Agenda of Hauraki Gulf Forum - 19 February 2018

Terms of Reference

The Hauraki Gulf Forum is established under the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000 with the following purpose, functions, powers and membership.

Purpose (Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000, s 15)

· Integrate the management and, where appropriate, to promote the conservation and management in a sustainable manner, of the natural, historic and physical resources of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people and communities of the Gulf and New Zealand

· Facilitate communication, cooperation, and coordination on matters relating to the statutory functions of the constituent parties in relation of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands and catchments and the forum

· Recognise the historic, traditional, cultural and spiritual relationship of tangata whenua with the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and where appropriate, its catchments

Functions (Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000, s 17)

· Prepare a list of strategic issues, determine a priority for action on each issue, and regularly review that list

· Facilitate and encourage co-ordinated financial planning, where possible, by the constituent parties

· Obtain, share, and monitor information on the state of the natural and physical resources

· Receive reports on the completion and implementation of deeds of recognition

· Require and receive reports from constituent parties on the development and implementation of policies and strategies to address the issues identified under paragraph (a)

· Receive reports from the tangata whenua of the Hauraki Gulf on the development and implementation of iwi management or development plans

· Prepare and publish, once every 3 years, a report on the state of the environment in the Hauraki Gulf, including information on progress towards integrated management and responses to the issues identified in accordance with paragraph (a)

· Promote and advocate the integrated management and, where appropriate, the sustainable management of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments

· Encourage, share, co-ordinate where appropriate, and disseminate educational and promotional material

· Liaise with, and receive reports from, persons and groups having an interest in the Hauraki Gulf and business and community interests to promote an interest in the purposes of the forum

· Commission research into matters relating to the functions of the forum

When carrying out its functions, the forum must have particular regard to the historic, traditional, cultural, and spiritual relationship of tangata whenua with the natural, historic, and physical resources of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments

Powers (Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000, s 18):

· Consider issues related to its purpose

· Receive reports from constituent parties

· Make recommendations to constituent parties

· Advise any person who requests the forum's advice

Commission or undertake those activities that are necessary to achieve its purpose.

The forum must not:

(a) appear before a court or tribunal other than as a witness if called by a party to proceedings

(b) take part in a decision-making process under any enactment other than to advise when requested to do so.

Joint committee (Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000, s 16)

“(2) The forum consists of the following representatives:

(a) 1 representative appointed by the Minister of Conservation:

(b) 1 representative appointed by the Minister of Fisheries:

(c) 1 representative appointed by the Minister of Maori Affairs:

(ca) 7 representatives appointed by the Auckland Council:

(d) 1 representative appointed by each of the following local authorities:

(iv) Hauraki District Council:

(vi) Matamata-Piako District Council:

(ix) Thames-Coromandel District Council:

(x) Waikato District Council:

(xi) Waikato Regional Council:

(e) 6 representatives of the tangata whenua of the Hauraki Gulf and its islands appointed by the Minister, after consultation with the tangata whenua and the Minister of Maori Affairs.

(2A) The representatives appointed in accordance with subsection (2)(ca) must—

(a) be members of —

(i) the Auckland Council; or

(ii) a local board of the Auckland Council elected in accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001 and

(b) include 1 member of each of the Great Barrier Island and Waiheke Island local board”

Hauraki Gulf Forum

19 February 2018

Hauraki Gulf Forum - Chairperson's Report

File No.: CP2018/01033

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To provide an update from the Chair on recent and upcoming activities of the Forum.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

Resignation of Executive Officer

2. In late December 2017, Tim Higham tendered his resignation, which was effective before Christmas.

3. Tim was the founding manager for the Hauraki Gulf Forum and been in the role for ten years.

4. I was involved in Tim’s recruitment, and recall at the time we were expressly seeking a manager who could champion the role of the Hauraki Gulf Forum, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act and give the Forum purpose profile.

