Agenda of Hauraki Gulf Forum - 14 December 2015

Hauraki Gulf Forum

14 December 2015

Update: Spat catching application in the Firth of Thames

File No.: CP2015/26382

Purpose

1. To update the Forum on the consent decision regarding spat catching applications around Waimango Point.

Executive Summary

2. A precedent setting ‘aquaculture steering group’ was agreed between marine farmers at Waimango Point and iwi and its creation is a condition to a resource consent granted for the adjustment and extension of farms in the area.

Recommendations

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) thank Nathan Kennedy and Te Whanau a Haunui for the update.

b) note the precedent set through the resource consent conditions.

c) seek further updates on the implementation of the joint agreement.

Comments

3. In June 2015 the Forum was briefed on “spat catching or mussel farming applications in the Firth of Thames before council”.

4. It heard from officers of applications from several existing mussel farmers to extend and adjust the currently consented space for mussel farming and spat catching purposes. The Forum also heard from representatives of Te Whanau a Haunui, owners of Māori land at Waimango Point, of its opposition to the application.

5. The Forum resolved to … ‘support Te Whanau A Haunui and advise Auckland Council of the Forum’s concern that new spat catching applications continue to be made in an ad hoc way ahead of the completion of a marine spatial plan’ and ‘recommend to councils that all spat catching applications be put on hold until the completion of a marine spatial plan and that councils report back to the forum at the next meeting.’

6. In September the Forum was made aware a decision was pending on the Waimango Point applications and that the hearing commissioners - while obligated to process the applications under the required Resource Management Act timeframe - had been made aware of the Forum’s resolution.

7. Resource consents have since been granted, subject to conditions which include the establishment of the Tuwhituaroa Aquaculture Steering Group, a joint iwi-farmers forum that will have a kaitiaki role, including environmental and consent compliance monitoring, plan writing, and habitat restoration. This is intended to form the basis of an enduring relationship with the iwi.

8. The applicants and Ngati Whanaunga came to an agreement over conditions, following an adjournment, and the hearing commissioners then encapsulated this agreement in the conditions. The agreement also built on the relationships established through belonging to the same local community, and aquaculture discussions between parties for several years prior to the hearing.

9. The hearing outcome establishes an important precedent, considering the potential scale of marine farming applications in the area of interest to Ngāti Whanaunga and neighbouring iwi.

10. An invitation to update the Forum of this outcome has been extended to Te Whanau a Haunui through tangata whenua technical officer Nathan Kennedy. Nathan is also the Ngāti Whanaunga Environment Officer.

11. The Minister of Primary Industries decisions on the four applications will be published in the Gazette on Thursday 3 December 2015 and the period for applications for judicial review will close on 5 February 2016.

General

12. The issue of consenting for aquaculture growth, through the examination of consideration of ‘spat catching applications’ before councils, has been on the Forum’s agenda for the past four meetings.

13. Ad-hoc development, exploiting loopholes in the consenting regime that enable granting of space for ‘spat catching’, appears likely to continue.

14. As previously advised, the current status of aquaculture in the western Firth of Thames is that marine farming is prohibited and spat catching is a discretionary activity. The framework for processing resource consent applications is set by the Resource Management Act 1991 and there is no legislative mechanism available to place applications on hold.

15. When the Auckland Unitary Plan becomes operative in the first quarter of next financial year and the Minister of Fisheries 1984 gazette notice, which forms the last remaining component of the Transitional Regional Coastal Plan, falls away, the distinction between spat catching and marine farming will no longer be valid and all applications will be for marine farming. However, resource consents granted for spat catching will remain for this purpose until such time as the consent holder seeks to amend the consent.

16. The activity status for marine farming is likely to remain as discretionary for the general coastal marine zone outside of certain overlay areas (enabling case by case applications across the western Firth area), pending development of an agreed spatial planning framework to guide decision making.

17. Team Leader - Coastal Alan Moore, of the Auckland Council’s Resource Consents Department, has advised no progress has been made with regard to the three larger applications by Westpac Mussel Distributers Ltd for 116, 128 and 170 hectares of new ‘spat catching’ space between Waimango Point and Wilsons Bay. They are currently on-hold as the council has requested further information from the applicant under section 92 of the RMA.

18. In the Waikato region applications for ‘spat catching’ can be made until such time the Waikato Regional Coastal Plan is reviewed to implement the Hauraki Gulf marine spatial plan. A large number of spat applications in both regions remain voluntarily on hold while the applicants await the outcome of the marine spatial planning process.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

19. Delivery of the work plan and identification of issues is informed by a local board officer on the Technical Officers Group. No local board input has been sought on the matters raised in the report.

Māori impact statement

20. 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. The update has been facilitated by tangata whenua technical officer Nathan Kennedy.

Implementation

21. It is expected that the formalisation and implementation of joint projects undertaken through the Tuwhituaroa Aquaculture Steering Group will be of interest to the Forum and the subject of future updates.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Nathan Kennedy – Tangata Whenua Technical Officer

Tim Higham - Executive Officer, Hauraki Gulf Forum

Authorisers

Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

14 December 2015

Introduction to the review of the fisheries management system

File No.: CP2015/26634

Purpose

1. To explain the recently-initiated review of the fisheries management system and its relevance to management of the Hauraki Gulf/ Tikapa Moana.

Executive Summary

2. The Ministry for Primary Industries is undertaking a review of New Zealand’s fisheries management system. It provides an opportunity to consider fishing in the Hauraki Gulf/ Tikapa Moana against the objectives of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act, drawing on analysis within publications published by the Hauraki Gulf Forum.

Recommendations

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) thank Andrew Hill for his presentation.

b) note the invitation to contribute to the review and the advisory note drawing on the Forum’s previously published reports.

c) request further engagement in the review consultation phase and the identification of a range of policy options to address issues relevant to the Hauraki Gulf/ Tikapa Moana.

d) request a report back, prior to completion of the review, on how matters specific to the Hauraki Gulf/ Tikapa Moana have been considered and addressed.

Comments

3. The Ministry for Primary Industries is undertaking a review of New Zealand’s fisheries management system to ensure it is fit-for-purpose and that fisheries are managed sustainably into the future^{^[1]}. The focus of the review is on enhancing the current fisheries system, with five key themes that seek to ensure:

· sustainability;

· benefits for all New Zealanders;

· decision-making processes;

· monitoring and enforcement;

· responding effectively to future challenges.

