Agenda of Hauraki Gulf Forum

Hauraki Gulf Forum

24 March 2014

Hauraki Gulf Forum Manager's Report

File No.: CP2014/04434

Purpose

1. To present the quarterly update from the Hauraki Gulf Forum Manager.

Executive Summary

2. This report is prepared by Hauraki Gulf Forum Manager to update Forum members on the delivery of the annual work plan, follow up actions from previous meetings, delivery of statutory requirements, and other matters of relevance since the last meeting.

Recommendation

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) receive the report.

Discussion

State of our Gulf Update

3. A contract to prepare the State of our Gulf update was awarded to Dr Shane Kelly of Coast and Catchment Ltd following a competitive tenders and review process.

4. Dr Kelly prepared the 2011 report. His proposal included collaborators with expertise in planning, policy analysis and Matauranga Maori.

5. A workshop to review indicator information and knowledge needs with researchers is scheduled for 28 March.

6. The process of preparation has been discussed with the Technical Officers Group (on 20 February) and subsequently with tangata whenua support officers. An initial draft is anticipated for technical officer review at the group’s next meeting on 17 April.

7. Presentation of a draft report will be the focus for the Forum’s next meeting on 9 June 2014.

Snapper 1 consultation

8. Following the last meeting the appended letter (Attachment A) was sent by the Chair to the Ministry of Primary Industries seeking clarification of a number of matters related to its intended Snapper 1 consultation process. No reply has been received to date.

Sea Change marine spatial plan

9. This process is gaining momentum with three meetings of the stakeholder working group having been held to date. I provided a briefing at its second meeting on 12 February about the State of our Gulf report and the timeline for its update this year.

10. The recently revised website is aimed at tapping growing community interest and engagement, with a user survey launched during Seaweek. See http://www.seachange.org.nz/survey/

11. Independent chair Nick Main and facilitator Kaaren Goodall have been invited to the Kawau meeting to further update members on progress.

Bryde’s whale ship strike

12. The Forum hosted a workshop with stakeholder groups on 16 December 2013 to progress implementation of the Hauraki Gulf Transit Protocol for Commercial Shipping, developed through earlier workshops and issued by Ports of Auckland in September 2013.

13. Initial analysis of ship movements has been completed and will be provided to ship operators as part of a monitoring and education regime to support the protocol.

14. Papers on the protocol are being prepared for presentation to the next meeting of the International Maritime Organisation in London in June to enable the precautionary slowdown and navigation areas to be included in international charts and documentation.

15. Discussions with the cruise ship sector have been held to encourage scheduling that enables ships to operate in accordance with the protocol.

Seabird bycatch mitigation

16. Following the ‘seabird smart recreational fishing workshop’ facilitated by the Forum in November, funding and communications support has been secured from Auckland Council to prepare information and campaign material targeting recreational fishers.

17. I will represent the Forum’s interests in a meeting with commercial fishing sector groups on 14 March, facilitated by Southern Seabird Solutions, aimed at developing an effective, collaborative approach to mitigating seabird bycatch.

18. In December, I assisted researcher Biz Bell with her long term project monitoring black petrels around the summit of Mt Hirakimata on Great Barrier Island. A group of commercial fishermen (long liner and trawler skippers, deckhands and an observer) also assisted and I was impressed with their growing awareness and commitment to the issue of bycatch and intend to profile their initiatives in the next seminar.

Another important milestone was passed in the story of the ‘rediscovery’ of the New Zealand storm petrel. Press release appended at Attachment B.

2014 poster series

19. The new series of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park posters – Wonders of the Gulf – were distributed with the New Zealand Herald during Seaweek on March 4-6, with attendant publicity. (See Attachment C).

20. Sponsorship by Soar Print has also enabled the reprinting of all four series of posters associated with their incorporation into a promotional April-to-April calendar produced by the company.

21. The posters are popular with schools, the educational programmes of various agencies and for marine focussed events.

Community shellfish monitoring

22. The community shellfish monitoring programme, initiated and supported by the Hauraki Gulf Forum, is underway with one survey completed on the 26th of February at Beachlands and Motukaraka Island. Teacher training for Southern Schools was completed on the 12th of February. A recent discovery of koiwi (human remains) near the Kawakawa Bay West site has meant that the site will not be able to be monitored this year.

