Agenda of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee

1 Apologies

At the close of the agenda no apologies had been received.

2 Declaration of Interest

Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any private or other external interest they might have.

3 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Wednesday, 15 October 2014, as a true and correct record.

4 Petitions

At the close of the agenda no requests to present petitions had been received.

5 Public Input

Standing Order 3.21 provides for Public Input. Applications to speak must be made to the Committee Secretary, in writing, no later than two (2) working days prior to the meeting and must include the subject matter. The meeting Chairperson has the discretion to decline any application that does not meet the requirements of Standing Orders. A maximum of thirty (30) minutes is allocated to the period for public input with five (5) minutes speaking time for each speaker.

5.1 Citizen Science Pilot Project - Andrew Sinclair

Purpose

1. Andrew Sinclair wishes to speak to the Committee regarding the Citizen Science Pilot project.

Recommendation/s

That the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee:

a) Thank Andrew Sinclair for his presentation regarding the Citizen Science Pilot project.

5.2 Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group (IKHMG) first Business Plan, 2014-2017 - Willie Wright

Purpose

1. Willie Wright, Co-Chair of the Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group (IKHMG) wishes to speak to the Committee regarding the IKHMG first business plan for 2014-2017.

Recommendation/s

That the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee:

a) thank Mr Willie Wright, Co-Chair of the Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group (IKHMG) for his presentation regarding the IKHMG first business plan for 2014-2017.

5.3 Update on the Sandspit Marina sludge pollution issue - Mike Taplin

Purpose

1. Mike Taplin wishes to speak to the Committee regarding the Sandspit marina sludge pollution issue.

Recommendation/s

That the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee:

a) Thank Mike Taplin for his attendance and verbal update on the Sandspit marina sludge pollution issue.

6 Local Board Input

Standing Order 3.22 provides for Local Board Input. The Chairperson (or nominee of that Chairperson) is entitled to speak for up to five (5) minutes during this time. The Chairperson of the Local Board (or nominee of that Chairperson) shall wherever practical, give two (2) days notice of their wish to speak. The meeting Chairperson has the discretion to decline any application that does not meet the requirements of Standing Orders.

This right is in addition to the right under Standing Order 3.9.14 to speak to matters on the agenda.

At the close of the agenda no requests for local board input had been received.

7 Extraordinary Business

Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

“An item that is not on the agenda for a meeting may be dealt with at that meeting if-

(a) The local authority by resolution so decides; and

(b) The presiding member explains at the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public,-

(i) The reason why the item is not on the agenda; and

(ii) The reason why the discussion of the item cannot be delayed until a subsequent meeting.”

Section 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

“Where an item is not on the agenda for a meeting,-

(a) That item may be discussed at that meeting if-

(i) That item is a minor matter relating to the general business of the local authority; and

(ii) the presiding member explains at the beginning of the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public, that the item will be discussed at the meeting; but

(b) no resolution, decision or recommendation may be made in respect of that item except to refer that item to a subsequent meeting of the local authority for further discussion.”

8 Notices of Motion

At the close of the agenda no requests for notices of motion had been received.

Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee

26 November 2014

Update on Environmental Activity in the Kaipara Harbour catchment

File No.: CP2014/18418

Purpose

1. To provide the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee with an update on Environmental Services Unit (ESU) work undertaken in the Kaipara catchment for the 2013-2014 year and an overview of work planned for the 2014-15 year. This includes additional detail about the Integrated Kaipara Management Group (IKHMG) flagship site programme as requested verbally by the Committee at the July 2014 meeting.

Executive summary

2. The Environmental Services Unit implements a range of land management programmes and activities to address water quality and ecosystem health in the Kaipara Harbour catchment. Staff work directly in partnership with landowners, iwi/hapū and groups to undertake environmental action. This includes working to achieve the objectives and vision of the IKHMG partnership, to which Auckland Council has been a party to since 2007.

3. The IKHMG flagship programme promotes kaitiakitanga through the establishment of best practice sites across at-risk sub-catchments of the Kaipara Harbour. Of the nine sites currently established, four are located within the Auckland region - Otakanini Tōpū at South Head; Muriwai Valley Farm and Streamland Suffolks in Araparera; and Wrights Farm in Tapora.

4. Since the inception of the flagship programme in 2011 approximately 40,000 native trees have been planted, four kilometres of riparian margins have been fenced, seven farm plans have been developed, nine baseline monitoring programmes established and over 400 people have attended 11 field days. As well as receiving funding and support through IKHMG partner organisations, the Ministry for the Environment has also committed Community Environmental Funding to the programme for 2013-16.

5. In addition to providing advice, support and monitoring of the flagship sites, through its programmes the Environmental Services Unit works with landowners and communities to improve biodiversity and water quality outcomes while balancing rural productivity. Work includes focused action in the Hoteo sub-catchment, most lately bringing the results of science research to a community open day, support for the Tapora Coast and Landcare Community Initiative to establish a ‘mainland island’, the development of farm plans and the provision of grant funding.

Recommendations

That the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee:

a) receive the update on Auckland Council activity in the Kaipara Harbour catchment

b) refer the report to the Rodney Local Board for their information.