4. The review will involve a broad consideration of key processes, and regulatory and legislative settings, but there are no plans to change the following core elements of the system:

· sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources as set out in Section 8 of the Fisheries Act;

· the QMS tools (quota and annual catch entitlements);

· the rights of commercial quota ownership;

· the Crown's obligations under Treaty settlements;

· the rights and interests of tangata whenua, and customary management; and

· the right to fish for recreation.

5. Mr Andrew Hill, Manager of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector Policy, Ministry of Primary Industries will brief the Forum on the scope of the review. See MPI background note appended (attachment A).

6. The review provides an opportunity to consider fishing in the Hauraki Gulf/ Tikapa Moana against the objectives of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act.

7. The Forum has addressed fisheries-related issues in both its guidance document Fishing the Gulf and its State of our Gulf assessments. The appended advice note (attachment B) was solicited to provide:

§ a recap of fishing impacts in the Hauraki Gulf/ Tikapa Moana identified in the 2014 State of the Gulf Report;

§ potential areas where fisheries management might be improved in the Hauraki Gulf; and

§ recommendations on matters the review should consider.

8. The advice note helps respond to MPI’s invitation to the Forum to contribute to the initial consultation phase (which ended on December 11 2015) and serves to identify several areas that can be considered further in the consultation phase of the review.

9. The agenda item is intended to enable Forum members to clarify any matters arising from the review and to identify issues they would like to see addressed within it.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

10. Delivery of the work plan and identification of issues is informed by a local board officer on the Technical Officers Group. No local board input has been sought on the matters raised in the report.

Māori impact statement

11. 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.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Background on Fisheries Management Review	17
b View	Advisory note from Shane Kelly, Coast and Catchment	21

Signatories

Authors

Graeme McGregor - Ministry for Primary Industries

Tim Higham - Executive Officer, Hauraki Gulf Forum

Authorisers

Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

14 December 2015

Update: Introduction to the work of the Urban Design Panel

File No.: CP2015/26368

Purpose

1. To introduce the work of Auckland Council’s Urban Design Panel and enable consideration of the potential of pre-application review processes as a means of promoting the management objectives of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act (HGMPA).

Executive Summary

2. Auckland’s Urban Design Panel has contributed to creating quality urban environments.

3. At the September 2015 meeting it was suggested that the Hauraki Gulf Forum could use pre-application panels as a way to encourage awareness and application of the HGMPA management objectives.

4. The anticipated Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan should enable the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act (HGMPA) management objectives to be translated and applied to development decision making with greater specificity.

Recommendations

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) thank Lisa Dunshea for her presentation.

b) note the significance of the work of Auckland’s Urban Design Panel.

c) note the potential contribution of the marine spatial plan to provision of training and pre-application review processes that promote the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act management objectives.

d) reiterate its support for ‘further scoping and development of projects to assist awareness building and promotion of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act’s management objectives’.

Comments

5. In September 2015 a presentation by Barrister Kitt Littlejohn responded to the review’s finding of low levels of understanding and engagement among members in their responsibilities to promote the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act’s (HGMPA) management objectives.

6. He identified several opportunities for the Forum to exercise greater influence using functions and powers under the Act.

7. He identified opportunities to influence the Resource Management Act decision making process through training for hearing commissioners, delegated council staff and consultants, and consent applicants.

8. He also identified the potential of a role in pre-application review processes. An example of the success of this approach is the Auckland Urban Design Panel.

9. The Forum resolved to ‘support further scoping and development of projects to assist awareness building and promotion of the HGMPA’s management objectives.’

10. To progress this the Executive Officer has had further discussions with Mr Littlejohn and also engaged with Lisa Dunshea, Auckland Council’s Urban Design Programme Leader.

11. Lisa Dunshea has been invited to provide an overview of the Auckland Council’s Urban Design Panel and its contribution to creating quality urban environments. See background paper appended (attachment A).

12. She has also given some consideration to synergy between quality urban design and environmental outcomes and the potential for engagement with the Forum to assist in optimising development opportunities.

13. From 2009-2011 the Forum published a series of guidance documents on implementation of the HGMPA management objectives, noting they ‘required interpretation and their approach and priorities needed to infiltrate the policy and plan making frameworks of regulatory agencies.’

14. The Spatial Planning for the Gulf report identified ‘marine spatial planning as a well-accepted strategic planning process which could help achieve the purposes of the HGMPA.’

15. It is anticipated that the Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari marine spatial plan will provide strategic and spatial priorities that align with the HGMPA management objectives.

16. Mr Littlejohn considers that this additional specificity is important to the success of the training and education initiatives he has proposed.

17. He suggests that with clear strategic management priorities a ‘Gulf Tick’ approach could be developed, signifying that a project or activity has been assessed against the HGMPA’s objectives and aligns with direction set out in the marine spatial plan.

18. Facilitating and promoting this would extend the Forum’s leadership and influence, as sought in recommendations from the review, and also define an important role in the ongoing implementation and monitoring of the marine spatial plan.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

Māori impact statement

20. 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.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Background to the Auckland Urban Design Panel	27

Signatories

Authors	Tim Higham - Executive Officer, Hauraki Gulf Forum
Authorisers	Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

14 December 2015

Hauraki Gulf Forum Community Monitoring Programme annual report 2014 - 2015

File No.: CP2015/26657

Purpose

1. This report updates the Hauraki Gulf Forum (the Forum) on the Community Shellfish Monitoring (CSM) programme for the period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015.

Executive Summary

2. Nine sites were monitored over the 2014/15 summer period by schools and community groups supported by Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council (WRC) and the Department of Conservation (DoC). Data from the surveys has been analysed by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). A total of 523 volunteers from ten schools and four community organisations, were involved in the programme. Sites are located in both the Auckland and Waikato regions, although a large portion of the sites are within the Auckland region.

3. Shellfish monitoring results are presented for the nine sites that were surveyed. No region-wide trends in density over time are apparent from the data with most sites indicating natural fluctuations around an average. The most notable change in these time series is the cockle mortality in early 2009 at Lews Bay (Whangateau Harbour). At this location subsequent survey results indicate cockle densities are still about half of what they were before the mortality event.

