ISSUE 33 August 2014
Pupuritia ki ngä taonga e waihotia e ngä tïpuna, me whai anö i a rätau tauira. [Cherish the gifts of your ancestors, and heed lessons learnt.] E ngä hau e whä, kua tatü nei koutou i raro i te whakaruruhau o Ranginui e tü nei, ko Papatüänuku e takoto nei, he mihi manaaki. He mihi anö ki a rätau kua rere atu ra ki te pö, rätau ki a rätau, tätau ki a tätau, nöreira tënä koutou e tau ana ki tënei kaupapa.
Regulating tutin in honey – page 6
WHAT'S INSIDE
1 Understanding the EPA’s role in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 2 Kaupapa Körero 3 Ngä Kaihautü Korero 4 Emerging chemical contaminants: He Ngängara Kei Tua o te Pae? 5 New Mäori member for the EPA Board 5 New Ngä Kaihautü members 6 Biofouling news 6 Proposed changes for regulating tutin in honey Te Herenga members at EEZ Hui 7 Ngä Kaihautü Tikanga Taiao – Reflections 8 Toolbox and safety campaign change health and safety behaviour Understanding the EPA’s role in the 8 Workshops for Hazardous Substances applicants Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 9 Biosecurity Bonanza 2014 by Graeme Weavers, Te Herenga member 10 Understanding the EPA’s role in the Exclusive Economic Zone On 24 and 25 June 2014, Kaupapa Kura Taiao (the EPA’s Mäori Policy and (EEZ) (continued) 10 Ngä Kaihautü Tikanga Taiao – Operations group) organised an EEZ hui for members of its Mäori National Reflections (continued) Network, Te Herenga. Held at Tapu Te Ranga Marae in Wellington, the hui topic 11 Te Herenga HSNO Survey Analysis was “Understanding the EPA’s role in the EEZ,” and the surrounding issues. 11 HSNO applications update Participants discussed future Te Herenga activities and work programmes for 11 Rauwaru; Ngä-weri, Mäori root 2014 and 2015, but the main focus of the hui was understanding the EEZ Act vegetables and marine consents. Due to work commitments, I had not attended a Te Herenga hui for 18 months, but I felt compelled to attend this hui for reasons I had yet to understand. I arrived with my usual questions, and fired up responses to what, why and how, then quickly realised that I did not understand the EEZ Act or
Continued on page 10
- TE PUTARA 1 Kaupapa Körero E ngä tangata kaitiaki o te motu, tënä koutou katoa. The last few months have kept the Kaupapa Kura Taiao team very months. One change many of you will already have noticed is busy across all of our functions. We have completed our first-ever the establishment of our weekly email to Te Herenga members marine consent application under the Exclusive Economic Zone providing updates about activities, upcoming applications and and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (EEZ Act) recent decisions. Your feedback about this new development is vital from Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR). As the first of its kind, this to make sure we are providing useful information, so let us know if application generated much media interest. It was declined by the you have any suggestions. Decision-making Committee and will be appealed by TTR. The team Since the last edition of Te Pütara there have been a number of is currently involved in the EPA’s second major marine consent changes within different committees of the EPA, including Ngä application by Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited (CRP), proposing Kaihautü, the EPA Board and the HSNO Committee, all of which to mine phosphate nodules from the Chatham Rise. Submissions have recently had Mäori appointments made. ‘Ngä Kaihautü to the application closed on 10 July 2014. The EPA received 279 Korero’ provides more information about these changes. submissions. The CRP application and copies of the submissions can be found on our website (www.epa.govt.nz). Also of note, we would like to congratulate our own staff member Manu Graham who was recently promoted to the positon of As the EEZ is still a relatively new regime, there are still plenty Principal Advisor Mäori. This is a newly created position that of learnings for us, applicants and submitters. We will no doubt reflects the vast range and amount of work required to process continue to gain experience with several marine consents expected applications within the EPA. It will allow Kaupapa Kura Taiao to over the next few months. This year’s first Te Herenga hui focussed be more involved in areas of the EPA that we previously were not. on the EPA’s role in the EEZ and was held in Wellington with an Congratulations Manu!! Sadly we will also be losing one of our staff intimate number of members. The limited number format worked members, Ayesha Solomon, who has made a huge contribution really well because we were able to have more conversation and to the work of Kaupapa Kura Taiao, Ngä Kaihautü and the EPA discussion on focussed topics. One of our participants has written generally. Ayesha has been offered a permanent position at the an article on the hui in this edition. The hui also provided an Ministry of Justice and we wish her every success in that role. By opportunity for members to look at the complete Te Herenga work the time this newsletter is published, we will have appointed a new programme that has been distributed to all members. Administrator for Kaupapa Kura Taiao. We’d also like to thank those Te Herenga members who Ngä mihi nui ki a koutou participated in our Survey Monkey on methods of consultation for HSNO applications. We received just over a 30% response, Linda Faulkner, Manahautü - which is surprisingly good. The key messages to come out of the GENERAL MANAGER M AORI POLICY & OPERATIONS survey are discussed in this edition, but be assured your feedback KAUPAPA KURA TAIAO will contribute directly to changes planned over the next few
