Agenda of Hauraki Gulf Forum

Hauraki Gulf Forum

14 May 2018

Hauraki Gulf Forum - Constituent Party Report

File No.: CP2018/07130

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To provide an overview of recent activities undertaken by Forum constituent parties.

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 Hauraki Gulf Forum – Constituent Party report.

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

· knowledge utilisation (ecosystem based)

4. This report collates an overview of recent activities by Forum constituent parties to address these strategic issues.

5. 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

6. Input for this report was received from the Waikato Regional Council, Auckland Council, Fisheries NZ (Ministry for Primary Industries), Department of Conservation, Thames-Coromandel District Council, Waikato District Council and Hauraki District Council.

7. 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.

Constituent Party: Waikato Regional Council

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 provisionally approved 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’. The development of issues and options papers for various topics continues. It is expected that the first phase of the plan will be notified from late 2019 and will include mangroves and aquaculture topics.

Sea Change Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan - Implementation

Since developing the its Draft ‘Sea Change’ Implementation Plan in June 2017 work has continued to integrate Sea Change actions across council business programmes as well as new funding initiatives through council’s Long Term Plan processes.

Regional aquaculture strategy

Through the Waikato Regional Aquaculture Forum, work with stakeholders to develop an industry led strategy is progressing.

Spat Catching Application

A resource consent application for a spat catching farm in Mercury Bay has been received in March 2018. The technical information provided with the application has been assessed and further information has been requested.

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. It is expected that consent applications for emergency and schedule work will be lodged within the upcoming months.

Investigation and Monitoring

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.

This season we saw great success with the programme and strong collaboration and communication between Waikato Regional Council, Waikato District Health Board, and Thames-Coromandel District Council.

Estuarine water quality monitoring for ecosystem health

From October 2017, WRC has been carrying out monthly water quality sampling in Whaingaroa (Raglan) and Tairua Harbours. This sampling will include a range of measurements to look at temperature, salinity, 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 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. The project management plan and communications plan have been drafted for both plans. Focus is on mapping, internal information gathering communications tools and recruitment.

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 and finalise project plans ahead of works commencing.

Constituent Party: Auckland Council

Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance

The Auckland Council SeaChange – Tai Timu Tai Pari Political Reference Group has a purpose to ensure that Hauraki Gulf outcomes are further embedded in the work programme of the Auckland Council group and met for the first time in February 2018. The group is scheduled to meet again on 14 June with a focus on sediment and further departmental updates including feedback received through the LTP process.

Auckland Unitary Plan

The only regional coastal plan provisions still subject to appeal relate to genetically modified organisms and two areas identified as Significant Ecological Area-Marine. It is expected that the Minister of Conservation will approve the plan in the next few weeks so that the parts not subject to appeal can become operative.

Auckland Council District Plan – Hauraki Gulf Islands Section – Operative 2018 became operative in full on 22 March 2018, view details here.

Auckland Plan 2050 and 10-year budget

Due for adoption by Auckland Council in June. 10 year budget includes targeted rate proposals for water improvements and natural environment initiatives.

Monitoring, Research and Investigations

Recently published reports:

Climate change projections and impacts for Auckland

Pearce, P., Bell, R., Bostock, H., Carey-Smith, T., Collins, D., Fedaeff, N., Kachhara, A., Macara, G., Mullan, B., Paulik, R., Somervell, E., Sood, A., Tait, A., Wadhwa, S., Woolley, J.-M. (2018). Auckland Region climate change projections and impacts. Revised January 2018. Prepared by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, NIWA, for Auckland Council. Auckland Council Technical Report, TR2017/030-2.

This NIWA report was commissioned by Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Panuku Development and Watercare Services to review climate change projections for the Auckland Region and potential impacts of climate change on some of Auckland’s environments and sectors. It addresses expected changes for 21 different climate variables out to 2120, and draws heavily on climate model simulations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report.

Key findings in the reports are:

- Future climate changes are likely to be significant and will impact the entire Auckland Region.

- Auckland’s temperature is expected to increase by about 0.6°C by 2040 (compared to the late 20th century), 1.2°C by 2090, and 1.4°C by 2110. However, uncertainty about future concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and differences in the way each climate model responds to those concentrations, mean warming projections span a wide range: 0.5-1.2°C by 2040, 0.3-3.3°C by 2090, and 0.4-4.0°C by 2110.

- Changes to extreme temperatures are likely, with the number of hot days (days > 25°C) in Auckland projected to double by the early 22nd century under a mid-range climate change scenario and more than triple under a business-as-usual scenario.

- Auckland is projected to be frost-free by 2110 under a business-as-usual climate change scenario.

- Spring rainfall will decline and autumn rainfall will increase, but annual total rainfall may not change significantly. Extreme rainfall is likely to increase

- Drought is projected to become more common and more severe in Auckland due to changing rainfall patterns and temperature increases.

- Winds are projected to decrease in the region.

The above changes are likely to have significant impacts on different environments and sectors within the Auckland Region including the following:

- Rainfall and temperature changes may result in drier soils and changes to river flow (both low flows and floods), as well as an increase in the occurrence of slips

- Uptake of increasing atmospheric CO2 by the oceans is causing ocean acidification, impacting ocean productivity and the development of marine species.

- Increasing sea surface temperature is likely to encourage non-native marine species to establish and proliferate in Auckland.

- Sea-level rise will have major impacts on Auckland’s coastal communities, infrastructure and habitats.

- Changes to air quality in response to climate change are likely to impact the health of Aucklanders.

- Indigenous biodiversity will be affected both directly by climate changes (e.g. drought and increased temperature) and indirectly by pests and habitat loss.

- Auckland’s biodiversity, primary industries and communities may be at risk from future biosecurity issues such as plant and animal pests as well as disease vectors such as mosquitos.

The full report can be found here:

http://www.knowledgeauckland.org.nz/publication/?mid=1747&DocumentType=1&

Monitoring our big blue backyard: Auckland Council’s marine monitoring programme

The MRQ Monitoring Research Quarterly April 2018 edition features an article on Auckland Council’s marine monitoring programme which covers the Hauraki Gulf and also the Kaipara Harbour sediment mitigation study, which while outside the Hauraki Gulf, contains some relevant findings.