4. Auckland Council and DoC have recently had a reduction in funding and staffing resource available to support the delivery and management of the CSM programme. This has implications for monitoring over summer 2015/16 and the future continuation of the programme. Auckland Council will facilitate discussions about potential funding and support options for the future of the programme and report back to the Forum in June 2016 on results.

Recommendations

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) note the outcome of the Auckland Council Long Term Plan (LTP) and the implications it will have on the programme.

b) note that Auckland Council will facilitate discussions on potential options for the future of the programme and report back to the Forum in June 2016 on results.

Comments

Background

5. In 2006 the Forum agreed to lead and support a community/iwi/school-based intertidal shellfish monitoring programme to detect trends in shellfish populations at selected beaches. Since the establishment of the programme, the number of sites that have been monitored by the community has increased from three to 20, however not all of these sites have been surveyed each year. Survey sites are located in both the Auckland and Waikato regions with a large portion of the sites being within the Auckland region. The surveys are undertaken by schools, community organisations and iwi supported by Auckland Council, WRC and DoC. The data from the surveys is analysed by MPI.

Analysis

Sites Monitored

6. Over the 2014-2015 summer months 523 volunteers, including students, teachers and parents from ten schools and volunteers from four community organisations were involved in surveys at 9 sites as listed in the table below.

Survey Site	Community Group/Iwi/School
Okahu Bay	Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ōrākei School, St Joseph’s School, St Thomas’s School
Whangateau Harbour, Lews Bay	Whangateau Harbour Care with Mahurangi College
Sandspit	Sandspit SOS Inc with Kelston Boys High
Sandspit - Rainbow's End	Sandspit SOS Inc with Kelston Boys High
Pine Harbour	Maraetai Beach School
Beachlands	Beachlands School
Kawakawa Bay West	Clevedon School
Whangapoua Harbour, Great Barrier	Okiwa School, Kaitoki School, Mulberry Grove School
Wharekawa (Opoutere)	Ecoquest Foundation

Auckland Council supported monitoring

7. Auckland Council has historically supported community shellfish monitoring at 15 sites in the Auckland Region. Currently 9 of these sites are active and have been surveyed most years since community monitoring was initiated in 2006.

8. Since monitoring was established, five sites have become inactive. Three sites (Umupuia Beach, Duder Regional Park and Kawakawa Bay East) were put on hold at the request of Te Waka Totara Trust (Ngai Tai). The Trust was concerned about monitoring at Umupuia being perceived by on-lookers as harvesting, subsequently impacting on compliance with the rahui that is in place there. At Duder Regional Park and Kawakawa Bay East the iwi have concerns about the potential for the exposure of koiwi (ancestral bones) in the intertidal area and the spiritual and cultural safety of children.

9. The Ngaio Bay survey with the senior biology class from Mahurangi College has been discontinued due to a change in the schools’ curriculum programme. The Whangateau Harbour Causeway site will continue to be surveyed once every 5 years by the Habourcare group. The group is focusing their attention on two other sites in the harbour which are more interesting and rewarding for working with students from Mahurangi College.

10. The seasonal closure at Cockle Bay is continuing. The area is closed for the taking of all shellfish from 1 October to 30 April each year during the times when harvesting pressures are heaviest. Cockle Bay was not monitored this year due to a drop in engagement by the School.

DOC supported monitoring

11. The Great Barrier Area Office has supported annual shellfish monitoring at Whangapoua Harbour since 2007 with the three island schools.

12. The Te Matuku Bay site has not been surveyed since 2011 due to budget limitations at DoC.

13. Shellfish monitoring at Gardiners Gap on Motutapu Island has not been continued as the Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp have decided not to incorporate shellfish monitoring into their environmental education programmme.

Independent community monitoring

14. Cheltenham Beach Caretakers have not carried out a survey in the last three years as they are finding it difficult to continue to engage volunteers in monitoring when cockle densities remain very low.

Waikato Region supported monitoring

15. Previously there were two community shellfish monitoring sites within the Waikato Region, at Wharekawa and Whitianga Estuaries on the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. The Waikato Regional Council also undertakes regular state of the environment monitoring (which includes shellfish monitoring) at five sites in the Firth of Thames. Tairua estuary has recently been added into the long-term monitoring programme.

16. A survey did not occur at Whitianga this year due to the loss of the lead teacher who had been driving the programme with the school. Ongoing engagement with the school continues and they may become involved again.

Survey Results - Shellfish Population Density and Size Class Trends

17. Attached is a series of charts showing the changes in shellfish density and size frequencies from the sites monitored during summer 14/15. An interpretation of the results is also provided.

18. At most sampling sites a variety of shellfish species are recorded in addition to cockles and pipi, including wedge shells, nut shells and gastropods. These species are not reported as the sampling programme is focused on the dominant shellfish species, which in most cases are cockles.

19. Early on in the time series it is easy to report trends which are later shown to be part of natural fluctuations in abundance. Time series’ become increasingly valuable as the length of time monitored increases. Therefore groups are encouraged to continue their surveying.

20. No region-wide trends in density over time are apparent from the data, with most sites showing natural fluctuations around an average. The most notable change in these time series is the cockle mortality in early 2009 at Lews Bay in the Whangateau Harbour. The site experienced substantial decline from 750 cockles per m2 (considered high compared to other monitored sites) to 300 cockles per m2 between January and May 2009. This decline was caused by a combination of naturally occurring effects including a coccidian parasite and a mycobacterium. This effect was possibly exacerbated by heat stress^{^[2]}. Surveys carried out in December 2012 showed the first marked density increase since 2009. This was driven by a pulse of recruits. However, this was followed by a slight decrease in cockle density in the following year (2013 survey).

21. The largest densities of cockles from the monitored sites in the past year were found at Sandspit Rainbow’s End, which showed a density of 1656 per m2 (refer figure 9). Although high in density, this site supported smaller cockles (the most common size at both of this site was 10-20 mm long). The smaller cockle sizes are generally less preferred by harvesters. The greatest densities of larger sized cockles (greater than 30 mm in length) were seen at Lews Bay in Whangateau Harbour (refer figure 12).

