic places” listed in Appendix 12 of the Auckland CMS, as required under milestones included in the CMS. The Board has also expressed interest in learning more about how heritage sites in Auckland region can be given a greater profile through the Tohu Whenua programme (formerly known as Landmarks). Raewyn Hutchings is the manager of the Department’s national Heritage Advice team. She will speak to the questions that the Board has raised.

DOC-6302070 Author Raewyn Hutchings Date 20 May 2020 60 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 19 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: John Galilee, Statutory Manager

Subject: CMS Implementation Monitoring report

ACB Strategic Monitoring implementation of the Auckland Conservation Priority and/or the Management Strategy (CMS) 2014-2024 is a priority for the Relevant DOC SOI Board. The Board has a statutory function to advise the NZCA Goal and the Director-General on the implementation of CMS (section 6M of the Conservation Act 1987 refers).

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of this report; b) Provide advice to the Department on any implementation matter of interest or concern to the Board.

Context The Auckland CMS became operative in late 2014. Monitoring and advising the NZCA and the Department on matters related to implementation of the CMS is a key priority for the Board. A traffic light monitoring report is attached, showing progress towards implementing milestones identified in the CMS.

DOC-2910328 Author John Galilee Date19 May 2020 61 Auckland CMS Implementation Monitoring Report - June 2020

Milestones Description Status Progress Part 1 milestones: Treaty of Waitangi partnerships– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 5.1.2.1 Report on the satisfaction of tangata whenua with the Report not yet prepared and will be submitted in 2020. Department’s activities to assist them to maintain their → cultural relationships with taonga on public conservation Unlikely to achieve in time lands and to implement Treaty of Waitangi settlements.

Part 1 milestones: Treaty of Waitangi partnerships – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 5.1.2.2 Report on the satisfaction of tangata whenua with the Report will be submitted in 2020. Department’s activities to assist them to maintain their → cultural relationships with taonga on public conservation Unlikely to achieve in time lands and to implement Treaty of Waitangi settlements.

Part 1 milestones: The diversity of our natural heritage is maintained and restored– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 6.1.2.1 Scheduled outputs identified in approved work programmes for priority ecosystem units identified in the milestones in → Part Two and at the following sites: Kohukohunui (Hunuas), Lake Wainamu, the Cascades (Waitakere Ranges) and the Complete or on track Noises Islands. Part Two milestones include those ecosystem units which are being worked on at the time the CMS is approved.

6.1.2.2 Scheduled outputs for nationally threatened and at risk species outside priority ecosystem units for which a work → programme is underway: Bryde’s whale, copper beard orchid (Calochilus aff. Herbaceus), Māui dolphin, kōwhai ngutu-kākā/kakabeak (Clianthus puniceus), pirita/green mistletoe (Ileostylus micranthus), Leptinella rotundata, Complete or on track native musk, Maori musk (Mimulus repens), Parahebe jovellanoides, kohihi/fireweed (Senecio scaberulus), and tuturuatu/shore plover (Thinornis novaeseelandiae).

Part 1 milestones: The diversity of our natural heritage is maintained and restored – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 6.1.2.4 Report on the number of additional priority ecosystem units Complete or on track that have work programmes implemented. ↑ Report submitted to 3 June 2020 meeting. 6.1.2.5 Scheduled outputs for nationally threatened and at risk species outside priority ecosystem units for which a work Complete or on track → programme is underway 6.1.2.6 Collaborative restoration opportunities for ecosystems and threatened and at risk species identified in conjunction with → Complete or on track tangata whenua, the community and others.

6.1.2.7 Report on progress towards increases in the number and Complete or on track extent of marine protected areas. ↑ Report submitted to 3 June 2020 meeting.

Part 1 milestones: Our history is protected and brought to life– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 6.2.2.1 Heritage assessments completed and published for all actively managed historic places listed in Appendix 12. Complete or on track → 6.2.2.2 Report on the condition of the actively managed historic Unlikely to achieve in time Report will now be submitted in 2020. places listed in Appendix 12. → Part 1 milestones: Our history is protected and brought to life – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 6.2.2.3 Report on the condition of actively managed places listed in Unlikely to achieve in time Report to be submitted in 2020. Appendix 12. → 6.2.2.4 Report on progress for those sites where connecting Report to be submitted in 2020. people with the historic and cultural heritage is being Unlikely to achieve in time → actively interpreted and promoted 6.2.2.5 Collaborative historic and cultural heritage restoration opportunities identified on public conservation lands and → waters in conjunction with tangata whenua, Heritage New Unlikely to achieve in time Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the community and others.

Part 1 milestones: More people participate in recreation– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 6.3.2.1 Report on visitor satisfaction with visits to Icon and Complete or on track Gateway destinations → Report provided to February 2018 meeting. 6.3.2.2 Assessment of Icon and Gateway destinations by an accreditation scheme for excellence in the management of → Planning for assessments by an accreditation scheme (eg. Green public space completed and achieved. Flag) has not progressed. Since the CMS was approved the Redundant Department has moved away from commissioning such external assessments. Operations Managers will consider whether or not to undertake this work as part of their future work planning.

Part 1 milestones: More people participate in recreation – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 6.3.2.3 Report on visitor satisfaction with visits to Icon and Unlikely to achieve in time Report to be submitted in 2020. Gateway destinations → 6.3.2.4 Assessment of the success of Icon and Gateway Report to be submitted in 2020. destinations in increasing the number of people recreating Unlikely to achieve in time → on public conservation land. 6.3.2.5 Accreditation achieved by 2017 maintained Redundant → See comment above under 6.3.2.2.

Part 1 milestones: More people engage with conservation– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 6.4.2.1 Report on outcomes from programmes aimed at increasing engagement in conservation in Auckland including for young Complete or on track → Report provided to May 2018 meeting. people and Māori. 6.4.2.2 Report on outcomes from programmes aimed at increasing the amount of conservation achieved with others in Auckland. Complete or on track → Report provided to May 2018 meeting.

Part 1 milestones: More people engage with conservation – Completed end of Year 5 (2019)

62 Milestones Description Status Progress 6.4.2.3 Report on outcomes from programmes aimed at increasing engagement in conservation in Auckland including for young Unlikely to achieve in time → Report to be submitted in 2020. people and Māori. 6.4.2.4 Report on outcomes from programmes aimed at increasing the amount of conservation achieved with others in Auckland Unlikely to achieve in time → Report to be submitted in 2020.

Part 1 milestones: Conservation gains from business partnerships– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 6.5.2.1 Report on the conservation outcomes achieved due to conservation partnerships with businesses in the area Complete or on track → Report provided to May 2018 meeting. covered by this CMS. Part 1 milestones: Conservation gains from business partnerships – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 6.5.2.2 Report on the conservation outcomes achieved due to Report to be submitted in 2020. conservation partnerships with businesses in the area Unlikely to achieve in time → covered by this CMS

Milestones for Marine Reserves Place - Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 9.2.3.1 Report on the effectiveness of compliance and law Complete or on track enforcement in marine reserves. → Report submitted to August 2017 meeting. 9.2.3.2 Report on the implementation of the priority ecosystem unit work programme for Motu Manawa-Pollen Island. Complete or on track → Report submitted to November 2017 meeting.

9.2.3.3 Biological monitoring programme initiated to assess changes to the marine environments within marine Complete or on track → reserves. Milestones for Marine Reserves Place - Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 9.2.3.4 Report on the effectiveness of compliance and law Complete or on track enforcement in marine reserves. ↑ Report submitted to 3 June 2020 meeting. 9.2.3.5 Report on outcomes of biological monitoring programme. Complete or on track ↑ Report submitted to 3 June 2020 meeting. 9.2.3.6 Investigation into statutory protection measures for significant habitats and species in the EEZ adjacent to and Partially complete, or underway → The timing and need for an investigation is subject to outcomes between sections of the Kermadec Islands Marine with risk from the Kermadecs Ocean Sanctuary proposal. Reserve.

Milestones for Leigh Reserves Complex (Wakatūwhenua) Place – Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 10.2.3.1 Initiation of visitor monitoring programme to measure visitor satisfaction and establish the carrying capacity. → Completed. Summer rangers have been employed at the site over the past three summers. Visitor monitoring was undertaken as Complete or on track part of their work in each of the past three summers.

10.2.3.2 Initiation of biological monitoring programme to assess whether the natural character, health and ecosystem → functioning of the marine environment has been maintained Complete or on track or improved. Milestones for Leigh Reserves Complex (Wakatūwhenua) Place – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 10.2.3.4 Report on outcomes of the biological and visitor monitoring A report was submitted to the Board for its 3 June 2020 meeting. programmes. ↑ The results for the visitor monitoring programme are being evaluated Complete or on track by technical advisors. The analysis will be shared with the Board when it becomes available. Reports on the outcomes from biological research can be shared with the Board as they become available.

Milestones for Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island Place – Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 11.2.3.1 Identification of scheduled outputs in approved work → programmes for the following priority ecosystem unit within Complete or on track this Place: Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier. 11.2.3.2 Preparation and approval of joint conservation Completed. CMP approved and became operative on 2 management plan with Ngāti Manuhiri and the Auckland Complete or on track → Conservation Board. October 2017. 11.2.3.3 Investigation to bring all nature tourism visits under a concession regime. → Work on this was deferred until the Hauturu CMP was approved. The Operations Manager will give consideration to undertaking this Unlikely to achieve in time investigation when planning future work to implement the CMP. Priorities will be discussed with Ngati Manuhiri when we meet with them to discuss and agree on priorities for implementation of the CMP. 11.2.3.4 Initiation of a monitoring programme to assess the environmental impacts of visitation on the resources and → Work on this is was deferred until the Hauturu CMP was values of the island approved. The CMP provides additional policy guidance which is Unlikely to achieve in time relevant to planning a monitoring programme. The Operations Manager will give consideration to undertaking this monitoring when planning future work to implement the CMP in consultation with Ngati Manuhiri. Milestones for Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island Place – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 11.2.3.5 Report on the outcomes of visitor monitoring programme. Unlikely to achieve in time → See 11.2.3.3 for explanation.

Milestones for Kermadec Islands Place – Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 12.2.3.1 Identification of scheduled outputs in approved work plans for the following priority ecosystem units located in this → Myrtle rust was discovered on Raoul Island in March 2017 Complete or on track Place: Macauley Island and Raoul Island Group. which is likely to have some impact on the approved work plan into the future. 12.2.3.2 Heritage assessments for actively managed historic sites on Raoul Island. Complete or on track → The myrtle rust discovery may impact on the management of some historic sites (mainly historical trees). 12.2.3.3 Investigation to increase involvement of non-governmental organisations in outcomes for Kermadec Islands. → The timing for undertaking an investigation continues to be Unlikely to achieve in time under review as a result of sensitivities arising from the Kermadecs Ocean Sanctuary proposal. Milestones for Kermadec Islands Place – Completed end of Year 5 (2019)

63 Milestones Description Status Progress 12.2.3.4 Review of plant pest control programme. Partially complete, or underway with risk →

Milestones for Mokohinau Islands Place – Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 13.2.3.1 Scheduled outputs identified in approved work programmes for the following priority ecosystem unit located in this Complete or on track → Quarterly rodent tracking tunnels taking place. "No landing Place: Mokohinau Group. Nature Reserve" signs replaced where missing. 13.2.3.3 Initiation of discussions to secure scenic reserve status for the area of Burgess Island (Pokohinu) administered by → A project team has assessed the existing level of protection on Maritime New Zealand. Unlikely to achieve in time the Maritime New Zealand land and what level of protection is required in the future. Discussions with Maritime New Zealand have not yet been initiated. 13.2.3.4 Review of options to increase protection for Burgess Island (Pokohinu) and implementation of agreed actions. → A project team has been established to consider protection Unlikely to achieve in time needs for Burgess Island. This work is still in progress.

Milestones for Mokohinau Islands Place – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 13.2.3.5 Classification of lighthouse reserve on Burgess Island (Pokohinu) as a scenic reserve. Unlikely to achieve in time → A project team has been established to consider protection needs for Burgess Island. This work is still in train. 13.2.3.6 Investigation into the addition of foreshore areas around Not started. This will be looked at as part of the broader Burgess Island (Pokohinu). Unlikely to achieve in time → programe of work around land status. 13.2.3.7 Review of biosecurity monitoring to determine whether Work has been initiated to develop a biosecurity plan for the natural values on Burgess Island (Pokohinu) are sufficiently → Unlikely to achieve in time protected. island. Whether this is sufficient to protect its enhanced values will be considered. 13.2.3.8 Installation of interpretation on Burgess Island (Pokohinu). Unlikely to achieve in time → Not started.

Milestones for Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) Place – Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 14.2.3.1 Scheduled outputs identified in approved work programmes for the following priority ecosystem units located in this → Complete or on track Place: Mount Young and Northern Great Barrier.

14.2.3.2 Identification of sites for intensive pest management to ensure the recovery and persistence of threatened species. → The Aotea Conservation Park Advisory Committee has identified priority areas for intensive pest control in the park. The Department Complete or on track intends to support the Gt Barrier Local Board's "Ecology Vision" process which has involved a high level of community input.

