Agenda of Hauraki Gulf Forum - 20 November 2017

Hauraki Gulf Forum

20 November 2017

Hauraki Gulf Forum Executive Officer's Report

File No.: CP2017/23996

Purpose

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

Executive summary

2. This report is prepared by 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

Discussion

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar

3. Around 277 people attended the 2017 Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar on 6 September 2017.

4. Survey feedback is appended as Attachment A.

5. Thanks to those members who arranged the mihi, presented, chaired sessions and attended.

6. Hosting it in the larger Events Centre space - allowing displays, information posters and greater space for meal breaks - worked well.

7. The museum was very positive and wishes to continue the partnership and further build the event next year.

8. The Holdaway Award was presented to Biz Bell in the Caribbean via Skype. Press release appended as Attachment B, which prompted the front page story on the New Zealand Herald (without mention of the award or seminar).

9. International speaker Andre Raine was interviewed on Radio NZ’s Nine to Noon and a light hearted ‘furore’ is reported here.

Bryde’s whale ship strike collaborative group

10. The annual meeting of the collaborative group was held on 10 November 2017.

11. For the first time since introduction of the voluntary protocol in 2013, a monthly average for all vessels was below the target 10 knots. The full quarterly monitoring report is appended.

12. When a dead whale was reported on the bow of a vessel entering Tauranga port in early October, communication within the group quickly enabled the vessel to be identified and its transit into port reconstructed. The whale – a 12.7m male sei whale in otherwise excellent condition - was assumed struck east of Great Barrier Island, outside of the protocol area, as the captain noticed a half knot decrease in speed around 2am the day prior to berthing.

13. The meeting enabled discussion of future monitoring, communication with the cruise industry and ongoing liaison with the ports at Whangarei and Tauranga.

Black Petrel Working Group

14. A further meeting of the Black Petrel Working Group was hosted at Auckland Council on 19 October 2017.

15. The group’s genesis was a public pledge made in 2014 to work together to ensure black petrels and other Gulf-feeding seabirds thrive alongside fishing. The signatories include government agencies, environmental NGOs, fishing companies and associations, and iwi.

16. The group received funding assistance from Foundation North’s Gulf Innovation Fund Together (GIFT) to investigate ‘performance monitoring/verification and recognition’ options to increase the transparency and recognition of seabird smart fishing.

17. A first phase report ‘Increasing transparency around seabird smart fishing in the Hauraki Gulf and adjacent marine areas’ was presented to the group, identifying the needs/expectations of members for participation in a scheme, considering relevant case studies, defining characteristics of transparency schemes and identifying options.

18. A potential role for the Forum was identified in the administration of a scheme; similar to the secretariat role provided for the whale strike group to facilitate sharing of monitoring data and periodic meetings to provide surety that commitments and standards are being delivered.

19. Working group members agreed to phase two of the analysis and creation of a ‘strawman’ for consideration. That report is due in February and any recommendations and implications for the Forum will be reported further then.

20. A parallel initiative to encourage seabird smart practices among charter operators has been initiated. Because recreational fishers are the main clients of charter operators they can be very effective at modelling innovation and good practice.

2018 Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Poster Series

21. The New Zealand Herald has confirmed its interest in continuing its partnership in publishing another Hauraki Gulf Marine Park poster.

22. Funding commitment has been sought from Foundation North and agency sponsors.

23. Concepts are appended as Attachment C.

Gulf Journal

24. The next issue of Gulf Journal and its associated e-newsletter is being compiled for publication this month.

25. The site provides a platform for news and commissioned articles about the Gulf and access to the knowledge products prepared by the Forum.

26. Subscribers and page views continue to grow with each issue.

27. The subscriber list has passed 3,000 people and a 9.8% click rate is still well above the Mailchimps industry average for non-profits of 2%.

28. The most popular content in the August issue was:

1. The most regrettable thing that has occurred…

2. Everyone out there is lerning te reo (or should be)

3. Taking Flight Videos:

4. A super pod of false killer whales…

5. The gulf has a salty dawn chorus

6. 2017 Holdaway Award

7. Māori Maritime History

8. Media fracas follows seminar

Technical Officers Group

29. Meetings of the Technical Officers Group were held in June and August to prepare the agenda and help plan delivery of the work programme.

Sea Change -Tai Timu Tai Pari project

30. Agency processes to consider the Sea Change - Tai Timu Tai Pari proposed marine spatial plan are being tracked through the Technical Officers Group and an updated table is appended as Attachment D.

Ecological Survey of Proposed Marine Reserves on Waiheke Island

31. The Waiheke Local Board has resolved to circulate a report on an Ecological Survey of Proposed Marine Reserves on Waiheke Island for the information of the Hauraki Gulf Forum. The report and its attachments are appended as Attachments E and F.