The article can be found here:

http://www.knowledgeauckland.org.nz/assets/publications/MRQ-04April-2018.pdf

RIMU climate change risk and vulnerability assessment

- RIMU are presently preparing a risk and vulnerabilities assessment (RVA) for the Chief Sustainability Office (CSO) which will be used as the underpinning evidence for their development of the Auckland Climate Change Action Plan (to be developed this year).

- The purpose of the RVA is to understand, and ultimately prioritise, the challenges and issues faced by Auckland due to climate change.

- The RVA will use the climate change scenarios and projections through to the early 22nd century provided in the recently released NIWA report “Auckland Region climate change projections and impacts”.

- The RVA will use the business-as-usual projections (RCP 8.5) as the climate change scenario to investigate Auckland-specific implications of climate change

Investigation of cockle mortality event in Okura Estuary

- As mass mortality of cockles was reported in Okura Estuary over the Easter Break.

- RIMU is working with DoC and MPI to investigate potential causes.

- Samples have been collected and sent to MPI for testing for diseases.

- Existing marine monitoring data is being utilized as well as new additional samples being taken to aid in this investigation.

Constituent Party: Fisheries NZ (Ministry for Primary Industries)

Enhanced fisheries

Establishment of Fisheries New Zealand

As part of changes to MPI a new entity, Fisheries New Zealand, has been established from 1 May 2018. The organisational changes will 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 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, Fisheries NZ 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.

Management reviews

Each year, Fisheries NZ 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 Fisheries NZ 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

Changes to the management of the CRA 2 fishstock have been implemented for the 1 April 2018 fishing year. The CRA 2 fishery covers the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty. Based on a scientific assessment of CRA 2, and after a management review, the Total Allowable Catch of 416.5 tonnes was reduced to 173 tonnes. Alongside this decision the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) was reduced from 200 tonnes to 80 tonnes; the recreational allowance from 140 tonnes to 34 tonnes; and the estimate for ‘other mortality’, such as theft and blackmarket activity, from 60 to 42.5 tonnes. The customary allowance of 16.5 tonnes was not changed and was not part of the review. The decisions are the first step in rebuilding the fishery. Further work is currently occurring to consider other management measures including a review of the recreational daily bag limit.

Proposals for 1 October 2018

Fisheries NZ are currently confirming proposals for the upcoming October fishing year. Key stocks being considered that overlap with the HGMPA include TAR1 (tarakihi), FLA1 (flounders) and JDO1 (John Dory). New scientific information for all these stocks has recently been confirmed for these stocks, and indicates sustainability concerns.

New scientific information has also become available for longfin and shortfin eels in the North Island and an engagement process has been underway since 2017. to inform a management review this year.

Intertidal Shellfish

New information collected in the Fisheries NZ intertidal shellfish monitoring programme, which includes sites within the Hauraki Marine Park, will be evaluated this month. The results from the previous summer (2016-17) surveys are available at https://mpigovtnz.cwp.govt.nz/dmsdocument/21239.

Aquatic and Biodiversity Annual review

A focus of two science 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 available at http://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/27471-aquatic-environment-and-biodiversity-annual-review-aebar-2017-a-summary-of-environmental-interactions-between-the-seafood-sector-and-the-aquatic-environment

Seabirds

Fisheries NZ’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.

Biosecurity

The Hauraki Gulf Forum has requested that MPI (as for Fisheries NZ a new entity Biosecurity NZ) report back to the May 2018 meeting on the marine invasive species infecting the waters of the Hauraki Gulf.

Biosecurity NZ is the lead agency for marine biosecurity (with other agencies, groups and all New Zealanders having roles) and is tasked with managing the risks posed by pests and non-indigenous marine species. Much like the terrestrial environment, multiple pathways provide ample opportunities for new species to arrive.

Non-indigenous marine species are a threat to New Zealand’s environmental, social and economic core values. Preventing the entry of these species is the most cost-effective option as eradicating established population is costly, time consuming and largely ineffective due to limited management options.

The Waitematā Harbour is susceptible to new marine species invasions, due to;

· the large number of vessel visits – both commercial and recreational that from overseas or other New Zealand ports,

· its large size and variety of natural and man-made habitats (e.g., ports),

· aquaculture activities that may facilitate species spread

Biosecurity NZ has been managing vessel risk by:

· Since 2000 requiring vessels to exchange their ballast water mid-ocean prior to discharge

· From 15th May 2018 all vessel entering New Zealand will have to have a “clean hull” as determined by the Craft Risk Management Standard for Vessel Biofouling. New Zealand is a world leader in biofouling management and is the first country to in the world to do this. The CRMS will reduce the risk of introduction of new marine pests including several which are capable of causing significant impacts to NZ’s core values.

Biosecurity NZ contracts NIWA to survey 11 high-risk ports around New Zealand for new marine species twice a year – summer and winter; and this includes the Waitematā Harbour within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. These surveys have been occurring since the early 2000s.

The overarching goal of these surveys is to facilitate early detection of invasions so that management actions are more likely to succeed; i.e., eradication or slowing the spread.

The Waitematā Harbour contains a high number of non-indigenous species (57 in total; see table below) including a number that are known to cause impacts to our environment, society or economy.

Table 1: List of non-indigenous marine species established in the Waitemata Harbour, 57 in total as of the December 2017.

