mock-up cms - partially based on auckland · mock-up cms - this is for illustrative purposes only...

595772 -

Mock-up CMS - This is for illustrative purposes only and includes information which should not be considered factual or accurate to Auckland.

9/11/10 - Approved

Mock-up CMS - Partially based on Auckland

595772 - 2 Mock-up CMS - This is for illustrative purposes only and includes information which should not be considered factual or accurate to Auckland.

9/11/10 - Approved

Mock-up CMS - Partially based on

Auckland


............................................................................................................................................ 50

Volume I Contents Contents ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 5

Purpose of Conservation Management Strategies .......................................................................................... 5 CMS Structure ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Relationship with other Department of Conservation strategic documents, tools and other agencies planning processes......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Legislative Tools ............................................................................................................................................ 7 International Obligations ................................................................................................................................ 7

Part One .................................................................................................................................................................. 8 1.1 ........................................................................................................................ 8 Auckland Conservancy1.1.1 ............................................................................................................ 8 Vision for Auckland - 20501.1.2 .......................................... 9 Distinctive Features, Values and Issues of the Auckland Conservancy1.1.3 ................................................................................................... 14 Auckland Conservancy by 20201.2 .................................................................................................. 19 Treaty of Waitangi Responsibilities

Part Two ............................................................................................................................................ 21 Places2.1 RANGITOTO and MOTUTAPU ISLAND............................................................................................ 22 2.2 Tiritiri Matangi ....................................................................................................................................... 25 2.3 ............................................................................................. 28 AOTEA/GREAT BARRIER ISLAND2.4 ........................................................................................................................... 31 National Park Place2.5 .................................................................................................................... 32 Conservation Park Place

PART 3................................................................................................................................................................. 41 Specific Policy Requirements for Auckland......................................................................................................... 41 Part Four: Implementation, Monitoring, Reporting and Review ........................................................................ 48

4.1 ......................................................................... 48 Implementation, Monitoring, Reporting and reviewPart Five: Maps – this will be a separate volume ................................................................................................. 49 Part Six: AppendicesPart Seven: Glossary........................................................................................................................................ 50 VOLUME II: Public Conservation Land Inventory ............................................................................................. 73


Foreword


Introduction

Purpose of Conservation Management Strategies Section 17D of the Conservation Act provides that the purpose of a conservation management strategy (CMS) is to implement general policies (including the Conservation General Policy 2005) and establish objectives for the integrated management of natural and historic resources. The Conservation Act (the Act) creates a hierarchy of documents to guide the Department in its management of natural and historic resources. The Act is at the top, General Policy is next and below that are the CMS and conservation management plans. In Auckland there are two operative conservation management plans, Leigh Reserves Complex Conservation Management Plan and North head Historic reserve Conservation Management Plan.

Statutory framework for the management of public conservation lands and waters

Conservation Act 1987 ↓

General Policy ↓

Conservation Management Strategy ↓

Conservation Management Plans/National Park Management Plans The General Policies relevant to this CMS are the:

• Conservation General Policy 2005 which applies to all conservations lands, waters and resources managed by the Department providing a unified policy for the implementation of the following Acts - Conservation Act 1987, the wildlife Act 1953, the Marine Reserves Act1971, the Reserves Act 1977, the Wild Animal Control At 1977 and the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, .and the

• Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000 which establishes a series of objectives for the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, catchments, and for integrated management across the land and sea that have the effect of a General Policy. The Act seeks to protect in perpetuity the natural and historic features that are of national and international importance for their quality and the presence of wildlife and plants not found elsewhere.

All public conservation lands and waters must be managed in accordance with the legislation under which they are held. All operative provisions of this Conservation Management Strategy must be interpreted and applied in line with that legislation. Each CMS is prepared with public participation according to the process set out in the Conservation Act. Preparation of this cms has involved…to add…

CMS Structure This CMS describes the conservation values present in the Auckland conservancy, and provides guidance for the Department’s work in the form of a vision, objectives, outcomes for places, and policies, translating the Department’s Strategic outcomes to the Auckland Conservancy. This CMS has two volumes. Volume I includes a conservancy vision and objectives, outcomes and policies for places, and other specific policies which address legislative and general policy requirements. The vision, and objectives in Part 1, the policies in Part 3 and Parts 4-7 cover the entire conservancy. Public conservation lands and waters that are not identified as a “place” are managed in accordance with these provisions. Volume II is a public conservation land inventory.


CMS SECTION

Natural Heritage

History Recreation Engagement Business Opportunities

Part 1 Conservancy Vision Distinctive Features, Values and Issues of the Auckland Conservancy

Page xx Page xx Page xx Page xx Page xx

Auckland Conservancy by 2020 (includes objectives)

Page xx Page xx Page xx Page xx Page xx

Part 2 Places (include outcomes, objectives and milestones) Part 3 Specific Policy Requirements Part 4 Monitoring This CMS will have effect for ten years, or until formally amended or reviewed. The term of this Conservation Management Strategy is from 201x to 202x.

Relationship with other Department of Conservation strategic documents, tools and other agencies planning processes This CMS must be read in conjunction with the Conservation General Policy as this is the key statutory tool directing the content of CMS. Relevant provisions of the Conservation General Policy are not repeated in the CMS. The Conservation General Policy provides clear direction for CMS to integrate management of places to achieve national conservation outcomes and coordinate planning between places in other CMS. The high level objectives of the Department’s Statement of Intent, and national priorities identified through the Department’s national decision making support tools have been used to provide a context for outcomes at places. These tools, including the National Heritage Management System, and the Destination Management Framework, identify national priorities for functional work areas within the Department. This has assisted in integrating management across places and identifying national conservation outcomes within the context enabled by the Conservation General Policy. The CMS also provides for local priorities that have been identified through consultation with the community and complement the national priorities. CMS are part of a wider planning jigsaw. In preparing CMS, the Conservation General Policy requires regard be had to local government planning documents. Local government planning is also required to have regard to the Departments statutory plans when preparing documents under the Resource Management Act 1991. Planning for natural and historic resources can not be undertaken in isolation of the wider regional and local government planning. Integrating this planning framework will ensure plans and policies work as building blocks to deliver good conservation and environmental outcomes at a regional scale.


Legislative Tools Exemption from land use consents Section 4 (3) of the Resource Management Act enables district councils to provide an exemption for the Department from obtaining district council land use consents where activities are consistent with a CMS and do not have significant adverse effects beyond the boundary of where that activity is occurring. Appendix 1 of this CMS list many activities the Department will advocate meet the requirements for an exemption under Section 4 (3) (a) and (b) of the RMA. It is the Councils discretion to apply the exemption. It is also important to note the facilities listed Appendix 1 do not imply on going provision of these facilities. They are listed in case the exemption under section 4(3) of the RMA needs to sought. Closure of Areas Section 13 of the Conservation Act 1987 enables the Minister of Conservation to close areas administered under that Act in restricted circumstances, including where the closure is provided for in a CMS. Areas may be closed to public access for reasons including:

• Biosecurity; • Eradication of pests using aerial bait operations; • Military operations; • Protection of a species, historical or cultural sites and • Tree felling

Bylaws and Regulations Bylaws can be established for reserves under the Reserves Act 1977 and regulations for conservation areas under her the Conservation Act 1987. Bylaws were created in 1978 for reserves previously part of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park. The department intends to undertake a review of bylaws and regulations to enable better management of public conservation lands and waters within the Auckland Conservancy. Conservation Management Plans Section 17F of the Conservation Act provides for the preparation of Conservation Management Plans for the purpose of implementing a Conservation Management Strategy and establishing detailed objectives for the integrated management of natural and historic resources for a place, or for recreation, tourism or other conservation purposes. The Act provides that the intention to prepare a CMP must to be identified in a Conservation Management Strategy. This does not preclude the preparation of management plans which may come about as a requirement in Treaty Settlement Acts.

International Obligations New Zealand is a signatory to many international agreements that are relevant to conservation. The department implements these agreements as it manages public conservation lands and waters. International agreements of significance within the Auckland Conservancy include the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage convention, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Flora and Fauna (CITES), and the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention). The Firth of Thames Ramsar site is within both the Auckland and Waikato Conservancies, requiring good cross boundary relationships. The World Heritage Convention required that each country prepare a tentative list of sites that could meet the criteria for nomination as World Heritage sites. Of the eleven sites New Zealand submitted to the World Heritage Committee in 2007 the following three are within the Auckland Conservancy:

• Auckland volcanic field; • Kermadec Islands and Kermadec Islands Marine Reserve; and • Whakarua Moutere (North-east islands)


Part One

1.1 Auckland Conservancy This section contains a vision and objectives that apply to all public conservation lands, waters and resources in the Auckland Conservancy. Where there is a more specific provision in Part 2 or Part 3 the more specific provision prevails. This section also guides the department when it advocates for conservation off public conservation lands and waters.