14.2.3.3 Heritage assessments for all actively managed historic sites on Great Barrier Island. → Remaining sites awaiting assessments forwarded to historic Unlikely to achieve in time technical staff for feedback. New staff have been appointed to the technical team, and a plan will be developed with them to undertake this work. 14.2.3.4 Successful eradication of rats from Rakitu Island. Complete or on track → Bait applications have been completed. Post operation monitoring is underway but no rats have been detected to date. 14.2.3.6 Report on the technical feasibility of returning k kako to ō Complete or on track Great Barrier Island. → Completed. Technical feasability report prepared. 14.2.3.7 Establishment of a monitoring programme to assess the effects of camping activity in Te Paparahi. Complete or on track → Informal monitoring occurring and documented by way of file notes Milestones for Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) Place – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 14.2.3.8 Return of North Island kōkako to Te Paparahi. → A number of complex issues including pest control options will Unlikely to achieve in time need to be addressed if this is to be achieved. The project has been on hold since the original project manager passed away.

14.2.3.9 Sustained control of plant pests that disrupt ecosystem processes and threaten indigenous species in Te Paparahi. Complete or on track → Provision has been made in the business plan for 19/20 to undertake weed work in Te Paparahi. 14.2.3.10 Report on the outcome of monitoring programme on the Unlikely to achieve in time Report will now be submitted in 2020. effects of camping activity in Te Paparahi. → 14.2.3.11 Mountain biking trial on Harataonga Track, with results of monitoring evaluated and decision made on whether → Mountain biking is currently occuring on the track although not as Partially complete, or underway mountain biking use will be permanently allowed. a formal trial. Ongoing monitoring of the existing activity will be with risk undertaken. Discussions will need to be held with Auckland Council as most of the walkway runs over their land.

Milestones for Kaipara Harbour-Te Arai/Pakiri Place – Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 15.2.3.1 Regulations/bylaws to control motorised vehicle use gazetted. → The work required to put regulations and/or bylaws in place will take a number of years to achieve. It will involve working with multiple partners to ensure that whatever DOC does is part of a well co- Unlikely to achieve in time ordinated strategy. This work is still at an early stage and requires dedicated resource which is not yet in place. This work will extend beyond the end of 2017. In the meantime DOC works with other agencies and partners as opportunities arise, including scheduled compliance work. 15.2.3.2 Opportunities to increase public access to the South Kaipara Air Weapons Range explored with the New → The Department is working on developing an MOU with the NZ Zealand Defence Force. Partially complete, or underway Defence Force about management of the air weapons range. Public with risk access issues will be considered as part of this work. This work is still ongoing.

Milestones for Kaipara Harbour-Te Arai/Pakiri Place – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 15.2.3.3 Public conservation land at Papakanui and Okahukura The work required to change land classification status takes a reclassified. → number of years to achieve. The priority for this particular Unlikely to achieve in time reclassification proposal will be determined under a national programme which is under development. Advice from the NZCA and Conservation Boards is being considered as part of this work.

64 Milestones Description Status Progress

Milestones for Kawau Island Place - Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 16.2.3.1 Heritage assessments for all actively managed historic Complete or on track sites on Kawau → 16.2.3.2 Partial review of the conservation plans → The conservation plans were reviewed as part of the work to Complete or on track develop an issues and options paper for the future management of the site (see 16.2.3.5). The review found that the plans are still relevant and fit for purpose. 16.2.3.4 Consents obtained and planning completed for the logging of old growth pines → The Department has made a decision to not log the forest, except where individual trees need to be removed for public safety. Redundant The main driver for this decision was the estimated cost of restoring and managing the land post-harvest.

16.2.3.5 A 20% increase in visitor numbers to Mansion House Valley since 2012/13 → The Department has partnered with the Mansion House Foundation who commissioned an issues and options investigation for Unlikely to achieve in time the future of Mansion House and its grounds. Visitor numbers are among the matters that this investigation has considered. The report is completed and iwi consultation is now underway before finalising the issues and options paper. Milestones for Kawau Island Place - Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 16.2.3.6 Logged areas replanted with indigenous forest and Redundant historically appropriate exotic trees. → See 16.2.3.4. 16.2.3.7 Options for the use of Mansion House identified and Complete or on track implemented. → See 16.2.3.5.

Milestones for Motuora Island Place - Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 17.2.3.1 Interpretation installed about the history of the island → Discussions with iwi about management of the island, Unlikely to achieve in time including interpretation, has been deferred while Treaty settlement outcomes for the island are worked through.

Milestones for Motuora Island Place - Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 17.2.3.2 Motuora Island reclassified. → Reclassification of the island has not commenced. The Unlikely to achieve in time Minister's priority for reclassifications is focussed on stewardship land, so reclassifying an existing reserve does not have priority at present.

Milestones for Tiritiri Matangi Island Place – Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 18.2.3.1 Establishment of monitoring programme to assess the impacts of visitation on the natural values of the island and → The new Senior Visitor Advisor is creating a visitor survery to the quality of the visitor experience. Partially complete, or underway be undertaken on the island over the 20/21 summer with risk

18.2.3.3 Report on the condition of actively conserved historic sites Unlikely to achieve in time Report will now be submitted in 2020. on Tiritiri Matangi. → 18.2.3.4 Restoration and interpretation of the lighthouse complex. → The Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi have committed a significant amount of resources towards restoring some of the buildings and installing interpretation. A concession has been granted to the Complete or on track Supporters to build a small museum in the historic complex. Resource consents have run into significant obstacles and are currently being addressed by SoTM.

18.2.3.5 Investigation into the need for an additional track between the wharf and the lighthouse complex and decisions made → Creation of a new track would only be done as a last resort, if on whether an additional track is required. Complete or on track crowding was severe on the the existing track network. The Department is not aware of crowding issues at present.

18.2.3.6 Report on the outcomes of visitor monitoring programme Unlikely to achieve in time → See 18.2.3.1. Report will be submitted in 2021.

Milestones for Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands Place– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 19.2.3.1 Scheduled outputs identified in approved work programmes for the following priority ecosystems located in this Place: Complete or on track → Rangitoto Island. 19.2.3.2 Assessment of which roads and tracks on Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands may be suitable for concessionaire- → Some assessment has been possible due to the annual DUAL guided mountain biking and what conditions of use may be multisport event, under which mountain bikes are permitted on some required. Partially complete, or underway roads and tracks. Further assessment of suitable roads and tracks with risk will be undertaken as part of preparatory work on the Motu Plan (CMP) when that project commences. A fresh archaeological survey of the island is nearing completion that will also provide information to be considered.

19.2.3.3 Commence preparation of the Tāmaki Makaurau Motu plan → Progress is dependant on agreement being reached between the Department, the Board, and the Tupuna Taonga Trust about the Unlikely to achieve in time project structure and resourcing. The Trust has written to the Department setting out its concerns. The Department has submitted a breifing to the Minister. Milestones for Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands Place– Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 19.2.3.5 New multi-day walking experience on the islands delivered in partnership with tangata whenua and others. → The Ngai Tai ki Tamaki Tribal Trust holds a concession to Complete or on track undertake half day guided walks, under the Te Haerenga banner (see www.tehaerenga.nz). While not a multi-day experience, that may be part of a future offering by the iwi.

65 Milestones Description Status Progress 19.2.3.6 All waterways fenced off. → The Department set aside funding in 18/19 for fencing a waterways. A detailed Business Case is now being prepared to draw down this funding in agreement with Ngai Tai witha view to Unlikely to achieve in time undertaking the work in 20/21. Environmental and management plans for the farm have been prepared, and they identify which areas require fencing but still need good management of stock over winter months to avoid adverse effects.

19.2.3.7 Investigation into provision of a small scale campground at This will be considered as part of the development of the Motu either McKenzie Bay or Boulder Bay Unlikely to achieve in time → Plan. 19.2.3.8 Approval of Tāmaki Makaurau Motu plan by Auckland See 19.2.3.3. Conservation Board and Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Unlikely to achieve in time → Makaurau. 19.2.3.9 Decision on whether or not to allow a concessionaire- Completed. A decision was made to allow a concessionaire-guided guided mountain bike trial. ↑ mountain bike trial D182of Rangitoto and Motutapu islands in December 2019 with the granting of a concession to Te Haerenga o Ngai Tai ki Tamaki Ltd for guided mountain biking, guided e-biking, guided walking and overnight camping on Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve, Nga Pona-Toru-a-Peretu Scenic Reserve & Motutapu Island Complete or on track Recreation Reserve. The concession was granted for an initial term of three years to allow for the effects of guided mountain biking and e- biking on the islands to be monitored, as per Auckland CMS policy 19.2.2.10. Should monitoring of this concession conclude that it may continue, the concessionaire may apply for one right of renewal of 7 years. .

Milestones for Motuihe Island/Te Motu-a-Ihenga Place– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 20.2.3.1 Investigation into the condition of the Motuihe wharf and identification of options for its future management. → A review of options for the wharf has been completed. A Complete or on track business case has now been prepared for the replacement of the wharf by end of 2021. The wharf is currently closed to all use.

20.2.3.2 Research to understand visitor use and barriers to visitation → Formal research has not been commissioned but anecdotal Partially complete, or underway evidence is that the absence of a regular ferry service is the greatest with risk deterrant for visitors. A trial service was provided by a ferry company over the period 26 Dec 18 - 16 Jan 19 to test demand which proved popular. 20.2.3.3 Commence preparation of the Tāmaki Makaurau motu plan → Progress is dependant on agreement being reached between the Department, the Board, and the Tupuna Taonga Trust about the Unlikely to achieve in time project structure and resourcing. The Trust has written to the Department setting out its concerns. The Department has submitted a briefing to the Minister. Milestones for Motuihe Island/Te Motu-a-Ihenga Place– Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 20.2.3.4 Seabird population successfully re-established Complete or on track → The Motuihe Trust has deployed loudspeakers to try and attract seabirds to breed on the island. 20.2.3.5 Visitor centre established in conjunction with the Motuihe The Motuihe Trust has been investigating options for a visitor Trust or other partners. → Unlikely to achieve in time centre for a number of years. The Trust has developed plans for a visitor centre sited at the former Surgeon's Cottage. 20.2.3.6 Report on the outcomes from collaboration with tangata whenua, Auckland Council, the Motuihe Trust and others to → Work to investigate options for increasing visitor numbers is Unlikely to achieve in time investigate opportunities for increasing visitor numbers to likely to be considered in the context of developing the Motu Plan. Motuihe. See 20.3.3.3. 20.2.3.7 Report on outcomes from visitor use programme and Unlikely to achieve in time Report to be submitted in 2020. management actions identified. → 20.2.3.8 Interpretation installed Unlikely to achieve in time → Work is underway to scope visitor interpretaton options for delivery on the 21/22 financial year 20.2.3.9 Approval of Tāmaki Makaurau motu plan by Auckland See 20.3.3.3. Conservation Board and Tūpuna Taonga o Tāmaki → Makaurau Trust Ltd. Unlikely to achieve in time

Milestones for Browns Island (Motukorea) Place– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 21.2.3.1 Commence preparation of the Tāmaki Makaurau motu plan. → The island has been returned to the administration of Auckland Redundant Council. As a result the island cannot be included under the Motu Plan (CMP), as different legal provisions for management planning now apply. Milestones for Browns Island (Motukorea) Place– Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 21.2.3.2 Approval of Tāmaki Makaurau motu plan by Auckland See 21.2.3.1. Conservation Board and Tūpuna Taonga o Tāmaki Redundant → Makaurau Trust Ltd.

Milestones for Coastal Defence Historic Reserves Place– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 22.2.3.1 Report on the quality of the visitor experience provided at Stony Batter Historic Reserve and actions to improve the → A decision was made in May 2020 to grant a concession to visitor experience identified. Stony Batter Heritage Park Ltd to undertake guiding and associated activities at Stony Batter Historic Reserve, including guiding in the Partially complete, or underway tunnuels which are currently closed. The granting of a concession with risk allowing for the tunnels at Stony Batter to be open to the public is expected to improve the visitor experience of this site. Monitoring of this concession will include monitoring the quality of the visitor experience over the next three years. Milestones for Coastal Defence Historic Reserves Place– Completed end of Year 5 (2019)

66 Milestones Description Status Progress 22.2.3.2 Implementation of actions to improve the quality of the visitor experience provided at Stony Batter Historic Partially complete, or underway → Visitor safety and site improvements are being undertaking in Reserve. with risk preparation of the site opening again to the public in 2020.