5. With his journalism background, Tim was well suited to raise the profile of the Forum during his tenure. His work with developing the Gulf journal and the yearly seminars has worked to raise awareness within the wider community. His commitment in advocating for improvements for the health of the Gulf has been outstanding.

6. Tim has given great support to the Forum over four terms, overseen production of three impactful State of our Gulf reports, built support for what became the Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari marine spatial planning process, created successful education and media partnerships and championed protection of Bryde’s whales, seabirds and the restoration of mussel reefs. Support for this work has now been picked up by the Gulf Innovation Fund and backed by Foundation North and other new investment partners.

7. Tim will attend part of the meeting on 19 February, so that we have the opportunity to acknowledge his contribution.

8. I have worked with Deputy Chair Liane Ngamane and Jacques Victor from Auckland Council to make arrangements to cover the Executive Officer responsibilities temporarily until a permanent arrangement can be made. (See separate report from Jacques Victor).

Minister of Conservation

9. A meeting has been formally requested with the Minister of Conservation, Hon Eugenie Sage to discuss the contents of and recommendation contained within the 2017 State of the Environment Report. As yet, a meeting has not yet been scheduled.

State of the Environment Report

10. On 19 December 2017, an advance copy of the State of the Environment report, the summary and covering letter/forward was provided to the Minister of Conservation.

11. The report has now been finalised and is included as a final version on this agenda.

12. A media launch of the report is being prepared.

Work programme delays and proposed changes

13. With the Executive Officer’s resignation, as well as the change in Government, it has seemed sensible to defer two items on our work programme.

14. As members are aware, a requirement of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act is for the Forum to “prepare a list of strategic issues, determine a priority for action on each issue and regularly review that list”.

15. It was intended that with the finalisation of the State of the Environment Report, the 19 February meeting would be the ideal time to discuss the Strategic Issues.

16. However, with the resignation of the Executive Officer, there has not been time to adequately prepare for this session. Furthermore, it seems sensible to have made contact with the new Minister prior to undertaking the Forum’s consideration of strategic issues.

17. I am suggesting that this instead occur at the next meeting, in May.

18. Similarly, the Operating Model Scoping Project scope was due to be reported to the February 2018 meeting, however, there has not been progress on this item.

Seminar

19. Auckland Museum is keen to continue the partnership of hosting an annual Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar.

20. Deputy Chair Ngmane and I see this now as a “business as usual” activity of the forum, despite it not being on the forward work programme.

21. Unless Forum members direct otherwise, I am suggesting that this Seminar be planned for the third quarter of this calendar year (around September), as per the previous Seminars.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) receive the report.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Author	Mayor John Tregidga – Hauraki District Council
Authoriser	Mayor John Tregidga – Hauraki District Council

Hauraki Gulf Forum

19 February 2018

Hauraki Gulf Forum - Executive Officer interim resourcing and recruitment

File No.: CP2018/01035

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To provide an update regarding the Interim Executive Officer arrangements, and propose a way forward for the Forum’s future support needs.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

1. The Hauraki Gulf Forum Executive Officer, Tim Higham, resigned just prior to Christmas.

2. Ms. Katina Conomos has been appointed by Auckland Council as an Interim Executive Officer.

3. To ensure it is done within an appropriate context, it is proposed that the future role and recruitment of a permanent Executive Officer, and any other resourcing requirements, be linked to the Forum’s operating model review project

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) link the recruitment of an Executive Officer for the Hauraki Gulf Forum, and any other resourcing requirements, to the Forum’s operating model review project.

Horopaki / Context

Administering Authority Functions

4. Section 28 of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act establishes that one of the constituent parties must be appointed as the administering authority for the Forum. The administering authority must:

· administer and service the Forum

· ensure as far as practicable that the functions, powers, and duties set out in Part 2 of the Act are carried out.

5. Auckland Council acts as the administering authority, having assumed the functions of the previously appointed Auckland Regional Council, in the reorganisation of local government in Auckland.

