Agenda of Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party

13 October 2021

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party Agenda

Meeting to be held in the Remotely

on Wednesday 13 October 2021, commencing at 1.00pm

Please note: working parties and working groups carry NO formal decision-making delegations from council. The purpose of the working party/group is to carry out preparatory work and discussions prior to taking matters to the full council for formal consideration and decision-making. Working party/group meetings are open to the public to attend (unless there are specific grounds under LGOIMA for the public to be excluded).

MEMBERSHIP OF THE Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party

Chairperson, NRC Councillor Jack Craw

Councillor Justin Blaikie	Councillor Marty Robinson	Councillor Rick Stolwerk
Ex Officio Penny Smart	TTMAC representative Georgina Connelly	TTMAC representative Juliane Chetham
TTMAC representative Michelle Elboz	TTMAC representative Nora Rameka

KARAKIA

RĪMITI (ITEM) Page

1.0 Ngā Mahi Whakapai/Housekeeping

2.0 Ngā Whakapahā/apologies

3.0 Ngā Whakapuakanga/declarations of conflicts of interest

4.0 Reports

4.1 Record of Actions – 16 June 2021 4

4.2 Receipt of Action Sheet - Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party Actions 8

4.3 Kauri dieback - National Plan 10

4.4 Kauri dieback track upgrade project 11

4.5 Biosecurity Operational Report 15

4.6 Predator Free 2050 16

4.7 Deer Eradication Programme Update 19

4.8 Clean Hull Plan 27

4.9 FIF dune lakes project update – including an update on Lake Tukaki 32

4.10 Biodiversity Strategy Update 35

Table

Description automatically generated

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party item: 4.4

13 October 2021

TITLE:	Kauri dieback track upgrade project
From:	Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager and Gavin Clapperton, Kauri Boardwalks Project Lead
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 07 October 2021

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

This item provides a detailed progress update on the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) funded Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation (KDTM) Project, named “Kauri Boardwalks”, for which $2M was awarded to upgrade parts of the Te Araroa Trail (TA) that were placing kauri at risk.

The planning of the 14 month project was successfully carried out in late 2020. Track design and scheduling of five out of the eight jobs that make up the project have been carried out to date.

The physical works commenced in January this year and the project has been faced with challenges which have included periods of restricted work due to covid - 19, unsuitable weather and delays caused by lack of confirmation of landowner agreements along the TA trail. These challenges have delayed completion and to a lesser extent have impacted upon the project budget. Despite these challenges staff expect to accelerate progress to meet project expectations by early next year.

This update outlines the challenges faced and the mitigations in place to ensure the project is satisfactorily completed over the remaining summer months.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommended actions

1. That staff provide a further progress update to the next Working Party meeting.

Background/Tuhinga

Project Outcomes

Key outcomes of the kauri boardwalk project are as follows:

§ To provide jobs to unemployed, or recently unemployed people as a result of the impact of COVID-19 in New Zealand.

§ Be a key part of jobs created being sustainable, providing not just short-term benefits to the unemployed.

§ Protecting kauri from soil borne pathogen which causes dieback through the upgrade of walking tracks to protect root systems and prevent movement of dirt via footwear.

§ To upgrade walk trails, enhancing the experience of the walk using boardwalks, boxed steps and occasionally platforms and bridges.

§ Through track upgrade encourage the use of the tracks which would bring people into communities increasing patronage of local cafes, restaurants, and accommodation.

Progress Summary

The chosen contractor Jack Johnson Contracting has a track record of employing and sustaining employment for unemployed youth particularly young tane but also wahine in Northland. Johnson contracting provides supervision and pastoral care for their employees and offers workplace training and qualifications through NorthTec.

Eight jobs were originally proposed under the project. The Kauri Mountain Track is complete, and four others are at varying stages of completion, these include Puketotara Farm, Wrights Farm, Kerikeri River and Onekainga (near Whananaki). Onekainga trail traverses multiple owned Maori land and work is currently on hold due to concerns raised over the trail’s current location. Physical works had commenced on this job on the understanding that the TA trail representatives had reached agreement with the landowners, however this remains in negotiation and consequently the project has been placed on hold until such time as the landowners determine their future aspirations.

