Agenda of Hauraki Gulf Forum - 30 November 2020

I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Hauraki Gulf Forum will be held on:

Date:

Time:

Meeting Room:

Venue:

Monday, 30 November 2020

1.00pm

Pῡkorokoro Shorebird Centre,
283 East Coast Road,
Miranda

Hauraki Gulf Forum

OPEN AGENDA

MEMBERSHIP

Co-chairperson	Cr Pippa Coom	Auckland Council
Co-chairperson Tangata Whenua	Ms Nicola MacDonald	Tangata Whenua
Members	Cr Donna Arnold	Matamata-Piako District Council
	Mr Andrew Baucke	Department of Conservation
	Cr Phillip Buckthought	Hauraki District Council
	Mr Joe Davis	Tangata Whenua
	Cr Christine Fletcher	Auckland Council
	Mayor Sandra Goudie	Thames-Coromandel District Council
	Ms Cath Handley	Waiheke Local Board (Auckland Council)
	Mr Terrence Hohneck	Tangata Whenua
	Mr Jacob Hore	Ministry for Primary Industries
	Mr Paul Majurey	Tangata Whenua
	Mr Martin Mariassouce	Te Puni Kōkiri
	Cr Rob McGuire	Waikato District Council
	Mr Scott Milne	Orakei Local Board (Auckland Council)
	Mr Dean Ogilvie	Tangata Whenua
	Cr Denis Tegg	Waikato Regional Council
	Ms Valmaine Toki	Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board (Auckland Council)
	Cr Wayne Walker	Auckland Council
	Cr John Watson	Auckland Council
	Ms Amelia Williams	Tangata Whenua

(Quorum 11 members)

Mike Giddey

Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere / Governance Advisor

23 November 2020

Contact Telephone: 027 221 7183

Email: mike.giddey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Selected extracts from the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000

3 Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to—

(a) integrate the management of the natural, historic, and physical resources of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments:

(b) establish the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park:

(d) recognise the historic, traditional, cultural, and spiritual relationship of the tangata whenua with the Hauraki Gulf and its islands:

(e) establish the Hauraki Gulf Forum.

Part 1 Management of Hauraki Gulf

7 Recognition of national significance of Hauraki Gulf

(1) The interrelationship between the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments and the ability of that interrelationship to sustain the life-supporting capacity of the environment of the Hauraki Gulf and its islands are matters of national significance.

(2) The life-supporting capacity of the environment of the Gulf and its islands includes the capacity—

(a) to provide for—

(i) the historic, traditional, cultural, and spiritual relationship of the tangata whenua of the Gulf with the Gulf and its islands; and

(ii) the social, economic, recreational, and cultural well-being of people and communities:

(b) to use the resources of the Gulf by the people and communities of the Gulf and New Zealand for economic activities and recreation:

8 Management of Hauraki Gulf

To recognise the national significance of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments, the objectives of the management of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments are—

(a) the protection and, where appropriate, the enhancement of the life-supporting capacity of the environment of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments:

(b) the protection and, where appropriate, the enhancement of the natural, historic, and physical resources of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments:

(c) the protection and, where appropriate, the enhancement of those natural, historic, and physical resources (including kaimoana) of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments with which tangata whenua have an historic, traditional, cultural, and spiritual relationship:

(d) the protection of the cultural and historic associations of people and communities in and around the Hauraki Gulf with its natural, historic, and physical resources:

(e) the maintenance and, where appropriate, the enhancement of the contribution of the natural, historic, and physical resources of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments to the social and economic well-being of the people and communities of the Hauraki Gulf and New Zealand:

(f) the maintenance and, where appropriate, the enhancement of the natural, historic, and physical resources of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments, which contribute to the recreation and enjoyment of the Hauraki Gulf for the people and communities of the Hauraki Gulf and New Zealand.

Part 2 Hauraki Gulf Forum

15 Purposes of Forum

The Forum has the following purposes:

(a) to 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:

(b) to facilitate communication, co-operation, and co-ordination on matters relating to the statutory functions of the constituent parties in relation to the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments, and the Forum:

(c) to recognise the historic, traditional, cultural, and spiritual relationship of tangata whenua with the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and, where appropriate, its catchments.

