Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party

19 May 2020

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party Record of Actions

Meeting held via Zoom

on Tuesday 19 May 2020, commencing at 2:00pm

Present:

Chairperson, NRC Councillor Jack Craw

Councillor Justin Blaikie

Councillor Marty Robinson

Councillor Rick Stolwerk

Ex Officio Penny Smart

Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board, Juliane Chetham

Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Rehia, Nora Rameka

In Attendance:

Full Meeting

Environmental Services Group Manager

Biosecurity Manager – Incursions & Response

PA – Environmental Services

The meeting commenced at 2:05pm.

Apologies (Item 1.0)

Te Uri O Hau Settlement Trust, Georgina Connelly

Declarations of Conflicts of Interest   (Item 2.0)

Presented by: Chairperson, NRC Councillor Jack Craw

Agreed action points:

· Disclose as they arise

TTMAC Introductions (Item 3.0)

Presented by: Chairperson, NRC Councillor Jack Craw

Agreed action points:

· No actions required

Terms of Reference (Item 4.0)

Presented by: Environmental Services Group Manager

Overview of the Terms of Reference provided.

Agreed action points:

· No actions required

Work Programmes Brief Overview (Item 5.0)

Presented by: Environmental Services Group Manager

Overview of existing work programmes with Biosecurity and Biodiversity provided.

Conversation arose regarding seed collection protocols; scalability of Coast Care Kaitiaki Rangers programme; impact of government proposals and budget announcements; increase of Dune Lakes programme coverage; potential expansions of kiwi protection; pest response; deer tracing.

Agreed action points:

· Investigate ability to grow dune plant seeds locally – Environmental Services Group Manager

· Circulate information on Kaitiaki Rangers programme – Environmental Services Group Manager

· Circulate project proposals from previous Working Party meeting to TTMAC members - Environmental Services Group Manager

· Follow up with Julianne regarding the Ruakaka Dune Lake – Environmental Services Group Manager

· Investigate any national reports and/or procedures in other regions regarding kiwi protection measures that are in addition to pest control - Environmental Services Group Manager

Kauri Dieback National Pest Management Plan Status Update (Item 6.0)

Presented by: Chairperson, NRC Councillor Jack Craw

This National plan is not proceeding due to additional funding being declined

Agreed action points:

· No actions required

Kauri Dieback Programme (Item 7.0)

Presented by: Biosecurity Manager – Incursions & Response

Overview of existing team and work programme

A Five Year Kauri Dieback Operational Plan has been created. Currently in draft form and based off the National plan no longer proceeding.

Conversations arose regarding the importance of collaboration; funding arrangements; distinction between treating the disease and protecting the species; Regional data; commitment from other agencies; process forward socialising this document and approaching government.

Julianne Chetham disclosed conflict of interest as a member of Tangata Whenua ropu working with the Kauri Dieback Operational Plan.

Chair Jack Craw disclosed conflict of interest due to involvement with Biological Heritage National Science Challenge.

Agreed action points:

· Check existing measures align with the Biosecurity Act – Environmental Services Group Manager

· Meeting with Julianne and NRC staff members to review tangata whenua aspects of the draft plan. Present plan at a council workshop and determine with council a plan for approaching government over the Regional KDB Operational Plan – Environmental Services Group Manager

· Include protection for uninfected forests in the draft budget - Chair B&BWP, Julianne Chetham and NRC staff

Items for Next Meeting (Item 8.0)

Presented by: Chairperson, NRC Councillor Jack Craw

Agreed action points:

· Email any items for including at next meeting to Environmental Services Group Manager

Conclusion

The meeting concluded at 4:10pm.