Revive our Gulf

23. The Revive our Gulf project, initiated as a response to the State of our Gulf report and the 2012 Charting the Enhancement Pathway seminar, has passed important milestones recently.

Press release appended at Attachment D.

Briefings

24. I have responded to invitations to brief members of the Waiheke and Great Barrier Island Local Boards over the past month on the role and interests of the Forum.

25. I also participated in a Waiheke Local Board initiated orientation boat trip on the Gulf on 7 March. Members Jeff Cleave, John Meeuwson, Peter Buckley, Pirihira Kaio and Rob McGuire attended also.

MAD marine programme

26. Members Jeff Cleave and Peter Buckley accepted an invitation to travel on the Whale and Dolphin Explorer boat to pick up students who had participated in the MAD marine programme on Motutapu Island in January, organised by the Department of Conservation and Auckland Council. Forum sponsorship contributed to the cost of the boat trip, a highlight for the students.

Weaving the Strands

27. The newsletter is in preparation and should be available at the meeting. I am investigating migration to an electronic publishing platform in the near future.

Consideration

Local Board Views

28. Delivery of the work plan and identification of issues is informed by a local board officer on the Technical Officers Group.

Maori Impact Statement

29. Delivery of the work plan and identification of issues is informed by the tangata whenua technical officers as per the governance arrangements of the Forum.

General

30. Receipt of the report aids accountability for the delivery of the annual work plan and other duties between the Forum and the Forum Manager.

Implementation Issues

31. Progress in these areas will be discussed with the Technical Officers Group and reported back to future Forum meetings.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Letter to Minister for Primary Industries regarding Snapper 1	17
b View	Media release - Storm Petrel egg	19
c View	New Zealand Herald publicity for seabird posters	21
d View	Press Release - Revive our Gulf	23

Signatories

Author	Tim Higham – Hauraki Gulf Forum Manager
Authoriser	Gael Ogilvie – Environmental Services Manager

Hauraki Gulf Forum

24 March 2014

Hauraki Gulf Forum Constituent Party Report

File No.: CP2014/04028

Purpose

1. This report describes recent activities undertaken by Forum constituent parties which address the strategic issues of the Forum. This report is a regular means of meeting the Forum’s purpose of facilitating communication, co-operation and co-ordination among its members.

Executive Summary

2. This report describes recent activities undertaken by Forum constituent parties which address integrated management and prioritised, strategic issues. This provides a regular means of meeting the Forum’s purpose of facilitating communication, co-operation and co-ordination among its members.

3. The strategic issues framework adopted by the Forum for focus and action identified the following management response areas:

· Regenerating green and blue areas.

· Enhanced fisheries.

· Mana whenua integration.

· Active land management to address nutrient, sediment and contaminant pollution.

· Knowledge generation within an integrated eco-system management approach.

· The left-hand column of the following table links each reported activity to the response framework.

Recommendation

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) receive the report.