1.1.1 Vision for Auckland - 2050

The vision sets the long-term picture for how the conservation of natural and historic resources of the Auckland region could be in fifty years. It goes well beyond the ten year life of this CMS and may over time change. The Department of Conservation has a 100 year vision: “New Zealand is the greatest living space on earth” The vision is aspirational, a great deal bigger than conservation, and a great deal bigger than the Department. It stretches the Department to connect with others in order to achieve it, often in ways that may challenge and expand the traditional view of the Departments role and who its traditional partners are. In doing so, it stretches the Department to build empathy, trust and understanding, so that both traditional and non-traditional audiences engage in a common vision. Conservation is an investment in New Zealands future prosperity – with ‘prosperity’ defined in the broadest economic, social and environmental terms. The aim is to shift perceptions of conservation as a cost, to conservation as an investment. It means changing the way people value a healthy environment, so they value spending on conservation as an investment in the broad range of benefits that nature provides – healthy soils, clean air, fresh water, etc. The benefits nature provides are also multi-faceted and broad – they feed our social, physical, cultural and spiritual health, and our wealth. This allows people to be drawn to making New Zealand the greatest living space on Earth through many pathways. Long Term Vision for Auckland - 2050 This is still very generic and reads more like a statement. We have left it as it is to indicate the length and general scope for content – note advice will be provided to conservancies to ensure it is visionary, relevant to the conservancy and not just a statement of fact? Lush, bush-covered island sanctuaries burst with native wildlife including rare geckos, skinks, giant weta, and seabirds, such as the endangered New Zealand dotterel and fairy tern. As more Gulf islands are added to the pest-free list, wildlife in these safe havens spills over into surrounding areas restoring the diversity of the natural environment. The easily recognised postcard settings of Rangitoto and North Head complement the other volcanic cones that intersperse the city. Providing a dramatic contrast to the metropolitan surroundings the volcanic cones tell the story of Auckland’s growth over many hundreds of years. Also highly visible on the landscape, the indelible footprints left by our forebears are protected for future generations and bring New Zealand’s history to life, enabling people to connect with our past.


Many different communities – iwi, businesses, boaties among them – engage with the Conservancy’s rich natural and historic heritage, and recreational attractions, as residents or visitors, conservationists, educationalists, and users of natural resources. These communities value the benefits of conservation. For overseas visitors, Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand. The area’s natural and historic attractions are the nation’s calling card. The Hauraki Gulf Islands are a playground for boaties, picnickers and campers, with Great Barrier Island also offering Auckland’s premier backcountry destination. The easily accessible icon sites on the mainland, including North Head historic reserve and Leigh marine reserve, are an extension of Auckland’s back yard enabling people to readily experience and connect with our natural and historic heritage. As more information and interpretation becomes available, visitor numbers to Rangitoto/Motutapu, Island, Great Barrier Island, Tiritiri Island, and Leigh Marine Reserve increase, while impacts on natural, historic, and amenity values are minimised. All this and more is managed for conservation by the Department, in partnership with Auckland’s communities and other agencies, including the councils managing other land holding conservation values.

1.1.2 Distinctive Features, Values and Issues of the Auckland Conservancy

Auckland is the most urban conservancy in New Zealand. It contains the largest population density within the country while being located within a dynamic and nationally significant conservation asset. The ever increasing and changing population of Auckland, including those who visit Auckland, provide significant opportunity for increasing value to the conservation of New Zealands natural and historic resources. Key themes for managing and contributing to conservation in Auckland include:

• Recognising the implications and values added by a large, diverse and growing population base – both in terms of resident population and visitors.

• Achieving positive conservation outcomes is significantly reliant on working with other agencies and communities.

• Raising awareness of, and managing the significant biodiversity island refuges, particularly in the Hauraki Gulf.

• Providing easily accessible, well managed visitor destinations that showcase the conservation values which encapsulate New Zealand.

• …………………….. Biodiversity refuge in amongst a growing metropolis The population of Auckland is expected to grow to 2 million people by 2035, a 40 percent increase over Auckland’s current population of 1.303 million (2006). Natural increase (births minus deaths) has been a steady contributor to Auckland’s growth while migration has fluctuated according to changes to national immigration policy underpinned by a steady drift northwards of New Zealand’s population. The links between population change, economic activity and environmental degradation are well recognised in both regional state of environment reporting and as a broader global trend. In Auckland, population growth has led to councils having to agree on a strategy for how they will manage the urban form of the city so that it does not continue to sprawl into the countryside impacting on significant natural areas. Nonetheless the rising cost of land outside the metropolitan limits coupled with increasing demand for countryside living has led to some rural landowners seeking to divest parts of their farms through subdivision. Increasing coastal subdivision has also been a trend that has seen a decline in water quality and increasing sedimentation of rivers and coastal waters. Loss and fragmentation of native land cover as well as introduced species are considered to be the main threats to Auckland’s biodiversity. Auckland has lost a disproportionately large amount of the biodiversity of its ecosystems with only 27% of its native cover remaining, and yet paradoxically it still has some large

595772 - 10

and ecologically significant ecosystems including a number of Hauraki Gulf islands which the Department manages. Two thirds of the land that the Department administers is on islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and the Kermadecs, with rest being scattered among some 300 protected areas on the mainland. Despite its small size approximately 90% of the shorebird population of New Zealand is found in the Auckland region. The region contains the highest area of pest free habitat in New Zealand. It contains 20 percent of New Zealand’s threatened vertebrate fauna such as päteke and green geko, and 19% of its threatened plant species. The region is also a stronghold for a number of nationally threatened species such as black petrel and chevron skink, and contains several species that are endemic to the region such as the Great Barrier Island Kanuka.. Appendices 3-7 identify key ecosystems, threatened fauna, geological features and pressures and threats to these resources. Table 1 below demonstrates Auckland’s hugely reduced native land cover by key ecosystem types and the small percentage of these ecosytems that are now formally protected. The table also shows how those ecosystem types are so important for threatened species.

Percentage of remaining ecosystem type, proportion protected and proportion of threatened invertebrate fauna present

0

5

10

15

20

25

Coastal Forest Lava Forest Broad Leaf/Kauri Forest Wetlands Dunelands

remaining ecosystem typeproportion protecedthreatened species

While there are an estimated 16500km of permanent rivers in the conservancy, most are relatively small and only 21% flow through native land cover (unlike the 51% elsewhere in New Zealand) and only one of those (on Mototapu) is managed by the Department. Those that flow through native cover have high water quality and ecological quality, with both water and ecological quality incrementally reduced in pastoral and urban areas. Many wetlands have been drained (only 4% now remain in the region) and wetland and lake water quality is also compromised. Fresh water bodies contain significant threatened species, for example it is estimated that one third of nationally threatened plants in the Auckland region survive in wetlands, along with a number of birds and fish, for example the brown mud fish. Many native fish species also require connectivity with the sea for parts of their lifecycles. Auckland’s fresh water habitats, Table 1 and Maps 1 and 2 all clearly demonstrate the conservation effort in Auckland can not only be undertaken by the Department alone. Many of the threatened ecosystems and remaining indigenous vegetation are not located on land or water managed by the Department. The protection and recovery of threatened ecosystems and species is a key challenge that will require the Department to continue working closely with local government, communities and tangata whenua. With the pressures that come from living in an incredibly urbanised environment the parks and reserves of Auckland will become very important to the well-being of Aucklanders and those who visit. Public conservation lands and waters contribute significantly to a wider mosaic of public natural and open spaces. The Auckland Council is also a significant contributor in Auckland in the provision of public natural spaces, particularly on mainland Auckland. The focus for Auckland conservancy is to ensure the places and resources it manages fit well in this mosaic. It is not intending on providing all things in all places.


595772 -

Map 1 and Map 2


11

595772 - 12

Marine hinterland Auckland Conservancy has around 2000km of coastline with a tremendous amount of variety including estuaries, islands, reefs, rocky shorelines, spits and dunes. It is also home to three major harbours: the Kaipara, Manukau and Waitemata. The Hauraki Gulf on the east coast of the Auckland region has been recognised as being of national significance.



Despite a high degree of urbanisation and modification of the coastal environment in the Auckland region, a great deal of its natural character remains. Parts of the Auckland’s coastal environment are of national and international significance as a seasonal home to tens of thousands of migratory wading birds from the arctic and sub-arctic and from the South Island, as well as a permanent home to many more birds. The Manukau and Kaipara Harbours and the Firth of Thames are the most important roosting and feeding areas, but other harbours and estuaries form part of a regional network of feeding and roosting sites. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act established in 2000 recognises the natural and historic features of the Gulf are of national and international importance. The hinterland of the park encompasses the most intensively developed parts of New Zealand - metropolitan Auckland and the Hauraki-Piako lowlands (part of which lies in Waikato Conservancy) – but it also contains areas of significant natural and historic value, many of which are located on public conservation land. The islands of the Hauraki Gulf are its centre piece with many being under active restoration that will increase the biodiversity of Auckland by providing refuges for threatened species to be reintroduced. The Gulf is also rich in historic sites with shipwrecks, island bach communities and coastal military defences that contribute to the sense of the Gulf being a lived-in ‘national park of the sea’. The Department currently manages five marine reserves: Pollen Island/Motu Manawa, Long Bay-Okura, Te Matuku Bay, Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, all located in the Hauraki Gulf; and the Kermadec Islands Marine Reserve, the largest and remote marine reserve in the Conservancy. Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve faces the greatest pressure from increasing use with over 300,000 visitors to Goat Island each year, and it also an important site for marine education and research. Visitors to protected natural and historic areas In 2007, the tourism sector in Auckland directly generated 5% of the region’s GDP at around $2.096 billion in 2007. In the same year the Auckland region had 11.8 million visitors of these visitors 5 million were holidaying, 3.8 million were visiting friends/family, 2.8 million for business reasons and 275,000 for educational reasons. A particular feature for Auckland is that 42% of all visitors to the region are visiting friends and family. Over the past 10 years, there has been a substantial increase in overseas visitors, 66% increase between 1998 and 2008, but that is slowing, particularly with the recent global economic downturn. However, total visits by travellers to Auckland are forecast to rise from 12.50m in 2008 to 13.66m in 2015 – an increase of 9.3% (1.16m) or 1.3% p.a. Four primary attractors are highlighted for the region these are landscape, the coastal environment, safety and security and the airport (as 70% of all international visitors to New Zealand, arrive into Auckland). Many visitors view Auckland as a gateway to the rest of New Zealand so encouraging visitors to stay longer or return to Auckland is important. In the Auckland Conservancy raising the profile of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a major focus and the tourism sector potentially can play a very significant role to support this. Work to define the role and values of the Marine Park into a compelling story to help pitch the Marine Park concept to the tourism sector and operators is underway. This work will also support our delivering our strategy to increase the value New Zealanders see in conservation in Auckland. While site-based visitor surveys show that the majority of visitors to public conservation land come from within the Auckland region, they also often bring friends and family who are visiting them from overseas and other parts of New Zealand. This will likely mean that easily accessible icon sites particularly on the mainland will experience continuing growth in visitor numbers, which the Department will need to plan facilities and environmental standards to meet. Commercial ferry operators have an important role in providing public access to Hauraki Gulf islands managed by the Department. Over the past decade, ferry passenger numbers to inner Hauraki Gulf Islands of Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motuihe and Tiritiri Matangi Islands have substantially increased and are expected to continue to do so as the conservation values of these islands are restored and recreation opportunities are improved. Active destination marketing by ferry operators is also driving growth in visitor numbers. Other Hauraki Gulf islands not serviced by ferry operators tend to have substantially lower visitor number and therefore provide a contrasting experience to these islands.