32. The report has been reported in the media here.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Appendix A Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar survey result	19
b ⇩	Appendix B Holdaway Award press release	65
c ⇩	Appendix C Hauraki Gulf Marine Park poster concepts	69
d ⇩	Appendix D Agency responses to Sea Change - updated table	73
e ⇩	Appendix E Waiheke Local Baord agenda paper - Ecological Survey of Proposed Marine Reserves on Waiheke Island	77
f ⇩	Appendix F Attachment to agenda paper - Ecological Survey of Proposed Marine Reserves on Waiheke Island	83

Signatories

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

Comments

Waikato District Council

Hauraki Gulf Forum Strategic Issue

Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance

Regenerating green and blue areas

Mana whenua integration

Active land management

Waikato District Council will release a draft district plan in late November 2017 for public feedback. The purpose of this review is to integrate the ex-Franklin and Waikato Sections of the District Plan. Open days will be held across the district between 20 November and 7 December this year. Further targeted consultation with land owners regarding key parts of the draft plan that will affect them will take place in early 2018.

For the District Plan Review, Waikato District Council has developed an iwi reference group comprising iwi and hapū representatives from across the district. In addition staff have been attending a number of individual marae hui to explain changes to papakainga development on multiple owned Māori land. This partner group is actively involved in the review of the plan through workshops on plan topics which, to date, has provided for input in the development and review of discussion documents, technical reporting, and input on the drafting of objectives policies and rules.

Waikato District Council is aiming to notify a Proposed District Plan in the first half of 2018.

More information on the district plan review can be found on the Waikato District Council website: https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/your-council/plans-policies-and-bylaws/plans/district-plan-review .

Department of Conservation

Hauraki Gulf Forum Strategic Issue

Regenerating green and blue areas

Enhanced fisheries

Mana whenua integration Active land management Knowledge generation within an eco-system based framework

Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance

Hauturu/Little Barrier Conservation Management Plan

The Te Hauturu-o-Toi Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve Management Plan was approved by both the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and the Auckland Conservation Board in August. The plan became operative on 2 October 2017.

The creation of the management plan was a key piece of cultural redress in the Ngāti Manuhiri Treaty settlement. Co-governance of the island is expressed through joint development and approval of the plan by Ngāti Manuhiri, alongside the Conservation Board.

The Department will now work with Ngāti Manuhiri to deliver the outcomes identified in the plan.

For more see: http://www.doc.govt.nz/hauturuCMP

National threatened species strategy

Earlier in the year the Department invited submissions on a draft Threatened Species Strategy. The purpose of the strategy is to set out the Government’s plan for halting the decline of threatened species and restore them to healthy populations.

Almost 200 submissions were received on the draft plan. Revision of the draft strategy in response to submissions is still underway, and direction will be sought from the new Government.

For more on the draft strategy and submissions see: http://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2017/draft-threatened-species-strategy-consultation/

Operations and Asset Management

Rakitu Island pest eradication

The Department has continued planning for undertaking the pest eradication of Rakitu in the winter of 2018.

The Department has engaged with iwi and other interested parties about the future of the weka present on the island, which were introduced many years ago from the mainland. This population is considered to be important as it is one of the few safe populations of North Island weka.

Motutapu re-opened after autumn storm damage

The series of significant storms earlier in the year resulted in damage to recreation facilities in a number of sites across the Marine Park. Damage was reported in the Kauaeranga Valley and on some of the Gulf islands such as Motutapu.

Motutapu was re-opened to the public on Labour Weekend. Most tracks are open. A large number of sites in the Home Bay campground will not be available this summer as the toilet block was damaged in the storm and is yet to be repaired. Temporary toilet facilities will be available to support a reduced number of camping sites.

For more info see: http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2017/motutapu-island-reopening-to-public/

Predator Free 2050

Predator Free 2050 Ltd, the Crown company established to secure funding for predator free projects across the country, invited expressions of interest in September. By the closing date of 13 October over 40 expressions of interest had been received, which the company is now assessing. In late November the company plans to invite the best 2-4 to submit more detailed proposals.

The Department contributed information to community interests who submitted an expression of interest that relates to proposed projects on Aotea/Great Barrier.

For more info see: http://pf2050.co.nz/

Predator free New Zealand

The Department has continued to support community groups with local predator free projects. Interest in being involved continues to grow in the Auckland area, with almost every week seeing a new group getting in contact with the Department.

Funding has been distributed to a number of these groups to fund the purchase of traps and other supplies to support their work. These include groups from Great Barrier, Kawau, Te Atatu, and Whangateau.

The project to make Maungauika/North Head predator free has been established, with members of the local community managing trap lines.

Prisoners at Paremoremo have made 250 trap boxes through the “Good to Grow” project, which is a partnership between the Department and the Department of Corrections. This aims to help prisoners gain skills while contributing to conservation projects.

For more about the Maungauika/North Head project see: http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2017/north-head-maungauika-to-be-predator-free/

Kauri dieback recreation facilities upgrades

The Department has previously reported the Government’s funding of $21m to fund upgrades to recreation facilities to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

Work on upgrading a number of tracks on Gt. Barrier has now been completed. Work on tracks on the Coromandel Peninsula, is currently underway and should be complete before the summer season.

