Komiti Taiao ā-hapori Hoki Environment and Community Committee OPEN ADDENDUM AGENDA

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1 I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the will be held on: Date: Time: Meeting Room: Venue: Tuesday, 9.30am Level 26, Room1 135 Albert Street Auckland Komiti Taiao ā-hapori Hoki OPEN ADDENDUM AGENDA MEMBERSHIP Chairperson Cr Penny Hulse Deputy Chairperson Cr Alf Filipaina Members IMSB Member Renata Blair Cr Daniel Newman, JP IMSB Member James Brown Cr Dick Quax Cr Dr Cathy Casey Cr Greg Sayers Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore Cr Desley Simpson, JP Cr Ross Clow Cr Sharon Stewart, QSM Cr Fa anana Efeso Collins Cr Sir John Walker, KNZM, CBE Cr Linda Cooper, JP Cr Wayne Walker Cr Chris Darby Cr John Watson Cr Hon Christine Fletcher, QSO Mayor Hon Phil Goff, CNZM, JP Cr Richard Hills Cr Mike Lee (Quorum 11 members) Tam White Senior Governance Advisor 19 February 2018 Contact Telephone: (09) Website: Note: The reports contained within this agenda are for consideration and should not be construed as Council policy unless and until adopted. Should Members require further information relating to any reports, please contact the relevant manager, Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson.

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3 ITEM TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 9 Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back 5 Page 3

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5 Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back File No.: CP2017/26950 Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report 1. To report back on kauri dieback management activity in the Waitākere Ranges as per the committee s resolutions of December 2017 (ENV/2017/183). Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary 2. In December 2017, in response to calls for Auckland Council to take more action to protect kauri in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, the resolved to increase the kauri dieback management approach in the Waitākere Ranges, including closing high and medium risk tracks, to support the principles of the rāhui, placed by Te Kawerau ā Maki on the ranges. 3. As part of these resolutions staff were requested to report back to the Environment and Community Committee in February 2018 on options for stepped up track improvement and upgrades, public education, enforcement options and effectiveness, effectiveness monitoring, capital and operating costs associated with option four for consideration in the Long-term Plan Since December 2017 Auckland Council has closed 44 tracks, upgraded six tracks, improved hygiene stations, rolled out a strengthened public engagement programme including council s ambassador programme, undertaken landscape scale phosphite research, and planned additional feral pig control in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. 5. Auckland Council has been working closely with central government on kauri dieback management across kaurilands. The national programme for kauri dieback management has committed to a stepped-up management programme including a national pest management plan, establishing a strategic science advisory group and the implementation of controlled area notices to manage the spread of kauri dieback starting within the Auckland region. Controlled area notices are being explored for both the Waitākere and Hunua ranges. 6. The council has been continuing to work with community groups, volunteers, concessionaires, iwi, the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and residents to support the kaupapa of protecting taonga kauri and ecosystems by not spreading kauri dieback disease. 7. Based on track monitoring and reports from ambassadors, rangers and the public there is a high level of non-compliance with cleaning stations, track closures and calls to respect the rāhui. The current approach is not working and there is a still a risk of human based activity spreading the disease. 8. Revised options have been developed to ensure Auckland Council is continuing to fulfill its responsibilities for kauri dieback management by: Containing the disease in the Waitākere Ranges, as far as practicable, and Protecting healthy areas such as the Hunua Ranges. 9. These options include the closure of high risk kauri tracks in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park and closing additional areas in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. All options have been scoped to be supported by any controlled area notice initiated by the Ministry for Primary Industries. 10. Any decisions relating to closures of regional parks should comply with the relevant decision-making obligations of the Local Government Act, the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act, and the Reserves Act, including: Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 5