6. As per the Performance agreement between the Hauraki Gulf Forum and its Administrating Authority (Auckland Regional Council) [2005], the functions of the administering authority were to:

· prepare a schedule of Forum meeting dates at the commencement of each calendar year.

· prepare an agenda to be circulated prior to each Forum meeting.

· provide a record (minutes) of the meeting to be circulated following each Forum meeting.

7. To help ensure this legislative requirement was met in part, the Hauraki Gulf Forum Executive Officer is employed by the Auckland Council (and the Auckland Regional Council prior to that).

8. The responsibilities of the Hauraki Gulf Forum Executive Officer are broadly as follows:

· coordinate Forum activities, agendas, work programmes etc.

· coordinate the Technical Officer Group activities, annual planning, project management/co-ordination

· act as Champion for the Forum

· advocate for the Forum both within its constituent parties and with other parties

· contribute to Forum projects.

9. The cost of the Executive Officer position is paid for by the Forum, but not the costs of the administrating authority functions more broadly. This is currently being met by Auckland Council as an additional contribution; however the legislation (Section 19) sets out that administrating authority costs should be agreed to and be met by the forum.

10. The vacancy of the Executive Officer position affords an opportunity to consider administrative authority arrangements to best support the Forum’s functions, as part of the operating model scoping project scheduled for 2018.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

Interim Executive Officer Appointment

11. With the resignation of Tim Higham just prior to Christmas, the Forum Chair John Tregidga and Auckland Council staff discussed the need for a temporary resource to provide executive support to the Forum.

12. It was important to Auckland Council that any temporary resource would have the ability to work well with the Chair and Deputy Chair during this interim phase.

13. As Auckland Council does not have a staff member available to pick up the functions of the Executive Officer in the interim, Chair Tregidga identified an independent contractor, Ms. Katina Conomos, as being suitable to step in temporarily to assist.

14. Chair Tregidga has previously worked closely with Ms. Conomos, where she provided him executive support in his capacity as the Local Government New Zealand Zone Two Chair.

15. With Deputy Chair Liane Ngamane’s and Auckland Council’s support, Auckland Council has engaged Ms. Conomos to provide temporary coverage of the Executive Officer role.

16. The arrangement made with Ms. Conomos is flexible, whereby, her support is available to the Forum and the Auckland Council until a permanent arrangement is put in place.

Recruitment of a Permanent Executive Officer

17. The Chair and Deputy Chair have requested the opportunity to review the current Executive Officer role and its position description to ensure that it is fit-for-purpose.

18. Given that the Forum has a review of its operating model on its forward work programme, Auckland Council staff recommend that a review of the Executive Officer role be conducted as part of that project. This will ensure that the role, and any other related resource implications, is considered in the context of the new operating model.

19. Auckland Council staff will also prepare a comprehensive report regarding the administrative authority’s functions more broadly, which also needs to be considered in the new operating model context.

20. On completion of the operating model project, an update of the Executive Officer’s role and responsibilities, a service level agreement between the Forum and the administrating authority, and any other related matters could then follow.

21. This means that recruitment for a permanent Executive Officer would be on hold for a number of months (also see “work programme delays and proposed changes” in the Chairperson’s Report).

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Author	Katina Conomos – Hauraki Gulf Forum, Interim Executive Officer
Authoriser	Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

19 February 2018

Hauraki Gulf Forum - Executive Officer Report

File No.: CP2018/01047

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

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

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

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

3. In August 2017, the Hauraki Gulf Forum resolved that a work programme review be a standing item at every meeting (attached).

4. As noted in the Chair’s report, with the resignation of the Executive Officer in late December, in addition to the change in Government, there are a number of adjustments to timing of the Hauraki Gulf Forum’s work programme.