Phylum	Species scientific name	Common name of high profile species
Chordata	Acentrogobius pflaumii
Bryozoa	Amathia gracilis
Bryozoa	Amathia imbricata
Bryozoa	Amathia verticillata
Arthropoda	Amphibalanus amphitrite
Arthropoda	Amphibalanus variegatus
Porifera	Amphilectus fucorum
Bryozoa	Anguinella palmata
Arthropoda	Apocorophium acutum
Mollusca	Arcuatula senhousia
Chordata	Arenigobius bifrenatus
Chordata	Ascidiella aspersa
Arthropoda	Austromegabalanus nigrescens
Entoprocta	Barentsia matsushimana
Chordata	Botrylloides giganteum	Sea squirt
Chordata	Botryllus tuberatus
Bryozoa	Bugula neritina
Bryozoa	Bugulina flabellata
Bryozoa	Bugulina stolonifera
Bryozoa	Buskia socialis
Arthropoda	Caprella scauroides	Skeleton shrimp
Porifera	Callyspongia (Toxochalina) robusta
Bryozoa	Celleporaria sp. 1
Bryozoa	Celleporaria umbonatoidea
Arthropoda	Charybdis (Charybdis) japonica	Asian paddle crab
Chordata	Ciona intestinalis
Chlorophyta	Codium fragile ssp. fragile
Mollusca	Crassostrea gigas	Pacific oyster
Ochrophyta	Cutleria multifida
Cnidaria	Ectopleura larynx
Mollusca	Ercolania boodleae
Arthropoda	Ericthonius pugnax
Porifera	Halisarca dujardinii
Annelida	Hydroides elegans
Annelida	Hydroides ezoensis
Mollusca	Limaria orientalis	File shell
Arthropoda	Metapenaeus bennettae	Greentail prawn
Arthropoda	Monocorophium acherusicum
Mollusca	Nassarius burchardi
Cnidaria	Obelia longissima
Annelida	Paralepidonotus ampulliferus
Cnidaria	Pennaria disticha
Annelida	Polydora hoplura
Annelida	Pseudopolydora corniculata
Annelida	Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata
Arthropoda	Pyromaia tuberculata	Pear crab
Ochrophyta	Rosenvingea sanctae-crucis
Annelida	Sabella spallanzanii	Mediterranean fanworm
Bryozoa	Schizoporella erratoidea
Chordata	Symplegma brakenhielmi	Yellow colonial ascidian
Chordata	Styela clava	Clubbed tunicate
Mollusca	Theora lubrica	Asian Semele bivalve
Bryozoa	Tricellaria inopinata
Ochrophyta	Undaria pinnatifida	Asian seaweed
Porifera	Vosmaeropsis cf. macera
Bryozoa	Watersipora arcuata
Bryozoa	Watersipora subatra

For non-indigenous marine species present in New Zealand but not currently detected in the Hauraki Gulf – domestic pathway management plans as permitted under the Biosecurity Act 2012 is a mechanism that can be employed to protect local core values.

Biosecurity NZ is a member of the Top of the North Marine Biosecurity Partnership – other members of TON are Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay regional councils, Gisborne District Council and Auckland Council. The partnership meets regularly and shares information on marine pest initiatives within their regions. The partnership has collaborated on initiatives to raise awareness about marine pests and the need to keep vessel hulls clean of biofouling. Auckland Council, together with NRC, WRC and BOPRC have proposed development of an inter-regional pathways management plan to help stop the spread of marine pests and MPI supports this initiative. We believe it will assist with managing issues related to vessels infested with marine pests.

Biosecurity NZ has made a submission to the proposed Auckland Council Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) in which we identified a number of marine pests that we consider should be included in the RPMP. Having those marine pests included will enable the Council to undertake action under the Biosecurity Act for situations like vessels whose hulls are infested with the listed marine pests. This will compliment any future inter-regional pathways management initiative. Including marine pests in the RPMP and would align with the Treasure Islands initiative which is currently focused only on the terrestrial environment.

Biosecurity NZ is collaborating with Auckland Council, Northland Regional Council and NZ Defence Force on developing bubble curtain technology to inhibit the settlement of marine pests on man-made structures and vessel hulls. We have also invested in research about in-water cleaning systems and we are jointly funding PhD research along with Waikato Regional Council and the Coromandel Mussel Farmers Association into the growth and settlement of Mediterranean fanworm on mussel farms.

Finally, the Pest Management National Plan of Action (which was endorsed by Central and Regional CE’s when implemented in 2011) makes it clear that for ‘pests already present in NZ, and where there has been a decision not to eradicate or contain nationally’ (e.g. Styela clava and Sabella), that Regional councils are the ‘lead intervention decision maker responsible for bringing parties with the necessary powers, functions and resources together.

Constituent Party: Department of Conservation

Regenerating areas

· Rakitu Island pest eradication

The department has continued its planning and preparations for undertaking the eradication of ship rats and kiore from the island. The eradication will be undertaken in the coming winter by an aerial drop of brodifacoum. This is a proven option for removing populations of rodents from islands.

Following expressions of concern about the use of toxin on the island, including the presentation by Elise Bishop to the February meeting of the Forum, the department has reviewed the possible methodologies for eradicating rodents on this particular island. Options such as setting a network of traps, like the self-resetting Goodnature traps, are unlikely to achieve full eradication due to the nature of the island’s topography which includes steep ocean cliffs.

At the time of writing the first group of weka had been captured on the island and transported to aviaries at Pukaha/Mount Bruce and a second group captured this week are in transit. They will be held at Pukaha/Mount Bruce until such time as they are either returned to the island after the aerial drop, or a decision is made to re-establish them elsewhere as a new population. The weka on the island are from a sub-species that is not native to the Hauraki Gulf region. They are an important population with a distinct genetic composition and need to be sustained as a distinct population.

For background information about Rakitu see here: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/rakitu-island-scenic-reserve/

· Pest incursions on pest free islands

Over the past summer the department has had to respond to a series of reported pest incursions on to pest free islands in the Hauraki Gulf. These include a mouse on Tiritiri Matangi (unconfirmed), a rat on Tiritiri Matangi (confirmed), a cat on Motutapu / Rangitoto (unconfirmed), and a stoat on Motutapu (confirmed), plus a number of others.

The department has used these incidents to inform the public about the risks to pest free islands and reinforcing the need to always check for weeds and pests in clothing, materials and vessels being taken to islands. As an example see this media release about the stoat trapped on Motutapu: http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2018/doc-traps-stoat-on-motutapu-island/

Each report of a possible sighting has to be responded to by the department. The high number of incidents over the past summer has impacted on our scheduled work programmes as staff and resources have to be diverted to each response. For many of the responses we call in the national conservation dog team, who deploy a dog and handler who specialize in detecting the particular pest. For more about the conservation dogs programme see here: http://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-dog-programme/

· One Billion Trees

The Government has an aspirational goal of planting one billion trees over the next ten years to create new forests. Planting will involve a combination of exotic and indigenous species, and permanent and harvestable forests.

The department has been assessing opportunities for planting on public conservation land around the country, including any opportunities in the Hauraki Gulf. No decisions have yet been made about pursuing any projects in the Gulf.

· Great Barrier plague skink project

Several years ago the department joined with Auckland Council on a project to try and eradicate plague skinks (also known as rainbow skinks) from a small part of Aotea/Great Barrier Island. Plague skinks had been detected in an area close to Tryphena wharf, in the south of the island. Eradication of plague skinks from an area had not been attempted in New Zealand previously, so this was a trial to test the feasibility of eradications.