For more about the Coromandel track upgrades see: http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2017/doc-upgrading-tracks-to-help-prevent-spread-of-kauri-dieback/

Great short walks & day hikes

The Department has recently launched a promotion of the best short walks and day hikes from around the country. Included among these are the Rangitoto summit walk and the Cathedral Cove walk. The intention is to showcase the best tracks and encourage New Zealanders to try the walks and get out into nature. These sit alongside the well-known Great Walks which are all multi-day experiences.

For more see: http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2017/doc-kicks-off-short-walks-and-day-hikes/

Conservation dogs programme

Kiwibank have committed to supporting the Department’s Conservation Dogs Programme through to end June 2019, which has enabled the Department to grow its Pest Detection dog handler team. This additional capacity and capability means increased biosecurity monitoring activity (surveillance, quarantine and incursion-response) for the Auckland region.

With Kiwibank’s support, the Conservation Dogs Programme has recently recruited three additional pest detection dog handlers, who will be based in Auckland, Whitianga and Wellington. There is also a pest detection dog handler in Warkworth. An experienced handler based in Whangarei will continue to provide biosecurity monitoring services nationally.

With the appointment of a Conservation Dogs Programme Manager with national oversight, the stage is set for a more strategic and focused direction for the Programme. This means setting a clear direction for the programme; streamlining the recruitment, certification and training standards/processes for dog handlers and their dogs; and building on the current levels of collaboration with other central and local government agencies.

For more see: http://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-dog-programme/

Auckland Council

Hauraki Gulf Forum Strategic Issue

Research and Evaluation

Update from RIMU

Northern New Zealand seabirds research programme

A comprehensive 10-year research programme for northern North Island seabirds is in development with the key vision to promote and protect seabirds in the Hauraki Gulf and afar. The programme includes seabird experts from Auckland Council, Auckland Museum, AUT, BirdLife International, Dabchick NZ, DOC, Forest & Bird, GEOMAR (Germany), Landcare Research, NIWA, Northern Illinois University, Northern New Zealand Trust, Te Papa, Unitec, and the University of Auckland, and covers the following major themes:

• Island & mainland surveys

• Tracking to determine foraging ranges and distribution

• Feeding ecology

• Physiological research

• At-sea observations

• Genetics

• Island restoration dynamics

We are presently liaising with iwi, applying for a DOC research permit, and identifying potential funding sources.

Embedding SeaChange objectives into Auckland Council group activity

In September 2017, Auckland Council’s Environment and Community Committee considered a second paper on the council group’s detailed evaluation of SeaChange. An extensive evaluation was necessary as SeaChange had been developed without recognising current work programmes of Auckland Council, and the approaches required to resolve complex issues for multiple outcomes in the Hauraki Gulf. The thrust of the council’s assessment was that there are opportunities to embed SeaChange objectives within the council’s work programme, rather than seeing it as a separate work programme.

The committee resolved to approve the proposed work programme as council’s initial response to addressing the objectives identified by SeaChange, and secondly to approve the terms of reference and membership of the Auckland Council SeaChange – Tai Timu Tai Pari Hauraki Gulf Political Reference Group. The purpose of the group is to ensure that Hauraki Gulf outcomes are further embedded in the work programme of the Auckland Council group. Some additional Local Board representatives have been included in this Political Reference Group.

Further staff activity is focusing on preparations for the Long-term Plan scheduled for public consultation in February 2018. Depending on funding decisions, a number of initiatives would further the shared outcomes desired by both Auckland Council and as reflected in the objectives of SeaChange.

Recent published reports

Auckland carbon and air pollution emissions

Report published on Auckland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) and air emission inventories [Xie, S (2017). Auckland’s greenhouse gas inventory to 2015. Auckland Council technical report, TR2017/026]. Key findings in the reports are:

• Auckland’s GHG inventory estimates 205 kt/yr carbon emissions (CO2-equivalent) from shipping in 2015, contributing 1.8% of regional total;

• RIMU also estimates air emissions in Auckland, including from shipping for particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compound (VOC), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2);

• Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from shipping were estimated at 1,214 t/yr in 2010, accounting for 40% of regional total. Shipping pollution affects port areas the most;

• An updated inventory of air emissions in Auckland (for 2016) is near completion and to be published in 2018.

Local Boards

Ecological Survey of Proposed Marine Reserves on Waiheke Island

The Waiheke Local Board, on its October business meeting agenda, released a report it had commissioned by Dr. Tim Haggitt of eCoast. The report assessed five sites identified by the board, three sites on the north-western coast and two on the south-western coast. The report stated that the three northern locations would be suitable as non-take marine reserves for the protection of highly mobile fin-fish species and the two southern locations would be suitable for the protection of bi-valve species and biogenic habitats. The report is to be circulated to the Environment and Community Committee, the Hauraki Gulf Forum and published on the Waiheke Local Board page.