16 Establishment of Forum

(1) A body called the Hauraki Gulf Forum is established.

(2) The Forum consists of the following representatives:

(a) 1 representative appointed by the Minister:

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

(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 boards.

(3) The representatives appointed in accordance with subsection (2)(d) or (5) must be members of the local authority elected in accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001.

17 Functions of Forum

(1) To promote sections 7 and 8, the Forum has the following functions in relation to the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments:

(a) to prepare a list of strategic issues, determine a priority for action on each issue, and regularly review that list:

(b) to facilitate and encourage co-ordinated financial planning, where possible, by the constituent parties:

(d) to receive reports on the completion and implementation of deeds of recognition:

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

(f) to receive reports from the tangata whenua of the Hauraki Gulf on the development and implementation of iwi management or development plans:

(g) to 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):

(h) to promote and advocate the integrated management and, where appropriate, the sustainable management of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments:

(i) to encourage, share, co-ordinate where appropriate, and disseminate educational and promotional material:

(j) to 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:

(k) to commission research into matters relating to the functions of the Forum.

(2) When carrying out its functions under subsection (1), 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.

18 Powers of Forum

(1) The Forum has the powers that are reasonably necessary to carry out its functions.

(2) The Forum’s powers include the powers—

(a) to consider issues related to its purpose; and

(b) to receive reports from constituent parties; and

(d) to advise any person who requests the Forum’s advice; and

(e) to commission or undertake those activities that are necessary to achieve its purpose.

(3) The Forum must not—

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

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

Hauraki Gulf Forum

30 November 2020

Karakia

Mihi Whakatau

ITEM TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

1 Apologies 7

2 Declaration of Interest 7

3 Confirmation of Minutes 7

4 Public Forum 7

4.1 Public Forum - State of the Gulf's Seabirds - a preview 7

4.2 Public Forum - Hauraki Gulf Monitoring Project 7

4.3 Public Forum - Conservation Design for the Hauraki Gulf 8

5 Extraordinary Business 8

6 Co-Chairs' Report 9

7 Government Response Strategy to Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari 25

8 Cross-Regional Issues & Opportunities 27

9 Update to 2020-2022 Work Plan 33

10 Constituent Party Reports 47

11 Executive Officer's Report 67

12 2021 Schedule 79

13 Any Other Business 81

14 Consideration of Extraordinary Items

Karakia

1 Apologies

Apologies from Member DO Ogilvie and Member J Hore have been received.

2 Declaration of Interest

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

At the close of the agenda no requests for declarations of interest had been received.

3 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Monday, 24 August 2020, including the confidential section, as a true and correct record.

4 Public Forum

4.1 Public Forum - State of the Gulf's Seabirds - a preview

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. Dr Chris Gaskin and Kerry Lukies from the Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust will give members a preview of the forthcoming State of our Gulf’s Seabirds report, plus other work by the trust. See Attachment A for background notes.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) thank Dr Chris Gaskin and Kerry Lukies from the Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust for their presentation.

Attachments

a Background notes........................................................................................... 85

4.2 Public Forum - Hauraki Gulf Monitoring Project

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. Aless Smith from the University of Otago and students participating in the monitoring project will present an overview of the project and its outcomes. See Attachment A for supporting information.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) thank Aless Smith and students from the University of Otago for their presentation.

Attachments

a Supporting information................................................................................... 87

4.3 Public Forum - Conservation Design for the Hauraki Gulf

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. Dr Gabriela Baron and Baptiste Natali from the University of Auckland will introduce the conservation design programme and the results from a focus on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) thank Dr Gabriela Baron and Baptiste Natali from the University of Auckland for their presentation.