There is significant market potential for an iconic and marketable, relatively easy, high quality overnight walk on Great Barrier Island and the Department has responded by building a new hut on Mt Heale which will form the basis for a flagship overnight walk taking in kauri dams, scenic vistas of the Hauraki Gulf and natural hot springs. The Department has a key role to play in revitalising the Great Barrier Island economy through providing recreation opportunities that underpin the tourism product provided on the island. The main recreation opportunities managed for the by the Department are identified on Map 3 with prescriptions for management outlined in Appendix 8. Significant Historic Sites Auckland is today the largest urban settlement in NZ, which has also been the case historically; this is clearly reflected in the density and range of nationally significant historic sites in the Auckland region many of which are on public conservation land. This means that the Auckland region has a very rich cultural landscape on the doorstep of a modern city. Many of these important historic sites symbolise some of the earliest settlement and resource exploitation in NZ, and a large number of these are also associated with some of NZ’s most important people and historic events by virtue of their location. By virtue of proximity there are significantly increased opportunities for public engagement with significant historic sites on public conservation land in the Auckland region, providing opportunities for the public to learn, experience and appreciate these sites’ values and settings, which in turn builds value and a sense of place, identity and pride. Because of the large number of significant historic sites on public conservation land, and by virtue of population and proximity, there are also a myriad of opportunities at a wide array of site types for community involvement to contribute directly to conserving these sites’ values and fabric. This has the potential to improve the condition of these sites further and at the same time enable the community to engage more directly with these sites, their values, and their stories.

Increasing pressure on our historic sites in regards damaging impact, both through increased use and visitor numbers to sites will require management to ensure the continue protection of our significant historic sites and in turn maintain the sense of place as Aucklanders.- Valuing the Maori world view This material has not been added, though is considered an important theme for Auckland. Will be developed in dialogue with the relevant tangata whenua. Add material here about the cultural landscape.

1.1.3 Auckland Conservancy by 2020

The key national outcomes to be delivered by management of conservation resources within Auckland conservancy over the next ten years Maps 4-8 demonstrate how the key conservation outcomes for Auckland fit into the jigsaw of national conservation outcomes identified by the Department. The Diversity of our Natural Heritage is Maintained and Restored The islands of the Hauraki Gulf will be a significant contributor to the restoration and maintenance of New Zealands biodiversity. One of the primary goals of the conservancy is to control pest animals, plant pests and diseases on public conservation land s and waters. Conservancy pest control programmes concentrate on locations and species where they will best achieve national priorities for the protection of marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, habitats and species. Pest eradication has created safe habitats for vulnerable species on many of Auckland’s islands, where the pest-free status is maintained through vigilant biosecurity measures. Animal pest management on Auckland’s mainland focuses on identifying animals new to the region and preventing their establishment, eradicating illegal liberations of species into areas where they are not currently present,

Comment [m1]: These maps (in development) will demonstrate the outcomes from DMF and NHMS optimisation programmes throughout the country.


and working with other agencies to confine or reduce the feral range of species that are currently present. Recreational pig hunting contributes to the Department’s pest control objectives on Great Barrier Island which is deer and goat free, and goat hunting contributes on the mainland. Translocations and the reintroduction of species are used extensively on the Hauraki Gulf islands to reduce the risk of species extinctions by establishing new populations, and recreating the natural diversity of species at a place. Translocations in the conservancy are often carried out by others, such as restoration groups, and therefore also help strengthen relationships. Classified with a moderate vegetation fire risk, those areas in the conservancy with the highest potential for fires are at the rural/urban interface where human populations and activities are high and public conservation land is accessible. Restoration projects such as those on Motuihe and Mototapu also pose a fire risk as the islands revert from pasture to rank grass though to native vegetation. Where fuel loadings pose a significant risk, and it is ecologically justified, fire may be used as a tool for ecological management. Many high priority ecosystems, populations of threatened species, and significant geological features and landforms in the conservancy occur off public conservation lands. Advocacy and co-management with landowners are essential to their conservation. Marine conservation in Auckland is focused on managing the existing marine reserves, identifying representative examples of other outstanding, rare, distinctive, or nationally or internationally important sites to be secured as marine reserves in the future, and working to actively protect marine mammal species and populations. The Department helps the recovery of those species that are threatened with extinction, or that have been depleted and the protection of the threatened Maui’s dolphin is given a particular focus. Key places the Department considers nationally important for natural heritage management in Auckland include: • Hauraki Gulf Islands and in particular Hauturu/Little Barrier; Rangitoto …. • Okiwi on Great Barrier due to its population of pateke/brown teal… • The marine reserves at Leigh, Kermadecs …. • Kermadec Islands • Kaipara Harbour, particularly Papakanui (national and international significance for wading birds) … • National stronghold for the icon kiwi at Motuora; and kaka at …….. • National stronghold for icon ecosystems at …… Objectives 1. Islands in the Hauraki Gulf and the Kermadecs continue to acts as biodiversity refuges for some of

New Zealands key species and ecosystems. 2. Working with others will result in a representative range of terrestrial and freshwater habitats

being conserved to a healthy functioning state within Auckland. Particular focus will be given to duneland and beaches, coastal cliffs and rocky shores, freshwater wetlands, rivers, streams and lakes, volcanic and geothermal lands, indigenous forests and shrublands, islands and harbours and estuarine wetlands

3. Populations of species that are nationally threatened are conserved to ensure persistence,

populations of indigenous species are improved and others are maintained. Places for priority action include Hauturu/Little Barrier, Rangitoto, Okiwi on Great Barrier Island, Kermadec Islands, and Papakanui at Kaipara .

5. Regionally, nationally or internationally important geological features, landforms and landscapes

are protected. 6. Research into ecosystem services provided by public conservation lands and waters is supported to

better understand and quantify these services and their benefits, and to convey this to the public.


7. Recreational hunting on public conservation lands contributes to the control of wild animals, where it does not diminish the effectiveness of operations to control them, or have adverse effects on natural values, cultural or historic heritage or other users.

8. Feral deer are contained to their historic feral range and the expansion of wild deer is prevented. 9. Fire is engaged as a tool to fulfill management objectives on public conservation land where it

reduces fuel loadings and fulfills management objectives. 10. Marine ecosystems, habitats and species under the most threat are identified and protected in

conjunction with central government agencies, local authorities, tangata whenua and other key stakeholders.

11. Marine mammals are protected and the Threat Management Plan for Maui’s dolphin is

implemented. 12. The nomination of World Heritage sites on New Zealand’s tentative list within the Auckland

Conservancy is progressed in accordance with Government priorities, through work with tangata whenua, the community, and other organisations.

History is Protected and Brought to Life All historic sites on public conservation land in the conservancy are recorded on a register and will be protected from avoidable human harm. The 52 key places selected for conservation management in Auckland are listed in Appendix 9. Where significant historic and cultural sites are on lands not managed by the Department the Department may advocate for their protection. Key places where the Department will focus effort to ensure history is brought to life are: • The icon historic destination of North Head Historic Reserve • The gateway historic destination of Kawau Island Historic Reserve • Motutapu … Objectives

13. Historical and cultural heritage sites on public conservation land within the Auckland Conservancy

are identified on an up-to-date register. 14. Research is undertaken to increase knowledge about significant historical and cultural heritage on

public conservation lands and waters. 15. Appropriate high quality interpretation is provided at actively managed historical and cultural

heritage sites on public conservation lands and waters. 16. The Department works with tangata whenua to identify, protect, conserve and manage wahi tapu,

and other sites of significance. 17. Activities relating to the conservation and restoration of historical and cultural heritage structures

outlined in Appendix 9 are provided for. More People Participate in Recreation In the Auckland conservancy, initiatives encouraging more people to use public conservation lands and waters will focus on improving and developing facilities at high use sites on the mainland and on easily accessible conservation islands in the Hauraki Gulf where the quality of the visitor experience will not be unreasonably compromised.


With the population of Auckland continuing to grow, the desire for access to the coastal margin is increasing. Opportunities may exist to increase public access to the coast through marginal strips with low conservation value. Key places where the Department will encourage more people to recreate on public conservation lands and waters in Auckland are:

• The icon destinations of Leigh Marine Reserve, North Head, Rangitoto Summit track and short walks and Tiritiri Matangi Island

• The gateway destinations of the Kauri and Coast Trail, Kawau Island Historic Reserve, and Home Bay at Motutapu Island and the tracks on Rangitoto Island

• Local treasures at ……Something about other local opportunities????? • Backcountry opportunities at ….