5. Adjustments to the appended work programme are noted in ~~strikethrough~~ and/or red text. Additional commentary is provided in the analysis and advice section of this report.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) receive the Hauraki Gulf Forum forward work programmed, dated February 2018.

Horopaki / Context

6. As noted in the Chair’s report, with the resignation of the Executive Officer in late December, combined with a change in Government, a number of adjustments are required to the timing of the Hauraki Gulf Forum’s work programme.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

Priority #2 - Strategic Issues

7. The discussion to consider and set the Strategic Issues for the Hauraki Gulf Forum has been deferred from the 19 February meeting to the 19 May meeting.

8. A meeting of the Technical Officers will be scheduled well in advance of the 19 May meeting by way of preparation.

Priority #3 - State of the Environment Report

9. The report has been finalised and is provided to members as a separate agenda item.

Priority #4 - Scoping Project (Review of Operating Model)

10. Until further direction from the Government is sought, particularly in relation to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan implementation, it is pre-emptive to undertake further reviews of the operating model.

11. The Forum Chair and Deputy Chair are seeking a meeting with the Minister as a priority.

12. Subsequent to obtaining Government direction, a scope can be prepared for an operating model review and brought to the Forum for further consideration.

Priority #6 - Standing orders, Governance Statement and delegation policy (TBC)

13. The Forum has made previous resolutions regarding the review of standing orders, governance statement and delegation policy.

HGF/2017/32: authorise Auckland Council, as the Administering Authority, to undertake a review of the Forum’s standing orders and Governance Statement within the provisions of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act (2000) and in alignment to the outcome of the Forum’s operating model scoping project (HGF/2017/16).

HGF/2017/33: request the Administering Authority to report its findings of the review of the Forum’s standing orders and Governance Statement as in resolution b) above, to a future meeting of the Forum in 2018, for its consideration.

14. As noted in resolution HGF/2017/32, the review of standing orders, governance statement and delegation policy item naturally follows the outcome of the Forum’s review of its operating model.

15. Given the deferment of the operating model review, the review of standing orders etc, is also deferred.

16. However, in light of Tim Higham’s resignation, it is timely to stocktake the current activities and support that Auckland Council provide as the administering authority. Ultimately, these should be documented by way of Agreement between the Forum and the administering authority. This was last undertaken in 2005 when the administering authority was Auckland Regional Council.

17. A report in this regard will be prepared for the next Forum meeting. This work will be useful to inform recruitment of an Executive Officer, and also inform any reviews of the Forum’s operating model, as well as review of the governance statement and delegations policy.

Priority # 7 – Holdaway Awards

18. Preparation for this award will be undertaken alongside preparation for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar.

Priority #8 – Tangata Whena Input

19. This priority was to investigate options for improved tangata whenua input into the Forum and was to be led by the Forum Deputy Chair.

20. The Deputy Chair has advised that due to an unplanned level of involvement in the drafting of the State of Environment report, this item has not been advanced but will remain on the forward work programme.

21. This work can also usefully input to the future operating model review (Priority #4).

2018 Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Poster Series

22. The next Hauraki Gulf Marine Park poster will appear in the New Zealand Herald on 3 March 2018.

23. The final artwork will be tabled at the Forum meeting for information.

Gulf Journal

24. The next issue of the Gulf Journal and its associated e-newsletter is being compiled for publication later this month to coincide with the release of the 2017 State of the Environment Report.

25. As members are aware, the site provides a platform for news and commissioned articles about the Gulf and is a repository for the knowledge products prepared by the Forum.

26. To date, content has commissioned by the Hauraki Gulf Forum Executive Officer and overseen by a voluntary editorial advisory group.

27. I intend to formalise the commissioning arrangement by preparing a brief to engage a contract writer to prepare and curate the Gulf Journal publications so that this work can continue smoothly and to no less than the current standard of the publications.

28. Tim Higham has offered to continue to support the Gulf Journal and the editorial advisory group in an “editor at large” capacity, at no cost.