5 Extraordinary Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hauraki Gulf Forum

30 November 2020

Co-Chairs' Report

File No.: CP2020/17279

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide an update from the Co-Chairs.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Key actions since last meeting:

- Briefing to Incoming Government

- Hui with new MP for Auckland’s Gulf Islands Chlöe Swarbrick

- Hui with Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff

- Submission in support of rāhui proposal from Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki

- Submission on Auckland Council’s Regional Parks Management Plan

- Waiheke Marine Project Future Search

- Ngāti Manuhiri post-settlement building opening

- Interview for film on State of our Gulf

3. Last month we saw the election of a new government with new Ministers responsible for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act. Kiri Allan has taken on Conservation, Willie Jackson Māori Development, and David Parker the new ‘Oceans and Fisheries’ portfolio – the first time the fisheries role has included oceans alongside it.

4. Our briefing to the incoming government, submitted after Ministerial warrants were issued in early November, sets out clearly how we can partner with central government to make progress during this term. As the briefing notes, there is so much we can achieve if we work together (see further at Attachment A). We look forward to meeting our new Ministers in person at the earliest opportunity.

5. The election also delivered a new MP for Auckland Central: Chlöe Swarbrick. That electorate includes Auckland’s Gulf Islands. Co-Chair Coom and the Executive Officer met with her last month for whakawhanaungatanga and an initial discussion on the issues facing Te Moananui-ā-Toi, Tīkapa Moana. We were pleased to learn that MP Swarbrick has made restoring the mauri of the Gulf one of her top priorities for this term and look forward to our collaboration with her.

6. In addition, we also met recently with Auckland Mayor Phil Goff to strengthen the partnership with Auckland Council and reinforce the need to build back better as part of the COVID-recovery, including investment in both traditional and green infrastructure to prevent pollutants from Auckland entering the moana. We want to see ambition for restoring the Gulf in the Mayor’s Proposal as part of Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan (10-year budget) process.

7. Turning to submissions, we were pleased to lead two submissions on behalf of the Forum:

- To Fisheries New Zealand in support of the extension of the rāhui proposed by Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki at Umupuia to the take of cockles and pipis; and

- To Auckland Council regarding the review of its Regional Parks Management Plan, encouraging consideration of the inclusion of Auckland’s Gulf-facing Regional Parks into the Marine Park.

8. As restrictions associated with the second-COVID lockdown ended, more events kicked off around the Gulf. Co-Chair Coom and the Executive Officer attended the Waiheke Marine Project’s Future Search: a 3-day/2-night community and mana whenua-led hui to find common ground for improving the health of Waiheke’s degraded marine environment. Also in attendance were members Cath Handley, Dean Ogilvie and Jacob Hore, plus John Galilee who represented member Andrew Baucke. In addition, Co-Chair MacDonald and the Executive Officer were at the opening of Ngāti Manuhiri’s new post-settlement governance entity building in Warkworth and were separately filmed for an upcoming documentary on the State of the Hauraki Gulf.

9. Turning to the meeting at hand, we are grateful to be back together kanohi ki te kanohi. Our agenda on this occasion focuses on several cross-regional issues, including seabirds, shorebirds, coastal/climate issues, biosecurity and kina barrens. These are all areas that require cross-regional collaboration for sustained progress. In addition, we will be taking a decision to update our existing 2020-2022 Work Plan in respect of climate change and the addition of a deadline for our marine protection goal and a target for our riparian planting goal. Finally, we will wrap up progress from all members for 2020 and look ahead to 2021.

10. As always, our correspondence through the last period is appended to this report. See Appendices A-E. Some accompanying photos below.

(Presenting Mayor Goff with a copy of the 2020 Marine Park poster)

(Visit to Ports of Auckland with Member Scott Milne and Alternate Member Kylee Mathews)

(Waiheke Future Search – spot the many familiar faces)

(Connecting with new Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick)

(Opening of Ngāti Manuhiri’s Post Settlement Governance Entity Building in Warkworth)

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) note the Co-Chairs’ report.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Briefing to Incoming Government 2020	15
b ⇩	Thank you letter to Ministers	19
c ⇩	Submission on Ngai Tai ki Tamaki closure	21
d ⇩	Submission on Auckland's Regional Parks Management Plan	23

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Cr Pippa Coom – Co-Chairperson

Ms Nicola MacDonald – Co-Chairperson Tangata Whenua

Hauraki Gulf Forum

30 November 2020

Cross-Regional Issues & Opportunities

File No.: CP2020/17281

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To raise four cross-regional issues for the Forum’s information and consideration.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. This meeting’s location at Pūkorokoro, close to the Auckland – Waikato regional boundary, presents an ideal opportunity to focus on several issues where cross-regional coordination is critical to success. Integrated management of these challenges is one of the Forum’s key strategic issues.

