WELCOME TO THE CONSERVATION BOARDS' NEWSLETTER 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Keep up to date with the activities of Conservation Boards around Aotearoa New Zealand. In this issue discover highlights from Te Hiku o Te Ika, Waikato, East Coast Hawke's Bay, Tongariro/Taupo, Taranaki/Whanganui, Chatham Islands, West Coast Tai Poutini, and Otago Conservation Boards. 

Issue 27: December 2022

Simon Wells with Hon Poto Williams, Minister of Conservation, after being awarded
the Loder Cup Award in Nelson | Photo by Rick McGovern-Wilson 

A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

Tēnā koutou katoa

I have been privileged to visit some amazing places to see the results of ongoing conservation work in recent months.

A particular highlight was my October visit to the Chatham Islands, a very unique place surrounded by productive seas, with endemic flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. The Islands have more endemic species than any other biogeographic area in New Zealand and are home to 25 percent of New Zealand’s endangered species. Only 15 percent of Chatham and Pitt islands is public conservation land.

Because the natural habitat is limited, as much of the land is privately owned and farmed, it was important to meet with local staff, community members, Imi, and Iwi to establish relationships and discuss conservation work being undertaken on the islands.

As the year draws to a close, it’s important not just to look back, but to look forward, especially in conservation; our goal is to preserve nature for the future, after all. One of the ways DOC helps with that is through the DOC Community Fund, which opened for applications in November.

This fund makes $9.2 million available for community conservation groups nationwide in the next year, to support critical grassroots work to halt the biodiversity crisis.

The fund is aligned with achieving the outcomes of the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy/Te Mana o Te Taiao, to ensure that we’re protecting what needs it most. As we know, New Zealand’s biodiversity is a rich tapestry of animal and plant life, from wonderful snails and rare lichens to endangered birds and lizards, and the unique and special ecosystems they are a part of.

One of the most important aspects of this fund is that it recognises that community groups play a vital role in protecting our precious wildlife and places. We need these groups if we’re to turn around the biodiversity crisis; we’re all in this together. Applications close 31 January 2023.

Finally, I would like to repeat my congratulations to Simon Walls whom I recently had the pleasure of presenting the Loder Cup to for his significant contribution to native plant conservation, at a ceremony in Golden Bay. The Loder Cup was first donated in 1926 to encourage and honour New Zealanders who work to investigate, promote, retain, and cherish our indigenous flora, all of which describes Simon’s passionate work perfectly.

Simon worked in public service for more than 30 years to protect and preserve the unique plants of Aotearoa New Zealand, beginning with the Lands and Survey Department in 1967, then with DOC from its formation in 1987, until his eventual retirement last year. The Golden Bay/Mohua iwi, Manawhenua ki Mohua, speak very highly of Simon, and their appreciation of how he has generously and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of taonga indigenous species.

His dedicated efforts to protect and restore native plants has gone above and beyond his DOC work, continuing even after his retirement, making him a truly worthy recipient.

Thank you all for your contributions to our conservation mahi this year. I look forward to our continued successes in the new year.

Ngā mihi nui,

Hon Poto Williams

Minister of Conservation | Minita mō Te Papa Atawhai

INTERESTED IN JOINING A BOARD?

Nominations are now open for conservation board appointments in 2023! These boards advise DOC, represent local communities including mana whenua, and protect local toanga. Find out more about what's involved and apply online. Closing date for nominations is 31 January 2023.

UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTS

TE HIKU O TE IKA

Te Hiku o Te Ika Conservation Board has been taking significant strides in ensuring their Conservation Management Strategy gives effect to the Te Hiku Treaty Settlement legislation.     

Board members at Aupouri House | Courtesy of the Te Hiku Conservation Board

The Te Hiku Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) is undergoing a unique process of development, with the aim of being more reflective of certain aspects of Te Hiku Treaty Settlement legislation. It has been co-authored by a collective of Te Hiku Iwi members, a community member, DOC, and an independent writer; to help weave the discussions and aspirations for conservation in Te Hiku. Two key focus of the CMS are co-governance and co-management, including exploration of iwi-owned Customary Material Plans that identify taonga species of importance to them, issue specific permits, and identification of Waahi Tapu areas. 

Discussions included identifying how the core ideas in the Te Hiku CMS could be included into the school curriculum; increasing the capability for Iwi to achieve their outcomes and a decision-making framework that allows multiple parties to make decisions together; and, the Ngai Takoto Environmental Plan to protect water quality.

The Board were saddened to learn of the passing of a former member, Sonny Christie, and have shared their tribute in this Newsletter.

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Te Hiku o Te Ika Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

WAIKATO

The Waikato Conservation Board members have had great successes over the past few months with special recognition received from the Governor-General. 