Comments

6. The Kaipara Harbour is New Zealand’s largest estuarine ecosystem extending across both Auckland and Northland regions. The surrounding catchment is 640,000ha and includes a variety of landuse and ownership.

7. With a harbour of this size, management issues are complex and include degrading water quality and ecosystem health. Sedimentation and nutrient inputs from surrounding land directly impact on harbour water quality.

8. The Environmental Services Unit implements a range of land management programmes and activities to address water quality and ecosystem health in the Kaipara Harbour catchment. Staff work directly with landowners, iwi/hapū and groups to undertake environmental impact mitigation actions.

9. General advice to landowners is delivered across the whole catchment and in more targeted ways in particular catchments like the Hoteo.

10. As reported to the July 2014 ECCNH meeting, the IKHMG flagship site programme is one of the land management programmes that Auckland Council supports through the IKHMG partnership. This is one of many land management approaches used to support improved water quality and ecosystem health.

11. This report summarises the work delivered in 2013/14 and the work planned for the 2014/15 year in three activity areas: partnerships (development of partnerships to support work in the Kaipara); on the ground action (activity that has taken place); and enabling action (programmes that will lead to action on the ground).

Programme & Project Delivery Summary 2013/14

Work in Partnerships

12. Staff actively seek to develop partnerships with other agencies and groups to increase the effectiveness and reach of work delivered. A summary of some of these partnerships includes:

Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group

13. Auckland Council is one of a number of partners to the IKHMG. Staff contribute to the work of the IKHMG through strategic and operational support. Strategic support includes input into planning and reporting via a quarterly hui. Operational support includes input into working groups that deliver projects such as the ‘Plant 2 million trees’ concept, the 2014 celebration event and the flagship site programme.

IKHMG Flagship site programme (additional information)

14. The flagship programme promotes kaitiakitanga through the establishment of best practice sites across at-risk sub-catchments of the Kaipara Harbour. These sites then host field days and workshops to update peers on best practice and share learning.

15. The programmes formal objectives, established in 2011 are to:

· establish eight farming sites, two industrial sites and one marine site

· use flagship sites to demonstrate sustainable and integrated best-practice that mitigates delivery of sediment, nutrient and faecal contaminants to the Kaipara moana

· community-led restoration activities are expanded to other areas within the Kaipara harbour catchment

· The project raises awareness of the value of restoring the Kaipara Harbour and catchment to local and regional people.

· the project increases the number of local and regional people involved in IKHMG activities

16. Flagship sites currently span sheep, beef, dairy and industry, with a marine site planned for 2015/16. Sites have been selected to reflect a mix of land-use types, IKHMG priority sub-catchments and where possible to ensure spread across the two regional government authorities.

17. Of the nine sites currently established, four are located within the Auckland region - Otakanini Tōpū at South Head; Muriwai Valley Farm and Streamland Suffolks in Araparera; and Wrights Farm in Tapora.

18. ESU staff work directly with each of the flagship sites. Work includes workshop coordination, farm plan (now called ‘land management’ plan) development, technical advice to both the IKHMG and landowners involved in the programme, coordination of volunteers, provision of plants and labour and water quality monitoring support.

19. The land management plans provide landowners with the opportunity to tailor farm operations and infrastructure to optimise both their productivity and environmental footprint. This involves the provision of technical and logistical advice to land managers, also the tools to monitor changes as a result of any changes coming out of the farm planning process.

20. Working directly with the flagship sites also provides an opportunity to leverage or seed further expansion of activity ‘beyond the farm gate’ and into the surrounding area. This has occurred through the sharing of volunteers, community workshops and supporting the set-up of an on farm nursery at Streamland Suffolks.

21. Farm owners provide in-kind resources and financial contribution to projects. The Ministry for the Environment has committed Community Environment Funding for the programme from 2013 – 2016 and there is financial support from other IKHMG partners.

22. Since the inception of the flagship programme in 2011:

· 40,000 native trees have been planted;

· four kilometres of riparian margins have been fenced from livestock;

· animal pest and weed management has been undertaken on about half of the sites;

· seven land management plans have been developed;

· nine baseline monitoring programmes have been established;

· forty days of volunteer labour have been supplied to property owners for planting through Conservation Volunteers New Zealand (CVNZ) programme; and

· four hundred people have attended 11 field days with topics including; the value of land management plans, planting techniques and soil health.

23. The flagship programme has recently been evaluated to understand its impact and effectiveness. The review concluded that the majority of the programme objectives (paragraph 15) had been achieved, and there are further opportunities to enhance some strategic and design aspects.

Kaipara Biological Farming Systems Group

24. Biological farming systems promote on-farm practices which improve and enhance natural capital, and aims to build a vibrant and healthy society, environment and economy. A community-led forum for biological farming systems amongst farmers/landowners/managers has been set up for the discussion and dissemination of information, research, mentoring and to work as a group to identify and attract funding resources. Creation of the group was an outcome of the September 2013 IKHMG field day.

25. A constitutional meeting of the group was held in December 2013, members have attended the national biological farming conference and there has been one field meeting in April 2014 and two farm-scale composting workshops in May 2014.

26. At this stage this group is self-sustaining and entirely community-led. Auckland Council is committed to providing ongoing support, capacity-building and seed funding if required.

