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

 

Date:

Time:

Meeting Room:

Venue:

 

Monday, 11 September 2023

1:00pm

Thames Coromandel District Council,
515 Mackay Street,
Thames.

 

Hauraki Gulf Forum

 

OPEN AGENDA

 

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Co-chairperson

Mayor Toby Adams

Hauraki District Council

Co-chairperson Tangata Whenua

Ms Nicola MacDonald

Tangata Whenua

Members

Cr Andrew Baker

Auckland Council

 

Ms Charmaine Bailie

Tangata Whenua

 

Mr Andrew Baucke

Department of Conservation

 

Mr Joe Davis

Tangata Whenua

 

Cr Christine Fletcher

Auckland Council

 

Mr Terrence Hohneck

Tangata Whenua

 

Mr Jacob Hore

Ministry for Primary Industries

 

Cr Mike Lee

Auckland Council

 

Cr Kerrin Leoni

Auckland Council

 

Cr Warren Maher

Waikato Regional Council

 

Mr Paul Majurey

Tangata Whenua

 

Mr Martin Mariassouce

Te Puni Kōkiri

 

Cr Paaniora Matatahi-Poutapu

Waikato District Council

 

Mr Dean Ogilvie

Tangata Whenua

 

Mr Chris Ollivier

Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board (Auckland Council)

 

Ms Bianca Ranson

Waiheke Local Board (Auckland Council)

 

Cr James Sainsbury

Matamata-Piako District Council

 

Mayor Len Salt

Thames-Coromandel District Council

 

Cr Wayne Walker

Auckland Council

 

(Quorum 11 members)

 

Mike Giddey

Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere / Governance Advisor

4 September 2023

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:

(c)          establish objectives for the management of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments:

(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:

(c)        to maintain the soil, air, water, and ecosystems of the Gulf.

 

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:

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

(ca)       7 representatives appointed by the Auckland Council:

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

…(iv) Hauraki District Council:

…(vi) Matamata-Piako District Council:

…(ix) Thames-Coromandel District Council:

…(x) Waikato District Council:

…(xi) Waikato Regional Council:

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

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

(a)        be members of—

(i)         the Auckland Council; or

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

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

(c)   to obtain, share, and monitor information on the state of the natural and physical resources:

(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

(c)     to make recommendations to 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.



 

Governance Statement – updated May 2021

 

 

Whakatauki

“He waka kōtuia kāhore e tukutukua ngā mimira.”

A canoe that is interlaced will not become separated at the bow. In unity there is strength.” In the highly developed craft of building ocean going waka the bow section was laced to the centre hull. The waka provides a metaphor for tangata whenua, in that a people interlaced will not be separated and through that unity we find strength.

 

This Governance Statement replaces all prior versions. It covers how the Forum works, and key roles and responsibilities. The Forum’s purposes, membership, functions and powers are set out in detail in Part 2 of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000 (HGMPA) and are not repeated here.

 

How the Forum works

 

Te whakahonore i o maatau hononga Tiriti hei painga mo Te Moananui-ō-Toi; Tīkapa Moana; Hauraki Gulf. The Forum will operate in partnership under the Treaty of Waitangi in accordance with the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act, including the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi under Section 6.

 

It will integrate and respect both Te Ao Māori and other world views.

 

The Forum’s conduct, and all those that interact with it, will adhere to the intent of the following principles:

·         Aroha: being considerate – having respect for relationships and being of service.

·         Openness and impartiality: having an open mind when making decisions and listening to other points of view.

·         Tautoko: supporting others by respecting and upholding others mana, dignity, identity and unique perspective.

·         Manaaki: caring for others by responsibly valuing others and ensuring they feel valued.

·         Stewardship: using powers and resources prudently.

·         Awhi: helping others by entering into effective engagements in the spirit of co-operation and good faith.

·         Leadership: inspiring action toward achieving common goals.

·         Tika: being responsible – doing the right thing with integrity and accountability.

·         Pono: being effective – building credibility.

·         Ethics: maintaining the highest standard of ethical conduct.

The Forum will endeavour to meet quarterly, with meetings split between the Auckland and Waikato regions. It will hold additional workshops and meetings as required.