6 Considering all reasonably practicable options and analysing the advantages and disadvantages of each Considering the views and preferences of those likely to be interested in or affected by the proposal for example concessionaires, businesses and recreational groups who use and benefit from the regional parks Taking into account the importance of kauri and the Waitākere and Hūnua Ranges to iwi Having particular regard to the purposes and objectives of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendations That the : a) propose to close high risk tracks in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park by 1 May 2018, subject to i) consultation with mana whenua Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Pāoa and Ngati Tamaoho ii) consultation with the Franklin Local Board b) propose to close the forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, with exceptions, such as beaches, pasturelands and areas which would reach the requirement of a controlled area notice, by 1 May 2018 subject to: i) identification of the proposed closure area and exceptions in consultation with Te Kawerau ā Maki ii) iii) consultation with the Waitākere Ranges Local Board targeted engagement with concessionaires, businesses and recreational groups who use and benefit from the regional park and with people who live within the Waitākere Ranges. c) request staff to formally seek the Ministry for Primary Industries support for the proposed closure within the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and track closures within the Hunua Ranges Regional Park by initiating controlled area notices, once targeted engagement and consultation has been completed d) approve, in principle, a targeted patrols enforcement approach, with an unbudgeted cost of $2.2M, for the proposed closures, subject to consultation e) subject to fulfilment of resolutions a) and b) request staff report back on this matter at the April 2018 for final decision making f) note that this additional activity is unbudgeted in this financial year and that the recommended option, supported by focused enforcement, could cost approximately $3.3M opex and $0.5M capex in the first year g) note that if either of the proposed Long-term Plan environmental protection options are adopted that this additional expenditure represents around one third of the proposed kauri dieback investment and will be prioritised above track improvements, upgrades and other aspects of the programme such as landowner support, station upgrades and washdown facilities h) request staff to provide an update on kauri dieback management across the region and the implications for currently proposed closures in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and Hunua Ranges Regional Parks by April 2018 i) note that the status and continuance of the closures, and council s management strategy, may be reconsidered when the Regional Parks Management Plan 2010 comes up for review in 2020, without limiting any other review. Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 6

7 Horopaki / Context 11. Kauri dieback is spreading across the region and there is significant technical uncertainty around how best to control it. While the incidence and proliferation of kauri dieback disease is most known within the Waitākere Ranges, council has a responsibility to stop the spread of kauri dieback across the region, as reflected in the proposed Regional Pest Management Plan which prioritises preventing disease spread to the apparently disease-free areas of Hunua and Hauraki Gulf islands. The Long-term Plan proposes to significantly increase investment in kauri dieback management across the region. 12. In December 2017, in response to calls for Auckland Council to do more to protect kauri in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, the agreed to increase the kauri dieback management approach in the Waitākere Ranges. 13. This report details the progress that has been made in implementing the committee resolution, including track management, improved hygiene stations, public engagement (including council s ambassador programme), phosphite research, and increased efforts to manage non-human based movement of the disease through feral pig control. 14. In addition, staff are working closely with the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Department of Conservation on options for the development of regulatory tools such as a Controlled Area Notice. Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice Increased Waitākere Ranges Activity 15. Since December staff and volunteers have worked to implement the committee resolution, as described below including: Increased track closures and upgrades Improved hygiene stations Public engagement; including an enhanced ambassador programme Phosphite trials and additional feral pig control. Track Closures and Management 16. The December 2017 resolution directed staff to implement a programme of high and medium risk track closures commencing with the closure of 13 high and medium risk tracks and permanent closure of nine tracks which had been temporarily closed in Since December 2017 a total of 44 tracks have been closed equating to around 83km of track; nine tracks permanently closed and 35 tracks temporarily closed. Excluding service roads, this means that approximately one third of the Waitākere Ranges track network is now closed. 18. The additional track closures took into account: - Track risk profile (based on presence of diseased kauri, visitor numbers and track condition (particularly how muddy it typically is over winter) - Standard of hygiene station provided - Closures of some low risk tracks where doing so will result in more effective channelling of visitors through hygiene stations or using an alternative route - Safe visitor flow through the remaining network of open tracks. Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 7

