AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LIMITED PROPOSED SECOND RUNWAY

ECOLOGICAL BASELINE ASSESSMENT JULY 2016

Auckland International Airport Limited Proposed Second Runway

Ecological Baseline Assessment

July 2016

FOR: Auckland International Airport Limited

BY: BIORESEARCHES GROUP LIMITED M Delaney, MSc (Hons) J Feickert, MSc (Hons) J Shanks, MSc (Hons) C Wedding, MSc (Hons) D van Winkel, MSc (Hons) Reviewed By: G L Don, MSc (Hons)

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C O N T E N T S

Page No.

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 7

2 MARINE ...... 9 2.1 Introduction ...... 9 2.2 Methods ...... 9 2.3 Northern Area of Influence ...... 9 2.4 Southern Area of Influence ...... 12 2.5 Pukaki Creek ...... 13 2.6 Conclusions ...... 14

3 AVIFAUNA ...... 14 3.1 Introduction ...... 14 3.2 Methods ...... 15 3.3 Northern Area of Influence ...... 17 3.3.1 Intertidal Area ...... 17 3.3.2 Terrestrial Area ...... 19 3.4 Southern Area of Influence ...... 20 3.4.1 Intertidal Area ...... 20 3.4.2 Terrestrial Area ...... 20 3.5 Pukaki Creek ...... 21 3.6 Conclusions ...... 22

4 TERRESTRIAL VEGETATION AND FLORA ...... 22 4.1 Raupo Wetland ...... 23 4.2 Botanical Assessment ...... 23 4.3 Wetland Values ...... 24

5 HERPETOFAUNA ...... 26

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5.1 Local Lizard Populations ...... 26 5.2 Herpetofauna Habitat ...... 27 5.2.1 Northern Area of Influence (NAI) ...... 27 5.2.2 Southern Area of Influence (SAI) ...... 28 5.3 Conclusions ...... 28

6 LONG-TAILED BATS ...... 29 6.1 Introduction ...... 29 6.1.1 Relevant Species Information ...... 29 6.2 Methods ...... 30 6.3 Results and Discussion ...... 30 6.3.1 Habitats within the Northern Area of Influence (NAI) ...... 30 6.3.2 Habitats within the Southern Area of Influence (SAI) ...... 31 6.4 Conclusions ...... 31

7 FRESHWATER...... 33 7.1 Introduction ...... 33 7.2 Methods ...... 33 7.3 Northern Area of Influence ...... 33 7.4 Southern Area of Influence ...... 35

8 REFERENCES ...... 37

9 APPENDICES ...... 40 Appendix I: SEA Marine Descriptions under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (2013) ...... 41 Appendix II: Department of Conservation Wildlife Act Authority ...... 43 Appendix III: Stream classification under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (2013)...... 45

10 PLATES ...... 46

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) is seeking to construct a second runway (Proposed Second Runway) to complement the Existing Runway at Auckland International Airport. Two ‘areas of influence’ have been proposed for the purpose of assessing the environmental effects of constructing and operating the Proposed Second Runway, which occur within the Tamaki Ecological District, and have been termed the northern area of influence (NAI) and the southern area of influence (SAI). This report consolidates information from unpublished reports, literature reviews and limited field assessments to provide a baseline ecological valuation of these two areas.

The marine environments within the NAI and SAI are of high ecological value because they encompass a variety of quality habitats that support dense populations of marine invertebrates.

Diverse populations of both nationally threatened and internationally significant birds also use these intertidal areas to feed and adjacent coastal sites as roosts. Two major roosts are encompassed within the areas of influence, namely the market lettuce garden in the NAI and Wiroa Island in the SAI.

The vegetation of the NAI and SAI is dominated by farmed or managed land and as such has low ecological value. There is however, a significant area of wetland located within the NAI of higher ecological value.

The NAI and SAI are considered to be of potential value to herpetofauna. There are a number of suitable habitats available within these two sites that have not been surveyed, especially in the SAI, and protected lizard species are known to occur within the Tamaki Ecological District.

The NAI and SAI are of low ecological value to long-tailed bats. There is very little suitable habitat available and no long-tailed bats have been recorded within the immediate area.

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The NAI includes only a small area of permanent water course which is surrounded by intensive agricultural land and is thus considered to be of low to moderate ecological value. Wiroa Island is included within the SAI and could include areas of wetland that would be relatively undisturbed and therefore of moderate to high ecological value.

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1 INTRODUCTION

Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) is seeking to construct the Proposed Second Runway to complement the Existing Runway. The purpose of this report is to provide a baseline ecological assessment of the NAI and SAI for the future construction and operation of a Proposed Second Runway. This report describes the current ecological values of the terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments within these two areas of influence (Figure 1). It does so to inform the ecological baseline and the future determination of the preferred design for the Proposed Second Runway.

The assessment of ecological values included both desktop analysis and limited field investigations. Data and information have been gathered from a number of sources, including published literature, unpublished reports (particularly from the Department of Conservation) and previous ecological assessments carried out by ecologists for projects located within the two areas of influence. This document also consolidates information from ecological assessments undertaken by Boffa Miskell Ltd and Bioresearches from 1989 to 2016.

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Figure 1. Plan map showing northern and southern areas of influence within the Manukau Harbour.

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2 MARINE

2.1 Introduction

Combined, the NAI and SAI comprise around 400 ha of intertidal area and 300 ha of subtidal area. The majority of the marine environment encompassed within the two areas is scheduled as Significant Ecological Area (SEA-M) under the notified version of the PAUP (Auckland Council 2013).

2.2 Methods

A baseline assessment of the marine environment has been undertaken by Bioresearches Group Limited in June 2016. The assessment was based exclusively on a desktop appraisal, revision of historic and recent reports by Bioresearches and a review of the PAUP. The results of a recent intertidal survey by Boffa Miskell Ltd. were also considered when determining the overall value of the marine habitats.

2.3 Northern Area of Influence

The western part of the NAI extends several kilometres into the Manukau Harbour. This area is encompassed within the Ihumatao Significant Ecological Area (SEA) which comprises SEA- M2 and SEA-M2w classified areas (full descriptions of these SEAs are set out in Appendix I). These are described as being ‘areas of regional, national or international significance which do not warrant an SEA-M1 identification as they are generally more robust and are identified as significant wading bird areas’ (Auckland Council 2013).

The intertidal area is described as providing a variety of habitats that support ‘a diversity marine invertebrates, fish and a high density of wading birds’ (Auckland Council 2013). These include Karore Bank, extensive eelgrass beds and sandflat habitats. The eelgrass beds and Karore Bank are of special importance to a variety of birds and are discussed in greater detail in Section 3 of this report.

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Figure 2. Plan map showing significant ecological areas and marine sampling stations within the northern and southern areas of influence.

