AT I M Department of Conservation O N AC T In-Confidence IN FO R Status Report N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L Week beginning: 27 November 2017 R EL EA SE D U Seen by Hon Eugenie Sage Minister of Conservation Date: / / 1 Standing and Priority Items   A break in the weather has allowed the Kahurangi aerial 1080 operation to be completed. This means all aerial 1080 operations planned for 2017 have now been delivered. Ground operations will continue over the summer months and DOC’s aerial programme will resume in February 2018. Monitoring has now confirmed rock wren numbers have increased in Kahurangi National Park. A media release is being prepared to report on this improvement, which follows sustained predator control delivered through the three BfoB campaigns in 2014, 2016 and 2017. IN FO R M AT I Progress to date across the 2017 programme is:  We have completed aerial predator control over 441,528 ha (the overall target is to control predators over roughly 750,000 ha by July 2018).  A further 98,912 ha of ground control is underway, and will continue through to Autumn 2018.  Up to eight more aerial 1080 operations are planned to July 2018, subject to rodent monitoring confirming the need for predator control to occur. AC  T Battle for our Birds (BfoB) O N 1.1 IA L The table below records the 23 BfoB aerial operations completed to the end of 2017. Operation  District Hauraki-Otahu Hauraki Pāpākai Moehau Matemateonga-Waitōtara Whitianga Whitianga Whanganui 11,388 4,368 51,639 Tauranga-Rotorua Eastern BOP Central Plateau 2,549 38,113 11,201 Tongariro King Country Taranaki Taranaki Taranaki Manawatū 19,500 28,123 1,702 9,750 19,259 32,440 Aorangi Abel Tasman Paparoa - Roaring Meg Wairarapa Motueka Buller 10,000 10,300 11,698 Paparoa North Kahurangi West Buller Buller 34,869 38,281 Orange fronted parakeets Rangiora 25,991 Mātukituki Valley Dart Central Otago Wakatipu 12,921 11,370 N D IC FF O E TH ER Rotoehu Whirinaki Kaimanawa Mountains Umukarikari Hectares R EL EA SE D U Tongariro Kiwi Whareorino Paraninihi Hutiwai Waitaanga Northern Ruahine Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844 7,133 Cleddau Te Ānau 4,720 Hollyford Te Ānau 44,213 Contact: Peter Morton, Battle for our Birds Project Manager: The first of two seed collection courses is underway this week (Rotorua 27–29 November) and includes DOC’s Nga Whenua Rāhui staff.  As well as seed-collection methodology, trainees are being taught how to perform surveillance for Myrtle Rust and about DOC’s obligations under Section 4 of the Conservation Act (Treaty of Waitangi obligations).  Seed collection is due to start after Christmas and will contribute to DOC’s surveillance programme.  DOC and Auckland Council are meeting on 29 November to discuss seed collection, surveillance, monitoring and decision lines for the management of public sites.  We are aiming to get DOC’s Summer Surveillance Programme underway next week. A Cabinet paper led by MPI is expected to come to your office in the week beginning 4 December. This will seek Cabinet’s approval for additional funding for DOC to manage Myrtle Rust activities on PCL and certain other public land. M R FO IA L IC O FF  D N EA SE  U  Predator Free 2050 Ltd are continuing to evaluate proposals resulting from their Expression of Interest process.   DOC officials are discussing their draft Statement of Intent and are likely to come to you in the week beginning 27 November with a draft Letter of Expectation for discussion.   We are also preparing a briefing on the Ministerial responsibilities in relation to Predator Free, as background to a possible meeting with the Chair soon.  