Plague skinks outcompete native lizard species for food and resources, as a consequence of their ability to reach high population densities in a relatively short period of time. They breed up to three times per year and reach maturity in half the time it takes for native species. For information about plague skinks see: http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/animal-pests/plague-skinks/

The project recently had a setback when skinks were spotted outside the containment fence that had been erected around the area thought to contain the population. This is one of the matters that has led to a re-assessment of the project which will determine if the current approach (containment followed by eradication) should continue or if any changes need to be made.

· Marine reserves

The department has again had to respond to a high number of reports of possible illegal activity in the five marine reserves located in the Auckland Region (Cape Rodney-Okakari Point, Tawharanui, Long Bay-Okura, Te Matuku and Motu Manawa/Pollen Island). Some of the marine reserves are more prone to instances of illegal behavior than others, which is a result of factors such as high visitor numbers, remoteness, and the degree of local community support. Each marine reserve has its own particular mix of factors.

As in other recent years, this summer the department employed a temporary ranger focused solely on monitoring compliance at marine reserves to boost staff presence. We also employed several temporary summer rangers who provided on-site information for the public at high use visitor sites. They included two based at Long Bay-Okura and Cape Rodney-Okakari Point) to support advocacy about marine reserves. They played an important role in deterring potential offenders who were unaware of the protected status of those places.

The department has also started to refresh its honorary ranger programme, with two members of the public appointed as honorary warranted rangers who supported the department at the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve at Leigh. There were a further two honorary rangers for Tawharanui and one to be warranted for Long Bay-Okura. The department will continue to identify potential honorary warranted rangers to boost our ability to monitor compliance across the marine reserve network.

· Marine mammals

The department has been monitoring the two leopard seals that have taken up residence in the Waitemata Harbor. Local marina staff are supporting the department to ensure the public are safe, and disturbance is minimal.

This summer the department began trialing mitigation methods that could be used to deter leopard seals from high boat traffic areas. The leopard seals have now moved to the northern Hauraki Gulf/Whangarei area, as has been their pattern over the previous two winters.

· Species translocations

A number of translocations of species from Hauturu and Tiritiri Matangi were ongoing over the summer to support existing and new species populations on the mainland. These have included, hihi, kokako, tieke, and kiwi.

Active land management

· Myrtle rust

The department remains deeply concerned about the potential impact of myrtle rust on native species in the Mrytaceae family and will continue to invest heavily in the programme. The recent announcement that the disease has now been detected across so many locations, including the top of the South Island, meaning that eradication is no longer feasible, was disappointing but probably inevitable. See announcement here: http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2018/new-approach-to-manage-myrtle-rust/

The department has continued to maintain its national surveillance programme for the detection of myrtle rust on public conservation land in high risk areas, including the Hauraki Gulf. The department will also continue its seed collection programme, which aims to collect seed from all native species of Mrytaceae present in New Zealand, across the full natural range of each species. Seed has been collected from Mrytaceae species on the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, as well as from mainland sites.

Species of Mrytaceae present in the Gulf include pohutukawa, northern rata, ramarama, swamp maire, and a number of climbing ratas including the rare crimson rata. These are iconic species in the Gulf.

· Kauri dieback

Over the summer the department has continued its work to manage kauri dieback around the Hauraki Gulf. As a result of the publicity around the Waitakere Ranges, public awareness of kauri dieback is much greater than in the past.

The department continued its programme of track upgrades to mitigate against the spread of kauri dieback. The Okura Walkway track had requires additional works to ensure that it meets a sufficiently high standard to minimize the risk of kauri dieback spread. As the works will not be completed before the wet winter months, it will be closed over the winter.

Mitigation work on Aotea/Great Barrier Island has centered primarily on popular tracks. The Forest Road has had construction on barriers (to deter people entering Kauri areas), better drainage and track surfacing. Elsewhere, track surfacing has been the main focus. A first round of tracks identified for closure through Kauri Dieback risk has been done and the consultation process is about to get underway. These tracks are the Whangaparapara Peak track, the Pack track and a section of the Old Lady track.

The department has also developed a new type of cleaning station to replace the familiar brush and spray stations that have been in place in many locations for some years. These have been installed in a number of locations for trialing. Two will be installed at entrances to the Okura Walkway as part of the upgrade works on that track. See announcement about the new cleaning stations here: http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2018/rollout-of-innovative-kauri-dieback-cleaning-stations/

Over the summer the department employed several temporary rangers to act as “kauri ambassadors”, in a joint programme with Auckland Council. Our assessment is that this was a successful initiative to help raise awareness and boost compliance and behavior change.

· Motutapu land stabilization

In early 2017 cyclone Debbie caused significant damage including large landslips on Motutapu Island. Work has been ongoing to assess the risk and develop a geological solution to stabilize these. Contractors are about to undertake significant works on the slips.

Other items

· Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve shellfish die-off

Concern among some members of the local community about sediment inflow into the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve was heightened by the discovery of a mass mortality event affecting cockles in the marine reserve in early April. Seemingly overnight large numbers of cockles located in banks at the entrance to the Okura River died.

The cause of the mortality event is not yet known. The department is working with Auckland Council to try and determine the cause. Samples were sent for testing to try and identify if it was a disease. Large scale die-offs of shellfish from disease are not an uncommon phenomenon and may be triggered by water temperature or other environmental stressors. Often these are related to natural events and fluctuations. The investigation will hopefully determine what was the cause of this mortality event.

See media release about the investigation here: http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2018/investigation-into-dead-shellfish-at-marine-reserve/

· Fish passage guidelines

The Minister of Conservation recently released the first national fish passage guidelines which are aimed at improving how structures in waterways are designed to give native freshwater fish the best chance of moving freely past them. Some 70% of the 57 species of native freshwater fish are classified as threatened. A number of native freshwater fish species are found in waterways in the catchment of the Hauraki Gulf and its islands.

Man made obstacles in waterways are one of the many threats that these species face. The life cycle of many species includes a stage when adults move to the ocean to spawn, with the young returning to the same waterway to grow into adults. Obstacles in waterways can prevent movement, especially if water flows are low.

Information about the guidelines can be found here: http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2018/fish-friendly-guidelines-landed/

· Rangitoto asbestos

The department has recently secured funding, including a grant from the Ministry for the Environment, to undertake a project to remove asbestos from the site of the WWII era Controlled Mine Base on Rangitoto Island. The facility was built during the early war years and was the base from which the controlled mine fields laid in the Whangaparaoa Channel and near Great Barrier Island were managed. Mines were constructed and stored at the site, along with associated equipment for the fields. After 1945 the site was used to store the Auckland Harbour Board’s anti-submarine harbour defence boom and gun mountings.