Milestones for Firth of Thames/Tīkapa Moana Wetland Place– Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 23.2.3.1 Three-yearly report on progress and achievements to Ramsar Convention Secretariat. → Completed in 2014. A further report is being currently being prepared by a consultant and will be available in the coming months. Complete or on track

23.2.3.3 The Department’s contribution to the implementation of the spartina control programme, and options for saltwater → The Hauraki Office has contributed funds to the Spartina control paspalum investigated, in conjunction with Waikato program since 2014. Waikato Regional Council will commit funds in Regional Council Complete or on track the 2017/18 year for a five year period and commit to a joint eradication plan. The plan will aim to have all Spartina eradicated by 2022/2023. Milestones for Firth of Thames/Tīkapa Moana Wetland Place– Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 23.2.3.4 Legal status of Miranda Taramaire Government Purpose Wildlife Reserve has been reviewed and changed as Unlikely to achieve in time → appropriate. 23.2.3.5 Report to East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership. Complete or on track →

Part 3 milestones: – Completed end of Year 3 (2017) 24.18.1.1 Stock take of unauthorised private accommodation and related buildings. → A partial stocktake has been undertaken, especially for areas Unlikely to achieve in time around the Kaipara Harbour. A comprehensive stocktake for all public conservation land in the region has not yet been completed.

24.18.1.2 Review of Marine Mammal Tourism Site Plan for Auckland. → Work on a review of the Site Plan, which sets out some critical Unlikely to achieve in time parameters and outcomes for the marine mammal watching industry in the Hauraki Gulf to assist decision makers, has recently been initiated. The work is ongoing. Part 3 milestones: – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 24.18.1.3 Review of mountain biking opportunities available on public conservation land in Auckland. Unlikely to achieve in time →

24.18.1.4 Bylaws and regulations over public conservation lands and waters (including departmental wharves) reviewed Unlikely to achieve in time →

67 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 20 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: John Galilee, Statutory Manager

Subject: CMS Milestones reporting

ACB Strategic The Board has a statutory function to advise the New Zealand Priority and/or the Conservation Authority and the Director-General of Conservation Relevant DOC SOI on the implementation of the Auckland Conservation Goal Management Strategy (CMS) 2014-2024 (section 6M Conservation Act 1987 refers). Monitoring the implementation of the CMS is a priority for the Board in its work programme for 2019-2020.

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of this report; b) Note the updated schedule for providing reports where required by Year 5 milestones in the Auckland CMS. c) Note the first set of reports attached.

Context Monitoring implementation of the CMS is a key priority for the Board. The CMS contains milestones designed to identify key pieces of work or activity that, if achieved, would mark progress towards implementation of the CMS. Milestones were set for Year 3 (due end 2017), Year 5 (due end 2019) and Year 10 (due end 2024). This report sets out an updated schedule of reporting to the Board for those Year 5 milestones where the milestone is given effect to by submitting a report to the Board. As with the Year 3 reports, it is proposed to schedule the submission of these across several Board meetings to spread the required work across a reasonable timeframe. As the agenda for the meeting on 28 February 2020 was very full, the Chair made a decision to defer receipt of the first set of reports, hence the need to provide an updated schedule. All reports have been pushed back to the subsequent meeting. The updated schedule is attached, along with the first set of reports. Members should note that the Board has previously agreed that these reports need only be relatively short, and the Department has prepared this new set of reports with that in mind.

DOC-6271790 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 68

Meeting Place / function Year 5 milestone

Aug 2020 Treaty of Waitangi partnerships 5.1.2.2 report on satisfaction of tangata whenua with the Department’s activities to assist them to maintain their cultural relationships with taonga on public conservation lands and to implement Treaty of Waitangi settlements

Jun 2020 Natural heritage 6.1.2.4 report on the number of additional priority ecosystem units that have work

programmes implemented

Jun 2020 Natural heritage 6.1.2.7 report on progress towards increases in the number and extent of marine protected areas

Nov 2020 Our history 6.2.2.1 report on the condition of actively managed places listed in Appendix 12 [of the CMS]

Nov 2020 History 6.2.2.4 report on progress for those sites where connecting people with historic and cultural heritage is being actively interpreted and promoted

Aug 2020 Recreation 6.3.2.3 report on visitor satisfaction with visits to Icon and Gateway destinations

Aug 2020 Engagement 6.4.2.3 report on outcomes from programmes aimed at increasing engagement in conservation in Auckland including for young people and Māori

Aug 2020 Engagement 6.4.2.4 report on outcomes from programmes aimed at increasing the amount of conservation achieved with others in Auckland

Aug 2020 Business partnerships 6.5.2.2 report on the conservation outcomes achieved due to conservation partnerships with businesses in the area covered by the CMS

Jun 2020 Marine reserves 9.2.3.4 report on the effectiveness of compliance and law enforcement in marine reserves

Jun 2020 Marine reserves 9.2.3.5 report on outcomes of the biological monitoring programme

Jun 2020 Leigh Reserves Complex 10.2.3.4 report on outcomes of the (Wakatūwhenua) biological monitoring programme

Aug 2020 Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier) 11.2.3.5 report on the outcomes of the visitor monitoring programme

DOC-6271790 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 69 Meeting Place / function Year 5 milestone

Aug 2020 Great Barrier Island (Aotea) 14.2.3.10 report on outcome of the monitoring programme on the effects of camping activity in Te Paparahi

Nov 2020 Tiritiri Matangi 18.2.3.3 report on the condition of actively conserved historic sites on Tiritiri Matangi

Aug 2020 Tiritiri Matangi 18.2.3.6 report on outcomes of the visitor monitoring programme

Aug 2020 Motuihe Island (Te Motu-a- 20.2.3.6 report on the outcomes from Ihenga) collaboration with tangata whenua, Auckland Council, the Motuihe Trust and others to investigate opportunities for increasing visitor numbers to Motuihe

Aug 2020 Motuihe Island (Te Motu-a- 20.2.3.7 report on outcomes from visitor Ihenga) use programme and management actions identified

DOC-6271790 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 70

Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 20 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Operations District: All of Region Manager: Dave Smith

Place/function: Ecosystems

Milestone: 6.1.2.4 report on the number of additional priority ecosystem units that have work programmes implemented

Due: 2020 Traffic light status: Green

Context: The 2014 CMS listed 21 priority ecosystem sites for Auckland Region. At that time the region included the Kermadec group. There are no clear criteria to define ‘work programmes implemented’ for 2014. It is very likely that all 21 sites had some form of expenditure and management; at the least, this would cover programmes for island biosecurity or mainland deer or goat control, and often animal or weed pest control.

Since 2014 the national ecosystem priority lists have expanded by about 30%. There are 10 additional Auckland ecosystem sites.

The table below lists the 2014 and current sites, and a summary of the key work occurring. Where work is described as ‘ongoing’ it means that similar work was likely occurring in 2014. The five Auckland marine reserves are not listed but also have programmes implemented with respect to compliance, monitoring and advocacy.

Priority ecosystems as at 2014 Pollen Island Ongoing weed control. Community animal pest control in surrounding area. Hauturu/Little Barrier Island Ongoing weed and biosecurity programmes. Macauley Island Now managed by NNI Region. Ongoing programmes. Raoul Island (Rangitāhua) Now managed by NNI Region. Ongoing programmes. Mokohinau Islands Ongoing island biosecurity. Ongoing weed control. Mount Young Ongoing wilding pine & pampas control. Hirikimatā–Kaitoke Animal pest control programme around summit was done once pre-2014, now annual. Significant kauri protection works since 2014. Ongoing Kaitoke weed control. Northern Great Barrier Ongoing weed control Lake Rototoa Ongoing community terrestrial animal pest control and weed control. Papakanui/Waionui Ongoing animal pest and weed control.

DOC-6271790 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 71 Rangitoto Island Ongoing biosecurity and weed control. Tamahunga Ecological Area Ongoing ungulate and weed control, fencing, and community animal pest control. Omaha Taniko wetland forest Predator fenced. Community pest control since 2014. Lake Wainamu Auckland Council managed site. Pest fish removal programme. Weed control. The Cascades (Waitakeres) Auckland Council managed site. Community pest control programme for kokako. North Manukau Head aka Auckland Council managed site. Whatipu Mataitai Forest Aerial rat and possum control programme since 2014. Ongoing goat and deer control. Ongoing fencing. Kohukohunui (Hunua) Auckland Council managed site. Aerial rat and possum control programme since 2014. Ongoing deer and goat control Mangatawhiri–Vinings Aerial rat and possum control programme since 2014. Ongoing goat and deer control. Ongoing fencing. Takatu Road (now a species site, Tawharanui) Lake Puketi (now Hauraki -Waikato-Taranaki Region) Tomarata Lake Auckland Council managed site. Renewed iwi-led programme since 2014 for catchment work including fencing. DOC supported. Te Ahumata Mostly Auckland Council managed site. Rakitu Island Rat eradication operation in 2018. The Noises Islands Private land. Ongoing assistance with weed control and biosecurity South Kaipara Covenants No programme implemented. Whangapoua Ongoing animal pest control (rabbits, cats, pukeko). Ongoing weed control. Wetland restoration. Te Henga Wetland Auckland Council managed site. Part of regional ungulate programme. Okura Bush SR Ongoing weed control. Community group animal pest control. DOC possum operation and kauri dieback track work since 2014. Okahuiti Creek No programme implemented Hoteo & Mahurangi Rivers New programme started 2019.

DOC-6271790 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 72

Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 20 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Operations District: Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland Manager: Kirsty Prior

Place/function: The diversity of our natural heritage is maintained and restored.

Milestone: 6.1.2.7: Report on progress towards increases in the number and extent of marine protected areas.

Due: 2019 Traffic light status: Green

To date there has been no progress on the establishment of any new marine protected areas in the Auckland region.

Explanation: Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari: Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan is expected to set the direction for future marine protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana, which includes all marine waters on the east coast of the Auckland region and extends down the east coast of the Coromandel.

It is recognised that the Hauraki Gulf is under significant pressure, with a marked decline in its mauri, environmental quality and abundance of resources.

In 2013, the Sea Change project was established to act to reverse this decline. After preparation by a 14-member multi-sector Stakeholder Working Group and targeted engagement with the community and iwi, Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari: Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan was approved in December 2016.

The non-statutory plan proposes over 180 recommended actions spread across 16 themes. Theme 5 relates to the protection, enhancement and restoration of marine habitats, and includes the following objectives: • “Identify and establish new marine protected areas (including marine reserves, special management areas and ahu moana areas) following consultation processes with mana whenua, local communities and stakeholder groups. • Identify and restore ecologically significant habitats throughout the Park including bivalve beds.”

Thirteen new marine protected areas are proposed in the plan, as well as the extension of two existing marine reserves, Cape Rodney to Okakari Point (also known as Goat Island or Leigh) and Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve in Hahei in the Coromandel.

In July 2019, the Ministers of Conservation and Fisheries appointed a Ministerial Advisory Committee, which will have a key role in implementing the Sea Change plan. The Committee will be involved in helping shape the Government’s response to the various proposals in the Sea Change plan.

The Ministers of Conservation and Fisheries have initiated the development of a Government Response Strategy to the Sea Change plan. Once completed, the Strategy will set out the next steps the Government will take to support the delivery of the Sea Change

DOC-6271790 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 73 plan. Consultation with Treaty partners and targeted stakeholders is currently underway on the Government’s Response Strategy.

A draft of the Government’s Response Strategy will be delivered to the two Ministers in July 2020.

DOC-6271790 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 74

Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 20 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Operations District: Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland Manager: Kirsty Prior

Place/function: Marine Reserves

Milestone: 9.2.3.1 report on effectiveness of compliance and law enforcement in marine reserves

Due: 2019 Traffic light status: Green

Current state: The Department has undertaken several prosecutions for offences in marine reserves since August 2017 (when last reported to the board). Including the 2017/2018 financial year from August 2017 until March 2020, 121 offences have been reported and responded to. Note that not all these offences result in prosecution.

Offences: Cape Rodney-Okakari Point (CROP) Marine Reserve 8 Long Bay–Okura Marine Reserve 59 Te Matuku Marine Reserve 36 Tāwharanui Marine Reserve 18 Motu Manawa-Pollen Island Marine Reserve 0 (1 investigation pending)

Explanation: The Department has maintained a regular presence in all five marine reserves within the Auckland Region (CROP, Tāwharanui, Te Matuku, Long Bay–Okura, and Motu Manawa- Pollen Island). A full-time ranger is dedicated to marine work and compliance. Between 3-5 summer rangers are hired to cover all 5 marine reserves over the summer months when the public are most active. 5 honorary (volunteer) officers have been warranted to provide compliance at CROP, Long Bay and Tāwharanui. The Department relies on the public to report offences via 0800 DOCHOT.

It is difficult to assess the “effectiveness” of this work. Less offending could mean more awareness but could also mean less effective patrols or people being more cunning.

The Auckland marine reserves brochure has been simplified and translated into multiple languages. New interactive signage has been placed at strategic locations and part of our advocacy campaign involves giving out ‘boaty bags’, radio advertising, influencer videos and sharing the marine mate app which includes marine reserve locations on its map.

Proposed actions to achieve milestone: Continue to maintain dedicated marine ranger resource to patrol marine reserves, supported by honorary rangers and a dedicated communications framework.

As a result of changes to conservation legislation, the Department is rolling out an infringement system which provides better tools for enforcement work. This will include use of a national database and the addition of infringement fines.

