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NAU MAI, HAERE MAI!
Welcome to the Conservation Boards' Newsletter
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Keep up to date with the activities of Conservation Boards around Aotearoa. In this issue discover highlights from Te Hiku o Te Ika, Waikato, Tongariro Taupō, Taranaki Whanganui, Wellington, Chatham Islands, West Coast Tai Poutini, and Otago Conservation Boards.
Issue 21 : June 2021
Male Pūriri moth | Photo by Rod Morris
A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
Tēnā koutou Conservation Whānau,
This month has marked a major milestone for us all with the Predator Free 2050 five year conference. PF2050 was an ambitious vision that many in the general public doubted when first floated – but now, with the help of your hard mahi, Predator Free has become a household (two) words, with amazing and impactful projects ranging from backyard-size to landscape-wide. My own seven year old is a proud PF Wellington member.
The other major news was the announcement of long awaited whitebait reforms. This followed meticulous consultation and months of planning and research and I am pleased with where we have landed as a Government. Whitebait face a range of threats and pressures, including habitat degradation, poor water quality, and overfishing. The new rules are about striking a balance; improving the sustainability of the species while also ensuring Kiwis can continue the tradition of catching a feed in their local river into the future. You can read more about the regulations here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/protecting-whitebait-fishery-future-generations
I want to thank everyone again for a momentous month for conservation as a whole. Keep up the fantastic work!
Ngā mihi nui
Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTS
Te Hiku o Te Ika
The Te Hiku o Te Ika Conservation Board have been keenly focused on supporting the process for development of the Te Hiku o Te Ika Conservation Management Strategy.
Left to Right: Haami Piripi (Chairperson - Te Rarawa), Sue Reed-Thomas (DOC Operations Director, Northern North Island), Rhonda Kite (Chairperson, Te Aupōuri), Wallace Rivers (Chairperson, Ngai Takoto)
In April 2021, Te Hiku Iwi and the Department of Conservation signed te Kawenata - He Korowai Atawhai mō te Taiao o Te Hiku, a new strategy that forms the roadmap for the future of conservation management and decision-making in Te Hiku, through the development of the Te Hiku Conservation Management Strategy (CMS).
On 28 April 1840, Te Hiku lwi, led by Rangatira Nōpera Panakareao, greeted Colonial Secretary, Willoughby Shortland, with musket fire and a haka. Sixty-one members of Te Hiku lwi signed the Te Tiriti o Waitiangi/The Treaty of Waitangi at Tuahu that day.
The signing of the Kawenata was celebrated in remembrance of this historic occasion. For Te Hiku lwi (Te Rarawa, NgāiTakoto, and Te Aupōuri), and for the Department of Conservation, Te Kawenata is a new partnership agreement between tangata whenua and the Crown, in the spirit of Te Tiriti/the Treaty.
"Sixty-one members of Te Hiku lwi signed the Te Tiriti o Waitiangi/The Treaty of Waitangi at Tuahu that day.
The signing of the Kawenata was celebrated in remembrance of this historic occasion."
The CMS forms a significant part of the cultural redress provided for in the 2015 Treaty Settlements for Te Hiku Iwi (Te Rarawa, NgāiTakoto, Te Aupōuri, and Ngāti Kuri). It applies to an area defined in Treaty Settlements as Te Korowai area. Te Korowai extends from the Hokianga Harbour in the west, and Mangōnui in the east, northwards, to Cape Reinga.
A Working Group has been established to co-author and draft the CMS, and is focused on delivering the initial draft CMS ready for formal engagement with tangata whenua, key stakeholders, and community in late 2021.
Kororā/Little blue penguin, on Werahi Beach | Photo courtesy of DOC
An initial consultation and engagement phase is underway, and involves seeking and considering a range of community views. This non-statutory consultation phase is informal, allowing for a range of consultation methods to be utilised without the constraint of statutory timeframes. Early communication and engagement with whanau and hapū are integral to this process.
The Te Hiku Conservation Board looks forward to their involvement in the CMS development process, and this mahi is likely to be their primary focus for the foreseeable future.