The three remaining trails have not had detailed designs completed and may need to be substituted for varying reasons described below.

Key Challenges

§ Covid Level 4 lockdown in Auckland has prevented engineers checks in Northland and Level 3 interruptions throughout New Zealand.

§ Contractor staff motivation has been a big challenge which is being addressed by the contractor providing additional pastoral care to new employees.

§ The quality of the timber structures and boxed steps and general work completed under the project is very high and equivalent to Department of Conservation engineering track standards. Construction workers found it challenging to meet the standards while maintaining quality and increasing the speed of construction and extra training has been required in project management and delivery.

§ Delays in the TA Trail representatives being able to confirm landowner permissions.

Discussion:

A combination of the above factors has resulted in project delays and a number of corrective measures have been put in place. Training of new staff has been undertaken by the contractor and has resulted in a more skilled labour force. In addition, an experienced track building sub-contractor has been hired by the contractor to assist with planning and contract management. The consulting engineer is also providing advice to the contractor around recording, monthly claims and reporting.

In respect of budget the project is currently tracking approximately 3% overspent however this is expected to improve due to the mitigations that have been put in place in recent months.

Budget vs project completion is graphed below:

Chart, bar chart

Description automatically generated

Discussions with the fund providers concerning instances where landowner agreements cannot be confirmed have also been undertaken. The regional advisor from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment is supportive of the idea to replace tracks as necessary and request that detail be sent through to them, when the time comes, to make a variations to the agreement. These replacement projects will occur on high priority and alternative trails on private and district council reserve land where kauri is at risk and are currently being scoped. In addition, a part time Community Liaison Officer role has been created by the Te Araroa Trail to lead these discussions with landowners.

Tracks to be substituted for alternative projects include:

§ Matapōuri – due to landowners changing their minds about the existence of the TA Trail on their properties. All other reasonable options to bypass these lands have been exhausted.

§ Russell Forest – closure of Russell Forest due to positive Phytophthora agathidicida (Pa) sample result close to the track. The best Russell Forest Bypass option is to realign the trail from Kawakawa to Kaikanui Road via Waiomio Caves and Ruapekapeka, thus linking up with the Kawakawa Opua track and the TA Trail from Opua north. Discussions with local iwi/hapu have not progressed from the early stages and initial hui.

§ Helena Ridge – the Russell Forest closure and bypass options resulted in the removal of the Helena Ridge Track from the project.

§ Onekainga Track – landowners not in agreement over land use and discussions still ongoing with whanau over access for the TA Trail.

Four tracks have been identified as suitable replacements should landowner negotiations fail. They are as follows:

§ Upper Puketotara Farm - adjacent to the current job of Puketotara Farm and along the TA Trail east of Puketi Forest.

§ Paparoa Bush Walk – a bush walk from Paparoa town centre. Not TA Trail but public use. Multiple Kauri along the currently unmitigated forest section.

§ Kaiwaka Domain – small forest area with walk trails. Not TA Trail but public use. Numerous and significant kauri along the currently unmitigated tracks.

§ Whananaki Estuary Walk – adjacent to current job south of Whananaki North Road, Whananaki. Part of the TA Trail.

Scheduling is due to start on 2 of the replacement options once Auckland comes out of Covid Level 3 and the engineer can enter Northland.

Conclusion

Although progress has been slower than expected, project staff expect significant improvement over the summer months as the soil dries and the contractor is ready with a team to step back into the project in mid to late spring. An extension to the completion date is not considered necessary at this stage, however, and because of the challenges which include the unpredictability of Covid-19, staff are keeping a watching brief on productivity and expect to report back to the working party again in the new year.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party item: 4.5

13 October 2021

TITLE:	Biosecurity Operational Report
From:	Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager and Louise Orford, Biosecurity Officer - Systems Support
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 07 October 2021

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

An Operational Report is prepared annually as a requirement of the Biosecurity Act (BSA) 1993 (section 100B). Performance measures are agreed to and adopted by council in the previous year by way of the Operational Plan which is also a requirement of the BSA and these measures are reported upon the following year in the Operational Report.