2 ISSUE 33, AUGUST 2014 Ngä Kaihautü Korero Tuia i runga, tuia i raro, tuia i roto, tuia i waho, tuia te herenga tangata ki te whei ao, ki te aho märama. Pai märire ki te Kïngi Tuheitia, tae noa ki te Whare Kähui Ariki. Ngä mate huhua o te wähanga o hotoke, moe mai rä. Tënä tätou i rungä i ö tätou marae, i te pütake o ö tätou maunga, i te tahatika o ö tätou awa, o ö tätou moana. Tihei Mauri Ora! It was with some poignancy that we farewelled Glenice Paine as a applications declined that relate to the EEZ, hazardous substances, Ngä Kaihautü member in June. Glenice was involved with ERMA new organisms and nationally significant proposals. Although some and the EPA for 11 years as a Mäori National Network member, of these decisions are the subject of appeal, this gives me some Board of Inquiry member and as a very active member and confidence that the Decision-making Committee process has a high Tumuaki of Ngä Kaihautü. Glenice has been a friend, a colleague chance of working and we are encouraging the EPA to record and and a mentor for me and many others, providing a guiding hand report decisions that are approved AND declined. It is the nature and voice with significant ability to appreciate and articulate of these applications that there is highly unlikely to be a decision different perspectives in our mahi as kaitiaki. Glenice contributed that satisfies the requirements of all parties. Let’s hope that the some reflections in this edition of Te Pütara (page 7). As an active decisions made strike the right balance between environmental, kaitiaki and Iwi Chair, we will no doubt see Glenice in our travels. cultural, social and economic considerations.
Kei te hoa, kei te wahine toa, tënei ka mihi atu. He tika kë te körero, e kore te kümara e körero mö tana reka.
Other comings and goings: Board member Taria Tahana (Ngäti That said, there are some interesting comments from the Pikiao, Ngäti Makino and Tapuika) accepted a further three-year Productivity Commission regarding Regulatory Institutions and appointment to the EPA Board; Kura Denness (Te Atiawa) joins Practices and te Tiriti in regulatory design and practice. The EPA the EPA Board, replacing Anake Goodall (Ngäi Tahu), whose term and Ngä Kaihautü were used as a case study in the review. with the EPA has expired. Dr Shaun Olgilvie (Ngäti Awa, Te Arawa) (http://www.productivity.govt.nz/sites/default/files/regulatory- retired from the HSNO Committee after many years as a Mäori institutions-and-practices-final-report-ch7.pdf). National Network member, Ngä Kaihautü member and ERMA Authority member. We continually challenge ourselves on how to best make use of scarce resources. We continually consider how we as Ngä Kaihautü Ki a koutou katoa, näna i tono mä tëtahi türanga ki Ngä Kaihautü, can encourage applicants and the EPA to appropriately understand koinei kë te mihi mähaki ki a koutou. and consider Mäori perspectives in their activities, processes, We look forward to Ngaire Burley and James Whetu joining us as policies and decisions. We continually seek ideas and ways that, welcome additions to Ngä Kaihautü. More on Ngaire and James on in the trenches for kaitiaki, mana whenua and so on, things can page 5 of this edition. Ngä Kaihautü will again be looking for new work more effectively and efficiently. It is nice to pause, reflect and members later this year, so keep an eye out for that opportunity. celebrate that, although there is still more work to do, others see It is an ongoing issue for kaitiaki to be able to interact with benefits in the model that we currently use. applications in a meaningful way to ensure that Mäori perspectives See you in the trenches. are appropriately considered in applications and decisions on those applications. This difficulty has been discussed in previous issues. Tipene Wilson However, Ngä Kaihautü is aware that there have recently been TUMUAKI, NGÄ KAIHAUTÜ TIKANGA TAIAO
- TE PUTARA 3 Emerging chemical contaminants: He Ngängara Kei Tua o te Pae? by Will Allen, Jamie Ataria, Morry Black A recent report by officials from the US and Canada found that only about half of prescription drugs and other contaminants are removed from the Great Lakes by current wastewater treatment systems. “We would expect similar results in New Zealand,” according to Dr Louis Tremblay, ecotoxicologist at the Cawthron Institute, Nelson. A growing trend What these chemicals do Because these emerging contaminants cover such a wide variety of Collectively, these contaminants potentially can impact Mäori in chemicals with vastly different uses, there are many ways in which a number of areas, including direct impacts to human health and these compounds can enter the environment. However, as a recent taonga species well-being, especially in receiving environments. Hawke’s Bay Council study points out, similar sources of these Indirect effects on cultural values like kaitiakitanga and chemicals are consistently reported in the literature. manaakitanga are also possible. Environmental risk assessment methods often exist for some of these substances. However, Many wastewater treatment systems have limited treatment comprehensive fate and environmental/human health effects stages. These systems also deal with increasing levels of emerging data is often lacking and make it very difficult to ascertain which chemical contaminants from industrial and household sources. chemicals are directly responsible. Industrial discharges can contain different compounds depending on the nature of the industrial activity, but typically may include So what are the technical and scientific issues relating to emerging organic chemicals like detergents and fire