Healthy Waters update on local board projects

Waiheke's catchment management plans are due to be completed by the end of the year, which will enable potential projects to be considered to address critical stormwater issues over the island.

The Blackpool Catchment Management Plan is complete, and Healthy Waters is now able to address some of these issues with potential projects. These were presented to the Blackpool community on 18 October and involve new infrastructure to prevent flooding in the village.

Design options for flood mitigation at the Tahi Road Transfer Station have been presented to the Tahi Road Steering Group (consisting of local business owners, Local Board representatives, Auckland Transport and Healthy Waters staff). A preferred option was confirmed at the last Steering Group meeting and Healthy Waters staff are now refining this solution in the context of the proposals for the wider Anzac Bay Catchment Management Plan.

Project Little Oneroa End of Year Report

The project team has concluded another busy year with activities including: community planting days, community workshops, targeted new residents information packs, media stories, support for “Friends of the Stream”, Citizen Science through the WaiCare Water Testing methodology and a Little O Catchment investigation. As Year Two of a Five Year programme, it is too early to report that the lagoon is permanently safe for swimming, however indicators are showing a gradual improvement and the lagoon this winter showed 4 consecutive months of E.coli at swimmable levels.

Policy Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance

Auckland Unitary Plan

The regional coastal plan component of the Unitary Plan was sent to the Minister of Conservation for approval on 14 July 2017. Once the Minister’s approval is received, the council will publish a public notice stating when the regional coastal plan will be operative in part.

The regional coastal plan provisions were subject to three High Court appeals. Those appeals have now been largely resolved. The plan provisions still subject to appeal relate to outstanding natural landscapes and genetically modified organisms.

Healthy Waters

Healthy Waters continues to lead an Auckland Council and CCO-led initiative to implement an integrated watershed planning approach to water management in Auckland. First drafts of watershed current state reports will be available to the public in November, and further work will continue to be carried out over the next six months to more fully describe the current state of water quality and quantity in Auckland.

Resource Consents

Three mussel farm applications in Firth of Thames being processed under the Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in Part).

1. Waitoetoe (128.2ha)

2. Rangipakihi (171ha)

3. Western Consortium application in the western Firth of Thames (664ha comprise 470ha of farm area)

Key Coastal Projects and Operational Matters

Orewa Beach

The hearing for the resource consent application for a 600m stretch of coast protection works, to protect the Auckland Council esplanade reserve along the mid beach, is to be reconvened in the week of 20th November following the production of further evidence by experts.

Tamaki Drive

Auckland Transport works are underway to widen the rock revetment and road intersection at Ngapipi Road and Tamaki Drive.

Marine Biosecurity

· Support and endorsement from Upper North Island Strategic Alliance (UNISA) CEs gained for the proposed Inter-Regional Marine Pathway Management Plan for the Upper North Island. Next tier support being sought from the UNISA Mayors & Chairs mid-November. This is a Top of the North marine biosecurity partnership initiative.

· Advocacy and awareness programme continues. Australian droplet tunicate (Eudistoma elongatum) campaign targeting the infested areas (Waiheke, Mahurangi and Sandspit) has received considerable media interest. Auckland On Water Boat Show Top of the North marine biosecurity stand was run 28 Sept – 2 Oct. The collaborative Top of the North marine biosecurity umbrella messaging was launched “Clean below? Good to go” and well received.

· Record number of requests for service in October related to marine biosecurity.

· Great Barrier Island Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella) incursion site monitoring now planned for end of November, and surveillance over summer. Sabella Auckland mainland range extensions reported at Algies Bay and Orere Point.

· Continued trend in number of reported incidents of boats turning up in other regions with marine pests and/or heavy biofouling on the vessel hull. List of haul-out and hardstand providers developed into a directory for Auckland and now the Top of the North regions.

· Treasure Islands Programme

Operations are underway on a number of the islands.

A new Biosecurity Senior Advisor Hauraki Gulf will be starting on 27 November.