Te Rerenga Wairua/Cape Reinga | Photo courtesy of Benhi Dixon
GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Te Hiku o Te Ika Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.
HAVE YOUR SAY - more information about the Te Hiku CMS, including its public consultation process, can be found here.
Waikato
The Waikato Conservation Board has been focused on visiting and engaging with communities on conservation issues across its rohe. The Board was lucky enough to visit both Raglan in the west, and the Coromandel Peninsula in the north-east, learning more about the fantastic community-led conservation initiatives taking place there.
Looking north across the mudflats of Aotea Scientific Reserve, to Mount Karioi | Photo courtesy of DOC
In mid-December, the Board spent the afternoon in Raglan, where they met with representatives from the Karioi Project, a community project that aims to restore biodiversity on Karioi maunga, with a particular focus on seabirds.
The project started when the community became aware that ōi (grey-faced petrel) were nesting in burrows on the side of the maunga. Monitoring of burrows commenced, and it was discovered that none of the monitored chicks had fledged, due to predation. Subsequently, predator control has been expanded to cover the maunga and beyond. This has contributed to the successful fledgling of at least 30 ōi chicks over the last 4 years! More recently it has been found that kororā (little penguin) also nest on the coastline, which was an exciting discovery.
During the field trip, the Board went on a short bush walk to hear about the work the Karioi Project are doing, which includes monitoring, predator control, and education. The Board also learnt about ōi, including visiting an ōi burrow. One of the many interesting facts about ōi is that they typically come in to land on stormy nights, crashing into tree tops before making their way to their ground burrows.
Ōi/grey faced petrel | Photo by Rod Morris, courtesy of DOC
Karioi Project member presenting to Waikato Conservation Board | Photo by Adrienne Corfe
The Board's April 2021 field trip and Board meeting were focused on the top of Coromandel Peninsula, which highlighted key local issues ranging from recreational assets, visitor strategies, iwi aspirations and protecting rare species. The Board viewed the impressive Coromandel bike park, built by the Spirit of Coromandel Trust, and visited the nearby walking track, which has been upgraded to combat the risk of kauri dieback. Local DOC staff shared their passion for the area and the challenge of too few resources for too many sites needing protection, restoration, and better visitor infrastructure.
"[Moehau] is one of only three points in Aotearoa which were never submerged after breaking off from Gondwanaland, and hence are the source of all terrestrial native biodiversity we have across the country. Awesome!"
The Board stopped for lunch at Waikawau Campground, which has successfully reconfigured an incredibly popular Christmas holiday spot, so that the spike in visitors is spread more evenly across the summer. This has alleviated the worst human impacts while actually increasing campground revenue.
The Board ended their day at Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat at Port Charles, and were entranced by the Moehau Story, related to them by local iwi members. This maunga is one of only three points in Aotearoa which were never submerged after breaking off from Gondwanaland, and hence are the source of all terrestrial native biodiversity we have across the country. Awesome! After dinner, Leticia Williams from Moehau Environmental Group led the Board on a kiwi by night walk. Unfortunately, no kiwi were spotted.
The Board meeting the next day featured updates on the Hauraki Settlement Implementation Plan, and representations on proposed mining at Wharekirauponga by Coromandel Watchdog. The programme was cut short due to heavy weather approaching, so it was a dash back to Coromandel township and hasty farewells to those who had hosted the Board so superbly.
Left to right - Apanui Skipper, DOC Pou Tairangahau Operations, Hauraki Waikato Taranaki (HWT); Matt Flynn, DOC Supervisor Operations, HWT; and Flora Bartholomew, Waikato Conservation Board member | Photo by Adrienne Corfe, Board Support Officer
GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Waikato Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.
Tongariro Taupō
The Tongariro Taupō Conservation Board has made it a priority to establish closer relations with iwi this year, and to understand iwi aspirations for conservation across their rohe. This is key to moving forward with other key priorities, including the review of the Tongariro Taupō Conservation Management Strategy.