retardants. chemical contaminants in New Zealand? How do these chemicals impact outcomes that are important to Mäori such as: In terms of households, emerging contaminants come from a range of consumer products. For example, personal care products such • Environment as soaps, shampoos and toothpastes contribute antimicrobials, • Cultural detergents and perfumes. Our pharmaceutical usage contributes directly to an increase in antibiotics and other compounds. Nano- • Health and Wellbeing particles in consumer goods are also increasing; for instance, • Economic Development nano-silver is used in washing machines, socks and sportswear to control odour-producing organisms. • Te Tiriti o Waitangi Agricultural and rural wastes contribute an ever-increasing What we are doing range of emerging contaminants to our environments. Intensive The EPA recognises the relevance of these issues along with agriculture increases nutrient and animal manure contributions. interest expressed by Te Herenga. This has resulted in a number of Veterinary products used in agriculture include compounds like work streams beginning in this area. antibiotics, parasite drenches and hormone growth promotants. In particular, we are currently organising a focussed wänanga Internationally there is a growing body of information about on this topic to provide an opportunity for members to hear from emerging chemical contaminants that is driving increased public researchers and staff from the EPA and other agencies who are scrutiny and more research, particularly in Europe and North working in this area. We anticipate the wänanga will provide a America. In contrast, the public profile of emerging contaminants in New Zealand is low. This in turn reflects the level of research effort forum to contribute to an improved understanding of Mäori issues and degree of national policy and regulation for these chemicals. and concerns that can help shape a range of future initiatives. The wänanga will enable the following issues to be addressed: 1. The current state of knowledge in New Zealand with respect to emerging contaminants and the extent to which these compounds are tested for and present in New Zealand. 2. An exploration of the pragmatic and cultural concerns about how these technologies impact Mäori, and Mäori approaches to these risks 3. The current local and central government approach to dealing with these contaminants. 4. What is being done to raise the profile of these contaminants and any initiatives to reduce their presence and impact on the wider environment The wänanga is planned for November 2014 and further River pollution caused by cleaning products information will be made available in the near future.
4 ISSUE 33, AUGUST 2014 New Mäori member New Ngä Kaihautü for the EPA Board members
Ngaire Burley (Tapuika, Ngäti Moko, Ngäti Marukukere, Ngäti Kurï) We would like to welcome Ngaire Burley to the EPA. She is a new face to the EPA and Ngä Kaihautü, but a few years ago Ngaire worked with us as Programme Manager in the New Organisms team of ERMA NZ and as Acting General Manager Mäori for Kaupapa Kura Taiao. She will be a great asset to Ngä Kaihautü and the EPA. Ngaire is currently with the Ministry of Social Development working on projects supporting marae and community hub development, and people on low incomes, with access to finance. She has a Kura Denness Ngaire Burley multi-disciplined 30-year career working in the government sector. She previously held senior We wish to welcome Kura Denness (Te positions at Te Puni Kökiri, Office of Treaty Settlements, the Ministry for the Atiawa) to the EPA Board. Currently an Environment, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Ministry of Education, ACC, independent company director, Kura spent and as a research scientist at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. She was her early professional life working in also the first Commissioner of Mäori descent to be appointed to the Environment chartered accountancy and various finance Court. Ngaire has a Masters of Philosophy (Hon) in Zoology and a Bachelor of roles in commerce. Kura is affiliated to Te Commerce degree in Accounting from the University of Auckland, and has a good Atiawa and her knowledge of tikanga Mäori, working knowledge of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 as well as her experience in the oil and and the Resource Management Act 1991. gas industry, will benefit the Board’s work. She has experience working as a Chief Financial Officer in the oil and gas industry, James Whetu (Waikato, Ngäti Raukawa, which will be invaluable to the EPA Board Ngäti Tüwharetoa, Ngäti Whakaue) as they consider consent applications under the Exclusive Economic Zone Act. Welcome also to James Whetu, who is currently with the Waikato Regional Council advising on In addition to her EPA activities, Kura is their co-management responsibilities and post- Chair of Te Atiawa (Taranaki) Holdings treaty settlement implementation. His current Limited and Te Rau Matatini and is also focus is Lead Advisor on the Vision and Strategy on the Taranaki branch committee of for the Waikato River / Te Ture Whaimana o Te the Institute of Directors. She is also on Awa o Waikato, and co-management work stream the following Boards: Massey University lead for the Healthy Rivers: Plan for Change / Wai Council (Chair, Audit and Risk Committee), Ora: He Rautaki Whakapaipai project, which is a Te Atiawa (Taranaki) Settlements collaborative project with iwi and stakeholders Trust, PHARMAC (Chair, Audit and Risk to improve the water quality of the Waikato and Committee, member Mäori Caucus), Allied James Whetu Waipa Rivers and their catchments. Laundry Limited, Tui