Waikato Regional Council
Hauraki Gulf Forum Strategic Issue	Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance
	Coromandel Marine Farming Zone In January 2017 Waikato Regional Council opened the tender round for 240 hectares of the Coromandel Marine Farming Zone for fish farming. The space is in the Coromandel Marine Farming Zone about 10 kilometres to the west of Coromandel Town. The criteria for selection focus on the socio-economic benefits to the broader region as well as to New Zealand, and the environmental practices of the applicant. Any successful tenderer(s) granted authorisation will have two years to apply for a resource consent to commencing fish farming within the zone. The granting of authorisation does not mean a resource consent will be granted. This is a separate process. It is anticipated that Council will announce a decision by the end of the calendar year. Regional Coastal Plan review Scoping and phasing of the review of the Waikato Regional Coastal Plan is well underway. It is intended that the Regional Coastal Plan and Regional Plan be reviewed concurrently and merged into a single plan: ‘Healthy Environments - He Taiao Mauriora’. It is expected that the first phase of the plan will be notified from late 2019 and will include mangroves and aquaculture topics.
	Investigation and Monitoring
	Coromandel streams investigation In January and February 2015, WRC investigated the water quality at several stream mouths throughout the Coromandel and found that some of these water bodies were particularly susceptible to contaminants (excess nutrients and faecal bacteria) that are washed from the surrounding land, particularly 24–48 hours after heavy rainfall. In Jan-Feb 2017 follow up studies were undertaken in four catchments (Stewart Stream (Opito), Kuaotunu Stream, Taputapuatea Stream (Whitianga), Pepe Stream (Tairua]) to further identify potential causes of contamination. The study is designed to identify the source of contamination within the catchment and whether it is human or ruminant animal derived. It will also investigate how the concentration and source of contamination might change during dry and wet weather and during spring and neap tides. The findings from this investigation will soon be published (on the WRC website) and will help us to better understand the range and source of contamination at these locations following different weather and tide events. This will help us to develop targeted investigations and responses to coastal water quality issues throughout the Waikato region. It may also inform the development of catchment management initiatives if there are opportunities to reduce contamination into these streams. Recreational water quality monitoring Last summer, the council re-activated a water quality monitoring programme at seven east coast and two west coast beaches, testing to see whether faecal bacteria levels were OK for contact recreation, such as swimming and surfing. It was the first such testing since 2009 and the re-activation was part of a council drive to gain better information about what’s happening in our coastal waters and to provide a community service. It will carry on this summer. Between November and March, beach users can go to www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/coastalresults to check what the latest results are for the targeted beaches. Estuarine water quality monitoring From October 2017 onwards, WRC will be carrying out monthly water quality sampling in Tairua Harbour. This sampling will include a range of measurements to look at nutrients, suspended sediment, phytoplankton, oxygen, pH, and bacteria, to inform us about the state of our region’s estuaries. Harbour and Catchment Management Plans (‘HCMP’) Harbour and Catchment Plans (HCMP) provide an integrated approach to the management of natural resources and the protection of community values. Development and implementation HCMPs is also an action identified in the Sea Change Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan. HCMPs seek to consider the values and uses of a catchment collectively in order to maximise long-term sustainability of our environment. The Council has an ongoing commitment to prepare and implement HCMPs for all the major Coromandel Peninsula harbours and their surrounding catchments. There are four existing HCMPs for Whangamata, Wharekawa, Tairua and Whangapoua. Whitianga/Mercury Bay will be the next and is due to start in January 2018. Coromandel/Manaia HCMP may be progressed in parallel to the Whitianga/Mercury Bay plan in 2018, however this is subject to obtaining further funds through council’s long term plan processes. Otherwise this later work will be started between January and June 2019. Coromandel Focus Catchment Project The Coromandel Focus Catchment Project is a primary outcome of Harbour and Catchment Management Plans. It looks at key methods of minimising erosion and resultant sediment deposition to sensitive receiving environments. The project focuses on a sub catchment scale, looking at a range of at risk areas and identifying land management actions. These include actions such as retiring vulnerable areas from grazing, riparian retirement and enhancement, wetland creation and restoration and enhanced sediment trapping. Two catchments have been chosen, Wharekawa River, in the Wharekawa catchment and Waitekuri Stream, in the Whangapoua catchment, based on risk of sediment contamination, types of land use, and connections with the coast, community engagement and ability to view/demonstrate good practice. WRC staff are working with local landowners/managers and the Coromandel Catchment Committee to identify potential management options. Project plans are expected to be completed in early 2018.
	Operations and Asset Management
	Mangrove removal at Whangamata Mangrove clearance work in Whangamata was completed in August 2017 to remove around 2 hectares of the plant from the Moana Anu Anu estuary. To date 18 hectares has been cleared from the harbour leaving only 4 hectares to be removed under the existing resource consent and clearance programme. The removal is being done through an existing consent held by the Waikato Regional Council. The remaining removal will occur next year subject to monitoring requirements under the resource consent.

Constituent Report - Thames Coromandel District Council

Strategic Issue

Knowledge generation

Council received a report from Rationale "Projections for Resident Population, dwellings and rating units to 2048", which was finalised in August 2017.

Key highlights in relation to coastal development include that:

• In terms of the geographic spread of growth, the usually resident population of Mercury Bay Community Board is projected to grow, by around 0.5% each year, over the next 30 years. The usually resident population is expected to decline in all other parts of the district over the next 30 years.

• The number of houses is projected to increase across all parts of the district over the next 30 years; with an increase of around 3,580 new houses between 2018 and 2048. Much of the projected growth in the number of houses is expected to occur in the Peninsula’s popular holiday settlements. Tairua and Whitianga are projected to experience relatively strong housing growth, with around 1.2% (23 dwellings) and 0.8% (32 dwellings) per year respectively. Growth in other settlements is expected to occur at a more modest rate of between 0.4% and 0.6% per year.