22. The site with the most significant increase in densities over the last year has been at Pine Harbour with cockle densities increasing from 190 per m2 to 380 per m2 since the previous year’s survey (refer figure 5). Okahu Bay has also shown a general upward trend with densities increasing over that last two years (refer figure 3). These increases in densities suggest a pulse in recruitment.

23. Cockle density can be highly variable, both spatially and temporarily. Recruitment in cockles is sporadic so often recruitment ‘pulses’ of large numbers of juveniles will enter the population which may, or may not, grow into adults at that site. Cockles grow the best in sandy sheltered sites with high current flow so these sites usually support the largest cockles. Changes in shellfish densities or sizes are due to either harvesting or environmental effects (position relative to tidal ranges, changes in sediment grain size, food supply, competition etc). Harvesting will often result in a decline in the number of the largest cockles (as harvesters usually preferentially take larger cockles). Environmental effects can also cause a decline in densities of large cockles. For example, naturally increasing deposition of fine sediments at a site may be accelerated by human activities (e.g. excavations upstream). This can lead to a siltier and shallower cockle habitat, influencing the site’s ability to support larger sized cockles.

24. Variability in recruitment, and other changes to a habitat, means that it is not always easy to identify the cause of declines in intertidal shellfish. This makes it difficult for implementing the best management response. Some sites where fishing has ceased cockle beds have never recovered to their former health (e.g. Cheltenham beach). This indicates that something about the cockle habitat conditions has changed at the site.

Financial and Resourcing Implications

Auckland Council supported monitoring

25. In July 2015 Auckland Council announced its Long Term Plan budget for the next 10 years including a reduction in the total rates rise. This impacted budgets across the council and in July 2015 the CSM programme funding ceased and with it the programme management role.

26. This loss of funding has resulted in a significant drop in the level of service previously provided to manage and deliver the programme in Auckland. For the 2015/16 summer monitoring Auckland Council is providing support to the management of four sites (Okahu Bay, Whangateau Lews Bay, Sandspit, and Rainbows End) and this is only due to the extremely active nature of the community groups and schools who monitor these sites. It is uncertain if this support will continue to be available. However, it is noted that:

· Evaluation of the programme by teachers in past years has shown it is well received by the schools involved.

· Connecting to nature (people, education, citizen science) and the effects of land use activities on waterways and the sea are areas of focus identified within the Auckland Growing Greener strategy to implement the Auckland Plan.

27. Auckland Council will facilitate discussions early next year looking at potential funding and support options for the future of the programme. This will involve current and potential future project partners (including private sector) and Auckland Council Local Boards. A report on the results of this will be reported back to the Forum in June 2016.

DoC supported monitoring

28. Over the past two years DoC have received budget and staffing cuts, meaning an impact on their ability to support the programme. It is expected similar constraints will occur into the future.

29. A lack of funding will prevent monitoring over the 2015/16 summer period even though strong community interest remains.

Waikato Region supported monitoring

30. Waikato Regional Council will continue to deliver the programme in their area while they have engaged community or schools.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

31. There are not considered to be legal or legislative implications arising from the report.

Māori impact statement

32. This report was developed with an officers group from participating agencies.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Shellfish monitoring results - population density trends and size frequency distribution	35

Signatories

Authors

Hazel Meadows - Environmental Initiatives Team Manager, Auckland Council

Richard Ford - Ministry for Primary Industries

Authorisers

Gael Ogilvie - Manger Environmental Services, Auckland Council

Hilke Giles - Team Leader Coasts, Land and Wetlands Programme, Waikato Regional Council

Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research, Auckland Council

Hauraki Gulf Forum

14 December 2015

Hauraki Gulf Forum Executive Officer's Report

File No.: CP2015/26334

Purpose

1. To provide a quarterly update from the Hauraki Gulf Forum’s Executive Officer.

Executive Summary

2. This report is prepared by the Hauraki Gulf Forum Executive Officer 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 Hauraki Gulf Forum Executive Officer’s report.

Comments

Follow up to Forum review

3. In June 2015 the Forum resolved (HGF/2015/14) that ‘a small group of experts external to the Forum be tasked with examining this issue [alternative governance models] in depth and report back to the September 2015 Forum meeting with clear options for future governance. These individuals should have experience and expertise in natural resource management and the unique context the Forum operates in, treaty matters including co-governance and co-management, and best practice governance models’.

4. A three-person working group - previously identified as Paul Beverley (lawyer), Vaughan Payne (Waikato Regional Council) and Mark Maloney (Auckland Council) – have recently confirmed their availability. The Executive Officer is expecting them to commence their enquiry shortly, with a view to providing advice to the March 2016 Forum meeting.

5. An update on the September 2015 resolution (HGF/2015/22) to ‘support further scoping and development of projects to assist awareness building and promotion of the HGMPA’s management objectives’, made in response to a presentation by Barrister Kitt Littlejohn, is provided in agenda Item 9.

Treaty Settlement process update

6. It is noted that in the past quarter Ngai Tai ki Tamaki has completed its treaty settlement process. A release from the Minister of Treaty Settlements is appended (attachment A).

2015 Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar

7. The seminar was previewed in an article in the Herald titled Mood for Change in Hauraki Gulf. See appended (attachment B).

8. The seminar sold out in the preceding week and several Forum members were able to attend. Informal feedback has been very positive in terms of breadth and quality of presentations and the sense of inspiration it created.

9. Proceedings, including video of the presentations, are available here:

http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/AboutCouncil/representativesbodies/haurakigulfforum/Pages/2012HaurakiGulfMarineParkSeminar.aspx

10. The announcement by Sandford’s CEO of a willingness to stop commercial fishing in the Gulf with stewardship reciprocity by the recreational sector (see press release appended - attachment C) attracted widespread news coverage:

NZ Herald - The Big Read: Fishing firm's provocative snapper plan http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11540727

TV3 News - Proposal to help replenish Hauraki Gulf marine life http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/proposal-to-help-replenish-hauraki-gulf-marine-life-2015102814#axzz3sXJXQfEe

11. Recognition that fish and crayfish numbers in Goat Island Marine Reserve have been heavily impacted by fishing pressure has also been covered:

Local Matters - Crayfish numbers in decline at Goat Island reserve http://www.localmatters.co.nz/Environment/November+2015/Crayfish+numbers+in+decline+at+Goat+Island+reserve.html

12. Social media has been used to raise awareness of the seminar with a broader audience – for example, 1655 people were alerted to Rob Fenwick’s closing address via Facebook pages like LoveOurGulf and Sir Peter Blake Trust, attracting around 50 views a day.