Discussion

Auckland Council
Hauraki Gulf Forum Strategic Issue	Local Boards
Regenerating green and blue areas Enhanced fisheries	Great Barrier Local Board · Marine protection: The new local board has re-established its environment committee and that committee resolved at its 11 December 2013 meeting to pursue the marine protection and planning initiative as part of Sea Change and to use the local board plan engagement process to inform next steps. The local board plan informal pre-draft engagement has been undertaken over the last few weeks. · The new board has also resolved to engage widely with its community on the island’s environmental future and to also do this via its local board plan. This will be an extensive conversation, independently led which the board anticipates going on for most of its term and hopefully resulting in widespread agreement on a way forward. The conversation will include terrestrial and marine elements of the environment, water quality (fresh and sea) as well. · Meanwhile the board has signalled that it wishes to focus more strongly on environmental matters and expects through its draft local board plan to suggest key directions, projects and budgets in this area. Waiheke Local Board The local board hosted a “Ward Tour” by ferry on 8 March. A broad range of residents, stakeholders and subject experts attended. Board chair Paul Walden said he” learned so much and am all the more convicted and challenged to continue to work bringing the communities in the Gulf together with a greater awareness of the challenges and opportunities available in the Gulf for our Island communities.”
Hauraki Gulf Forum Strategic Issue	Operations and Asset Management
	*Environmental Services Unit*
Regenerating green and blue areas	· Funding support was provided to the Revive Our Gulf project aimed at restoring the sub-tidal green-lipped mussel beds that occurred on soft sediments throughout much of the Firth of Thames and Tamaki Strait. A successful translocation of Pacific Gecko was carried out during January/February 2014. 70 gecko were captured on Little Barrier Island and relocated to Crusoe Island and Motuora Island in collaboration with the Motuora Restoration Society. The translocation will contribute towards the long term protection of the species.
Knowledge generation	· Over the last quarter Auckland Council has supported or delivered a number of collaborative projects focussed on enhancing or increasing knowledge of the Hauraki Gulf. Key projects have included the King Tides initiative which focussed on engaging the community using social media to enhance community understanding. Auckland Council launched this community initiative designed to capture the naturally occurring phenomenon known as "King Tides", an annual occurrence which results in seas levels rising to their highest point. People from around the Auckland region were encouraged to visit and photograph the highest tides that naturally occur along the coastline to help create a record of the changes to the coastline and to gather information on what the future may look like as a result of sea level rise. · The Environmental Services Unit led a “Seaweek Activity Hub” at Silo Park, Waterfront Auckland on Sunday 2^nd of March. The hub was supported by a number of agencies and organisations and provided opportunities for visitors to participate in interactive educational activities focussed on raising awareness of the marine environment. A new factsheet on Little Blue Penguin was released during Seaweek to highlight the values of an important marine species and to raise awareness about how human activities impact on their habitat.
	*Parks*
Integrated management Water quality Coastal hazards	· Auckland’s newest regional park at Waitawa opened on 7 March. The 188 hectare regional park is the first to be opened by the Auckland Council. Purchased nine years ago by the Auckland Regional Council it is made up of three small peninsulas and fronts onto four bays. The park features the best example of a headland pā in the Auckland region, a homeland for Ngāti Pāoa and Ngāi Tai. From the 1950s, the headland was used for storing and manufacturing explosives and the wharf and buildings are reminders of this industrial past. The park has been developed to cater for recreational activities such as mountain biking, horse riding, walking and kayaking.
	Research, Investigations and Monitoring Unit (RIMU)
Knowledge generation	Forest bird (kaka) movement modelling · RIMU scientist Todd Landers is working with a diverse group of University of Auckland researchers on a project modelling forest bird movements in Auckland. This project spans the region and includes Hauraki Gulf kaka populations on Great Barrier Island (at Glen Fern sanctuary). The major aims are to look at seasonal movements of birds on and between island populations and potentially mainland sites (and vice versa) as well as to use the location data to parameterise spatially explicit individual-based models which will be used to identify the key habitats and environmental variables associated with kaka space use (and may be used for predictions with other key Auckland species). Ultimately these data should help inform Auckland Council’s biodiversity enhancement planning and management activities. Three more loggers were deployed last December with a new total of 9 kaka presently being tracked for up to another ~6 months.
Knowledge generation	Black petrel foraging ecology & fisheries interactions · Todd Landers (RIMU), Todd Dennis (Univ Auckland), and Biz Bell (Wildlife Management International Ltd) are conducting a two-year study on Black petrel foraging ecology. The second year of GPS and dive depth logger deployments occurred in January and February and these data are presently being analysed. The aims of these studies are to better understand the bird’s at-sea behaviour and their interactions with fisheries so as to identify any potential management practices which may reduce Black petrel fisheries by-catch mortality.
Knowledge generation	New Zealand Storm Petrel · The rediscovered New Zealand storm petrel in the Hauraki Gulf is being studied by a group of collaborators including Chris Gaskin (Kiwi Wildlife/Natural Lines Consultancy), Matt Rayner, Todd Landers (RIMU), Neil Fitzgerald (Landcare Research), Graeme Taylor (DOC), plus several others. This project is in its third phase after the discovery of this critically endangered bird’s breeding grounds on Little Barrier Island last year and subsequent colony surveys. The major aims remain with the goal to understand the bird’s breeding and population biology, identify all nests, and develop a conservation management plan. Teams have been surveying the island over the last month, which has resulted in the first egg being discovered.
Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance
Enhanced fisheries	Navigation safety bylaw Auckland Council is currently consulting on its navigation safety rules. Submissions closed on Monday 17 March. Proposed changes aimed at keeping people and vessels safe on the water include: · Making it mandatory to wear a personal flotation device (including lifejackets) while on board a vessel of six metres or less in length, · compulsory carriage of a communication device such as a VHS radio or mobile phone, · ability for Harbourmaster to prevent anyone being in charge of a vessel while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, · improved management of moorings sites.
Waikato Regional Council
Hauraki Gulf Forum		Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance
		Tairua Marina The construction of a marina in Paku Bay, Tairua Harbour is anticipated to be completed in March 2014. The capital dredging, sheet pile wall installation and mitigation works are complete, and internal pontoons structures are presently being installed. The development has been extremely contentious, especially over the Christmas holiday period coinciding with an increased population in Tairua, however most complaints were unsubstantiated. Compliance thus far has been mostly acceptable, with Tairua Marine Ltd and WRC working through issues that have arisen in a pragmatic manner.
Active land management		Whitianga Coastal Futures Project TCDC and WRC continue to meet regularly to discuss the scenarios to be tested for the longer term management of Buffalo beach, Whitianga. Rocks had been placed on the beach to help control coastal erosion, so TCDC and WRC are looking at new responses that will allow sandy beaches to be retained for amenity values. Several scenarios were decided on and will be the subject of an eventual tender. The possibility of a WRC staff member doing some of this modelling was discussed and will be investigated. Meetings between TCDC and WRC have also occurred to discuss the longer-term funding options for undertaking such work.
		Slipper Island moorings A hearing was held on 17 February 2014 for a suite of swing moorings to be placed at Home Bay (two moorings) and South Bay (11 moorings), Slipper Island. These locations are outside of mooring zones and are considered as a discretionary activity. Issues relating to cultural matters, functional requirement and natural character were heard. The Commissioners are due to release their decision by 19 March 2014.
		Marine farm extension judicial review The decision to grant a number of marine farm extensions adjacent to three islands in the Coromandel Harbour has been referred to the court for judicial review. The applications were granted on a non-notified basis. The primary issue in contention relates to effects in terms of natural character and visual amenity. The case is set to be heard at the high court in September 2014.
		Marine farm compliance monitoring Mussel farms have been a focus for compliance monitoring over the last year. Of the 36 farms identified in 2013 as having an unacceptable level of non-compliance, primarily relating to oversize at least 25 farms have resolved their non-compliances. Follow up visits to the remaining 11 farms will be undertaken mid-March.
		Operations and Asset Management
Regenerating green and blue areas Enhanced fisheries Mana whenua integration Active land management		Harbour and Catchment Management Plans (HCMPs) Wetland restoration, invasive plant removal, mangrove management, riparian planting and implantation/support for community projects are outcomes of the Harbour and Catchment Management Plans developed for Whangamata, Wharekawa (Opoutere) and now Tairua. Next is the Whangapoua Harbour and Catchment Plan covering Opito to New Chum Beach on the east coast of the Coromandel, where consultation has revealed concerns over loss of shellfish, sediment inputs from forestry and other sources, and growth of mangroves among other issues raised. A Cook Stream Catchment Management Plan is also being finalised. Key activities include: Closer working relationship with the community and iwi in Whangapoua to achieve environmental gains through the harbour and catchment plan; ensuring key milestones in the plan are consistent with district council LTP programmes and WRC’s Regional Coastal Plan review; Wetland restoration works at Waahi Tapu, Oturu and Waikawau Bay; Control of the invasive coastal weed saltwater paspalum at these sites for the new year; restoration underway at Papamaire Island wetland in the upper Whangamata harbour as mitigation for mangrove removals; investigation of two new wetland restoration projects at Cooks Beach and Opoutere; Ecological survey work for a district-wide mangrove seedling removal consent jointly with Thames-Coromandel District Council; Planning for current programmes to finish works in property areas; and, sub-catchment riparian protection and associated works in Whangamata and Wharekawa.
Regenerating green and blue areas Active land management		Mangrove Clearance Consents WRC’s Rivers and Catchment Services Group gained resource consent to remove 22.91 hectares of mangroves from Whangamata Harbour by digger. Some of the material has been chipped and used as mulch, with the remainder to be burned. Clearance started in March 2013 and the removal of cut trees is creating operational challenges due to deep mud at some sites and the failure of the material to burn. Staff are working to identify as many possible avenues to create cost savings for the community, and ensure other benefits where possible. An example is a recent initiative to test mangrove mulch for heavy metals, salinity and nitrates to determine its suitability for the Thames-Coromandel District Council biosolids composter. So far it’s positive news, and there’s a likelihood that the mulch from mangrove removals can be turned into Grade Aa compost that will be of benefit to TCDC and the district. The removal of 21.8 hectares of mangroves from Tairua Harbour began in February and is staged according to a consent. Volunteer labour was a component of the project, however the number of people who showed for mangrove removal (15 on Day One and one on Day Two) were insufficient to complete the job and alternative labour is being sourced.