• The proportion of unoccupied dwellings (houses owned by non-resident ratepayers) in our district is projected to increase from 48% in 2018 to around 52% in 2048.

• The number of rating units across the district is expected to increase by around 4,135 between 2018 and 2048; an increase of around 0.5% (138 rating units) per year. Growth in rating units is largely driven by housing growth, however, the number of industrial and commercial rating units are projected to increase in all settlements and the number of farming and horticultural rating units are also expected to increase.

Council also commissioned a study in relation to peak population to aid our asset management planning and response to demand in general. It found that our district attracts a summer peak population which is five times the number of permanent resident population to our District. Peak population is projected to grow; driven by an increase in dwellings over the life of the plan.

The highest proportion of visitors to the district over the peak summer period will continue to be from Auckland and the Waikato.

Council will utilize this information in developing the Long Term Plan 2018-28, Infrastructure Plan, and decision making.

Regenerating green and blue areas

Active Land Management

Policy and Plan Development

Council is currently working on a number of coastal related policies.

On 8 August 2017 Council approved a Coastal Management Strategy Engagement Document for community feedback from 2 October 2017 to 18 November 2017. The development of a coastal management strategy will inform the development of the Long Term Plan, other planning and strategic documents, and how Council advocates for (eg to Waikato Regional Council and government) and funds coastal management practices into the future.

The document presents a range of issues under five broad headings:

o Natural, environment and amenity values

o Coastal hazards, physical processes and community resilience

o Maori values

o Recreation, open space & access

o Community assets & infrastructure

Eleven community workshops were held around the peninsula in mid-October, providing an opportunity for the community to share ideas, and discuss their feedback on the engagement with both TCDC and WRC staff. An invitation has also been extended to iwi to provide feedback via individual hui or submission via TCDC's website. More information on the project is available at www.tcdc.govt.nz/cms

A Marine and Harbour Facilities Strategy is currently under development, and will be considered for adoption in December 2017. It will provide a decision making framework for how Council will manage and enhance new and existing marine and harbour facilities around the peninsula. It will cover four strategic goals: safety and access, managing growth and demand, funding and partnerships; and realising economic benefit. It includes an action plan which will inform the Long Term Plan, and identifies opportunities to work with other stakeholders/partners

Active Land Management

Operational and Asset Management

Wastewater

All wastewater consents are current and meeting conditions.

Council will be proposing a number of wastewater investigation works as part of the LTP 2018-28 including for Hahei and Thames Coast. Council continues to seek opportunities to further reduce reliance on septic tanks.

Community Solid Waste and Recycling Collections

Council regularly collects solid waste and recycling from our communities and is responsive to the peak population period through increasing the number of these collections over this time. In many parts of the Peninsula this is helped further by community groups who actively remove litter from our beaches - particularly over busier periods.

Blue Water Highway

Work continues in exploring further opportunities provided by the Council adoption of the "blue water highway" concept.

Wharves and Ramps

The Tairua Wharf has been completed and work continues on upgrading of boat ramps around the district.

Dune Management

In conjunction with the community, dune planting has been undertaken at Whitianga, Whangamata and Pauanui.

Provisional work has begun on developing a 5 year planting plan for the Pauanui beachfront which will clearly identify sites to be planted, well in advance of the physical works occurring.

Council is active in supporting coastal erosion protection through dune planting in Mercury Bay.

Seabird Habitat

Council and the community continue efforts to provide, restore, and enhance seabird habitat, including cordoning off dotterel nesting areas within dunes.

Constituent party name: Ministry for Primary Industries

Hauraki Gulf Forum Strategic Issue

Enhanced fisheries

Future of our Fisheries Work Programme

MPI has a major work programme underway to strengthen the fisheries management system to ensure sustainability of our fisheries.

The first major step in the programme is the development of a new digital system for tracking, reporting and monitoring commercial fishing activity. It is made up of geospatial position reporting (so we know where fishing is happening), electronic reporting through e-logbooks (so we have more accurate and up-to-date information about fishing activity), and electronic monitoring (cameras), so we can verify what’s being reported.

These changes are necessary because the old paper-based system for reporting was slow and often inaccurate, and didn’t give us all the information we needed. We didn’t know where boats were, and position information is very useful for management and compliance. Cameras will let us verify what is reported, and will deter illegal activity

Commercial fishing boats will be required to have Geospatial positon reporting (GPR), report their activity and catch through an e‑logbook and with some exceptions have cameras recording their fishing activity. Permit holders will choose and purchase these systems themselves from independent suppliers.

GPR

· All permit holders will need to use a Geospatial Position Reporting system (similar to GPS).

· Vessels over 28m must have GPR working from 1 October and vessel under 28m and land based fishers from 1 April 2018.

E-logbooks

· All permit holder will need to report their activity through an e-logbook, which will provide accurate and up-to-date information.

