10 November 2005 minutes - Chatham Islands Conservation Board

Confirmed minutes of Chatham Islands Conservation Board Minutes held Thursday 10 November 2005 at Norman Kirk Memorial Reserve.

Section A

Special welcome to Anaru Luke (Kaupapa Atawhai Manager, Wellington Conservancy) and Sharon Pirika (Hokotehi Moriori Trust).

A1 Karakia

Led by Anaru Luke

A2 Board induction for new and existing members

Presentation from Allan Ross and discussion/questions, in particular around the role of Board members as representing their whole community, while bringing their personal skills and perspective of the groups that nominated them.

A3 Present/apologies

Present

Toni Day (chairperson)
Peter Johnson (deputy chairperson)
Deborah Goomes
Judy Lanauze
James Moffett
Teresa McDonald (11am - 3pm)
Department Staff
Anaru Luke (left 10am)
Alison Davis
Allan Ross
Paul Gasson (arrived 12.10pm)

Apologies

Joe Tapara
Joanne Tuanui

A4 Confirmation of agenda

Additional items added to the agenda:

B6 a) ii) Educational wildlife series on black robin
B6 d) iii) Chilean Guava
B6 g) iii) Shoreplover at Mount Bruce update
iv) Sea lion population management plan
B6h) i) iv) Historical research on Mangere Island
v) DNA research request from Massey University
vi) Tsunami research request from Dr Scott Nichol
vii) Research and collection request for oystercatcher feathers from Andrew Fidler

A5 Confirmation of Minutes for Board Meeting held on 11 May 2005

Resolution

That the minutes from the meeting held the 11 May 2005 are adopted as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

Peter Johnson/James Moffett
Carried

A6 Confirmation of minutes from informal meeting held 10 August 2005

Resolution

That the minutes from the informal meeting held the 10 August 2005 are adopted as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

Peter Johnson/Deborah Goomes
Carried

A7 Matters arising

Alison spoke to the actions arising from meeting 10 August.

Resolution

That the Chatham Conservation Board annual report for 2004/05 be ratified

Deborah Goomes/Peter Johnson
Carried

Resolution

That the letter prepared by Peter Johnson and sent to Environment Canterbury on Biosecurity issues be ratified

Toni Day/Deborah Goomes
Carried

Grey duck

Alison gave the meeting an explanation of the issues. She requested feedback for DOC Head Office.

Grey duck have not been priority work for the area to date, but with their increasing threat it would be timely for the community or sponsor groups to start looking at this species.

The Chathams is the stronghold for this species, as there appears to be a lower level of hybridisation with mallard ducks.

Management actions could include reducing pests of grey duck, reducing the mallard population, and protection of wetland habitats.

If grey duck were to be protected then the Chatham community could trade shooting opportunities for a sanctuary for game birds, over time could reintroduce other waterfowl (shoveller, brown teal) and provide future hunting opportunities. Fish & Game, Ducks Unlimited - could be interested, community project.

Huge need to manage black swans, could be a competition issue.
Baseline inventory suggested by board - assistance for funding would be needed.

Pitt Island could be a reservoir for grey duck.

Resolution

That the Chatham Conservation Board resolved that they would support a survey of duck populations in the Chathams and ongoing consultation with the Community on the issue of grey duck management.

James Moffett/Deborah Goomes
Carried

Actions

• Seek funding for baseline inventory of waterfowl and grey duck on the Chathams
• Prepare an article for the Chatham Islander.
• Prepare an article for the Board newsletter on grey duck.
• Undertake ongoing community consultation over the issue.

Brown skua

Alison gave the meeting an explanation of the issues. James explained the effect of skua on Pitt. Need options where we can work together and there is the ability to manage skua where they are impacting on sheep.

Need data to show what the population is doing - not sure about the reported decline on Chathams?

Practical ways to help - counts on Pitt during lambing. If unable to shoot skua or keep them away then there would be consequences for the sheep and economic loss.
Percent of Chatham population of skua compared to total NZ population estimated to be around 10 percent? Numbers shot would be in single digits not hundreds.
Need some data on impacts of skua and numbers that are shot.

Actions

• Report to next board and PIRC meetings on skua population trends
• Also raise the issue in the board newsletter
• Monitor numbers on Pitt
• Feedback to head office required

CMS monitoring report presented at the August 'informal' meeting

Allan read from the minutes of the informal meeting.