DOC-6271790 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 75

Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 20 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Operations District: Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland Manager: Kirsty Prior

Place/function: Marine Reserves

Milestone: 9.2.3.5 report on outcomes of the biological monitoring programme for marine reserves in Tāmaki Makaurau

Due: 2019 Traffic light status: Green

Current state: Marine Reserves in the Tāmaki Makaurau include: Motu Manawa-Pollen Island, Tāwharanui Marine Reserve (TMR), Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (CROP), Te Matuku Marine Reserve and Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve (LBO)

In addition to the biological monitoring programs described in Milestone 10.2.3.4 (see separate report) biological monitoring being undertaken in Tāmaki Makaurau Marine Reserves includes: collection of arthropods and beach-cast seaweed (LBO, TMR, & CROP, 2017-2020), tracking koura (rock lobster) movements (TMR & CROP, Dec 2017 - 2020), intertidal and subtidal of monitoring of sediment in Karepiro Bay (LBO, Feb 2014 – Mar 2020 & April 2014 – Dec 2018) and turbidity, temperature and salinity monitoring (LOB, May – Aug 2018).

Explanation: Tracking lobster at TMR and CROP to determine population dynamics, nutritional condition and movement behaviours within the marine reserve, with a broad aim to better understand reasons behind population declines.

The purpose of monitoring turbidity, temperature and salinity at LBO was to allow Auckland Council to examine the connectivity between catchment-based land use activities and potential impacts within the marine environment.

Note: Reports have not been received to date for these research permits that would describe the results of the above biological monitoring programs.

Proposed actions to achieve milestone: Continue to support suitable research applications that undertake biological monitoring in Tāmaki Makaurau Marine Reserves and follow up on reporting requirements for permits within the Marine Reserves.

There are also plans to work closer with the universities to increase monitoring at marine reserves in Tāmaki.

DOC-6271790 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 76

Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 20 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Operations District: Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland Manager: Kirsty Prior

Place/function: Marine Reserves

Milestone: 10.2.3.4 report on outcomes of the biological monitoring programme Leigh Reserves Complex (Wakatūwhenua)

Due: 2019 Traffic light status: Green

Current state: A range of biological monitoring within the Leigh Reserves Complex (Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve) is currently undertaken by the University of Auckland and includes surveys; to track koura (rock lobster) movements (Dec 2017 - 2020), continuous monitoring of salinity, temperature, organic matter, transmittance, and fluorescence, current and bottom profiling and plankton sampling (Sep 2014 – May 2019), tracking tāmure/snapper (Jan 2019 – Dec 2020), sampling of intertidal encrusting bryozoans (Dec – 2019)

Explanation: Tracking lobster to determine population dynamics, nutritional condition and movement behaviours within the marine reserve, with a broad aim to better understand reasons behind population declines.

Purpose of tracking tāmure/snapper is to understand if the distribution and density of potential diet items influencing tāmure/snapper movements and ultimately understand how tāmure/snapper movements may respond if reserve boundaries are changed.

The purpose of sampling intertidal bryozoans is to determine the diversity and abundance within the marine reserve.

Note: Reports have not been received to date for these research permits that would describe the results of the above biological monitoring programs.

Proposed actions to achieve milestone: Continue to support suitable research applications that undertake biological monitoring in the and follow up on reporting requirements for permits within the CROP.

Surveys of recreational use have been undertaken over the previous 3 summer periods to understand the capacity of the marine reserve. This is currently being assessed by national office.

DOC-6271790 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 77 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 21 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: John Galilee, Statutory Manager

Subject: CMS Supplementary Milestones

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of this paper; b) Agree to adopt the schedule of supplementary milestones to support monitoring implementation of the Auckland CMS, for those milestones in the CMS that do not provide sufficient detail.

Context At its meeting on 12 February 2019 the Board agreed to develop indicative (= supplementary) milestones for monitoring the Department’s performance across a number of areas, to assist the Board’s monitoring of implementation of the CMS. This followed on from the substantive report the Board prepared in 2018 about progress towards implementation of the CMS. At its meeting on 13 November 2019 a set of possible supplementary milestones, based on milestones in the new Wellington CMS, was considered by the Board. It was agreed that these would be reviewed by the Chair and Operations Director, and a revised set of measures be agreed for referral back to the full Board for adoption. In parallel with this work, the Board has also adopted a set of indicator species to monitor the Department’s management of threatened species in the Auckland region, which was the Board’s initial priority area of focus. See separate report under agenda item 16.

DOC-6299735 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 78 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 21 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: John Galilee, Statutory Manager

Subject: Conservation Management Strategy milestones – supplementary milestones

Background/Introduction 1. Monitoring and advising on the implementation of the Auckland CMS is an important priority for the Board. The Board has a statutory function to advise on the implementation of the CMS, and this forms the legal basis for the Board’s role. The Board also represents the interests of Treaty partners and the wider public. Monitoring how the CMS is implemented as one way by which the Board can ensure that the “handshake with the community” that the CMS represents is given effect to. 2. The Board has taken an increasing interest in looking beyond the set of milestones that are set out in the CMS. Milestones are designed to identify key pieces of work or activity that together provide a means by which to measure and monitor overall progress towards implementation of the policy objectives of the CMS. However, with experience and the passage of time the Board has identified that a number of the milestones are not “fit for purpose”. 3. The Board pointed towards some of the issues it had experienced with the milestones in its substantive report prepared in 2018 reviewing overall progress towards implementing the CMS during the first three years since its approval in 2014.

Details/Comment 4. There are a number of repeating issues with the set of milestones in the Auckland CMS, however the majority of the milestones remain fit for purpose and continue to provide a useful means for monitoring progress. 5. At the 13 November 2019 meeting, the Department tabled a list of proposed “supplementary milestones” for a number of the Year 3 and Year 5 milestones that were not considered fit for purpose and require additional specificity to provide better clarity and purpose, and identity actual tasks that can then be reported against. The Department had worked with the Chair to assess the milestones, looking at the Year 3 and Year 5 milestones. Year 10 milestones will be assessed at a future point. 6. The intention was that the “supplementary milestones” will enable the Board to more readily monitor implementation of the relevant policies and outcomes. The new Wellington CMS (2019) was a useful source for the proposed supplementary milestones. 7. At the 13 November 2019 meeting the Board agreed that the Chair and Operations Director would review the proposed supplementary milestones and bring a revised set back to the Board for adoption. That review has now been undertaken and the Chair and Operations Director have jointly agreed to the revised list.

DOC-6299735 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 79 8. The revised set of supplementary milestones is attached for consideration and adoption by the Board (Attachment 1). 9. The Board should be mindful that any supplementary milestones will have not have any legal status, as they are not contained in the operative Auckland CMS. If the Board adopts supplementary milestones, that should be framed as of the setting out of more specific tasks or measures to assist with monitoring implementation of the relevant milestone in the statutory document.

Section 4 Conservation Act 10. A number of the milestones refer to how the Department works with Treaty partners, and these are examples of those milestones where supplementary milestones were considered to be necessary.

Conclusion 11. Identification and adoption of supplementary milestones will serve to address some of the concerns held by the Board about how it can effectively monitor and advise on implementation of the CMS.

Attachment 1. Table of milestones with proposed supplementary milestones.

DOC-6299735 Author John Galilee Date 19 May 2020 80 Auckland CMS Implementation Monitoring Report - April 2020 - revised supplementary milestones

Milestones Description Status Progress Part 1 milestones: Treaty of Waitangi partnerships – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 5.1.2.2 Report on the satisfaction of tangata whenua with the Report will be submitted in 2020. Department’s activities to assist them to maintain their ↓ cultural relationships with taonga on public conservation lands and to implement Treaty of Waitangi settlements. Agreed supplementary milestones: a) Developed mutually agreed processes for identifying projects of significance to PSGEs and tangata whenua. Unlikely to achieve in time b) Prioritised projects of significance to PSGEs and tangata whenua. c) Progress made on projects of significance to PSGEs and tangata whenua.

Part 1 milestones: The diversity of our natural heritage is maintained and restored – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 6.1.2.4 Report on the number of additional priority ecosystem units Report will be submitted in 2020. that have work programmes implemented. ↓ Agreed supplementary milestone: a) Undertaken work in priority ecosystem units that are Unlikely to achieve in time not within Places, which has maintained or improved the ecological functioning of these units.

6.1.2.5 Scheduled outputs for nationally threatened and at risk species outside priority ecosystem units for which a work → programme is underway: Bryde’s whale, copper beard orchid (Calochilus aff. Herbaceus), Māui dolphin, kōwhai ngutu-kākā/kakabeak (Clianthus puniceus), pirita/green mistletoe (Ileostylus micranthus), Leptinella rotundata, native musk, Maori musk (Mimulus repens), Parahebe Complete or on track jovellanoides, kohihi/fireweed (Senecio scaberulus), and tuturuatu/shore plover (Thinornis novaeseelandiae). Agreed supplementary milestone: a) Increased the security of the threatened species listed.

6.1.2.6 Collaborative restoration opportunities for ecosystems and threatened and at risk species identified in conjunction with → tangata whenua, the community and others. Agreed supplementary milestone: Complete or on track a) Supported the following projects: [projects to be identified]

Part 1 milestones: Our history is protected and brought to life – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 6.2.2.3 Report on the condition of actively managed places listed in Report to be submitted in 2020. Appendix 12. ↓ Agreed supplementary milestone: a) Prepared a baseline report on the condition of priority actively conserved historic sites. Unlikely to achieve in time b) Implemented approved conservation plans to halt deterioration of the priority actively conserved historic sites.

6.2.2.4 Report on progress for those sites where connecting Report to be submitted in 2020. people with the historic and cultural heritage is being ↓ actively interpreted and promoted. Agreed supplementary milestone: Unlikely to achieve in time a) Evaluated existing storytelling for all the actively conserved sites and developed a prioritised programme for enhancing storytelling at these sites.

Part 1 milestones: More people participate in recreation – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 6.3.2.3 Report on visitor satisfaction with visits to Icon and Report will be submitted in 2020. Gateway destinations. ↓ Agreed supplementary milestone: Unlikely to achieve in time a) Established visitor satisfaction monitoring for priority sites.

6.3.2.4 Assessment of the success of Icon and Gateway Report will be submitted in 2020. destinations in increasing the number of people recreating ↓ on public conservation land. Agreed supplementary milestones: a) Analysed visitor satisfaction for the destinations and established an improvement programme. b) Evidence that visitor satisfaction has increased for the destinations. Unlikely to achieve in time c) Established mechanisms for gathering and analysing baseline visitor count data at all destinations. d) Evidence that more people are recreating at all destinations.

Part 1 milestones: More people engage with conservation – Completed end of Year 5 (2019)

81 Milestones Description Status Progress 6.4.2.3 Report on outcomes from programmes aimed at increasing engagement in conservation in Auckland including for young ↓ Report will be submitted in 2020. people and Māori. Agreed supplementary milestones: a) Identify programmes for increasing engagement in Unlikely to achieve in time conservation in Auckland including for young people and Māori. b) Report on the success of programmes for increasing engagement in conservation in Auckland including for young people and Māori. 6.4.2.4 Report on outcomes from programmes aimed at increasing the amount of conservation achieved with others in Auckland. ↓ Report will be submitted in 2020. Agreed supplementary milestone: a) Evidence that more conservation is being achieved Unlikely to achieve in time with others.

Part 1 milestones: Conservation gains from business partnerships – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 6.5.2.2 Report on the conservation outcomes achieved due to Report will be submitted in 2020. conservation partnerships with businesses in the area ↓ covered by this CMS. Agreed supplementary milestone: Unlikely to achieve in time a) Evidence that conservation outcomes are being achieved due to conservation partnerships with businesses.

Milestones for Marine Reserves Place - Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 9.2.3.4 Report on the effectiveness of compliance and law A pilot to test implementation of the new infringement powers will enforcement in marine reserves. ↓ Agreed supplementary milestones: be undertaken over the 2019/2020 summer. a) Preparation of a plan for undertaking compliance and law enforcement in marine reserves. Unlikely to achieve in time b) Report on the outcomes of compliance and law enforcement actions applying to marine reserves.

9.2.3.5 Report on outcomes of biological monitoring programme. Agreed supplementary milestone: ↓ a) Provide evidence about the trends in biological Unlikely to achieve in time condition in each marine reserve.

Milestones for Leigh Reserves Complex (Wakatūwhenua) Place – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 10.2.3.4 Report on outcomes of the biological and visitor monitoring The results are being evaluated by National Office for the visitor programmes. ↓ Agreed supplementary milestones: monitoring programme. Aiming to complete the biological monitoring a) Analysed visitor satisfaction for the destination and programme by end 2019, and report will be provided to Board in 2020. established an improvement programme. A report has been completed about the monitoring of rock lobster in Unlikely to achieve in time b) Evidence that visitor satisfaction has increased for CROP and Tawharanui Marine Reserves. the destination. c) Provide evidence about the trends in the biological condition of the marine reserve.