8 19. In line with regional priorities for kauri dieback management, the highest priority for track closures in the Waitākere Ranges has been those that cross or provide access to most ecologically significant kauri areas that are currently understood to be disease free. This has now been achieved in full through the current track closures. 20. Formal disestablishment of seven tracks that have been permanently closed is nearly complete with signage removed and the track entrances disguised by using plants and foliage. 21. The temporarily closed tracks all have clearly visible signage installed noting closure for kauri protection reasons. In some instances, additional physical barriers such as timber railings are in place. 22. Over the past twelve months, track improvement work has been carried out on nineteen tracks within the Waitākere Ranges. This included the prioritisation of six high risk tracks and 15 kilometres of track, ahead of the peak summer visitor season to remove muddy sections through metal re-surfacing via helicopter and other means at a cost of $150,000. Improved Hygiene Stations 23. Nine enhanced hygiene stations are to be installed across these six high-risk but upgraded tracks following completion of the upgrades. This is expected to be complete by the end of February In recognition of the large number of visitors to the Kitekite Falls track a large walk through hygiene station has been installed on the falls track. 25. Five stations have also been installed in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park, with a further five more stations planned for installation before the end of February Public awareness and engagement 26. Awareness among park users in the Waitākere Ranges is being raised through the deployment of 12 kauri dieback ambassadors at eight of the busiest track entrances. Ambassador numbers in the Waitākere Ranges were increased by four following the December 2017 committee meeting. 27. A further ten ambassadors are based at other sites, including the Hunua Ranges, Kaipatiki reserves, at the downtown and Half Moon Bay ferry terminals, on Waiheke and at the Department of Conservation managed reserves at Okura and Goldie Bush. At this stage, ambassadors will remain in place until the end of March By the end of the first week of February 2018, ambassadors had spoken to approximately 30,000 Waitākere Ranges park users, providing information on the disease, hygiene protocols, track closures and the rāhui. Community groups have provided the ambassadors with a flyer explaining the reason of the rāhui and promoting the kauri protection kaupapa. 29. In addition to the ambassador programme the track closures and kauri dieback messages have been supported by a communications programme which has included: An updated map highlighting the current status of all tracks published on the council website and through Facebook channels. Information printed and distributed to visitors to the park via the Arataki Visitor Centre and park rangers. OurAuckland stories covering the kauri summer ambassador programme and promoting alternative destinations to visit Promotion of rangers recommendations for alternative places to walk and visit within the Auckland region on OurAuckland online from November to January An awareness video promoted via Facebook The development of refreshed artwork and messaging applied across communications channels. In particular: o refreshed messaging "keep kauri standing for future generations" and " scrub, spray and stay on the track" Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 8

9 o Paid online and social media campaign from end December to mid-march, driving behaviour change messaging. This campaign was developed by the council and funded by MPI. o New onsite hoardings at Hunua and Waitākere ranges delivering new educational and instructional messaging 30. There has been substantial media coverage of kauri dieback management across a range of media channels over recent months, with staff and committee members providing comment and information. Research and Additional Pest Control 31. Other additional work has also been undertaken since the Waitākere Ranges rāhui. This has included a phosphite treatment trial and feral pig control. 32. Phosphite is a plant nutrient that is injected into individual trees and has been used on other related diseases particularly in horticultural settings. It does not provide a cure, but in trials to date has been shown to keep small kauri trees alive for at least five years. Phosphite treatment is being applied to individual kauri trees across most of Maungaroa Ridge, covering an area of high biodiversity value within which kauri dieback is widespread. 33. This landscape scale phosphite treatment has not been undertaken before. This treatment is being undertaken utilising learning provided by research conducted by Plant and Food Research and with a representative of Te Kawerau ā Maki as part of the field team. 34. Due to the experimental nature of this treatment there are several unknowns including resourcing requirements, such as how much effort will be required to treat trees across this landscape scale, effectiveness and timeframes over which control of symptoms may last. As this technique has been used successfully to treat other Phytophthoras in the horticultural sector, this trial will help to inform whether phosphite treatment of larger kauri forest areas may be explored. 35. Feral pigs are known to spread kauri dieback disease within infected areas. Council has been controlling feral pigs for a number of years to reduce the risk of kauri dieback spread and numbers are down considerably on the initial population. Feral pigs have been observed congregating around sites of recent possum control operations within the Waitākere Ranges. This opportunity has been capitalised on with a decision to increase pig hunting effort in the possum control area to reduce the risk of further disease spread and increase overall forest health by reducing other pig impacts. Council Regulation and Central Government Roles 36. Management of kauri dieback within the Waitākere Ranges occurs within both a regional and national context. Auckland Council s proposed Regional Pest Management Plan prioritises council s regional focus towards maintaining the apparent kauri dieback-free status of the Hunua Ranges and Hauraki Gulf islands (with the exception of Aotea / Great Barrier which already has the disease). This approach is informed by an understanding that in the absence of a cure the management approach with the highest likelihood of success is to prevent spread into disease-free areas. 37. The Proposed Regional Pest Management Plan will be consulted on publicly in March Once operative in late 2018 or early 2019 the Regional Pest Management Plan can be used to enforce rules that would reduce the risk of the movement of kauri dieback within the Auckland region. 38. As described in a Ministry for Primary Industries press release dated 26 January 2018 the National Kauri Dieback Governance Group have committed to three measures that will strengthen efforts to save kauri trees from dieback: A Controlled Area Notice for kauri dieback A National Pest Management Plan A Strategic Science Advisory Group. Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 9