The board noted the significant progress the department had made with its iwi relationships recently.

Biosecurity issues - Peter drafted two letters, one on border control (Paul Bradbury) and one on pests to include in review of Pest Management Strategy (Brenda Greene)
Deborah praised the last CMS report as being a very good report.

CMS monitoring topics

Deborah explained the rationale for selecting the topics.

Resolution

That the Chatham Conservation Board ratify the list of CMS monitoring topics that was prepared by Deborah Goomes

Peter Johnson/James Moffett
Carried

Section B

B1 Administration matters

a) Board budget

The board budget is currently in a healthy state but only one out of four meetings held so far is shown in the budget.

b) Co-opting a board member

Toni explained the issue - referred to the record of the discussion on this issue at the August meeting.

Resignation of Claude Ryan has created a vacancy.

Teresa raised issue of the letter received from Andrew Kuva - had this letter been withdrawn? Toni also had concerns of the content of the letter. She had discussed the letter with Deborah, then she rang Leo Watson. Given the resignation of Andrew Kuva, the board agreed it was best to focus on future representation than dwell on the concerns members had with the letter. The board discussed again the role of members.

Meeting discussed whether Hokotehi Moriori Trust would still want representation.
Sharon Pirika was not sure - need to take the issue back to the Trust.

Allan outlined the three options:

1) In formal nomination process - not a usual process, may need the Minister's agreement. Would normally wait for annual round of board nominations.

2) Board to co-opt a perspective or set of skills now. Would be a non-voting position. This would not help quorum issue.

3) Invitation for a member of the Hokotehi Moriori Trust to attend meetings - this would be informal attendance until the normal nomination process in August 2006.

By August 2006 the board would expect to have a new member via the normal re-election process. Three meetings would be held before this.

The board discussed this issue:
Teresa - in favour of co-opting.
Deborah - in favour of the formal nomination process.
Judy - in favour of invitation, including Hokotehi when issues arise.
Peter - in favour of attendance by invitation and encouragement, need to be clear of the reasons for filling the vacancy, not create bad feeling between Iwi groups on the Island.
James - supports Peter, need to explain to Hokotehi what co-opting means, no more 'powers' for the person under co-opting than invitation.
Toni - need Hokotehi input, no more benefit co-opting than invitation (no voting rights, does not help quorum)

Concern at specific Hokotehi iwi representation - if this is wanted then need to take this up with the Minister. Also, concern at representation from other groups - Ngati Mutunga, Fisheries etc.Need to be clear of the role of the Board and its members.
Open door policy - approach Hokotehi and invite to meetings, active invitation.
Sharon said this is a clarity issue - Board member, member of public, representative of a group. Allan Ross explained MoC wanted to ensure two Iwi perspectives were represented on the Chatham Board.

Actions

• Need a letter of reply to Hokotehi - make it clear that Claude Ryan was appointed to represent the community although nominated by Hokotehi. Board members want to make it clear each board member represents the community as a whole although could bring particular perspectives to the board.
  
• Include in letter acknowledgment of Andrew Kuvas' letter, acknowledge interest so far, and invite to meetings to participate in discussions (no voting rights) and encourage interest in nomination process, note that the board wants an exclusive not inclusive board.
  
• Letter from Area Office to Ngati Mutunga acknowledging their wish to engage actively in the Dept business, include invitation to board meetings.
  
• Board newsletter needs to address this issue - Toni to prepare this.

Resolution

That the board resolve not to request a formal election for the vacancy on the Chatham Conservation Board or to co-opt, but instead write to Hokotehi Moriori Trust to invite them to attend and speak at board meetings, and encourage them to participate in the upcoming nomination and election process

Deborah Goomes/ Teresa Harvey
Carried

B2 Correspondence

a) Inwards correspondence

Toni explained to the board the letters written on the issue of holding a Maori Board members hui. Three of the four responses supported holding a Maori members' hui.

Meetings in the past - brought up issues of a selection of members discussing issues, contradiction of how boards operate (exclusive not inclusive). Not just Maori members but fishing and others.

Allan suggested that it should be the job of the NZCA to raise the issue with the Minister.

Teresa acknowledges the KAM's assistance with Maori issues. Other places where Maori Board members can go for help. Allan Ross said Anaru can help Chatham Board member's interaction with other board members, particularly on Iwi issues.

b) Outwards correspondence

Resolution

That the Chatham Conservation Board receives the financial statements and inwards and outwards correspondence.

