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: 6 November 2017 R EL EA SE D U Seen by Hon Eugenie Sage Minister of Conservation Date: / / 1 Standing and Priority Items IC O FF  IA L IN  FO R  D U N D ER TH E 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.  The table below shows the schedule of BfoB aerial operations completed in the last fortnight, as well as work planned to the end of 2017. District Est ha Plan Comment Hauraki-Otahu Hauraki 7,133 Completed 19 October. Papakai Whitianga 11,388 Completed 19 October. Moehau Whitianga 4,368 EA SE Operation R EL AC O N  Battle for our Birds is DOC’s nationally coordinated, landscape-scale predator control programme. The goal of the programme is to ensure a representative range of New Zealand native species and ecosystems remain in a healthy, functioning condition for future generations. This is achieved by controlling rodents, mustelids and possums to protect our most vulnerable threatened species populations and ecosystems. Battle for our Birds is an important building block towards the long-term goal of eradicating predators from New Zealand. Our strategy is to maintain a network of nationally significant sites in good condition, by using currently available tools to apply sustained control over roughly the next decade. Improving the coordination of this work with other predator control groups and agencies to provide the foundation for the eventual eradication of predators from New Zealand through Predator Free 2050. The 2016 and 2017 Battle for our Birds campaigns received a significant boost through $20m of additional annual funding to manage the beech mast events that occurred in each of those years. This allowed DOC to quadruple its baseline level of predator control, from 200,000 ha to 800,000 ha annually. The current 2017 campaign is progressing well. Over the last fortnight 12 separate aerial 1080 operations were run, spread across the Coromandel, Taranaki, Kaimanawa, Ruahine, Whanganui National Park, Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Westland, Arthurs Pass and Mount Aspiring National Park. The results of this work will be known within a few months in terms of predator kill rates, and 1–2 years in terms of improvement in the condition of protected bird, bat, frog, invertebrate and reptile populations. AT I  T Battle for our Birds M 1.1 Pre-feed completed 25 September. Toxin partially applied 19 October. 1000 ha remains to be treated asap.  Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 On schedule. Central Plateau 11,201 Completed 19 October.  Waitaanga Taranaki 19,259   Completed 19 October. Northern Ruahine Manawatu 30,260 Pre-feed completed 20 October. Toxin to be applied from 10 November. Motueka Abel Tasman 10,300 Behind schedule due to weather delays, was due to be completed in October. Completed 26 October. Kahurangi West Buller 36,673 Pre-feed completed 20 October. Toxin to be applied from 10 November. Paparoa North Buller 34,869 Matukituki Central Otago 12,921 R M TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO Behind schedule due to weather delays, was due to be completed in September. Completed 29 October.  24,000 Pre-feed completed 27 October. Toxin to be applied from 10 November. Completed 27 October.  On schedule. N D ER Hawdon Rangiora Andrews Poulter Hurunui EA SE D U Contact: Peter Morton, Battle for our Birds Project Manager: 1.2 Predator Free 2050 update R EL DOC is preparing you a full briefing on PF2050. We will also aim to give you weekly updates on topical items, unless you signal otherwise. The first of these is below. PF 2050 Ltd Regional Funding    T Kaimanawa Mountains Umukarikari AC Completed 20 October. O N 51,639 AT I Matemateonga- Whanganui Waitotara The first round of Expressions of Interest (EOI) for larger-scale predator eradication projects closed on 13 October. Currently the evaluation panel (which includes a DOC representative) is accessing 45 Expressions of Interest from all over NZ. EOI’s cover approximately 1.7m ha with submitters estimating project costs at approximately $53m per annum. Over 100 collaborators and 40 fund providers are involved with the projects. The plan is to shortlist by the end of November. Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 PF2050 Ltd Science Strategy   The science strategy will be finalised by mid-November and then released publicly. The detailed work programme to mid-2020 will be finalised by the end of November. PF2050 Ltd science investment ($4m to June 2020) is on track to leverage an additional $9–10m (from a range of national and international sources). Withheld s(9)(g)(i) O N AC T Contact: Brent Beaven, Programme Manager: FO R M AT I 2 Updates R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN Withheld S9(2)(f)(iv) Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 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 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 Note: This item was prepared jointly by DOC, MPI and MFE for their respective Ministers. Contact: Sarah McRae, Senior Policy Analyst: R M AC O N AT I We are currently working on:  a response to a request under the Official Information Act which you will receive in draft for your information on 6 November; and  a briefing you requested on DOC’s draft Visitor Strategy, the management of infrastructure on public conservation land (PCL), and regional tourism planning. You will receive this information in two memos on 8 November: one that focuses on the draft Visitor Strategy and regional development and a second on the management of infrastructure on PCL. T Briefing on draft Visitor Strategy and OIA response regarding charging or restricting access to public conservation land N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO OIA for your information  DOC is responding to an OIA request regarding policy advice in relation to charging or restricting access to PCL. You will receive this draft response for information prior to receiving the briefing.  