The facility was closed in the 1970’s. In the 1980’s the buildings were demolished. The demolition and site clean-up was not well managed or thorough, and a lot of loose debris containing asbestos was left on the site. In recent years the site has been closed to the public. It is easily accessible to the public as the Rangitoto coastal track to Islington Bay passes nearby. The department plans to remove the debris containing asbestos from the site which will enable the site to be re-opened to the public to explore.

· Revocation of old Hauraki Gulf management plan

The New Zealand Conservation Authority is a national body that provides advise on conservation matters to the Minister of Conservation and Director-General. It also has a range of statutory functions including some in relation to management planning. The Authority has recently requested that the department take steps to ensure that all out of date management plans have been formally withdrawn or revoked. This is important because until such steps have been taken, those old plans technically continue to have legal status.

The department has identified that an old management plan prepared by the former Department of Lands & Survey for the former Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park Board is one those old plans which may never have been formally withdrawn or revoked. This is likely to have been due to an administrative oversight at the time when it was replaced by conservation management strategies.

The plan was approved in 1982. It applied to all reserves on islands in the wider Hauraki Gulf and beyond, stretching from the Poor Knights Islands in the north to the Aldermen Islands in the south, plus North Head. It contains policies that reflect the management approaches and issues current at the time. It is now well out of date and is inconsistent with more recent policy documents such as the Conservation General Policy and conservation management strategies, and developments such as Treaty settlements.

The park the plan covered should not be confused with the more recent Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. The plan applied to the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, which was created in 1967 and abolished in 1990.

The department will take steps to formally withdraw the management plan over the next few months.

Constituent Party: Waikato District Council

Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance

Regenerating green and blue areas / Mana whenua integration / Active land management

Waikato District Plan Review

A number of open days were held around the district during late November and early December 2017.

The feedback received is being considered as part of the drafting of the Proposed District Plan. Council is also in the process of consulting with landowners on key provisions of the draft Plan. The draft plan is expected to be notified for public submissions mid-2018.

Constituent Party: Thames-Coromandel District Council

Other items

West Coast Tsunami Project

Following on from the East Coast Tsunami Project and the development of community emergency response strategies, the focus will shift to the Firth of Thames/Tikapa Moana and the coastal communities likely to be affected by a maximum credible event centred on a rupture of the Kerepehi Fault. A contract has been let to consultancy firm eCoast to undertake a level four numerical modelling (flow depth/velocity and hazard risk) study.

The project is a joint endeavour with WRC, Hauraki District Council, Thames Valley Civil Defence and Emergency Management, and TCDC.

The results of the numerical modelling work are expected by the end of May 2018 which will be followed up with individual and/or community cluster meetings on both sides of the Firth of Thames/Tikapa Moana to develop community emergency response and evacuation plans for individuals, households, and commercial and public institutions. The results will also feed into risk reduction strategies via RMA and asset management plans.

Constituent Party: Hauraki District Council

Policy and Plan Development, Regulation and Compliance

Draft Growth Strategy

After a period of low growth, Hauraki District is experienced some growth so a draft Growth Strategy is being prepared for consideration by the District Plan Committee. This Strategy will address the challenges of managing growth in a sustainable manner. The management of natural hazards and the effects of climate change are key considerations for the Strategy in planning for future development.

The Strategy will provide a framework for guiding future growth decisions and define future areas for development within the District mainly around the towns of Paeroa and Waihi. The draft Growth Strategy will also aim to provide certainty to the community and the market about the development of the District and allow Council to ensure efficient infrastructure provision.

The draft Strategy process is commencing with consultation meetings with our Iwi and then other agencies like the Waikato Regional Council.

District Plan Review

The District Plan Committee has looked at possible zone changes in Waihi and a possible Rule Plan Change for Paeroa and Waihi that will allow infill housing. These possible Plan Changes are beginning with consultation with Iwi and then other agencies like Waikato Regional Council.

Operations and Asset Management

Regenerating Areas

Kaiaua Landfill Foreshore Cleanup

Soon after inheriting the Seabird Coast area from Franklin District Council (FDC), Hauraki District Council (HDC) became aware of an environmentally hazardous historic landfill site on the foreshore immediately south of Kaiaua township. Located on the foreshore, the landfill was within an area recognised as an internationally significant habitat for migratory birds by the Wetlands Convention, established at Ramsar in Iran in 1971. The rubbish, which included asbestos, was buried well before the area became part of the Hauraki District. As coastal erosion was causing ongoing problems with rubbish being washed down the beach and into the sea, HDC engaged contractors to clear the site and safely transport the rubbish to a more appropriate landfill site. The cost to HDC was considerable, but is easily outweighed by the environmental benefits of this project.

Whakatiwai

HDC have been removing car bodies and the like as and when they are exposed on the foreshore at Whakatiwai. So far we have removed three truck loads. This will be ongoing as weather events expose more historic waste.

Wastewater Consents

HDC is in the process of renewing their wastewater plants’ consents. The initial indications are that all plants will need to be upgraded to meet the requirements of the National Policy Statement Freshwater Management Standards in working to a better environment in the Firth of Thames.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

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

Hauraki Gulf Forum

14 May 2018

Hauraki Gulf Forum - Executive Officer Report

File No.: CP2018/07148

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 programme, 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 (appended). 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. This report could be improved by covering more comprehensively the current work programme of the Forum. I welcome the opportunity to work with the incoming chairperson on this report prior to the next meeting.

4. Given the transition that the Forum is presently going through, support is being provided to ensure that the existing commitments of the Forum are met. No new initiatives or programmes are being developed or explored, and essentially the work of the Forum remains in a holding pattern based on the existing commitments.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) receive the Hauraki Gulf Forum Interim Executive Officer’s report.

b) nominate a working party (if desired) to work alongside the Executive Officer in curation of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar.

c) delegate approval of the Holdaway award to the chairperson and deputy chairperson.

Horopaki / Context

5. Support is being provided to ensure that the existing commitments of the Forum are met.

6. The Forum may wish to provide further instruction regarding its work programme, and/or areas of focus for the time being.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

Strategic Issues (Priority #2 as per work programme document)

7. A workshop has been planned for 14 May 2018 to commence the discussion on Strategic Issues. Helen Ritchie has been engaged as an independent facilitator to support the Forum in this workshop.