10 39. The National Kauri Dieback Governance Group has signalled an intent to implement an initial controlled area notice in Auckland, with a view to scaling up to other kauri lands. Although the Waitākere Ranges has been the focus of much the public and media attention, other sites which are apparently disease free, such as the Hunua Ranges, will also be considered as part of the development of options for a controlled area notice. 40. While the ministry would lead controlled area notice enforcement training there is an expectation that local land managers, including councils, would resource the actual enforcement itself. 41. In the Hunua Ranges a controlled area notice would be placed over the native forest in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. In the Waitākere Ranges a controlled area notice would be placed over the agreed closed area. A controlled area notice cannot be used to block access to or close, the park. Rather it controls the movement of an organism into and out of the designated area (in this case soil). 42. A controlled area notice would require people to enter and exit the controlled area with no visible soil on their footwear or equipment and would make the use of hygiene stations mandatory. It would enable enforcement steps to be taken against any person who contravenes the notice, with stern penalties. Long-term Plan Investment in Kauri Dieback Management 43. Two options for increased investment in kauri dieback management are being consulted on through the draft Long-term Plan Both Long-term Plan options were drafted to align to the focus in the proposed Regional Pest Management Plan of keeping kauri dieback out of currently disease-free areas in Hunua and the Hauraki Gulf islands. Associated costs for Long-term Plan options are detailed in the financial implications section below. 44. Both Long-term Plan options provide for over 150km of track upgrades across regional and local parkland, of which approximately 100km is within the Waitākere Ranges. The two options differ primarily in the quality of track upgrade that could be provided for. Option B provides for a greater proportion of tracks to be upgraded to boardwalks or geomesh, whereas in Option A the majority of track upgrades would be to metal aggregate. 45. Both Long-term Plan options provide for approximately 300 hygiene stations, of which approximately 100 would be within the Waitākere Ranges. The two options differ primarily in the quality of hygiene station provided for, with no large walk-through stations provided for within Option A but up to 100 of this style provided for in Option B. 46. In addition, both options provide for a range of other kauri dieback-related activities including vehicle washdown stations for council and Watercare vehicles, awareness and behaviour change, research, nursery accreditation and support for landowner hygiene practices. As with previous components the two options vary in the quality and quantity of these activities provided for. 47. The Long-term Plan options do not factor any costs of enforcement of a Controlled Area Notice or large-scale closures of parks as they were not considerations at the time of developing either the Regional Pest Management of Long-term Plan scenarios. Current State 48. Track counters and cameras are being used to determine visitor presence on closed tracks. Track monitoring is being undertaken on 21 permanently and temporarily closed tracks. 49. At the time of writing this report not all track monitoring devices have been downloaded and analysed. However, those that have been reviewed show varying levels of ongoing use on the closed tracks. This range suggests a residual risk of disease spread from these tracks even following closure. 50. There have been some issues with vandalism with some track closure signs being removed and damaged over the holiday period. Staff are actively monitoring and replacing signage where this is observed or reported by the public. Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 10

