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: 20 November 2017 R EL EA SE D U Seen by Hon Eugenie Sage Minister of Conservation Date: / / 1 Standing and Priority Items   AT I  Your congratulations have been relayed to the BfoB team and were well received. Separate briefings will be provided in response to your queries about the BfoB communications strategy and opportunities to visit operations. Two more aerial 1080 operations were completed this week: orange-fronted parakeet protection in Arthurs Pass National Park, and the northern Ruahine operation, primarily aimed at protecting whio, snails and threatened plants. Kahurangi, the last major aerial operation for 2017, has been delayed by persistent cloud cover. The local team will remain in place and sit it out until flying conditions improve. This is expected to occur over the coming week. Detailed planning and consultation is underway for 2018 operations (up to seven). Aerial 1080 drops will occur, and 12 major ground operations are ongoing. AC  T Battle for our Birds O N 1.1 IA L IN FO R M Progress to date across the programme is:  The overall target is to control predators over roughly 750,000 ha by July 2018.  We have completed aerial predator control over 402,247 ha.  An additional 39,281 ha of aerial work has been pre-fed, and will be completed as soon as weather allows.  A further 98,912 ha of ground control is underway, and will continue through to autumn 2018. FF IC The table below shows the schedule of BfoB aerial operations work planned to the end of 2017. District Est ha Plan Kahurangi West Buller 36,673 Pre-feed completed 20 October. Toxin to be applied from 12 November. Moehau Whitianga 4,368 ER TH E O Operation Behind schedule due to weather delays, was due to be completed in September. On schedule EA SE D U N D Pre-feed completed 25 September. Toxin partially applied 19 October. 1000 ha remains to be treated asap.  Northern Ruahine Manawatu 30,260 Pre-feed applied 20 October. Toxin applied 15 November. Comment Completed R EL Hawdon Andrews Rangiora 24,000 Pre-feed applied 27 Poulter Hurunui October. Toxin applied 14 November. Completed Contact: Peter Morton, Battle for our Birds Project Manager: Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 Myrtle Rust    Myrtle Rust has still not been confirmed on Public Conservation Land. The winter-flowering programme (locating and identifying rata vine species by their flower) is nearing completion. Two three-day training courses have been set up (27–29 November and 4–6 December) to build seed-collection capacity in all the North Island, Northern South Island region and Buller District. National analysis of regional variations and genetic diversity of species has been completed. Planning has now moved to local offices to identify sites for summer seed collection. Collection of seed will ramp up significantly in January. Raoul Island – monitoring sites continue to be set up. FO R M AT I O N Contact: Phil Hancock, Myrtle Rust Programme Manager: T   AC 1.2 IC IA L IN Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv)Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 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) Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 This item provides you with an update on previous advice that DOC has submitted in support of a Water Conservation Order (WCO) sought collectively by Fish and Game, Forest and Bird, Whitewater NZ, Jet Boating NZ, and Ngāti Hōri ki Kohupātiki for the Ngaruroro and Clive Rivers. The WCO application seeks to protect the outstanding amenity and intrinsic values of these rivers. The proposed WCO places restrictions or prohibitions on the regional councils’ functions relating to water in these catchments, including specifying that the waters of the upper catchment are to be retained in a natural state, and that waters of the lower catchment are protected for the maintenance of identified outstanding values and characteristics. A large amount of land in the catchment is managed by DOC, located in the upper Ngaruroro River, including Kaweka, Ruahine and Kaimanawa Forest Parks. The catchment provides a habitat to large and diverse populations of indigenous freshwater fish, and indigenous braided river birds, including wetland habitat. EA SE  U N DOC presenting evidence in support of Water Conservation Order (WCO) for the Ngaruroro and Clive Rivers D 2.3 D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO R M AT I O N AC T Withheld s9(2)(h) R EL    Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313   DOC has submitted in support of the application for the WCO in respect of the upper catchment area (above the Whanawhana Cableway). DOC will