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Boffa Miskell sampled four sites within the marine area of the NAI (see Figure 2) (Boffa Miskell 2016). The infauna, epifauna, grain size and contaminants of each site were then assessed (Boffa Miskell 2016). The benthic substrate was firm and dominated by fine and medium sands with silt and clay portions increasing further away from shore (Boffa Miskell 2016). The contaminant concentrations of surface sediments were generally below ARC- amber effects thresholds (the trigger level above which there is cause for concern) but elevated levels of zinc and copper were found at the site closest to shore (250m offshore) (Boffa Miskell 2016). The epifaunal species were typical of intertidal areas of northern New Zealand. The infauna assemblage was dominated by polychaete worms followed by bivalves. A Shannon-Weiner diversity index showed that species diversity was moderate to high, probably due to the wide range of habitats available within this large intertidal area (Boffa Miskell 2016).

An extensive edible seafood survey of the Manukau Harbour was undertaken by Bioresearches during 1991 and 1992. The environmental factors described by Boffa Miskell are favoured by marine invertebrates and this is reflected in the diversity and abundance of marine invertebrates, including shellfish, found in the area. A wide diversity of edible shellfish was found in the two transects within the NAI (see Figure 2) (Bioresearches 1992). These included: o Speckled whelk - Cominella adspersa o Catseye - Turbo smaragdus o Mud whelk - Cominella glandiformis o Topshell - Diloma zelandica o Mudflat topshell - Diloma subrostrata o Speckled top shell - Melagraphia aethiops o Turret shell - Maoricolpus roseus o Arabic volute - Alcithoe arabica o Bubble shell - Haminoea zelandiae o Cockle - Austrovenus stutchburyi o Green-lipped mussel - Perna canaliculus o Pipi - Paphies australis o Horse mussel - Atrina zelandica o Scallop - Pecten novaezelandiae o Large myadora - Myadora striata o Dredge oyster - Ostrea lutaria o Venus shell - Dosinia subrosea

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2.4 Southern Area of Influence

The majority of the SAI is situated within the marine environment of the Manukau Harbour. The entire intertidal area (300 ha) is classified in a number of SEAs under the PAUP within the Puhinui Significant Marine Ecological Area including both SEA-M1 and -M2 areas with associated wading bird habitat. SEAs given an M1 classification are described as ‘areas which, due to their physical form, scale or inherent values, are considered to be the most vulnerable to any adverse effects of inappropriate subdivision, use and development’ (Auckland Council 2013).

The intertidal area within the SAI is described as having extensive areas of sand flats that support dense and diverse populations of marine invertebrates which are fed on by ‘thousands of internationally migratory birds and New Zealand endemic wading birds including a number of endemic species’ (Auckland Council 2013). This area warrants M1 classification because it is one of the first areas to become exposed at high tide, is close to the Wiroa Island bird roost and is therefore popular with many of these bird species (Bioresearches 2008; Auckland Council 2013).

In this regard, New Zealand is a signatory to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. That specifically includes consideration of the conservation of lesser knot and bar-tailed godwit that commonly utilise the Harbour’s intertidal areas for feeding and Wiroa Island for roosting. More broadly New Zealand is also a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands; Manukau Harbour is rated as a significant wetland habitat by the Department of Conservation International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau and Ramsar Convention Bureau (Scott et al. 1996).

Boffa Miskell sampled another four sites within the SAI and assessed the infauna, epifauna, grain size and contaminants of each site (see Figure 2) (Boffa Miskell 2013). The benthic substrate was firm and dominated by fine and medium-sized sand and the contaminant concentrations of surface sediments were all below ARC-amber effects thresholds (Boffa Miskell 2016). (Boffa Miskell 2013). The epifaunal species were typical of intertidal areas of northern New Zealand and the infauna assemblage was again dominated by polychaete

13 worms and bivalve species (Boffa Miskell 2013). Bivalves were present in higher percentages here than in the NAI. A Shannon-Weiner diversity index showed that species diversity was again moderate to high (Boffa Miskell 2016).

This shows that the environmental conditions available in SAI improve upon those in the NAI with low levels of contaminants and higher abundances of bivalves. This is further supported by the results of the edible seafood survey (Bioresearches 1992). Similar gastropod and bivalve species were found in the three transects surveyed but in higher abundances (Bioresearches 1992). Several additional species were found in this area including: o Mud snail - Amphibola crenata o Southern Olive - Amalda australis o Oyster borer - Lepsiella scobina o Pacific oyster - Crassostrea gigas o Trough shell - Mactra ovata o Rock oyster - Saccostrea glomerata o Large wedge shell - Tellina liliana

The bivalves and gastropods in the NAI and SAI represent a diverse variety of species as described in the PAUP (Auckland Council 2013). These species are taken for human consumption in varying amounts and some populations were identified as being vulnerable to exploitation in this way (Bioresearches 1992). However, most of these species were protected by either having major subtidal populations (horse mussels, scallops and green- lipped mussels), planktonic larval stages that will recruit rapidly to suitable habitat (topshells and whelks) or are also abundant in areas outside of the Manukau Harbour (rock and dredge oysters) (Bioresearches 1992).

2.5 Pukaki Creek

The eastern edges of both the NAI and SAI encompass areas of the Pukaki Creek. An historic baseline assessment was performed in 1989 that described the Pukaki Creek in preparation for a subsequent bridge construction (Bioresearches 1989). The Pukaki Creek was concluded to be in good condition. The contamination levels of copper, lead, zinc and HMW-PAHs were in the ‘non-polluted’ category of the USEPA region 5 guidelines (Bioresearches 1989). Pukaki

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Creek provides a marine habitat that is more sheltered than the Manukau Harbour and contains a wide variety of habitats including: extensive areas of mangroves; hard substrates for encrusting organisms; firm sands and soft mud/ silt areas. This provides habitats for a wide variety of epifauna including a Pacific oyster bed and cockle bed (Bioresearches 1989). The grain sizes found were similar to those recorded more recently within the Manukau Harbour including fine sands and shell fragments through the central channel with fine muds and silts near the banks and mangrove habitat (Bioresearches 1989; Boffa Miskell 2016).

Three transects were surveyed within the Pukaki Creek during a shellfish survey of the Manukau Harbour by Bioresearches in 1992 and the following species were found: o Cockle - Austrovenus stutchburyi o Trough shell - Mactra ovata o Pacific oyster - Crassostrea gigas o Mudflat topshell - Diloma subrostrata o Mud snail - Amphibola crenata o Speckled whelk - Cominella adspersa o Green-lipped mussel - Perna canaliculus

2.6 Conclusions

Both the NAI and SAI warrant high ecological marine values for several reasons. The intertidal area provides a high diversity of sandflat habitats that support dense and diverse populations of marine invertebrates. These in turn provide food to support dense and diverse populations of wading birds including several nationally threatened species and species of international concern. The intertidal areas of both the NAI and SAI have therefore been scheduled and described as SEA –M1 and -M2 areas within the PAUP (Auckland Council 2013) (see Figure 2).