		Investigations and Monitoring
Knowledge generation within an ecosystem based framework		Marine Management Model The model is being developed by the Cawthron Institute and MetOcean Solutions Ltd and the first stage of the model has been handed over to WRC. Stage one of the model simulates water currents and environmental effects of fish farms (benthic farm footprints and nitrogen release) in the Firth of Thames and Hauraki Gulf (west of the Coromandel peninsula). WRC is currently becoming familiar with the model and has started to plan the next stage of the model. WRC has received funding from the Ministry of Primary Industry-administered Aquaculture Planning Fund for this project.
Knowledge generation within an ecosystem based framework		Aquaculture guidance With financial assistance from the MPI-administered Aquaculture Planning Fund, WRC is currently developing a guidance document for the aquaculture industry and other stakeholders in its region which aims to provide clear information on environmental monitoring requirements for aquaculture consents, as well as a methodology for integrating consent and state of the environment monitoring. The document will include a review of monitoring approaches in other New Zealand regions and overseas. While developed specifically for the Waikato region, the guidance document, which is due to be released in 2014, will contain useful information and principles of relevance to other regions. This project is progressing as per schedule. WRC has received funding from the Ministry of Primary Industry-administered Aquaculture Planning Fund for this project.
Knowledge generation within an ecosystem based framework		Coastal monitoring buoy WRC is planning the deployment of a coastal water quality monitoring buoy in the northern Firth of Thames in May 2014. The buoy will collect continuous time-series data (current speed and direction, water temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a and weather data) and transmit data into our council’s data network in real time. WRC has purchased instrumentation for the buoy and the project is progressing as per schedule. The WRC monitoring buoy will contribute to the development of a national network of monitoring buoys by regional councils and Cawthron Institute.
		Mediterranean fanworm Mediterranean fanworm was discoverd on the bottom of two barges in Coromandel Harbour last March. The barges had come from Auckland’s Waitemata harbour, where fanworms are already well-established. The fanworms were removed by Waikato Regional Council (WRC) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in a joint biosecurity response. During a follow up operation just before Christmas two small patches of Mediterranean fanworm have been located in the harbour. Although disappointed the find wasn’t totally unexpected due to the invasive character of fanworms. It is unclear whether these latest finds are related to the earlier discovery in March last year. WRC and MPI are concerned about the spread of fanworms in the harbour and elsewhere in the region, as fanworms can affect mussel farming operations and take over natural environments. Further follow-up checks in more locations will now be undertaken to see whether this is a relatively isolated problem or whether fanworms have become more established. The work is anticipated to be undertaken with the assistance from the local marine farming industry and other stakeholders. Also, boaties need to play their role in helping prevent the spread of fanworms by regularly cleaning and antifouling their hulls, particularly those coming to the Waikato from Auckland and Northland where fanworms are established.
Department of Conservation
		Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance
Regenerating green and blue areas Enhanced fisheries Mana whenua integration Active land management Knowledge generation within an eco-system based framework		Waikato and Auckland Conservation Management Strategies (CMS) At its meeting on 4 Feb the Auckland Conservation Board approved the Draft Auckland CMS for referral to New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA). The Revised Draft will be presented to the NZCA on 9 April. The Waikato CMS was presented to the NZCA on 13 Feb. The NZCA determine whether any further consultation is required and consult with the Minister of Conservation. More info Auckland CMS: http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/all-consultations/2011/auckland-cms-consultation/ More info Waikato CMS: http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/all-consultations/2012/waikato-cms-consultation/ The Hauturu plan (Ngati Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act 2012) DOC has held a strategic meeting with Ngati Manuhiri to begin preparation for the te Hauturu o Toi Conservation Management Plan required to be prepared under the Ngati Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act 2012. The plan will be jointly approved by the Auckland Conservation Board and Ngati Manuhiri. For more information see Subpart 8 of the Act: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2012/0090/latest/DLM4326618.html?src=qs Draft National Plan of Action on Sharks After consultation was completed, the Minister for Primary Industries and the Minister of Conservation released the National Plan of Action on Sharks (NPOA – Sharks) on 9 January 2014. The Plan contains a range of objectives to ensure the biodiversity and long term viability of shark populations. The ban on shark finning was brought forward. “A first tranche of shark species will be covered by the shark finning ban from 1 October 2014, a second tranche from 1 October 2015, and only the highly migratory blue sharks will be left until 1 October 2016” said Mr Nathan Guy in the 9 January press release. MPI is the lead agency. For more see National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks 2013: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/Default.aspx?TabId=126&id=2126 Board appointed for Pūhoi to Warkworth highway proposal An independent Board of Inquiry has been appointed by Environment Minster Amy Adams and Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith to consider a proposal for a new section of highway between Pūhoi and Warkworth. The proposal involves the Minister of Conservation because the application from the New Zealand Transport Agency includes the coastal marine area, and has requests for coastal permits. “The Board of Inquiry process will make sure anyone who wants to can have their say,” the Ministers say. ”The process also ensures there will be a robust decision within nine months after the proposal is publicly notified.” The Board’s decision will be made independently of the Environmental Protection Authority and the Ministers. http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/board-appointed-p%C5%ABhoi-warkworth-proposal