Hoteo sub-catchment stakeholder engagement

27. Reducing sediment run-off into the harbour and its harmful effect on seagrass beds is the high level objective for work in this catchment. Community engagement so far has established a stakeholder group and a wider community database for dissemination of information, particularly the ongoing scientific studies in the river and harbour carried out by different agencies including NIWA.

28. A community open day “The Hoteo Open Day” was delivered in partnership with Hoteo stakeholders in May 2014. This provided an opportunity for landowners and the wider community to understand the biophysical and social science of the catchment. Over 100 people attended the day with wide agreement that it was time to act.

29. Following on from the Hoteo Open Day ESU is supporting stakeholder-lead prioritisation around areas for biodiversity enhancement as well as planning the Waterway Protection Fund (WPF) annual funding round. The WPF enables landowners to undertake work to enhance waterway health and is a core part of the work to support the community to take action.

Tapora Coast and Landcare Community Initiative

30. The Tapora Coast and Landcare Initiative seeks to establish a mainland island to control predators and pest animals across the Okahukura peninsula. There is potential for the translocation of threatened species including kiwi, and weka. Staff support this initiative, along with Department of Conservation and Tapora School, by providing advice, financial support for pest control, and working closely with the group to develop a clear strategic direction.

31. The Rodney Local Board has funded projects as part of their support for this work.

32. The success of this work is demonstrated by reduced pest animal numbers and threatened species translocations may occur in the next few years.

Other on-the-ground Action

Riparian and habitat protection

33. Around 57,000 native plants have been planted and 65km of fencing has been installed across the Kaipara catchment through various programmes such as IKHMG flagship sites (described above), Trees for Survival, Wai Care, environmental grants and individual landowner efforts.

34. Much of this work has been achieved through the engagement of volunteers who in many cases are supported by Council staff.

Community Water Quality Monitoring

35. The Wai Care programme undertakes community water quality monitoring to inform and mobilise local communities to take action to protect and restore waterways. There are six active groups operating in the Kaipara area, four of which are on IKHMG Flagship sites.

36. Each of the Auckland IKHMG flagship sites is monitored through the Wai Care community water quality monitoring progamme at least annually for physical and biological parameters such as water clarity, temperature, nitrates, phosphates, pH, macro-invertebrates to track and demonstrate water quality improvement resulting from the work being done. At this stage it is too early to see measurable improvements reflected in the data collected from these sites (the longest that any farm has been monitored is two years).

37. Two local schools have joined the programme; Tapora School and Kaipara College. Educational sessions in the Kaipara with various schools from the Auckland region were attended by 180 students, teachers and parents. Out of 49 sites monitored in the Rodney area, 25 are in the Kaipara catchment.

Pest Animal and Plant work

38. Plant and animal pest advice and control takes place across the Kaipara, working with local community groups and individuals. Focus areas include South Kaipara Head and Okahukura Peninsula, both for integrated pest animal control. Also included are programmes around regional issues such as kauri dieback, caused by Phytophthora taxon Agathis (PTA).

Biodiversity monitoring

39. Bird surveys have been carried out for the NorthWest Wildlink and at Tapora to establish baselines enabling tracking of community pest control. These were funded by the Rodney Local Board.

40. Monitoring of over 40 covenants on properties in the Whangaripo area (Hoteo sub-catchment) was carried out. This included provision of a plan for each property to improve protection and active management of covenants.

Enabling Activities

41. There are a number or activities and programmes delivered that support groups and individuals to undertake action. These include the following

Advice, information and support

42. Advice and support is provided to landowners on a range of land management topics including riparian protection, funding, bush-lot enhancement, animal and plant pest control.

43. Support and advice is provided both formally and informally. The development of land management plans with landowners support increased understanding of land management options to encourage better environmental outcomes. As described above, nine land management plans were written with farmers for land in the Kaipara in the 2013-14 year. Land management advisors meet up with farm plan participants at least annually to assess progress and to assist landowners with new initiatives to support environmental outcomes.

44. A Community Bird Day (a joint initiative with the Tapora Coast & Land Care and Tapora School) was held to engage with school students and the local community to highlight the benefits of pest control work across the peninsula and encourage community bird monitoring.

Grant Funding

45. Projects in the Kaipara are eligible for grant funding through the Waterway Protection Fund (WPF), Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF), Rodney Natural Heritage Fund (RNH) and Rodney Environmental Education Fund (REEF).

46. With the exception of the REEF, Auckland Council environmental funding schemes require applicants to make at least a 50% contribution towards total project costs. This contribution does not need to be financial and can be made up of voluntary labour, funding from other sources or in-kind support. During 2013/14 the value of grants provided to projects within the Kaipara Catchment totaled at least $221,653 with the breakdown summarised in the table below.

Fund	Total Allocation	Kaipara Allocation
Waterway Protection Fund (North)	$150,000	$124,693
Environmental Initiatives Fund	$619,512	$58,285
Rodney Natural Heritage Fund	$70,000	$28,700
Rodney Environmental Education Fund	$20.000	$9,975
Total		$221,653

Programme Overview for 2014/15

Work in Partnerships

47. IKHMG: The Environmental Services Unit will continue to support planning and implementation of the annual work plan particularly the flagship programme, Plant 2 Million Trees initiative and the inaugural event showcasing the Kaipara Harbour on 15-16 November 2014.