Bryde’s Whale Ship Strike Collaborative Group

29. At the Forum meeting of 20 November 2017, the Executive Officer reported that for the first time since introduction of the voluntary protocol in 2013, the monthly average for Port vessels in the Hauraki Gulf was below the target 10 knots.

30. The monthly average for December 2017 is reported as 10.18, slightly above the target.

31. The report from Ports of Auckland is appended for information.

Hauraki Gulf Forum Budget

32. Forum members have previously requested that a budget update be included as part of the Executive Officers report.

33. Year to date actuals are $98,000 against a budget of $150,000.

34. A more detailed breakdown of expenditure against budget will be provided at the next Forum meeting.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Ports of Auckland Quarterly Ship Speed Report	23
b ⇩	Hauraki Gulf Work Programme - February 2018	25

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Author	Katina Conomos – Hauraki Gulf Forum, Interim Executive Officer
Authoriser	Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

19 February 2018

Constituent party report - combined

File No.: CP2018/00604

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To provide an overview of recent activities undertaken by Forum constituent parties which address the strategic issues of the Forum.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

2. This report describes recent activities undertaken by Forum constituent parties which address integrated management and prioritised, strategic issues.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) receive the Constituent party report – combined.

Horopaki / Context

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. This report provides an overview of recent activities by Forum constituent parties to address these strategic issues. The report is a regular means of meeting the Forum’s purpose of facilitating communication, co-operation and co-ordination among its members.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

5. Input for this report was received from the Ministry of Primary Industries, Waikato Regional Council, Auckland Council, and Thames-Coromandel District Council. Waikato District Council communicated that they had no updates for this report.

6. The information provided by the constituent parties is shown in the tables below. The left-hand column of the tables can be used to link activities to the Forum’s strategic issues response framework. The subheadings in the right-hand column describe broad functional areas that can be used to categorise activities.

Ministry of Primary Industries

Strategic issue

Recent activities

Enhanced fisheries

Establishment of Fisheries New Zealand

As part of changes to the Ministry for Primary Industries a new entity, Fisheries New Zealand, will be established this year. The organisational changes are intended to increase focus and ensure clarity and unity of purpose. This will further support delivery of a fisheries change programme. The Minister is currently looking at a number of issues that have been highlighted in recent years including fisheries information, ecosystem-based management, scale of management and innovation.

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. Fisheries Assessment Plenary Reports to November 2017 are available here Plenary docs.

The stock status of all NZ fish stocks is regularly summarised. An updated table is scheduled to be published in February. This information 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.

Rock lobster

The CRA 2 fishery covers the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty. A scientific assessment of CRA 2 in October 2017 suggests that the abundance of legally harvestable rock lobsters has declined to around 21% of the agreed reference point. This means that the amount of rock lobster in the CRA2 fishery has probably dropped below its soft limit. When a stock drops below its soft limit level, management action is required to ensure it rebuilds.

The assessment results helped guide the development of options for the setting of new catch limits from 1 April 2018 and public submissions were sought by 9 Feb 2018. Amendments to regulatory controls may also be needed later in 2018 to complement proposed changes to catch limits. If required, we will consult on these additional management measures later this year.

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

Tarakihi

A new stock assessment on tarakihi stocks (a fishery occurs in the HGMPA as part of TAR1) is also available. As a result of sustainability concerns, MPI is planning a management review of these stocks later this year.

Other stocks for review for the 1 October 2018 fishing year will be confirmed in the next few months.

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 are available at https://mpigovtnz.cwp.govt.nz/dmsdocument/21239.

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 2017 edition is scheduled to be released this month.

Seabirds

Observer coverage in the snapper and bluenose bottom longline (BLL) fishery in fisheries management area 1 (FMA 1) continued over the holiday period with the ongoing focus of monitoring fishing activity and recording interactions with seabirds, particularly black petrels. This coverage will run until the end of the black petrel breeding season in May. Results from the black petrel electronic monitoring programme that occurred in 2016/17 are currently being analysed.