Archery's Frog | Photo by James Reardon

The Waikato Conservation Board has been paying close attention to the resource consent application by Oceana Gold Corporation (OGC) to mine under public conservation land (PCL) at Wharekirauponga in the Coromandel Peninsula. The area holds high conservation values and is home to threatened and at-risk species, such as the Archey’s Frog. The Board has received regular updates from the DOC team on the pre-application discussions with OGC and will consider making a submission once the Council has reached a decision on notifying the application.

In June, the Board travelled to Waihi where they spent the morning with OGC representatives to receive a presentation on the Waihi North Project; the Wharekirauponga Underground Mine, the process for consenting, and the impacts on conservation related values and community, including iwi/hapu views.  Members also received presentations from the Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki on mining proposals and the Northern Seabird Trust on safeguarding sea birds for the future.

The Board have made submissions on Waikato Regional Council's Regional Coastal Plan Review, advocating for more marine protected areas, and to Hamilton City Council's Plan Change 9 - Historic Heritage and Natural Environments, supporting the proposed provisions on significant natural areas by seeking better funding support.

At the end of October, the Board participated in a Climate Connect event which was held at the University of Waikato.

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Waikato Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

EAST COAST HAWKE'S BAY

The East Coast Hawke's Bay Conservation Board has re-focused its priorities to develop a strong workplan for the year ahead to achieve great conservation outcomes.

Board members at Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve with Jamie Quirk (DOC), who spoke about the
Marine Reserve and its history | Photo by Sara Robinson

The Board's August meeting was held in Napier and included an update on the DOC Organisational Reset from Jack Mace, Director Operations for the Lower North Island. Members were informed of the new structures and appointments within the DOC and were given assurance that staff and teams were well supported during this change, to ensure conservation work around the country continues to progress.  

Members travelled to Gisborne in October for a meeting with community and external stakeholders. The Board also trialled a new meeting format where members meet on the Thursday night in the week prior to their in-person meeting, to review the pervious minutes and operations report. This has proven very successful and productive for the Board.   

At the meeting the Board received a presentation from George Cooper, DOC Deer and Goat Manager, and Clarke Koopu, DOC Operations Manager, on the Raukūmara Pae Maunga Restoration Project. Jenny Nelson-Smith, DOC Pou Tairangahau Treaty Relationships, was also present at the meeting to to give Board members an induction presentation on section 4 and Te Tiriti obligations. 

In December the Board discussed the National CMS review for mountain biking tracks, and received a presentation from Charlie Parker, DOC Management Planner, about the details of the review, and what input and advice the Board could submit. The meeting's public forum had attendance from members of the Restore the Beacons Trust, who spoke to the Board about the restoration work they would like carry out on the Beacons in Napier. Elizabeth Pishief was present as well and gave the Board information on Ōtātara Pa in Napier. 

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming East Coast Hawke's Bay Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

TONGARIRO TAUPŌ

The Tongariro Taupō Conservation Board have been focusing on key conservation topics such as concessions, Jobs For Nature Projects, and reviewing their Conservation Management Strategy.  

Mt Ruapehu from Desert Road, Tongariro National Park | Photo by Jimmy Johnson 

The Board's July meeting sought to better understand DOC's priorities in the region, in progressing their Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) planning discussions, and Board members were consulted on some large concession applications. The Board also looked at finalising and ratifying concession protocols for all concession applications for the Tongariro National Park going forward. 

Members held their September meeting in Ohakune and were welcomed by Ngāti Rangi into their rohe. A great workshop took place in the afternoon to strengthen the knowledge members have on the Ruapehu District Council Public Transport Strategy for the Tongariro National Park. Discussions with the local Council, and local transport concession operators provided the Board with insights into the transport requirements within the National Park. 

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Tongariro Taupo Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

KNOW SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESED?

Nominations are now open for conservation board appointments in 2023! These boards advise DOC, represent local communities including mana whenua, and protect local toanga. Find out more about what's involved and apply online. Closing date for nominations is 31 January 2023.

TARANAKI WHANGANUI

The Taranaki Whanganui Conservation Board has welcomed new members and have been focused on getting to grips with points of interest within the Taranaki and Whanganui communities.

Bridge to Nowhere, Mangapurua Track | Photo courtesy of DOC

At its August meeting in Whanganui, the Board held an induction for new members, Dr Bruce Clarkson, Jill Sheehy, and Claire Dowsett. Drew Castle was re-appointed to the Board, and elected as Chair, with Chris Smith elected as Deputy Chair.  

The Board received reports from DOC with a high-level operational overview and summary of DOC’s organisational reset, including new appointments, the new structure, and expected timeframes. The Board noted that changes appeared to be progressing well and were assured that teams are supported in their work throughout this process, with good operating practices in place to support staff. Of note was the operational boundary changes to the Central North Island region, with Bay of Plenty now being its own standalone region within DOC's operational structure.