 

Our Roles and Responsibilities

-          Co-Chairs

o   One Co-Chair is from and elected by the membership at large

o   One Co-Chair is from and decided by the Tangata Whenua members

o   Co-Chairs lead the Forum and are its spokespeople

o   Co-Chairs work in partnership with each other

o   Co-Chairs exemplify the principles by which we work

o   Co-Chairs chair Forum meetings, set strategic direction, support and work with all Members, and front public engagement

(A separate Co-Chairing arrangement records the practical aspects of Co-Chairing)

 

-          Members

o   Members support and work with the Co-Chairs and each other to take effective decisions and progress the agenda of the Forum

o   Members bring their expertise and mana to ensure quality decision making in the interests of the Marine Park

o   Members represent their Constituent Party, as defined under the HGMPA

o   Members may send alternates to meetings they are unable to attend so long as this is notified in advance and in accordance with any applicable practice

 

-          Executive Officer

o   The Executive Officer functions as the Chief Executive of the Forum and is responsible for taking forward resolutions of the Forum, ensuring adherence to the HGMPA, supporting the Co-Chairs and all Members, preparing meeting papers, coordination with external partners, and the Forum’s management, contracts, finance and administration.

o   The Executive Officer chairs meetings of Technical Officers and works closely with the Governance Advisor.

 

-          Governance Advisor

o   The Governance Advisor is responsible for collating and publishing meeting agendas, writing minutes and providing advice on process.

 

-          Technical Officers

o   Members are encouraged to have technical officers to provide them and the Forum with expert support and advice.

o   Technical Officers will work with their Members, the Executive Officer and each other to progress the Forum’s resolutions, as appropriate.

 

-          Administering Authority

o   Auckland Council is the Administering Authority (for responsibilities see s28, HGMPA)

 

Review

This Governance Statement will be reviewed every 3 years.

 

 


Hauraki Gulf Forum

11 September 2023

 

 

 

 

Karakia

Mihi Wakatau

 

 

ITEM   TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                                                         PAGE

1          Apologies                                                                                                                      11

2          Declaration of Interest                                                                                                 11

3          Confirmation of Minutes                                                                                             11

4          Public Forum                                                                                                                11

4.1     Public Forum - State of our Seabirds                                                              11

4.2     Public Forum - Bioremediation using Seaweed                                             11

4.3     Public Forum - Will Forestry Destroy Natives - if so Why?                           12

5          Extraordinary Business                                                                                              12

6          Co-Chairs' Report                                                                                                        13

7          Tracing Heavy Metals                                                                                                  15

8          Valuation of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park                                                               17

9          Constituent Party Updates                                                                                         19

10        Executive Officer's Report                                                                                          21

11        Consideration of Extraordinary Items

 

 

Karakia

 

 


1          Apologies

 

An apology from Cr C Fletcher has 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.

 

 

3          Confirmation of Minutes

 

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a)         confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Monday, 12 June 2023, as a true and correct record.

 

 

4          Public Forum

 

4.1       Public Forum - State of our Seabirds

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.       Janice Molloy from Southern Seabirds will provide an update on recent seabird data and will seek the Forum’s views on engaging with communities on seabird-safe recreational fishing.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a)      thank Janice Molloy for her update on recent seabird data.

 

 

 

4.2       Public Forum - Bioremediation using Seaweed

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.       Taylor Moore and Alison Smith will provide an update on the bioremediation trials Agrisea is conducting with seaweed to potentially clean up our rivers leading into the Hauraki Gulf.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a)      thank Taylor Moore and Alison Smith for their update on the bioremediation trials Agrisea is conducting with seaweed.

 

 


 

 

4.3       Public Forum - Will Forestry Destroy Natives - if so Why?

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.       Tau Ngaruhe and Sandy Cuesta will present on the destruction of native trees at Maramarua in the catchment of the Hauraki Gulf.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a)      thank Tau Ngaruhe and Sandy Cuesta for their presentation on the destruction of native trees at Maramarua.

 

 

 

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

11 September 2023

 

 

Co-Chairs' Report

File No.: CP2023/12559

 

  

 

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.       To provide an update from the Hauraki Gulf Forum’s Co-Chairs, Toby Adams and Nicola MacDonald.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2.       ‘When it rains, it pours’ is a phase that neatly sums up the period since our last meeting - both in the literal and metaphorical senses. A very wet winter has seen high outflows of sediment and land-based pollutants into the Gulf, while an extraordinary number of issues have come to a head or have been progressed in recent weeks. As Co-Chairs we have been to Wellington, Waitangi, and, it feels like, almost everywhere in-between over the past three months.