13. The announcement of the Holdaway Awards was well received.

Winners Rod and Sue Neureuter, Richelle Kahui-McConnell and Dr Nick Shears, pictured with Ann Holdaway. See release appended (attachment D).

14. The seminar was the last public appearance of Dr Bill Ballantine, whose presence was acknowledged during the Holdaway Award presentation. His passing several days later was noted in the appended release (attachment E) and reported here:

Father of marine conservation dies at 78

http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/201777231/father-of-marine-conservation-dies-at-78

15. The Executive Officer attended Bill’s funeral on behalf of the Forum.

Bryde’s whale ship strike working group

16. An eighth meeting of the collaborative working group was hosted shortly after the last Forum meeting on 22 September 2015.

17. Significant new commitments to speed reduction had been forthcoming from the four shipping associations and monitoring shows that average large vessel speed while transiting the Gulf has now dropped to 10.9 knots; a level the industry indicated it can maintain. (From 14.2, prior to introduction of the Ports of Auckland Ltd protocol’s in September 2013, and 12.3 knots reported in March 2015, when the Forum resolved to ‘urge further discussion and evaluation to enable effective speed reduction measures to be advanced as soon as possible.’)

18. The Forum’s interest and advocacy on this issue has been important in achieving this result, which is getting close to the internationally recognized target of 10 knots, and should reduce the chances of strikes and their lethality by more than a half.

19. Some flexibility in the target speed was sought: to accommodate weather and operational delays when booked berths are waiting, cruise vessels needing to berth ahead of commuter traffic to enable adequate shore time, and cement freighters operating between Tauranga and Auckland.

20. The Department of Conservation is preparing advice on the issue for ministers in relation to notification of the protocol to the International Maritime Organisation and its member may wish to update the Forum on this matter.

21. The collaborative group agreed to share vessel speed monitoring data on a quarterly basis and to meet annually around September, or in the event of an unexpected increase in speed or the death of another whale.

Black petrel working group

22. A welcome back tāiko/ black petrel event was held on Aotea / Great Barrier on November 20, organised by Southern Seabirds Solutions Trust and hosted by Ngāti Rehua-Ngātiwai ki Aotea.

23. It was well attended by the island community and the parties to the Black Petrel Pledge signed a year ago by the Chairman of the Forum – alongside iwi, agencies, environmental NGOs and fishing companies who are involved in the Black Petrel Working Group.

24. A media release is appended (attachment F) and the event was covered by TV3 and Maori Television.

25. A highlights video of the event can be viewed here – https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B0MUOF4h9wOZZ3U2ejdqdGNKSTg&usp=sharing and will be posted on the Forum website.

26. The Executive Officer has also written an article which Mana Magazine will publish in February 2016 profiling Forum member Nicola MacDonald and this kaitiaki success story.

Technical Officers Group

27. A meeting of the Technical Officers Group was facilitated on 5 November to plan the agenda for this meeting and review work planning and delivery.

Speaking engagements

28. The Executive Officer has given presentations on the Forum’s work recently to Local Government New Zealand’s Zone Two Meeting (attended by several Forum members) and the Downtown Auckland Rotary Club, as well as hosting Vanishing Nature author Marie Brown ‘in conversation’ as part of the Waiheke Literary Festival.

Weaving the Strands

29. The December issue of Weaving the Strands is currently in production.

30. The intention to migrate Weaving the Strands to an e-newsletter format has been signaled previously. Memebrs have also suggested that the flagship publications of the Forum - the State of our Gulf assessments, the poster series and the annual seminar proceedings – be more accessible.

31. The Executive Officer has now been able to advance this and a new web presence with enhanced newsletter functionality is planned from March 2016. Design concepts attached (attachment G).

32. Information about the Hauraki Gulf Forum – including its functions, make-up, meetings and agendas - will still be retained on the Auckland Council website – accessible via www.haurakigulfforum.org.nz .

2016 Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Poster Series

33. Confirmation of support from the New Zealand Herald and sponsorship commitments from the Department of Conservation, Waikato Regional Council and Integrated Marine Group to enable production of another poster series.

34. The posters will have an ‘Icons of the Gulf’ theme and refresh the stories of our marine reserves, treasure islands and marine mammals.

35. Publication will be in February 2016, ahead of and linked to Sea Week activity. Distribution of posters will be made to all schools in Auckland and Waikato through the two councils’ enviroschools programmes.

Sea Change - Tai Timu Tai Pari project update

36. As you will be aware the Sea Change - Tai Timu Tai Pari process has resumed with new leadership support. Paul Beverley, who was chairing the Independent Review Panel for the project, has taken over as the independent chair and Nigel Bradly, who undertook the review of the Forum, has been contracted as the lead writer of the plan.

37. The Stakeholder Working Group is meeting monthly under the new arrangements and seeking involvement from senior officials within each meeting to strengthen the engagement from agencies. I have been invited to participate in this capacity on behalf of the Forum.

38. The latest project update is available here - http://engage.ubiquity.co.nz/mail/view/m-_kCQQPBEypfAjS8CBjvw

39. A small grant was provided to Raewyn Peart, Stakeholder Working Group member, to enable attendance at an International Marine Spatial Planning Symposium: Sharing Practical Solutions in October 2015 in Rhode Island, USA. Her comprehensive report, identifying lessons relevant here, has been received and made available to the Sea Change - Tai Timu Tai Pari project.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

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

Māori impact statement

41. 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.

Implementation

42. 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	Press release: Ngai Tai ki Tamaki settlement (Minister Finlayson)	51
b View	NZ Herald: Mood for Change in Hauraki Gulf	53
c View	Press release: Sandford offer	55
d View	Press release: Holdaway Award winners	57
e View	Press release: Dr Bill Ballantine tribute	59

Signatories

Authors	Tim Higham - Executive Officer, Hauraki Gulf Forum
Authorisers	Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

14 December 2015

Constituent party report

File No.: CP2015/26644

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 report is 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.

4. 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 Constituent party report.