D  ER Predator Free 2050 Ltd TH E Contact: Phil Hancock, Myrtle Rust Programme Manager: 1.3 AC  O N A large infestation of Myrtle Rust has recently been found in a nursery in West Auckland. As yet, it has not been found on Public Conservation Land (PCL). Surveillance around the perimeter of the property is underway to delimit the infestation. AT I  T Myrtle Rust IN 1.2 R EL Contact: Mervyn English, DDG Strategy and People: Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844 2 Updates R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO R M AT I O N AC T Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) Update on Good to Grow partnership with the Department of Corrections T 2.3 U Weed Spraying at Maungauika / North Head Maungauika / North Head, Auckland, is currently being sprayed for weeds using glyphosate. Neighbourhood residents have complained this week via social media and online news about DOC’s use of glyphosate spray. Residents and the local board are supporting a chemical-free initiative for the area. DOC has provided you with information on the recent media coverage on this issue and you have requested some additional information, as below: Spraying is carried out by trained DOC staff who are experienced operators and spray very specific areas. The spray is applied close to the ground and directly onto the focussed area using a nozzle. Rangers will only spray when weather permits, which must include no rain and low winds. As the site is subject to windy conditions, we notify the public that the spraying will take place over a designated time window, in this case 7–30 November, although the actual spraying generally takes less than two days. EA SE  D 2.4 N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO R M AT I O N AC Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) R EL    Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844   We have previously trialled chemical-free sprays, for example a vine-based spray that proved ineffective due to the immense amount necessary to cover the weeds completely, and the high level of staffing resource required. We are currently trialling AgPro Bio-Safe, a coconut oil derivation. As further chemical-free solutions become available we will also continue to trial these. T Contact: Kirsty Prior, Operations Manager Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland: O N AC 3 Director-General Engagements Executive Leadership Programme – Leading Safety, Wellington M 29–30 November AT I November R December Tourism Southland, Queenstown NZ Conservation Authority, Wellington Senior leaders’ hui workshop, Wellington DOC Wellington Xmas Party, DOC Wellington Te Hiku Board meeting, Whangarei (Mike Slater, DDG Operations, attending) IC IA L IN FO 1 December 5 December 6–7 December 13 December 19 December FF January Director-General on Annual Leave, overseas (Kay Booth acting) O 23 Jan–9 February E February Kapiti Island visit with MfE/MPI and DOC Senior Leadership teams, Kapiti R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH 22 February Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844 AT IO N 4.1 AC T 4 Upcoming Briefings and Cabinet Papers Briefings Due date M Title / Ref / Lead Manager 27 November R Cabinet Paper - Hauraki Negotiations - Decision required to finalise settlements FO 17-B-0867 IN Jim McKenzie (Director Treaty Negotiations) IA L Aerial seeding of indigenous species 17-B-0871 FF IC Hilary Aikman (Director National Operations) 27 November 30 November O Ngā Whenua Komiti - urgent budgetary advice 17-B-0831 TH E Tiki Hutching (Acting Director Kahui Kaupapa Atawhai) 17-B-0768 N D Bryan Jensen (National Fire Manager) U Sunny Bay Baches, Kawau Island - meeting with Minister Tracey Martin EA SE D 17-B-0854 EL Andrew Baucke (Director Operations Auckland) Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844 R 28 November ER Follow up advice on Port Hills fire briefing 28 November 17-B-0857 AT IO N Danica Stent (International Manager) 28 November Cabinet Paper - Final decisions for Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-rua 17-B-0859 R M Jim McKenzie (Director Treaty Negotiations) 29 November FO Briefing from MfE on regulations under the EEZ Act IN 17-B-0864 IA L Jennie Marks (Acting Director Policy) 30 November IC Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā (Wairarapa Tamaki nui-ā-Rua) Claims Settlement Act 2017: Issuing the Relationship Agreement and Deed of Recognition FF 17-B-0737 O Marie Long (Director Planning, Permissions and Land) 30 November TH E Concession