		Operations and Asset Management Aotea/Great Barrier Conservation Park investigation The Department released a public discussion document on 5 December 2013. More than 3000 submissions were received by the closing date of 28 February 2014. Hearings will be held in late March early April. A report is due to be presented to the Minister of Conservation in May 2014. More info: http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/all-consultations/2013/proposed-aotea-conservation-park/ Appointment of tangata whenua representatives to Hauraki Gulf Forum The Department has initiated the process for the appointment of tangata whenua representatives to the Forum, as the term of the current representatives expires on 30 June 2014. In January 2014 nominations for representatives were sought from all iwi with an interest in the Hauraki Gulf, its islands and catchments. Nominations were received by 28 February, and the department is now considering those nominations. The Department has involved Te Puni Kokiri in planning the process, and will seek their further advice and input. Recommendations will be reported to the Minister of Conservation by early April, who is responsible for making the appointments after consultation with his colleague the Minister for Maori Affairs and referral to Cabinet. New representatives should be advised in June. Biofunds – grants for conservation on private land In December Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith announced the annual Biofunds support for conservation on private land. Grants worth $315 630 were made to private conservation projects within the Hauraki Gulf: · Glenfern Sanctuary (Great Barrier Island) - employment of project advisor for fenced ecosanctuary - $15k · Whangapoua wetland (Great Barrier Island) - fencing and planting of brown teal/pateke habitat on farmland $21.7k · Coromandel Kiwis for Kiwi - co-ordinator position to create collaboration between groups $43.4k · Northern Coromandel - Moehau Environment Group co-ordinator to continue biodiversity enhancement and maintenance $43.4k · Waiaro Sanctuary (Coromandel) – pest control and monitoring within a group of sanctuaries $54k · Waikawau Bay Wetlands (Coromandel) – rodent & weed control for a wetland bird habitat $52.1k · Port Charles (Coromandel)- rat control for threatened species reintroductions $49.9k · Duck Creek wetland (Coromandel) – weed control for native freshwater fish habitats $35.8k See http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/funding-boost-community-conservation-efforts First records of threatened species breeding on Te Hauturu o Toi / Little Barrier Island Eggs of both kakapo and New Zealand storm petrel have been discovered this summer on Hauturu. While kakapo did breed on Hauturu during their sojourn there in the 1990s, this is the first time they have done it without supplementary feeding. New Zealand storm petrels were rediscovered in 2003 more than a century after they were last recorded. The breeding site of NZ storm petrels was uncovered ten years later (in 2013). This summer the first egg ever seen was discovered in a burrow. For the first time we know not only where they breed but when they breed and what their eggs look like. Neither of these firsts would have been possible without rodent eradication on Hauturu which took place in 2002. http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/2014/kakapo-successfully-breed-on-hauturu-little-barrier-island/ http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/2014/first-nz-storm-petrel-egg-found-by-scientists/ Coastal Gems – part of the Air New Zealand / DOC partnership 1. A new campaign branded “Coastal Gems” is the latest result of the partnership between DOC and Air New Zealand. It promotes ten national sites where iconic coastal destinations are fuelled by exceptional marine reserves. Cape Rodney – Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island) near Leigh and Te Whanganui-a-hei (Cathedral Cove) on the eastern Coromandel coast are the two sites within the Hauraki Gulf included in this national promotion. 2. The Coastal Gems collaboration will promote these conservation sites similarly to the Great Walks campaign. There will be opportunities for tourism businesses, iwi, education organisations and commercial partners to promote their experiences and activities alongside this initiative so they gain from this joint exposure as well. 3. http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/partnerships-and-donations/partnerships/air-new-zealand/ and http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/coastal-gems/ 4. Extension of Kauri Dieback Management Programme The Kauri Dieback Management Programme was recently under review. The current programme and funding is being extended beyond 2014 for another 5-10 years. Tiritiri Matangi Argentine Ant eradication Argentine ant monitoring on Tiritiri Matangi was completed in February. No Argentine ants were detected. Two more years with no detections will be required before the Department can declare Tiritiri Matangi to be free of Argentine Ants.
		Investigations and Monitoring