Deborah Goomes/Peter Johnson
Carried

B3 NZ Conservation Authority

No items to present.

B4 Departmental reports

a) Area manager's report

Alison presented the Area Manager's report. Particular mention was made of staffing changes - the employment of two new programme managers has been a significant achievement for the Area.

Weka celebration - The board was encouraged to attend, board contribution - monetary support for a display on the conservation value of weka.

Toni was part of the interview panel for the Programme Manager jobs. The Board thanked Toni for her assistance and time that this took.

Update on black robin - 2 chicks hatched on Pitt Island.

Update on taiko - 11 birds caught so far, majority unbanded.

Resolution

That the Chatham Conservation Board will sponsor the weka celebration by donating $200 towards a display on the conservation plight of weka.

Teresa McDonald/James Moffett
Carried

b) DOC budget breakdown by output class - Allan Ross

Refer to attachment provided by Allan Ross. Wellington Conservation Board has requested this from Wellington Conservancy. In summary for the Chatham Area:
A large percent of funding is for natural heritage management.
Possum fencing and species are the big budget items.
Outputs versus inputs - good ratio in Chatham Area.
Not useful to compare percentages across activities as there are different issues in Conservancy and Nationally compared to the Chatham Area.

c) Business planning 05/06

Allan explained business planning process.
Directions and expectations from the Minister to the Director-General, then Conservators to Area Manager - by Christmas.
January - develop draft plan
Board involvement is encouraged - advice is based on CMS monitoring, field inspections, views from Board members will be sought at next board meeting in February.
Proposal to discuss 2006/07 business plan at next board meeting or in late January - will look at priorities, changes in direction.

Action

The Chatham Area will organise a session with the board in late January or the next board meeting in February to discuss the 06/07 business plan.

d) Permit applications briefing and recommendations

Discuss under research proposals.

B5 Pitt Island

a) Minutes from Pitt Island Reserves Committee meeting

Minutes from the meeting were circulated and read.
James said that the PIRC are pleased to see Judy on the Conservation Board.
The committee were pleased with black robin progress.

Glory cottage progress - the Department will take guidance from Pitt community on management of the project, and ongoing public access to the site and building.

Ecosystem survey and identification, and vegetation monitoring on Pitt Island -
Allan explained the issues - sheep impacts in Waipaua, survival and recovery of nikau and representatives of Waipaua vegetation compared to other vegetation on Pitt Island
Colin Miskelly has been asked to follow this up. Project brief from Steve Urlich has had no progress to date, and there is still the idea that this could be a student project.
Ben Reddiex could assist. Allan to follow this up.

Action

Allan to progress Pitt Island ecosystem project with Ben Reddiex.

B6 Working groups

a) Community liaison

i) Visitor Industry Group

Alison outlined the Area's role and reason for being part on the Visitor Industry group
Rangaika - interpretation sign is required to acknowledge the family and giving visitor information but Allan explained if on the roadside would need to explain the condition of the track and DOC may need to improve the track first.

Ocean Mail - vehicle track along fence line, fix up now, add a few boardwalks, available for walks, takes in wetlands, lakes and lagoon.

Visitor interpretation - Peter provided a visitor guide training a few months ago for local business.

DOC has been conservative in expanding visitor assets in the Chathams. Waiting for signals from the community. This is now happening.

Conservancy now has money for visitor asset development - focused on fixing existing facilities which are currently substandard.

The board has a statutory role under the Walkways Act and could take a lead role in starting walkways - lots of opportunities.

How positive is the community - need to work on community awareness, still a sensitive issue.

Recreational opportunity review - DOC recently carried out this exercise in NZ. Looked at what people want and what is provided. Proposing to run this exercise in the Chathams this financial year - involve groups in the Chathams. Provide places/sites for the community to access and enjoy reserves - not just visitors to the Chathams.
Issue of walking versus camping - free right of public access to reserves, have to step in and regulate where this needs to be controlled. This control could be achieved through management plans and bylaws.

ii) Educational wildlife series on black robin

Alison presented the proposal. Clarification that this was from UK TV not NZ TV
Black robin story has been told many times - other bird stories from the Chathams could be told. Would require a lot of support from the area office for a story based on off-shore islands. Need to look at what conservation benefits Chatham Islands would receive. Weka could be a good topic. Use existing footage.