3. Presentations will be provided on:

- Biosecurity - by Liz Brooks (Auckland Council)

- Mercury Islands - by Peter Corson (Quality Conservation)

- Kina Barrens - by Dr Nick Shears (University of Auckland)

- Bryde’s Whale - by Dr Rochelle Constantine (University of Auckland) and Matt Ball (Ports of Auckland)

4. Background papers on regional biosecurity and the Mercury islands are attached to this report.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) affirm the ongoing commitment of its members to cross-regional and inter-agency collaboration.

b) note the report.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030 and Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice	29
b ⇩	The Mercury Islands	31

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Alex Rogers - Executive Officer Hauraki Gulf Forum
Authoriser	Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

30 November 2020

Update to 2020-2022 Work Plan

File No.: CP2020/17282

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To update the Forum’s 2020-2022 Work Plan.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Forum adopted its 2020-2022 Work Plan in May 2020. Since that time, several suggestions were received from members to add to, update or clarify the existing text.

3. The attached version (see Attachment A – edits shown in red or ~~strikethrough~~) proposes three main changes:

- New language in the introduction to capture the importance of the increasing impact of climate change on the Marine Park;

- A deadline of 2030 for the marine protection goal; and

- A specific target for riparian planting by end-2022 (following the Forum’s consideration of the stocktake on riparian planting at its meeting in August).

4. In addition to those changes, another proposal received and acted upon was to create an expanded version of the Work Plan graphic showing key accountabilities. This is presented as Attachment B.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) adopt the updated 2020-2022 Work Plan (Attachment A of the agenda report).

b) welcome the updated Work Plan graphic.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Updated 2020-2022 Work Plan	35
b ⇩	Work Plan Accountability	45

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Alex Rogers - Executive Officer Hauraki Gulf Forum
Authoriser	Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

30 November 2020

Constituent Party Reports

File No.: CP2020/17285

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To update members on developments in 2020 from the Forum’s Constituent Parties.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Reports were received from:

- Matamata-Piako District Council (Attachment A)

- Waikato Regional Council (Attachment B)

- Auckland Council (Attachment C)

- Department of Conservation (Attachment D)

- Fisheries New Zealand & Ministry of Primary Industries (Attachments E, F, G & H)

3. The reports detail a significant amount of progress during what has been an otherwise very difficult and challenging year. Highlights include:

- MPDC’s catchment water quality improvements, water quality infrastructure investment and substantial planting and pest control;

- WRC’s review of its Regional Coastal Plan, commencement of a large water quality monitoring programme in the Firth of Thames, integrated management of the Wharekawa and Thames coastlines, and substantial progress in shellfish restoration and riparian planting;

- AC’s investments through targeted rates in land and marine biosecurity initiatives, and three-water separation infrastructure, implementation of proactive controls on sediment, and development of new local board plans (19 of the 21 have at least some part of the Marine Park’s catchment within their area)

- WRC and AC collaboration with Bay of Plenty and Northland regarding Top of the North Inter-Regional Marine Pathways Management Plan

- DoC’s partnership with Treaty partners, work on threatened species and kauri dieback, collaboration with AC on pest-control of Gulf islands, collaboration with WRC on catchment management plans, rollout of Jobs for Nature funds, and extraordinary success with public engagement with the Marine Park – reaching over 3 million people in 2020!;

- DoC, WRC and AC’s adoption of respective climate change plans;

- Fisheries NZ’s management of rāhui proposals, electronic monitoring programme for Black Petrels, adoption of the updated National Plan of Action for Seabirds (and associated information for fishers – see attachments), planning of the snapper trawl survey for the Hauraki Gulf, and Biosecurity New Zealand’s development of a guidance framework to assist with applications for shellfish restoration.