3 AVIFAUNA

3.1 Introduction

The Manukau Harbour is an important feeding and overwintering habitat for international migrants and native wading birds, including many nationally threatened species (Robertson et al. 2013). There is a wide variety of high quality habitats within the Manukau Harbour that

15 can support dense populations of a high diversity of these birds and as such have been scheduled as SEA –M1 and M2 for wading birds under the PAUP (Auckland Council 2013). This Harbour is of critical importance to several threatened and nationally vulnerable species, including the wrybill, as more than 30% of the total population of wrybills overwinter within the Manukau Harbour (Dowding & Moore 2006).

Wading birds and coastal birds typically use the intertidal area of the Manukau Harbour to feed during low tide, moving to terrestrial and upper intertidal roosting sites during high tide. There are two important areas used as high tide roosts within the bounds of the NAI and SAI which are the market lettuce garden at Renton Road and the constructed bird roost on Wiroa Island.

Although outside the scope of this baseline assessment it is worth noting that birds moving to and from the intertidal area are of special importance to AIAL because they represent a possible strike risk to aircraft. In the past Butterfly Creek represented a problematic roosting site because it resulted in birds flying over the Existing Runway to get to and from their intertidal feeding areas (Bioresearches 2008). Occurrences like this can be mitigated and that has been successful by improving the constructed bird roost on Wiroa Island. Wiroa Island now represents the most important bird roost within the Manukau Harbour (Auckland Council 2013).

3.2 Methods

A baseline assessment of the avifauna has been undertaken by Bioresearches Group Limited. The assessment was based exclusively on a desktop appraisal, comprised of a literature review and the revision of two recent field assessments by Bioresearches (2008) and Boffa Miskell (2016).

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Figure 3. Plan Map showing birds roosts and survey sites within the two areas of influence.

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3.3 Northern Area of Influence

3.3.1 Intertidal Area The intertidal area within the NAI represents an important feeding and staging area for a wide variety of wading birds, coastal birds and waterfowl (Bioresearches 2008; Auckland Council 2013; Boffa Miskell 2016). As explained in Section 2 of this report, the high quality of the marine environment is capable of maintaining dense populations of a variety of bird species (Bioresearches 2008; Auckland Council, 2013).

The intertidal area of the NAI supports dense populations of marine invertebrates that are attractive as food for wading birds (Bioresearches 1992; Auckland Council 2013). Along with this, there are two more important features within the NAI for avifauna.

One of these is Karore Bank which is used as a feeding and staging area for migratory bird species. It is inundated during high spring tides only, remaining uncovered during high neap tides (Bioresearches 2008). Dense groups of South Island pied oystercatcher (SIPO) use the sandbank as a place to rest during half tide before flying to their high tidal roost (Bioresearches 2008). The Manukau Harbour supports a population of anywhere between 20,000 and 30,000 SIPO during winter and several thousand were seen in the intertidal area of the NAI on one surveying occasion during 2007 (Dowding & Moore 2006;Bioresearches 2008).

The other important feature is the dense eelgrass beds associated with Karore Bank and a portion of it is included in the NAI. Eelgrass attracts many wading birds as this habitat supports a variety of marine invertebrates, as well as waterfowl, such as black swans and mallard ducks, that feed on the eelgrass directly (Bioresearches 2008; Auckland Council 2013). The eelgrass within and near the NAI is the largest remaining area within the Manukau Harbour (Auckland Council 2013). The quality of the intertidal area within the NAI is reflected in the scheduling of this entire area as SEA-M2w in the PAUP (Auckland Council 2013) (See Figure 2).

In 2008, Bioresearches surveyed birds using the intertidal area adjacent to the northern runway in AIAL's Designation (Designated Northern Runway)at the western survey site (see Figure 3). A total of eighteen species were recorded (as shown in Table 1 below), which is a relatively high diversity within a feeding habitat, including five species considered to be

18 threatened on a national basis (black stilt, caspian tern, lesser knot, pied shag and red-billed gull).

TABLE 1. Avifauna recorded within the intertidal area of the NAI in 2007-2008 (Bioresearches 2008). Species Threat Category* Threat Status* Caveat* Pied stilt At Risk Declining Secure Overseas Black stilt Threatened Nationally Critical Conservation Dependent, Range Restricted Black swan Not Threatened Secure Overseas Caspian tern Threatened Nationally Secure Overseas, Sparse Vulnerable Eastern bar-tailed godwit At Risk Declining Threatened Overseas Lesser knot Threatened Nationally Threatened Overseas Vulnerable Little black shag At Risk Naturally Range Restricted Uncommon Little shag Not Threatened Increasing Mallard Introduced and Secure Overseas Naturalised Spur winged plover Not Threatened Secure Overseas NZ kingfisher Not Threatened Secure Overseas Pied shag Threatened Nationally Vulnerable Red-billed gull Threatened Nationally Vulnerable Black-backed gull Not Threatened Secure Overseas South Island pied At Risk Declining oystercatcher Turnstone Non-resident Native Secure Overseas Variable oystercatcher At Risk Recovering Increasing White-faced heron Not Threatened Secure Overseas

* Robertson et al. (2013)

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The dominant species recorded in this intertidal habitat were as follows in decreasing order of occurrence: 1. South Island pied oystercatcher 2. Lesser knot 3. Bar-tailed godwit 4. Black swan 5. Red-billed gull 6. Pied stilt 7. White-faced heron 8. Black-backed gull 9. Caspian tern

3.3.2 Terrestrial Area Wading and coastal bird species typically choose high tide roosts that are close to shore. The NAI overlaps a roosting site used by thousands of SIPO, the market lettuce garden at Renton Road (see Figure 3).

Large numbers of SIPO were recorded roosting at this site, inluding a count of 900 individuals during June and July 2007 and 2500 individuals during September and October 2007 (Bioresearches 2008). A population of white-faced heron was also recorded roosting at this site as well as lesser numbers of other species including the nationally threatened caspian tern (Bioresearches 2008; Robertson et al. 2013).

There is a raupo wetland area within the terrestrial section of the NAI that is described in greater detail in Section 4 (see Figure 3). This wetland is used as habitat by an australasian bittern which is nationally endangered (Robertson et al. 2013). A bittern has been recorded twice by Bioresearches ecologists, once in 2007 and again in 2016. This is assumed to be the resident bittern, known to the AIAL, that frequents many habitats within and between both the NAI and SAI (Boffa Miskell 2016).

The area above high tide within the NAI is scheduled as a terrestrial SEA (SEA-T-6373a) under the PAUP because it represents a ‘buffer’ for several bird species of national significance (SIPO, red-billed gull and pied stilt) that use the adjacent intertidal area (Figure 2) (Auckland Council 2013).

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Wading and coastal birds will also roost in other areas but none that are unique to the NAI. For example, the nationally threatened banded and New Zealand dotterel species favour areas of short grass or bare earth (Bioresearches 2008; Robertson et al. 2013). Short grasses are also favoured by SIPO while white-faced herons often roost in the tall macrocarpas growing near the coast adjacent to the NAI (Bioresearches 2008).

Boffa Miskell performed pathway monitoring surveys at three sites within and near the NAI (see Figure 3) (Boffa Miskell 2013). Most key species have been recorded within the intertidal area shown in Table 1 but four additional species birds of threatened or at risk conservation status were recorded (Table 2).