		Seeking International Maritime Organisation (IMO) recognition of Bryde’s whale ship strike prevention protocol A Bryde’s Whale Ship Strike workshop in December agreed to raise the Hauraki Gulf Transit Protocol for Commercial Shipping with the IMO with the goal of having the recommended route through the Hauraki Gulf recognised by the IMO and inserted on international shipping charts. A working group will be convened to progress the proposal. Maritime NZ is the lead agency supported by DOC. It will also include University of Auckland, Auckland Council, Ports of Auckland, EDS, IFAW, & Hauraki Gulf Forum. A draft paper will be prepared by Maritime NZ and DOC. The report will be tabled in March in order to be included in this year’s annual IMO meeting. Research on the effectiveness of the current voluntary measures indicates that some further work is required to ensure efficient use of the Large Whale Warning System. Sealink and Navy: DOC have approached Sealink and NZ Navy to encourage their engagement in the Protocol procedures for large whale sightings and responses. Outcomes of the Rangitoto/Motutapu mammal eradication The Department will undertake an outcome assessment of the Rangitoto-Motutapu 7 species pest eradication which commenced in 2009. The assessment will consider the outcomes predicted when the project was defended at the Resource Consent hearings and compare them with the outcomes as measured 5 years later. A predicted outcome was the colonisation of the islands by bellbirds. An unpredicted outcome was the colonisation by red-crowned parakeets/kakariki. The final report is due by January 2015.
		Treaty settlements - Te Kawerau ā Maki and the Crown signed a Deed of Settlement for all outstanding historical Treaty claims on 22 February 2014. The settlement includes cultural, financial and commercial redress of $6.5 million and contribution to the establishment of a Te Kawerau ā Maki marae. Further cultural redress includes the vesting of nine significant cultural sites to the iwi. See http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/deed-settlement-signed-te-kawerau-a%C2%81-maki and http://www.ots.govt.nz/ The Department of Conservation is currently involved in negotiations in the Hauraki and Tamaki regions including with the Hauraki Collective, Marutuahu Collective, and individual iwi of those Collectives. A number of those iwi have interests in both regions. In preparation for the implementation of up and coming Tamaki Collective legislation, DOC Partnership staff met with Nga Mana Whenua o Tamaki Makaurau in November to begin strategic discussions about implementation of the settlement legislation. As a result of this meeting the Department has committed to working with iwi to build an Iwi Engagement Framework to help deliver better consultation regarding statutory authorisations and other key conservation work. One of the priorities for the region for early 2014 is to meet with other iwi that have settled their historic grievances and begin strategic discussions about how we can work in partnership.
		Education and Communication Seaweek 1-9 March DOC and Auckland Council worked together on Seaweek. The theme is “Our fragile, finite taonga – be alert to the fragility of the marine environment and its treasures. ‘Kia mataara! Tiakina te au o te moana, he kōpīpī tōna’. International Day for Biodiversity - 22 May: DOC and Auckland Council are working together to provide an event in May for International Biodiversity Day. This is targeted at not-for-profit organisations and private landowners of the Auckland region who lead ecosystem restoration projects. The training provided this year (in response to the survey of needs last year) will be on marketing projects to prospective donors and volunteers. Treasure Islands campaign Kiwi boating guru (and Stillwater resident) Graeme Sinclair was selected as a respected ambassador to appeal to the boating community for a refreshed Treasure Islands biosecurity campaign. He appears in a recently shot video presenting key messages regarding biosecurity and our Hauraki Gulf islands. The video is currently being edited. A communications plan is being developed to ensure the refreshed Treasure Islands campaign (and video) has a wide reach. Make a Difference (MAD) - Marine 21^st – 24^th Jan 2014 39 secondary school students participated in MAD Marine, a marine conservation programme based on Motutapu Island, organised by DOC and Auckland Council. This year’s camp proved to be hugely successful. Many of the participating students are now developing plans for their schools and communities around steps to protect their marine environments. MAD (Make A Difference) leaders included previous years’ students who mentored the younger ones around how to get others involved in marine conservation. This year’s camp also generated significant media interest, with a Radio New Zealand on site for two days. Their documentary on the success of this initiative will broadcast on Sunday March 23^rd at noon. The North Shore Times and Rodney Times also ran features.
Ministry for Primary Industries
Regenerating green and blue areas		Update on the implementation of the NPOA-Seabirds Two liaison officers were appointed to work with fishers over the summer, providing on the ground and individualised bird mitigation support. Part of this role is to gather more information to support the development of the black petrel action plan. MPI is a partner of the Southern Seabird Solutions Trust, who will be running a collaborative workshop this month, with a strong focus on the Hauraki Gulf. The purpose of this workshop will to be to develop some shared objectives for the region.
Enhanced fisheries		Update on management of snapper 1 (SNA 1) SNA1 Strategy Group The SNA1 Strategy Group has been established with membership including customary, recreational and commercial fishing interests. The group met for the first time in February and will meet again in March. The key task for this stakeholder group is to develop a management strategy for SNA1 by 1 October 2015. Monitoring Programme A monitoring programme for SNA1 including the Hauraki Gulf has been in place since 1 December 2013. This has entailed over 25% observer coverage of the SNA1 trawl fleet and the development of an electronic monitoring (camera) trial. Increased Reporting New requirements for commercial fishers to report SNA1 returned to the sea because it is below the minimum legal size came in 1 March 2014. This will complement a “move on” rule that is being developed by industry that will require fishers to shift location if a certain proportion of snapper is below the minimum legal size. Changes to Recreational Fishing Rules This month MPI will be raising awareness about the changes to the recreational daily bag limit for snapper, which will be reduced from 9 to 7, and the recreational minimum legal size, which will increase from 27cm to 30cm. These changes come into effect 1 April 2014.