· Vessels over 28m must use e-logbooks from 1 October and vessel under 28m and land based fishers from 1 April 2018

Cameras

· Initial feasibility trials were undertaken between November 2012 and April 2013 on a small number of vessels in SNA1 to test the ability of cameras to effectively monitor the total catch of snapper, and the amount of undersize snapper being taken and returned to the sea. The trials broadly met their objectives and evaluation of the trials by a group of scientific experts concluded that electronic monitoring by cameras could be successfully extended.

· Since 2016 cameras have been installed on the entire snapper 1 (SNA1) trawl fleet as part of a voluntary monitoring programme prior to the roll out of the mandatory system. This programme met monitoring targets set by the Minister in response to concerns about commercial fishing activity involving the volumes of undersized snapper caught, discarding and waste.

· A voluntary proof of concept project was also initiated in the SNA1 bottom longline fishery to use cameras to monitor seabird interactions, coinciding with the 2016-17 black petrel breeding season (October – May).

· From 1 October 2018, almost all commercial operators (with the exceptions below) will need to have cameras on their vessels, which will be used to verify what is being reported.

· Vessels used solely to support hand-gathering and diving, and tenders used only for purse-seining are excepted from the requirement to operate cameras.

MPI has held public meetings around the country to consult on digital monitoring, and received over a hundred submissions. The government then decided that it was the right thing to do, and the regulations were passed in July. Since then MPI has been developing the exact rules for how it will work for fishers on their vessels, and has consulted with industry on those.

MPI is working to make it as easy as possible for fishers to get to grips with these new rules. We’ve just finished a consultation process for how e-logbooks and geo-spatial position reporting will work, and we’re going to use that feedback to finalise the rules. And we will consult with fishers on how cameras will work.

Enabling Innovative Trawl Technology (EITT)

MPI is also making changes to regulations to allow the use of innovative new trawl technologies on commercial fishing boats. These regulations will be passed alongside the tracking, monitoring and reporting regulations, to come into effect on 1 October 2017.

Other Fisheries Management

Alongside the Future of our Fisheries initiatives MPI is continuing to deliver its operational work programme for fisheries.

Snapper 1 Strategic Plan

A long-term report for the future management of New Zealand’s most valuable snapper fishery is in place. The recommendations include:

· Aiming to achieve a biomass target of 40 per cent of the unfished state by 2040, with an aim of 30 per cent by 2025

· A review conducted by 2021 with updated stock information

· Educate all fishers on ways to avoid juvenile fish and increase survival rates of snapper released

· Close monitoring including analysis of catch levels by all sectors.

Assessment of the stock status of Hauraki Gulf stocks

Each year, MPI convenes a large number of Fisheries Assessment Working Group meetings that are open to everyone who wishes to attend. The results of scientific research are combined with catch and effort reports from commercial fisheries, data from our on-board observer programme, and other information to produce assessments of the status of NZ fish stocks. This information is summarised in two annual Fisheries Assessment Plenary Reports. The Fisheries Assessment Plenary Report for May 2017 is available here Plenary docs. The November Plenary meetings have just occurred and the report is currently being finalised.

The stock status of all NZ fish stocks has recently been summarised and is available at Summary of stock status This report summarises the status of New Zealand’s fish stocks relative to the requirements of the “Harvest Strategy Standard”.

Management reviews

Each year, MPI reviews catch limits and other management controls for selected stocks. This occurs twice a year to inform decisions for the 1 April and 1 October fishing years. This is consistent with the requirement that MPI ensures fisheries resources are used sustainably.

New science information from the Fisheries Assessment Working Groups contributes to determining which stocks are put forward for review.

There is low abundance of rock lobsters in the CRA 2 fishery that covers the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty. Despite a 36% reduction in commercial catch since 2014 (through a mix of formal catch reductions and voluntary industry initiatives), a new scientific assessment of CRA 2 suggests that the abundance of legally harvestable rock lobsters has declined to around 21% of the previously-agreed reference point.

MPI has brought forward a review of the fishery to determine what management changes are required to ensure that the abundance of rock lobsters increases. This is likely to involve the setting of new catch limits and amendments to regulatory controls.

Given the importance of this fishery to all fishing interests, we propose to engage widely with iwi, fishing stakeholders and the public to identify possible management options. This will begin with a series of fishing-sector workshops on 13 November in Whakatane and 14 November in Thames and wider public consultation starting in January 2018. A review timetable is available on MPI’s website.

New information on longfin and shortfin eels in the North Island has recently become available after scientific review. t MPI has begun an engagement process to discuss this new science alongside other information to inform a management review next year.

A new assessment for tarakihi stocks (a fishery occurs in the HGMPA as part of TAR1) was presented to the Fisheries Assessment Plenary earlier this month. MPI is planning a management review of tarakihi stocks subject to consideration of the stock assessment once accepted by the Plenary.

Over the medium term MPI is planning to revisit its fisheries planning process to look for opportunities to better coordinate the research programmes and management reviews of associated fishstocks to improve consideration of the interactions between species and respond to aspirations for ecosystem based management which have been further highlighted through the Future of Our Fisheries review.