Sunrise from Ketetahi Hut, Tongariro Northern Circuit | Photo by Jimmy Johnson
As a result of agreed Treaty settlements, the Board now includes statutory members nominated by local iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Rangi. Two other significant local iwi, Ueneku and Ngāti Hauā, are still in the process of negotiating their settlements, and the Board looks forward to these iwi also having the opportunity to nominate statutory members to the Board. In the interim, both iwi have been asked to accept a co-opted seat until their settlement processes are completed, so that they can bring their views and interests to the Board table.
Meeting with each iwi during the year is a priority for the Board, and in future, meetings will rotate so that each hui is held in a different iwi rohe.
Kaipō River, Kaimanawa Forest Park | Photo by Jimmy Johnson
Another area of focus for the Board is the review of the Tongariro Taupō Conservation Management Strategy (CMS).
The Board would like to see the opportunity presented by the present pause in international tourism to be utilised in order for a reset of the way we use protected lands and waters.
At its November 2020 meeting, the Board was privileged enough to meet with representatives of Uenuku, who provided a presentation on Pōkākā Eco Sanctuary and discussed the importance of the land to their iwi. At this meeting, the Board also discussed the review of the CMS; as well as damage to the Ohinetonga Loop Trap, which highlighted the impact of climate issues on local infrastructure.
The Board's January 2021 meeting included a formal meeting with representatives of Ngāti Rangi, who discussed the outcomes of their Treaty Settlement, as well as their organisational structure, and aspirations for conservation within their rohe.
"The Board appreciated the mahi being undertaken by members of the Foundation, and the importance of working together to achieve common objectives."
The focus of the Board's March meeting was primarily on the CMS review. The Board also met with representatives of the Sika Foundation, who discussed the deer control measures in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Ranges. The Board appreciated the mahi being undertaken by members of the Foundation, and the importance of working together to achieve common objectives.
GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Taranaki Whanganui Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.
Taranaki Whanganui
One of the outcomes identified as a priority for the Taranaki Whanganui Conservation Board has been to increase its profile in local communities, in order to promote direct interactions between communities and the Board.
Whanganui River | Photo by Justin Rihia, courtesy of DOC
The Taranaki Whanganui Conservation Board's goal of increasing its community profile is intended to encourage members of the wider public to learn about the work of the Board, attend its meetings, and participate in its conversations. This closer connection with the community will sit alongside, and contribute to, the Board's other statutory obligations, including monitoring Te Papa Atawhai/Department of Conservation against its Conservation Management Strategies.
Part of the issue identified by the Board in relation to its public profile - is that most people don't know what they do! As part of resolving this dilemma, the Board decided to develop a recognisable identity and strapline, that stands out from the plethora of other environmental organisations currently active within its rohe.
The Board considered that it needed something that reflects the broad range of ecological features and biodiversity across its rohe, and alerts viewers to its role as an independent monitor of Te Papa Atawhai.
Fur seal diving, Tapuae Marine Reserve | Photo by Callum Lillley, courtesy of DOC
To this end, the Board developed a new strapline, and logo:
"Taiao a-uta, Taiao a-tai
Atawahaitia mai te taiao e te taitangata e!"
The Board has also agreed to a karakia, that will be recited at the start of each meeting, to focus themselves on the mahi before them.
The next task to be achieved for this outcome is a "communications strategy", to better inform the wider public about the Board's work and encourage open and frank conversations about conservation in their rohe.
GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Taranaki Whanganui Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.
Wellington
The Wellington Conservation Board has primarily been focused on monitoring the Department's work to meet the milestones of the Wellington Conservation Management Strategy.
Wellington Conservation Board, along with DOC staff and members of Ngāti Toa, on Mana Island | Photo by Dion Downey
The Board's first meeting of the year in late January was very full, with attendees from neighbouring conservation boards and the New Zealand Conservation Authority. The meeting took place in Palmerston North, and included presentations from DOC staff regarding the Department's Deer Control programme, and its work to meet the milestones of the 2019 Wellington Conservation Management Strategy (CMS).
The Board's March meeting included discussions regarding the Board's priorities moving forward. It was followed by a field trip to Rewa Bush.
