Department of Conservation IN FO R M Status Report AT IO N AC T In-Confidence D ER TH E O FF IC IA L Week beginning: 13 November 2017 R EL EA SE D U N Seen by Hon Eugenie Sage Minister of Conservation Date: / / 1 Standing and Priority Items TH E O FF IC 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 340,448 ha.  An additional 99,089 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. N D ER The table below shows the schedule of BfoB aerial operations work planned to the end of 2017. Only four more aerial 1080 operations remain to be completed before Christmas. District Moehau Whitianga 4,368 Est ha EA SE D U Operation EL AC AT IO N IA L  M  R  The main goal of the Battle for our Birds (BfoB) programme is to protect nationally significant threatened species populations and ecosystems. Predator control sites have been selected based on DOC’s ecosystem and species ranking criteria. A nationally coordinated process has been run to identify the best remaining examples of New Zealand’s diverse ecosystem types, the most important populations of our threatened native species, and the threats that need to be managed to protect them. Predator control sites are primarily designed to protect these ecological management units and key threatened species populations that are at high risk from rodent, mustelid or possum predation. The programme also aims to improve the effectiveness of this work by cooperating better with others who support landscape scale predator control. This includes regional councils, iwi partners, OSPRI, community groups and research agencies. This improved coordination is a building block towards Predator Free 2050. This year’s BfoB campaign is primarily targeted towards managing the 2017 beech mast event. Longer-term planning is currently under way to identify the recommended predator control programme over the next 4 years. The current 2017 campaign is progressing well. To date, 20 aerial 1080 operations have been completed and 12 major ground operations are under way as planned. FO  T Battle for our Birds IN 1.1 Manawatū 30,260 Kahurangi West Buller R Northern Ruahine 36,673 Plan Comment Pre-feed completed 25 September. Toxin partially applied 19 October. 1000 ha remains to be treated asap.  Pre-feed completed 20 October. Toxin to be applied from 12 November. Pre-feed completed 20 October. Toxin to be applied from 11 November. On schedule. Behind schedule due to weather delays, was due to be completed in October. Behind schedule due to weather delays, was due to be completed in September. Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 Hawdon Andrews Poulter Hurunui Rangiora 24,000 Pre-feed completed 27 October. Toxin to be applied from 11 November. On schedule. Contact: Peter Morton, Battle for our Birds Project Manager:  The announcement has generated a lot of media interest both nationally and regionally, particularly on the West Coast. DOC is now fielding enquiries from existing operators, who are raising concerns about what the announcement means for their current applications in process and potential operations. FO R  AT IO N Government's announcement relating to no new mines on Public Conservation Land M 2.1 AC T 2 Updates IA L IN Withheld s9(2)(g)(i) O FF IC Contact: Marie Long, Director Planning Permissions and Land: R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 Announcing research: Public perceptions of pest control  o The BH-NSC will publicly release the initial findings in association with a presentation to the Cape to City – Transforming Biodiversity Conference being held in Napier on 14 November, with a media release to be issued the following day. Predator Free 2050 Ltd will also be releasing its science research strategy on 13 November, and a paper is coming out of Otago University that discusses PF2050 and genetics on 16 November. A communications plan on the social research has been prepared by DOC, in conjunction with associated government agencies. Key messages about this research and new pest control methods in development will be shared with your office. Subject matter expert Edy MacDonald can brief you in person as appropriate, answering questions that arise. FO FF  IC IA L  IN  R M  AT I o o o 61% of those interviewed are aware of the goal of becoming Predator Free by the year 2050. 