Table 2. Additional avifauna recorded by Boffa Miskell (2016) within the NAI. Species Threat Category* Threat Status* Caveat* Black shag At Risk Naturally Uncommon Secure overseas, sparse Black-bill gull Threatened Nationally Critical Recruitment failure Reef heron Threatened Nationally Endangered Data poor, secure overseas, sparse, stable Wrybill Threatened Nationally Vulnerable Range restricted

* Robertson et al. (2013)

3.4 Southern Area of Influence

3.4.1 Intertidal Area The intertidal habitat within the SAI consists of gently graded sand flats (Auckland Council 2013). As with the NAI, this area supports dense populations of invertebrates which attract a variety of wading and coastal birds in their thousands (Auckland Council 2013). The quality of this habitat is reflected in the scheduling of this area as SEA-M1w and SEA-M2w in the PAUP (Auckland Council) (see Figure 2).

3.4.2 Terrestrial Area The majority of Wiroa Island is within the bounds of the SAI (see Figure 3). There is a constructed bird roost on this island that attracts birds that use the adjacent intertidal area for feeding. The PAUP describes Wiroa Island as the ‘major’ roost on the Manukau Harbour and as such has scheduled the entire island as SEA-M1w (Auckland Council 2013). Boffa

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Miskell performed pathway monitoring surveys of birds from the southern station on Wiroa Island (see Figure 3). The key species found are presented in Table 3.

Table 3. Key avifaunal species recorded around Wiroa Island by Boffa Miskell (2016).

Threat Threat Status* Caveat* Species Category* Black shag At Risk Naturally Secure overseas, sparse Uncommon Caspian tern Threatened Nationally Secure Overseas, Sparse Vulnerable Eastern bar-tailed godwit At Risk Declining Threatened Overseas Northern NZ dotterel Threatened Nationally Conservation dependent, Vulnerable increasing South Island pied At Risk Declining oystercatcher Red-billed gull Threatened Nationally Vulnerable Variable oystercatcher At Risk Recovering Increasing White-fronted tern Threatened Nationally Data poor Vulnerable

* Robertson et al. (2013)

3.5 Pukaki Creek

Small areas of the Pukaki Creek are within the eastern bounds of both the NAI and SAI. The Pukaki Creek is described as encompassing significant areas of mangroves which potentially support the at risk bird species: banded rail, fern bird and marsh crake (Auckland Council 2013). An historic baseline survey of the Pukaki Creek also recorded wading and coastal bird species which represent a subset of those seen in the Manukau Harbour (Table 4) (Bioresearches 1989).

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Table 4. Key avifaunal species recorded at Pukaki Creek (Bioresearches 1989).

Species Threat Category* Threat Status* Caveat* Caspian tern Threatened Nationally Vulnerable Secure Overseas, Sparse Eastern bar-tailed godwit At Risk Declining Threatened Overseas South Island pied oystercatcher At Risk Declining Pied shag Threatened Nationally Vulnerable Red-billed gull Threatened Nationally Vulnerable

*Robertson et al. (2013)

3.6 Conclusions

The entire intertidal area surrounding the Auckland International Airport is scheduled as significant marine ecological area that is important to wading birds (Auckland Council 2013). The variety of marine habitats include: sand flats that support abundant populations of marine invertebrates, which in turn provide food for dense populations of wading birds; Karore Bank which provides an important feeding and staging area for a number of migrant and resident wading birds; the eelgrass bed which is the largest remaining within the Manukau Harbour; and the extensive area of mangroves within Pukaki Creek which potentially provides habitat for three at risk marsh birds (Bioresearches 2008; Auckland Council 2013). The terrestrial habitat close to the Manukau Harbour within the NAI and Wiroa Island in the SAI provides roosting habitat for many of these threatened wading bird species (Bioresearches 2008; Auckland Council 2013). For these reasons, some parts of both the NAI and SAI represent high value avifaunal habitat for coastal birds.

4 TERRESTRIAL VEGETATION AND FLORA

An assessment of terrestrial vegetation was undertaken remotely using high quality aerial imagery (Google Earth, Auckland Council Unitary GIS Viewer). The vegetation within the SAI consists solely of managed grassland and is therefore considered to be of low ecological value while the NAI consists of mostly pastoral and horticultural farmland interspersed with shelterbelts, hedgerows and exotic trees (Boffa Miskell 2016). This type of vegetation is considered to be of low ecological value as it consists of predominantly exotic plants that

23 offer little habitat to native fauna. There is however, a relatively large area of wetland situated within the NAI that was assessed by Bioresearches and described below.

4.1 Raupo Wetland

A site visit was undertaken on 2nd June 2016 when the botanical features of the wetland were assessed. The watercourse was walked and particular botanical features were noted.

4.2 Botanical Assessment

The lower end of the watercourse flows out to the Manukau Harbour and the first part has some tidal influence as indicated by the presence of purua grass (Bolboschoenus medianus), a plant that favours coastal saltmarsh and other poorly drained saline areas (Plate 1). The band of purua grass close to the waterway is surrounded by gorse (Ulex europaeus), pampas (Cortaderia selloana) (both pest plants) and rough exotic grasses such as Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) and kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus). On the shoreline are knobby clubrush (Ficinia nodosa), kawakawa (Piper excelsum) and scattered small box thorn bushes (Lycium ferocissimum). Mercer grass (Paspalum distichum) is present a little further upstream as the key wetland species transition to raupo (Typha orientalis). The raupo then forms an extensive, dense sward running up to the confluence of the mainstream and a tributary where it forms a broad area that is a virtual monoculture of raupo (Plates 2 & 3). On either side of the raupo is a band of exotic weeds (pest plants) including pampas, gorse, blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum). Other pest plants noted around the edges were climbing dock (Rumex sagittatus), moth plant (Araujia sericifera), smilax (Asparagus asparagoides) and tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis). A few clumps of the native pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia complexa) were observed dotted about the drier banks of the wetland area.

Upstream of the confluence the raupo ends abruptly (Plate 4) where grazing stock have been able to access the area and the wetland vegetation is then reduced to grazed water pepper (Persicaria hydropiper), and buttercup (Ranunculus repens) with clumps of rushes and sedges such as small swamp sedge (Carex virgata), purei (Carex secta) and wiwi (Juncus

24 edgariae) scattered about (Plates 5 & 6). Giant rush (Juncus pallidus) is also occasional in the upper grazed part of the wetland.

The wetland continues as far as a farm crossing on the mainstream some 400m above the edge of the raupo. It ranges between about 35m and 20m in width over most of this length, being very wet, with small areas of standing shallow water where watercress (Nasturtium officinale) and duckweed (Lemna disperma) are found. In the upstream area it becomes increasingly dominated by moisture-tolerant grasses such as Mercer grass and Yorkshire fog and buttercup and is intensively grazed (Plate 7).