11 51. A number of visitors continue to ignore the messages provided by the ambassadors and do not use the hygiene stations or walk on closed tracks. For example, with roughly visitors to the Glen Esk Rd track entrance per day in the weekends, queues form at the hygiene stations. This has led to regular users going around the station to avoid the queues (and possibly the ambassadors themselves) and therefore not cleaning their shoes. 52. The ambassadors provide regular reports and some of their feedback received suggests a high-level of non-compliance with track closures, hygiene stations and calls to respect the rāhui. Opportunities for Change 53. The current approach is not working - Aucklanders and visitors alike are ignoring the cleaning stations, track closures and calls to respect the rāhui. In line with our management approach council needs to look at options to ensure we are: Containing the disease in the Waitākere Ranges Protecting healthy areas such as the Hunua Ranges 54. Based on these management practices the following approaches have been developed and assessed for the committee s consideration as follows. Hunua Ranges Opportunity 55. Over the previous few years work has been undertaken within the Hunua Ranges to reduce the amount of human activity in close proximity to kauri on unformed tracks. This has included the closure and upgrade of tracks. 56. A small number of high risk tracks remain in the southern part of the park. It is recommended that these high-risk kauri tracks are closed before winter The tracks for discussion are marked in red as per Attachment B to this report. 57. This closure of high risk tracks would be subject to: consultation with mana whenua Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Pāoa and Ngati Tamaoho consultation with the Franklin Local Board 58. This option would be supported by a controlled area notice and once upgraded these tracks may be re-opened if users could reasonably be able to reach the required standards of a controlled area notice. 59. This option would not impact grazing areas, Watercare infrastructure, forestry and private property and a range of range of visitor experiences would remain for park visitors. The compliance strategy for the Hunua Ranges could focus on education and awareness and be supported by some enforcement action if required. Waitākere Ranges Options 60. Three options are presented: Status Quo continuing programme of high and medium track closures and upgrades planned as part of the LTP. Proposed closure of kauri forest areas, with exceptions Proposed closure of all forested areas, with exceptions (recommended) 61. Under status quo the current track closures implemented since December 2017 will remain in effect and options for further track closures will continue to be assessed. This option includes monitoring of closure effectiveness with no proactive enforcement of the closures. Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 11

12 62. The option to propose to close kauri forest areas, with exceptions, would involve closing any tracks in the kauri forested areas that do not reach the standard required by a controlled area notice. It would not close other coastal forest types dominated by trees such as pohutukawa. This option would not apply to other areas of the regional park such as beaches, pasturelands, and would not close essential service access or prevent authorised management activity. 63. The option to propose to close the forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, with exceptions, is recommended. This would involve closing the entire forested area but not beaches, pasturelands and areas which would reach the requirement of a controlled area notice such as the Arataki Visitor Centre, the Arataki Nature Trail, Beveridge Track, Waitākere Dam Walk, Dreamlands Track and Exhibition Drive Walk. This option would provide the highest level of kauri dieback protection. 64. Either proposed closure would be subject to: identification of the proposed closure area and exceptions in consultation with Te Kawerau ā Maki consultation with the Waitākere Ranges Local Board targeted consultation with concessionaires, businesses and recreational groups who use and benefit from the regional park and with people who live within the Waitākere Ranges 65. Either proposed closure could be supported by a controlled area notice to manage the movement of soil with enforcement at council s expense. This option could have rolling track openings once tracks reach a standard under the controlled area notice. 66. Under both proposed closure options the impact on the community, concessionaires and recreational users has not been assessed, but are likely to be considerable as the majority of the tracks cross kauri areas. 67. It is difficult to determine what the level of compliance would be with any of these proposed closures. However, several investment options have been developed in consultation with Auckland Council s Licencing and Regulatory Compliance team. These options range from education only through to a full enforcement approach with varying costs as described in the financial section of this report. Decision Making Considerations 68. As fee simple landowner, and administering body of land held under the Reserves Act 1977, Auckland Council has the legal right to restrict access, close the property and trespass individuals, subject to compliance with Local Government Act 2002 ( LGA ) decision-making requirements. The council must: Consider all reasonably practicable options and analyse the advantages and disadvantages of each Consider the views and preferences of those likely to be interested in or affected by the proposal Take into account the importance of kauri and the Waitākere and Hūnua Ranges to iwi 69. These requirements apply in proportion to the significance of the matters affected by the decision. The greater the significance of the impacts, the more the council must ensure that it has appropriately complied with the requirements to analyse options and consider the views and preferences of people likely to be affected by, or interested in, the decision. 70. Those likely to be interested in, or affected by the proposal include residents, concessionaires, business interests, environmental groups, scientists and organised recreational groups. Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 12