84% agree that pest species are a significant conservation problem. Only 14% think enough pest control is being done. 85% agree that investment in pest control is beneficial for future generations. TH E O Contact: Dr Edy MacDonald, Social Science Manager: D EA SE D  The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) applied for consent for the EastWest Link on 16 December 2016. The application proposes the construction of a road connecting State Highway 20 with State Highway 1. The proposed highway travels along the northern edge of the Māngere Inlet (Manukau Harbour), which is a heavily industrialised area. It also involves reclamation, and effectively creates a coastal causeway. This is a proposal of national significance under the RMA. The Minister of Conservation has regulatory process functions for proposals of national significance within the Coastal Marine Area (CMA) and jointly with the Minister for the Environment for proposals covering both land and sea. The EPA referred the proposal to the Minister of Conservation and the Minister for the Environment on 22 December 2016. The Ministers then made their Direction, referring the East West Link proposal to a Board of Inquiry on 8 February 2017. The EPA provides administrative support to the Board. On 4 September 2017, the Ministers granted a one-month extension to the timeframe for the East West Link Proposal final decision and report. The due date for the Board of Inquiry to produce its final decision and report is now 22 December 2017. N  ER East-West Link – Draft decision report to be released 14 November 2017 U 2.4 R EL    T  On 6 November the Director-General gave you a verbal update about the progress of research into public perceptions of existing and future new technologies for pest control. The research is a Biological Heritage National Science Challenge - Ngā Koiora Tuku Iho (BH-NSC) project led by a national team from DOC, Landcare Research and Lincoln University. Initial findings show that most New Zealanders support, to varying degrees, the need for pest control: AC  O N 2.3 Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 Draft decision report to be released 14 November 2017  The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) will be providing advice to its Minister (Minister Parker). We will discuss the draft report with MfE and then provide you with advice on this draft decision. IA L IN FO R M AC O N AT I Other relevant matters:  DOC previously submitted on the proposal in support of the NZ Coastal Policy Statement. We highlighted that the proposal would have adverse environmental effects, including on the foraging grounds of coastal bird species, and noted that the application did not contain sufficient detail to ensure these effects could be addressed. We asked that, if the proposal were granted, the conditions require a comprehensive mitigation package that fully avoid, remedy, mitigate and offset the significant adverse effects of the proposal on ecological values – preferably resulting in a net conservation gain.  The Prime Minister has stated that the East-West Link proposal will not continue in its current form, identifying that the money saved would fund alternative transport options. T Board of Inquiry fee extension   You and Minister Parker have a briefing regarding this matter from MfE.  As above, an extension of one month was granted to the Board. The Board is being paid a higher-than-standard fee, so an extension to the period within which the ‘exceptional’ fee is paid needs to also be sought.  The request for exceptional fees needs to be in writing from both yourself and Minister Parker to the Minister of State Services. We are advised this is due by 15 November 2017. MfE is managing this process.  We are advised Minister Parker or his office will contact you directly regarding this letter. D EA SE  U N  DOC (DDG Operations) made the decision on 7 November 2017 to decline the application from Strategic Minerals (Pty) Ltd for a Minimum Impact Activity under the Crown Minerals Act. The application was over an area known as Te Tai Tapu in North West Nelson Forest Park, Golden Bay. Strategic Minerals (Pty) Ltd already held an Exploration Permit granted by the Minister of Energy and Resources. This application was declined due to the significant impacts on iwi cultural values in Te Tai Tapu. Under the Crown Minerals Act 1991, the decision-maker has an obligation to have regard to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. The level of concern raised by Te Tai Tapu was significant. It was compelling and weighted accordingly in the decision. This is the first time a Minimum Impact Activity application has been declined due to high cultural value, and it is likely to attract some media interest should the applicant or others make this public. Reactive media messages are being prepared in case we are asked about this by the media. Minimum Impact Activities are considered under the Crown Minerals Act 1991 and are defined as non-invasive activities that have minimal impacts on conservation values. Te Tai Tapu is culturally very significant to four iwi (Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Apa), and this is reflected in their Treaty settlements (2014). DOC has undertaken comprehensive consultation with the iwi involved. DOC engaged with Strategic Minerals (Pty) Ltd while we were processing the application, outlining the importance of the location to iwi and expressly ER  TH E Strategic Minerals (Pty) Ltd application for a Minimum