3.       If there is a single issue among those many priorities that has dominated, it has been the invasive seaweed Caulerpa. Discoveries at Kawau and Waiheke have confirmed the presence of Caulerpa in the inner-Gulf. Meanwhile, the leadership of the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust in bringing down the Californian delegation for a series of workshops as part of the Te Wero Nui movement has galvanised communities and energised the response to this invader.

4.       In addition to the important Caulerpa workshops held in Waitangi, Tāmaki and Hauraki, we also met with Minister for Biosecurity Hon. Damien O’Conner in Wellington to underscore the need for a step-change in government’s response. We are now seeing that, with suction dredging about to begin, divers in the water, and further surveillance is being undertaken. Councils are also becoming more active both in response and in financial terms. But it is still not enough. This is a fast growing, fast spreading seaweed. We need to see a serious increase in investment to enable the kind of response that can effectively reduce, remove and eradicate Caulerpa. We will hear more about that during our deliberations today.

5.       The week of 7 August was the busiest week in a long time. The Caulerpa roadshows, the launch by the Prime Minister of the next steps in the government’s Revitalising the Gulf Plan, the sold-out launch of our State of the Gulf report, and around 30 media interviews/stories on various issues facing the Hauraki Gulf all combined to produce an important milestone for the Forum and for the Gulf. We have received great feedback on the State of the Gulf report, and it has been quoted extensively since in media and in Parliament.

6.       In the last fortnight we have seen the first reading of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill, and the release of consultation documents on proposed trawl areas. Again, we will be receiving a briefing on both of those important issues as part of our agenda today.

7.       Looking ahead, we anticipate a continued focus on the Caulerpa invasion, the various open consultations including on Waikato’s draft Regional Coastal Plan, and how issues facing the Gulf – and solutions to them – are raised as part of the general election. There will be a new government in place by the time we next meet on 4 December on Waiheke Island.

8.       Our thanks today to local mana whenua and communities, and to Thames Coromandel District Council staff, Mayor Len Salt, Councillor Deli Connell, Chief Executive Aileen Lawrie and Strategy & Policy Manager Leslie Vyfhuis for your support for our hui and site visit today.

9.       Our formal correspondence over the past quarter is attached to this report.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a)      note the report.

 

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

a

Letter to Minister for Biosecurity

 

b

Letter to Assoc Minister of Transport

 

c

Submission on Kina

 

      

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Mayor Toby Adams – Co-Chairperson

Ms Nicola Mac Donald – Co-Chairperson – Tangata Whenua

 

 


Hauraki Gulf Forum

11 September 2023

 

 

Tracing Heavy Metals

File No.: CP2023/12561

 

  

 

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.       To update the Forum on innovative work to trace the sources of heavy metals in our coastal environment.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2.       The Forum will be briefed by the project team from the University of Otago, Australian National University, NIWA and Auckland Council on cutting-edge work using heavy metal isotope ‘fingerprints’ to identify the sources of the deposition of heavy metals, including in the Hauraki Gulf.

3.       An overview of the project is provided at Attachment A.

 

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a)      thank the project team of Professor Claudine Sterling (University of Otago), Dr Jennifer Gadd (NIWA), Prof Michael Ellwood (ANU), Dr Matthew Druce and Dr Malcolm Reid (University of Otago), and Dr Theo Kpodonu and Dr Tom Stephens (Auckland Council), for their work on this important issue

b)      encourage the development of this work to allow for a full assessment of the sources of heavy metals in the Gulf, enabling targeted follow-up with those sources to stop the deposition of heavy metals and improve the health of the Gulf.

 

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

a

Tracing sources of heavy metals

 

     

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Alex Rogers - Executive Officer Hauraki Gulf Forum

Authoriser

Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

 

 


Hauraki Gulf Forum

11 September 2023

 

 

Valuation of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

File No.: CP2023/12563

 

  

 

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.       To brief the Forum on the key findings of a recent natural capital valuation of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, and outline options for future work in this area.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2.       The team from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (Dr Peter Clough, Dr Michael Bealing and Dr Ting Huang) will present the methodology and key findings of their natural capital valuation, which concluded that the Gulf provides annual flows of value in excess of NZD $5billion.