MPI’s main focus has been on the review of the 2013 National Plan of Action for Seabirds (NPOA-seabirds) which commenced in May 2017 and will continue into 2018. The current NPOA will remain in effect until the review is complete and a revised NPOA-seabirds is in place.

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.

Waikato Regional Council
Strategic issue	Recent activities
	Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance Regional Coastal Plan review Scoping and phasing of the review of the Waikato Regional Coastal Plan is well underway. Project governance was finalised late 2017. 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. Thames Coast Road Repairs A storm in early January has resulted in significant damage at the Thames Coast Road between Thames and Waikawau. NZTA has engaged with the relevant regulatory team at WRC seeking pre-consent application advice. It is expected that consent applications for emergency and schedule work will be lodged within the next two months. Marine Farm Monitoring Monitoring of individual marine farms north and south of Coromandel Harbour was undertaken in November 2017 and compliance audit reports are currently being completed. It has been evident that non-compliant issues identified during previous audits have largely been addressed by the industry. Marine farm consent holders have now been directed to complete the MNZ lighting approvals for the farms and undertake the required biosecurity surveys.
	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 have been 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 within suitable levels 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. The programme has continued throughout 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 Raglan and Tairua Harbours. 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 Management Plans (HCMP) provide an integrated approach to the management of natural resources and the protection of community values. Development and implementation of 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. Waikato Regional 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. Scoping of the Whitianga/Mercury Bay plan commenced in November 2017. The 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 process. Regardless of additional funding, opportunities for co-design/development are been explored and implemented where possible. 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 the first quarter of 2018.

Auckland Council
Strategic issue	Recent activities
	Recent published reports Effects of Shipping on Air Quality in Auckland Talbot, N and Reid, N (2017). A review of research into the effects of shipping on air quality in Auckland: 2006-2016. Auckland Council technical report, TR2017/005. Key report findings: · Shipping vessels have been found to emit a far greater concentration of hazardous air pollutants when compared to land-based transport; · Research has been carried out by several groups over the past decade to assess what impacts, if any, shipping vessels have on Auckland’s air quality and more particularly, that of the waterfront area; · Results from research with methodology based on measurements of sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations, indicate that SO2 levels are at their highest close to the waterfront area of Auckland; · The concentration of SO2 was found to be highest when the wind comes from the direction of shipping emission sources; · When the airflow comes from the prevailing south-westerly direction, the shipping plumes appear to have minimal impacts on the waterfront area. High Air Pollution Forecasting Model Dirks, K.N., Scarfe, J., Talbot, N.P., Marshall, R. and Salmond, J.A., 2017. A Statistical Analysis of the Relationship between Brown Haze and Surface Air Pollution Levels on Respiratory Hospital Admissions in Auckland, New Zealand. Climate, 5(4), p.86. Key findings in the article are: · A brown haze can occasionally be seen over the Auckland skyline on winters mornings acting as a visual indicator of high air pollution events; · Prior research has noted that both the upper and lower atmosphere show typical characteristic profiles for the strongest haze events (and, therefore, the highest pollution events) to occur · A decade of brown haze events were reanalysed through meteorological models by Metservice to identify key meteorological parameters necessary for brown haze formation; · A forecasting scheme was successfully trialled during winter, 2017. With excellent validity up to 54 hours ahead of pollution events; · Winter 2018 will see the Air Pollution Prediction Model go live, helping inform the public, other stakeholders and health workers to possible negative impacts from poor air quality.
	Policy Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance The Auckland Council SeaChange – Tai Timu Tai Pari Hauraki Gulf Political Reference Group (the group) held its first formal meeting on February 14. The purpose of the group is to ensure that Hauraki Gulf outcomes are further embedded in the work programme of the Auckland Council group. The Group received input from Officers on the current activities which align with the objectives of SeaChange Tai Timu Tai Pari, and on initiatives for improving Auckland Council’s current activities. As part of the 10 year budget (LTP) process, 2 additional targeted rate proposals (Natural Environment and Water) are included. These Targeted Rates are intended to provide additional funding for a range of outcomes. Officers who were involved with the development of these proposals updated the group on how these proposals relate to improving Hauraki Gulf outcomes. Additional updates on current and proposed work programmes were given by Auckland Transport and Waikato Regional Council. Officers from Auckland Council’s Research, Investigations and Monitoring Unit (RIMU) outlined the opportunities for Auckland Council to lead the research hub initiative proposed by SeaChange - Tai Timu Tai Pari. Officers also outlined how they intended to further assess both Seachange – Tai Timu Tai Pari and the State of Our Gulf Report against Auckland Council’s current work programmes. The group is scheduled to meet next in June 2018, and will consider how other parts of the council group is embedding SeaChange – Tai Timu Tai Pari objectives into its work programs, based on a theme for each future Workshop. 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 were made 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. A new version of the Safeswim beach monitoring website was launched in November, using real time modelling of the risks to health and safety at Auckland’s beaches. See safeswim.org.nz for more information. Auckland Unitary Plan The only plan provisions still subject to appeal relate to genetically modified organisms and two areas identified as Significant Ecological Area-Marine. Resource Consents Auckland Council has lodged a resource consent application for a Stormwater Network Diversion and Discharge Consent for the existing and future Auckland Council stormwater network. This application was publicly notified with submissions due on 20^th of March 2018. Muscle Farm Applications Three mussel farm applications in Firth of Thames being processed under the Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in Part). 1. Waitoetoe (128.2ha) – hearing on 21/02/18 2. Rangipakihi (171ha) – hearing on 21/02/18 3. Western Consortium application in the western Firth of Thames (664ha comprise 470ha of farm area) – no hearing date currently set.