Impact Activity under the Crown Minerals Act 1991 D 2.5 O FF IC Contact: Chris Rendall, Senior National Advisor RMA: R EL      Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413  indicating that any proposed future mining activities ‘proper’ in this location would not likely be approved. DOC sought Crown Law advice and consulted with the Office of Treaty Settlements to assist with informing the decision. Contact: Judi Brennan, Permissions/SLM Manager: o o o Predator control War on Weeds Open category for other conservation work 255 Expressions of Interest were received requesting $28 million. The amount available for the 2017 round is $4.215 million. A range of on-the-ground community conservation projects across the DOC regions will be funded.  We will advise you of the decisions by 23 November 2017 and will work with your office to announce the funded projects. IA L IN FO R  FF IC Contact: Kees Hyink, Funds Manager: 027 561 8604 D  Westpower Limited has lodged an application for concessions to construct a run of the river hydro-electric power scheme on the Waitaha River, 38km south of Hokitika. We are preparing a strategic briefing for you on this matter. The briefing will be provided on 16 November. TH  E O Westpower Hydro-Electric Power Scheme Application – Waitaha River, West Coast ER 2.7 EA SE D U N Contact: Judi Brennan, Permissions/SLM Manager Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) R EL AC  The DOC Community Fund is an annual contestable fund available for community groups and private landowners to undertake on-the-ground conservation projects. Funding decisions on applications to the 2017 round of the DOC Community Fund will be finalised shortly. The priorities for the 2017 round are: AT IO N  T DOC Community Fund M 2.6 Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413   TH ER  E O  FF IC  IA L IN  U N D Contact: Tony Preston, Operations Manager Murihiku: D 2.10 Opportunity to visit Antipodes Island February 2018 From 19–24 February 2018 there is an opportunity for you to visit the Antipodes Islands as part of a NZ Navy supported trip. The trip has two main purposes: one is to drop off the team which is carrying out the post-operational monitoring for the Antipodes Mouse Eradication Project / Million Dollar Mouse. The other purpose is to pick up the Antipodes Wandering Albatross scientists, Kath Walker and Graeme Elliot. This trip presents an opportunity to highlight the significant decline of the Antipodes Wandering Albatross. At their current rate of decline, the species will be functionally extinct within 20 years. The cause of their significant decline is unknown. What we do know is that the females never used to feed off the coast of South America and now they all do. Due to logistical requirements, expressions of interest to join the trip need to be registered with the team by 17 November. EA SE  EL  R     AC O N AT I  M   The Yellow Eyed Penguin (YEP) Trust has been carrying out annual nest counts for Yellow Eyed Penguin on Whenua Hou since 2001, when there were 61 nests. In 2016 there were 24 nests. In 2017 there are 14 nests. Forest and Bird has an interest in this latest development. Researchers have also commented. Whenua Hou is a predator-free island. It is unlikely there are any terrestrial influences in this declining trend. It is likely the decline relates to factors in the marine environment. DOC is currently working with Ngāi Tahu and the YEP Trust on getting a new recovery plan / strategy under way. Recent media coverage has reported the steep decline in YEP nest numbers on Whenua Hou. This decline has been in train for many years. YEP researcher, Dr Thomas Mattern, suggested that mortality at sea in commercial set-nets is a leading explanation for the absence of birds. We know from declared by-catch data and post-mortem analysis of birds washing up on beaches that YEPs die in commercial set-nets. We do not have definitive evidence of set-net mortalities on the scale Dr Mattern suggests. There is agreement among all YEP interests that threats in the marine environment (set-netting, fisheries impacts on prey systems, pathogens, pollution, climate-warming) are absolute priorities for research and remedy. The YEP Trust has employed a marine biologist to determine priorities. We have provided your office with a media advisory, including key messages for responding to media queries. R  T Hōiho/Yellow Eyed Penguin population decline on Whenua Hou /Codfish Island FO 2.9 Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413   Medical clearance requirements must be completed and returned by 1 December 2017. We will work with your office regarding your potential availability and interest. Contact: Tony Preston, Operations Manager Murihiku: DOC will undertake initial land assessment (based on legislative/statutory frameworks and monitoring data etc.) and will flag where issues have been raised