Other on-the-ground Action

48. Hoteo public reserves: Work is planned for two public reserves in the Hoteo sub-catchment of the Kaipara. These are Hoteo Domain and Bourne Deane Reserve (Kaipara Flats). Weed control and public / community group planting will take place at both of these sites.

49. Ongoing fencing and planting will continue through funds provided by various Auckland Council and other agency grants.

50. Monitoring of bushlot covenants in the Northern Hoteo area and bird monitoring in Tapora with the community will continue.

51. Continuation of Kaipara pest control work plus ongoing liaison with Ngati Whatua Nga Rima o Kaipara (through Ngā Maunga Whakahii) on pest animal management and a pest control programme for Atuanui.

Enabling Activities

52. A priority setting workshop with the Hoteo community is in the planning stages. This event will bring together subject matter experts (botanists, soil scientists, ecologists, social scientists) and landowners (the experts of place) to identify priority areas and actions in the catchment.

53. Contestable funds will operate with the same budget and decision making structure as in the 2013/2014 financial year.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

54. The Rodney Local Board has supported work that will improve water quality and biodiversity outcomes for the Kaipara Harbour. This includes providing funding for specific projects such as the Tapora bird identification booklet and bird survey work.

55. The Rodney Local Board initiated the Kaipara Harbour joint political committee in early 2013 co-chaired by Ngāti Whatua and local government. Priority work includes receiving up to date information and knowledge about Kaipara Harbour, supporting the work of the IKHMG and Ngāti Whatua co-governance negotiations and future treaty settlement.

56. Rodney Local Board is a partner to the IKHMG.

Maori impact statement

57. Ngāti Whatua and Ngāti Manuhiri are both involved with various aspects of programme planning and delivery and are consulted around specific projects of interest. This includes reviewing background information compiled to guide planning of Hoteo sub-catchment work.

58. Ngāti Whatua Kaipara hapū, Ngā Maunga Whakahii and Te Uri o Hau, lead the IKHMG that Auckland Council is a partner to.

Implementation

59. The delivery of the range of programmes engaging landowners and communities in enhancing ecosystem health and water quality outcomes while supporting rural productivity requires ongoing financial and staff resource. The Kaipara area is one of a number of predominantly rural areas that the Environmental Services Unit supports through its programme delivery.

60. Staff continue to develop partnerships with other agencies, iwi/hāpu, landowners and organisations and to provide advice, support, education and funding to increase and improve on the ground work being delivered in the Kaipara area.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Gael Ogilvie Manager Environmental Services Unit, I and ES

Viv Sherwood Catchment Management and Incentives Manager, Environmental Services Unit

Authorisers

John Dragicevich - Manager Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Ludo Campbell-Reid - Environmental Strategy & Policy Manager

Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee

26 November 2014

Extension of Regional Pest Management Plan Expiry Date

File No.: CP2014/25097

Purpose

1. To extend the expiry date of the Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) by 12 months and provide for a Proposed RPMP to be prepared once the National Policy Direction for Pest Management is in effect.

Executive summary

2. The Auckland RPMP gives effect to the Biosecurity Act 1993 and provides a strategic and statutory framework for the efficient and effective management of plant and animal pests in the Auckland region. It includes rules prohibiting the propagation, breeding, distribution or release of identified pest species. The Auckland RPMP expires on 17 December 2014. An operative Auckland RPMP provides for the effective management of pests in Auckland and prevents actions by individuals that could place economic, ecological, and Māori values at risk from the adverse effects of pests.

3. As part of the Reform of the Biosecurity Act in 2012 a new instrument, termed a National Policy Direction on Pest Management (NPD), has been introduced. Once an NPD is in effect Council must determine if the Auckland RPMP should be amended to be consistent with the NPD and commence a review to resolve any inconsistencies. A proposed NPD has been notified by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and submissions have closed. MPI currently advise that the NPD should be in effect by April 2015. However this timeframe maybe subject to further extension. It is anticipated that once the NPD has come into effect significant amendments to the Auckland RPMP will be required.

4. Council can, under the transitional provisions of the Biosecurity Reform Act, extend the expiry date of the Auckland RPMP by 12 months to 17 December 2015 in order for the Auckland RPMP to remain in force and for the preparation of a Proposed Auckland RPMP to be undertaken when the NPD has come into effect.

5. In extending the Auckland RPMP expiry date Council must be satisfied that there is no significant effect on any person’s rights or obligations. Extending the expiry date of the RPMP does not change any of the provisions of the RPMP and therefore does not alter or affect any person’s rights or obligations under that Plan. It is also considered that this approach is consistent with the general purpose of the transitional provisions of the Biosecurity Reform Act which create interim processes for the review and extension of regional pest management plans while an NPD is being prepared.

Recommendation

That the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee:

a) recommend that the Regional Development and Operations Committee

i) extend the expiry date of the Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan by 12 months from 17 December 2014, to 17 December 2015.

Comments

Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan

6. The current Auckland RPMP is a legacy plan prepared by the former Auckland Regional Council under the Biosecurity Act 1993. The stated purpose of the Auckland RPMP is “... to provide a strategic and statutory framework for efficient and effective management of plant and animal pests in the Auckland region”. The RPMP identifies approximately 292 plant and 39 animal pests and sets out a range of responses for these pests. These responses include:

· rules prohibiting the propagation, breeding, distribution or release of pest species;

· requirements for landowners to manage some plant and animal pests on their land; and

· total control, containment, surveillance, research and community initiative pest management programmes.