Objectives 18. Public conservation lands and waters in Auckland form a key part of a matrix of recreation

opportunities within the region to ensure a range of recreation opportunities are provided throughout Auckland.

19. Focus effort at icon and gateway places within the conservancy. 20. While managing for a range of quality recreation opportunities ensure the protection of natural and

historic resources, cultural heritage, and the experiences of other users including natural quiet, solitude and remoteness.

21. Long-term monitoring of visitor numbers and recreation outcomes at key sites on public

conservation land is undertaken. 22. The effectiveness of management tools in educating visitors about measures to avoid reintroducing

animal pests to public conservation land is monitored. 23. Public access to the coastal margin is enhanced where public conservation land is involved and it

will not affect natural, cultural or heritage values. More people engage with Conservation and value its benefits The conservancy recognises it has an important role in facilitating partnerships and supporting others to engage in conservation. In Auckland there are huge opportunities to develop partnerships, particularly with regional and local government and other agencies in circumstances where co-operative relationships will enhance conservation. A key initiative which provides significant value to conservation is the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Forum ….. With the large and ethnically diverse urban population of Auckland the conservancy must also find innovative ways to help communities engage in conservation and make it relevant to them, particularly young people and ethnic communities that have not traditionally engaged in conservation. Key places where the communities will be encouraged to initiate or lead conservation programmes include:

• Tiritirimatangi Island • Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands • …….

Objectives


24. Public awareness and education strategies and programmes to increase understanding and support for conservation across the diverse communities in the Auckland region.

25. Strategic partnerships targeting key audiences not currently engaged with conservation, focusing

on young people and ethnic communities are developed and implemented. 26. Relationship building focuses in those areas where co-operative relationships are most needed to

support priority conservation outcomes, particularly those that:

• enhance the special values of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park; • develop support for and appreciation of marine protection; • create ecological corridors with other land owners and managers in order to reduce the impact of fragmentation on biodiversity; • contribute positively to the sustainable future of the Auckland region; and • support work to reach key audiences not currently engaged in conservation.

27. Public awareness strategies about the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Flora and Fauna (CITES), targeting New Zealanders and those intending to visit New Zealand from overseas, are developed and implemented.

28. The Department works with the Hauraki Gulf Forum to promote the integrated management of the

Hauraki Gulf, and the protection of its special values. 29. A coordinated approach with the Waikato Conservancy is adopted for management and protection

of the Ramsar site within the Firth of Thames, in association with tangata whenua and the community (refer to International Obligations page 6 and Marine page 9).

30. Opportunities to work collaboratively with councils, other organisations and the community to

enhance conservation values are identified and implemented. More Business Opportunities Delivering Increased Economic Prosperity and Conservation Gain Opportunities exist in the conservancy for more recreation based commercial businesses that complement the values of particular places and enable more people to participate in recreation. More detail on business opportunities that are consistent with conservation objectives can be found in the outcome statements of the Rangitoto/Motutapu, Tiritiri Matangi and Aotea/Great Barrier Places. Objectives 31. Recognise the value the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and other places within the region contribute to

the well-being of the Auckland region and beyond.


1.2 Treaty of Waitangi Responsibilities The Conservation Act 1987 and all the Acts listed in its First Schedule must be interpreted and administered to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (section 4, Conservation Act 1987). The department also has specific responsibilities under Treaty settlement legislation. The department recognises the role of tangata whenua as kaitiaki and acknowledges their mana whenua, the special relationship they have with the land and its resources. Some of the most important wahi tapu sites and places of ancestral significance in the Auckland Conservancy are on public conservation lands and waters. Physical characteristics including pa sites, urupa, waka landings, midden and terraces are clearly visible on islands in the Hauraki Gulf and in Auckland’s volcanic landscape. These special places are legacies of tangata whenua, a reminder of their whakapapa, and are imbued with historical, cultural and spiritual values. Effective partnerships with tangata whenua help to achieve conservation of natural resources and historical and cultural heritage. Relationships with tangata whenua vary, and take a unique form with different iwi or hapu, or with respect to individual places, species or resources. The Crown’s Treaty of Waitangi settlement process is creating new relationships with Maori. The special and traditional relationships of claimant groups with the natural environment are often explicitly recognised, and claimant groups are better able to participate in decision-making processes. A number of iwi and hapu within the Auckland Conservancy have Treaty of Waitangi claims in progress. It is anticipated that many of these will be settled during the life of this CMS. A Deed of Settlement was signed in 2000 between the Crown and Te Uri o Hau. The Te Uri o Hau Settlement Act 2002 gives effect to this settlement, it transfers a number of areas of high cultural significance to Te Uri o Hau, including parts of the Okahukura and Oruawharo River Conservation Areas. In addition a “kirihipi” or statutory overlay acknowledging the important values the Manukapua Government Purpose (Wildlife Management) Reserve holds for Te Uri o Hau has been placed over the reserve. Both the department and Te Uri o Hau are committed to developing a strong working relationship to protect conservation values and public access. Add local information as would be relevant. For example add text to reflect particular iwi specific requirements – some may reflect Treaty Settlement obligations, but it is also important to recognise those without settlements. Objectives 1. Maintain and strengthen relationships with tangata whenua to enhance conservation and

recognise mana. These relationships should be based on mutual good faith, cooperation and respect.

2. Formalise relationships, where appropriate, through agreements with tangata whenua to

enhance and support those relationships. 3. Actively consult and work with tangata whenua, ensuring consultation is early, ongoing,

informed and effective. 4. Consider customary practices and the customary use of traditional materials and

indigenous species by tangata whenua, consistent with kaitiakitanga, the relevant legislation, regulations, general policies, and the purposes for which the land is held.

5. Encourage tangata whenua involvement and participation in conservation management on

public conservation lands and waters. 6. Promote integrated conservation management for areas adjoining public conservation

lands or waters which have been returned to tangata whenua though Treaty of Waitangi settlements.


7. Work with tangata whenua to advocate for the protection of mahinga kai, wahi tapu and

other cultural resources located outside of public conservation lands. 8. Work with tangata whenua to establish formal protocols to:

i) enable the customary use of traditional materials and indigenous species; and ii) guide the management of marine mammal strandings.

9. Contribute to the process of considering Treaty of Waitangi claims relevant to the

Department of Conservation’s functions, and implement any future Treaty of Waitangi settlements affecting the management of public conservation lands and waters.


Part Two Places This section identifies places which require specific management direction. Where the outcomes and policies in Part two differ from the objectives and policies in Part One, the provisions of Part Two prevail. 2.1 Rangitoto and Motutapu Island 2.2 Tiritiri Matangi Island 2.3 Aotea/Great Barrier Island 2.4 National Park Place 2.5 Conservation Park Place


2.1 RANGITOTO and MOTUTAPU ISLAND Rangitoto and Motutapu are linked by a causeway, and are managed as a single unit, recognising that different values are represented on each island. The Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust and the Motutapu Trust work to protect the conservation values on their respective islands. Description Dominating the local seascape, Rangitoto is the youngest cone in the Auckland volcanic field, erupting a recent 600 years ago, and is one of the least modified. It is essential any developments on Rangitoto do not adversely impact on the visual dominance it has within the Auckland seascape. The scenic reserve’s bare lava fields, lava caves, pillars and tunnels are obvious features of the landscape. While the lava rock seems inhospitable, it is home to close to 170 species of native tree and flowering plant. They form an internationally-significant forest that is naturally colonising young, basaltic lava flows. Rangitoto has New Zealand’s largest pohutukawa forest. The island is a stronghold for threatened plant species such as kohurangi/Kirk’s tree daisy, and pinaki/New Zealand carrot. Rangitoto forms its own ecological district. To retain the unique nature of this ecosystem naturally occurring regeneration is a priority. Planting is not considered appropriate. A recreation reserve, Motutapu retains a largely pastoral landscape rich with archaeological sites. There is a history of intensive Maori settlement, represented today by more than 300 Maori sites, some of which predate the Rangitoto eruption. Of significance is the Sunde site, where human and dog footprints are preserved in solidified ash layers from the time when Maori returned to Motutapu between eruptions of Rangitoto Island. Rangitoto also has many historic sites. The 35 remaining baches are largely unmodified since their construction in the 1930s. The roads were built by prisoners in the early 1900s. Coastal defence sites on Rangitoto and Motutapu were built during the Second World War. Significant effort has gone into removing pests from these islands, with only seven pest species remaining. Once these pests are removed the islands will offer significant biodiversity restoration opportunities. There are potential biosecurity risks from visitors to these islands. Care is required to protect the investment made by the Department and the community into reducing potential biosecurity risks. Both islands are popular with visitors. These islands will be a key focus for the Department in providing visitor attractions for Auckland and its visitors. Significant effort will be placed in raising their profile as a place to visit and experience all that the Hauraki Gulf islands have to offer on the doorstep of Auckland. Rangitoto will be managed as an icon visitor destination, while Home Bay at Mototapu providing excellent gateway opportunities. Care will need to be taken to ensure the more traditional activities people have enjoyed over the years are not lost with the increasing numbers of day and overnight visitors to the island. There is easy access year round for private boats and commercial vessels. The Department will ensure, along with future partners, that this access is continued. There are walking tracks on Rangitoto, leading from amenity areas at the wharf and Islington Bay. Improvements will be made over time to ensure the icon destination characteristics are maintained. Motutapu provides for boating, camping, picnicking and visits to the outdoor education camp in the military barracks at Administration Bay. There is unrealised potential for recreational use, particularly on Motutapu. There are a number of Trusts and community groups who presently undertake valuable conservation work on these islands. These groups are essential for achieving the conservation outcomes identified for these islands. It is not possible for the Department to achieve its conservation goals on the islands without others continuing to take on responsibilities they presently do. Add some comments about outcomes of Settlements or further relationships with iwi. Add context about cultural landscape and represent into the outcome.