The tributary above the confluence is also grazed. The wetland area is c. 20m across just above the raupo, but gradually narrows to 15m within 100m upstream. It contains mainly exotic wetland plants such as buttercup and Mercer grass with a few scattered areas of giant umbrella sedge (Cyperus ustulatus), fan flowered rush (Juncus sarophorus) and wiwi (Plate 8)

4.3 Wetland Values

Hydrologically the wetland appears to be quite extensive as evidenced by the broad swampy areas associated with the mainstream and its tributary. In the absence of intensive grazing by livestock the raupo would in all probability extend much further upstream than it currently does as evidenced by the abrupt transition from raupo to grazed exotic wetland species.

In terms of the vegetation types present the key vegetation type is the raupo reedland that runs upstream from near the outflow to the Harbour to an extensive wetland area surrounding the confluence of the stream and its tributary. This wetland type is a swamp (Johnson & Gerbeaux 2004) and the reedland vegetation is typical in being dominated by one species (raupo) to the exclusion of almost all other species. In extent it is estimated to be more than one hectare (Auckland Council GIS) in area which would make it of significant size for the Tamaki Ecological District1 (E.D.) in which it lies.

1 The Department of Conservation has divided the whole of New Zealand into Ecological Regions and Districts. The Tamaki Ecological District is part of the Auckland Ecological Region. It includes the Auckland Isthmus, the North Shore and the eastern & western suburbs.

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A recent draft publication by the Auckland Council (Singers et al. 2015) lists the key native ecosystem types in the Auckland Region and assigns each a threat status determined using IUCN2 criteria. Raupo reedland has been assigned an I.U.C.N.2 threat status of “Critically Threatened” by the writers of this publication. It is widely recognised that wetlands have been severely reduced in extent nationwide, and in the case of the Tamaki Ecological District 99% of wetlands have been lost (Lindsay et al. 2009). This wetland is therefore of significant value because of its relatively large size for the Tamaki E.D. and the “Critically Threatened” status of the raupo reedland ecosystem that is present. The raupo reedland ecosystem is also important because it is known to provide important habitat for a range of native wetland birds and other fauna.

The upper wetland which contains a mixture of native and exotic wetland plants currently has relatively low botanical values due to stock grazing impacts. The diversity of native wetland plants is low and there are a number of exotic wetland weeds present. Generally though, the majority of plant species recorded, both native and exotic, are characteristic of wetland environments indicating that the area is in fact a true wetland. The wetter parts lower down the catchment would revert to raupo swamp if grazing were to cease and the rest would likely be recolonised by native sedges and rushes to form sedgeland/ rushland if exotic weeds were controlled.

Although a range of pest plants are present around the wetland margins these do not generally occur within the raupo reedland which is quite resistant to weed invasion. The wetland therefore has a high potential to be self-sustaining provided it is not grazed. There is also good potential for buffering the wetland with native planting following weed removal and restoration of the upper wetland if livestock were prevented from grazing it. Key weeds requiring control on the wetland edges are pampas, gorse, blackberry, moth plant, woolly nightshade, climbing dock and boxthorn. Smilax and tradescantia are also present. There are currently few native species here with a few kawakawa bushes near the shoreline and scattered clumps of pohuehue.

2 International Union for the Conservation of Nature

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It is noted that AIAL holds a resource consent to reclaim the perennial streams that are an integral part of the wetland (see section 7.1 below). The reclamation of these watercourses would likely result in the loss of the raupo reedland due to loss of a water source for the wetland habitat.

5 HERPETOFAUNA

Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) comprise a significant component of New Zealand’s terrestrial fauna. Over 100 endemic taxa are currently recognised (Hitchmough et al. in press) and approximately 80% have conservation threat statuses of ‘Threatened’ or ‘At Risk’ of extinction (Hitchmough et al. 2013; Hitchmough et al. in press). All native reptiles and amphibians are legally protected under the Wildlife Act 1953, and vegetation and landscape features that provide significant habitat for native herpetofauna are protected by the Resource Management Act 1991. Statutory obligations require management of resident reptile and amphibian populations where they or their habitats are threatened by disturbance or development projects.

In response to AIAL’s proposal to construct and operate the Proposed Second Runway, a baseline assessment of herpetofauna values has been undertaken. The assessment of herpetofauna values was based exclusively on a desktop appraisal, revision of historic and recent herpetofauna records, and an evaluation of aerial imagery and photographs of the proposed NAI and SAI. The results of a recent herpetofauna survey of part of the area, by EcoGecko Consultants Ltd. (Melzer, 2014), were also considered when determining to overall value of the proposed areas for native reptiles and amphibians.

5.1 Local Lizard Populations

Eleven (11) lizard and frog taxa are known to occur in the Tāmaki Ecological District, including five skinks, four geckos and two frogs (Table 5). The corresponding New Zealand Conservation Threat Status (NZCTS) for each taxa has been shown in Table 1. The Conservation Threat Status of a species (taxa) generally correlates with the significance of

27 occurrence at sites where they are identified. That is, the higher the threat ranking, the higher the significance of occurrence at any particular site.

A review of historical lizard records—both the Department of Conservation’s BioWeb Herpetofauna Database and recent survey records (Bioresearches Group and EcoGecko Consultants)—and aerial imagery of available habitat types present within the NAI and SAI suggests that four native and one introduced skink, and two introduced frogs could be anticipated in areas likely to be directly affected by construction of the Proposed Second Runway.

5.2 Herpetofauna Habitat

An assessment of possible herpetofauna habitat was undertaken remotely using high quality aerial imagery (Google Earth, Auckland Council Unitary GIS Viewer) and a review of photographs taken on-site by a Bioresearches freshwater ecologist on 2 June 2016 (NAI only).

5.2.1 Northern Area of Influence (NAI) This represents an area of intensive agricultural land to the north of the existing airport, consisting predominantly of managed (grazed) and unmanaged pasture, interspersed with roads, formed channels and drains, exotic hedgerows, wetlands, rural gardens and regenerating native plants in coastal esplanades. Exotic weeds such pampas and gorse and debris (e.g. farm equipment and wooden debris/ logs) are common and scattered throughout the landscape. At the western end of the NAI a narrow area of beach exists, while mangroves and mudflats are present at the eastern extent of the NAI. These are generally small, discreet habitats that would require further specific survey.

The vegetation and habitat types present within the NAI support native and exotic lizards, as well as exotic amphibians.

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5.2.2 Southern Area of Influence (SAI) The terrestrial habitats present within the SAI comprise a small area of managed (mowed) grassland to the immediate southeast of the Existing Runway and land forming Wiroa Island (Figure 1). The coastal margins of the SAI are predominately edged by mangrove/ mudflats with little available beach/ dune habitat.

Wiroa Island is heavily modified, with managed grassland, cleared sandy areas, and areas of mixed weed and native scrubland dominating. The Island is connected to the mainland by a narrow constructed causeway that supports an access road and strip of mowed grass.

The vegetation and habitat types present within the SAI could support populations of native and exotic lizards, and potentially exotic amphibians, based on their characteristics. At present, however, there is insufficient detailed, site specific information from which to draw defensible conclusions.