Ora Limited, Te with children Rodie Korimako o Taranaki (Mäori radio station), and Millie James’ background and expertise is resource TSB Community Trust, EPA, and Te consent and policy planning. He and his wife run Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa. a consultancy, Whetu Consultancy Group, where James is Director and Principal Planner. James has strong communication skills and is able to work with various styles to ensure quality communication is utilised in the workplace, boardroom, corporate and government agencies. He holds a Bachelor of Tourism majoring in Resource, Impacts and Environmental Planning from the University of Waikato, and has also gained further qualifications in ecological and building design, facilitation and as an RMA Independent Commissioner. James has held multiple positions with his iwi and with local communities, serving as Deputy Chair for the Ngäruawähia Community Board, Chairman for the Ngäruawähia Community Arts Centre and Marae representative on the Raukawa Environmental Forum to develop the Raukawa Environmental Management Plan. He is also an active member of his Waikato-Tainui and Ngäti Tüwharetoa tribes.
- TE PUTARA 5 Biofouling news The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has issued the Craft Risk Management Standard (CRMS) for Biofouling on Vessels Arriving to New Zealand. The Standard applies to all ships or other vessels that have come from or recently visited coastal waters of another country. period the MPI will work with vessel operators to help them decide what measures most suit them. MPI will also communicate the requirements to international commercial shipping lines and other interested parties to ensure that vessel operators planning to visit New Zealand are aware of the measures and can make any changes needed to come into compliance by 2018 or earlier. The CRMS is aligned with the 2011 International Maritime Organisation Guidelines for Biofouling Management. These Guidelines also meet the requirements of the CRMS. Biofouling and ballast water are internationally accepted as major This means that much commercial shipping is already compliant. ways that marine pests are spread to new regions. The introduction Other compliance options will ensure that vessels should become of new species to New Zealand could seriously impact the compliant with the CRMS with minimal disruption. productivity of aquaculture and biodiversity of coastal marine life. Marine species not previously documented to be harmful elsewhere During the four-year voluntary lead-in period, action will continue could nonetheless adversely impact New Zealand because of its to be taken on cases of severe biofouling, as has been done in unique nature and composition of marine environments. the past under the Biosecurity Act (1993). MPI will more actively gather information on biofouling. This will be through a Biofouling New Zealand does not yet have many of the most damaging marine Declaration to be supplied to MPI with the Advance Notice of Arrival pests that have been documented in other countries. New Zealand (possibly as an extension to the current Ballast Water Declaration, must address this current gap in its marine biosecurity. Ballast although this has yet to be arranged). This information will help water has been managed effectively since 2000, but biofouling has assist MPI monitor improvement in biofouling management taken longer to address. practices by vessel operators. The CRMS requires vessels to arrive with ‘clean hulls’. ‘Clean hull’ Click here to view: is defined for two categories of vessel. ‘Short-stay’ vessels are allowed more light biofouling than ‘long-stay’ vessels, which are - the CRMS http://www.biosecurity.govt. allowed a slime layer and goose barnacles only. nz/files/regs/ships/crms-biofouling- standard.pdf Enforcement of the CRMS biofouling requirements will commence on 15 May 2018, which is four years from the date of issue. During - the Draft Guidance Document http:// this lead-in period vessel operators are encouraged to become www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/regs/ships/ compliant as soon as practicable. crms-biofouling-guidance-document.pdf There are a number of measures given in the new CRMS for If you have any questions, please contact vessels to use to comply with the Standard, and during the lead-in the team at: [email protected]
Proposed changes for regulating tutin in honey Tutin is a toxin that is produced by the tutu plant that is native to New Zealand. When bees gather honeydew, excreted from insects that feed on tutin-containing sap from the tutu bush, their honey can become contaminated with the tutin toxin. In 2008 a number of people in Coromandel were poisoned from eating honey containing tutin. Therefore, the Food Standards Code in 2009 set temporary maximum levels for the amount of tutin in honey and comb honey. The levels apply to all honey sold in New Zealand or exported for sale. FSANZ is proposing to reduce the maximum levels for tutin in honey and comb honey based on further scientific research since the temporary levels were set. The proposed new levels are discussed in a FSANZ report (see Proposal P1029 – Maximum Level for Tutin in Honey) at: http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/proposals/Pages/P1029-Maximun-Level-for- Tutin-in-Honey.aspx Requirements for demonstrating compliance with the tutin levels set in the Code are detailed in the Food Standard 2010 (Tutin in Honey) under the Food Act 1981. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is currently reviewing this standard. This review is separate and independent to the FSANZ proposal on tutin levels in the Code.