Outcome Rangitoto is managed as an icon landscape feature of the Hauraki Gulf, a symbol of Auckland and a must-see destination for national and international visitors who will want to return. While managing Rangitoto as an icon visitor destination some places retain the humble traditional kiwi experience focusing on low key walking and quiet overnight experiences at the existing baches. It remains one of the least modified volcanic cones in the Auckland volcanic field, supporting a naturally regenerating forest. It continues to be a nationally important site for rare forests and vegetation found on young basaltic lava flows. Motutapu has an outstanding cultural landscape with nationally-significant pre-European archaeological sites. These sites are protected within a managed mosaic of open grassland, remnant bush and regenerating forest and interpretation brings their stories to life. Motutapu continues to offer a range of recreational and educational experiences, with Home Bay being managed as a gateway destination. Buildings on Motutapu remain clustered at Administration and Home Bays. The Department continues to work with tangata whenua in the management of the islands. Community groups working for conservation feature strongly in management achieving long term habitat restoration and historic resource protection for future generations. Progress continues in making farming operations on Motutapu a model for sustainable farming practices. Both islands are rid of introduced mammal pests, opening up habitats for new populations of rare and threatened native species, maintaining and restoring their natural diversity. Flocks of birds, including Kaka, will re-populate the mainland from these islands. The islands offer the closest opportunity to metropolitan Auckland to experience New Zealands wildlife in its natural environment which rivals any other. Most visitors are directed to well-marked routes and tracks, rather than creating tracks of their own, whether it be for walking, tramping, or mountain biking. Picnicking, exploration of historic sites and opportunities for volunteer conservation continues. Well placed and planned multi-day walk opportunities are developed, with accommodation provided only at the historic baches on Rangitoto, and at low-key campsites and small-scale eco-friendly lodges on Motutapu. Business assists in providing these opportunities. Interpretation ensures visitors are better informed on local heritage and conservation management. Historic sites associated with coastal defences on both islands, and a representative sample of the remaining baches, and the historic roads on Rangitoto are protected, and their stories enable visitors to connect with the past. Policies 1 Remove the last seven mammalian pests from Motutapu and Rangitoto Island and maintain

the pest-free status of the islands. 2 Promote and support the operation of the Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp to enable the

maintenance of the historic military complex, and as an opportunity to develop outdoor recreation appreciation.

3 Have regard to Motutapu when making management decisions for Rangitoto Island, and vice

versa. 4 Protect and preserve the Sunde site on Motutapu through active management.


5 Enable and support community efforts to restore and maintain a representative sample of batches in public ownership on Rangitoto Island.

6 Bicycles should be permitted on all formed roads on Motutapu and Rangitoto Island, and on

designated off-road tracks on Motutapu as identified on Map 9. The criteria in policy 15 in Part Three should be used when assessing applications for the use of bicycles.

7 Motorised vehicle use should be allowed on Motutapu and Rangitoto Island for guided

vehicle tours at places identified on Map 10 in accordance with the criteria in policy 9 in Part Three.

8 Aircraft landings should be allowed on Motutapu in accordance with the criteria in policy 18

in Part Three. In addition, the following restrictions should apply: • aircraft landing sites may be restricted by stock movements; and • landings in areas of regenerating forest areas should not be allowed and overflying

will be discouraged. 9 Aircraft landings and motorised vehicle use should be allowed on Motutapu for activities

associated with the operation of the farm in accordance with the criteria in policy 9 (for motorised vehicles) and policy 18 (for aircraft) in Part Three.

10 Horses should be allowed on Motutapu in accordance with the criteria in policy 28 in Part

Three. 11. New small scale overnight accommodation for the public on Motutapu should be allowed in

accordance with the criteria listed in policy 40 in Part Three.

11 Overnight accommodation for the public on Rangitoto Island should only be provided in existing buildings and baches.

12 Provide facilities that cater for disabled visitors at Rangitoto wharf and Islington Bay amenity

areas. 13 Review the future of seasonal apiary concessions on Rangitoto Island if monitoring indicates

that there are significant adverse ecological effects. 14 Limited quarrying on Rangitoto Island should be allowed at existing sites to provide material

for on-island visitor facilities and infrastructure. Milestones - Outputs Completed by the end of year three after CMS approval (2013) 1. The seven remaining mammalian pests on Motutapu and Rangitoto have been eradicated. Completed by the end of year five after CMS approval (2015) 2. A representative range of historic baches on Rangitoto have been restored. Completed by the end of year ten after CMS approval (2020) 3. The pest free status of Motutapu and Rangitoto has been maintained. .


2.2 Tiritiri Matangi Description On Tiritiri Matangi Island remnant coastal forest has been augmented by extensive restoration planting and significant effort controlling plant and invertebrate pests. Many rare or threatened species have been reintroduced to the island, including Northern tuatara, takahe, toutouwai/North Island robin, hihi/stitchbird, little spotted kiwi, North Island kokako and tieke/North Island saddleback. Tiritiri Matangi has become an important source of species for translocation to other restoration projects. Threatened plant species include native paspalum. Tiritiri Matangi, traditionally a float of the ancestral fishing net, marked a boundary between the Tainui waka and Kawerau a Maki, and has historic associations with both these groups. Pa sites remain as evidence of settlement. The island is also the site of an important, historic lighthouse complex with examples of technology dating from the 1860s through to the present day. Tiritiri Matangi Island’s status as an open scientific reserve allows the public to visit without the need for an entry permit, and around 35,000 people visit the island each year. Visitors see some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds and can visit the historic lighthouse and pa sites. Access to Tiritiri Matangi Island is via a scheduled ferry service, chartered commercial vessel, or private boat. The island will be managed by the Department as an icon visitor destination. Biosecurity is essential to maintain the Island as an open sanctuary. Rangers meet each ferry and provide a biosecurity briefing to visitors. Visitor facilities include a well developed track system, the bunk house and wharf. The island is a popular destination for commercial guided tours and organised groups. Over peak summer months high visitor numbers can result in congestion and crowding on the Kawerau and Wattle tracks. Visitor management measures are necessary to protect the islands natural, historical and cultural values, enable better management of biosecurity, and maintain visitor experience by spreading visitor use of the island throughout the day. A key to managing these effects is to better facilitate and coordinate ferry arrival and departure times, passenger numbers, and numbers on guided walks. These measures result in Limited Supply Concessions for the following commercial activities: concession(s) for the introductory guided walk on the Kawerau and Wattle tracks; other guided walk concession(s) for day visitors and evening visitors; potential overnight stay concession(s) for overnight visitors to Tiritiri Matangi Island; charter boat concession(s) to land visitors on Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Visitor numbers are monitored to determine whether tracks and facilities need upgrading in the future to cater for the expected growth in visitor numbers. Overnight visitors can hear the sound of the dawn chorus, now absent from most mainland forests. For the majority of the year, the demand for overnight accommodation exceeds the space available in the 15-bed bunkhouse. Tiritiri Matangi Island is an important location for field research studies into New Zealand native species, and the bunkhouse is highly utilised by researchers and students. There is potential for additional overnight accommodation on the island to provide further opportunities to experience well managed, low key overnight stay on the island. The Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, formed in 1988, are a major contributor to the success of island, with significant effort put in to replanting, facilitating translocations, providing interpretation, and maintaining facilities. The Supporters opened a new visitor centre in 2005, showcasing information about the island and housing a shop and office. Add some comments about outcomes of Settlements or further relationships with iwi. Add context about cultural landscape and represent into the outcome. Outcome Tiritiri Matangi is a valued community treasure for Aucklanders. The Island provides a sanctuary


for rare and threatened indigenous species in a well established, regenerating forest environment. Abundant populations of threatened species provide opportunities to establish new populations elsewhere. Risks to biosecurity are well managed. Key conservation initiatives are undertaken and managed by community groups who are achieving long term habitat restoration, provision and management of facilities, interpretation and providing guided walking opportunities for visitors. As an icon visitor destination, visitors, while walking on the tracks only, will be rewarded with the experience of seeing some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds in the wild. Visitors are managed from point of entry, and through guided walking opportunities so the islands natural, historical and cultural values are protected and the quality of the visitor experience is maintained. Visitors choose between independent exploration of the track system or joining a guided day or evening walking party. Low-key eco-friendly visitor facilities enable overnight visitors to enjoy the unique sound of the dawn chorus. These facilities also support opportunities for scientific research, education and volunteer activities and are clustered together. The nationally significant lighthouse settlement complex is protected, in conjunction with Martime New Zealand. Interpretation of these sites facilitates exploration by visitors. The Department continues to work with tangata whenua in its management of the island and coordinates management of the historic pa sites. Policies 1. Work with Maritime New Zealand to enable public access into the Tiritiri Matangi

lighthouse. 2. Work in partnership with concessionaires and the ferry operator to manage biosecurity. 3. Limit the number of visitors to, and manage visitor activity on, Tiritiri Matangi Island to

minimise the impact on the island’s conservation values and maintain the quality of the visitor experience.

4. Support and encourage the retention of a low-cost introductory guided tour between the

wharf and the lighthouse complex. 5. Retain the existing prohibition on commercial vessels, concessionaires and organised

groups visiting the island on Mondays, Tuesdays and Christmas Day to allow for management activities. Commercial vessel landings should be allowed daily from Boxing Day to the third Sunday in January, and on other public holidays.