5.3 Conclusions

Overall, habitat types present within both the NAI and SAI, with the exception of intensively grazed pasture, are considered potentially suitable for the native lizard species listed in Table 5. In particular, limited areas of rank pasture/ grassland, sandy beaches and organic debris (e.g. logs) are likely to provide the most probable habitat for native lizards, including some ‘At Risk’ species (e.g. Oligosoma ornatum and possibly Oligosoma moco).

Little habitat is available for arboreal geckos, existing solely as isolated rows of exotic pine and/ or eucalyptus trees along farm fence lines. A short (1.5 hour) nocturnal spotlight survey for arboreal geckos in the NAI, by EcoGecko Consultants (Melzer, 2014), did not confirm the presence of geckos.

On balance, and in the context of the past land modifications and its current uses, the probability of areas within the NAI and SAI supporting notable populations of reptiles is low. Regardless of the final option selected, the aspect of reptile conservation would likely be addressed via a Lizard Management Plan associated with any vegetation clearance.

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Table 5. Herpetofauna recorded from the Tāmaki Ecological District, including Conservation Threat Status and possible presence in development area (footprint) ( - known; ? – likely; x – unlikely).

Species Threat Category* Threat Status* Footprint Copper skink (Oligosoma aeneum) Not Threatened  Ornate skink (Oligosoma ornatum) At Risk Declining ? Moko skink (Oligosoma moco) At Risk Declining ? Shore skink (Oligosoma smithi) At Risk Naturally Uncommon ? Plague skink (Lampropholis delicata) Unwanted Organism 

Forest gecko (Mokopirirakau granulatus) At Risk Declining x Pacific gecko (Dactylocnemis pacificus) At Risk Relict x Elegant gecko (Naultinus elegans) At Risk Declining x Raukawa gecko (Woodworthia maculata) Not Threatened x

Green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) Introduced ? Southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis) Introduced ?

*Hitchmough et al. (2013); Hitchmough et al. (in press) 6 LONG-TAILED BATS

6.1 Introduction

A bat survey of the NAI was undertaken by Boffa Miskell in 2014. Some habitats within the Auckland Region are known to support populations of the threatened long-tailed bat (LTB, Chalinolobus tuberculatus), including the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges, which support the best-known populations. LTBs have been recorded in the Region’s north, west, south-east and south-west, and recent surveys (Bioresearches 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016) have demonstrated that LTBs are using rural landscapes and urban fringes, and that they may be more widely distributed in the Auckland Region than previously thought.

6.1.1 Relevant Species Information LTBs are highly mobile, change roost sites regularly (Griffiths 1996) and may occupy very large home ranges (up to 100km2). For this reason, information on the species habitat use in

30 the surrounding landscape is of particular importance, and LTBs may be intermittent visitors to foraging sites within 20 km of their roosts.

The LTB is listed as Nationally Vulnerable by the Department of Conservation (O’Donnell et al. 2013). The species requires large trees (including exotic and standing dead trees) with cavities (e.g. deep knot holes), epiphytes and loose bark for roosting; and typically use linear landscape features such as bush edges, gullies and water courses to transit between roosting and feeding sites (Borkin & Parsons, 2009; Griffiths, 1996). LTBs forage over open areas (Borkin & Parsons, 2009; Griffiths, 1996), forest edges (O'Donnell & Sedgeley 1994), wetlands, rivers and roadways (Borkin & Parsons 2009; Griffiths 1996).

The species has been recorded near urban fringes and passing over street lighting, however distribution patterns in Auckland indicate that they avoid areas of human activity (Bioresearches 2014).

6.2 Methods

The current assessment was based on a desktop review only. The review included a 2014 bat survey of the NAI and description of potential habitats (Boffa Miskell 2016), and an overview of recent records and survey effort (2014-2016) of the species from the surrounding area. The surrounding area was considered to be approximately 20 km from the AIAL NAI and SAI.

6.3 Results and Discussion

Eight bat records were identified to the Airport’s north-west, east, south-east and south (Figure 4).These records include the Waitakere Ranges (c. 18 km), Clevedon (c. 20 km); Papakura (c. 19 km) and Pukekohe (c. 18 km). A further 25 locations in the surrounding area were surveyed over a month period and did not record bats. In addition to these, a further five locations within the areas of influence did not detect bats from a combined five week period.

6.3.1 Habitats within the Northern Area of Influence (NAI) The NAI is largely devoid of any potential roosting habitat. An isolated area of raupo wetland with some surrounding scrub occurs near the western shoreline with the Manukau Harbour.

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This wetland has some, low, capacity to support foraging habitat, although given its isolation from other potential and known habitats, the likelihood of any LTBs in the surrounding landscape commuting to forage at this location is negligible.

6.3.2 Habitats within the Southern Area of Influence (SAI) No specific areas of potential LTB foraging or roosting habitat are considered to be present in this area.

6.4 Conclusions

Records of LTBs from the Waitakere Ranges to the north-west, and Pukekohe to the south, offer the most likely sources from which bats may pass through the site. However, potential habitat within the areas of influence is restricted to a very small area of wetland that lacks any contiguity with other habitats in the surrounding landscape, particularly roosting. It is therefore very unlikely that native bats use any of the environments within the areas of influence, even on an intermittent basis. On balance, it is not considered to be an issue regarding the subject habitats.

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Figure 4. Long-tailed bat records and survey effort from the surrounding landscape of the AIAL designations. Data courtesy of Bioresearches (2014, 2016), Boffa Miskell (2016), Whakaupoko Landcare Group.

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7 FRESHWATER

7.1 Introduction

In response to AIAL’s proposal to construct and operate the Proposed Second Runway, a baseline assessment of freshwater habitat values, within the areas of influence, has been undertaken. It is understood that the existing consents allow the removal and infilling of the streams and that mitigation for that future activity has already been undertaken in the nearby Puhinui Stream in consultation with Auckland Council. The characteristics of the stream are described below for completeness.

7.2 Methods

The assessment was based on a desktop appraisal, comprised of a literature review of two recent field assessments by Bioresearches (2008) and Boffa Miskell (2016), and analysis using the Auckland Council GIS Viewer.

Additionally, on 2 June 2016, a field survey was undertaken by Bioresearches, to further assess the wetland and permanent watercourses that drain to the west into the Manukau Harbour. During the field survey the presence and extent of water was noted, notes were made on the quality of the instream habitats and reference photos taken. Where sufficient water was present, basic water quality measurements parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen and conductivity) were measured, using a pre-calibrated Temperature/Dissolved Oxygen meter (YSI Model 85). The watercourses were classified under the notified version of the PAUP, to determine, in accordance with the definitions in these plans, the ephemeral, intermittent, or permanent classification (Appendix III).

7.3 Northern Area of Influence

The NAI encompasses seven small catchments, including tributaries of the Oruarangi Creek, the Waitomoka Creek, the Tautauroa Creek and four unnamed systems which flow directly into the Manukau Harbour (Figure 5).

The majority of the watercourses within the NAI were classified as ephemeral (Figure 5) under the PAUP. These watercourses were typically surrounded by intensive agricultural

34 land, consisting predominantly of managed and unmanaged pasture. The ephemeral watercourses were considered to have a very low freshwater ecological value.