Council adopted the first Operational Report in 2018 and annual reviews have been published since. The reviews are a statutory requirement under the Act and describe what has been achieved in the previous year in respect of the Regional Pest and Marine Pathways Management Plan 2017- 2027.

Council must review and adopt the annual report for the 2020/2021 year by the end of November this year and the attached report presents an early draft (circulated as a separate document due to its size). Please note that this is still a very early draft, with additional work required to prepare an executive summary, complete the pest plants section, insert footnotes, macrons and undertake a final proof.

Staff would however like to seek any feedback on the draft report at this stage so that this may be included in the final version presented to full council in November for adoption.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommended actions

1. That the Working Party note the information contained in the attached Biosecurity Operational Report 2020-2021.

2. That the Working Party feedback any advice or comments on the Biosecurity Operational Report by 20^th October.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party item: 4.6

13 October 2021

TITLE:	Predator Free 2050
From:	Dean Ripley, Biosecurity Specialist - Predator Free and Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Pou Tiaki Oranga Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 06 October 2021

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

The national vision of Predator Free 2050 is focused on the complete removal of the most damaging predators: rats, stoats, ferrets, weasels and possums from New Zealand. Predator Free 2050 has already been a catalyst for action with individuals, hapū, families and communities quick to embrace the goal.

Northland has two proposals currently underway in Whangārei and Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands area) and a third recent proposal in the Kaipara led by Te Uri o Hau.

Predator Free 2050 Whangārei

Predator Free Whangārei is a $6M dollar project coordinated by NRC over five years, with a commitment to work in collaboration with DOC, Kiwi Coast, Tangata Whenua, WDC, Backyard Kiwi, QEII National Trust, Bream Head Conservation Trust, Whangārei Heads Landcare Forum, Tiakina Whangārei, Pukenui Western Hills Forest Trust, Tutukaka Landcare Coalition, Friends of Matakohe Limestone Island and numerous other community groups.

Objectives of Predator Free Whangārei are:

· Completely remove possums from the Whangārei Heads Peninsula (9000 ha)

· Intensively control mustelids between Whangārei and Te Whara / Bream Head (60,000ha)

· Intensively control rats in high priority sites

· Intensively control possums between Whangārei and Pārua Bay to prevent their dispersal into Whangārei Heads

· Develop an urban predator control programme in Whangārei City

The programme has focused on building the necessary foundations required to achieve these ambitious goals which have included building relationships with project partners, developing methodology, systems and protocols, forming the delivery team as well as seeking access agreements with landowners at Whangarei Heads.

Key achievements, Whangārei Heads:

· 191 landowner agreements obtained = 4515ha of 9190ha

· Agency (DOC & MOH) agreements progressing as planned

· Development of critical resources including GIS and data management platforms, policy and processes

· Installation of initial predator eradication infrastructure – tracks, traps etc

Key future milestone deliverables:

· Progressing wider engagement with hapu and communities- hui planned for mid-November

· Biodiversity monitoring plan expected in the new year

· Hapū / iwi / whanau engagement – for genuine partnership and agency permissions

· Complete agency permissions for Whangarei Heads possum eradication

· Finalise policies and processes critical to project success

· Pilot remote reporting technology for live capture traps

· Socialise and build trust within community for possum detection dog and hunter team

· Maintain and expand trail camera network (data used to refine possum eradication operations)

· Complete landowner agreements required for initial stages of the possum eradication

· Complete track cutting and device install within initial possum eradication areas

· Complete establishment of Predator Free Whāngarei steering group

· Develop 60,000ha mustelid suppression plan

· Complete recruitment of NRC’s predator free staff

· Commence Whangarei Heads possum eradication (Feb / March 2022)

Predator Free 2050–Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands)

Predator Free Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) is an ambitious landscape, community led predator control and eradication project being undertaken in partnership with Bay of Islands iwi, hapū, landowners, community landcare groups, organisations and agencies.