4. The extent of inter-agency and cross-regional collaboration is particularly heartening, especially where directly related to supporting progress against the Forum’s goals. Members should be commended for the extend of the achievements in 2020.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) welcome the report.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Matamata-Piako District Council Report	49
b ⇩	Waikato Regional Council Report	51
c ⇩	Auckland Council Report	53
d ⇩	Department of Conservation Report	57
e ⇩	Fisheries New Zealand Report	59
f ⇩	Black Petrel Electronic Monitoring Project	61
g ⇩	Protected Species Info for Fishers - Black Petrel	63
h ⇩	Protected Species Info for Fishers - Fleshfooted Shearwater	65

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Alex Rogers - Executive Officer Hauraki Gulf Forum
Authoriser	Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

30 November 2020

Executive Officer's Report

File No.: CP2020/17286

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide an update from the Executive Officer.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. What a year. 2020 will not be remembered fondly in many respects, but one thing a global pandemic has done is force all of us to refocus on what is truly important – our health, our whānau, our community, and our environment – and take action to support and protect those things.

3. In some ways the Forum has gone through a similar process this year, taking the long-coming decision to move to a co-governance leadership model and refocusing around those four ambitious goals for the Marine Park. Our 2020 State of our Gulf Report was a highlight, receiving both national and international media attention.

4. Looking broader still, 2020 has – despite the odds – been a good year for Tīkapa Moana, Te Moananui-ā-Toi, the Hauraki Gulf. We have seen big investments in traditional and green infrastructure, announcements of new funding streams, leaders emerging and communities coming together, upgraded Treaty partnerships, and an overriding sense across all of that of urgency and energy for restoring the mauri of the Gulf.

5. With the end of the year quickly approaching, there are a few final things I want to draw to your attention at this last hui for 2020.

Marine Dumping has occurred within the Marine Park

6. Attachment A is a letter from the Environmental Protection Authority responding to my request for information on any marine dumping near the Marine Park by consent holders which did not occur within 100m of the designated dump site as required by the consent. The EPA informs that this has occurred five times since 2016 – all by Coastal Resources Limited (whose consent is now held by Marina Consultants Limited). The majority of those were just outside the dump site by a few hundred metres, for example due to operator error. However, the last one, which occurred in February 2019, was 3.4km from the dump site, toward Aotea Great Barrier, and around 700m inside the Marine Park boundary. 600m3 was disposed, which equates to about 600,000 litres.

7. The EPA notes that this is provided for under condition 27 of the consent:

“In the event that, for any reason, emergency or otherwise, material is disposed outside of the authorised Disposal Area, the Permit Holder must notify the Director and the Auckland Harbourmaster within 24 hours. Such notification must include the quantity dumped, the exact location and the date and time the dumping occurred. Such notification must also include an explanation of the reasons for the dumping.”

8. The consent holder did notify the Director and Harbourmaster, stating that a technical issue had caused the barge to open outside of the authorised area.

9. While legal, this only reinforces our position that this practice has no place near a Marine Park. Reform of the Exclusive Economic Zone Act’s provisions on marine dumping was a core part of our Briefing to the Incoming Government.

Auckland’s proposed new Navigation Safety Bylaw would increase speeds in the inner Waitematā

10. Auckland Council has recently started consulting on a proposed new Navigation Safety Bylaw to replace the current one which expires in mid-2021.

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have-your-say/topics-you-can-have-your-say-on/proposed-new-navigation-safety-bylaw-2021/Pages/default.aspx

11. One aspect of concern is the proposal to increase the speed limit in the inner-Waitematā from 12kts to 18 kts. This is primarily aimed at allowing faster ferry services between Downtown and Devonport but could pose risks to marine life – particularly any Bryde’s Whales, bottlenose dolphins and false killer whales (the latter two are regular visitors to the area, the Bryde’s only occasionally). Any strike of a Bryde’s or false killer whale at 18kts could pose risks to passengers and crew also.

12. It is recommended that the Forum submits on the bylaw in two respects:

- To maintain the existing speed limit; and

- To encourage further consideration throughout of the safety of marine life, including considering adoption of a ‘cetacean watch’ protocol for craft in the area travelling at speed to avoid any harm to both our marine life and people.