submit its evidence on 20 November to the tribunal in Napier. DOC’s summary of evidence in support of the WCO will focus on the following: o The role and statutory obligations of DOC. o The natural values and natural state water quality, which is high at monitored sites. o Whio information available, including anecdotal evidence and recognition of data gaps. O FF  IC IA L  IN FO R  DOC is representing the Oceania Region at the 69th Standing Committee meeting for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in Geneva, 27 November–1 December 2017. The Standing Committee provides policy advice and budget oversight to the CITES Secretariat between the meetings of the Conference of Parties (COP). The COP is the decision-making body for the Convention, and is meeting in 2019. You will be asked to approve the delegation brief prior to the COP meeting. The Standing Committee members are parties representing each of the six major geographical regions. As the regional representative, DOC will attend the meeting to represent all Oceania Parties in addition to participation in our national capacity. Preparation for the Standing Committee meeting is being carried out in consultation with other Oceania members, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Ministry for Primary Industries. AT I  O N Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species: Standing Committee Meeting M 2.4 AC T Contact: Connie Norgate, Operations Manager Hawkes Bay: N D ER TH E Contact: Danica Stent, Manger International Team: R EL EA SE D U Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 T AC O N AT I M R FO IN IA L IC FF O E TH EA SE D U N D ER Contact: Michelle Crowell, Threats Manager: R EL Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 T AC IC U EA SE  D  N D  ER TH E  FF  O  IA L IN  FO R  Under the NZ sea lion Threat Management Plan, DOC is coordinating monitoring at the four breeding locations this summer. At the subantarctic Auckland Islands, the main breeding site, a study on the disease Klebsiella pnuemoniae will be conducted from December 2017– March 2018. A pup count, tagging and re-sighting will also be undertaken during this period. A team will go to Campbell Island this summer, the first time since the 2014/15 pup count was completed. The team will undertake a pup count, track pup behaviour and movements and conduct post mortem analysis to better understand the factors leading to pup deaths. The latter part of this work is being funded through a collaboration with the Deep Water Group Ltd, who represent deep water fisheries quota owners. Vessels associated with the Deepwater Group Ltd do occasionally by-catch NZ sea lions, and there is a detailed management regime in place to avoid and mitigate these bycatch events. Deep Water Group Ltd have provided financial support to a number of sea lion initiatives in past years. This year they are contributing $35,500 to support the use of novel techniques to better understand pup deaths on Campbell island and to assist ultimately in developing a solution. An article introducing the collaboration will be in fishing industry newsletter, ‘Catch Up’, on 20 November. The Otago and Southland coasts and Stewart Island pup counts will also be carried out by DOC’s Operations teams, contractors, NZ Sea Lion Trust and volunteers between January and April 2018. A briefing on the New Zealand sea lion Threat Management Plan will be with you before the end of the calendar year, including threats, existing management regimes, future research and engagement activities. You will get regular updates on sea lion conservation as there is significant public interest. AT I  O N Update on New Zealand sea lion Threat Management Plan M 2.7 R EL Contact: Kris Ramm, Acting Manager Marine Species and Threats: Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313    AC  O N  AT I  You have been asked to introduce the keynote speaker (Hon Karlene Maywald) at this year’s New Zealand River Awards on 23 November. A memo including speaking notes will be provided (17-B-0798). The purpose of this item is to provide a brief background to DOC’s connection with these Awards. The NZ River Awards is an initiative of the Morgan Foundation and began in 2013. The awards recognise the contribution of individuals, groups, business and communities in working together to improve water quality and river health. The awards include: Most Improved River Awards, which recognise the most improved rivers in each region and nationally; New Zealand River Story Awards, which celebrate the contributions of our young people; and the Reo Mōte Awa River Voice Award, which recognises an individual or group that has been an outstanding