7. An operative Auckland RPMP provides for the effective management of pests in Auckland and prevents actions by individuals that could place economic, ecological, and Māori values at risk from the adverse effects of pests.

National Policy Direction on Pest Management

8. As part of the Reform of the Biosecurity Act in 2012 a new instrument termed a National Policy Direction on Pest Management (NPD) has been introduced. The NPD will (inter alia) define the types of pest management programmes that can be included in pest management plans. Once the NPD is in effect Council must determine if the Auckland RPMP should be amended to be consistent with the NPD and must commence a review to resolve any inconsistencies.

9. A proposed NPD has been notified by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and submissions have closed. MPI have previously advised that the NPD would come into effect by December 2014. MPI currently advise that this will occur by April 2015. However this timeframe maybe subject to further extension. It is anticipated that once the NPD has come into effect amendments to the Auckland RPMP will be required.

Review of Auckland RPMP and Extension of Expiry Date

10. The current Auckland RPMP was originally due to expire in December 2012. However Council can, under the transitional provisions of the Biosecurity Reform Act, extend the expiry date of the Auckland RPMP by 12 months at a time until the NPD comes into effect. Council has previously extended the Auckland RPMP expiry date on two occasions to December 2013 and December 2014 respectively. Extending the expiry date avoids Council producing a proposed RPMP only to have to commence another review once the NPD comes into effect.

11. Initial work on the review of the Auckland RPMP has commenced. This includes workshops with Councillors, workshops with Local Boards, consultation with Māori and consultation with other key parties. However it is considered that a Proposed RPMP should not be notified until the National Policy Direction is in effect. Other factors affecting the timing of the RPMP review include the potential for collaboration with other North Island Councils and the timing of Council’s LTP process. Extending the expiry date of the current RPMP allows for the content of the National Policy Direction to be confirmed and for these others factors to be taken into account in the timing of the review process. It is also considered that this approach is consistent with the general purpose of the transitional provisions of the Biosecurity Reform Act which create interim processes for the review and extension of regional pest management plans while the NPD is being prepared.

12. In extending the RPMP expiry date Council must be satisfied that there is no significant effect on any person’s rights or obligations. Extending the expiry date of the RPMP does not change any of the provisions of the RPMP and therefore does not alter or affect any person’s rights or obligations under that strategy.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

13. The RPMP applies at a local as well as a regional scale. Many Local Boards fund pest control programmes. Local Board views have been sought as part of the initial review process through workshops and meetings with environment portfolio holders. The extension provides for local board views to be further sought and considered as part of the review process.

Māori impact statement

14. Pursuant to the Biosecurity Act, one of the primary purposes of pest management plans is to prevent or reduce the adverse effects of pests on the relationship between Māori and their culture, traditions, ancestral lands, waters, sites, wahi tapu and taonga. The Biosecurity Act requires Council to be satisfied in reviewing the Auckland RPMP that consultation with affected tangata whenua has occurred and impacts on Maori considered. Initial consultation with Maori has occurred. The recommended extension provides for further engagement and consultation with Māori as part of the Auckland RPMP review process.

Implementation

15. The recommended extension of the Auckland RPMP expiry date provides for the continued implementation of the current RPMP.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Dave Marshall - Principal Specialist Natural Heritage

Authorisers

John Dragicevich - Manager Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Harvey Brookes - Manager Economic Development

Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee

26 November 2014

Resolution of Appeals to Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan - Hunua Ranges

File No.: CP2014/26473

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to advise the Committee of the resolution of Council’s appeals to the Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP).

Executive summary

2. The 2010 local government boundary adjustments placed 62 per cent of the Hunua Ranges Regional Park and all of the Waharau and Whakatiwai Regional Parks within the Waikato region. The Proposed Waikato RPMP, notified in March 2013, did not provide an adequate statutory basis for Auckland Council’s ongoing pest management responsibilities in the Hunua Ranges Regional Parks. In particular the Waikato RPMP did not adequately address the management of kauri dieback, possums, feral deer, feral pigs, and feral goats. These substantial faults in the Waikato RPMP put the significant ecological, water supply, recreational and cultural values of the Hunua Ranges at risk.

3. Auckland Council lodged a submission to the Waikato RPMP seeking to remedy these faults and provide for Council’s pest management programmes. Council’s submission was endorsed by the Franklin Local Board and approved by the Regional Development and Operations Committee. Watercare Services Ltd also lodged a submission to the Plan which was specific to the protection of Auckland’s water supply in the Hunua Ranges.

4. Waikato Regional Council’s (WRC) decisions on submissions did not satisfactorily address the points raised by Council. Consequently Council appealed WRC’s decisions to the Environment Court. Watercare Services Ltd also lodged an appeal. Both appeals have now been resolved by negotiation. During negotiations landowners in the buffer area adjoining the Hunua Ranges Regional Park were contacted and invited to comment on the measures proposed to resolve Council’s appeal. No objections were received to the proposed measures.