via industry and GAC & NZDA meetings. o DOC will lead discussions and receive feedback at a regional level with industry / recreational hunting stakeholders about draft assessment. o DOC will finalise land assessment and consult with industry and recreational hunting stakeholders if it looks like there could be a significant change to WARO activity at any places. TH ER D N U During the term of the current permit, DOC has been involved in a judicial review of decisions around WARO activity in the Ruahine Forest Park. The outcomes of this are informing the process DOC will follow, including in regard to consulting with others (as per the point above). EA SE D  EL Withheld s9(2)(g)(i) R Contact: Hilary Aikman, Director National Operations: 2.12 Te Roopu Manaaki ki te Toka / South-East Marine Protection Forum  AC AT IO N M R FO o E  IN  IA L   IC  FF  DOC is engaging with the WARO industry, the Game Animal Council (GAC) and the NZ Deerstalkers’ Association (NZDA) on the expiry of the current ‘national WARO permit’ and the development of the new permits. The national WARO permit is issued to applicants who meet criteria to undertake the harvest of deer, primarily for supply to MPI-approved processors. This permit does not cover tahr carcass recovery or aerially assisted trophy hunting – they are subject to separate permits. There are currently six North Island permits and 29 South Island permits issued. The current national WARO permit will expire on 30 June 2018. Three regional meeting days are planned for the end of November / early December at Wānaka, Christchurch and Palmerston North. The meetings will have two segments: one with regional WARO industry representatives; and the second with the hunting sector, including the GAC and NZDA, as well as any WARO industry operators wanting to take part. Following these meetings, DOC will begin assessing the land that may be made available for the concession activity in the next permit, and will follow the following process: O  T 2.11 Wild Animal Recovery Operators (WARO) industry engagement process In 2014, a non-statutory body, the South-East Marine Protection Forum (Te Roopu Manaaki ki te Toka; the Forum), was appointed by the former Minister of Conservation and the Minister for Primary Industries to make recommendations for a network of marine protected areas for the south-east coast of the South Island. Members of the Forum represent the interests of Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413  R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO R M AT I Contact: Rebecca Bird, Marine Protected Areas Significant Projects Manager: T  AC  O N  tangata whenua, commercial fishing, recreational users, conservation groups, tourism, aquaculture, marine science, local government and communities. Since 2014, the Forum has engaged extensively with the community, seeking views of their respective sectors, and prepared a proposal for potential protection of 20 sites. Formal public consultation was undertaken in late 2016 and over 2,800 submissions were received. The Forum has completed deliberations and is now developing recommendations for you and the Minister of Fisheries. The Forum is to conclude its process on 9 December 2017 with a private celebration at Ōtākou Marae, Dunedin and you have been invited to this event. Note that this event will occur before the final recommendations are provided to Ministers – formal recommendations for protection sites and types are due to you and the Minister of Fisheries on 20 December 2017. Once the formal recommendations are presented to the Ministers, you are both required to make the final decision on the sites for, and types of, protection. We will work with your office regarding your potential availability and interest. Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 December 01 December 05 December 6–7 December 13 December 13 December 19 December 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 AT I M R FO IN IA L IC FF O E TH ER D N U D EA SE EL R Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 AC Transforming Biodiversity Conference, Napier Dinner with Korean Ambassador, Korean Embassy, Wellington 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 O N November 14–15 November 15 November 20 November 22–23 November 23 November 24 November 29–30 November T 3 Director-General Engagements AT IO N Briefings Waiheke Island-Rangihoua Reserve. 17-B-0789 Jonty Somers (Chief Legal Adviser) 13 November Ngā Whenua Rāhui (Te Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu) – invitation to meet with the Komiti on either 15 or 16 November. 17-B-0749 Tata Lawton (Deputry Director-General, Kahui Kaupapa Atawhai) 13 November IN IA L IC 13 November O FF Outlining a direction to increase DOC's RMA advocacy work. 17-B-0769 Marie Long (Director Planning, Permissions and Land) 13 November N U EL EA SE D What work has been done/is planned in assessing the value of Nature (biodiversity/Natural capital) to NZ? R 13 November D ER TH E Letter from NZ Recreation Association - advice for Minister re: meeting 17-B-0740 Jennie Marks (Acting Director, Policy) DOC's engagement with Treaty partners. 