Two short reaches (approximately 150m) in the north-western corner of the NAI were classified as intermittent, under the PAUP (Figure 5). These two reaches were considered to have a moderate ecological value, as the receiving environment, the Tautauroa Creek, is located within a marine SEA (SEA-M2-27a). An additional reach, located approximately in the middle of the southern boundary of the NAI, was classified as intermittent under the PAUP. This reach was considered to have a low ecological value, as the area has been extensively modified.

At the time of the survey, flowing water was present along the main stem of the unnamed tributary flowing west into the Manukau Harbour. Accordingly, this watercourse was classified as permanent (Figure 5). The watercourse was diffused and flowed through a large dense stand of raupo forming an extensive wetland (Plate 10). The riparian vegetation (refer Section 4) provided patchy shading and the substrate consisted of silt/ mud. Areas of the wetland where cattle had access were degraded with deep pugging and devoid of raupo. Water quality measurements of the flowing water within the wetland were recorded. Conductivity was ‘poor’ (345 µS/cm), indicating moderately enriched waters (Biggs et al. 2002). Temperatures were ‘excellent’ (11.2 ˚C), suitable for most macroinvertebrates (Biggs et al., 2002). The dissolved oxygen levels were moderate (6.39 mg/L) indicating occasional stress for a range of aquatic organisms (Davies et al. 2013).

The aquatic habitat quality of the wetland for fish was generally low, largely due to the shallow water depth, fine substrate, low shading and low hydrological heterogeneity. The Bioresearches (2008) report identified two native fish species within this wetland system, namely shortfin (Anguilla australis) and longfin eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii). Longfin eel are listed as ‘At Risk; Declining’ on the national threatened species list (Goodman et al. 2014). Additionally, the report identified a low richness of macroinvertebrate taxa. All the macroinvertebrate taxa recorded were typical of slow flowing and moderately enriched habitats. The freshwater ecological value for the permanent/wetland area was considered low to moderate.

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7.4 Southern Area of Influence

The extent of the freshwater ecological values are generally unknown for the SAI. The Auckland Council GIS viewer indicates that there are two short watercourses present on Wiroa Island. Satellite imagery of the surrounding land use and contour data indicate that there is unlikely to be permanently flowing water, but wetland habitat may be present. Due to the Island’s isolation it is assumed that any wetlands present will have a moderate to high ecological value.

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Figure 5. Watercourses and their classifications within the NAI boundary.

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8 REFERENCES

Auckland Council (2013). Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. Notified 30 September, 2013. Auckland Council, September, 30.

Biggs, B. J. F., C. Kilroy, C. M. Mulcock, M. R. Scarsbrook and S. C. Ogilvie. 2002. New Zealand Stream Health Monitoring & Assessment Kit. Stream Monitoring Manual - Version 2k – a Tool for Kaitiaki. Christchurch. NIWA.

Bioresearches (1989). Proposed Pukaki Creek Crossing. Prepared for Auckland International Airport Co. Ltd.

Bioresearches (1992). Intertidal seafood resources of the Manukau Harbour. Prepared for the Auckland Regional Water Board.

Bioresearches (2003). Stream Ecological Assessment Airport Northern Development. Prepared for Bruce Wallace Partners.

Bioresearches (2008). Bird hazard assessment with particular emphasis on the second runway site. Prepared for Auckland International Airport Co. Ltd.

Bioresearches (2012). Assessment of potential long-tailed bat habitat in the Auckland Region. Prepared for Auckland Council. 14 pp.

Bioresearches (2013). Long-tailed bat populations in the Auckland Region. Prepared for Auckland Council. 38 pp.

Bioresearches (2014). Long-tailed bat surveys in the Auckland Region. Prepared for Auckland Council. 33 pp.

Bioresearches (2016). Long-tailed bat surveys in the Auckland Region: South-West Franklin and Awhitu. Prepared for Auckland Council. 18 pp.

Boffa Miskell (2016). AIAL Second Runway: Assessment of Environmental Baseline: Ecological Values. Prepared for Auckland International Airport Co. Ltd.

Borkin, K.M., Parsons, S. 2009. Long-tailed bats’ use of a Pinus radiata stand in Kinleith forest: Recommendations for monitoring. New Zealand Journal of forestry 53: 83-43

Davies-Colley, R., Franklin, P., Wilcock, B., Clearwater S., Hickey, C. (2013). National Objectives Framework - Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen & pH. Proposed thresholds for discussion. Prepared for Ministry for the Environment. November 2013. NIWA Client Report No: HAM2013-056.

Dowding, J. E.; Moore, S. J. (2006). Habitat networks of indigenous shorebirds in New Zealand. Science for Conservation No. 261. Department of Conservation, Wellington.

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Goodman, J. M., Dunn, N. Ravenscroft, P. J., Allibone, R. M., Boubee, J. A. T., David, B. O., Griffiths, M., Ling, N., Hitchmough R. A. and Rolfe, J. R. (2014). Conservation status of New Zealand freshwater fish, 2013. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 7, May 2014. Department of Conservation. 12pp.

Griffiths, R. (1996). Aspects of the ecology of a long-tailed bat Chalinolobus tuberculatus (Gray, 1843), population in a highly fragmented habitat. Unpublished MSc thesis, Lincoln University, Christchurch.

Hitchmough, R.; Anderson, P.; Barr, B.; Monks, J.; Lettink, M.; Reardon, J.; Tocher, M.; Whitaker, T. (2013). Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2012. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 2. Department of Conservation, Wellington. 16 p.

Hitchmough, R.; Barr, B.; Lettink, M.; Monks, J.; Reardon, J.; Tocher, M.; van Winkel, D.; and Rolfe, J. (in press). Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2015. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 2. Department of Conservation, Wellington.

Johnson, P. and Gerbeaux, P. (2004) Wetland Types in New Zealand. Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand.

Lindsay, H., Wild, C., and Byers, S. (2009) Auckland Protection Strategy: A report to the Nature Heritage Fund Committee. Nature Heritage Fund, PO Box 10-420 Wellington.

Melzer, S. (2014). Lizard survey report for the Auckland International Airport Runway Extension. Prepared by EcoGecko Consultants for Boffa Miskell, May 2014. 15 p.

O’Donnell, C. F. J.; Sedgeley, J. A. (1994). An automatic monitoring system for recording bat activity. In: The Department of Conservation Technical Series. Wellington, NZ. The Department of Conservation.

O’ Donnell, C. F. J.; Christie, J.E.; Lloyd, B.; Parsons, S.; Hitchmough, R. A.; (2013). The conservation status of New Zealand Bats, 2012. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 6. Department of Conservation, Wellington. 8 p.

Robertson, H. A.; Dowding, J. E.; Elliott, G. P.; Hitchmough, R. A.; Miskelley, C. M.; O’Donnell, C. F. J.; Powlesland, R. G.; Sagar, P. M.; Scofield, R. P.; Taylor, G. A. (2013). Conservation status of New Zealand Birds, 2012. New Zealand Threat Classification Series No. 4. Department of Conservation, Wellington.