A member of the public raised issues regarding public access to Rewa Bush at the Board's meeting in November 2019. Since then, the Board have had a keen interest in supporting public access to this area.
Common Gecko, Mana Island | Photo by Lorna Travers
Takahē, Mana Island | Photo by Lorna Travers
In May, the Board had a field trip to Mana Island, a pest-free island sanctuary south of its more well-known neighbour, Kāpiti Island. The Board was joined by DOC staff, as well Naomi Solomon and Robert McLean of Ngāti Toa. Ngāti Toa has mana whenua over the island, and the Board appreciated the perspectives brought by Naomi and Robert.
The field trip was followed by the Board's May meeting, where Esther Dijkstra was elected to be the new Chair, while Nicole McCrossin was elected Deputy-Chair.
Wellington Conservation Board members on Mana Island, with the South Island visible over the Cook Straight behind | Photo by Lorna Travers
GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Wellington Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.
Chatham Islands
The Chatham Islands Conservation Board has been keenly focused on encouraging the progress of the Chatham Islands Conservation Management Strategy. The Board also has a keen interest in conservation initiatives taking place across the islands.
Sothern end of Rangihaute / Rangiauria / Pitt Island, at sunset | Photo by Craig Potton, courtesy of DOC
The Board convened for their February 2021 meeting at Flowerpot Lodge, Pitt Island. Prior to the meeting, members of the Board were taken for a tour of Ellen Elizabeth Pearce Conservation Covenant (known as “Caravan Bush”). The Board were shown the nesting sites of Chatham Island Petrel, impressed by the song of a Chatham Island tui, and were excited to discover the (less visually impressive, but very underrated) Chatham Island endemic lichen Lecanora kohu growing in the forest. This lichen has previously been found on Hokorereoro / Rangatira / South East Island, and Rekohu / Wharekauri / Chatham Island, but not on Rangihaute / Rangiauria / Pitt Island, until now!
The most pressing issue discussed at the February meeting was the need to revise and update the draft sections of the Chatham Islands Conservation Management Strategy (CMS). The current version was published in 1999, so is seriously out of date. The Board is now engaged in a process which will help with the completion of the CMS once DOC planning resources become available.
Chatham Islands Tūi | Photo courtesy of Leon Berard - leonberardphotography.co.nz
The Board discussed Chatham Predator Free 2050, with the Board welcoming the new coordinator, Hamish Chisholm. There were also discussions regarding flora conservation, with the Board receiving an overview of Chatham Island nurseries, and guidance being prepared to assist islanders with seed collection, by DOC biodiversity ranger Tom Hitchon. The Board was treated to an entertaining and illuminating korero about working on Rangihaute / Rangiauria / Pitt Island, by DOC rangers Andrea Rix and Craig Harrison. The meeting was followed by an excellent dinner prepared by the Board’s hosts at Flowerpot Lodge.
Rākau momori, kōpi grove, Taia, Rēkohu | Photo by Peter de Lange, Board member
The Board’s April meeting was preceded by a field inspection of Taia Peninsula on Rekohu / Wharekauri / Chatham Island. This large block of land, formerly farmed, and of extremely high cultural and biodiversity values, has been purchased by the Nature Heritage Fund, for the purpose of forming a Historic Reserve. It is currently being managed in partnership between Hokotehi Moriori Trust (HMT) and DOC, while awaiting a final decision regarding ownership and management from the Minister of Conservation.
The Board was impressed by HMT’s predator free landscape plans for Taia. Other conservation management initiatives in Taia related to weed control, particularly of “cranberry”, or Chilean guava; and the management of the unique rākau momori, bruisings and etchings made by Moriori on living kōpi trees, now managed through a Kōpi Management Plan and Advisory Board jointly administered by HMT and DOC.
Members of the Board also attended the long-awaited Pukenga Atawhai course on Rekohu / Wharekauri / Chatham Island, along with DOC staff. The benefits of this time spent together were immeasurable.
Left to right: Board members Michelle Andersen, Judy Kamo, Peter de Lange, Susan Thorpe, and Di Gregory-Hunt; Board Support Officer Jilleen Chandler | Photo by Peter de Lange, Board member
GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Chatham Islands Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.