Milestones for Tiritiri Matangi Island Place – Completed end of Year 5 (2019) 18.2.3.2 Sustained control of significant plant pests that disrupt restoration processes and threaten indigenous species. → Agreed supplementary milestone: a) Evidence that plant pest species have been Complete or on track suppressed to low levels and significantly reduced in their occurance.

18.2.3.3 Report on the condition of actively conserved historic sites Report will now be submitted in 2020. on Tiritiri Matangi. ↓ Agreed supplementary milestones: a) Prepared a baseline report on the condition of the priority actively conserved historic sites on the island. Unlikely to achieve in time b) Implemented approved conservation plans to halt deterioration of the priority actively conserved historic sites on the island.

18.2.3.6 Report on the outcomes of visitor monitoring programme. Agreed supplementary milestones: → See 18.2.3.1. Reort will be submitted in 2020. a) Analysed visitor satisfaction for the destination and established an improvement programme. Unlikely to achieve in time b) Evidence that visitor satisfaction has increased for the destination.

82 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 22 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Rebecca Rush, Senior Ranger/Supervisor, Community

Subject: Concession and Translocation report

ACB Strategic The Conservation Board represents the community of interest in Priority and/or the the work of the Department. A function of the Board is to provide Relevant DOC SOI advice to the Department and the NZCA on conservation Goal matters, which may include applications for various types of statutory consent (section 6M of the Conservation Act 1987 refers).

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of these reports; b) Note that some concession applications will be referred to the Board under agreed consultation triggers; c) Inform the Department if it wishes to provide advice on any other application/s that would not otherwise be referred to the Board under agreed triggers.

Context This information is provided so that the Board is aware of current applications for long-term concessions and translocations being processed by the Department. The Board may choose to provide advice to the Department on any of these applications if it wishes to. In November 2018, the Board adopted a refreshed set of consultation triggers, identifying those concession applications that will be referred to the Board for comment as part of the consultation process. The attached concessions schedule lists all new applications for long-term concessions, and all applications for long-term concessions where something has changed since the last report. One-off applications are excluded from the schedule. The attached translocations schedule lists all new applications received since the last report, all translocations where something has changed since the last report, and also lists all active translocation permits.

DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 83

Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 22 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Rebecca Rush, Senior Ranger/Supervisor, Community

Subject: Concession and Translocation report

Background/Introduction 1. A report summarising long term concession applications is provided at every Board meeting. 2. A report summarising translocation applications and active translocations has been provided at every Board meeting since August 2016. 3. An annual report on concessions, translocations and other types of permissions processed in the Auckland region has been provided annually in August since 2017. 4. A report listing the status of all concession applications currently being processed that have been triggered to the Board has been provided at every Board meeting since February 2018.

Details/Comment 5. Table 1 provides an update on the status of all concession applications currently being processed that have been triggered to the Board. 6. Table 2 provides a list of new long-term concession applications for the period 1 February to 8 May 2020. 7. Table 3 provides a list of long-term concession applications with a change in status between 1 February to 8 May 2020. 8. Table 4 provides a list of translocation applications being processed as at 8 May 2020. Note that no new translocation applications were received between 1 February to 8 May 2020. 9. Table 5 provides a list of active translocations at 8 May 2020. This table also indicates which translocations have no further transfers of species to be undertaken.

Section 4 Conservation Act 10. To meet the Treaty of Waitangi principle of informed decision making, it is usual practice for relevant whanau/hapu/iwi to be consulted on most permission applications. NB: the only exception to this is applications for wedding ceremonies at O Peretu/Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve. 11. At the November 2019 Board meeting, the lack of feedback to iwi on the outcome of permission applications was raised. Providing feedback to iwi on the outcome of all permissions applications is an important step in the post-decision phase of permission applications.

DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 84 12. However, due to a lack of capacity during busy times, it is acknowledged that feedback to iwi on the outcomes of permission applications has been sporadic in recent years, with information provided to iwi often months after a decision has been made. 13. In May 2020, the Department sent out an email to all iwi with a table outlining the outcomes of permissions applications from June 2019 to February 2020. 14. Furthermore, since 1 March 2020, the Department has been advising iwi of the outcomes of permission applications on an application-by-application basis, as soon as possible after a decision has been made on an application. We intend to continue this approach into the future.

DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 85 Table 1: Update on concession applications triggered to the Board as at 8 May 2020 Permission Applicant Description Location(s) Current Type Date Comments number Status triggered to Board 48313-ACC Rangitoto Lease of 27 baches Rangitoto Island Scenic Pending Concession 14/6/2016 Initial comments have been received from the Island Reserve lease notified applicant on the draft decision-in-principle Community report. Bach Assn DOC extended an invitation on behalf of the applicant to meet with iwi for further discussion on the application. No further engagement with iwi was undertaken.

The draft decision-in-principle report is now being finalised. Once finalised, the draft report will be provided to the Board and iwi for comment.

62350-ACC Rangitoto Marketing and Rangitoto Island Scenic Pending Concession 1/8/2018 The application was publicly notified with Island management of Reserve lease notified submissions closing on 12 February 2019. Historic overnight Conservation accommodation in Twenty-five submissions were received on the Trust historic baches on application, all in support. Rangitoto A hearing was not required as no submitters wished to be heard.

The historic baches need to be inspected prior to decision documents being finalised. Covid- 19 has delayed the inspection date.

65531-OTH Fort Stony Develop Stony Batter Stony Batter Historic Approved Concession 18/9/2018 The application was publicly notified with Batter on Waiheke Island Reserve lease notified submissions closing on 27 September 2018. Heritage into a “heritage park”, Park Ltd utilising existing Five submissions were received. A hearing was structures for facilities held on 5 November 2018. including a café, museum, lecture Further information was provided by the theatre, shop, ticket applicant in February 2019. office and accommodation; An inspection of the tunnel complex in late undertaking guided 2019 identified safety issues that need to be DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 86 Permission Applicant Description Location(s) Current Type Date Comments number Status triggered to Board tours and educational addressed prior to a concession being granted activities; and the i.e. the fitting of handrails in the staircase. DOC construction of a has been working with Heritage NZ to ensure viewing platform the handrail design and installation meet heritage requirements as Stony Batter is a Category 1 historic place.

The application was approved on 6 May 2020. The applicant is currently considering the concession offer.

72597-GUI Socially Guided walking Tiritiri Matangi Island Pending Concession 22/2/2019 NB: The application does not meet Board Good Scientific Reserve, permit non- triggers for seeking comments from Board. Adventures Motutapu Island notified However, the Board requested to provide Ltd Recreation Reserve, comments on the application. Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve, Motuihe Island Decision documents are currently being Recreation Reserve, prepared. Waiheke Island Scenic Reserve, Hooks Bay Track, Opopo Bay Track, Aotea Conservation Park, Motuora Island Recreation Reserve, Okura Bush Scenic Reserve, Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve, Motutara Settlement Scenic Reserve, Te Henga Recreation Reserve, & other locations in the North Island 72528-ATT Kawau Operation of a Kawau Island Historic Pending Concession 12/3/2019 The application was publicly notified with Island café/restaurant in the Reserve lease notified submissions closing on 11 April 2019. Catering Ltd kiosk and the use of an adjoining area in No submissions were received, so no hearing Mansion House Valley held.

Building inspections undertaken in the second half of 2019 revealed the kiosk building has DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 87 Permission Applicant Description Location(s) Current Type Date Comments number Status triggered to Board significant maintenance issues. Maintenance issues have been addressed and the building has been re-inspected.

A draft decision report and contract was provided to applicant in December 2019.The applicant is yet to provide formal feedback to on the report.

84894-OTH Auckland Easement for the Estuary land, Milford (Lot Pending Concession 9/4/2020 The application has been sent to the Board and Council upgrade of public 3 DO 180874) easement relevant iwi for comment. stormwater system non-notified

DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 88 Table 2: New long-term concession applications for the period 1 February to 8 May 2020 Permission Applicant Description Location(s) Received Status Type Will application number date be triggered to Board? 86288-TEL Vodafone New Telecommunications National concession agreement 14/4/2020 Pending Concession licence non-notified No. Does not meet Zealand Ltd facilities with locations throughout New Board triggers. Zealand, including the following locations in the Auckland region: Okiwi Recreation Reserve (Aotea/Great Barrier Island), Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve & potentially Motu Kaikoura/Kaikoura Island Scenic Reserve 86289-OTH Watercare Construction of a Meola Creek Marginal Strip, 14/4/2020 Pending Concession easement non- Still to be Services Ltd manhole as part of Sandringham notified determined, but Central Interceptor unlikely to meet wastewater project Board triggers. 86229-GRA Joan Kirby Grazing Sadler Point Conservation Area 25/3/2020 Pending Concession permit non-notified. No. Does not meet Board triggers. 86208-LAN Bus & Coach National permit for Public conservation land 19/3/2020 Pending Concession permit non-notified No. Does not meet Association driving, parking and throughout New Zealand. Board triggers. (New Zealand) embarking/ Locations yet to be finalised Inc disembarking passengers 86118-GUI Fullers Group Guided tractor train Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve, 5/3/2020 Pending Concession licence non-notified Still to be Ltd transport Nga Pona-Toru a Peretu Scenic determined. Reserve & Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve 84894-OTH Auckland Construction of Estuary land, Milford (Lot 3 DO 13/2/2020 Pending Concession easement non- Yes. Sent to Board Council 1200mm pipe & 180874) notified on 9/4/2020. outfall to Wairau Creek 81417-ACC Tamaki Yacht Lease for yacht club Bastion Point Recreation Reserve 11/2/2020 Pending Concession lease notified Still to be Club Inc building and determined. wedding/function venue

DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 89 Table 3: Concession applications with a change in status 1 February to 8 May 2020 Permission Applicant Description Location(s) Type Triggered Status Term Comments number to Board? 81444-GUI Supporters Guided walking Tiritiri Matangi Island Concession No Active 1/3/2020 – The application was approved on of Tiritiri including dawn and Scientific Reserve permit non- 28/2/2030 5/3/2020. Matangi Inc night tours, annual notified concert, annual Relevant iwi were provided with the public events i.e. application for comment in December wildlife releases, 2019. maritime history day Ngati Manuhiri provided a response in support of the application. No other responses were received. 79992-OTH Auckland Easement for Akoranga Recreation Concession No Active 1/4/2020 – The application was approved on Council stormwater, Reserve easement 31/3/2120 8/4/2020. including a pipe non-notified and outfall structure Relevant iwi were provided with the application for comment in February 2020.

Ngati Paoa Iwi Trust and Ngati Whatua o Kaipara provided support for the application. Ngati Tamaoho deferred to other iwi. 81450-OTH Te Arai Easement for right Mangawhai Marginal Concession No Active 1/5/2020 – NB: This application was North Ltd of way to convey Strip easement 30/4/2050 inadvertently not referred to the water, electricity, non-notified Board for comment, despite meeting telecommunications Board triggers 4) and 5). and computer media The application has now been approved (on 7/5/2020).

The Department apologises for this oversight.

Relevant iwi were provided with the application for comment in February 2020.

Te Uri o Hau provided their support for the application. Ngati Manuhiri and Te Kawerau a Maki deferred to DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 90 Permission Applicant Description Location(s) Type Triggered Status Term Comments number to Board? other iwi. 65531-OTH Fort Stony Develop Stony Stony Batter Historic Concession Yes Approved 1/6/2020 – The application was approved on Batter Batter on Waiheke Reserve lease 31/5/2023 8/5/2020. Heritage Island into a notified Park Ltd “heritage park”, Relevant iwi were provided with the utilising existing application for comment in structures for September 2018. facilities including a café, museum, One response was received from lecture theatre, Ngati Paoa Trust Board raising a shop, ticket office range of issues on the application. and accommodation; undertaking guided tours and educational activities; and the construction of a viewing platform

DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 91 Table 4: Translocation applications being processed as at 8 May 2020 Permission Applicant Species Type of Source site(s) Release site(s) Received Status no translocation date 81426-FAU Manuela Barry, Duvaucel’s gecko Re- Captivity (Massey University) Still to be determined 13/9/19 Stage 2 (full Massey University (Hoplodactylus introduction translocation duvaucelii) NB: the origin of captive proposal) wetapunga is Korapuki Island pending in the Mercury Island group 81420-FAU Matt Maitland, Hihi/stitchbird Re- Tiritiri Matangi Island Scientific Shakespear Regional Park & 9/10/19 Stage 2 (full Auckland Council & (Notiomystis cincta) introduction Reserve Tāwharanui Regional Park translocation Kevin Parker, proposal) Parker pending Conservation

DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 92 Table 5: Active translocations as at 8 May 2020 NB: Translocations highlighted in yellow indicate translocations where all species transfers have been completed A) External translocations Permission no Applicant Species Source site(s) Release site(s) Term Number and timing of transfers AK-33028-FAU Tonkin & Taylor Tuatara Lady Alice, Hen & Motuihe 21/3/12 – Up to 60 tuatara Ltd (Sphenodon) Chicken Islands 31/12/22 39885-FAU John Sumich Pateke/brown teal Captivity (Burwood Te Henga Wetland 1/1/15 – Minimum of 20 birds in first year; followed by (Anas chlorotis) Bush Captive 31/12/25 minimum of 60 birds for each of second & third Rearing Unit) transfers 42154-FAU Motutapu Pateke/brown teal Captivity (Peacock Motutapu, Rotoroa 25/5/15 – Motutapu: minimum of 20 birds/year for minimum Restoration Trust (Anas chlorotis) Springs) 25/5/25 of 5 years. Rotoroa: up to 6 birds/year for minimum of 3 years or until 3 pairs established 43137-FAU Auckland Zoo Wetapunga Captivitiy (Auckland Motuhoropapa & Otata 26/5/15 – Multiple cohorts of hundreds of wetapunga from (Deinacrida Zoo) islands, Noises 1/6/28 Auckland Zoo to wild; up to 24 male & 24 female heteracantha) wetapunga from Hauturu to Auckland Zoo in four NB: original soruce collections of 6 male & 6 female site Te Hauturu-o- Toi/Little Barrier 45499-FAU Auckland Council Kokako (Callaeas Mapara & Hunua Ranges & 29/7/15 – Up to 30 kokako to Hunua Ranges & up to 40 wilsoni) Mangatutu Waitakere Ranges 30/11/21 kokako to Waitakere Ranges 48159-FAU Auckland Zoo Tieke/saddleback Tiritiri Matangi Auckland Zoo 11/4/16 – Up to 10 birds in first transfer then possibly up to (Philesturnus 11/4/36 4 birds every 3-5 years to sustain captive carunculatus) population 50851-FAU Rotokare Scenic Hihi/stitchbird Tiritiri Matangi Rotokare Scenic 1/1/17 – Up to 60 birds/year up to a total of 180 birds Reserve Trust (Notiomystis cinta) Reserve, Taranaki 30/4/21 52071-FAU Manuela Barry Duvaucel’s gecko Captivity (Massey Tawharanui Regional 1/11/16 – Up to 80 geckos (Hoplodactylus University) Park 31/10/26 duvaucelii) 52393-FAU Bream Head Pōpokatea/ Tiritiri Matangi Bream Head 2/5/17 – Up to 100 birds (supplementary transfers may be Conservation whitehead (Mohoua 31/12/20 required) Trust albicilla) 52461-CAP Auckland Council/ North Island brown Coromandel Hunua Ranges 13/12/16 – Up to 60 kiwi Ngati Paoa/Ngati kiwi (Apteryx Peninsula 12/12/26 Whanaunga mantelli) 53619-FAU Supporters of Auckland green Hunua Quarry Tiritiri Matangi 1/12/16 – Up to 90 gecko Tiritiri Matangi Inc gecko (Naultinus (geckos to be (following being kept in 30/11/26 elegans elegans) salvaged prior to captivity for up to 1 vegetation year) clearance) 55318-FAU Pataua North North Island brown Motuora Kiwi Coast, Northland 4/5/17 – Up to 10 kiwi in first year; remaining birds over Landcare kiwi (Apteryx (the area between 30/4/22 subsequent years DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 93 Permission no Applicant Species Source site(s) Release site(s) Term Number and timing of transfers mantelli) Bream Head & Whananaki South) 56458-FAU Te Mauri o Kokako (Callaeas Tiritiri Matangi, Parinihihi 12/5/17 – Up to 40 kokako from Tiritiri Matangi & up to 40 Parininihi Trust wilsoni) Mangatutu & 31/10/22 kokako from Mangatutu and/or Mapara Mapara 54210-FAU Pirongia te Kokako (Callaeas Tiritiri Matangi Pirongia 19/6/17 – Up to 14 kokako between 1 April & 1 September Aroaro o Kahu wilsoni) 31/10/22 2019 Restoration Society 63687-FAU The Pukenui/ Kiwi (Apteryx Motuora Pukenui Forest, 1/3/18 – Up to 40 kiwi over 4 years; first transfer of up to Western Hills mantelli) Whangarei 30/4/23 12 kiwi undertaken in March 2018 Forest Charitable Trust 59978-CAP The Kiwi Trust Kiwi (Apteryx Much of the North Motutapu, 1/3/18 – Up to 180 Coromandel brown kiwi chicks to (trading as Kiwis mantelli) Island - locations Maungatautari, 28/2/23 Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve between 1 for kiwi) within the natural Taranaki Maunga, March 2018 & 28 February 2023, as well as range of Western Otanewaiuku Forest, other kiwi species to other North Island locations brown kiwi, Eastern Cape Sanctuary brown kiwi & Coromandel brown kiwi 64057-FAU Bushy Park Trust Hihi/stitchbird Tiritiri Matangi Bushy Park Sanctuary, 8/4/18 – Up to 10 hihi between 8 April 2018 & 31 August (Notiomystis cinta) Whanganui 31/8/28 2028 69463-FAU Rotokare Scenic Pateke/brown teal Captivity (Peacock Rotokare 16/5/19 – Up to 500 pateke in multiple transfers between Reserve Trust (Anas chlorotis) Springs) 16/5/29 16 May 2019 and 16 May 2029, subject to review of survival rates of each transfer. NB: the origin of captive pateke at Peacock Springs is Aotea/Great Barrier 74171-FAU The Motuihe Wetapunga Captivity (Auckland Motuihe 2/9/19 – Multiple transfers of up to approximately 1000 Trust (Deinacrida Zoo) 31/12/25 per release. First transfer scheduled for heteracantha) November 2019. NB: original source siteTe Hauturu-o- Toi/Little Barrier

DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 94 B) DOC translocations Permission Applicant Species Source site(s) Release site(s) Term Number and timing of transfers no N/A DOC Tuturuatu/shore Captivity Motutapu 30/1/12 – Up to 200 birds over 5 transfers plover (Thinornis 30/1/22 novaeseelandiae) N/A DOC Takahe (Porphyrio Captivity Motutapu 1/8/13 – Data unavailable hochstetteri) (Burwood Bush 30/6/23 Captive Rearing Unit) N/A DOC Little spotted kiwi Tiritiri Matangi, Tiritiri Matangi & 24/6/14 – 2017: 10 kiwi from Tiritiri Matangi to Shakespear, 10 (Apteryx owenii) Shakespear & Shakespear 30/5/24 from Kapiti to Tiritiriti & 10 from Kapiti to Shakespear; Kapiti 2018-2019: 20 to 25 kiwi from Kapiti to Shakespear N/A DOC Takahe (Porphyrio Captivity Tawharanui 4/10/14 – Up to 60 takahe hochstetteri) (Burwood Bush 3/10/24 Captive Rearing Unit) N/A DOC Takahe (Porphyrio Captivity Rotoroa Island 14/5/15 – Up to 5 or 6 pairs of takahe hochstetteri) (Burwood Bush 31/3/25 Captive Rearing Unit)

DOC-6294181 Author Rebecca Rush Date 13 May 2020 95

Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 23 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Georgia Rastovich, Statutory Support Officer/Project Coordinator

Subject: RMA Activities report

ACB Strategic Priority The Conservation Board represents the community of interest in the and/or the Relevant work of the Department. A function of the Board is to provide advice to DOC SOI Goal the Department and the NZCA on various conservation matters, which may include applications for various types of statutory consent (section 6M of the Conservation Act 1987 refers).

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of this paper

Context At its August 2018 meeting, the Board discussed its role in relation to the Department’s activity in Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) resource consent applications. This report has been provided to update the Auckland Conservation Board on active RMA activity currently being led by the Department’s Shared Services Unit, covering the period 1 February – 1 May 2020. This report does not include section 95E RMA applications, led by the local Operations teams. Any questions should be addressed to Amy Robinson, National RMA Manager. The report is attached.

DOC-6280188 Author Georgia Rastovich Date 14 May 2020 96

Current RMA Activities Identified for Auckland Conservation Board Report Applicant / Plan Description Next action – e.g. submission, further submission, pre-hearing conference etc AUP – Plan Change Auckland Council has completed a plan Auckland Council will make 7: Additions to change to add 49 heritage sites to the the remainder of Plan Schedule 14 Historic Unitary Plan. This plan change did not Change 7 operative once Heritage amend any of the policies or rules relating they have received the to historic heritage but extended the Minister’s approval. protection provided by the historic heritage overlay to these additional areas.

Most of the plan change is operative but one site is located within the coastal marine area. The addition of this site requires the approval of the Minister before it can become operative. DOC has recommended that the Minister give her approval.

AUP – Plan Change Auckland Council has completed a plan Auckland Council will make 15: improving change to improve the workability of its Plan Change 15 operative consistency of coastal provisions and requested the once they have received the coastal provisions Minister’s approval of it. DOC supported the Minister’s approval. plan change and has recommended that the Minister approve it.

AUP – Private Plan DOC reviewed an application for a private DOC reviewed the Change 40: plan change seeking to add the Warkworth application and did not lodge Warkworth Structure Structure Plan into the AUP as a new a submission. No further action. Plan precinct. The application was lodged in February 2020. The plan change is seeking to rezone approximately 102ha of land between State Highway 1 and Clayden Road from Future Urban/Light Industry to a mix of residential zones.

DOC considered the potential effects on freshwater and terrestrial ecology, as well as the planning context and decided not to engage on the basis that:

• The area has been earmarked for development since the inception of the AUP. • The ecological effects will be minor and will be offset at the consenting stage if required.

The precinct is largely consistent with the structure plan.

DOC-6280188 Author Georgia Rastovich Date 14 May 2020 97

Huia Water In September 2019 DOC lodged a The hearing has been Treatment Plant – submission on a resource consent adjourned and expert Waitakere Ranges application notified by Auckland Council, caucusing on kauri dieback has been instructed. opposing the construction and operation of Conferencing is ongoing. a new water treatment plant in the Waitakere Ranges. The proposal involves the clearance of over 3.5 ha of ecologically significant vegetation. This includes nationally threatened taxa including kauri, pohutukawa, kanuka and manuka. This site is also potentially significant habitat for long-tailed bats and a variety of lizard species, as well as Hochstetter’s frog. The ecological impacts of the proposal are considered to be significant.

DOC presented expert evidence at the Council hearing in March 2020, including expert evidence on planning, plant and pest ecology, lizards and kauri dieback. Whilst acknowledging the need for the infrastructure, DOC considered that the proposed compensation was inadequate and unlikely to compensate for the significant ecological effects of the activity. DOC also presented expert evidence on the low level of comfort with the ability of the proposed construction hygiene protocols to adequately manage the risk of spreading kauri dieback disease, which is prevalent in the area and almost certainly present across the site.

DOC-6280188 Author Georgia Rastovich Date 14 May 2020 98 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 24 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Amy Robinson, Resource Management Act (RMA) Manager

Subject: Resource Management Act presentation

Strategic Priority for The Conservation Board represents the community of interest in the ACB and/or DOC the work of the Department. A function of the Board is to provide advice to the Department and the NZCA on various conservation matters (section 6M Conservation Act refers). The Conservation Board also has the power to advocate its interests at any public forum and in any statutory planning process (section 6N of the Act refers). This power includes the right to appear before any courts or tribunals and be heard on any matter affecting the Board’s interests.

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the contents of this paper and the presentation.

Context For some time the Board has been seeking information from the Department about how the Department engages in RMA processes. This stems from: • The Board’s participation in several RMA consent processes in recent years; • A desire to know what information the Department can share with the Board, especially when both parties are considering participating in an RMA process; • Lack of information about how the Department determines what RMA processes it will become involved with and what the Department’s priorities are. Part of the information gap was filled in mid-2019 by the circulation to the Board of a new strategy that set out national priorities to help determine when the Department might become involved in an RMA process. A copy of the strategy is attached. The strategy also addresses priorities for when the Department might engage in processes under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012. The Board has recently participated in a process under this Act, and the questions of the Department above similarly apply.

DOC-6301333 Author Amy Robinson Date 20 May 2020 99 Amy Robinson is the manager of the Department’s national RMA team. She will speak to the issues that the Board has raised.

DOC-6301333 Author Amy Robinson Date 20 May 2020 100

Strategic priorities for initiating engagement in advocacy processes under the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 ______

Context One of DOC’s functions is to advocate for the conservation*1 of natural and historic resources (both on and off land or waters managed by DOC). This occurs mainly under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (EEZA). Through this advocacy, DOC can assist RMA/EEZA decision-makers to protect New Zealand’s natural resources - threatened species and ecosystems, significant natural areas, natural character and outstanding natural features and landscapes, both on and off public conservation land and waters (PCL) - from the adverse effects of subdivision, use and development. This can also help DOC to achieve its Vision – that New Zealand is the greatest living space on Earth. DOC has identified Strategic Priorities for when it should initiate engagement in RMA/EEZA processes – they are deliberately high level, representing areas of important focus for DOC. They are the first step in a process that takes DOC through a door into the arena of engagement. Once engagement has been initiated, there are many other doors through which DOC could proceed from that point. Engagement could range from a phone call regarding proposed resource consent conditions which resolves issues, taking part in a collaborative process or, presenting expert evidence or legal submissions to Council Commissioners or the Environment Court, with many and varied steps in between.