13 71. At this stage, staff are not in a position to clearly describe the impact of closure on concessionaires, businesses and recreational groups who use and benefit from the regional parks. These groups are likely to be considerably affected and it is important that the committee considers those impacts, and their views and preferences before making a decision. 72. The recommended approach, which includes targeted engagement, provides additional time for the council to understand the impact on, and views and preferences of these groups; and on communities who live within the Ranges. Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act In addition, the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 adds mandatory relevant considerations, when making decisions relating to the heritage area. The council must demonstrate that it has had particular regard to the purpose and objectives of the Act. 74. The purpose and objectives include: Purpose Recognise the national, regional and local significance of the heritage area Promote the protection and enhancement of the heritage features Objectives Protect, restore, enhance the area Carefully consider risks and uncertainties, endeavour to protect the area Recognise and avoid adverse potential effects of activities on the environment Protect and enhance indigenous habitat values, landscape values, amenity values Recognise the distinct communities that live and work in the area Protect in perpetuity the natural and historic resources for the benefit, use and enjoyment of the people of Auckland and New Zealand 75. The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 also acknowledges the particular historical, traditional, cultural, or spiritual relationship of tangata whenua of the heritage area, Te Kawerau ā Maki and Ngāti Whātua, with any land in the heritage area, and requires the council to maintain processes for tangata whenua to contribute to council decision-making processes. Reserves Act Some land parcels of both the Hūnua Ranges and the Waitākere Ranges Regional Parks are held under the Reserves Act, as scenic, historic, scientific and recreation reserves. 77. When making a decision as administering body of a reserve the purpose of the Local Government Act applies to the committee to the extent that it is not inconsistent with the Reserves Act. 78. Section 3 of the Reserves Act provides that the Act must be administered for the purpose of: providing for the preservation and management of areas possessing recreational use or potential, whether active or passive, (among other listed land values) for the benefit and enjoyment of the public; ensuring as far as possible the survival of all indigenous species of flora and fauna in their natural communities and habitats; providing for the preservation of representative samples of natural ecosystems and landscape; ensuring as far as possible the preservation of access for the public; and fostering and promoting the protection of the natural character of the coastal environment and the margins of lakes and rivers. Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 13