5. Auckland Council’s and Watercare Services’ appeals are resolved by two consent orders (Attachments One and Two). The consent orders provide for the creation of the Hunua Ranges Pest Management Area, comprising the Hunua Ranges Regional Parks and an adjoining buffer area, within the Waikato RPMP.

6. Within the Hunua Ranges Pest Management Area:

· Auckland Council is the Pest Management Agency and is responsible for the management of new incursions;

· The organism (Phytophthora taxon Agathis or PTA) which causes kauri die back is declared a pest with a management category of exclusion;

· Feral Pigs and Goats are declared pests with a management category of eradication;

· Feral Deer are declared pests with a management category of exclusion/eradication; and

· Possums have a management category of sustained control to a residual trap catch level below 3%.

This is a successful outcome for Auckland that provides for the protection of the significant values of the Hunua Ranges through Council’s continued management of pests in the area. A Memorandum of understanding with WRC is proposed in order to deal with administrative matters in the Hunua Ranges Pest Management Area.

Recommendation

That the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee

a) notes the attached consent orders resolving Council’s appeal to the Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan.

Comment

Background

7. The 2010 local government boundary adjustments placed 62 per cent of the Hunua Ranges Regional Park and all of the Waharau and Whakatiwai Regional Parks within the Waikato region. However Auckland Council continues to own and manage the land and assets in these parks under the Local Government Act 2002. The Hunua Ranges Regional Parks contain significant ecological, cultural recreational and water supply values. In particular the Hunua Ranges Parks contain ecosystems supporting 20 per cent (450 species) of all of New Zealand’s indigenous vertebrate species. This includes twenty one nationally and regionally threatened species such as North Island kokako, Hochstetter’s frog and the green gecko. The kauri forests of the park have been extensively surveyed and determined to be free of kauri dieback disease, which is caused by the organism Phytophthora taxon Agathis (or PTA). This makes the Hunua Ranges the largest area of PTA free kauri forest in the Auckland and Waikato Regions.

8. Iwi who have a relationship with the Hunua Ranges include Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Te Ata and Waikato-Tainui. The Hunua Ranges Regional Parks contain many sites of importance to iwi for the maintenance of their cultural relationship with the land. Watercare Services Limited has a license over approximately 14,000 hectares of native forest and four dams in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. These dams supply 60 per cent of Auckland’s water supply. In order to protect these significant values Auckland Council carries out extensive pest management programmes within the Regional Parks and in a wide buffer area on adjoining private land.

9. The Proposed Waikato RPMP, notified in March 2013, did not provide an adequate statutory basis for Auckland Council’s pest management programmes in that part of the Hunua Ranges now within the Waikato Region. In particular the Waikato RPMP did not identify feral deer, feral pigs or PTA as pests in the Hunua Ranges Regional Parks or establish appropriate pest management programmes for feral goats or possums. These pests have the potential to cause significant adverse effects on the natural ecosystems of the Hunua Ranges and consequently their cultural, recreational and water supply values. In addition the Waikato RPMP did not identify Auckland Council as a pest management agency for the Regional Parks or provide for Council to manage new pest species incursions. These were considered to be substantial failings in the Waikato RPMP that put the significant values of the Hunua Ranges at risk.

10. Auckland Council lodged a submission to the Waikato RPMP seeking to remedy these failings and provide for Council’s pest management programmes. Council’s submission was endorsed by the Franklin Local Board and approved by the Regional Development and Operations Committee. Watercare Services Ltd also lodged a submission to the Plan which was specific to the protection of Auckland’s water supply in the Hunua Ranges.

11. Waikato Regional Council’s (WRC) decisions on submissions did not address the failings raised by Council. Consequently Council appealed WRC’s decisions to the Environment Court. Watercare Services Ltd also lodged an appeal. Both appeals have now been resolved through negotiation.

12. During negotiations 436 landowners in the buffer area adjoining the Hunua Ranges Regional Park were advised by letter of the measures proposed to resolve Council’s appeal and invited to comment. The letter to landowners is included as Attachment Three. The response rate was low with two responses supporting the changes and seven responses seeking clarification or further information. The record and summary of responses received is included as Attachment Four.

13. Waikato Regional Council has accepted all the relief sought in Auckland Council’s appeal. Auckland Council’s and Watercare Services’ appeals are resolved by two consent orders (Attachments One and Two). The consent orders provide for the creation of the Hunua Ranges Pest Management Area, comprising the Hunua Ranges Regional Parks and an adjoining buffer area, in the Waikato RPMP.

14. Within the Hunua Ranges Pest Management Area:

· Auckland Council is the Pest Management Agency and is responsible for the management of new incursions;

· The organism Phytophthora taxon Agathis (or PTA) which causes kauri die back is declared a pest with a management category of exclusion;

· Feral pigs and goats are declared pests with a management category of eradication;

· Feral deer are declared pests with a management category of exclusion/eradication; and

· Possums have a management category of sustained control to a residual trap catch level below 3%.

15. This is a successful outcome to Auckland Council’s appeal that provides for the protection of the significant values of the Hunua Ranges through Council’s continued management of pests in the area.

Local board views and implications

16. Council’s submission and subsequent appeal to the Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan were reported to the Franklin Local Board. The Board supported both the submission and the appeal.