6. Manage activities on, and access to, the island to minimise the impact on the visitor

experience and conservation values of the island by applying the following provisions: (i) to the operation of commercial vessels:

(a) encourage the operation of a scheduled ferry service; (b) allow for a daily limit of up to 170 passengers1 on the scheduled ferry

service; and (c) prohibit arrivals or departures by commercial vessels around those times that

the scheduled ferry service is arriving or departing the island wharf, to avoid peak times of congestion.

(ii) to all guided walk concessions:

(a) allow for a limit of up to 120 people per day to be guided on an introductory walk on the Wattle and Kawerau Tracks. Up to five parties may be on each track at any one time;

(b) allow for a maximum party size of 12 (excluding guides) for all guided walk concessions on Tiritiri Matangi Island; and

1 The figure of 170 passengers on the scheduled ferry service excludes Department of Conservation staff, guides, volunteers, researchers, and other people on the island for management purposes.


(c) limit the frequency and/or duration of evening guided walks to protect natural values or for the effective management of the island.

(iii) to concessions and organised groups not using the scheduled ferry service to access

the island: (a) allow for a daily limit of up to 144 people accessing the island, with a limit of

no more than 48 people on the island at any one time, in order to spread visitor use of the island throughout the day and maintain the visitor experience.

7. Monitor visitor numbers and impacts on the visitor experience and natural values, and

consider amending the limits in policy 5 or tendering limited guided walking concession opportunities, if these limits do not provide for the protection of the intrinsic and appreciation values of Tiritiri Matangi Island.

8. New overnight accommodation for the public on Tiritiri Matangi Island should be allowed

where it is in accordance with the criteria listed in policy 40 in Part Three; and the following: (i) new buildings should only be clustered around existing built structures.

9. Helicopter landings should be allowed in accordance with the criteria in policy 18 in Part

Three; and the following conditions: (i) landings should not occur on Mondays, Tuesdays and Christmas Day. Landings will

be allowed daily between Boxing Day and the third Sunday of January, and on other public holidays;

(ii) landings and take-offs will generally be timed to avoid the period between the arrival and departure of the ferry passengers;

(iii) landings will only be permitted at the landing site adjacent to the lighthouse; (iv) helicopters should approach Tiritiri Matangi Island from the east; (v) landings should be restricted to no more than two days per week, and no more than

four landings per day; and (vi) overflying of regenerating forest areas should be discouraged.

Milestones - Outputs Completed by the end of year three after CMS approval (2013) 1. ??? Completed by the end of year five after CMS approval (2015) 2. ??? Completed by the end of year ten after CMS approval (2020) 3. ???


2.3 AOTEA/GREAT BARRIER ISLAND Map 16 The Aotea/Great Barrier Island “place” comprises all public conservation land administered by the Department of Conservation on the island (16,000 ha – 60% of the island’s land area), and nearby Rakitu/Arid Island (253 ha). These lands are held as 52 separate areas under the Conservation Act, Reserves Act and Wildlife Act. The remainder of Aotea/Great Barrier is made up of Maori land, private land, and land administered by Auckland City Council and other organisations. Description Aotea/Great Barrier offers visitors to the island opportunities for outdoor recreation, eco-tourism, outdoor education and scientific study, in a remote part of Auckland Conservancy. The more than 100km of tracks range from short walks to challenging tramping in the mountainous interior. Six campgrounds offer basic facilities and there is one hut. Predominantly of volcanic origin, Aotea/Great Barrier and neighbouring groups of rocks and small islands form a separate ecological district. The landscape comprises spectacular bluffs and ridges rising to Hirakimata/Mt Hobson (621m) in the centre of the island, forest-covered ranges, farmland, settlements and a relatively undeveloped coastline of bays, islands and indented harbours. Habitats of outstanding significance on the island include extensive kauri forests in Te Paparahi Conservation Area, a pristine kauri-manoao/silver pine forest and shrubland on rhyolitic rock on the slopes of Hirakimata/Mt Hobson, and a pohutukaka-dominated forest to the south. Aotea/Great Barrier is home to 13 threatened species of lizard, including niho taniwha/chevron skink, found only on the island and Hauturu/Little Barrier Island. The high points of Aotea/Great Barrier are the principal nesting sites for taiko/black petrel in New Zealand. The island is a stronghold for kaka and mohopereru/banded rail; and has the only island population of Hochstetter’s frog in New Zealand. In addition to many of the foregoing species, Te Paparahi Conservation Area holds populations of pateke/brown teal, pekapeka/long-tailed bat, and Town’s skink. Okiwi Recreation Reserve, a large, farmed area with many wetlands, streams and small remnants of native vegetation, is home to 60% of total numbers of pateke in New Zealand. Abutting this reserve is Whangapoua estuary, one of New Zealand’s least modified wetlands. The Conservation Area in which the estuary sits, together with an extensive beach and dunes, is home to New Zealand dotterel, kuaka/bar-tailed godwit and ngutuparore/wrybill; and is an important offshore site in Auckland Conservancy for puweto/spotless crake and matata/fernbird. There are some 50 threatened plant species on Aotea/Great Barrier, including mawhai/native cucumber, stalked adder’s tongue, hawkweed, Australian cliff brake, and matangoa/New Zealand watercress, sneezeweed and Leptinella tenella, a creeping perennial herb. Prostrate kanuka and Great Barrier tree daisy are endemic to the island. In terms of biosecurity, Aotea/Great Barrier has the largest area of forest known to be possum free in New Zealand. Stoats, ferrets, weasels and hedgehogs are also absent, and feral goats have been eradicated. Many pest species are present, including rodents, rabbits, feral cats, feral pigs and Argentine ants. The island is relatively free of weeds. Cultural and historic sites and associations reveal a 1000-year history of continuous human habitation on Aotea/Great Barrier. Some archaeological sites date back to the earliest period of Polynesian settlement in New Zealand, providing clues to past ways of life and the state of the environment at that time. Colonial history is also well demonstrated with evidence in situ of timber extraction, farming, mining and whaling. Rakitu/Arid Island Nearby Rakitu comprises pasture, and a mix of kanuka/kanuka scrub and broadleaf forest in equal measure. The island shares with Aotea/Great Barrier and Hauturu/Little Barrier a remarkable diversity of lichen species. Threatened flora include mawhai, koru and hawkweed.


Rakitu is free of all introduced predators except rodents, which has led to a great diversity of native species. Livestock damage to the forest understorey is, however, extensive. Weka are present on the island, as are kereru, ruru/morepork and pipiwharauroa/shining cuckoo. Korora/little blue penguin, oi/grey-faced petrel (Northern muttonbird), and tara/white tern roost and breed around the coast. Add some comments about outcomes of Settlements or further relationships with iwi. Add context about cultural landscape and represent into the outcome. Outcome Aotea/Great Barrier Aotea/Great Barrier is the premier back-country destination in Auckland Conservancy. As a land apart, visitors are attracted to the island for its natural and cultural heritage and sense of remoteness. More people participate in recreation on the island. Visitors are offered a full range of experiences from immersion in the extensive and rugged forested interior flanking the island’s highest peak, Hirakimata/Mt Hobson, to mountain biking and short walks through stunning landscapes and taking in local heritage. Multi-day tramping trips are offered with accommodation at coastal campsites and huts. The natural ecosystems and habitats of Aotea/Great Barrier, including wetlands and dunelands, are healthy and functioning. Possums, goats, deer, hedgehogs, stoats and other pests are either absent or controlled to low densities for biodiversity conservation. Populations of nationally threatened plant species, including the rare plant associations on Hirakimata/Mt Hobson, are conserved to ensure persistence, and populations of regionally-threatened plant species are improved. Maori cultural heritage and colonial history is protected and its stories brought to life, enabling visitors to connect with New Zealand’s past. Recreation based commercial business opportunities such as guided walks, mountain bike and kayak hire/ guided tours complement the natural, historic and amenity values of the island, offering visitors more opportunities to participate in recreation. Visitors value the benefits of conservation management carried out on Aotea/Great Barrier. Conservation managers work in partnership with private landowners, tangata whenua and community organisations. Local communities value and support conservation initiatives. Te Paparahi Conservation Area At Te Paparahi Conservation Area is a safe refuge for threatened wildlife that no longer exist in mainland forests. Populations of these species are conserved in perpetuity. Kokako have been reintroduced, and natural diversity is being restored. The area provides a remote, low-impact experience for visitors, with minimal facilities provided. Whangapoua Whangapoua estuary and associated dunes support improved coastal bird populations. In the Okiwi Basin populations of pateke/brown teal, benefitting from intensive management, monitoring and managed grazing are conserved in perpertuity. Improvement in the health of wetland species in Okiwi is ongoing. Rakitu/Arid Island On Rakitu/Arid Island, ecological restoration is stepped up on expiry of the grazing licence. Native vegetation is regenerating in the absence of mammal predators. The island is a safe haven for many native species. Natural diversity is being restored with species translocations.


Visitors to this isolated island enjoy the regenerating landscape, the superb views, day walks, picnics and coastal camping opportunities. Policies 1. Encourage and support conservation initiatives that work towards a pest free status for

Aotea/Great Barrier Island. 2. Develop and promote the Aotea/Great Barrier Kauri and Coast trail, and work with the

Auckland City Council to develop a multi-day round island track. 3. Mountain biking will be allowed on the Forest Road track on Aotea/Great Barrier Island. 4. Mountain biking may be allowed on the Tramline track or on other purpose built trails

designated for this activity on Aotea/Great Barrier Island in accordance with the criteria in policy 15 in Part Three.