Action

Area to reply to request declining support for the proposal. Suggest the company contact the National Wildlife Centre.

b) Planning

No issues to discuss.

c) Flora

No issues to discuss.

d) Pests

i) Saltmarsh mosquito survey on Chatham Islands

Alison outlined this project which is currently underway - involves aerial and ground survey. Aerial photos could become available for the Department.

ii) Didymo, a biosecurity scare in South Island waterways

Serious harm algae weed invading South Island rivers. Likes stoney bottom clean waterways - not lakes. Peat water may deter Didymo. NIWA - database of NZ river systems, identified rivers that would be susceptible to didymo invasion. Propose a similar approach to the Chathams.

Action

DOC to write to NIWA for information on the rivers susceptible to didymo, also consult with Environment Canterbury. Obtain BNZ information (regular quarter page series published in papers) on biosecurity risks - could publish in Chatham Islander.

Resolution

That the Chatham Conservation Board write to the Chatham Council to ask them to request BNZ to provide their quarter page biosecurity information and then to publish this information into the Chatham Islander

Peter Johnson/Teresa McDonald
Carried

iii) Te One rubbish dump

Problem with rodents and cats. More rats are around when dump has been dozed or burnt.
Board should raise this issue with Council to improve its management.

Action

Toni and Deborah to raise the issue of pest problems at the Te One dump with Council

iv) Chilean guava

Peter raised the issue of the threat of Chilean guava. Photos presented from plants growing in Northern Chathams. Concern at density and size of bushes. Chilean Guava is now present on Pitt Island.The problem is not known elsewhere in NZ.
The Chilean guava weed plan was presented. The Department regard this as a serious threat. The Chatham Area office is to prepare a discussion paper on the issue for the next Board meeting. "Like playing with fireworks" to continue to allow it to spread.

Action

Chatham Area office to prepare a discussion paper for the next board meeting on Chilean guava, its threat and proposed control methods.

e) Land management

No issues.

f) Cultural liaison

No issues.

g) Management of live species

i) Albatross monitoring report

Report presented by Allan Ross. Evidence that the population is increasingly slowly (30 percent increase). A storm in 1985 effected habitat, and probably the population numbers. The full report is due for completion in 2006. Future monitoring - less frequent aerial photos to monitor the population. Interaction with vegetation - birds effecting vegetation cover. Important to monitor vegetation cover as well as numbers of birds.

ii) Report on Buff weka translocation to Styx Mill Reserve, Willowbank

Report attached.

iii) Shore plover

Alison read out Rose Collen's update on the progress with shore plover breeding at Mt Bruce.

iv) Sea lion management plan

Invitation for the Board to comment on the sea lion management plan - presented by Allan Ross. Only a few sea lions come to the Chathams currently, however they have bred here in the past.

Action

Letter to be sent from the Chatham Board encouraging the protection of sea lion, including strong conservation measures continue to be implemented.

h) Management of dead fauna specimens

Research Proposals

Permit Applications - summary paper prepared by Conservancy Office presented by Alison From now on the Area Office will be receving a summary paper with recommendation on various research proposals. This will be presented to the Board and should contain results of consultation with iwi and other effected parties.
This was attempted this time but less than half the proposals were received and processed in time for the board meeting.

It was decided that the Conservancy need to let research agencies know of the process followed for research in the Chatham Area, and to allow adequate time for research processing. Also, the standard conditions that are likely to be included on permits issues including reporting back result of field work, final research results (after analysis and write-up), samples to remain the property of the Crown, samples lodged with major agencies, directed to be lodged with Te Papa or returned to the Chathams, and samples available for future research projects.

Reference to the procedures for taonga management need to be referred to.Let agencies know of these procedures, inform DOC staff, including Conservancy and Area staff.

Action

Conservancy to prepare a fact sheet covering the issues outlined above on the procedures for processing research proposals in the Chathams.

Rove beetles (David Clarke)

Insects need to go out of NZ to be identified due to the lack of expertise in NZ.
Samples need to be returned to a NZ research or museum institution.It is a straight forward and useful research. Chatham Conservation Board support the research proceeding with the usual conditions of reporting, and management of samples collected including returning specimens to a NZ research or museum institution.