6 ISSUE 33, AUGUST 2014 Ngä Kaihautü Tikanga Taiao – Reflections by Glenice Paine In order to understand the present, it is helpful sometimes to reflect on the past and the journey undertaken. My reflections are not about the personal journey that I have undertaken, but more those of the two organisations that I have been involved with over the past decade: the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) and latterly the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). When I joined Ngä Kaihautü Tikanga Taiao (Ngä Kaihautü) in supported this promotion. Ngä Kaihautü was in the forefront of 2003, it was a statutory Mäori Advisory Committee formed to give promoting greater opportunities for iwi/Mäori participation and the a Mäori perspective to matters considered under the Hazardous focus was on the HSNO process. Also during this time the role of Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act. A statutory Mäori Ngä Kaihautü as a “process guardian” was established. Promotion advisory committee was groundbreaking in itself, and at that and education appeared to be keys to greater cultural awareness time, no other statutory Mäori advisory committee existed. With with decision makers. a complement of eight members, Ngä Kaihautü was tasked with At this time another initiative led to the then-Mäori National providing advice and assistance to ERMA from a Mäori perspective Network’s formation. This Network was a forum for iwi kaitiaki/ on matters concerning policy, process and applications. resource management practitioners and kaumätua to hui with It might be thought that this was a narrow framework to work ERMA to discuss iwi participation in the HSNO process. These were within, but as the following years demonstrated, Ngä Kaihautü indeed exciting times with many innovative ideas being put forward. was able to be involved in all aspects of ERMA’s functions. I think One of these ideas involved a select group of Network members this is best summed up with this passage, “Initially the journey being engaged by applicants to give advice on specific applications. for Ngä Kaihautü was somewhat rocky and contentious. It was a These groups were called Mäori Reference Groups and they played journey that was new, the road untested and Ngä Kaihautü and iwi/ an important part in providing experience in the HSNO process Mäori expectations did not always marry up with the expectations for our Network members with the added value of assisting HSNO of ERMA. However, Ngä Kaihautü was not on this journey alone; it applicants with a better understanding of cultural concerns. was undertaken with the members of the Authority, the staff of the ERMA’s ability to have such close contact on a regular basis Agency and latterly the Ethics Advisory Panel. All the while, iwi/ with kaitiaki and the “flax roots” of iwi communities enabled the Mäori were there exhorting Ngä Kaihautü and ERMA to bigger and formation of some long-standing relationships that exist to this day. better outcomes.” 1 Information was exchanged both ways and ERMA demonstrated its This exhortation led to, among other things, a framework willingness to engage with iwi/Mäori by providing those members being developed for the ongoing effective participation of iwi/ with resources to attend Network hui throughout Aotearoa. Mäori in HSNO decision-making that met both the needs of iwi/ The ERMA years saw genetic modification (GM) applications come Mäori and ERMA New Zealand. That framework, Kia Pümau te to the fore. This was a turbulent time for Ngä Kaihautü, ERMA and Manaaki, provided a platform and strategy for that engagement of course iwi/Mäori. The underlying principles of GM appeared by articulating principles and themes that struck a chord with to cut at the very core of Mäori beliefs; the interconnectedness iwi/Mäori. It recognised that an important part of our national of all things appeared to be under fire; questions were asked identity was a uniqueness based around the cultural history and about what were the effects on whakapapa and what were the context within which the environment and native species exist wider implications on our cultural beliefs and values. I will not and that for Mäori this history is preserved through whakapapa, attempt to answer these questions, but to say these waters were waiata, whakataukï and pakiwaitara. It emphasised for decision- eventually navigated and resulted in a wider understanding of GM makers that the continued practice of kaitiakitanga, wairuatanga, and Te Ao Mäori. This was evidenced by the changing nature of iwi manaakitanga and rangatiratanga underpinned for iwi/Mäori the submissions and culminating in one case of a Mäori organisation ongoing management and sustainability of our environment. supporting a GM application. There may not have been universal During this period, considerable effort went into promoting acceptance of GM, but time has shown that even the most choppy the above messages and it appeared to me that ERMA clearly waters can be navigated if there is a will to do so.