Māori impact statement

17. In accordance with the Biosecurity Act one of the primary purposes of Auckland Council’s pest management programmes is to prevent or reduce the adverse effects of pests on the relationship between Maori and their culture, traditions, ancestral lands, waters, sites, wāhi tapu and taonga. The resolution of the appeal assists in the protection of these values by providing for the continuation of Auckland Council’s pest management programmes in the Hunua Ranges and buffer area.

18. In preparing Council’s submission and appeal Council staff contacted and liaised with Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Te Ata and Waikato-Tainui. The responses received to Council’s actions were positive. Waikato-Tainui in particular stated their support for Council’s submission and appeal. These iwi have also been advised of the outcome of Council’s appeal.

Implementation

19. The Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan incorporating the amendments required to resolve the appeal was made operative in August 2014. The resolution of the appeal enables Auckland Council to continue to carry out the pest management programmes it plans, funds and implements in accordance with the current Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan.

20. A memorandum of understanding with Waikato Regional Council is proposed in order to deal with administrative matters in the Hunua Ranges Pest Management Area including exemptions from rules and the transfer of funds.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Consent Order One	27
b View	Consent Order Two	35
c View	Letter to Landowners	47
d View	Summary of Landowner Response	59

Signatories

Authors

Dave Marshall - Principal Specialist Natural Heritage

Authorisers

John Dragicevich - Manager Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Harvey Brookes - Manager Economic Development

Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee

26 November 2014

Meeting date/ Reso No.

Item No.

Resolution

Status

Action by

5 March 2014 ENV/2014/14

9. Update on Meeting of the Inter Council Working Party on Genetically Modified Organisms (ICWP)

b) agree to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with other Councils to share the costs and further work on Section 32 document subject to budget approval.

d) ensure collaboration with other Councils with regards to submission of any future reviews.

Completed

Nola Rundle, Specialist Land

5 March 2014 ENV/2014/15

10. Further Clarification Of and Action On Maui’s Dolphin Threats Management

a) write to the Minister for Primary Industries seeking a reconsideration of ring-netting in the Manukau Harbour entrance.

b) approve representation on the Maui’s Research Advisory Group at all levels.

c) approve in-kind assistance for the Toxoplasma genotyping cat sampling programme run at Massey University.

d) request a report back on the policy options for addressing feral cat issues and note this is part of the Regional Pest Management Plan review.

e) support development of a safe-boating campaign around Maui’s dolphins.

f) invite the minister for Primary Industries and Minister of Conservation to a meeting with the committee and 2 representatives from the Maui’s and Hector’s Dolphin Education/Action Inc seeking a reconsideration of ring-netting in the Manukau Harbour entrance.

g) urge the Government to introduce observer coverage on the fishing fleet sooner than its proposed four year phase.

h) express its strong concern about the proposed reintroduction of ring-netting in the mouth of the Manukau Harbour.

i) lead a public education campaign about the need to protect Maui’s dolphin habitat – inside harbours, out to 100m deep and along the West Coast to the South Island.

j) take a leadership role in advocating for all measures needed to prevent human induced threats to the dolphin to enable their recovery.

k) request the Mayor to take a leadership role in advocating for all measures needed to prevent human induced threats to the dolphin to enable their recovery with the Minister for Primary Industries and Minister of Conservation.

l) require changes to the Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA) so that by-caught deceased Maui’s and Hector’s dolphin must be brought back to shore for research purposes.

m) forward the report to all Local Boards and Mana Whenua for their information.

a,f,g,h,i,k,l) Completed.

b,e,j) Will Trusewich is currently the representative, along with Megan Carbines from RIMU, Next meeting of this group is on 27 November to finalise the 5-year research plan.

c) Biosecurity team are offering sampling assistance to Massey University, the MRAG have prioritized Toxoplasma research and Natural Heritage Policy are considering the issue with the Regional Pest Management Strategy review.

d) work in progress

Will Trusewich, Specialist Coastal

28 May 2014

ENV/2014/13

5.1 Sea Cleaners

d) request officers to work with the Sea Cleaners to prepare a report on options for Auckland Council to consider ways of reducing waste reaching Auckland harbours, streams and waterways as well as those of the west coast of the Coromandel peninsula.

e) request a report to identify:

i) advice available to facilitate consultation and engagement with iwi and hapu

ii) volunteer, education and engagement programmes available to support this activity

iii) funding available to support the clean up work in Auckland (Manukau Harbour) and the west coast of the Coromandel peninsula.

TBA

Jenny Fuller, Team Leader Natural Heritage PolicyHeritage

28 May 2014

ENV/2014/15

9. Climate Risk Management – Insights from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

b) request officers to prepare a memo covering all aspects of this issue including implementation, recommendations for implementation, Long-term Plan (LTP) funding and adaptive policy pathways.

Work in progress

Robert Perry

Denise O’Shaugnessy

28 May 2014

ENV/2014/16

10. Low Carbon Auckland: A proposed action plan and governance options

c) endorse the self-organising network (Option 2b to the agenda) as the ideal end state governance arrangement for effective implementation of the Low Carbon Auckland Action Plan, and the establishment of a cross-sector stewardship group (Option 2a to the agenda) as a transition step.

d) recommend that the current Low Carbon Auckland Steering Group is reconvened to oversee the process for establishing a cross-sector stewardship group (Option 2a to the agenda).