Council was awarded $4 million of external funding from Predator Free Ltd in June 2021 through jobs for nature funding, along with significant cash and in-kind contributions from community conservation groups, iwi/hapū, Northland Regional Council, Far North District Council, Kiwi Coast, Kiwis for Kiwi, Nga whenua Rāhui, Department of Conservation and others

The project will primarily work across the three main peninsulas within the Bay of Islands (Purerua Peninsula – c7,600ha, Russell Peninsula – c3,000ha, and Cape Brett/Rākaumangamanga – c3,000ha) to establish a pathway to predator eradication, and suppression of predators in the wider Bay of Islands landscape (c81,301ha).

The project has progressed with project partners undertaking planning for an agreed approach to deliver eradication of predators over the three peninsulas in the Bay of Islands (Purerua, Russell and Rakaumangamanga) and suppression of predators throughout the wider landscape of Bay of Islands.

Council has engaged two specialist consultants to support the development of the project during these initial stages, focused on engagement and consultation with iwi/hapū, community groups, agencies and organisations in the Bay of Islands.

A key area of focus for this stage of the project is to develop an agreed approach with project partners to deliver Predator Free Pēwhairangi, which will explore options for collective programme leadership, oversight of the project deliverables and long-term sustainability of the project. The approach will incorporate mātauranga māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in the way the project partners will work together to deliver and achieve the objectives of the project plan.

Engaging with iwi and hapū has been a significant component of this stage of the project, which is providing guidance and direction on how the project can support the needs and aspirations of māori within the Bay of Islands.

The project has established two operational working groups to help guide operational planning and the development of technical eradication plans for Rakaumangamanga and Russell peninsulas, comprised of iwi/hapū, local community group and agency representatives. Work on Purerua peninsula is already underway, with Kiwi Coast Trust leading an eradication project funded by Kiwis for Kiwis from additional funding through Jobs for Nature funding.

Both working groups are currently planning the development of technical eradication plans with project partners, with plans anticipated to be finalised late 2021, with implementation scheduled for mid-2022.

A communication plan is also currently being developed which will help the project partners share information about the project, identifying how the project will engage with key audiences and stakeholders and keep everyone up to date with progress.

Kaipara PF2050

We understand that the Kaipara project will be led by local iwi and hapu. NRC has no direct involvement in the project however, staff will be liaising with the project coordinators and sharing information.

The forecast project budget for the key peninsulas is $30 million and PF2050 Ltd will provide an initial $2 million. Alongside PF2050’s efforts targeting rats, possums and stoats, local iwi and hapū have acknowledged the damage caused by feral pigs in the catchment, and requested they be eliminated too.

The Kaipara project would initially focus on 105,000 hectares around the peninsula and harbour area, expanding to 640,000 hectares as technology being developed to support the PF2050 goal allows. That area extends south of Whangarei to Helensville and much of the west coast in between. The initial phase of the project is expected to create up to 36 full-time jobs.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommended actions

1. That the Working Party notes the update and asks to be kept informed on progress.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party item: 4.7

13 October 2021

TITLE:	Deer Eradication Programme Update
From:	Vivienne Lepper, Biosecurity Officer - Pest Plants and Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 04 October 2021

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

This report provides an update on activities in the feral deer programme.

Recruitment

There are currently two roles vacant in the Pest Animal and Incursion team. Staff are recruiting for the Biosecurity Officer Wild Animal Control position, and the Biosecurity Specialist Feral Deer position. We have advertised the Biosecurity Specialist role twice however we have not had suitable applicants and plan to readvertise again.

Mangonui River deer

Staff are meeting with landowners in the Mangonui River feral deer incursion area to plan the eradication and gain permission to enter their land. There are a total of 16 properties that we are targeting for surveillance, and some landowners have historically denied us access to hunt deer.