Intertidal Shellfish

MPI is continuing the intertidal shellfish monitoring programme for the 2017-18 summer which includes sites within the Hauraki Marine Park. The results for the 2016-17 surveys have been published https://mpigovtnz.cwp.govt.nz/dmsdocument/21239. Notably Kawakawa Bay has seen a significant increase in cockle biomass.

MPI continues to work on a broader management strategy for intertidal shellfish

Aquatic and Biodiversity Annual review

A focus of two MPI working groups, the Aquatic Environment Working Group and the Biodiversity Research Advisory Group, is to assess science about interactions between the seafood sector and the aquatic environment. A broad analysis of environmental considerations relevant to New Zealand seafood production is compiled each year in the Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Annual Review (AEBAR). The report summarises available information on interactions under five themes:

· protected species

· other bycatch

· benthic effects

· ecosystem effects,

· marine biodiversity.

The most recent edition is the sixth of the series and expands and updates previous editions.

Seabirds

A review of the 2013 National Plan of Action for Seabirds (NPOA-seabirds) commenced in May to review progress against each 5 year objective and the extent to which the objectives require review, modification or substitution. It will also review the progress of implementation processes outlined in the NPOA. MPI is working collaboratively through the Seabird Advisory Group to progress this review and the group is meeting on a monthly basis until the end of 2017.

As part of the review, management actions to reduce the risk to species identified in the Seabird Risk Assessment, including black petrel, will be assessed against the NPOA objectives. Any shortfalls/outstanding actions will be identified and prioritised in 2017/18 or for the next NPOA. It is intended that a revised NPOA will be in place by June next year however the current NPOA will remain in effect until the review is complete and a revised NPOA-seabirds is in place.

MPI has commenced observer coverage in the snapper and bluenose bottom longline (BLL) fishery fisheries management area 1 (FMA 1) in October to coincide with the start of the black petrel breeding season. Observers will be deployed on vessels to monitor fishing activity and record interactions with seabirds, particularly black petrels.

DOC’s protected species liaison programme (formerly the seabird liaison programme) will also shortly commence. Priority fisheries for this programme are bottom longline fisheries in FMA 1 and surface long line fisheries. Liaison officers are deployed to provide advice on the effective implementation of seabird mitigation measures and provide ongoing engagement with fishers. They will be supported by a protected species liaison coordinator.

Sharks

The current NPOA-Sharks (2013) was the result of collaborative process of development. The plan provides goals and objectives to guide the conservation and management of sharks and eliminated the wasteful practice of shark finning. The NPOA-Sharks is reviewed periodically, with the intention of issuing a revised NPOA in 2018/19.

Benthic effects

The impact of trawling in New Zealand has been generalised that fishing an area of soft-substrate between once and twice per year, (estimated at the 5 km × 5 km scale) reduces the density of a group of long lived sedentary habitat forming species and individual taxa of holothurians, crinoids, cnidarians and bryozoans by at least 50%. A risk assessment framework is under development to refine our assessment of the impact of trawling across a range of habitat types.

Ecosystem effects

Habitats of significance to fisheries management have been defined and policy to address potential effect of fishing is under development. In the feedback received in the Future of Our Fisheries review there was a clear aspiration for more ecosystem based management.

Over the medium term MPI is planning to revisit its fisheries planning process. The revised process will look for opportunities to better coordinate the research programmes and management reviews of associated fishstocks to improve consideration of the interactions between species.

Attachments

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Signatories

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

Chairperson	Mayor John Tregidga	Hauraki District Council
Deputy Chairperson	Ms Liane Ngamane	Tangata Whenua
Members	Mr Andrew Baucke	Department of Conservation
	Mr Jeff Cleave	Great Barrier Local Board (Auckland Council)
	Cr Paul Cronin	Matamata-Piako District Council
	Cr Chris Darby	Auckland Council
	Mayor Sandra Goudie	Thames-Coromandel District Council
	Mr Steve Halley	Ministry for Primary Industries
	Cr Richard Hills	Auckland Council
	Mr Terrence Hohneck	Tangata Whenua
	Mr Marty Rogers	Te Puni Kōkiri
	Cr Mike Lee	Auckland Council
	Ms Nicola MacDonald	Tangata Whenua
	Mr Paul Majurey	Tangata Whenua
	Mr Rob McGuire	Waikato District Council
	Mr John Meeuwsen	Waiheke Local Board (Auckland Council)
	Cr Dal Minogue	Waikato Regional Council
	Mr Dean Ogilvie	Tangata Whenua
	Ms Moana Tamaariki-Pohe	Tangata Whenua
	Cr Wayne Walker	Auckland Council
	Cr John Watson	Auckland Council

Author	Ian Loiterton - Governance Advisor
Authoriser	Rose Leonard - Executive Officer

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Draft summary of the full report (Under Separate Cover) - Confidential
b ⇩	Full State of the Environment Report - Draft (Under Separate Cover) - Confidential