Officers have scheduled the first meeting of the transition governance group (option 2a) on 14 November. Officers are currently working through the process to identify potential members.

Robert Perry

Denise O’Shaugnessy

28 May 2014

ENV/2014/16

11. CBD air quality: Personal Exposure to Noise and Air Pollution study.

b) support additional continuous monitoring and source apportionment studies being carried out of Customs Street and surrounds.

c) request officers to report back regarding publication of reports on air pollution as carried out by other international cities.

d) request officers to investigate further funding.

Officers are reviewing the monitoring program and Customs St will be considered as part of the review.

Officers have prepared a Technical Publication (in the final stages of peer review) around international approaches to reporting Air Quality data by Air Quality Index, and its applicability in Auckland, as is done in other major international cities.

Officers have secured additional funding for a project in the CBD through the RIMU Research Fund.

Nick Reid, Scientist

28 May 2014

ENV/2014/22

14. LED Road Lighting Conference

c) request follow-up report on progress of adoption of LED lighting in November 2014

Auckland Transport have been delayed in implementing the control system for street lighting.

Report back in March 2015 to allow AT and Parks to trial the street lighting.

Michelle Dawson, Energy manager

28 May 2014

ENV/2014/25

16. Species Prioritisation Framework

b) request officers to further investigate additional actions and associated costs to expand the existing management of priority species and to report back with an investment proposal.

c) support existing initiatives to work alongside Local Boards, Department of Conservation, and community groups including iwi and mana whenua to support the management of locally important species.

d) request officers to keep the committee informed of progress with ecosystem prioritisation and associated implementation requirements.

b) The recent decision by the governing body to approve a change in pest control methodology in the Hunua Ranges will result in new species protection gains being realised. Accordingly officers will need to do some revision of the costs and will be able to report back to the next committee meeting.

c) and d) Work in progress

Briony Senior – Regional Advisor (Ecology)

Rachel Kelleher – Biodiversity Manager

9 July 2014

ENV/2014/32

10. Draft Auckland Kauri Dieback Management Strategy

b) request the Biosecurity and Regional and Specialist Parks to develop a fully-costed suite of options for the management of Kauri Dieback across the Auckland region which will be considered through the Long-term Plan process.

Delegations lie with Regional, Strategy and Policy Committee. To be reported to that Committee.

Dave Marshall, Principal Specialist Natural Heritage

27 August 2014

ENV/2014/35

5.1 Steph Borrelle - Free of single-use plastic bags in Auckland

b) request officers to evaluate options and recommend actions for the minimisation of single use plastic bag use in Auckland and report back to the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee.

In progress – to be reported to the first committee meeting in 2015

Parul Sood, Waste Planning Manager

Helgard Wagener, Manager Policies & Bylaws

27 August 2014

ENV/2014/36

5.2 Environmental risk from consented activities at Sandspit to the Matakana estuary and the Hauraki Gulf - Mike Taplin

b) request officers to further investigate adequacy of, and compliance with the resource consent conditions and report back to the relevant committee(s) with the results and next steps.

c) request officers to investigate the stockpile at Sandspit Marina to identify current environmental risks.

Officers are still investigating the condition of the consent. Work in progress.

Alan Moore, Team Leader Coastal, Natural Resources and Specialist Input

27 August 2014

ENV/2014/41

9. Feedback for Proposed Long-term Plan 2015-2025 Performance Measures

c) request officers to investigate whether the following measure can be included under the Regional Planning activity, historic heritage/Maori cultural heritage Level of Service:

i) number of sites subject to a form of historic heritage, Maori heritage or historic character protection within the Unitary Plan.

The approach proposed to be taken for the LTP was to concentrate on the schedules relating to the ‘sites and places of significance to mana whenua’ and the ‘significant historic heritage places and areas’. Sites, places and areas within these schedules have been the subject of as higher test of evaluation with a higher level of protection resulting. Therefore was a more meaningful LTP measure.This was covered through the LTP process and workshops.

Tushar Shreyakar – Senior Advisor CCO

Taryn Crewe– Financial Planning Manager

27 August 2014 ENV/2014/42

10. 2013/2014 Safeswim Summary Report

c) request officers to report back to the Environment Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee on Council’s plans for onsite wastewater management.

d) request Watercare Services to report back to the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee on the frequency and scale of overflows and the management of discharges from the wastewater network.

e) request that Maori view and values be included in the regional Safeswim review in 2015, including:

i) establishing a process for the direct sharing of monitoring information and data with local mana whenua; and

ii) investigating Maori based approaches to water quality monitoring that can be run in parallel to the Safeswim programme.

f) request more information regarding the sources of contamination (the red dots) and recommended actions arising from the report.

TBA

Grant Barnes, Manager Research & Evaluation

Mervyn Chetty, Gen Mngr Licensing & Compliance Services

Chairperson	Cr Wayne Walker
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Linda Cooper, JP
Members	Cr Dr Cathy Casey
	Cr Ross Clow
	Cr Chris Darby
	Cr Hon Christine Fletcher, QSO
	Cr Mike Lee
	Member Liane Ngamane
	Cr John Watson
	Member Karen Wilson

Ex-officio	Mayor Len Brown, JP
	Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse