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 Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Nelson Marlborough, Canterbury Aoraki, and Southland Conservation Boards. 

Issue 26 : September 2022

A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

Minister Williams with staff members at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital | Photo courtesy of Private Secretary 

Tēnā koutou katoa

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying my first Conservation Week as Conservation Minister. This year’s theme was ‘Take a moment for Nature’, encouraging Kiwis to engage with their surroundings, both for the environment and their own well-being.

The theme truly resonated with people, and the response was fantastic as thousands participated in more than 90 events across the country.

It was inspiring seeing the great work being undertaken by a huge variety of organisations that regularly partner with the Department of Conservation. One highlight was visiting Dunedin’s renowned Wildlife Hospital, where sick or injured native species including hoiho and kākāpō are regularly treated.

It was also incredibly special to see the iconic Orange-fronted Parakeet/Kākāriki Karaka thanks to Christchurch’s Isaac Conservation Wildlife Trust. The captive breeding programmes at Peacock Springs are wonderful mahi, working to bring back some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds.

I saw first-hand the mammoth efforts of volunteers with Predator Free Miramar whose volunteers are ridding the peninsula of rats and mice. There was also the impressive masterplan of collaboration including Jobs for Nature projects at Manawatu Gorge that demonstrate how this collaboration a huge difference for conservation.

Engaging with nature benefits nature and ourselves. Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata – when the land is well, the people are well, and when Papatūānuku thrives, we all thrive.

Nāku noa, nā

Hon Poto Williams
Minister of Conservation

UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTS

NORTHLAND

The Northland Conservation Board has been focused on completing the Arohatia te Taiao project and planning how to incorporate its work into their Conservation Management Strategy (CMS).

Tāne Mahuta, Waipoua Forest | Photo by Natalia Volna (itravelNZ) 

Arohatia te Taiao - is a pilot programme that looks at new methods to improve CMS development and implementation, and to investigate a more effective way of engaging with the community to ensure that the CMS better reflects community aspirations.  It also provides the Board with a clear framework on which to focus and advocate on.

The project aimed at identifying key priorities while articulating Northlanders’ aspirations for their Taiao. The programme collected valuable information which provided a strong foundation and community voice for the Board to focus on in carrying out its coming work in planning, strategising and actioning their CMS.  

In June 2022, the Board held a meeting at Te Pūtahitanga Innovation Hub (Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa) in Kerikeri, where they discussed a number of local conservation issues. 

A DOC ranger from the Kauri Coast Office delivered a presentation on the Waipoua Forest.  The Waipoua is a globally significant ancient rainforest and is a significant area for Rātā, Tōtara, Swamp Maire and Kohekohe, and has a nationally significant kōkako population.  The forest is also an important location for Kiwi recovery due to operations of both aerial and ground predator control.

Waipoua River  | Photo by Alan Cressler

The Board has recently welcomed three new members and Nyree Porter of Whangaroa has been elected as the Board's new Chairperson. The new members are welcome additions to the Board and are certain to have a positive impact. Members are looking forward to reviewing their priorities and shaking things up.

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

AUCKLAND

The Auckland Conservation Board has been focused throughout the year on advocating under the Resource Management Act for the cancelling of a new regional land fill.

Driftwood on Pakiri Beach, Auckland | Photo by Piotr Zurek

The Board lodged submissions with the Environment Court in support of appeals from two mana whenua groups and DOC in opposition to a proposed new regional landfill in the upper catchment of the Hoteo River. The Board also appeared  at a consent hearing in opposition to applications to continue mining sand off the Pakiri Coast.

Ōtata Island as seen from Motuhoropapa Island, The Noises, Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, near Auckland 
| Photo courtesy of DOC Library

In February 2022 the Board held a virtual meeting with themed discussions around community conservation. Five community groups working on different aspects of urban conservation in South Auckland presented their work to the Board, including Te Pu-a-nga Maara which is a youth-led group working on a range of projects. A group of concerned community members presented to the Board during the public forum about issues at the Te Maketu Historic Reserve near Drury, which the Board agreed to refer on to DOC and monitor progress towards resolving the concerns.

The Board met in May 2022 at the offices of Ngāti Manuhiri in Warkworth, were the Board received a warm welcome. The theme of the meeting was biodiversity. The board received a presentation from the Noises Marine Restoration Project about their proposal to include an area around Ōtata / The Noises as a marine protected area, in the package of measures being implemented by the Government in response to Sea Change: the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan. Auckland Council also presented about their work to monitor biodiversity in freshwater habitats, and to protect and restore populations of native freshwater fish.

Common Dolphin spotted at the entrance of the Manukau Harbour | Photo by Jon Styles

The Board held a workshop in June 2022 where they received a presentation from the DOC teams working on the review of the Wildlife Act 1953, and on implementation of the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS).

The Board's July 2022 meeting was held at Clendon in South Auckland. This provided an opportunity for the Board to meet representatives of Te Pu-a-nga Maara in person and to hear more about their work. Also on the agenda was a discussion about plans for a “biodiversity summit” to foster collaboration in the Auckland region. This idea arose as a result of the Board hearing about the implementation of the ANZBS in June, and the Board identifying how it could contribute to the building of greater collaboration among those working on biodiversity in the region. A workshop in August 2022 saw the further planning for the summit, which is proposed to be held in the first quarter of 2023.

In addition to its advocacy work under the Resource Management Act, the Board has lodged a range of submissions on matters which included DOC’s discussion document on amendments to the Conservation Act to improve management planning and concession granting, an amendment to simplify the processes for reclassifying stewardship land, an application for a new marine reserve off north-west Waiheke, and a draft management plan for regional parks in Auckland. The board also provided comments to DOC on two land exchange proposals. 

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

BAY OF PLENTY

The Bay of Plenty Conservation Board has been completing work on a range of conservation topics, from marine and coastal matters, to strengthening iwi relationships. 

Orca fin sticking out above the water near Tauranga with Mount Maunganui in the foreground
| Photo by Nathan Pettigrew 

The Board's primary focus has been to get their CMS review underway, and they have placed a strong emphasis on ensuring they carry out good consultation processes and that the CMS contains aspirational goals. Alongside this, the Board has been working across a number of areas including: 

• Stewardship land – the Board have some areas of stewardship land ready to go through the reclassification process

• Marine and Coastal – the Board is advocating for greater protection in the marine and coastal environment in the BOP rohe

• Iwi relationships – the Board is endeavouring to establish and strengthen relationships with iwi/hapū/whanau in the BOP rohe

• Biodiversity and biosecurity – the Board is supporting DOC and partner organisations around pest control actions, actively managing Kauri dieback in Northern Kaimai Mamakau Forest, monitoring increasing deer populations, and supporting DOC in the implementing of Te Mana O Te Taiao

• Working with DOC  – advocate for the environment locally and nationally, provide advice on concessions or issues as required, advocate and challenge DOC to deliver the work programme

•  Global oversight – keep a watching brief on global influences and targets that impact on the CMS – especially Government's climate change response and pandemics

The Board held a 2 day meeting in June which included a formal meeting and fieldtrip to a number of locations in their region. The formal meeting included presentations from the Environmental Defence Society (EDS) on Oceans Reform and one on the Raukumara Pae Maunga project which has a working group and $34million allocated to it.  Other topics of discussion included areas of stewardship land within the Bay of Plenty, carbon credits, wetlands, Māori land, and native plants. The meeting wrapped up with members thanking Anne Mackersey for her many years of service to the Board both as a member and a Chairperson.

Prior to the meeting, the Board enjoyed an amazing day at Kaituna Wetland (a restoration project), Ngati Whakaue ki Maketu Jobs for Nature project sites, and a visit to the Waihi Estuary Wildlife Management Reserve, which involved looking for bittern, the Pongakawa fish ponds, and having a collaborative kōrero with iwi. 

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

WELLINGTON

The Wellington Conservation Board has been working with DOC staff to improve the CMS reporting they receive, implementation of the Kapiti Island CMP, as well as finalising their 2022-23 work programme.

Wellington Conservation Board members visit the Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery | Photo by Nina Mercer 

The Board has had a number of meetings and fieldtrips over the past few months which has kept them very busy and involved with a number of conservation project across their rohe. This included going to the Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery site in Palmerston North. Wildbase Recovery is a partnership between the Palmerston North City Council, Massey University, Rangitāne o Manawatū, Rotary, and DOC. Native animals treated at Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital are transferred to Wildbase Recovery to rehabilitate after treatment, before being released back to the wild

In April 2022 the Board met in Kapiti at the Ramaroa Centre, Queen Elizabeth Park, where they had a great discussion with Trevor Le Lievre about Wise Water Usage and the recent works being done at the Ruataniwha Dam. Members also met up with local iwi representatives of Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai and the Waikanae Ki Ata Ki Tai project, and the Guardians of the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve, to observe some of the great restoration projects taking place, that are funded by Jobs for Nature. The reserve is a home and seasonal habitat to more than 60 species of birds.

In May 2022 the Board hosted their meeting at Conservation House in Wellington, and received a presentation on the Te Apiti Masterplan from Moana Smith-Dunlop, DOC Operations Manager Manawatū, Jeff Baker, Palmerston North City Council, and Jon Roygard, Horizons Regional Council. This meeting also included a presentation from Sam Rowland (DOC Principal Strategy Implementation Advisor) on DOC’s Biodiversity Strategy.

Wellington Conservation Board Members walking the Tawa Loop, Manawatū Gorge | Photo by Nina Mercer  

The Board's meeting in July 2022 was held at the Palmerston North DOC Office, where they welcomed two new members, Carla Bates of Wellington and Asher Wilson-Goldman of Paraparaumu. Members also received updates on Wild Animal Control from Mike Perry (DOC Wild Animals Manager) and Dave Carlton (Project Manager Wild Animals). Board members had a fieldtrip to the Manawatū Gorge and met with Horizons Regional Council Chair Rachel Keedwell to explore the Tawa Loop Track and further understand the collective partnership that the Masterplan now guides. 

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

NELSON MARLBOROUGH

The Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board have had a productive first half of 2022, with many significant moments for the Board and members themselves.

Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board with Healthpost Nature Trust and DOC Takaka Staff at Cape Farewell 
| Photo by Andrew Lamason (DOC) 

The May 2022 board meeting was held in Collingwood, Golden Bay. A presentation by Ethan Taswell (DOC Management Planner) on the progress of the Rangitahi/Molesworth Management Plan was well received, and the Board was pleased to see positive steps towards a co-design process with Ngāti Kūri.

Following the meeting, members attended an excellent dinner with local iwi, Manawhenua ki Mohua, DOC Takaka staff and HealthPost Nature Trust representatives. The next day, the group was led on a guided field trip of the Ecosanctuary located at Cape Farewell, Farewell Spit. This is a great outcome of successful collaboration between local business, conservationists, iwi, and DOC.

June 2022 marked the final meeting for outgoing Chair, Murray Poulter, after seven years’ service on the Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board. This was also the final meeting for departing member, Anna-Kate Goodall. Aneika Young will continue in the role as Deputy Chair until an election can be held.

In July the Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board welcomed two new members, Raymond Smith from Waitohi/Picton and Scott Burnett from Nelson. Unfortunately, flooding in the Nelson Marlborough region prevented the most recent meeting from going ahead as planned. The Board looks forward to formally welcoming its two new members later in the month and joining the West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board in Karamea in October.

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

CANTERBURY AORAKI

The Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board are currently focused on finding new approaches to grazing permissions on public conservation land and taking the next steps from a survey of Canterbury’s marine ecosystems.

View of Akaroa Harbour, Akaroa Marine Reserve  | Photo by Laura Honey (DOC)

The Board held further in-depth discussions at their June 2022 meeting around landfills and contaminated sites on public conservation land in Canterbury, progression of the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Management Plan (NPMP) Review, and DOC's work in targeted amendments to conservation management and processes, including the review of the Wildlife Act 1953. This meeting also saw the Board farewell Paula Smith as the retiring Chairperson, and welcome their newly appointed members.  

Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board members discussing feral goat problems with DOC staff  | Photo by Lionel Solly (DOC)

The Board's fieldtrip out to Bank's Peninsula and Akaroa Harbour was a first hand glance at the work being done on feral goat eradication and monitoring the area for marine compliance.  An integral part of the day was a powhiri and hui with Wairewa rūnanga at Wairewa Marae.

Feral goat eradication on Banks Peninsula – the Board discussed establishing a ‘Goat Working Group’ in collaboration with the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, Environment Canterbury, DOC, Christchurch City Council, and local landowners. 
Akaroa Harbour marine monitoring – the Board received presentations on current research into long-term effects on Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa, the Marine Monitoring and Reporting Framework (MMRF), which highlights the 10 themes which encompass the key measures of ecosystem health that are applicable to marine monitoring.

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

SOUTHLAND

The Southland Conservation Board has been strongly focused on the re-eradication of pests on Ulva Island, progressing the Fiordland NPMP Review, and advocating for sustainable tourism activities on the conservation estate.   

Southland Conservation Board members and DOC staff on DOC vessel Hananui, Halfmoon Bay Wharf, Oban, Rakiura
 | Photo by Julieanna Little  (DOC)

There has been a consistent theme of topics for discussion across most of the Board's meetings, which recently included the Milford Opportunities Project, Feral Cat baiting trials, the Te Ara ki Mua Framework for adaptive management of wild animals, and the reclassification of stewardship land currently talking place in the South Island.

Conservation Board members Alex McCrossin (left) and Claire Jordan (right) standing by the Waharoa at Little Glory
 | Photo by Shona Sangster  

The Board was also involved in a number of other activities which included:

• Lodging submissions related to the resource consents for Lake Waituna, Kisbee Lodge at Rakituma/Preservation Inlet, the Lake 2 Lake Cycle Trail in Te Anau, and moorings at Harrison Cove in Milford Sound
• Members attended meetings with Fiordland Marine Guardians, and The NZ Sea Lion/pakake/whakahao Technical Advisory Group
• Board member Estelle Leask was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to  Māori and conservation, and has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
• Issuing a media release in June calling for urgent action on deer, which led to an interview with Board Chairperson, Shona Sangster, on Radio New Zealand.

Longstanding Chair, John Whitehead, has retired from the Board, and current members paid tribute to his many years of hard work. His wisdom and expert knowledge will be much missed. Shona Sangster has now been appointed as Chair to continue the great work on conservation in Southland.

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

CONSULTATIONS OPEN FOR YOUR COMMENT

Consultation on the Government's action plan to revitalise the Hauraki Gulf: DOC is seeking feedback on marine protection proposals for the Gulf. The proposals have been developed from the Revitalising the Gulf: Government action on the Sea Change Plan. Submissions close on 28 September 2022.

Consultation on the forestry and wood processing industry transformation plan: MPI is seeking public input on a draft plan aiming to maximise the value of the forestry and wood processing across New Zealand. Submissions on close 30 September 2022.

Consultation on the review of recreational fishing measures in the Fiordland Marine Area: MPI is seeking feedback on proposed changes to recreational fishing rules for the Fiordland Marine Area under the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013. Submission close on 30 September 2022.

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 Te Hiku o Te Ika, Waikato, East Coast Hawke's Bay, Taranaki/ Whanganui,  Tongaririo/Taupo, Chatham Islands, West Coast Tai Poutini, and Otago Conservation Boards!