1 Te Ara Tüäukiuki – A History of Ngä Kaihautü Tikanga Taiao – Foreword. Continued on page 10
- TE PUTARA 7 Toolbox and safety campaign change health and safety behaviour
One year after its launch, the Hazardous Substances Toolbox is still popular with its target audience of small industrial businesses. More DON’T PLAY RUSSIAN ROULETTE than 12,000 Toolboxes to date have been distributed to businesses and WITH YOUR EMPLOYEES’ HEALTH. organisations working with hazardous substances. A recent survey NEW ZEALANDERS WORKING WITH of the Toolbox’s effectiveness shows that it is changing behaviour. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ARE DYING TASK: b raise awareness about health risks Hazardous substances are starting to be taken seriously. b give employers the tools to change behaviour
The Toolbox was developed in response to a 2012 EPA compliance survey that showed SOLUTION: b engage industry just 25% of businesses were compliant across eight key safety controls. It aims to give b develop plain English information – the Hazardous Substances Toolbox owners and managers of small industrial businesses the information needed to start b awaken and mobilise employers and employees to take action safely managing their hazardous substances. After its launch a public awareness campaign supported the Toolbox with a simple, but poignant, message: Same result. WE EXCEEDED OUR TARGETS , Toolboxes distributed Different timeframe. Exposure to hazardous substances can kill you over time. 10 000 (target 5,000) found the Toolbox exactly The campaign had two creative material streams. The first stream awakens employees to 86% what the business needed of target audience reached the risks of working with hazardous substances and encourages them to read labels and 62% through advertising digital ads delivered wear the right safety gear. The second stream encourages employers to get a Toolbox and 7.6 M to unique browsers safely manage the substances used at their business. 66% behaviour change
Toolbox won 2013 WriteMark Best Plain Since its release, we’ve received very positive feedback from the people who have ordered the English Document – Public Sector/NGO Toolbox. Although we knew our audience liked it, we wanted to probe further and determine CUTTING CORNERS CAN LEAD TO WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS. MAKE YOUR WORKPLACE A SAFE PLACE. whether the Toolbox has resulted in the safer management of hazardous substances. A survey into the Toolbox’s effectiveness shows it meets its audience’s needs. Of the 201 recipients who completed the online survey, 95% find the Toolbox practical and usable. This poster highlighting the effectiveness of the toolbox and public awareness Additionally, 94% of businesses agreed or strongly agreed that the Toolbox is simple and campaign received the Poster Award for easy to understand. These results are further supported by the Toolbox’s selection as the excellence in supporting poster design Best public sector/Non-government organisation plain English publication at the 2013 at the 2014 IPANZ Gen-i Public Sector WriteMark Plain English awards. Excellence Awards on 2 July 2014. The survey also indicates that the Toolbox is benefiting businesses. More than 64% of businesses surveyed agreed that the Toolbox has impacted their employees and made them take hazardous substances more seriously. Staff also reported improved attitude toward health and safety, with 45% of respondents indicating that more conversations on safety are occuring in the workplace.
Workshops for Hazardous Substances applicants The EPA’s Hazardous Substances Team hosted two workshops for applicants in Auckland on 20 and 21 March 2014. The workshops were opportunities for applicants to meet some of the team and obtain advice on the EPA’s requirements for applications. The workshops also allowed the team to inform applicants of the new approach to risk assessment, data requirements, impurities and confidential information. Kaupapa Kura Taiao gave a presentation about assessing risks to Mäori cultural values and determining when consultation is needed. More than 40 applicants and consultants attended the workshops and the applicants’ feedback was very positive. Following on from these successful workshops, the team hosted a further two workshops for applicants in Melbourne on 5 and 6 June 2014. The first day, which was similar to the Auckland workshop, focused on introducing stakeholders to the team and providing them with information on the application process. On the second day we ran a classification workshop to provide industry with the tools to classify their products. The classification workshop was last run in Auckland and Sydney in May and June 2013, and there have been requests from industry to repeat it. If you would like to find out more about these conferences, see www.epa.govt.nz.