Avian malaria research (Philip Cassey)

Blood samples from waterfowl in past, around the brown teal reintroduction proposal, could involve Ducks Unlimited - 5 years ago. What were the results? These need to be followed up. Check whether Brent has organised the time to do this work - how much DOC Area Office support will be asked. This needs to be sorted out.

Chatham Conservation Board support the research proceeding with the usual conditions of reporting and management of samples collected; that samples collected are made available for future research projects, blood samples previously collected from Chatham waterfowl in the past are used, and that any support required from the Area is achievable.

Lepidium and Leptinella research (Peter de Lange)

Cooks Scurvy Grass -local conservation priority identified by threatened plant advisory group. Impacts would be low. Chatham Conservation Board support the research proceeding with the usual conditions of reporting and management of samples collected.

Mosses and liverworts (Matt Renner)

Big gaps in the knowledge of mosses and liverworts. There is a lot to learn for the Chathams. Impacts would be low.Conservation Board support the research proceeding with the usual conditions of reporting and management of samples collected; including that specimens be deposited in a major NZ herbarium once identification work is completed.

Historical research on Mangere (Bill Carter)

Enthusiasm from the board for this research to proceed. Proposal - ensure a copy is sent to Teresa. Conservation Board support the research proceeding with the usual conditions of reporting.

Oystercatcher feathers (Andrew Fidler)

Not of direct management benefit to the Chathams, however of conservation interest regarding the difference between Chatham and NZ mainland oystercatcher.
Make use of feathers already in collections - refer to Lincoln University.
Chatham Conservation Board support the research proceeding with the usual conditions of reporting and management of samples collected including returning specimens to a NZ research or museum institution, that samples collected are made available for future research projects, and that any support required from the Area is achievable.

Tsunami deposits (Scott Nicol)

Useful research for the big picture with a low impact. Send research proposal to the Chatham Council for their information as it is a natural hazard project. Ask for a public talk or article for the Chatham Islander. Chatham Conservation Board support the research proceeding within reserves provided information on the result of field survey are provided to DOC.

Bar coding project (Dave Lambert)

Some discussion over what this project involves. Did not have full proposal at meeting, although it has been available for some time. Iwi and Board feedback was requested some time ago. Response received form Runanga who were not in favour of the project proceeding. Original application to be circulated to Board members seeking feedback as soon as possible so the researchers know whether they can proceed or not, and under what conditions.

B7 Conservation Management Strategy monitoring

a) Review of CMS implementation items

Alison Davis presented the paper

i) Research

The Research, Development and Improvement division (RD&I) has been recently formed. A five year action plan is currently being developed. Focus is still on national priorities. Research on managing pest populations in the Chathams could be seen as a national priority but not something such as understanding the decline of the shag population. Conservancy has $15K per annum for local research projects. Approximately three projects are done in a year - Chatham Area needs to promote their projects.

The Science Advisory Fund assists reactive or emergency research, quick science perspective. Around $20K per annum is tagged to the Wellington Conservancy
Need to look at planning research better, used a more strategic approach.

ii) Land ecosystems

A table of covenants in the Chathams was to be supplied to the Board members. Vegetation types listed in the CMS have received some worthwhile protection except coastal herb fields. Geoff Rogers is an expert on coastal herb fields. Could he do a survey of coastal herb fields when he is on the Chathams in January 2006?

Action

A table of all covenants in the Chathams to be provided at the next board meeting.

iii) Marine ecosystems

Should DOC be taking a more proactive role in protection in the marine environments in the Chathams. Rahui areas are good but should we be relying on this protection mechanism alone. Until there is a threat in a particular marine area the Board members felt we should take a more reactive approach. However, James thought the Board should assist the Pitt community to look at options for marine protection around Pitt Island.

Action

Information to be sent to the Pitt Island community on the various mechanisms available to protect the marine environment.

Resolution

That the Chatham Conservation Board accepts the CMS monitoring report prepared for the November 2005 meeting.

Peter Johnson/Deborah Goomes
Carried

B8 General business

i) Field trip February 2006

Proposals included:
Ocean Mail (first option)
South East Island (second option)
Rangaika Reserve
Taia Peninsula

B9 Next meeting date and venue

Wednesday 22 February Meeting at Norman Kirk
Thursday 23 February Field Trip day

B10 Karakia

Anaru Luke closed the meeting with a karakia

Meeting closed at 4.35pm

Toni Day
Chairperson

back to top