communicator about freshwater issues. The Cawthron Institute has taken over the River Awards from the Morgan Foundation. Fonterra is a key sponsor this year. DOC & MfE are contributing $1,500 each to support the attendance of Dr Karlene Maywald. The Director-General is hosting a table at the function. DOC is also supporting social media communications for the awards. M  T DOC’s contribution to the NZ River Awards – 23 November 2017 R 2.8 R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO Contact: Polly Cunningham, Volunteering Manager: Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 3 Director-General Engagements November 20 November 22–23 November 23 November 24 November 29–30 November ENGOs/DOC meeting, Wellington SSC Leadership Team Retreat, Martinborough NZ River Awards, Wellington DOC SLT workshop with Tūhoe, Tāneatua (Whakatane) Executive Leadership Programme – Leading Safety, Wellington AT I O N AC Tourism Southland, Queenstown NZ Conservation Authority, Wellington Directors Workshop, Wellington NGOs/DOC meeting, DOC Wellington DOC Wellington Xmas Party, DOC Wellington Te Hiku Board meeting, Whangarei R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO R M 01 December 05 December 6–7 December 13 December 13 December 19 December T December Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 AT IO N 4.1 AC T 4 Upcoming Briefings and Cabinet Papers Briefings Due date M Title / Ref / Lead Manager 20 November R EDS-Mackenzie Country workshop draft speech FO (Event memo due to you 24 November) IN 17-B-0806 IA L Kay Booth (Deputy Director-General, Partnerships) Tenure review and Mackenzie Basin: DOC's role, priorities and next steps IC 17-B-0812 20 November O FF Barry Hanson (Director, Partnerships) Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa Settlement Act 2017 Deed of Recognition ER Marie Long (Director, Planning, Permissions and Land) TH E 17-B-0721 20 November Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa Settlement Act 2017 – Conservation Protocol D 17-B-0722 20 November U N Marie Long (Director, Planning, Permissions and Land) EA SE D Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa Settlement Act 2017 – Overlay Classifications 17-B-0723 EL Marie Long (Director, Planning, Permissions and Land) R Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 20 November 20 November AC T Meeting with NZCA chair on 23/11/17 at 1600-1630 17-B-0807 AT IO N Rick McGovern-Wilson (Senior Statutory Bodies Manager and NZCA Executive Officer) 21 November Cabinet paper for CBC meeting 22 Nov 2017 17-B-0824 R M Sean Goddard (Acting Director, Partnerships National Support) FO Molesworth Station - lease expiry, Landcorp performance and future plans IN 17-B-0744 IA L Barry Hanson (Director, Partnerships) 2018 Legislation programme FF Jennie Marks (Acting Director, Policy) O Game Animal Council - resourcing options 24 November E 17-B-0762 TH Ben Reddiex (Acting Director, Threats) ER Whaling in the Southern Ocean EA SE D U N Danica Stent (International Manager, Partnerships) D 17-B-0804 EL 22 November IC 17-B-0814 Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 R 22 November 24 November AC T Cabinet Papers Due date Comments World Trade Organization: 11th Ministerial Conference: Updated Negotiating Mandate  Cabinet Business Committee   Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade 22 November 2017 The paper seeks to update New Zealand’s negotiating mandate for key issues likely to arise at the biennial World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference on 10–13 December.  MFAT officials assess substantive outcomes from the conference are unlikely and the primary challenge will be to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the WTO in an increasingly difficult and uncertain global political climate. IC IA L IN Danica Stent, International Manager FO R M AT IO N Title / Ref / Lead Manager The paper presents issues in two parts – those where the existing mandate remains relevant, and those where revised mandates may be required.  DOC was provided the opportunity to comment on the draft paper. As we had no concerns with the proposed approaches, no comment was provided.  The issue of most relevance to DOC is addressing harmful fisheries subsidies. New Zealand is playing a leadership role on this issue and DOC officials support the NZ position and approach.  