14 79. Decisions of the administering body must also be made in accordance with the specific purposes of scenic, scientific, historic, and recreation reserves. 80. The Reserves Act is one of the Acts in the First Schedule to the Conservation Act Section 4 of the Conservation Act requires that the Act should be interpreted and administered so as to give effect to the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. The obligation in section 4 applies to all the Acts in the First Schedule insofar as it is not inconsistent with the specific Act. 81. Accordingly, in performing functions and duties under the Reserves Act, the administering body must also interpret the Reserves Act to give effect to the principles of te Tiriti/the Treaty. Treaty matters are not something to be considered or applied once all other matters are considered. 82. The principles of te Tiriti/the Treaty likely to be most relevant in making this decision are: Partnership mutual good faith and reasonableness Informed decision making being well-informed of the mana whenua interests and views. Consultation is a means to achieve informed decision-making 83. Active protection this involves the active protection of Māori interests retained under te Tiriti/the Treaty. It includes the promise to protect rangatiratanga and taonga Ngā whakaaweawe ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe / Local impacts and local board views 84. All local boards have a strong interest in the protection and restoration of Auckland s natural environment and have allocated investment to such in their local environmental work programmes. 85. Ten local boards provided formal feedback on kauri dieback disease through consultation during the drafting of the proposed Regional Pest Management Plan. Of these ten boards, nine indicated support for the proposed approach of prioritising prevention of spread to the apparently disease-free areas of Hunua and Hauraki Gulf Islands. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board requested a Waitākere-specific approach with enhanced efforts to halt disease spread. 86. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board has a strong interest in the management of kauri dieback, in particular through its local board plan outcome Our unique natural habitats are protected and enhanced. One of the local board s key initiatives in its local board plan is to fund kauri dieback awareness-raising. 87. Local parks are the responsibility of local boards and some contain kauri tree species. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board requested information on how best to manage kauri dieback on local parks and are working with the parks team to manage kauri dieback on local parks. The impact of any proposed closure of local parks would also need to consider the requirements of decision making under legislation as described in this report. 88. Staff workshopped these options with the Waitākere Ranges Local Board who will present their feedback at the committee meeting on Tuesday. 89. The Franklin Local Board has also discussed this approach and noted the need to ensure the proposal does not negatively impact other proposed activity such as a trail network. In addition, they noted the need to communicate effectively with impacted communities on any potential closures. Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement 90.. Kauri is a keystone species which supports a distinct New Zealand forest ecosystem, sustaining indigenous flora and fauna. Kauri is a taonga species, and Auckland Council in partnership with Māori, have a responsibility for the protection of the spiritual, economic and ecological values associated with this taonga and the ecosystems it supports. Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 14

15 91. Mana whenua kaitiaki kaimahi representatives have stressed the importance of the kauri species and a desire to work more closely with council and the Department of Conservation on this kaupapa. 92. The Waitākere Ranges Regional Park lies within the rohe of Te Kawerau ā Maki and Ngāti Whātua, which is acknowledged in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act Ngāti Whatua has signaled support for the rāhui placed by Te Kawerau ā Maki over the forest. 93. Auckland Council elected members, both local board and governing body, and staff attended the rāhui ceremony in December Te Kawerau o Maki have also met with staff to provide information on the rāhui and discuss operational management approaches including confirming support to staff for undertaking day-to-day park management activities. A representative from the iwi has also been involved in the phosphite field trial work. 94. The council has been in discussion with Te Kawerau ā Maki about how to address the kauri dieback challenge in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. 95. The possibility of a controlled area notice being placed over the Hunua Ranges has also prompted discussions with mana whenua within the Hunua Ranges rohe Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Pāoa and Ngati Tamaoho. There are specific mana whenua interests in the Hunua Falls Scenic Reserve and the Plow s Road Conservation Area which would need to be considered. Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea / Financial implications 96. The 2017/18 operational budget for delivering the regional kauri dieback management programme is $640,000. This includes an allocated budget of $300,000 plus $340,000 of reprioritised funding. This budget does not include the cost of permanent staff involved in delivering the programme, routine maintenance and upgrades of tracks or the servicing of hygiene stations included in the maintenance contracts managed by Community Facilities. 97. Costs for option four from the presentation in December 2017 have now been incorporated into the option two defined within the cost table below. 98. The options presented for consideration in this report represent significant increased and unbudgeted investment depending on the level of enforcement selected. Just under $1M is required in the first twelve months to implement the proposed closure options to cover communications and engagement, legal, operational costs, business compensation, revenue losses and monitoring costs. Enforcement costs would be additional and dependent on the enforcement approach adopted by the committee. 99. The enforcement approach can be scaled from $0.55M for an education through to $20.3M to achieve a 95 per cent compliance score, as per the table below. All enforcement costs are unbudgeted. Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 15