Comments

Waikato Regional Council
Hauraki Gulf Forum Strategic Issue	Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance
Active land management	Tairua Marina Section 127 consent applications to change conditions relating to the location of a stormwater outfall and to delete a condition to bond sand from Paku Bay to the outside of the marina sheet pile walls were publicly notified and attracted a large number of submissions. A hearing is currently scheduled for March 2016. The delayed hearing date will provide an opportunity for the applicant to meet with parties before a hearing to resolve some or all matters of contention relating to these applications and other consent related matters.
Active land management	Flood mitigation works in Graham’s Stream, Tairua WRC has commenced construction of the Grahams Creek flood mitigation works. Phase one includes the majority of earth works upstream of the coastal marine area. Phase Two will be completed in February – March 2016 and then the third and final phase, wetland and riparian restoration will be completed by June 2016. The design provides as a minimum to all properties within the area, a 50 year flood protection benefit. · Benefits beyond flood mitigation include: - Recreational access to the harbour above the causeway - Water quality improvements by fencing out all stream, drainage and wetland areas - Enhanced biodiversity values through predator control (targeting rates and mustelids) - Planting of around 16,000 eco-sourced natives - Design of the spill way to function similarly to saltmarsh (with excavated saltmarsh species translocation to this area) · No additional costs were incurred through long resource consenting processes as extensive engagement and consideration of other values – such as environmental and cultural, were included in the design and approach.
Active land management	Harbour and Catchment Planning The Whangapoua Harbour and Catchment Management Plan is now completed and available on the WRC website. The focus will now shift to the implementation phase. In the coming month we aim to commence two projects which will run over the course of this financial year: 1. Sub catchment sediment project: This project will identify two priority sub catchments in the Coromandel with the aim of preparing detailed sub catchment plans for each. These plans will focus on reducing sediment inputs and sedimentation effects, with associated improvements in water quality and biodiversity. This project will prepare and implement detailed sub catchment plans, in collaboration with landowners, iwi, stakeholders, industry and community as relevant to the catchment. 2. Harbour and catchment management plan implementation overview project: This project will undertake review of the implementation actions identified in the current plans (Wharekawa, Whangamata, Tairua and Whangapoua). It will identify the status of plan actions. It will also prepare a framework document in which plan actions can be recorded and tracked overtime.
Active land management	Coastal water quality sampling 2015/2016 The Coastal Science Team is collecting water samples from coastal and estuarine locations across the region between October 2015 and September 2016. Samples are collected weekly in the summer (between November 2015 and February 2016), and monthly (at a reduced number of locations) during the rest of the year. The primary purpose of this sampling programme is to obtain an overview of current water quality to inform WRC’s review of the Regional Coastal Plan.
Active land management	Regional Estuary Monitoring Programme (REMP) Regular spring sampling of intertidal sediment-dwelling organisms (benthic macrofauna) and sediment parameters has been completed for five sites in Tairua Harbour and five sites in the southern Firth of Thames. Ultimately this information supports the development of policy and thus the sustainable management of estuaries in the Waikato region. Further information can be found on the REMP website: http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/REMP
Auckland Council
Active land management	Waste Plan in development for the Hauraki Gulf Islands Over the first half of 2016, Auckland Council will be working with local communities in the Hauraki Gulf to develop a joint plan to minimise and deal with waste on the Hauraki Gulf Islands – in particular Great Barrier, Waiheke, Rakino and Kawau. Each of these islands is unique and will develop ideas and solutions that meet local needs. The plan will identify the waste goals for each island and what council and the local community will do to minimise, reduce, reuse and recycle. On island, creative solutions and supporting local interest to find sustainable approaches will be a focus. The Hauraki Gulf Islands Waste Plan will be developed in line with the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan adopted by Auckland Council in 2012, see http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/environmentwaste/rubbishrecycling/wastemanagementandminimisationplan/pages/home.aspx. The Waiheke, Great Barrier and Rodney Local Boards will also be closely involved, especially in supporting community engagement on the issues. The process will include identifying what happens now in the Gulf, identifying any service changes and local preferences. To find out more, keep informed or get involved, please contact Jenny Chilcott on jenny.chilcott@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Regenerating green and blue areas	Regional Pest Management Plan Review Auckland Council has begun a major overhaul of its Regional Pest Management Plan. The Plan is the main statutory document implementing the Biosecurity Act 1993 in the region, and provides a framework for managing plant and animal pests in Auckland, including the Hauraki Gulf. The review covers changes in pest species and management; along with community expectations and available resources. In the current plan the Hauraki Gulf is identified as a ‘site-led’ programme with specific rules to prevent and manage pests on its islands. It is proposed that this will continue in the new Plan, along with a number of other sites. An initial round of consultation has just closed, however over the next 6-12 months Auckland Council will continue to work with stakeholders to develop the new proposed plan, before a more formal submission period followed by hearings. To find out more go to the Biosecurity page at Auckland Council http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/environmentwaste/biosecurity/Pages/regionalpestmanagementstrategy.aspx or email Pestplanreview@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Knowledge generation	Auckland 2015 State of the Environment report Auckland Council released its first State of Environment report titled “The Health of Auckland’s Natural Environment In 2015”. The report highlights current and potential environmental issues, recent changes and long-term trends. It also provides a baseline and firm platform for considering the challenges of a growing Auckland. Twenty-two indicators and 12 case studies are presented covering the latest monitoring data and information for Auckland’s air, land, biodiversity, water and historic heritage. For details please see: http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/planspoliciesprojects/reports/Pages/stateofaucklandreportcardshome.aspx?utm_source=shorturl&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=State_of_Auckland
Enhanced fisheries	Black petrel overlap with fisheries report A report commissioned by the Ministry for Primary Industries on the overlap of the distribution of black petrel with New Zealand trawl and longline fisheries was released, which was led by Dragonfly in collaboration with Biz Bell and Auckland Council RIMU Scientist Todd Landers. The report models data of fisheries activities, observations from counts made by fisheries observers, sightings made on bird-watching tours, and high-resolution GPS tracks of breeding black petrels, to identify the key areas where black petrels overlap with relevant commercial fisheries activities. This overlap will be used in a revision of the risk assessment to allow a better estimate of the capture of black petrel in poorly observed small-vessel trawl and longline fisheries. The report can be found here: https://mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/10034