Which path DOC takes, when, and to what extent it engages, will depend on many factors e.g. DOC/Minister of Conservation (MOC) priorities, impacts, resourcing, benefits of engagement, risks involved, expertise of other parties involved and what outcomes may be sought from engaging. These later decisions are covered in separate guidance. This

1 NB italicised words are defined in Appendix A - Defined terms.

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strategy covers when DOC should initiate engagement in RMA/EEZA processes (and by implication, when it is not a priority to engage – see below). Purpose To provide high-level direction for DOC staff when deciding whether to initiate engagement in statutory advocacy processes under the RMA and EEZA.

Priority conservation values

The following are Priority Conservation Values in the marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments: a. Indigenous taxa2 classified as Threatened, At Risk, or Data Deficient3 b. Significant indigenous vegetation or significant habitats of indigenous fauna4 c. Naturally uncommon, rare or threatened ecosystems d. The representativeness of the full range of indigenous habitats and ecosystems e. Important ecological processes, connectivity and buffering, including between terrestrial, freshwater and/or marine ecosystems5 f. Significant geological or geothermal features or landforms6 g. High, very high or outstanding natural character of the EEZ, the coastal environment, and lakes and rivers and their margins h. Outstanding natural features and landscapes i. All wetland environments j. Any natural resource of international, national or regional significance, including sites or species subject to international conservation related treaties7 k. Natural resources which are the subject of Ministerial or Departmental priorities8.

2 Named biological classification units assigned to individuals or sets of species (e.g. species, subspecies, genus, order, variety). 3 Using the criteria in New Zealand Threat Classification System Manual (Townsend et al, 2008) (or any official update or revision); and including any threatened species as defined in s4 of the EEZA, or s 2(1) of the Biosecurity Act 1993. 4 As identified using the criteria in Department of Conservation Guidelines for assessing significant ecological values M. Davis, NJ Head, SC Myers and SH Moore. 5 For example, clearance that divides a continuous indigenous vegetation sequence into two or more fragments; Connectivity of freshwater with adjacent flood zones is severed. 6 These features are identified in Conservation Management Strategies, based on the criteria used by the NZ Geological Society. 7 For example, wetlands covered by the Ramsar Convention (Ramsar Wetlands), World Heritage Areas covered by World Heritage Convention, species covered by the Convention on Migratory Species. 8 For example, the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2000 and Implementation Plan (2016-2020); DOC’s Intermediate Outcomes and/or Stretch Goals; The Statement of National Priorities for protecting threatened biodiversity on private land (2007)

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Things that are generally not identified as priorities for DOC to engage in include where there are:9

a. effects on Priority Conservation Values (outside the coastal environment10) that are minor or less than minor, or there would only be beneficial effects of an activity on Priority Conservation Values; b. adverse effects on historic heritage, or recreation and public access;11 c. adverse effects on indigenous species that are not Threatened, At Risk or Data Deficient (irrespective of whether those species are protected species); d. adverse effects on indigenous vegetation or habitats of indigenous fauna that are not significant; e. adverse effects on landscape, landforms and geological or geothermal features that are not outstanding; f. adverse effects on natural character in the EEZ, the coastal environment, lakes and rivers and their margins, that is not high or outstanding; g. adverse effects on amenity values, h. adverse effects on sports fish and fisheries (these are managed by Fish and Game). i. The majority of resource consent applications will not be Strategic Priorities for DOC to engage in. Over 95% of applications are processed by Councils on a non- notified basis12. Accordingly, only a small proportion of applications are publicly notified or limited notified to DOC. The Priority Conservation Values are the trigger for DOC to become involved, however once that decision has been made the content of the DOC submission will not be restricted to those values.

Strategic priorities The four Strategic Priorities set out below are based on DOC’s statutory advocacy and land manager roles,13 the advocacy policies in Conservation General Policy 2005, and include responsibilities and/or priorities of DOC and the MOC. The first two Strategic Priorities relate to important conservation values (both on and off PCL) across the marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments that DOC has identified as a priority for protection (Priority Conservation Values). The third and fourth Strategic Priorities relate specifically to DOC management of PCL and implementation of the NZCPS.

9 Unless covered by a Strategic Priority. 10 There are certain instances where adverse effects should be completely avoided in the coastal environment, see Guidance notes. 11 Unless triggered by one of the Strategic Priorities. 12 Figure from MFE, for 2015 – 2016 year. 13 Conservation Act 1987, ss6(b) and 53(3)(d). New Zealand Fish and Game Council also has a function to advocate for the management of sports fish and game habitats, Conservation Act 1987, s26C(1)(g).

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Strategic Priority 1 – Priority conservation values and planning processes

• DOC should initiate engagement in planning processes14 under RMA or EEZA to protect any of the Priority Conservation Values.

Strategic Priority 2 – Priority conservation values and resource consent applications

• DOC should initiate engagement in consent applications under RMA and EEZA where they may result in more than minor adverse effects15 (including cumulative effects) on any of the Priority Conservation Values.

Strategic Priority 3 – DOC management

• DOC should initiate engagement in advocacy in RMA and EEZA processes where: − proposed provisions in Planning Documents have the potential to create inefficiencies or impose unnecessary obligations on DOC as a land manager (including as an applicant for resource consents to undertake DOC activities) − proposed provisions in Planning Documents or proposed activities are inconsistent with a DOC Management Planning Document.

Strategic Priority 4 – NZ Coastal Policy Statement − Engagement will assist in implementing the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 (NZCPS) − DOC has a role in supporting the Minister of Conservation to implement the NZCPS − DOC has a role advocating for NZCPS conservation values

14 Note this includes Water Conservation Orders. 15 But note in the Coastal Marine Area there are certain instances where adverse effects should be avoided, see Guidance notes.

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Guidance notes for decision makers

What the Strategic Priorities mean in practice

Priority Conservation Values It may not always be clear whether the values of a natural resource affected by a proposal fit within the Priority Conservation Values set out above. Where this is the case, DOC should carry out an initial assessment using the appropriate assessment tool16. In particular, activities impacting all wetlands will be investigated prior to a decision on engagement being made. If it remains unclear17, DOC should initiate engagement in the process until a more thorough assessment can confirm that Priority Conservation Values are/are not affected.

Strategic Priority 1 – Planning Processes DOC should always engage in Planning Processes where proposed provisions in Planning Documents (or the absence of provisions) may impact on Priority Conservation Values. This includes where provisions are proposed to protect Priority Conservation Values. As provisions can change, DOC should also engage to support proposed protective provisions.18 Further submissions may need to be lodged, particularly when other parties’ submissions relate to Priority Conservation Values, or issues relevant to Strategic Priority 3 or 4. Government Policy and guidance on the use and implementation of Biodiversity Offsetting is in place and where appropriate DOC should engage to support implementation through the planning process.

Strategic Priority 2 – Resource Consent Applications DOC should always engage in resource consent applications where the potential effects of an activity on Priority Conservation Values may be more than minor. This is so even if additional approvals from the Minister may be required where on PCL. It is important technical advice is obtained when considering the level of effects. Under the NZCPS, there is a requirement that adverse effects of activities on some specific values in the coastal environment need to be completely avoided. It is also important that cumulative effects are considered i.e. the effect of a proposed activity on Priority Conservation

16 Refer to the DOC Intranet under RMA, Assessment Tools. 17 Or there are no suitable assessment tools 18 For example, consistent, appropriately worded provisions regarding biodiversity offsetting in relation to impacts of activities on Priority Conservation Values.

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Values should be considered in the context of the effects of any other existing or consented activities on those Values. A decision not to engage should be made with caution, given an application may be inaccurate or incomplete and/or it may not be clear that a Priority Conservation Value is involved, or the effects, including cumulative effects, may not have been fully identified. If uncertainty exists, it is important that technical (including planning) advice is obtained before deciding whether or not to engage in any consent process.

Section 95E approval Where DOC is asked to provide approval to a consent application as an affected party under s 95E RMA, approval should only be provided where the DOC is satisfied that the adverse effects, including cumulative adverse effects, on Priority Conservation Values will be minor, or less than minor. Even though a council may determine DOC is an affected party under s95E RMA, it is important DOC independently assesses whether there will be any impact on Priority Conservation Values before deciding whether to engage or not. When making an assessment under s95E, exercise caution to ensure effects (including potential adverse effects and cumulative effects) on all Priority Conservation Values (both on and off-PCL), are identified. Where a proposed activity requiring resource consent occurs on PCL or waters, DOC should encourage applicants to obtain necessary approvals from the Minister prior to seeking any resource consent.

Strategic Priority 3 – DOC Management DOC should engage in plan processes where proposed provisions, or their absence, have the potential to impact on DOC’s role as a land manager, for example in unnecessarily requiring resource consents for DOC activities. DOC should also engage where proposed plan provisions, or resource consents would be inconsistent with a CMS, CMP, or NPMP.

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Strategic Priority 4 – NZ Coastal Policy Statement Under the NZCPS, there is a requirement that adverse effects of activities on some specific values in the coastal environment need to be completely avoided19. DOC should engage with Councils to advise them how to implement the NZCPS. Some written guidance is currently available for Councils and this will be reviewed as appropriate. DOC should initiate engagement in planning processes and resource consent applications to advocate for conservation values within the NZCPS and where necessary provide clarity to Councils on conservation issues within the coastal environment.

Keep in mind The Priority Conservation Values and Strategic Priorities have been developed for the purpose of assisting staff and delegated decision makers determine which plan processes or consent applications to engage in. They are not intended to define the scope of submissions that may be lodged by DOC. When preparing submissions, specialist technical and planning advice should be sought, including legal advice.

DOC needs to keep accurate records of the RMA and EEZA matters in which it engages, including the outcomes, and records of those which in which DOC chooses not to engage (including s95E approvals which DOC issues). These records should be regularly reviewed to ensure that this Strategy and the priorities identified therein are being reflected in DOC’s RMA and EEZA engagement. DOC shall monitor implementation of the ‘Guidance on Good Practice Biodiversity Offsetting in New Zealand’ guidance document to ensure it is achieving consistent biodiversity offsetting outcomes via RMA processes. Other ways this can be achieved are through the shared service centre hub model.

Working with others DOC will give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and specific Treaty settlement provisions and protocols when undertaking advocacy in RMA or EEZA proceedings, including working together with iwi and hapu to prepare and present submissions and evidence where common interests align and are relevant. To achieve this DOC shall check RMA provisions in Treaty settlement legislation, provide

19 Including policies 5(1)(c) (Land or waters held or managed under other Acts), 11a (Indigenous biological diversity), 13(1)(a) (Preservation of Natural Character), 15a (Natural features and natural landscapes) 23(1)(d) (Discharge of contaminants) of NZCPS.

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information/advice to iwi and hapu in addition to actively engaging with them on RMA processes where appropriate. Where matters of relevance to RMA or EEZA processes are not identified as a Strategic Priority but are directly relevant to other Crown agencies or stakeholders (for example, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga), DOC should encourage those agencies or stakeholders to take the lead in advocacy processes but may provide support where considered appropriate. DOC should proactively identify and engage in opportunities for the development of national direction instruments to achieve nationally consistent planning approaches to the protection of identified Priority Conservation Values. Examples include national policy statements, national environmental standards, template planning provisions or national planning standards relating to biodiversity or biodiversity offsets. DOC will engage with appropriate Government Ministries and Departments over RMA matters through mechanisms such as providing regular updates on RMA matters DOC has engaged in.

Approved

______Lou Sanson Date Director-General of Conservation

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Appendix A – Defined Terms

Conservation (from Conservation Act 1987 section 2) The preservation and protection of natural and historic resources for the purpose of maintaining their intrinsic values, providing for their appreciation and recreational enjoyment by the public, and safeguarding the options of future generations.

Consent Applications Includes: (a) applications for resource consents under the RMA (b) applications for marine consents under the EEZA (c) applications for changes to consent conditions under the RMA and EEZA (d) notification of review of consent conditions under RMA/EEZA (e) notices of requirement for designations and alterations to designations under the RMA

Departmental Management Planning Document A document prepared under Part 3A of the Conservation Act, Part 5 of the National Parks Act 1980, or part 3 of the Reserves Act 1977.

Effect (from Resource Management Act 1991 section 2) unless the context otherwise requires, the term effect includes— (a) any positive or adverse effect; and (b) any temporary or permanent effect; and (c) any past, present, or future effect; and (d) any cumulative effect which arises over time or in combination with other effects— regardless of the scale, intensity, duration, or frequency of the effect, and also includes— (e) any potential effect of high probability; and (f) any potential effect of low probability which has a high potential impact,

Environment (from Resource Management Act 1991 section 2) Includes: (a) ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities; and (b) all natural and physical resources; and (c) amenity values; and (d) the social, economic, aesthetic and cultural conditions that affect those matters.