17-B-0752 Timoti Gallagher (Treaty Negotiations Manager) Comments M Due date FO Title / Ref / Lead Manager R 4.1 AC T 4 Upcoming Briefings and Cabinet Papers Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 14 November New Chum Beach subdivision. 17-B-0771 David Speirs (Director, Operations Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki) 14 November Advice outlining DOC's partnership strategy. 17-B-0735 David Talbot (Acting Deputy Director-General, Partnerships) 14 November R FO IN IA L 14 November FF IC Review of New Zealand's biodiversity strategy/action plan. 17-B-0732 Jennie Marks (Acting Director, Policy) E TH ER EL EA SE D U N D The Pike 29 Great walk track. 17-B-0779 Mark Davies (Director, Operations Western South Island) R 14 November O Kermadecs and MPA Reform. 17-B-0740 Jennie Marks (Acting Director, Policy) DOC's communications strategy for Battle for our Birds. 17-B-0791 Hilary Aikman (Director, National Operations) Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 AT IO N 14 November M Advice on the current status of the draft Threatened Species Strategy and next steps. 17-B-0734 Julie Knauf (Director, Terrestrial Ecosystems) AC T 17-B-0733 Martin Kessick (Deputy Director-General, Biodiversity) 15 November 15 November Strategic briefing on the Westpower Hydro-Electric Power Scheme Application – Waitaha River, West Coast. AC T 16 November 16 November Fish and Game National Council - speaking notes. 17-B-0767 Ian Angus (Acting Director, Aquatic) 17 November IA L IN U N Cabinet Papers R EL EA SE D Nil FF O E D ER TH Key Decisions Briefings as listed in part 3 of the BIM 4.2 17 November IC Battle for our Birds - suggestions for Minister to visit an aerial operation. 17-B-0790 Hilary Aikman (Director, National Operations) Strategic Briefings as listed in part 3 of the BIM Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 M Ngati maru ki Taranaki: Conservation redress proposals for a Crown offer. 17-B-0739 Rachel Stockwell (Senior Advisor, Policy and Negotiations) R 16 November FO Statements from NZ Oil & Gas and the Barque field off the Oamaru coast. 17-B-0741 Marie Long (Director, Planning, Permissions and Land) AT IO N Judi Brennan (Permissions/SLM Manager) TBC TBC Subject Private individual Private individual Briefing for incoming minister Is 1080 known to have killed native birds in NZ? Does DOC intend to continue to drop it? 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 Due to requester 28 Nov 4 Dec M Organisation 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 IC Due to requester 23 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E 17-E-460 FF OIAs to DOC as at 10 November 2017 Ref Date From received 17-E-451 4 Oct IA L To the Department O 5.2 IN FO OIAs to the Minister as at 10 November 2017 Ref Date From received 17-D-28 3 Nov 17-D-29 7 Nov AT IO N To the Minister R 5.1 AC T 5 OIA requests Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 1 Dec 17 Nov 24 Oct Private individual Details of the 1080 aerial drop around Whitianga 21 Nov 17-E-475 23 Oct Private individual 20 Nov 17-E-476 20 Oct White Fox & Jones 17-E-480 17-E-484 25 Oct 16 Oct Fairfax 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 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 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 17-E-493 31 Oct Forest & Bird Wildlife Act Authority 50922-FAU 17-E-494 1 Nov 17-E-495 2 Nov Wilderness Magazine Inside Tourism Any report or recommendation about the strategic review of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Briefing for incoming Minister 17-E-496 2 Nov fyi.org.nz 17-E-497 2 Nov Southern Alps Guiding AT IO N 22 Nov 15 Nov M R FO IN IA L IC FF O E TH ER D N U EA SE D 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 EL R 20 Nov AC T 17-E-474 Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 24 Nov 27 Nov 28 Nov 28 Nov 28 Nov 28 Nov 23 Nov 28 Nov 29 Nov 30 Nov 30 Nov 30 Nov 17-E-503 7 Nov Private individual 17-E-504 7 Nov Barrister 17-E-505 8 Nov Private individual 17-E-506 4 Nov Private individual 17-E-507 8 Nov Game Animal Council 17-E-508 9 Nov Fairfax media 17-E-509 9 Nov Environmental Defence Society FF IC IA L 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 EA SE D U N D ER TH E O Incoming briefing for Minister EL R 4 Dec AC T Rodney Times/Stuff AT IO N 6 Nov 1 Dec 5 Dec 5 Dec M 17-E-500 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 Questions about 1080 drop in Kahurangi National Park Health effects of dust from brodifacoum R Private individual FO 3 Nov IN 17-E-498 Status Report 2 – week beginning 13 November 2017 – DOC 3214413 6 Dec 1 Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 7 Dec