8 ISSUE 33, AUGUST 2014 Biosecurity Bonanza 2014
Landcare Research held its annual Biosecurity Bonanza conference at Auckland’s Grand Chancellor Hotel on 19 May 2014. This year’s topics discussed rabbit control, biological control agents, advances in improving efficacy of possum control, how molecular tools can aid in New Zealand’s biosecurity and what’s going on in the world of wasps. A presentation on rabbit control research examined non- pathogenic strains of rabbit calicivirus (RCV). The presented research confirmed benign RCV’s existence in New Zealand. Benign caliciviruses are a potential problem because they can provide immunity to rabbits and reduce the impact of the closely related pathogenic virus, rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), which is used as a biocontrol agent to control wild rabbit populations. Another presenter described advances in improving efficacy of possum ground control. The presenter noted that little is known about the ecology of possums in New Zealand’s dry lands despite possums being common there and subject to control over vast areas to mitigate their spreading of bovine TB. Diet, feeding preferences, denning behaviour and survival rates of possums in Central Otago were examined. Possum densities are greater at the high-shrub-cover site compared with that at the low-shrub-cover site. Possums are significantly heavier at the high-cover site because shrubs such as sweet briar are an important source of food and shelter for possums. A revolutionary form of rat toxin was discussed. If successful, the toxin could play a major role in ridding New Zealand of the vermin. The toxin is unique because it is target specific and only works on rats. The toxin would not harm animals such as house pets or farm animals that accidentally ingest the odd pellet or two. A similar product that targets mice is currently in development. One of the most popular presentations was a past-and-present look at wasps in New Zealand. Discussion covered what we know about wasps, post introduction and how ineffective wasps have been in reducing populations of pest insects in the New Zealand climate. Further discussion examined better solutions for controlling wasp populations.To this end, the discussion focused on topics such as using Fipronil baiting, which has effectively controlled foraging wasps that carry the poison back to the nest. This type of control results in less need to locate every wasp nest, and especially those that are very large or located out of reach. However, the effects of this control on one species on another such as bees is a concern. In recent months insecticide applications have increasingly included Fipronil. Recent media coverage of neonicotinoids further highlight this issue. All presentations mentioned above are available on the Landcare Research website www.landcareresearch.co.nz.
- TE PUTARA 9 Understanding the EPA’s role in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (continued from page 1) the issues concerning marine consent applications. However, this lack of understanding didn’t last long! This was one of the most informative and important hui I have attended. Prior to hearing the EPA’s specialist speakers, I had not realised the EEZ Act’s specific nature and how it differs from the RMA. The new format of having biannual instead of large annual conferences, and holding regular, smaller and more specialised hui on specific issues, was particularly successful. We not only Te Herenga members at EEZ Hui had time to have all our speakers fully engage with us, but we were also able to have in-depth discussions on issues with yet to be understood in a deep water benthic environment! The which we had specific concerns. The enhanced legislative role trophic recycling/coupling between benthic and pelagic deep of Ngä Kaihautü in the EEZ Act was particularly important for water ecosystems is only vaguely understood and mainly in Te Herenga members to understand. Ngä Kaihautü provide relation to shallower coastal environments, yet they are the very advice on applications in regard to Mäori interests. This is a big areas that supply a large proportion of our deepwater fish stocks. responsibility for people who are essentially volunteers with other The mining proposals in the main will have economic benefits work commitments. I believe Te Herenga need to discuss if Ngä for offshore investors, while placing our fishing economy in an Kaihautü should have more permanent status or expansion to unknown position. accommodate the new requirements. I came away from this hui understanding why I was compelled to I don’t pretend to know the mätauranga associated with the EEZ attend. This is the last frontier of environmental destruction in area, but I know my family’s tupuna over many, many generations the name of economic development. If what is initially proposed sailed and had knowledge of those took place on land it would be offshore environments; I leave akin to strip mining Te Urewera that discussion with those who and Raukumara combined with do know. However, the EEZ is a the vague plan that they would huge issue not just for Mäori, but regenerate in a somewhat for all New Zealanders with any similar fashion after soil was re- knowledge or consideration of deposited!! Those proposing these guardianship, ecology and how our activities consider the areas have ecosystems are interconnected. no real consequence ecologically What is being proposed for our or culturally, and are out of sight offshore seabed, under current out of mind. I urge Te Herenga mining proposals, will produce a members to inform themselves primary succession environment! on the EEZ and development As with all primary succession proposals and become involved. we start with complete biological Tiaki is a sacred task in regard annihilation; what will regenerate to safeguarding our environment depends on the surrounding for future generations, of not just intact environment. This process people but of the environment is fairly well understood and itself. Without an intact Tapu te Ranga Marae, Wellington documented on land, but it is environment the people perish.