The Board also spoke with DOC staff about recent damage to the Mangapurua area of the  "mountains to sea" trail, which saw the loss of trails at Cody’s and Battleship Bluffs; issues regarding infrastructure at Pipiriki; the importance of deer control; and DOC's planning for summer visitor numbers now that the borders have reopened. A member of the public spoke to their concerns regarding feral grazing animals that reside in areas of public conservation land that then encroach on neighbouring private land.

Soon after this meeting, the Board Chair attended the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) Conservation Board Chairs' conference in Wellington.

"It was a great opportunity for the conservation boards to meet and collaborate, and the Board was very appreciative of the effort the NZCA undertook to provide for this conference to occur."

The Board's November meeting in Ngāmotu/New Plymouth, welcomed Flora Bartholomew, the Waikato Conservation Board Liaison. This meeting, while also including regular items such as discussion on operations reporting, had considerably more time spent on discussions of local interest and importance outside of regulatory reporting by DOC. This was of huge value and insight to the members.

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Taranaki Whanganui Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

CHATHAM ISLANDS

The Chatham Island Conservation Board has returned to full strength after a heavy hit with Covid-19, with productive meetings and exciting trips around the Islands.

Rakau Momori Hapupu | Photo by Peter de Lange 

The Board started the second half of the year with two new members, Auckland-based, but former Chatham Islands resident, Francesca Bonventre and Chatham Islander Denny (Denis) Prendeville, following the end of of term for Di Gregory-Hunt who served eight years, and Trescia Lawton who did one term from 2019.

Their August meeting was held in inclement weather at Admiral Gardens, the residence of Board member Lois Croon. The thick fog covering Chatham Islands, led the Board to forego their fieldtrip to stay warm and dry.

The November meeting, however, turned out to be much more pleasant and quite different. The Board held their meeting at Whakamaharatanga Marae in Te One, and excellent weather allowed Board members to participate in a scheduled fieldtrip after their meeting. Members were also accompanied by the new Board Support Officer, Sara Robinson, and Statutory Manager, Rachel Mora. In attendance as well for the first time was 
Tiriana Smith, the new Operations Manager for the Chatham Islands.  

Board Meeting at Whakamaharatanga Marae (from left to right) Francesca Bonventre, Lois Croon, Levi Lanauze, Tiriana Smith (DOC), Sara Robinson (DOC), and Rachael Mora (DOC) | Photo by Peter de Lange 

Both of the Board's meetings were full of robust discussions covering a wide range of important conservation topics for the Islands. These discussions included topics such as:

• The Kāhu predation of Tōrea tai eggs and chicks around some northern beaches, and the Board has recommended immediate culling to prevent further loss of this threatened endemic bird.
• Island biosecurity measures were also discussed in relation to the newly expanded airport runway, which will see jet aircraft reaching the Islands. This will result in increased risk of incursions and further depredation of the Islands' unique biota through tourism activities.
• The ongoing plight of the Chatham Island scurvy grass, which nearly went extinct in early 2019, was also discussed, as well as measures to prevent the loss of Karure/Black Robin from Maung’re / Mangere Island.
• A review provided by Tirana Smith to the Board on the handling of the two major Pilot Whale stranding's on Rekohu and Rangihaute, which took place within days of each other.

Members' fieldtrip at Rangitai (left to right) Lois Croon, Francesca Bonventre,
Tiriana Smith, Levi Lanauze, Rachael Mora | Photo by Peter de Lange 

Prior to the November meeting, Francesca Bonventre, Peter de Lange, Sara Robinson, and Rachel Moira visited key sites along the northern portion of Chatham Island, including Waitangi West, Ocean Mail, J.M. Barker Hāpūpū Bush National Historic Reserve and Kaingaroa Point.  

In the same month, Levi Lanauze (also from the Hokotehi Moriori Trust) took the Board members and DOC staff through portions of the Kaingaroa Farm Station, visiting recent tree plantings and proposed restoration sites at Rangatai, and the historic sites and landscapes of Koromanga Hill and Okawa Point, before a welcome lunch at the revitalised Shearers Quarters at the main buildings and houses of Kaingaroa Farm Station.

Francesca Bonventre at Koromanga Hill | Photo by Peter de Lange 

The board is in good health again after a rocky run due to COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions. Alas, Francesca Bonventre, a newly elected Board member, chose to resign from her position following an exciting job opportunity in Auckland.

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 refreshed its focus to concentrate on more local conservation efforts around their rohe. 