Map: Mangonui Incursion Surveillance area

Map

Description automatically generated

Russell Forest Sika

The sika eradication plan is attached. In summary the eradication is broken down into three stages as follows:

1. Goat cull across sika eradication area to a) ensure goat pellets are minimised during sika DNA survey, and b) to knock down high-density goat numbers to reduce browsing damage and spread of kauri dieback. Concurrently we would like to fund the training of local kaimahi in wild animal control, for sustained control of goats into the future.

2. Sika DNA survey to quantify sika deer population in the Russell Forest.

3. Sika eradication.

Landowner permissions to carry out this work over private property are required and staff are working with local hapu representatives to carry out this engagement and plan to host two hui around Russell Forest to get landowners on board when Covid restrictions lift.

Delegation of Wild Animal Control Act powers.

Further legal advice has been sought on the necessary Wild Animal Control Act delegations from the Department of Conservation to Northland Regional Council staff to enable the efficient and effective implementation of deer eradication activities. It should be noted that the formal delegations being sought have not previously been delegated to regional council and this would be a national first / test case.

A letter from NRC CEO to the Acting Director General of the Department of Conservation is in preparation requesting formal delegation of relevant Wild Animal Control Act powers. This will enable NRC staff and contractors to undertake feral deer eradication where the landowner refuses entry. Council staff and contractors have encountered at least five instances over the last year where landowners have refused access for wild animal control. If staff are unable to access private property where deer are present in a timely fashion, then eradication is an unrealistic goal.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommended actions

1. That staff provide a further update to the next Working Party meeting on progress in seeking formal Wild Animal Control Act delegations from the Department of Conservation.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Attachment 1: Sika Eradication Plan ⇩

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party item: 4.8

13 October 2021

TITLE:	Clean Hull Plan
From:	Kathryn Lister, Biosecurity Officer - Marine and Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 07 October 2021

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

Purpose

To provide an update on development of the inter-regional “Clean Hull Plan”, including feedback from recent engagement and a proposed shift to a national plan approach.

Summary

One of the highest risk “pathways” for marine pests spreading to new sites, including into new regions, is hitchhiking on boat hulls in the form of biofouling.

Staff from Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty regional/unitary councils, along with the Ministry for Primary Industries and Department of Conservation, are collaborating on the development of a Pathway Management Plan under the Biosecurity Act (“Clean Hull Plan”). It was initially proposed that this plan would be adopted through aligned regional plans for each of the four councils, providing consistent rules across all four regions.

In the first half of 2021, staff from the councils and central government agencies tested proposed content with elected members, mana whenua and key stakeholders. Overall, there is strong support for the plan. However, a consistent theme in the feedback was a preference for a national plan rather than four aligned regional plans as this would provide the greatest level of protection.

The minister for biosecurity has indicated a willingness to adopt a single ‘national’ plan. This would provide more comprehensive management of marine pest spread among regions. It would also reduce the risk of inconsistencies arisi-ng among the regional plans (e.g., due to legal challenge to one or more regional plans).

A national pathway plan is an instrument under the Biosecurity Act. Despite the name, ‘national’ pathway plans can be applied at smaller spatial scales but are adopted by central rather than local government.

The proposal is to initially adopt a national plan across the four ‘Top of the North’ regions, based on work to date in these regions. The plan would then be expanded to include the remainder of the country later, when other regions are ready to be brought on board. Leadership from northern regions has contributed to a growing appetite among other regions to get involved.

Staff from Northland Regional Council and the other agencies will continue to collaborate on drafting the proposed plan, supporting Biosecurity Act documentation, and a multi-agency management agreement setting out roles and responsibilities for governance and implementation.

Formal public consultation is expected in early- to mid-2022

Context

One of the highest risk “pathways” for marine pests spreading to new sites is hitchhiking on boat hulls in the form of biofouling. Once marine pests are established, they are very difficult to control. Therefore, prevention is better than cure, with effective management focussing on spread prevention and early detection. Because craft often move across regional boundaries, differing rules in each region limit management effectiveness.