Ngä Kaihautü Tikanga Taiao – The EPA mandate had been expanded and Ngä Kaihautü, along with the EPA, spent time understanding the new areas of responsibility Reflections(continued from page 7) and overcoming the challenges presented. It is uncanny that at the start of Matariki in June 2011, change did In this new environment, where ERMA had GM, the EPA has the indeed come to Ngä Kaihautü and ERMA NZ. A decision was made to Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf Act (EEZ) to form the Environmental Protection Authority. A transition period then address. The current applications in this area present new hurdles. took place with conversations about how ERMA would be absorbed For Ngä Kaihautü the processes surrounding EEZ applications into the EPA. For Ngä Kaihautü this was a perilous time: Would the are going to require a different approach from the better-known gains that had been made with iwi/Mäori participation and engagement applications under HSNO. These approaches are being refined remain? Would Ngä Kaihautü remain in the new organisation and if it as we speak and there is still a long way to go before we truly did, what would it look like and what would be its role/function? understand the ramifications of resource utilization in our most fragile taonga, the moana. As it transpired, Ngä Kaihautü was enshrined in legislation as a statutory Mäori Advisory Committee to the EPA and with an After almost 11 years, there is no doubt in my mind that ERMA set expanded mandate. Iwi/Mäori and others advocated for the the benchmark in iwi/Mäori engagement with many initiatives, and retention of the name “Ngä Kaihautü Tikanga Taiao.” On its own, with the advice and support of Ngä Kaihautü. The EPA has now this demonstrated how the relationships made under ERMA by Ngä taken over those HSNO functions, along with many more. If current Kaihautü had continued and contributed to its position within the performance is anything to go by, the EPA has already gone a long new EPA environment. way to maintain that benchmark whilst raising the bar a little higher.
10 ISSUE 33, AUGUST 2014 Te Herenga HSNO Survey HSNO Analysis applications As a result of internal reviews and update external feedback received from Te Herenga (TH) members, Kaupapa From April 2014 to July 2014 Kura Taiao reviewed some of our the HSNO Committee and Chief current processes to ensure they Executive made decisions on remain appropriate. 29 hazardous substance and The first process to be reviewed is 12 new organism applications, how applicants, under the Hazardous including amendments. Acting Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO under delegated authority, Act), currently collect information relating Institutional Biological to the impact applications might have on Mäori interests. Safety Committees finalised 10 decisions including In order to do this we surveyed our Mäori networks to understand if they find the current processes suitable and/or if they can propose more effective methods. amendments. In total 142 surveys were sent to TH members and we received 38 responses (26% response No New Organism applications during rate). Not all respondents answered every question, so there is some variability of total this period involved biological material responses for each section. derived from native flora or fauna or involved human cell lines or human The questions relate to the effectiveness of previous methods, possible new approaches genetic material of Mäori whakapapa and possible causes for the low number of submissions received from Mäori. or origin. Overall 87% of respondents thought our current methods were fair to very good with the Further details about the above use of reference groups rating the highest at 91% in this range. applications are available online With regards to possible new approaches, 89% of respondents regarded the suggestions as in issues of The Bulletin, which fair to very good with regionally targeted hui and establishing a Te Herenga HSNO group, can be found on our website at both rating the highest at 93%. www.epa.govt.nz. Finally, the overwhelming reasons for Mäori not submitting on HSNO applications is that they do not have sufficient time and resources to do so.
Rauwaru; Ngä-weri, Mäori root vegetables Nick Roskruge’s third book in a series on Mäori food plants is now available. This book, which covers root vegetables, compliments a 2012 book on Mäori green vegetables. Most of these vegetables were sourced as wild plants in pre-European times. The book introduces more than 34 plants along with their whakapapa and contemporary status. These plants were staple foods in early times for communities and travellers in a climate that was very seasonal and had a limited cultivated garden. Roskruge presents the plants in sections on cultivated crops such as kümara and taewa, grasses, te wao nui o Täne, plants such as native orchids or perei, and maheuheu or weeds. In addition, the book introduces beverages made from some plant roots. Visit www.tahuriwhenua.org.nz for more information.
- TE PUTARA 11 Te Putara- is the panui- for Te Herenga, a formal Te Putara,- Environmental Protection Authority network of the Environmental Protection Private Bag 63002 Waterloo Quay, Wellington 6140, New Zealand Authority for the reciprocal sharing of knowledge Phone: +64 4 916 2426 Fax: +64 4 914 0433 on functions of the EPA. We welcome your Email: [email protected] www.epa.govt.nz comments and suggestions. Te Putara- is printed on acid free and Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) paper using environmentally friendly ink that contains no mineral oils or resins and is produced Editors: Maraea Faulkner, Dr. Teresa Heinz Housel exclusively from vegetable based products.
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