8. Helen Ritchie is an experienced facilitator and researcher with a background in community and environmental projects. She has led several action research projects about engaging rural communities in environmental management and conservation. She has been involved in the design and delivery of facilitation training for community members, local and central government staff, and the Enviroschools programme. Her own facilitation and research practice is focused on environment, agriculture and development issues. It includes helping groups and agencies with strategic planning, community involvement and adult learning.

9. I anticipate that further workshop time may be required as a result of this workshop and look forward to further instruction from the Forum chairperson and Forum members as to what assistance is required to support the continuation of this important work.

State of the Environment Report (Priority #3 as per work programme document)

10. The report was released publicly on Friday, 2 March 2018, with a media launch held at Auckland Council. Chairperson Tregidga and Dr. Shane Kelly presented the report to the media.

11. There was immediate take up of the release, with articles appearing in the NZ Herald, Newshub, TVNZ, Newstalk ZB and Waatea News.

12. Links to press articles regarding Report are here:

· http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12004876

· http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/03/can-the-hauraki-gulf-be-saved.html

· http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2018/3/hauraki-gulf-forum-state-of-our-gulf-2017/

· http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2018/3/beyond-the-blue-in-seaweek/

· https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/fish-in-numbers-auckland-s-hauraki-gulf-plummet-60-per-cent-historic-levels?ref=emailfriend

· https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/hauraki-gulf-fish-stocks-and-water-quality-plunge-sparking-call-change-today

· http://www.times.co.nz/news/hauraki-gulf-sobering-state/

· http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/recreational-fishers-call-for-tougher-regulation-to-save-hauraki-gulf/

· https://www.waateanews.com/waateanews/x_story_id/MTg1NjM.html

Other Press / Campaign activity

13. Forum members may be aware that Forest and Bird commenced a campaign in late March calling for the New Zealand government to save the Hauraki Gulf by putting SeaChange into action. http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/campaigns/sea-change. As at early May, Forest and Bird have advised that over 1000 people have joined the campaign and that the campaign is ongoing.

14. In late April, the Environmental Defence Society launched its latest publication ‘Voices from the Sea’ which is the result of an investigation into the operation of New Zealand’s inshore fisheries management system, authored by Raewyn Peart. The book attracted a critical press release from To Ohu Kaimoana, which the EDS chose to respond to by way of further press release. The three press releases are provided for information in the Attachments.

Technical Officers Group

15. A meeting of the Technical Officers Group was held on 5 April 2018. The minutes of the meeting are included as an Attachment to this report.

16. The Technical Officers present had a discussion regarding the roles and responsibilities of Technical Officers, as presently these expectations are neither clear nor consistent.

17. Overall, most Officers advised that their understanding of the role of Technical Officers was around communication, supporting/informing their elected representatives, briefing their wider organisations and maintaining an awareness of Forum activities, rather than actually ‘doing’. The ‘doing’ element has traditionally been the role of the Forum Executive Officer which is funded by the representative agencies. For Tangata Whenua representatives, their engagement is direct to their Forum Member.

18. The Technical Officers present discussed that the development of a clear forward work programme for the Forum (linked to strategic issues and endorsed by the Forum), would likely provide focus for the Technical Officers Group and the Forum’s Executive Officer, and that there would be merit in formalising the purpose and expectations of technical officers more, and that this should be led by the Forum, after the Forum has set its strategic issues.

Scoping Project / Review of Operating Model (Priority #4 as per work programme document)

19. In any review, form should follow function, therefore, when there is a clearer picture from the Forum regarding its Strategic Issues, the flow on impacts to the Forum’s operating model will become clearer.

20. In the meantime, work has been undertaken on improving the operational support for the Forum, particularly regarding clarity of the Administering Authority role. This is addressed in a separate item on the agenda.

Standing orders, Governance Statement and delegation policy (Priority #6 as per work programme document)

21. The Forum has made previous resolutions regarding the review of standing orders, governance statement and delegation policy, which arose from a number of procedural meeting issues that the Forum was experiencing in 2017.

22. Staff would like to work with the newly elected Forum chairperson and deputy chairperson regarding these items on the work programme between now and the next meeting.

Gulf Journal

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

24. As signalled at the last meeting, a contract writer has been commissioned to help prepare the Gulf Journal content. Delwyn Dickey, who has spent the last 10 years as a Senior Reporter for Stuff, will provide the contract writing support. Delwyn has been a keen follower of the work of the Forum, has a strong interest in the marine and coastal environments and has attended several Forum seminars.

25. The Technical Officer’s Group requested that a call be put out to constituent parties for contributions to the Gulf Journal. This was done but there was no take up in this edition. The offer will continue to be made for future editions.

Holdaway Awards / Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar (Priority # 7 as per work programme document)

26. Two dates have been tentatively held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum (5^th and 19^th September), for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar.

27. Work must now commence urgently regarding the theme and programme for the Seminar.

28. The Auckland War Memorial Museum provide the event management of the Seminar, however, to ensure continuity of resources for the Forum with the Executive Officer arrangement currently being temporary, Delwyn Dickey who will provide contract writing support for the Gulf Journal will also provide support to curate and programme the Seminar. These two pieces of work are reasonably complimentary and draw on a similar knowledge and range of contacts.

29. If desired, the Forum may wish to nominate a working party to work alongside the Executive Officer, and Ms. Dickey in curation of the Seminar.

30. Preparation of for the Holdaway Awards will be undertaken alongside preparation for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar.

31. As in keeping with past practice, it is recommended that the Forum delegate approval of the Holdaway award to the chairperson and deputy chairperson.

Tangata Whena Input (Priority #8 as per work programme document)

32. This priority was to investigate options for improved tangata whenua input into the Forum and was to be led by the Forum deputy chairperson.

33. This item will remain on the forward work programme as this is a continuous item as the work programme for the Forum develops.

2018 Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Poster Series

34. To coincide with SeaWeek, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park poster appeared in the New Zealand Herald on 3 March 2018, with a distribution of approximately 140,000 copies.

35. The insert was supported by a comprehensive marketing campaign (organised and funded by the New Zealand Herald) in the lead up to 3 March. The Marketing Campaign summary is included as an attachment to this report.