This OIA request is a follow-up to a previous request, which asked for documents and reports containing information about charging for access to National Parks and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.  We responded to the requestor previously, releasing redacted documents. Some of the information was not in scope of the request and much of the information was under active consideration by the previous Minister of Conservation and was redacted under section 9(2)(f)(iv) of the OIA to preserve the ability to make decisions in the future.  Now, it is necessary to determine what information contained in the documents remains under active consideration (and should be redacted) and what information can be released.  The OIA response letter, an accompanying noting memo, and the documents we propose to release will be sent to your office on 6 November and are due to be released to the requester on 10 November. EA SE D U DOC’s draft Visitor Strategy R EL Withheld S9(2)(f)(iv) Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 Contact: Jennie Marks, Director Policy (acting): O FF IC IA L IN FO R M AT I Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area (RSRMPA)  The RSRMPA was agreed by consensus last October and will enter into force on 1 December 2017.  New Zealand and the US were joint proponents for this MPA. At 1.55 million square kilometres (72% of which is fully protected), it will be the world’s largest MPA.  MFAT is leading events and communications to mark the entry into force of the MPA. We will provide a separate update on any opportunities for you to be involved in these events. AC  The CCAMLR Scientific Committee and Commission concluded their annual meetings in Hobart on 27 October. DOC staff attended, along with representatives from MFAT and MPI. The objective of CCAMLR is the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources. This includes managing fisheries in accordance with conservation principles around maintaining ecological relationships, sustainable recruitment for harvested species, and minimising risk of long term changes in the marine ecosystem. O N  T Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) DOC officials will continue to work alongside MFAT and MPI to progress key priorities related to the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources, and of the Ross Sea region in particular. Contact: Danica Stent, International Manager: Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158  IN Contact: Connie Norgate, Operations Manager Hawke’s Bay, Mobile: IC FF O E TH EA SE D  ER  D  N  A 52-year-old man faces charges under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 and the Animal Welfare Act 1999 for killing a juvenile female New Zealand sea lion, Rua. He has interim name suppression. Rua was found dead from stab wounds at Portobello, Dunedin, on 5 November 2016. DOC and the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust supported the Dunedin Police in their investigation and this prosecution. At his last court appearance on 27 October 2017, the man was given a sentence indication on an intimated guilty plea to taking (killing) a sea lion under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. The defendant has until 3 November 2017 to confirm whether he will accept the sentence indication and plead guilty, or not. If he pleads guilty he would be sentenced in the Dunedin District Court on 17 November. If sentencing proceeds, a decision would also be made on final name suppression. U  IA L Prosecution for killing a New Zealand sea lion (Rua case)  R EL Contact: Annie Wallace, Operations Manager, Coastal Otago District: Port Hills Fires – Public Release of Fire Investigation Findings   AC O N  AT I  M  R  The Minister for the Environment received an application for a Water Conservation Order on the Ngaruroro and Clive rivers in Hawke’s Bay from a collective of local conservation groups and iwi. A large number of submissions have been made to the Special Tribunal that will hear the application. DOC has submitted in support of specific parts of the application that recognise the natural, wild and scenic values. There are several bird and freshwater fish species on the river, with some populations “threatened” or “at risk”. The evidence outlines the statutory role of DOC and the plans that guide DOC’s work in relation to the upper catchment. The evidence lists the work that is undertaken by DOC to restore indigenous biodiversity and maintain natural heritage values in the upper catchment, and highlights the recreation and historic heritage values in this area. The evidence supports the benefits of natural state water quality, recognising the importance of the rivers in their current state to support sustainable populations of endangered species. DOC will present its evidence at the hearing on 20 November 2017. FO  T DOC submission of evidence to Tribunal for the Water Conservation Order on the Ngaruroro and Clive Rivers, Hawke’s Bay The findings from the Port Hills Fire investigation were released by Fire and Emergency New Zealand on 3 November. The press conference was held in Christchurch, and attended by representatives of all Fire Authorities that had jurisdictional responsibilities for fire suppression, including DOC. The findings concluded that DOC’s actions as a Rural Fire Authority exceeded standards and no significant issues were identified in the way DOC responded to the fire call-out. Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158    The release of the report is likely to be an emotional event for the family of the helicopter pilot who was tragically killed while fighting the fire and for those people who had property damaged or destroyed. There will be wide public interest in the overall findings, recommendations and associated implementation plan. DOC’s National Fire Manager and Operations Manager for the Mahaanui District (Christchurch City) attended and represented DOC at the press conference. We gave you a written briefing with further information on 2 November. A media statement has been developed should there be any enquiries following the release of the report. O N AC T Contact: Andy Roberts, Director Operations Eastern South Island: M DOC has a high-volume seasonal temporary workforce. The new uniform rollout will be an opportunity to improve the way uniform stock is managed – especially in tracking uniform allocation, usage trends and forecasting to maximise efficiencies and lower any textile environmental impacts. The project has involved a wide range of DOC staff in all aspects of the project. We are rolling out the new uniform over a three-year period by clothing category (e.g. thermal layer, rainwear, high-visibility). This is to spread cost, reduce resourcing peaks and to allow the full uniform to follow a solid research, design and development process. O TH E   FF IC  IA L IN FO  DOC has been developing a new uniform range with a focus on being ‘fit for purpose’. DOC has run a robust two-stage tender process via GETS, operating under the Government Rules of Procurement. As a result, Deane Apparel (Alsco) has been contracted as the new main supplier for all new uniform items (excluding Technical WPB 3L Rainwear). Withheld s9(2)(j) R  AT I New DOC uniform D ER Next steps: We are on track to meet the current delivery and allocation plan. We will update you in late January 2018. EA SE D U N Contact: Roy Grose, Director, Operations, Northern South Island: Chatham Rock Phosphate (CRP) – EEZ Mining Application In 2014 CRP made a marine consent application to the EPA to mine phosphate nodules in the EEZ, from the Chatham Rise. DOC contributed to a Crown submission on this application, which included economic, fishing and marine life impacts. The application was declined. EL  R   Withheld s9(2)(f)(iv) Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 Contact: Marie Long, Director: Planning, Permissions and Land:   FO R M Contact: Kim Morgan, Team Leader: SLM & RMA: IC IA L There is current media interest in the sale of Motukawaiti Island, which is located north of the Bay of Islands and south-east of the Karikari Peninsula, and is currently under Chinese ownership. DOC has been approached for comment about the sale and the island’s private ownership. Our comments included that, while the island has potential as a pest-free island and sanctuary for native species, DOC is not considering purchase. The NHF helps meet the cost of protecting areas of high conservation value by providing contestable funding for projects that protect indigenous ecosystems. Options for protection include direct purchase or covenanting. We are not aware of any past application to the NHF for the purchase of Motukawaiti Island, nor are we aware of any current interest. Applications for funding are considered by the NHF Committee, which then make recommendations. As Minister of Conservation, you make all funding decisions. The Committee will next consider applications in December and provide you with recommendations for funding early in 2018. The current annual appropriation is $1.803 million. E D U N D  TH  ER  O FF  IN Sale of Motukawaiti Island   EL EA SE Contact: Kees Hyink, Funds Manager, Partnerships: R Upcoming research seismic survey    AC  O N  Minister Parker has requested a briefing from MfE on the National Planning Standards by 3 November. The briefing will be copied to your office by Minister Parker’s for your information. The intent of the proposed Planning Standards is to improve consistency in council plan structure, layout and format. Under the Resource Legislation Amendment Act, you will have a role in approving any National Planning Standards relating to the coastal marine area. DOC staff are working with MfE on the content of any proposed National Planning Standards. As content is developed we can provide you with further information. AT I  T RMA – New Planning Standards The US Government research vessel R/V Marcus Langseth commenced the first seismic survey of the summer in New Zealand waters on 2 November. This survey is part of a larger programme of work to investigate geological fault systems off the East Coast of the North Island. GNS Science is collaborating in this work, as are scientists from New Zealand universities. Two different surveys will be conducted by this vessel between now and February 2018, ranging from the Bay of Plenty to Cape Palliser. Most of the surveying is in the Exclusive Economic Zone. Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158   M AT I  T  AC  As a foreign government research programme, the Environmental Protection Authority has determined that this survey is not subject to the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012. Therefore, compliance with the DOC 2103 Code of Conduct for Seismic Surveying is voluntary. The US Government has determined that its Marine Mammal Protection Act applies to the survey, and has issued appropriate authorisations for the activity. The US authorisation includes a monitoring and mitigation plan to be implemented by independent observers. Experienced and qualified marine mammal observers from New Zealand are being used to implement the plan. The plan has been reviewed by DOC and determined to be roughly equivalent to the requirements of the DOC Code of Conduct. Several points of difference were identified and amended by the US authorities as requested. Further information about the different pathways that result in seismic surveying in New Zealand is available in memo 17-B-0728, dated 3 November (on the potential to create a marine mammal sanctuary in the South Taranaki Bight). Additional relevant information about management of seismic surveying will be provided in briefing 17-B-0741 on 16 November (regarding statements from NZ Oil & Gas and the Barque field off the Oamaru coast). O N  IN FO R Contact: Ian Angus, Acting Director - Aquatic: 027 704 8369 TH E O FF IC IA L Motiti - legal proceedings – Court of Appeal R EL EA SE D U N D ER Withheld s9(2)(h) Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 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 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 3 Director-General Engagements 30 November M R Tourism Southland, Queenstown NZ Conservation Authority, Wellington Directors Workshop, Wellington NGOs/DOC meeting, DOC Wellington DOC Wellington Xmas Party, DOC Wellington R EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF IC IA L IN FO 1 December 5 December 6–7 December 13 December 13 December AT I December Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 AC Iwi Advisory Group Regional hui, Gisborne Transforming Biodiversity Conference, Napier Dinner with Korean Ambassador, Korean Embassy, Wellington SSC Leadership Team Retreat, Martinborough NZ River Awards, Wellington DOC SLT workshop with Tūhoe, Taneatua (Whakatane) Executive Leadership Programme – Leading Safety, Wellington Iwi leaders Forum, Te Papa O N 2 November 14–15 November 15 November 22–23 November 23 November 24 November 29–30 November T November AT IO N AC T 4 Upcoming Briefings and Cabinet Papers Briefings Comments Briefing note on Kermadec Rangitahua Ocean Sanctuary 2017 6 November M Due date FO R Title / Ref / Lead Manager IN 17-B-0756 IA L Jennie Marks (Acting Director, Policy) 7 November IC Follow up from budget meeting on 30/10/17 - various action points 7 November TH E Kermadecs and MPA Reform O Christeen Mackenzie (Deputy-Director General, Corporate Services) FF 17-B-0730 ER 17-B-0740 D Jennie Marks (Acting Director, Policy) U N Draft Visitor Strategy EA SE D 17-B-0731 EL Jennie Marks (Acting Director, Policy) R Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 8 November AC T 8 November Significant tourism developments by third parties on conservation land AT IO N 17-B-0760 Marie Long (Director, Planning Permissions and Land) 9 November Protection of remaining conservation values on Buller Plateau R M 17-B-0743 FO Marie Long (Director, Planning Permissions and Land) 9 November IN Diversity Plan and Progress towards KPIs IA L 17-B-729 FF IC Shaun O’Connor (Director, Organisational Development) 10 November O Amendments to delegations under Conservation Act 1987 and Resource Management Act 1991 TH E 17-B-0720 ER Marie Long (Director, Planning Permissions and Land) D Full update on the tenure review process EL EA SE D Barry Hanson (Director, Partnerships) U N 17-B-0751 R Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 10 November AC T TBC Ngati Maru ki Taranaki: Conservation redress proposals for a Crown offer AT IO N 17-B-0739 TBC Key Decision Briefings as listed in Part 3 of the BIM TBC IN FO R Strategic Briefings as listed in Part 3 of the BIM M Timoti Gallagher (Acting Director, Treaty Negotiations) IA L Cabinet Papers EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O FF IC The House is in recess this week. R Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 AC T 5 Current OIA requests Briefing for incoming Minister Organisation Subject M Office of the  Leader of the  Opposition R 31 Oct Subject Due to requester 28 Nov  IN 17-D-28 Organisation FO OIAs to the Minister as at 3 November 2017 Date Ref From received AT IO N To the Minister IC FF OIAs to DOC as at 3 November 2017 Date Ref From received IA L To the Department 26 Oct 31 Oct Fairfax media Forest & Bird Briefing for incoming Minister Wildlife Act Authority 50922-FAU 17-E-494 1 Nov Wilderness  Magazine 17-E-495 17-E-496 2 Nov 2 Nov Inside Tourism fyi.org.nz 17-E-497 2 Nov Southern Alps  Guiding Any report or recommendation about the  strategic review of the Tongariro Alpine  Crossing Briefing for incoming minister All permit conditions for marine mammal  tourism permits in the Bay of Islands Has Ngai Tahu Tourism applied for guiding  and/or aircraft landings at Aoraki/Mt Cook and  other questions EL EA SE D U N D ER TH E O 17-E-492 17-E-493 R Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158 Due to requester 23 Nov 28 Nov 29 Nov 30 Nov 30 Nov 30 Nov 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 For your information, this is currently the front page of the DOC intranet: Status Report 1 – week beginning 6 November 2017 – DOC 3206158