You will be provided with a memo/briefing [17-B-0824] EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF  R Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 AC T 23 November 2017 MBIE  The regulations consolidate, update and transfer workplace requirements for hazardous substances into the health and safety at work regime. AT IO N Minor and technical amendments to Health and Cabinet Legislation Safety at work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations Committee 2017  You will be provided with a memo before the meeting [17-B-0825]. EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO  R Hilary Aikman, Director National Operations M  The regulations were made in June 2017 and will come into force on 1 December 2017. The paper seeks agreement to authorise the submission with a waiver of the 28-day rule. R Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 Private individual Briefing for incoming minister 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 Organisation Subject Private individual Questions about delegated Reserves Act powers of the Minister to local authorities Reports from 2015, 2016 and 2017 about charging for access to the Pancake Rocks. Also, is DOC looking at restricting access or charging for access on any other areas of the Conservation Estate? Copy of the 2017-18 DOC guiding and outdoor activities concessionaires in the Egmont National Park 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 FO R M Private individual Private individual Due to requester 28 Nov 4 Dec 30 Nov 12 Oct Private individual 17-E-461 13 Oct Private individual 17-E-466 14 Oct 17-E-471 19 Oct Bay of Islands Watchdogs Private individual 17-E-474 24 Oct FF Due to requester 23 Nov 10 Nov EA SE D U N D ER 17-E-460 O OIAs to DOC as at 17 November 2017 Date Ref From received 17-E-451 4 Oct IC To the Department E 5.2 2 Nov Subject IA L 17-D-30 Organisation IN OIAs to the Minister as at 17 November 2017 Date Ref From received 17-D-28 3 Nov 17-D-29 7 Nov AT IO N To the Minister TH 5.1 AC T 5 OIA requests lodged since last report EL Private individual R Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 13 Nov 1 Dec 17 Nov 21 Nov 23 Oct Private individual 17-E-476 20 Oct White Fox & Jones 17-E-480 25 Oct Fairfax 17-E-484 16 Oct Private individual 17-E-486 27 Oct Forest & Bird 17-E-487 30 Oct Private individual 17-E-488 31 Oct NZ Herald 17-E-489 17-E-490 17-E-491 31 Oct 31 Oct 31 Oct Fairfax media Greymouth Star Greymouth Star 17-E-492 26 Oct Fairfax media Information about the handover in 1987 of Crown recreation reserves 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 Briefing for incoming minister Documents relating to the discussion about Denniston and the larger plans for the plateau Briefing for incoming minister FF 23 Nov 17-E-493 31 Oct Forest & Bird Wildlife Act Authority 50922-FAU 28 Nov 17-E-494 1 Nov 2 Nov Any report or recommendation about the strategic review of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Briefing for incoming Minister 29 Nov 17-E-495 Wilderness Magazine Inside Tourism 17-E-496 2 Nov fyi.org.nz 30 Nov 17-E-497 2 Nov Southern Alps Guiding 17-E-498 3 Nov All permit conditions for marine mammal tourism permits in the Bay of Islands Has Ngāi 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 Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 R 20 Nov 20 Nov 22 Nov AT IO N M R FO IN IA L IC O E TH ER D N U EA SE D Private individual EL Questions concerning DOC officer in a vehicle without identification All documents held by DOC regarding Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd over the last 12 months Questions about campgrounds in Northland AC T 17-E-475 15 Nov 24 Nov 27 Nov 28 Nov 28 Nov 28 Nov 28 Nov 30 Nov 30 Nov 1 Dec 7 Nov Private individual 17-E-504 7 Nov Barrister 17-E-505 8 Nov Private individual 17-E-506 4 Nov 17-E-507 8 Nov Game Animal Council 17-E-508 9 Nov Fairfax media 17-E-509 9 Nov 17-E-511 9 Nov Environmental Defence Society 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 FO Private individual 5 Dec 6 Dec 1 Dec 7 Dec Incoming briefing for Minister 7 Dec 6 Dec IN IA L IC FF O 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 TH E D N U EA SE D EL Forest and Bird Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313 R 5 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 ER l 4 Dec AC T 17-E-503 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 Questions about 1080 drop in Kahurangi National Park Health effects of dust from brodifacoum AT IO N Rodney Times/Stuff M 6 Nov R 17-E-500 7 Dec 8 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec 16 Nov Private individual BIM request 13 Dec 17-E-519 16 Nov Private individual Information about OIAs 13 Dec 17-E-520 16 Nov Ririwha Restoration Trust 17-E-521 16 Nov Lyall Thornton Barristers CooneyLees Morgan Lawyers AT IO N AC T 17-E-517 13 Dec 13 Dec EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO R M True Honey Co Ltd concession R Status Report 3 – week beginning 20 November 2017 – DOC 3222313