36. The poster invited readers to download the Young Ocean Explorer App to engage with the interactive content of the poster. Young Ocean Explorers report that within the first three days of the poster distribution, 544 installations of the app had occurred and their website traffic far exceeded that of the previous year, at one point receiving over 50,000 hits an hour.

Bryde’s Whale Ship Strike Collaborative Group

37. At the time of writing this report, the ship speed monitoring reports have not yet been received from the Ports of Auckland or the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). These should be available by the time the Forum meets.

38. IFAW currently undertakes daily monitoring of ship speeds. They have recently advised that the funding they have available to support daily monitoring expires at end of June 2018. The funding is raised philanthropically.

39. The daily monitoring costs IFAW approximately $7,000 (AUD) per annum.

40. IFAW are seeking direction whether there is an appetite to continue with the daily monitoring. Given the ship speeds have reduced since the protocol was introduced, spot-checking by IFAW may now be appropriate. I will raise this matter through the Ship Strike Group to determine the pros and cons of a change.

Black Petrel Working Group

41. The Black Petrel Working Group met on 10 April 2018, hosted at Auckland Council offices by the Hauraki Gulf Forum.

42. As a result of the efforts of the Working Group, there are a range of initiatives in place to help protect black petrels at sea, being seabird smart training, liaison role, seabird management plans, observer programme and electronic monitoring trials. The Group has been investigating whether these initiatives could provide the basis for an assurance scheme to increase transparency and recognition of seabird smart fishing. Work is ongoing to fully develop all of the elements of the scheme, and to cost the administration and ongoing management arrangements of the scheme.

43. A potential role for the Forum has been identified in the administration of the scheme, similar to the secretariat role provided for the Brydes Whale Ship Strike Group. The Group envisage that data collection and analysis will use existing central government mechanisms so the administration role (for the Forum) is anticipated to be modest; providing a central clearing house for information relating to the scheme and coordinating a working group to address any non-compliance.

44. The way in which the overall scheme would be funded (such as through a levy on quota holders) is a matter that is currently being worked through by the Black Petrel Work Group with representatives from MPI and DOC, which may yet take some time. As such, a soft-launch of the scheme is being considered for the end of 2018, working toward a full launch toward the end of 2019.

45. As has been demonstrated with the Bryde’s Whale Ship Strike Group, there is merit in the Forum being able to provide a coordination and accountability point for cross-agency and industry collaboration. It would be helpful for the Forum to consider whether it wishes to explore further collaborations of this nature when it discusses its strategic issues.

46. As the administration ask becomes clearer for the Seabird Safe scheme, further information will be provided to the Forum.

Office of the Auditor General Performance Review

47. In December 2017, the Office of the Auditor General initiated a performance review of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan: Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari.

48. Forum member, Councillor Dal Minogue bought to staff’s attention that there had been no formal communication to Forum members regarding this review. This report has been included on the Forum’s agenda for this purpose.

49. The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) developed a performance audit proposal in late 2017 and sought input regarding the scope from Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council, Ministry for Primary Industries, Department of Conservation and the Ministry for the Environment.

50. The audit proposal developed by the OAG is included as an attachment to this report.

51. In brief, the overall focus of the audit is to consider the effectiveness of the process that was used to develop the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan: Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari. In particular, how the processes provided for competing interests to be balanced.

52. The scope does not include analysis on the quality of the final marine spatial plan and whether or not it complies with the international marine spatial planning standards.

53. Fieldwork has been underway since March, with interviews having been conducted with participants and interested stakeholders. At the time of writing, the fieldwork and interviews are ongoing.

54. The outcome will be a report tabled in Parliament, and OAG advise that their likely reporting date is November 2018.

55. As information becomes available, this will be reported to the Forum.

Hauraki Gulf Forum Budget

56. Forum members have previously requested that a budget update be included as part of the Executive Officers report as standard. On this occasion, a financial report and forward budget has been included as a separate item on this agenda.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	EDS Press release re. Voices from the Sea publication (1 of 3)	37
b ⇩	EDS Voices from the Sea Te Ohu media statement (2 of 3)	39
c ⇩	EDS Press release re. Voices from the Sea publication (3 of 3)	43
d ⇩	Draft Minutes - Hauraki Gulf Forum - Technical Officers Meeting	45
e ⇩	Campaign Summary - Marine Park Poster 2018	51
f ⇩	OAG performance audit scope	61
G	Hauraki Gulf Forum Forward Work Programme 2017/18	69

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

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

Hauraki Gulf Forum

14 May 2018

Hauraki Gulf Forum - 2017/18 Budget Analysis and 2018/19 Budget

File No.: CP2018/07161

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To provide analysis of the Hauraki Gulf Forum’s 2017/18 budget, and

2. To present a proposed 2018/19 budget for consideration.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

3. The financial year for the Forum is July to June, therefore it is necessary that the Forum considers its 2018/19 budget at its meeting on 14 May.

4. This report presents an interim forward budget and recommends that the Forum revisit the budget once there is greater clarity regarding its strategic issues and forward work programme.

5. This report also presents a financial report for the 2017/18 year (to end of March 2018).

6. The Forum hasn’t previously received detailed financial reports and in preparation of this report, staff have identified a number of areas for improvement. This report makes recommendations to address these.

7. An area for improvement relates to the historical practice of Auckland Council absorbing some costs associated with servicing the Forum, particularly regarding democracy services and financial services. This is estimated to be approximately $27,250 per annum. This report recommends that these costs be funded through constituent party contributions from hereon.

8. The Forum also has an accumulated surplus as at end of April 2018 of $125,523. The Forum presently has no guidance regarding the use of accumulated surplus. This report provides for the Forum to consider whether it wants to use a portion of the accumulated surplus to offset the 2018/19 interim budget.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) receive the Hauraki Gulf Forum 2017/18 budget analysis and 2018/19 budget report.

b) in accordance with Section 19 of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000, fund the full costs associated with the Administrative Authority support as part of its forward budget, on the proviso that these costs are presented and agreed as part of the Forum’s forward budget.

c) adopt the 2018/19 interim budget.

d) agree to revisit the 2018/19 budget following the setting of the Forum’s strategic issues and more detailed work program.

e) fund the 2018/19 interim budget in accordance with its agreed funding formula (detailed in Attachment A – Appendix B).

f) agree to use $100,000 of its accumulated surplus to fund the 2018/19 interim budget with the balance of the interim budget being funded in accordance with the agreed funding formula.