Thames-Coromandel District Council
Strategic issue	Recent activities
Regenerating green and blue areas Active Land Management	Policy and Plan Development A Marine and Harbour Facilities Strategy was adopted by Council on 12 December 2017. It provides a decision-making framework to how Council manages and enhances new and existing marine and harbour facilities around the peninsula and covers four strategic goals: safety and access, managing growth and demand, funding and partnerships, and realising economic benefit. The action plan will inform the Long Term Plan 2018-28.
Active Land Management	Storm Event - 5 January 2018 The new year saw a significant storm tide event on 5 January 2018; affecting our coastal communities. The Thames Coast was particularly hard hit; with the Thames Coast Road (State Highway 25) being impassable in places with sea walls unable to contain the surges; causing the breaking up of the roading surface. Properties were flooded, and residents cut off from the rest of the peninsula in the aftermath. Repairs to the Thames Coast Road are in full swing with NZTA's contractors bringing in around 1,700 tonnes of rock to protect roads from further erosion. Dust suppression seals in areas with temporary metal seals until sea protection walls are complete. Special kerbside collections have taken place for flood damaged property. There will be more king tides from 1 - 5 February. Council has distributed around 10,000 sandbags ahead of these events to vulnerable coastal areas. The storm event saw the decimation of dune plantings around the peninsula. This also saw dotterel nesting areas washed away. It is heartening to see the Thames-Coromandel communities coming together to support each other and begin the process of rebuilding and cleaning up the coastal environment in the days following the event.
Regenerating green and blue areas	Thames-Coromandel District Council and Hauraki District Council Mangrove Management Bill (the Bill) The Bill was introduced into the Parliament on 6^th July 2017 by local MP Hon. Scott Simpson as a local bill and passed its First Reading on the 9^th August 2017 being then referred to a Parliamentary Select Committee for consideration. The House then went into adjournment pending the November 2017 General Election. This Bill enables a community driven process whereby it seeks to empower local communities, assisted by their councils, to achieve balanced outcomes for their harbour environments. After the General Election, and the installation of the new Government, the Governance and Administration Committee has since called for submissions to the Bill with the period for submission closing on the 23^rd of February 2018. The Committee is scheduled to report back to the House on 29^th March 2018.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Author	Sietse Bouma – Team Leader Natural Environmental Strategy
Authoriser	Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