5. The use of horses on the Forest Road may be allowed in accordance with the criteria in

policy 28 in Part Three. 6. Helicopter landings in the Okiwi and Harataonga Recreation Reserves may be allowed in

accordance with the criteria in policy 18 in Part Three. 7. Reclassification of the following areas will be investigated so that their land status better

reflects their conservation values: (i) Aotea/Great Barrier Forest and adjacent areas to conservation park; (ii) Te Paparahi Conservation Area and adjacent areas to conservation park, with the

exceptions of Miners Cove; and (iii) Stony Bay Recreation Reserve to historic reserve.

Milestones - Outputs Completed by the end of year three after CMS approval (2013) 1. Campsites in the Te Paparahi Conservation Area have been completed 2. Stage 1 of the Aotea/Great Barrier and Coast trail has been completed, including the Mt Heale hut. Completed by the end of year five after CMS approval (2015) 3. Increased mountain biking opportunities are available on Aotea/Great Barrier. 4. Feral cattle have been removed from the Te Paparahi Conservation Area 5. The Aotea/Great Barrier and Coast trail has been completed, including all tracks and huts. Completed by the end of year ten after CMS approval (2020) 6. Kokako have been returned to Aotea/Great Barrier Island 7. A sustainable population of pateke/brown teal is present on Aotea/Great Barrier Island. 8. The Department of Conservation components of the Great Barrier Walk have been completed.


2.4 National Park Place This is based on the Rakiura National Park and the content from the relevant CMS. Some parts have been changed for illustrative purposes. Description Each national park has its own management plan. A national park management plan contains the outcomes planned for the park and the details of management as required by the National Parks Act 1980 and the General Policy for National Parks 2005. This information is not repeated in the conservation management strategy. It can be viewed in the Rakiura National Park Management Plan. Management. Outcome Rakiura as a whole is more than the sum of its parts. The combination of its diverse natural environments continue to leave a lasting, deep and memorable connection with people whether it be the extent of native forests, wetlands, estuaries, dunes; the impressive and internationally significant dune system of Mason Bay, the tranquil waters of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera and Port Pegasus/Pikihatiti; or the wind-blasted and granite-sculpted tops of the Tin Range. The environment and biodiversity of Stewart Island/Rakiura are maintained and enhanced; the homes and habitats of native species are restored and protected against further loss or degradation. The historical and cultural heritage of the island is protected and managed; activities on public conservation land aim to protect and enhance the significant values of this area. All people continue to derive benefit and enjoyment from the unique combination of natural environments and natural character within this national park. Policy 1. Manage Rakiura National Park in accordance with the Rakiura National Park Management Plan. Milestones - Outputs Completed by the end of year five after CMS approval (2015) 1. To have initiated a review of the Rakiura National Park Management Plan


2.5 Conservation Park Place This is based on some work Canterbury conservancy has undertaken and amended to fit the new model. It still requires further work and some parts have been changed for illustrative purposes. The Conservation and Forest Park Place comprises Canterbury’s three conservation parks created from State Forests prior to the Conservation Act 1987, and six parks created largely from pastoral lease tenure review lands and Nature Heritage Fund purchases over the period 1999 to 2009. Conservation parks are managed so that their natural and historic resources are protected, and subject to this, to facilitate public recreation and enjoyment. Description Collectively, the nine conservation parks are an outstanding national asset, covering 462,932 ha of Canterbury’s high country. The parks are predominantly tussock grasslands with a mosaic of beech forest, alpine vegetation, and river valley grass and shrub lands. They have significant value as a visitor resource, offering a diverse range of recreation opportunities including numerous ski fields, track and hut systems, hunting, off road vehicle access and mountain biking. Most of these visitor activities can occur without intensive management by the department or the community. Particular focus will occur at the gateway destinations of the Hanmer Picnic Area and Mt Somers Track. Where the parks have unique values additional to those described above those values are listed in Table 2 below. Ngäi Tahu values for the parks are high, reflecting traditional trails to seasonal settlements, land and water mahinga kai sites, and the whakapapa to the land that comes with place names, stories and wahi tapu. Active use of the parks by Ngäi Tahu is not just historical, but is ongoing. The parks collectively contain many sites of geological, many being geopreservation sites, including several geothermal sites, and also including gemstone and fossil locations. A particular management issue is the fossicking for gemstones in the Mount Somers (Hakatere) area, an activity that requires Department permission. Challenges for managing the parks are outlined in Table 2 and include grazing, fire, wilding pine and heiracium control, wetland drainage, fence lines, and managing public access. With increased interest in vehicle use and a focus on integrated land management the numerous unformed legal roads passing through the parks can now be an anomaly. In time the number of huts and vehicle tracks may also prove excessive or, for the huts, difficult to maintain for public use in terms of building codes. Nestled beside some parks are smaller reserves that are ecologically connected to the parks, and integrated management between the two is desirable. There are also areas adjacent to the existing Conservation Parks that have significantly high conservation values and warrant consideration as potential additions where boundaries between conservation parks expand during tenure review processes. These areas are identified in Appendix 10. Add some comments about outcomes of Settlements or further relationships with iwi. Add context about cultural landscape and represent into the outcome. Table 2 – Conservation and Forest Parks of Canterbury – Values and Issues Name gazettal year size

Park Specific Features and Values that are Additional to the General Description Above 2

Challenges for Management

Craigieburn

• The New Zealand Conservation Trust breeding & • The control of old experimental pine-tree

2 Resource information listed here is primarily vegetation, fauna & flora, and historic; the presence of Ngäi Tahu cultural sites, and of landform and geological features is taken ‘as read’ and only mentioned if there are features that can be affected by specific management action e.g. known Ngäi Tahu sites and vulnerable geopreservation sites.


1967 44,171 ha

augmentation programme for great spotted kiwi/roroa, at the Craigieburn research base.

• An extensive complex of historic sites within the Wilberforce River catchment dating from the Browning Pass/Noti Raureka pounamu trail, pack road and gold prospecting eras (see Keene, 1995).

• One commercial and three club ski fields with associated facilities.

• Canterbury Environmental Trust’s education centre in the former visitor centre.

• Wilding pine removal community workdays (the wilding, ecological and land restoration association (WELRA) was established to coordinate wilding tree control and ecological restoration in the Craigieburn/Castle Hill area).

• A new cross country mountain bike track is proposed

and wilding pines. • Control of trespassing stock from adjo

lands and up-river requiring action adjoining landholders.

• Wild animal control. • Ski field impacts. • Impacts of down-hill mountain biking.

Lake Sumner

See Place 2.7 Lake Sumner, Lewis Pass and St James

Hanmer 1978 9,393 ha

• Exotic plantings and buildings dating to early forest park and reserves management.

• The Hanmer Picnic Area gateway destination. • Two formed roads in the park provide access into the

Clarence River valley and to Molesworth.

• Wilding tree control. • Fire protection & control. • Wild animal control [via recreat

hunting?] • Integrated management with Jollies Pass S

Reserve. • Integrated management of recreation fac

that were originally part of the larger preForest Park network, but are now fracturedvarious landholdings.

Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands 2001 20,328 ha

• The Thirteen Mile Bush with its predominant hunter use.

• An historic road, a pack track, homestead and coal mining sites.

• Vegetation patterns reflect pre-Europeanand pastoral farming impacts, with aredepleted tussock and shrub lands, and saffected forest edges.

• Restoration through natural regeneration iabsence of grazing, with fire preventioncontrol, and pest & wild animal control.

Ahuriri3 2004 46,655 ha

• Wetlands. • Populations of Wrybill, kaki, and two rare fish species

(what and where). • Two historic homestead complexes and outlying huts

from the pastoral farming era. Options for the future use of Birchwood homestead are being explored.

• Angling in the Ahuriri River.

• Vegetation patterns reflect pre-Europeanand pastoral farming impacts, with aredepleted tussock land, vulnerable wetlandstock-affected forest edges.

• Restoration through natural regeneration iabsence of grazing.

• Restoration of wetlands. • large-scale predator control to benefit w

and kaki populations. • Stream protection for two rare fish species

Ruataniwha 2006 37,220 ha

• Key sites for pittosporum patulum and [?] mistletoe. • Historic resources include Red Hut, a tourist

operation hut from 1916. • Re-instating the flood damaged Hopkins access road is

being considered.

• Restoration through natural regeneration iabsence of grazing where possible.

• Protection of priority sites for pittosppatulum and [?] mistletoe through pocontrol in the Huxley and Temple valleys.

• Dis-jointed parts of the park, intermingledpastoral run land and Crown river beds,the ability to separate conflicting recreaopportunities. Involvement in tenure revfor the adjoining pastoral runs and liaisonLINZ for the Crown riverbeds is essent

3 This park straddles the Canterbury/Otago Conservancy boundary and both conservancies manage their respective parts of the park.


improve linkages

Hakatere 2007 39,137 ha

• Cedar forest, and a variety of waterbodies/wetlands. • The historic Hakatere farm building complex,

outlying huts from the pastoral farming era, wild animal control and tramping huts, the Mount Somers mining sites, and the [Mt Harper] ice rink.

• Mount Hutt Skifield and associated facilities. • The community-initiated Mount Somers Track with its

“gateway” status. • Gem-stone collection occurs in the Mt Somers area. • Wilding pine removal community workdays. • Being investigated as part of a recreation use study

for the O Tü Wharekai project ?.

• Restoration through natural regeneratiovegetation and waterways & wetlands inabsence of grazing, with fire preventioncontrol, and priority species plant and apest control.

• Exotic tree plantings in the Mount HutBlack Hill Ranges and willow planting alonNorth Ashburton River now sources for wtrees.

• Historic site protection requires bumaintenance, site stabilisation.

• A buffer needs to be maintained adjoininAdams Wilderness Area for activities thatimpact on the wilderness area values (see Public Benefit and Enjoyment).

• [campgrounds outside the park - Lake CLake Heron, Mt Somers; Lk Clearwsettlement – are there issues here?].