Horopaki / Context

9. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000 (HGMPA) provides for the Hauraki Gulf Forum to agree costs associated with the administration and servicing of the Forum as well as costs associated with undertaking the Forum’s powers.

10. Section 19 of the HGMPA 2000 outlines that

(1) The administrative and servicing functions of the Forum and the costs of those functions must be agreed from time to time by the Forum.

(2) Unless the constituent parties agree otherwise, the costs agreed under subsection (1) must be divided equally among the constituent parties and each constituent party must pay 1 share of the costs.

(3) Administrative and servicing costs are not payable by constituent parties who are tangata whenua representatives.

11. Section 20 of the HGMPA 2000 states that

(1) The Forum may undertake an activity under section 18(2)(e) if—

(a) a majority of the representatives agrees to undertake the activity; and

(b) 1 or more of the constituent parties (other than tangata whenua representatives) agree in advance to pay the costs of the activity.

(2) If the costs of an activity are not agreed in advance, the Forum must not proceed with the activity.

(3) Section 18(3) does not affect the powers of a constituent party to take proceedings and, in particular, does not affect the powers of a constituent party to enforce an agreement made in accordance with subsection (1).

(4) This section does not apply to the administrative and servicing functions in section 19.

12. In its Governance Statement (last adopted March 2011), the Forum agreed a methodology for apportioning the Forum’s budgets amongst the constituent parties.

13. The financial year for the Forum is July to June.

14. The budgets adopted by the Forum have previously been adopted alongside a work plan, and the most recent budget/work plan was adopted at the Forum’s meeting of 15 May 2017 for the 2017/18 year.

15. The 2017/18 work plan and budget adopted in May 2017 was as follows:

State of the Gulf assessment (annualised contribution)	$50,000
Communications (annual report, web site, seminar, award and education initiatives).	$50,000
Facilitation of responses to issues (including whale strike and seabird capture)	$10,000
Operating model changes*	$40,000
Total	$150,000
Executive support	$125,000
Total	$275,000

*The $40,000 for operating model was approved at a special meeting of the Forum on 29 June 2017 (resolution HGF/2017/21)

16. The funding formula for the 2017/18 budget was as follows:

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

17. There has previously been no regular financial report presented at the Forum’s quarterly meetings and the Forum has requested a more detailed breakdown of expenditure against budget be provided within the Executive Officer’s report from now on.

18. In preparation of this financial report staff, have identified a number of areas for improvement with the presentation of the current budget being:

a) The treatment of GST was not stated clearly.

Consequently, the 2017/18 budget presented above has been invoiced inclusive of GST in error, providing a cash shortfall of $31,000 in the 2017/18 budget.

b) Historically, the Auckland Council contribution has been treated differently to other constituent party contributions. The Auckland Council contribution is not invoiced as per the agreed funding formula and is the case with other constituent parties, but instead the costs associated with the employment of the Executive Officer, as incurred by Auckland Council, have been considered to be the Auckland Council contribution. This practice has occurred for many years and (as shown in the budget above) is itemised separately as ‘Executive Support’ at a set amount of $125,000 per annum.

c) The Auckland Council has not been presenting the full costs associated with supporting the Forum, and has in practice been absorbing the costs associated with democracy services and meeting support, financial and communications support, likely in order of $27,250 per annum.

d) Forum members will be aware that it has been common practice to accumulate funds in advance for the State of the Environment report, through an annualised contribution of $50,000 per annum, rather than constituent parties contributing a larger contribution once every three years.

The Forum has accumulated a surplus over a number of years. As at end of April the accumulated surplus is $125,523.

The Forum presently has no agreed guidance or policy on the treatment of accumulated surplus.

2017/18 budget analysis

19. A report of revenue and expenditure to end of April 2018, expenditure against budget for the 2017/18 year is included as Attachment A - Appendix A.

20. Revenue from constituent party contributions is shown $31,000 lower than forecast, due to an invoicing error regarding the treatment of GST.

21. Despite this, the overall position of the 2017/18 budget is still favourable, due to the State of the Gulf report expenditure being $23,000 under budget, and the $40,000 assigned for an operating model review not being utilised.

2018/19 proposed budget

22. The Forum is currently reconsidering its strategic issues, from which the forward work programme of the Forum will be determined.

23. There are a number of activities on the current work programme that are continuous. These include statutory requirements such as the production of the Annual Report, and existing commitments including the Gulf Seminar and Gulf Journal as well as the administrative costs associated with servicing the Forum.

24. A 2018/19 budget has been prepared for consideration, and this is being presented as an interim budget.

25. The interim budget includes funding more fully the services currently provided by the Administrative Authority. The Executive Officer contribution has historically been $125,000 per annum. Staff propose that this be kept constant for the 2018/19 until greater clarity regarding a permanent appointment is known. $20,000 has been budgeted to cover costs associated with meeting support services (four x meetings and two x workshops). A 5% overhead has then been applied as a contribution to financial, HR and communications services (total $7,250).

26. This budget does not include funds for an operating model review (as per the 2017/18 budget).

27. Staff recommend that the budget be revisited when the Forum has an agreed set of strategic issues and then undertake further work to determine its forward work programme.

28. As an interim budget, staff propose the following:

Item	2018/19 interim budget (excluding GST)
State of the Environment report (annualised contribution)	$50,000
Communications (includes annual report, web site, seminar, awards).	$40,000
Education project – Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Poster	$10,000
Facilitation of responses to issues (including whale strike and seabird capture)	$10,000
Administrative authority expenses (including Executive Officer, financial and secretarial services)	$152,250
Total	$262,250

29. With regards to funding formula, staff have not recommended any adjustments at this point in time.

30. The proposed interim budget against the funding formula is presented as Attachment A - Appendix B.

31. Given that the Forum currently has an accumulated surplus of $125,523, the Forum has the option to not request constituent party contributions at this time, but fund the interim 2018/19 budget from the accumulated surplus.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Hauraki Gulf Forum - Budget report	85

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Author	Katina Conomos – Interim 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 Christine Fletcher	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
	Cr Mike Lee	Auckland Council
	Ms Nicola MacDonald	Tangata Whenua
	Mr Paul Majurey	Tangata Whenua
	Cr 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 Marty Rogers	Te Puni Kōkiri
	Ms Moana Tamaariki-Pohe	Tangata Whenua
	Cr Wayne Walker	Auckland Council
	Cr John Watson	Auckland Council