13. It is important to note that this proposed bylaw would not impact on the existing protocol to maintain ship speeds of commercial and cruise ships under 10kts in the Hauraki Gulf to avoid ship strike of Bryde’s Whales (see more below).

Bryde’s Whale – average ship speeds remain below 10kts

14. With thanks to Ports of Auckland for the continued provision of ship speed data, we can report that average speeds continue to hold under 10kts. This is great news (please see Attachment B). No ship strikes have been reported in the past period.

Strategic Partnership with the Sustainable Business Network

15. In other good news, the Sustainable Business Network is interested in formalising our already close partnership. SBN has many programmes which operate to restore the health of the whenua and moana, and links in closely with the business community. We already collaborate closely and have drafted a simple non-binding partnership statement to reflect this (see Attachment C). It would be signed by the executive of each party.

16. The idea of the Forum having more formalised partnerships is something that was raised by members during our work plan process. This is therefore put forward for consideration as a template that we could also use/adapt with other partners down the track.

17. SBN also has their Gift to the Gulf event coming up soon. The event features four webinars over four days from 1-4 December:

1 December – Wonders of the Gulf

2 December – Restoring the Hauraki Gulf

3 December – Getting plastics out of the Gulf

4 December – Transport toxics in the Gulf

18. Register here: https://sustainable.org.nz/sustainable-business-events/gift-to-the-gulf/

Young Ocean Explorers’ 21 Day Challenge

19. Another event coming up prior to our next hui is the kick-off of the eagerly awaited 21 Day Challenge from Young Ocean Explorers, which will take place from 15 February to 15 March 2021. The 21 Day challenge is, as the name suggests, a 21-day guided programme in which thousands of year 1-8 students nationwide will learn about and then create a plan to help restore the Hauraki Gulf or their local moana.

20. The work being done by Young Ocean Explorers is truly inspirational. As Steve Hathaway from YOE says, tamariki these days are not only digital natives but environmental natives too. Hear more about the 21 Day Challenge, or get your local school involved, here: https://www.youngoceanexplorers.com/yoe/challenge/

Forum Financial Update

21. Finally, a quick update on the Forum’s finances during this temporary budget reduction for 2020/2021. The September quarter report (see Attachment D) shows that the balance sheet remains healthy and our spend is on track. Communications spend will increase in the coming months as we look to do a series of videos and podcasts on some of the specific stories of partnership around the Gulf.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) welcome the strategic partnership with the Sustainable Business Network.

b) note the report.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Letter from Environmental Protection Authority	71
b ⇩	Ship Speed Report	73
c ⇩	Strategic Partnership SBN - HGF	75
d ⇩	Financial Update September Quarter	77

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Alex Rogers - Executive Officer Hauraki Gulf Forum
Authoriser	Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Hauraki Gulf Forum

30 November 2020

2021 Schedule

File No.: CP2020/17292

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To agree the Forum’s schedule for 2021.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The following dates have been assessed as suitable according to the maramataka and known schedules of constituent parties:

- Monday 8 March – Tangaroa-ā-kiokio (note: this date is slightly later than normal to allow Ministers the time to conclude the appointment process for the Tangata Whenua members)

- Monday 24 May – Ōhua

- Monday 23 August – Ōturu

- Monday 29 November – Tangaroa-whakapau

3. It is recommended that the Forum maintain:

- Start time of 1pm

- Option for a workshop in the morning prior to the meeting

- In person meetings as a first preference, with fallback to zoom if COVID or other impacts intervene

- A split between meetings in the Waikato and Auckland regions

4. One thing that has perhaps permanently changed as a result of COVID is a desire among some members of the community to join such events virtually. The Forum has a position against the recording of its meetings. However, it is recommended that where feasible the Forum provides the option for remote participation in meetings by members of the public, with no recording permitted.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a) confirm the 2021 schedule.

b) agree to allow remote participation at public meetings by members of the public where feasible, so long as no recording takes place.

c) note the report.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Alex Rogers - Executive Officer Hauraki Gulf Forum
Authoriser	Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research