Sawyer, J.; Stanley R. (2012). Criteria for the identification of significant ecological areas in Auckland. Auckland Council. 50 p.

Scott, D. A. (Ed) (1996). A Directory of Wetlands in New Zealand. New Zealand Department of Conservation. 395 pp.

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Singers, N., B. Osborne, Hill, K., Lovegrove, T., Jamieson, A., Webb, C., Hill, S., Andrews, J. and Sawyer, J. (2015) Indigenous Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems of Auckland. Auckland Council Draft Report.

Southey, I. (2009). Numbers of waders in New Zealand 1994-2003. DoC Research & Development Series No. 308. Department of Conservation, Wellington.

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9 APPENDICES

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Appendix I: SEA Marine Descriptions under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (2013)

Schedule Name/Location Value of SEA SEA – ID M Type

26 Ihumatao

26a Sandbank, Ihumatao The Karore intertidal sandbank is a particularly rich area which provides a variety of sand flat SEA- coastline and Oruarangi habitats between high tide and low springtide marks. On it grows the most extensive area of M2 Creek eelgrass (Zostera) remaining in the Manukau Harbour. Large numbers of fish and wading birds feed on the Karore Bank, with particularly high densities of some common waders feeding in and around the remaining eelgrass beds. Waterfowl, such as black swans and ducks, feed on the eelgrass itself. The coastline around Ihumatao and Otuataua Stonefields contains coastal vegetation, including in places mangroves and saltmarsh grading into freshwater springs. Oruarangi Creek has been opened up to the tide in 2005 as a result of the Mangere Foreshore restoration project. The Otuataua Stonefields historic reserve and waahi tapu site lies inland. Small remnants of volcanic coastal broadleaf forest hug rock spines and slopes within the reserve. Pohutukawa occurs near the shore and other dominant trees include titoki, karaka, with some puriri, pigeonwood, ngaio and mahoe.

26w1 Wading bird habitat - Significant area for wading birds. A rich area which provides a variety of sand flat habitats SEA- Otuataua between high tide and low spring tide marks. On it grows the most extensive area of eelgrass M2w (Zostera) remaining in the Manukau Harbour. Large numbers of fish and wading birds feed on the Karore Bank, with particularly high densities of some common waders feeding in and around the remaining eelgrass beds. Waterfowl, such as black swans and ducks, feed on the eelgrass itself. There is also an artificial bird roost within this area.

27 Puhinui

27a sand flats, Puhinui Creek Area of intertidal banks and shellbanks forming a complex habitat for a variety of animal and SEA- plant communities. The extensive gently-graded sand flats support dense populations of M2 intertidal sand flat organisms and are an excellent feeding ground for thousands of

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international migratory and New Zealand endemic wading birds including a number of threatened species. Much of the intertidal area consists of extensive gently-graded sand flats, inhabited by dense populations of invertebrates. Thousands of international migratory birds and New Zealand endemic waders feed on the sand flats. In the shelter of the Puhinui, Pukaki, and Waokauri Creeks are significant areas of mangroves. Those in the Puhinui Creek are some of the oldest mangroves in the harbour and have batchelor’s button meadows on the fringe in places. Banded rail, fernbird and marsh crake.

27b Wiroa Island An artificial roost has been constructed at Wiroa Island and this is widely used by coastal SEA- birds. Waders also use this roost, which is the major roost on the Manukau Harbour. M1

27c shellbanks The associated shellbanks at Puhinui are used as a high tide roost by thousands of SEA- international migratory birds and New Zealand endemic waders. The saltmarsh is impounded M1 behind the shellbanks and is one of the biggest and least disturbed areas of saltmarsh remaining in the Manukau Harbour. Banded rail, and fernbird inhabit the saltmarsh, and the regionally threatened herb Nertera scapanioides ('regionally critical') and nationally threatened Maori musk Mimulus repens ('naturally uncommon') have been reported here. There are intact vegetation ecotones between the shellbank vegetation, the saltmarsh vegetation and into the kanuka forest with kahikatea and rimu on the shore.

27w1 Wading bird habitat See 27b and c. Wading bird habitat which includes ecotones from shellbank to saltmarsh to SEA- terrestrial vegetation. M1w

27w2 Wading bird habitat See 27aShellbanks form key roosting and nesting sites for shorebirds and there is extensive SEA- intertidal feeding habitat for waders along this coastline. M2w

Key to abbreviations: SEA – M: Significant Ecological Area – Marine SEA – M1: Areas which, due to their physical form, scale or inherent values, are considered to be the most vulnerable to any adverse effects of inappropriate subdivision, use and development. SEA – M2: Areas are of regional, national or international significance which do not warrant an SEA-M1 identification as they are generally more robust. SEA - M1w and SEA - M2w: Areas that are identified as significant wading bird areas.

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Appendix II: Department of Conservation Wildlife Act Authority

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Appendix III: Stream classification under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (2013).

STREAM DEFINITIONS Stream or River A continually or intermittently flowing body of fresh water, excluding ephemeral streams, and includes a stream or modified watercourse; but does not include any artificial watercourse (including an irrigation canal, water supply race, canal for the supply of water for electricity power generation, and farm drainage canal except where it is a modified element of a natural drainage system). Ephemeral Reaches Stream reaches with a bed above the water table at all times, with water only flowing during and shortly after rain events. A river reach is ephemeral where it meets at least three of the following criteria:  it lacks a well-defined channel, so that there is little or no ability to distinguish between the bed and banks  it contains no surface water, if no rain has occurred in the previous 48 hours  it contains terrestrial vegetation  there is clearly visible organic debris on its floodplain from flood flows  there is no evidence of substrate sorting through flow processes Intermittent Stream Stream reaches that cease to flow for some periods of the year. Includes:  reaches with stable natural pools having a depth at their deepest point of not less than 150mm and a total pool surface area that is 10m² or more per 100m of river or stream bed length and  reaches without stable pools Permanent River or Stream The continually flowing reaches of any river or stream.

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10 PLATES

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Plate 1. Lower end of the wetland where it drains to the Manukau Harbour. Purua grass (brown) lines the channel. At the far end the raupo begins.

Plate 2. Raupo reedland near the confluence of the main stream and its tributary (view back towards the coast).

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Plate 3. View of the raupo reedland as it extends up from the confluence along the mainstream and tributary.

Plate 4. Edge of the raupo showing the sharp delineation between grazed water pepper (reddish patches) and the raupo.

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Plate 5. Sedge clumps amongst grazed water pepper upstream of the raupo reedland.

Plate 6. Extensive area of grazed water pepper (reddish) upstream of the raupo reedland.

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Plate 7. Grazed sedgeland near the upper end of the wetland on the main stream.

Plate 8. Mercer grass and giant umbrella sedge in the wetland in the tributary with scattered areas of giant umbrella sedge.

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Plate 9. Oligosoma aeneum (copper skink).

Plate 10. Raupo wetland along the main stem of the unnamed tributary flowing west into the Manukau Harbour.