Group photo of Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board and West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board members enjoying a fieldtrip to the Oparara Arches | Photo by Joy Cowan

The Board held its June meeting in Greymouth, where they met with and received presentations from the Westport Conservation Training and Employment Hub which has been established by the Tai Poutini Polytechnic to train and qualify people in conservation management and related areas. Board member, Di Rossiter, gave the second presentation around the Buller District Conservation and Biodiversity Sector, which involves secondary school students in conservation related projects especially relating to fresh water.

The day concluded with a presentation from the local Fish and Game council providing an overview of their functions and any local issues. Members were also brought up to date on the storm damages to the Heaphy Track and the Old Ghost Road and progress to repair the storm damage and re-open both tracks. Additionally, Di Rossiter presented a climate change report with excellent material that will be beneficial to the Board. 

Members were updated on the Stewardship Land Review process by Neil Clifton, Chair of the Stewardship Land Review Committee, and both Robin McNeill, President of the Federated Mountain Clubs, and Allen Brent, Vice President of the Federated Mountain Clubs.

 Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board and West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board members
viewing the Tarn at the Oparara Arches | Photo by Joy Cowan

In August the Board welcomed three new members, John Taylor, Ariana Stevens, and Danual Cattermoul, with a combined induction for new members and a whole Board planning session to inform all members of the Minister's Letter of Expectation and the development of the Board work programme. The following month the Board Chair, Mike Legge, attended the New Zealand Conservation Authority sponsored Conservation Board Chairs' meeting in Wellington. This is always a very valuable meeting and a great form of networking for Chairs and Conservation Boards.

 Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board and West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board members
joint hui in Karamea | Photo by Joy Cowan

In October the Board held a successful joint hui with the Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board in Karamea. This provided an opportunity to discuss shared current issues relating to Kahurangi National Park and the Oparara Development. Both Boards were updated on the National Predator Control Programme Integration, the ungulate goat control programme, and the kea risk mitigation project. This was followed the next day with a field trip to Oparara Basin to show the developments taking place.

Mike Legge, Board Chair, and Katie Milne, Deputy Chair, had the pleasure of meeting the Minister of Conservation, Hon Poto Williams, at Arahura Marae on her visit to the West Coast. The visit included a presentation on the cultural history of the area, a visit to the Punakaiki Dolomite Point Development Project, and meeting two landowners who recently contributed land for conservation. 

The Board continues to work on progressing its CMS review, with regular meetings with the Chairs of Ngāti Waewae and Makaawhio, as well as strengthening the working relationship with local authorities to achieve positive outcomes for the West Coast.

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

OTAGO

The Otago Conservation Board have been working hard to progress biodiversity and tourism initiatives in their region, and have welcomed a new Board Chair.   

Sealions at Aramoana, Otago Peninsula | Photo by Jim Watts

Since June this year, the Board has been focused on reviewing the milestones of the 2016 Otago Conservation Management Strategy (CMS). These milestones are a tangible measurements of progress on the work completed towards the outcomes of the CMS. These are expressed as three, five and ten year milestones, supported by annual reporting done by DOC. The Otago CMS is now five years old, so it is timely to have this review to consolidate remaining milestones and review their application for the next five years.

This has stimulated much of the work done by DOC to better integrate these milestones into their annual regional business plan, and we are delighted to see the effort put in by the DOC Regional Planning Team.

Toroa/Wandering Albatross, Otago Peninsula | Photo by Jim Watt

The Board continues to prepare for hosting an externally focused tourism workshop scheduled for April 2023. This is intended to bring together representatives of local government agencies and others from across Otago to discuss the MBIE Destination Management Plans helping to unlock opportunities for tourism to benefit conservation.  

Members are delighted to see the Otago Interagency Biodiversity Forum (a collection of local councils, the Otago Regional Council and DOC) progressing well. The Board has taken the lead on this initiative to bring these groups together to better collaborate and share projects for the aim of greater delivery on positive outcomes.

The Board also welcomed in a new Chair, Tim Barke, at their June meeting and thanked outgoing Chair, Tara Druce, for her significant contribution and service to the the Otago Conservation Board. 

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Otago Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

CONSULTATIONS OPEN FOR YOUR COMMENT

Proposed changes to the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2013: The Ministry for the Environment are seeking feedback on their proposal to increase the charge-out rates used by the EPA under the EEZ Act. Submissions closes 20 January 2023.

Concession application by Gisborne District Council: Have your say on an application by Gisborne District Council to drill and install a science monitoring bore in Gray's Bush Scenic Reserve. Submissions close at 5 pm 26 January 2023.

Application for a concession by NZSki Limited: Have your say on a concession application by NZSki Limited for a lease, licence and easement within the Rastus Burn Recreation Reserve. Submissions close 30 January 2023.

Keep up to date with more public consultations here.

THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING TO OUR NEWSLETTER 

Next time in the Conservation Board Newsletter, we hear from Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Nelson Marlborough, Canterbury Aoraki, and Southland Conservation Boards!