Regenerating green and blue areas	Te Muri Regional Park Management Plan Council has commenced development of a variation to the Regional Parks Management Plan 2010 to incorporate Te Muri Regional Park. The first phase, notifying the intention to carry out the variation has been completed in August and comments were received from 139 people and groups and mana whenua. A petition with 1,046 signatories was received seeking horse riding access to Te Muri. A draft plan is being prepared and will be released for public comment in mid. January 2016 with a public open day planned for February. Public submission will close mid. March 2016. Looking ahead one of the main programmes at Te Muri this summer will be the fencing riparian areas, wetlands and eroding slopes to exclude stock and make way for re-vegetation of these areas.
Regenerating green and blue areas	Park development at Te Arai As part of a development proposal north of Te Arai Point, an area of 196 hectares has been vested as public open space. This land, together with the existing regional parkland and Department of Conservation holdings will create a coastal park of nearly 300 hectares, with the prospect of further public land being added to this as development proceeds at Te Arai Point. Development of a management plan for the council held land will commence early in 2016.
Regenerating green and blue areas	Great Barrier Local Board Glenfern Sanctuary purchase A consortium of Auckland Council the Department of Conservation and Foundation North continues to negotiate with owners for the public purchase of this iconic Aotea Great Barrier sanctuary. In an effort to bridge the gap between valuations and to demonstrate the importance it sees in the sanctuary coming into public ownership, the Great Barrier Local Board resolved at its November meeting to allocate $175,000 towards purchase. Discussions with the owners on price are continuing. Ecology Conversation The Aotea Great Barrier ecology conversation which was presented to the Forum’s September meeting is now entering phase two which will widen conversations out to key stakeholders and begin to identify possible projects to address calls for participants to see action not just visionary words. A number of aligned projects have recently been funded by the local board and are about to get underway, as follows: Funding support Installation of local board funded new generation rat traps from Good Nature at Windy Hill Sanctuary. The board is funding the purchase of $60,000 worth of traps to support its efforts to advance non toxin methods of rat control. Another area continuing to receive local board support is stream/culvert restoration to support fish passages including money to investigate what streams need attention. The Tryphena catchment stream water quality monitoring project has been funded for a further year to ensure there is enough data to enable decision making if problems are identified.
Regenerating green and blue areas	Waiheke Local Board The Waiheke Local Board is continuing discussions with Sea Change representatives and community stakeholders to look at ways of developing a network of marine reserves and protected areas linking its islands. The Local Board Chair is also keen to promote the idea of a wider community survey to gauge support/principles across the wider Gulf, following the success of the Waiheke survey, and has requested preliminary costings before floating the idea to other relevant Local Board chairs across the region and interested parties, including the Forum. The Waiheke Local Board has also just concluded its partnership agreement with the Waiheke Resources Trust to implement a community based wetland restoration programme focussing on the catchments of the Rangihoua and Te Matuku coastal wetlands. The board also hosted a lively community forum on the Regional Pest Management Plan Review on November 24th, which included calls for a Marine Pest Management Strategy for the Hauraki Gulf and inclusion of measures to control marine pests in the RPMP. A Draft Action Plan for the Little Oneroa catchment has now been prepared for consultation, following a community awareness raising campaign and a series of community workshops in October. This is a joint Council/Waiheke Resources Trust initiative primarily aimed at addressing fecal contamination issues at the Little Oneroa Lagoon.
Ministry for Primary Industries
Enhanced fisheries	Operational review of the Fisheries Management System The Ministry for Primary Industries is in the process of initiating a review of New Zealand’s fisheries management system to ensure it continues to deliver for all users. The review will provide the opportunity to think more broadly about our key processes, regulatory and legislative settings. Input has been sought over recent months to help inform the further development of this project. A formal consultation process is currently planned for mid-2016.
Enhanced fisheries	Sustainability review MPI engages on Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and deemed value reviews twice a year to inform decisions for the 1 April and 1 October fishing years. Proposals for the 1 April 2016 fishing year are currently being developed. Consultation is currently planned for January next year. While a full set of proposals is still to be finalised, a review of the management settings for the Coromandel scallop stock “SCACS” that falls within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park boundaries is likely to be included. The Total Allowable Catch limit for SCACS was last reviewed in 2012. Catches of SCACS since the last review have been below the Total Allowable Catch and Total Allowable Commercial Catch. The management review is likely to consider whether the settings should be decreased to better reflect the current fishery, which no longer includes the Hauraki Gulf bed that had been identified in 2012. Any changes to the TAC and TACC would seek to complement a relatively detailed management framework that is already in place which includes recreational areas, fishing seasons, minimum legal size limits and a voluntary framework that operates within the commercial fishery to respond to catch rates throughout the season. No changes are likely to be proposed for non-commercial fishing.
Enhanced fisheries	Shellfish Closure at Whangateau Harbour The current closure for recreational harvest of cockle and pipi at Whangateau Harbour is due to expire on 26 March 2016. MPI has recently consulted on a proposal to extend this closure until further review. Advice has recently been provided to the Minister for decision. Monitoring will continue at Whangateau and other sites within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to help inform future decisions about the management of cockle and pipi gathering. MPI is also planning to initiate work in 2016 on a broader management strategy.
Enhanced fisheries	Snapper 1 Work to implement the Minister’s 2013 decisions is ongoing and includes: · The multi-sector SNA1 Strategy Group has continued to meet regularly and is set to provide a report to the Minister in early 2016. An update will be provided to the Forum when this phase has been completed. A new vessel monitoring system is now in place across the commercial fleet · Rollout of camera technology across the trawl fleet is underway · Detailed planning is also underway to support the multi-million dollar snapper tagging research project.