3.       A copy of the report is provided at Attachment A.

 

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a)      thank Dr Peter Clough, Dr Michael Bealing and Dr Ting Huang from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research for their work and their presentation.

 

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

a

Valuing the Hauraki Gulf

 

     

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Alex Rogers - Executive Officer Hauraki Gulf Forum

Authoriser

Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

 

 


Hauraki Gulf Forum

11 September 2023

 

 

Constituent Party Updates

File No.: CP2023/12566

 

  

 

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.       To update the Forum on four key developments led by the Forum’s Constituent Parties.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2.       Briefings will be provided on:

-     Waikato Regional Council’s State of the Environment Report (summary at Attachment A)

-     Waikato Regional Council’s draft Regional Coastal Plan (summary at Attachment B)

-     Fisheries NZ and the Department of Conservation’s Revitalising the Gulf Plan (briefing + key documents at Attachments C-E)

-     Biosecurity NZ’s Caulerpa response

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a)      note the reports

b)      request Biosecurity NZ fund a common geographical information system (GIS) platform to support coordination across iwi, community, agencies and contractors, and ensure comprehensive, publicly available, and easily accessible visual data showing the full extent of all Caulerpa infestations and efforts underway to reduce, remove and eradicate them.

 

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

a

Waikato Region State of the Environment Report Summary

 

b

Waikato Region draft Regional Coastal Plan Summary

 

c

Revitalising the Gulf update from DoC and FNZ

 

d

Trawl area consultation

 

e

Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill

 

     

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Alex Rogers - Executive Officer Hauraki Gulf Forum

Authoriser

Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

 

 


Hauraki Gulf Forum

11 September 2023

 

 

Executive Officer's Report

File No.: CP2023/12567

 

  

 

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

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

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2.       The Forum has been in the spotlight over the past quarter, for all the right reasons.

3.       The successful conclusion of our two largest contracts – on time and on budget – with release of the Valuation of the Gulf and State of the Gulf 2023 reports, has had real impact at both the political and community level. I am proud of the quality of those big pieces of work, and of the way in which we as a Forum are able to effectively communicate and shift narratives.

4.       Our valuation work is ground-breaking. But the $100billion NZD natural capital asset valuation of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is only really a toe in the water when it comes to the potential utility of natural capital valuation work. With more precise data we may be able to further progress our, and New Zealand’s, understanding of the true flows of value from our natural world – and thereby take better measures and decisions to protect that value and enhance it for future generations.

5.       Our State of the Gulf 2023 is a visually stunning product which has since been held up in Parliament and in front of audiences around the country as authoritative. This is, for me, another key point about how the Forum works. When we convey information, we do so without fear or favour. We tell it how it is. And we have a board of Members that are absolutely committed to improving the health of the Gulf. That’s why we have cut through and access that is well beyond our size.

6.       With our new term now underway, there is another important piece of work whose time has now come: to refresh our 3-yearly Work Plan. This will be a focus of our next meeting on Waiheke Island on 4 December. In the intervening period I will be seeking input from Members on what should be in there. It is a great opportunity to take a fresh look at our big goals, our strategic issues, and the targets we want to see hit in the next period.

7.       I also intend to present in December some options for the next steps of our natural capital valuation work. There is still some funding available in our accumulated surplus for a good project, and it is in my view in the Forum’s interests to keep going in this innovative space.

Ship speed update

8.       Ship speeds remained under the 10kt target for the past quarter, with no reported strikes of Bryde’s whales. See Attachment A.

Financial update

9.       The Forum’s fourth quarter financials for the 2022-2023 financial year are provided at Attachment B.

Technical officers’ hui

10.     My thanks to Forum Technical Officers for their continued support of the Forum. Notes of our last meeting to prepare for today’s board meeting are at Attachment C.

 

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Hauraki Gulf Forum:

a)      note the report.

 

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

a

Ship Speed Report

 

b

Financial update

 

c

Technical Officers' Hui

 

     

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Alex Rogers - Executive Officer Hauraki Gulf Forum

Authoriser

Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research