applications for helicopter landings on marginal strips in the Greenstone and Caples Valleys Marie Long (Director Planning, Permissions and Land) D Otuataua stonefields at Ihumātao ER 17-B-0786 1 December U N 17-B-0763 EA SE D Andrew Baucke (Director Operations Auckland) Run sheet for 375th Abel Tasman anniversary 17-B-0821 EL Roy Grose (Director Operations Northern South Island) R Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844 AC T 28 November Ross Sea Marine Protected Area background material 1 December 17-B-0820 AT IO N Mark Davies (Director Operations Western South Island) 1 December Final Meeting of South-East Marine Protection Forum on 9/12/17 17-B-0794 R M Marie Long (Director Planning, Permissions and Land) 1 December FO Potential review of protected areas legislation. High-level advice sought on the possibility of engaging a commissioner to undertake a review IN 17-B-0792 IA L Jennie Marks (Acting Director Policy) 1 December IC New Zealand’s science system FF 17-B-0796 O Ken Hughey (Chief Science Advisor) 1 December E Supporting Antarctic Marine Protected Area Proposals TH 17-B-0869 ER Danica Stent (International Manager) 1 December D DIA briefing to Minister of Local Government on freedom camping U Jennie Marks (Acting Director Policy) N 17-B-0872 EA SE D Primary industries briefing to Cabinet Business Committee: Strengthening the regulatory export framework for New Zealand bee products 17-B-0873 EL Jennie Marks (Acting Director Policy) R Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844 AC T 1 December Run sheet for visit to Western South Island region 1 December AC T 4.2 Cabinet Papers AT IO N None identified as at 24 November. Subject Briefing for incoming minister Private individual 17-D-31 21 Nov Office of Leader of opposition 17-D-32 21 Nov Forest & Bird Due to requester 28 Nov  4 Dec  30 Nov  List of all reports, briefings, memos or aide reports that you have received since you were sworn in as Minister of Conservation Documents relating to coal mining on the Buller Plateau 18 Dec  Organisation Subject Due to requester Private individual Questions about delegated Reserves Act powers of the Minister to local authorities 23 Nov  D N 18 Dec  U To the Department EA SE D 5.2 IC 2 Nov FF 17-D-30 Is 1080 known to have killed native birds in NZ? Does DOC intend to continue to drop it? The health effects of dust from Brodifacoum O 7 Nov E 17-D-29 Office of Leader of opposition Private individual IA L Organisation TH OIAs to the Minister as at 24 November 2017 Ref Date From received 17-D-28 3 Nov IN To the Minister ER 5.1 FO R M 5 OIA requests lodged since last report EL OIAs to DOC as at 24 November 2017 Date Ref From received 17-E-451 4 Oct  R Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844 17-E-471 19 Oct Bay of Islands Watchdogs Private individual 17-E-474 24 Oct Private individual 17-E-476 20 Oct  White Fox & Jones 17-E-486 27 Oct  Forest & Bird 17-E-487 30 Oct  Private individual 17-E-488 31 Oct  NZ Herald 17-E-489 Fairfax media 17-E-493 31 Oct  31 Oct  Questions about dogs and the Taxon Plan for Northland Brown Kiwi, 2010-2019 and Beyond Information about the DOC’s recent 1080 operation on the Papakai block Details of the 1080 aerial drop around Whitianga All documents held by DOC regarding Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd over the last 12 months Authority to enter and operate document relating to Oceana Gold Ltd access arrangement What is the science that confirms that 1080 breaks down into simple water and vinegar? All information regarding the RMS Niagara, a wreck near the Hen and Chick Islands, Northland Request for briefing for incoming minister Forest & Bird Wildlife Act Authority 50922-FAU 17-E-494 1 Nov  Wilderness Magazine 17-E-497 2 Nov  Southern Alps Guiding 17-E-498 3 Nov  Private individual 17-E-500 6 Nov  Rodney Times/Stuff 17-E-503 7 Nov  17-E-504 7 Nov  Any report or recommendation about the strategic review of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Has Ngai Tahu Tourism applied for guiding and/or aircraft landings at Aoraki/Mt Cook and other questions