Enhanced fisheries	Seabirds Work to implement the 2013 National Plan of Action for seabirds (NPOA-Seabirds) is ongoing and includes a number of initiatives which are currently in progress. MPI is involved collaboratively in both the national Seabird Advisory Group (SAG) as well as the FMA1 Black Petrel Working Group. Both these groups play an important role in ensuring the ongoing delivery of progress against the objectives of the NPOA, including those relevant to the Hauraki Gulf. MPI is responsible for delivering on a number of the actions and initiatives that arise from these forums. Key actions include the deployment of seabird liaison officers in FMA1 who engage directly with key fishing fleets and help roll out Seabird Management Plans for vessels, while reporting back on efficacy of different mitigation techniques. A species-specific action plan for Black Petrel and Flesh Footed Shearwater has been drafted and is being implemented to provide greater structure for mitigating risks for these two high risk species. A Black Petrel/Taiko blessing ceremony organised by iwi on Great Barrier Island on 20 November provided an opportunity to highlight this progress. MPI is also focusing efforts on collecting better information on the interaction of recreational fishing with seabirds, and handing out information to recreational fishers to start raising awareness of the vulnerability of some of the seabird species in their areas. The SAG last met in November as part of a schedule to oversee progress on the implementation of the NPOA. As well as the regular updates from members, this meeting focused on two key areas; presenting the results of a working group established to provide recommendations on the application of seabird capture rate reduction targets(a requirement set out in the NPOA), and reviewing the draft annual report from the SAG. It was agreed there had been positive progress and the framework established provides a solid foundation for achieving the objectives of the NPOA.
Department of Conservation
Regenerating green and blue areas	Good to Grow launched Minister Barry and Department of Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga launched the Good to Grow programme on top of Manugauika/North Head on during Conservation Week. The programme formalises an agreement between DOC and Corrections that will see offenders sentenced to community work help control weeds, maintain tracks and reserves, and enhance local conservation sites throughout the country. DOC’s ‘War on Weeds’ and focus on track upkeep and local conservation and historic site maintenance will benefit from additional resource/peoplepower. As well as working in some amazing outdoor sites, offenders can receive training, develop new skills and have the opportunity to earn NZQA credits in conservation work. It is hoped that this will enhance their ability to find paid work and reduce the likelihood of re-offending.
Mana whenua integration	Hauraki Gulf motu vested back On 31 September, after a month in iwi ownership, four islands of the Hauraki Gulf were vested back to the Crown. The vesting and vest back by iwi was in fulfilment of the Treaty of Waitangi redress settlement reached between the Crown and the 13 collective iwi of Tāmaki Makaurau in 2014. Rangitoto, Motutapu, Te Motu-a-Ihenga (Motuihe), and Tiritiri Matangi were transferred to the Tupuna Taonga Trust, which represents the interests of 13 iwi of Tāmaki Makaurau. At the vesting back ceremony on Maungauika/ North Head four bronze plaques were unveiled which will be installed on each of the islands acknowledging the deep connections iwi have with the motu and the generosity of the vest back for the benefit of the people of Aotearoa A Conservation Management Plan for Rangitoto, Motutapu, Te Motu-a-Ihenga and Motukorea (Browns Island) is being developed in partnership with iwi to ensure that the iwi o Tāmaki Makaurau have ongoing involvement in the governance and management of the islands.
Regenerating green and blue areas	Conservation Week 2015 celebrated Conservation Week 2015 saw 54 events were held by DOC partners across the Tāmaki Makaura region. These ranged from a cocktail event hosted by the Minister and DOC Director General and attended by CEOs and influencers to events run by Island Trusts, the Chinese conservation community, Kelly Tarltons, Fullers, the Auckland museum, the Wallace Arts Centre and many more. A number of corporate, including Genesis Energy and Air NZ also used Conservation Week as an opportunity to engage staff with conservation initiatives on Hauraki Gulf Islands.
Regenerating green and blue areas	Marine mammal activity · There were six leopard seal sightings through October which included at least two different individuals · A minke whale was stranded and successfully refloated · A southern whale visited the Waitemata harbour and left without incident · Two dead orca were found in the Hauraki Gulf; cause of death un known · Of 145 seal sightings since May, 63 required a marine ranger in attendance · A new partnership with Project Jonah will result in a trained team of volunteers helping with seal callouts next season · Three boats vs. dolphin offences are being investigated and three marine reserve offences have been auctioned since June.
Regenerating green and blue areas	Motutapu Island Sustainable water use and the water catchment are of key importance on Motutapu Island and it is encouraging to see an improvement in farming practices and their alignment with conservation values. This is particularly noticeable around the use of fertilisers and looking at soil depth and how to increase this. We are evaluating how best to adopt these methods when planting on the Island. Motutapu Island weeding has tripled its effectiveness due to funding from ‘War on Weeds’. 300 plus pine trees have been poisoned as part of the pine removal push while the Trust has just planted the 500,000th tree. Five pair of Takahe are currently nesting and two further pairs are site prospecting, the first NZ dotterel nest was found and eight shore plovers are confirmed still on the island.
Regenerating green and blue areas	Taiko on Great Barrier Island On 20 November an event was held on Great Barrier Island to welcome back the taiko from their annual migration to South America. Hosted by South Seabirds Solutions and attended by Chief Executives from the Fishing industry, Forest and Bird and WWF, as well as iwi representatives, the event acknowledged the importance of the endangered bird. Protection of the black petrel was also recognised in the 2015 Seabird Smart awards, announced by Minister Barry in an event at Parliament.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

5. 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.

Māori impact statement

6. 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.

Implementation

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

8. 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 - Executive Officer, Hauraki Gulf Forum, with input from various constituent parties’ staff.
Authorisers	Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

[2] http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/media/21-08-09/cockle-death-whangateau-estuary

Chairperson	Mayor John Tregidga	Hauraki District Council
Deputy Chairperson	Ms Liane Ngamane	Tangata Whenua
Deputy Mayor 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	Ms Moana Tamaariki-Pohe	Tangata Whenua
Cr Peter Buckley	Waikato Regional Council	Mr Terrence Hohneck	Tangata Whenua
Mr Jeff Cleave	Great Barrier Local Board (Auckland Council)	Mr Steve Halley	Ministry for Primary Industries
Mr John Meeuwsen	Waiheke Local Board (Auckland Council)	Mr Paul Majurey	Tangata Whenua
Cr Christine Fletcher	Auckland Council	Ms Nicola MacDonald	Tangata Whenua
Cr Michael Lee	Auckland Council	Mr Leo Koziol	Te Puni Kōkiri
Cr Bill Cashmore	Auckland Council	Ms Lucy Steel	Tangata Whenua
Cr Chris Darby	Auckland Council

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