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EEZ (from Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 section 4) Means the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf

Natural resources (from Conservation Act 1987 section 2) Plants and animals of all kinds, and the air, water, and soil in or on which any plant or animal lives or may live, and landscape and landform, and geological features, and systems of interacting living organisms, and their environment, and includes an interest in a natural resource. Planning Processes means the statutory process under which a Planning Document is prepared, varied or amended, including any appeals.

Planning Documents includes national policy statements or standards, proposed regional policy statements, regional and district plans, water conservation orders, and changes and variations to operative and proposed policy statements, plans or water conservation orders.

Protect (from Conservation Act 1987 section 2) In relation to a resource, means its maintenance, so far as is practicable, in its current state: but includes Its restoration to some former state; and its augmentation, enhancement, or expansion.

Should (from Conservation General Policy 1(d)ii) Policies that carry with them a strong expectation of outcome without diminishing the constitutional role of the Minister and other decision-makers, state that a particular action or actions ‘should’ be undertaken.

Wetland (from Resource Management Act 1991 section 2) Includes permanently or intermittently wet areas, shallow water, and land water margins that support a natural ecosystem of plants and animals that are adapted to wet conditions

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110 Auckland Conservation Board Agenda Item: 25 Meeting No. 146

REPORT

Meeting Date: 3 June 2020

Prepared By: Laura Chartres, Board Support Officer

Subject: Sub-Committee reports

Recommendation or It is recommended that the Conservation Board: Action Required a) Note the reports from its sub-committees. b) Discuss the attached draft communications strategy.

Context To support its work the Board has from time to time established sub-committees to focus on particular work areas. This item is an opportunity for the Chairs of each sub-committee to report to the full Board on their work in the period since the last Board meeting. The Board currently has two sub-committees. Their current members are:

Concessions: Malcolm Page Robin Taua-Gordon Glenn Wilcox

Communications: Fale Lesa Nicola MacDonald Lyn Mayes Malcolm Page

The Communications Sub-Committee has prepared a draft communications strategy document (attached).

The Chair will lead a discussion about the draft communications strategy document and receive feedback from the rest of the Board.

DOC-5928615 Author Laura Chartres Date 19 May 2020 111

TĀMAKI

TĀMAKI MAKAURAU - AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY 2020/2021

Presented June 2020

Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au // I am nature, nature is me

112

TĀMAKI MAKAURAU - AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY 2020/2021

ORGANISATIONAL GOALS

- The Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland Conservation Board (ACB) to fulfil its role as an independent advisory body, established by statute, to represent the Auckland community; and offer interaction between the communities within its Auckland jurisdiction, and the Department of Conservation (DoC). - Working with key stakeholder groups to best represent the wider conservation and environmental interests of Aucklanders.

OVERARCHING COMMUNICATION GOALS

- Increase visibility and awareness of the ACB among the Auckland public and key stakeholders; and, : demonstrate the ACB’s role and commitment to conservation via open, transparent, and clear communications; and, : encourage meaningful ongoing engagement with the ACB – among all stakeholders, including mana whenua, whanau, hapu and iwi - To be seen and recognised as the expert trusted voice, on conservation and environmental issues pertaining to the wider Auckland region - Promote kaitiakitanga, and be the human voice representing Auckland’s natural world – Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au / I am nature, nature is me

CORE INSIGHTS/SITUATION ANALYSIS STRATEGIC DRIVERS

The ACB is part of a network of 15 conservation Boards across New Zealand. All Boards are independent bodies that empower local communities and iwi to contribute to the management of conservation areas. Boards The ACB has limited visibility among some key stakeholders – however, where awareness is high, engagement provide a voice for local concerns to gain traction in DoC’s work, and on a national level where required. continues to be positive, and constructive, allowing the ACB to work on the key identified areas of focus. One of the key priorities for the ACB is understanding and monitoring DoC’s work to assess the conservation Increasing awareness of the ACB is critical as a means to increasing all stakeholders’ engagement with the status of species in the Auckland region. This sits with the Board’s Kaupapa that we must put all our efforts in ACB, key is targeting those who are not already engaged in conservation. One of the ACB’s priority areas as a to conserving species and increasing population sizes. board is recreational spaces for Aucklanders and how they interact with conservation out in the community.

Conservation Boards have several statutory roles and functions, determined primarily under the: Core value to focus on: trusted, independent, a safe place for people to access, a highly skilled group of CONSERVATION ACT 1987; NATIONAL PARKS ACT 1980, RESERVES ACT 1977, as well as through its individuals dedicated to conservation and environmental issues related to the Auckland region; empowering relationship with the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) and Department of Conservation (DoC) partner organisations to be involved in conservation matters

The ACB is involved in the review and monitoring of these statutory plans for the wider Auckland region:

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● conservation management strategies While the ACB “ethos” remains aligned with that of the other conservation boards around the country it is ● national park management plans, and focused on Auckland, and Auckland’s unique history, landscape, and environmental and conservation ● conservation management plans. requirements.

Each of these statutory plans sets out how DOC and Treaty partners manage natural and historic heritage. Key areas of focus for the 2020/2021 year are: Marine Habitats, Threatened Species; the role of supporting the ACB works alongside DoC to ensure the local communities are reflected in these plans. Treaty Settlement natural environment aspirations of mana whenua.

As well as advising the NZCA and DoC on conservation matters, the ACB also liaises with the regional Fish Integrity is key to mitigating potential issues arising and Game Council on conservation matters, and carries out other powers delegated by the Minister of Conservation, the Conservation Act or any other related Act. Important is engagement with all stakeholders, and incorporating the Treaty of Waitangi principles, including partnership, protection and participation As many other Boards will attest, the ACB has limited resources, but has an excellent and experienced member base from which to set up sub-committees for each priority activity work programme.

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

- Set the strong foundation from which to increase awareness of, and meaningful engagement with, the ACB among Aucklanders and stakeholders via an integrated communication plan that include social and digital media platforms, traditional media, internal communications

OBJECTIVES

EXTERNAL COMMUNITY:

- Increase awareness of the ACB among the Auckland public, with a particular focus on those who are not already engaged in conservation - Position the ACB as the independent and trusted expert regarding environmental and conservation issues relating to the wider Auckland region - Continue to educate Auckland communities on conservation and environmental matters; encourage participation and engagement with our natural world – Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au / I am nature, nature is me - Encourage and motivate local communities and iwi to be involved in the management of conservation areas – eg, priority areas such as community recreation spaces - Ensure all language and communication from the ACB is all-encompassing; and is aligned with its core principles and ‘ethos’: supporting environmental protection, promoting kaitiakitanga, utilising robust science and research - Increase social media engagement via facebook and Instagram platforms- both increasing followers and, importantly, positive engagement with followers - Remain abreast of any potential issues/conflict that may arise; be ready to mitigate or, if appropriate, refer to the DoC

EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS: - Key: increase awareness of the ACB in respect to Auckland Council - To actively engage and motivate key stakeholders in the wider communications programme wherever appropriate - Sharing resources with Auckland Council where appropriate

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INTERNAL: - To inform and demonstrate, on an ongoing basis, how the ACB positively contributes to Auckland’s conservation matters to key stakeholders and influencers (eg, Minister for Conservation, Ministry, Auckland Council, Auckland Mayor, NZCA) - To actively engage key stakeholders in the wider communications programme wherever appropriate - Utilise the collective, relevant experience of individual Board members, across various sectors, to the benefit of Auckland and its communities - Prioritise key communications “greatest impact” programmes to best utilise internal resource, expert experience, potential to delegate (or refer, depending on situation) to DoC wherever appropriate

KEY AUDIENCES

Internal - Minister of Conservation - Department of Conservation - New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) - Director General - Treaty partners, local iwi, mana whenua - Other regional conservation board groups across NZ

External - Auckland Mayor, Auckland Council, Councillors Auckland Council, Auckland Mayor, Local Boards - General Auckland public – all ethnic communities - Partner organisations (for example, Forest & Bird) - Current and potential “conservation” advocates, or influencers - Future Board members and supporters - Future generation enviro heroes and advocates (school-age)

Media - Local and community newspapers; Neighbourly - Radio – local and ethnic - NZ Herald, NZ Herald Online, Auckland Stuff - Facebook – community pages

Of note/peripheral - Minister for the Environment, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry for Primary Industries; Minister for Fisheries; Ministers of Parliament from Auckland electorates - in particular from key conservation regions eg, the Gulf (MP for Central Auckland)

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KEY MESSAGES

PRIMARY:

- The ACB is an independent body that works with in partnership with local communities, iwi and Treaty partners, to contribute to the management of Auckland conservation matters and areas - The ACB plays a key role, providing a trusted voice for local Auckland conservation concerns to gain traction in DoC’s work, and on a national level where required - The ACB is the trusted, human voice for the natural world - Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au / I am nature, nature is me - The ACB has key focus areas and priorities, and works together with local communities and relevant authorities to achieve desired outcomes - The ACB plays an important role in embracing kaitiakitanga; and, supporting the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (partnership, protection and participation) in its work with community groups, including iwi and mana whenua, regarding Auckland conservation matters and areas - The ACB acts as a trusted conduit between Auckland communities and relevant authorities in respect to conservation and environmental issues relating to the Auckland region - The ACB is made up of a group of highly experienced individuals, who are dedicated to preserving and promoting Auckland’s unique natural landscape and conservation areas - The ACB is encouraging Aucklanders of all ages to embrace our backyard, support our local environment and conservations areas

SUPPORTING:

- The ACB is part of a network of 15 conservation Boards in regions across New Zealand. - Members of the Board are all highly experienced individuals who are committed to representing the interests of Aucklanders and conservation issues and 19 iwi across Auckland region - The ACB maintains an excellent relationship with the Minister of Conservation and Ministry of Conservation

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COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Community campaign – mini Annual Report Social media Quarterly Updates PROGRAMS conservation Warriors (internal)

Promoting kaitiakitanga among the next Increasing awareness of ACB Increasing engagement with ACB via FB / Fulfil statute obligations to keep key internal generation; encourage participation in insta OBJECTIVES stakeholders updated on Board progress environmental initiatives

Auckland communities ALL All, focus on Auckland communities All Board members; Minister; Ministry; TARGET Ethnic communities NZCA, Council (internal stakeholders AUDIENCE Young people (focused youth, school) primarily, however interested public as well)

Social media Utilise content of the annual report to give Social media platforms – facebook and • ACB Board meetings (tabled in COMMS Radio – local and ethnic wider update on the ACB and its Instagram minutes) CHANNEL Newspapers – NZ Herald, Auckland Stuff, achievements Community facebook pages Additional presentations to key community newspapers stakeholders (eg, Minister) <> Customised to activity Customised to post <> Supporting posts/Alignment with other <> KEY regional boards and DoC when appropriate MESSAGE Our priorities for the year. COVID-19 and conservation. Community initiatives. Board members: • Short presentation to Board as Customised media release Media statement regarding key Establish a content calendar part of <> meetings TACTICS Sponsored posts / boosted content via achievements and outcomes Boosted content / sponsored posts • Presentation emailed with papers facebook and instagram Utilise key content Peak traffic timing for posts Authorities: Potential for “boost” via DoC social media Online Presented at industry communications Social platforms meetings; email follow up

Media coverage Engagement with key stakeholders Increase in followers and engagement with Engagement, positive feedback from KPI/OUTCOME Increase in engagement with ACB ACB social media community stakeholders

TIMING TBC Annual Ongoing - review quarterly Quarterly

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COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Reactive Ongoing - proactive Media briefings PROGRAMS

As per situation arises ALL Customised to a particular Auckland AUDIENCE Customised to issue at hand community/ies eg, either by conservation issue; geography; or ethnic community

COMMS As per situation arises – traditional and Traditional and digital media, social media Community media; metro if appropriate CHANNEL digital media, social media platforms platforms

As per situation As per situation As per situation KEY MESSAGE Customised to issue at hand Customised to situation (identified issue or Customised to situation focus area eg, sand dune conservation)

Customised to issue at hand (eg, media Customised to situation and most Updating key media; ideal opportunity to statement, reactive QAs, media briefing) appropriate (eg, media statement, media increase engagement with local media and Social media posts/monitoring interviews) educate on ACB and role Ongoing communication with key Social media posts/monitoring Quick key messages for spokesperson TACTICS stakeholders (eg, Minister and Ministry) Update to key stakeholders where (likely either role or related to particular appropriate issue) Letters to the editor by the chair to improve ACB’s profile

PROOF Mitigation of issues; use as opportunity to Media coverage; positive tone of media Positive media engagement and coverage POINT/KPI educate target audiences on the ACB coverage; engagement on social media platforms

TIMING As per As per As per Review annually

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IDENTIFIED KPIs/PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Social media: increase in overall engagement with community via social media platforms (number of likes/shares and comments)

Awareness and engagement: increase in the number of members of the public attending our meetings, and potential media : increase in number of organisations reaching out to partner with ACB : increase in media coverage, and media go-to

The following to be finalised once communications strategy is approved

TIMELINE OVERVIEW PR PROGRAMME / ACTIVITY SPECIFIC ACTIVITY DUE DATE WHO / RESPONSIBLE

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