Records which can reveal reasons for the cancellation of his contract Copies of any correspondence regarding recorded breaches to DOC’s marine mammal laws that involve a drone, including warnings or fines that may have been issued Is 1080 known to have killed native birds in NZ? Does DOC intend to continue to drop it? Questions about the DOC 1080 operations in Whitianga on 17/10/17 EL 21 Nov  1 Dec  M R FO IN IA L IC FF O Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844 R 17 Nov 24 Nov  27 Nov  28 Nov  28 Nov  28 Nov  29 Nov  E TH ER D N U EA SE D Private individual Barrister 1 Dec  AC T 14 Oct  AT IO N 17-E-466 30 Nov  1 Dec  4 Dec  5 Dec  5 Dec  Private individual 17-E-507 8 Nov  Game Animal Council 17-E-508 9 Nov  Fairfax media 17-E-511 9 Nov  Private individual 17-E-512 12 Nov  fyi.org.nz 17-E-513 7 Nov  Private individual 17-E-514 14 Nov  Westport News 17-E-515 14 Nov  Private individual 17-E-516 15 Nov  Forest and Bird 17-E-517 16 Nov  Private individual 17-E-519 16 Nov  Private individual 17-E-520 16 Nov  17-E-521 16 Nov  1 Dec  Correspondence between DOC and NZDA and GAC in the last six weeks regarding the WARO review and the upcoming engagement meetings A number of questions about threats to DOC staff Any application for an access agreement that Butler’s Mining may have made Questions about hazardous substance inventory for 1080 stored in Whitianga, October 2017 Questions about gecko smuggling and the Wildlife Enforcement Group All mining and exploration/access agreements on West Coast Tai Poutini conservancy public conservation land Did a bach on DOC land, owned by C Smith, have the required consent for any work being undertaken and other questions What CPLA discretionary consents applied for within the Mackenzie Basin the department commented on in the previous 12 months and other questions BIM request 6 Dec  Information about OIAs 13 Dec  Ririwha Restoration Trust 13 Dec  True Honey Co Ltd concession 13 Dec  7 Dec  IN IA L IC FF 8 Dec  5 Dec  12 Dec  12 Dec  D ER TH E O 7 Dec  13 Dec  13 Dec  N U EA SE D EL Lyall Thornton Barristers CooneyLees Morgan Lawyers Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844 R AC T 4 Nov  6 Dec  AT IO N 17-E-506 Questions about 1080 drop in Kahurangi National Park Health effects of dust from brodifacoum M Private individual R 8 Nov  FO 17-E-505 Led Shot use in game bird hunting (Dr Tony Reiger) Storage of 1080 in Blenheim 14 Dec  17-E-525 20 Nov  Private individual 1080-manufacturer’s recommendations 17-E-526 15 Nov  Ngai Tahu 17-E-527 Private individual 17-E-528 21 Nov  20 Nov  Information on beehive sites that are currently excluded from beehive placement due to biodiversity values Series of questions about 1080 and Taranaki 17-E-529 21 Nov  Private individual 17-E-530 20 Nov  Private individual 17-E-531 21 Nov  Media 17-E-532 21 Nov  Private individual 17-E-533 22 Nov  Private individual 17-E-534 23 Nov  Private individual M R FO IN IA L IC FF ER TH E Evidence that the Environmental Crime network is operating, whether in physical or virtual form Final operational report for the 1080 Papakai operation Whitianga aerial 1080 drop: what is the name of the driver of the non-DOC vehicle present A copy of the full report and presentation received at the Auckland Conservation Board meeting in February 2017 from Michael Lee about the shipwreck RMS Niagara EA SE D EL Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844 R 15 Dec  18 Nov  Notices of actual discharge for the 2017 aerial 1080 poisoning operations over Moehau, Papakai, Mataora and Otahu All reports etc concerning Pike River, Paparoa Track, Pike Memorial Track and other questions Harataonga Scenic Reserve file O Private individual D 17-E-524 N 16 Nov  U 17-E-523 AC T 14 Dec  16 Nov  AT IO N Grazing concessions, access rights, Clarence River reserve 17 Nov  Barrister, environmental law Environmmental Law Private individual 17-E-522 13 Dec  18 Dec  18 Dec  19 Dec  20 Dec  19 Dec  19 Dec  20 Dec  21 Dec  T AC O N AT I M R FO IN IA L IC FF O E TH ER D N U D EA SE EL R Status Report 4 – week beginning 27 November 2017 – DOC 3227844