Consideration

Local Board Views

4. No consultation with Local Boards was required for the preparation of this report. Individual items that make up the report will be reported directly to the relevant Local Boards as appropriate.

Maori Impact Statement

5. This is a report for information only. Individual items that make up the report may impact on mana whenua, who would then be consulted as the work programmes are developed.

General

6. This report collates the activities of the Forum’s constituent parties to facilitate communication, co-operation and co-ordination.

Implementation Issues

7. There are no implementation implications arising from the activities detailed in this report.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors	Tim Higham – Hauraki Gulf Forum Manager
Authoriser	Gael Ogilvie – Environmental Services Manager

MEMBERSHIP
Chairperson	Mayor John Tregidga	Hauraki District Council
Deputy Chairperson	Ms Liane Ngamane	Tangata Whenua
Cr Peter French	Thames-Coromandel District Council	Cr Wayne Walker	Auckland Council
Cr Rob McGuire	Waikato District Council	Ms Meg Poutasi	Department of Conservation
Cr James Thomas	Matamata-Piako District Council	Mr Shane Ashby	Tangata Whenua
Cr Peter Buckley	Waikato Regional Council	Mr Terrence Hohneck	Tangata Whenua
Mr Jeff Cleave	Great Barrier Local Board (Auckland Council)	Pirihira Kaio	Tangata Whenua
Mr John Meeuwsen	Waiheke Local Board (Auckland Council)	Mr Paul Majurey	Tangata Whenua
Cr Christine Fletcher	Auckland Council
Cr Michael Lee	Auckland Council	Ms Jodi-ann Warbrick	Tangata Whenua
Cr Bill Cashmore	Auckland Council	Ms Pauline Kingi	Te Puni Kōkiri
Cr Chris Darby	Auckland Council	Mr Steve Halley	Ministry for Primary Industries

(Quorum 11 members)

Auckland Council is the administering authority for the Hauraki Gulf Forum.