In 2019, the “Top of the North” councils – Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty – consulted the public on a potential consistent approach to hull fouling rules under the Biosecurity Act, in the form of a consistent Regional Pathway Management Plan to be adopted by each of the four regions. Following positive public feedback, all four councils endorsed staff to collaborate on the development of such a plan.

Staff from the four regions, along with the Ministry for Primary Industries and Department of Conservation have begun drafting the proposed plan. This includes identifying potential rules and collating information for cost-benefit and cost allocation analyses as well as other documentation required under the Biosecurity Act.

Staff from the respective agencies are in the early stages of negotiating a multi-agency agreement on funding (cost sharing), roles and responsibilities. It is proposed that implementation of the plan is partially funded from a charge to craft owners, in addition to funds from regional local government rates and central government.

Discussion

Engagement feedback

During the first half of 2021, agency staff tested draft content with elected members, mana whenua and key stakeholders, to inform further drafting.

Overall, there was strong support for a consistent approach to managing biofouling risk across the Top of the North. Key feedback themes included:

· preference for stronger national leadership and a nationally consistent approach to managing biofouling, rather than just the upper north island

· support for a shared funding model, with contributions from vessel owners as well as regional and central government

· interest from mana whenua to be actively involved in implementing the plan

· lack of cleaning infrastructure was commonly raised as a key barrier to successful implementation

· concern that the proposed rules would be unworkable for large commercial vessels, with suggestions of alternative regulatory options to consider for this class of vessel

· interest in how risks from stationary vessels and domestic ballast could be managed

· requests that the plan exempts vessels that only visit and stay in the country for a short period of time

· concern relating to environmental and/or cultural impacts of anti-fouling products and the need to ensure these are not exacerbated by the plan.

Change to a national plan

A national approach to managing marine pest spread has always been the preferred approach of many councils, including Top of the North regions, because it would achieve more comprehensive management of inter-regional pest spread. The four northern regions have been collaborating on a plan for the Top of the North regions in the absence of a national approach.

The leadership shown in this space by Top of the North regions has been instrumental in contributing to a growing appetite for marine pathway collaboration in central government and among other regional councils.

As well as providing more comprehensive pest management, a national plan approach is much simpler, in that a single plan could be adopted by central government, rather than each region adopting an aligned plan. This reduces the risk of divergence among regions, for example due to legal challenge following plan adoption. It also makes it easier to expand to other regions in the future.

Following strong feedback in favour of a national approach, staff from the Ministry for Primary Industries briefed Minister for Biosecurity, Damien O’Connor in September 2021.

The minister was supportive of developing a single national pathway management plan, instead of each council adopting an aligned regional pathway plan. The minister’s support is based on an assumption that regions will continue to be active partners, with roles in governance and funding.

In the mid- to long-term, the intent is for the national plan to be truly national in scale, and engagement with other regions is already underway. However, as an interim step, it is proposed to consult on a national pathway plan that applies only to the Top of the North. This is to avoid delays in these regions while other regions are brought into the plan.

National pathway plans have similar process requirements under the Biosecurity Act, as compared with regional plans. Therefore, most of the work done to date can be carried across to a national plan. However, there are some differences, particularly:

· statutory decision-making to adopt a national plan, rests with the minister rather than councils. Councils can still have decision-making input through a governance structure covering plan development and implementation

· for a national plan, formal public consultation occurs first, then the minister adopts the plan, whereas for regional plans a proposed plan is adopted then consulted on, prior to adopting the final plan

· in the case of regional plans, each of the four regions would be the management agency for its own (aligned) regional plan. A national plan would have a single management agency. Options currently being explored include a dedicated team within the Ministry for Primary Industries, a standalone new departmental management agency with its own Chief Executive but located within the Ministry for Primary Industries, or establishment of a Schedule 4A Public Finance Act company

Next steps

Staff from the six agencies will continue to draft the proposed plan and supporting documentation required under the Biosecurity Act. A complete draft is expected to be ready for the minister by November 2021.