19 February 2018

Hauraki Gulf Forum - 2017 State of the Environment Report

File No.: CP2018/01058

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To provide the final 2017 State of the Environment Report and Summary to the Forum.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

2. The 2017 State of the Environment Report and Summary has been finalised and is provided for information.

3. A meeting has been requested with the Minister of Conservation to discuss the recommendations contained within the report.

4. The report will be released publicly no later than 2 March 2018.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) receive the 2017 State of the Environment Report and Summary.

Horopaki / Context

5. At its meeting on 20 November, the Forum resolved the following (HGF/2017/47)

a) delegate to the Chair and Deputy Chair:

i) to give final approval of the full report 2017 State of the Environment report before the end of 2017, subject further consultation by the report writers with tangata whenua representatives of the forum;

ii) to give final approval of the ‘At a Glance: State of our Gulf 2017’ summary of the 2017 State of the Environment report, subject further consultation by the report writers with tangata whenua representatives of the forum; and

ii) approval to submit the report to the Minister of Conservation, before the end of 2017, inclusive of:

· Chair and Deputy Chair foreword / conveyance letter

· ‘At a Glance: State of our Gulf 2017’ summary, once finalised as per point (a) (ii) above ; and

· the full report once finalised as per point (a) (i) above

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

6. The 2017 State of the Environment report and summary has been finalised (refer confidential attachments under separate cover).

7. As directed, an advance copy was provided to the Minister of Conservation on 19 December 2017.

8. Subsequently, a meeting with the Minister of Conservation has been requested to discuss the recommendations contained in the Chair and Deputy Chair Foreword.

9. At the time of writing, an appointment with the Minster has not been scheduled.

10. The Forum Chair and Deputy Chair have a strong desire to meet with the Minister prior to the formal, public release of the report and if possible, and to include the Minister in the public release.

11. It is perceived that the Minister’s presence at the release would be beneficial to the outcomes that the Forum is advocating for.

12. However, the report should not and cannot be held indefinitely, and the new Minister may be unable to prioritise the 2017 State of the Environment report release.

13. The report will be publicly released no later than Friday 2 March. The Interim Executive Officer will keep Forum members informed of the public release arrangements as they develop.

14. The Hauraki Gulf Forum Poster Series (due for publication in the New Zealand Herald on 3 March 2018) has a reference to the 2017 State of the Environment Report in its content.

Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps

15. The Interim Executive Officer will keep Forum members informed of arrangements for the public release of the 2017 State of the Environment Report, which will occur no later than 2 March 2017.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	State of the Environment Report (Under Separate Cover) - Confidential
b ⇩	At a glance - State of the Environment (Under Separate Cover) - Confidential

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Author	Katina Conomos – Hauraki Gulf Forum, Interim Executive Officer.
Authoriser	Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Chairperson	Mayor John Tregidga
Deputy Chairperson	Ms Liane Ngamane
Members	Mr Andrew Baucke	Mr John Meeuwsen
	Mr Jeff Cleave	Cr Dal Minogue
	Cr Paul Cronin	Cr Wayne Walker
	Cr Christine Fletcher	Mr Dean Oligvie
	Mayor Sandra Goudie	Ms Marty Rogers
	Mr Steve Halley	Ms Moana Tamaariki-Pohe
	Cr Richard Hills	Cr John Watson
	Mr Terrence Hohneck
	Cr Mike Lee
	Ms Nicola MacDonald
	Mr Paul Majurey
	Mr Rob McGuire