16 Table 1: Financial Implications Enforcement Options Additional and Unbudgeted Waitākere Ranges Hunua Ranges Status Quo Closure of Forest Areas Closure of Kauri Areas High risk tracks closed Education ambassadors only - $0.3M $0.25M $0.25M Targeted Patrols - $1.2M $1.1M $1.1M Periodic Patrols - $2.3M $2.2M $2.2M Full enforcement (to achieve 95 per cent plus compliance) - $11.3M $10.8M $9.5M 100. Current activity is contingent on the Long-term Plan (LTP) consultation process for funding these works. Any work commencing prior to this would require additional approval as the costs are unbudgeted. In addition to meet these requirements planned draft capital budget will become operational budget Council s current kauri dieback budget for the next ten years is $3.0M excluding staff costs. Options are being consulted on for an environmental targeted rate through the Long-term Plan Options A and B involve significant increased investment: Option A will provide an additional $123 million (uninflated) to protect the natural environment, which includes an additional $83.6 million to reduce the risk of kauri dieback spread. Option B will provide an additional $279 million (uninflated) to protect the natural environment. Part of this will enable to council to invest an additional $95 million in kauri dieback management Ngā raru tūpono / Risks 102. Technical risks relate to a number of uncertainties within this programme. A key issue is the unknown lag time between disease spread and observable symptoms, which limits our understanding of how effective various management options are A significant investment may not stop the spread of the disease. Factors such as natural waterborne movement of the disease within catchments are poorly understood and not addressed by any of the current investment options Risks also exist in the potential unintended spread of the disease to uninfected areas. By focusing on avoiding the Waitākere Ranges there is the potential to cause increased human activity within apparently disease-free areas such as Hunua. As protection of these diseasefree sites is the top regional priority for kauri dieback management, decisions in relation to Waitākere need to be cognisant of mitigating perverse effects in disease-free areas Risks also exist in relation to dependence on external agencies to progress some options, notably a National Pest Management Plan and controlled area notice. This risk can to some extent by mitigated by continuing to progress the adoption of an operative Regional Pest Management Plan. Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 16

17 106. There are potential risks to other recreation areas through the displacement of visitors from closed kauri areas. This may impact on parks infrastructure including ongoing maintenance costs. In addition it may impact on visitor experience Legal risks exist for some enforcement options, especially in regards the ability to collect adequate evidence to prosecute hygiene breaches by park users There are judicial review risks relating to decision making that does not reach the requirements under the Local Government Act, as described in the report Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps 109. The Long-term Plan and Regional Pest Management Plan will be consulted on concurrently during March 2018, with in principle budget decisions on the Long-term Plan expected by June Staff will continue to work with central government to progress a National Pest Management Plan and to explore options for a controlled area notice within the Auckland region Subject to decision making staff will progress targeted consultation to understand the impact on likely impact persons from the proposals. They will also work closely with Te Kawerau ā Maki, southern iwi and the Waitākere and Franklin local boards to define and agree the closure areas for the committee s further consideration in April While this report has focused on the two largest areas of kaurilands within the region and options for kauri protection within this it is noted that kauri dieback is also a concern for other areas within the Auckland Region such as the kauri dieback free Hauraki Gulf Islands and Kaipatiki. Staff will also report to the committee on the management of kauri dieback in other parts of the region as part of the April agenda item. Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments No. Title Page A Waitakere Ranges Regional Park Closed Tracks 19 B Hunua Ranges Kauri Map 21 Ngā kaihaina / Signatories Authors Authoriser Mara Bebich - Stakeholder Manager, Infrastructure & Environmental Services Phil Brown - Manager Biosecurity, Environmental Services, Infrastructure & Environmental Services Rachel Kelleher - Manager Regional Parks, Parks, Sport and Recreation, Community Services Barry Potter - Director Infrastructure and Environmental Services Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 17

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19 Attachment A Item 9 Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 19

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21 Attachment B Item 9 Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 21

22 Attachment B Item 9 Kauri Dieback Management - Report Back Page 22