Once the proposed plan has been fully drafted, implementation cost estimates can be finalised. At that stage, councils will be in a position to understand whether the proposed approach is affordable within current budgets, or whether there is a case to consider additional funding from council rates.

Agency staff will also continue drafting a multi-agency management agreement to set out roles and responsibilities among the agencies. It is anticipated that this will be brought to Chief Executives to sign in June 2022, aligned to the proposed plan being taken to the Minister for adoption. Due to the change to a national plan, formal public consultation is now expected to occur in early- to mid-2022, instead of late 2021. Elected members will have an opportunity to provide formal feedback at this stage, alongside public consultation.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Attachment 1: Updated Timeline - Clean Hull Plan ⇩

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party item: 4.9

13 October 2021

TITLE:	FIF dune lakes project update – including an update on Lake Tukaki
From:	Lisa Forester, Biodiversity Manager
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 04 October 2021

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

Lake Tutaki is an isolated dune lake on the west coast of the Poutō Peninsula on public conservation land. Recently an infestation of hornwort, which is a serious aquatic weed was discovered. Given that this lake has informal public access from the beach and is used by campers and potentially hunters and eel fishers, this infestation represents a risk to nearby lakes and has already spread to a high value lake close by. This report outlines a collaborative project through the Department of Conservation, NRC and mana whenua to eradicate the pest weeds in Lake Tutaki.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommended actions

1. That this report, “Lake Tutaki and Herbicide Update”, by Lisa Forester, Biodiversity Manager, be received.

Background/Tuhinga

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) was found in Lake Tutakai (Poutō) by a member of the public in October 2019. The Lake is on public conservation land and is accessed by 4wd from the beach 20km south of Glinks Gully. A grassed area next to the lakes is used occasionally as an informal campground. Hornwort can spread by fragments on equipment, and it is most likely that eel fishers or duck hunters introduced it via nets or duck decoys.

The Department of Conservation, Northland Regional Council and Waikaretu Marae are jointly collaborating on control hornwort in the lake, with advice from NIWA.

In January 2020 NIWA carried out a hydroacoustic survey using an autonomous boat under a DOC contract and estimated that hornwort covered 95% of the lakebed. Two tiny patches of egeria (oxygen weed) were also found and removed by snorkelers. Divers carried out LakeSPI (submerged plant index) survey on 15 July 2021 paid for by NRC. The dive team observed hornwort as the dominant submerged plant with a closed canopy for the majority of the transects surveyed and it was surface reaching in places. Hornwort does not root into bottom sediments and can fill an entire lake growing to 12m deep.

Signage was installed by DOC at the lake entry points informing any visitors of the weed issue and discouraging recreational use of the lake. Waikaretu Marae also put a rahui on the lake which is still in place. However, there is still evidence of the lake being used and this is difficult to police due to the remote location.

The project partners agreed to apply Diquat, in the form of Reglone to the lake initially, to control the small amount of egeria oxygen weed found in the lake and to reduce the large volume of hornwort. A ¼ lake treatment of Reglone was carried out in Tutaki on 11^th August concentrating on the area where the egeria was found.

In early October, divers will go back to the lake to assess the effect of the Reglone on the egeria and hornwort. The project partners will then meet again to go over the options and decide on the next form of treatment.

Options include:

1. A second treatment of Reglone. This would be considered if water clarity has stayed very good (diquat does not work in dirty water).

2. A treatment with Aquathol – this herbicide is effective in sediment so will have to be used to kill weeds in the lakebed sediment.

NRC has approval from the Environmental Protection Authority to use Aquathol in dune lakes, treating a quarter of the lake at a time to avoid deoxygenation. Aquathol is effective against hornwort.

Dense submerged weed infestations usually support good water clarity, and it is expected that this will deteriorate as the weed is killed. Once native charophytes reestablish on the lake floor water quality should improve.

A tender and contract have been drafted to engage a contractor to apply Aquathol to Lake Tutaki and three other lakes infested with hornwort (Mt Camel lakes and Lake Egg (Poutō). The ideal time to apply the herbicide is between February and April when the plant is actively growing and water levels in the lakes are lowest.

Divers will assess the effect of Aquathol 15-20 days after each application. Up to three quarter lake treatments are being planned at this lake and the other three as part of the Freshwater Improvement Fund (FIF) Dune Lake Project, jointly funded by Northland Regional Council and the Ministry for the Environment.

Unfortunately, hornwort has recently been found in Lake Karaka, which is a large lake ranked ecologically outstanding, just south of Lake Tutaki and recent delimitation work with divers showed that it is currently in low densities throughout the lake with one large patch near the access point. It is expected to expand rapidly to fill the entire lake over the next few years. There is currently no budget to control hornwort in Lake Karaka, which could cost up to $166,000 for herbicide for three Aquathol ¼ lake treatments plus operational costs. The biodiversity team is working with the lake owners on a plan and budget for the control of hornwort in Lake Karaka. The Lake Karaka hornwort infestation is a significant risk to other lakes on the Poutō Penninsular due the fact that public access across the dunes to its western shore is difficult to control.

Further information is available in these two reports:

· National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA): Delimitation of hornwort in an unnamed* Poutō Peninsula lake, Northland. Prepared for the Department of Conservation April 2020. Hornwort Delimitation Unnamed Lake

· Marine Environmental Field Services (MEFS) Dive Report Lake Tutaki Lake SPI survey pre-treatment 15 July 2021 MEFS Dive Report Lake Tutaki

*Note: the name for Lake Tutaki was not known by Northland Regional Council or Department of Conservation staff until the reconnaissance visit in July 2021 when the kaitiaki from Waikaretu Marae, Colin French shared the name of the lake with staff. The lake is named after one of the tupuna / ancestors of the hapu from Waikaretu Marae. Before this, the lake was called Unnamed Lake in various reports and documents.

A picture containing text

Description automatically generated

Map 1 : Lake Tutaki marked in the south with access down the beach marked in yellow

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party item: 4.10

13 October 2021

TITLE:	Biodiversity Strategy Update
From:	James Griffin, Policy Specialist and Lisa Forester, Biodiversity Manager
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 04 October 2021

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

The purpose of a regional biodiversity strategy is to promote a landscape-scale restoration and enhancement vision for the region’s indigenous biodiversity. Council undertakes a wide range of actions to help safeguard biodiversity, however there is no overriding Northland biodiversity strategy or roadmap for the future.

Several other regional councils have biodiversity strategy’s and used a range of processes with or without other organisations such as iwi authorities and the Department of Conservation.

Central government plans to release a National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity in early 2022 and have signalled this will include requiring regional councils to have a Biodiversity Strategy.

A regional biodiversity strategy will need to reflect how Northlander’s value biodiversity, taonga species and should help prioritise areas of focus to safeguard and restore the diversity and abundance of our native species.

There is $80,000 budgeted over the next 3 years to support the planning, engagement and gathering of base line information required to develop a regional biodiversity strategy.

While the NPS Indigenous Biodiversity is yet to be release, staff are starting thinking about the development process and wish to engage with tangata whenua to co-design the process to develop the regional biodiversity strategy. With this in mind, staff propose that an update be provided to the next formal Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) meeting seeking guidance and direction on how best to seek meaningful input from tangata whenua into the design of the process.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommended actions

1. That the Working Party note the content of this paper and endorse staff preparing a formal paper to the next TTMAC working party meeting, seeking guidance on how best to involve tangata whenua in the co-design of the process to develop a regional biodiversity strategy.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

TITLE:	Record of Actions – 16 June 2021
From:	Erica Wade, Personal Assistant Environmental Services
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on 07 October 2021

TITLE:	Receipt of Action Sheet - Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party Actions
From:	Erica Wade, Personal Assistant Environmental Services
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on 06 October 2021

TITLE:	Kauri dieback - National Plan
From:	Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 05 October 2021