West Coast Tai Poutini
The West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board has been working on improving its processes, and developing its collaborative capabilities. It has shaken up its meeting agenda and held a series of workshops, in the hopes it can be more effective in helping Papatūānuku to thrive.
Haast River | Photo by Eiji Kitai
The West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board was assisted in its efforts to rebuild relationships within the Board through a workshop held by DOC Deputy Director-General Kāhui Kaupapa Atawhai, Michelle Hippolite. Michelle assisted the Board in their understanding about what it means to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitiangi, ensuring all voices are heard, and ensuring that the Board is working collaboratively to ensure that Papatūānuku thrives in the Board's rohe.
West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board members at the Reefton Restoration Project | Photo by Inger Perkins
The Board also undertook a refresh of its agendas in order to prioritise time for strategic and governance issues over administrative matters.
The Board received presentations on topics including: climate change, whitebait, tahr, long-term visitor planning, cultural and historical tourism management and planning, and a vision for a new wild rivers park.
In April, the Board was fortunate enough to have a field trip to the Reefton Restoration Project, which is seeking to rehabilitate the former Globe Progress open pit gold mine. The restoration project is being led by the mine's owner, Oceana Gold, who is working alongside the Department of Conservation on ensuring the environmental impacts of the mine are responsibly managed.
The Board appreciated presentations which provided insights into the planning and execution of the restoration process, as well as local perspectives. The Board hopes that the high standards observed at this site are translated into best practice for all mines operating on PCL, through education and support for smaller mining operators, as well as through access arrangement conditions and compliance.
Kōtuku / White heron | Photo courtesy of Peter Langlands, Wild Capture
The Board also made a submission to He Pou a Rangi / Climate Change Commission on its draft advice. They have been pleased to see rapid progress in DOC's management of climate change mitigation and adaptation in relation to all operations, including processing permissions applications.
GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.
Otago
It has been a challenging 6 months for the Otago Conservation Board, with the highly-anticipated March meeting and field trip in the Catlins deferred to an online meeting in response to fluctuating Covid alert levels. In spite of this, the Board made great use of their time together, submitting on topics of interest, and streamlining their focus.
Hoiho/Yellow-eyed penguin, Roaring Bay | Photo courtesy of Bruce McKinley
In November 2020, the Board held a Treaty Partnership workshop in Dunedin, attended by local iwi. The Board explored its responsibilities in relation to the Treaty partnership, with context being provided by members of the Board, DOC staff, and members of local iwi. At their meeting the following day, the Board discussed their workplan and key priorities.
The Board was really looking forward to their March 2021 meeting, which was scheduled to take place, along with a field trip, in the Catlins. This trip was planned with the intention of meeting with local community groups, and learning more about the conservation issues in that area. Unfortunately, this was cancelled due to changing Covid alert levels, so the Board held its meeting online instead, and used it to progress their Annual Work Plan.
rāpoka/sea lions, Catlins | Photo courtesy of Sabine Bernet, https://sabinebernert.fr
In April, the Board enjoyed holding a joint workshop on Climate Change with the Southland Conservation Board in Invercargill. The session included hearing from Judy Lawrence of the Climate Change Commission; Department of Conservation national and regional perspectives from Karl Beckert, Sam Parsons and Aaron Fleming; an overview of the New Zealand Conservation Authority's climate change work delivered by Tony Lepper; and a view on climate change shared by Ngāi Tahu-nominated Board member Dean Fraser.
Mokopirirakau/Southern forest gecko, Tahakopa Valley | Photo courtesy of Emilie Chavel
The Board has made a number of submissions on conservation issues since November 2020. These include: Dustan Downs in November 2020; Crown Law Reform in January 2021; Climate Change in March 2021; and, Otago Regional Council's Long-Term Plan 2021-23 in May 2021.
GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.
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Next time in the Conservation Board Newsletter, we hear from Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, East Coast Hawke's Bay, Nelson Marlborough, Canterbury Aoraki, and Southland conservation boards!