Oteake4 2008 64,950 ha

• Wetlands on plateau surfaces. • Remnants of Hall’s tötara in gullies and along

watercourses. • Cushion vegetation on the rocky ridges and extensive

boulderfields and scree slopes. • Several threatened and/or distinctive fauna and flora

species, and intact altitudinal vegetation sequences are present.

• Historic resources include Ngäi Tahu cultural sites, the Buster goldfields diggings, and signs of pastoralism (huts, fences etc).

• Natural restoration as improved boufences exclude stock grazing; wild acontrol for red deer, feral pigs and introduced animals; wilding conifer, gorsebroom control; fire prevention and controavoidance of any adverse effects offvehicle use.

• Restrictions on open-public 4WD [& house of some farm vehicle tracks may be neto allow ground and vegetation recovery aavoid conflict with other recreational users

Te Kahui aupeka 2009 93,856 ha

• Spectacular tall tussock grasslands, with boulder-field species at higher altitudes.

• Fire-reduced remnants of mountain tötara and mountain beech forest/tawhairauriki at lower altitudes.

• Red and yellow mistletoe/pikirangi in the steeper valleys on the eastern side of the Sinclair Range.

• Forest remnants in the upper catchments of the Rangitata are more typical of West Coast forest, with mountain tötara, celery pine/mountain toatoa and cedar/pähautea.

• Historic resources include [rock art?] pastoral farm buildings, lime kilns and sawmilling remnants.

• Mount Dobson & Round Hill ski fields and facilities. • Heli-skiing, heli-hunting, ski-touring, and climbing. • A network of Department, club (NZDA, CMC),

community (McKenzie Alpine Trust) and concessionaire huts.

• The Te Araroa trail proposed as a routethrough the park.

• Natural restoration in the absence of grawith fire prevention and control, and pewild animal control.

• A buffer needs to be maintained adjoininAdams Wilderness Area for activities thatimpact on the wilderness area values (see Public Benefit and Enjoyment).

4 This park straddles the Canterbury/Otago Conservancy boundary and part of it is managed by Otago under a joint management agreement. This agreement may change if the park is extended within Canterbury.


Outcome

All parks

Conservation Parks are managed as icon landscape features of the South Island High Country.

Natural ecosystems including tussock grasslands, forest, shrub lands, and wetlands are healthy and functioning. Exotic tree infestations, and wild animals are controlled to densities that enable indigenous biodiversity to naturally regenerate. Community groups facilitate the natural regeneration of ecosystems and habitats through their involvement in the control of wild tree infestations.

More people participate in recreation in Conservation Parks. Visitors are offered a full range of experiences from solitude-seeking activities focusing on traditional low key walking and quiet overnight experiences in less-accessible areas where topography and weather is more challenging, to intensive uses such as ski fields and their related accommodation. Conservation parks continue to compliment nearby national parks, providing opportunities for vehicle use, sporting events in pastoral areas, and other activities not provided for in the national parks. The gateway destinations of Hanmer Picnic Area and Mt Somers Track are a focus for recreation management. Business continues to assist in providing these quality recreation services.

The extensive networks of historic sites including Ngai Tahu cultural sites, remnants of goldfields and pastoralism are protected from avoidable adverse effects, and their stories enable visitors to connect with the past.

The Department continues to work closely with Ngati Tahu in the management of the parks and Ngai Tahu continues its tradition of active use of these areas.

Understanding and supporting the management of the conservation parks continues, and community groups actively participate in habitat restoration.

Management between the conservation parks and surrounding public land is integrated.

Craigieburn

Four ski fields continue to provide the only intensive recreational experiences for visitors. The many walking tracks and huts enable traditional overnight tramping experiences, and more remote off track tramping, hunting and ski touring opportunities. Off road vehicle access is available up the Avoca and Wilberforce Valleys and visitors can enjoy mountain biking on the Craigieburn ski field roads and a cross country bike track only.

The community facilitates a breeding and augmentation programme for great spotted kiwi/roroa, at the Craigieburn research base, and continues to contribute to ecological restoration in the Craigeburn/Castlehill area through involvement in wilding tree control. An education centre provides opportunities for visitors to engage with and value these benefits based at the visitor centre.

A closer working relationship with adjoining land owners means neighbouring stock are controlled and do not trespass onto the river flats or into forest edge vegetation in the Harper/Avoca and Wilberforce catchments.

Hanmer

Hanmer offers a range of well integrated visitor opportunities with Hanmer Picnic Area a particular focus as a gateway destination. A community priority, the Hamner Forest network of recreational tracks is protected and restored as integrated interagency/community project.

Two formed roads provide access into the Clarence River and to Molesworth Station.

Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands

Ahuriri


Control of valley floor vegetation disturbance and predators ensures persistence of populations of the wrybill and kaki in the Ahuriri Valley.

The Ahuriri offers a range of visitor experiences from angling, horse riding and mountain biking in the valley; to a well established hut complex where visitors can enjoy extensive on-foot exploration along both foot tracks and unmarked walking routes.

Ruataniwha

Predator control ensures persistence of populations of nationally threatened species pittosporum patulum and [?] mistletoe in the Huxley and Temple valleys.

Hakatere

Hakatere offers a range of recreation opportunities from the Mount Hutt Ski field to its well established network of tracks servicing DOC and Club huts. A particular focus for recreation management, the Community initiated Mount Somers Track is managed as a gateway destination.

Management of activities in the Park ensures that the wilderness values of the Adams Wilderness Area are maintained.

Oteake

The exclusion of stock and the control of wild animals, wild tree infestations, and fire protects the intact altitudinal vegetation sequences from valley shrub lands to the tussock grasslands and wetlands on plateau surfaces, and ensures persistence of the distinctive species xxxxxx .

Te Kahui Kaupeka

Te Kahui Kaupeka offers a range of recreation opportunities including the Mount Dobson and Round Hill ski fields, heli skiing, ski touring, horse riding and mountain biking, camping and fishing. The park is served by an integrated network of huts.

Management of activities in the Park ensures the wilderness values of the Adams Wilderness Area are maintained.

Policies

1. Consider new areas of high conservation value land that fall within the catchments and ranges listed in Appendix 10 for inclusion within the adjoining conservation parks, or other appropriate management.

2. Work with Land Information New Zealand to achieve integrated management where Crown river and lake beds extend into or are surrounded by conservation parks, or to seek the allocation of the beds to the Department, as conservation areas to be included within the parks.

3. Work with Land Information New Zealand, district councils and other agencies to either:

• stop legal roads running through conservation and forest parks and addition of the lands to the park, or

• ensure council actively manages the roads and facilitates recreation on them in a way that is compatible with or recognises adjoining park management.

4. Should allow and/or limit aircraft access within the parks in accordance with Table 3 and policy 18 in Part Three

5. Should allow and/or limit vehicle access within the parks in accordance with Table 4 below, through the use of education, physical constraints, concession conditions and/or regulations.


6. Should allow and/or limit horse and pack animal access within the parks in accordance with Table 5 and policies 9 and 15 in Part Three, through the use of education, concession conditions and/or regulations.

7. When considering management activities or concessions or access agreements [ck] under the Crown Minerals Act, within the Wilberforce River catchment, have particular regard to the vulnerability of known historic sites and take a precautionary approach to the known of but as yet not-located historic sites.

8. Should work with Hurunui District Council, landowners and the Hanmer community, to achieve integrated management of the pre-1987 Hanmer Forest Park network of public access tracks and associated recreational opportunities. This should include consideration of vesting with Council or a community trust, of the “woodland” conservation area (formerly part of the Forest Park) but excluding the Department field base office and immediate surrounds.


Table 4: Vehicle access (excluding aircraft) within conservation & forest parks

Conservation or Forest Park

Vehicle access

Craigieburn All vehicles: existing roads, subject to locked gates close to the ski field facilities.

Mountain bikes (non-motorised): xxxx tracks for cross-country; [xxx for down-hill bikes??]; proposed new track from Thomas Bush to Cheeseman ski field road.

Lake Sumner See Place 2.7 Lake Sumner Forest Park & Lewis Pass National Scenic Reserve

Hanmer All vehicles: existing Jacks Pass Road [ck status].

Mountain bikes (non-motorised): xxxx tracks for cross-country mountain bikes [?]; [xxx for down-hill mountain bikes?]

Torlesse/Korowai Tussocklands 4WD: Thirteen Mile Bush Stream to park boundary.

Mountain bikes (non-motorised): Starvation Gully to Trig M [?]; Coach Stream to Trig M; ex-Avoca Station access track from Avoca Hut.

Ahuriri All vehicles: Ohau Skifield & Quailburn historic site access roads.

4WD: up Ahuriri to near Canyon Creek.

Mountain bikes (non-motorised): Ahuriri valley track to Hagens Hut, elsewhere as limited by park topography.

Ruataniwha All vehicles: existing roads to car parks and Temple camp site, and potentially to just-short of Monument Hut (access to the Park).

4WD: up Hopkins to Elcho Hut, Dobson to Kennedy Memorial Hut, and to Blaikie Hut in conjunction with adjoining landowner approval.

Mountain bikes (non-motorised): as limited by park topography [including on foot tracks?].

Hakatere [currently being investigated as part of a recreation use study for the O Tü Wharekai project]

Oteake Within the Canterbury conservancy part of the Park:

All vehicles: entry points to car parks.

4WD: Omarama Stream valley and ridge tracks to east and west branches of the Manuherikia River; Johnstones Creek (Otago) to Walking Spur track, then through to Mt Buster Road; Awakino Ski Area in conjunction with adjoining landowner approval.

Mountain bikes (non-motorised): Access roads, 4WD tracks, and existing farm track network where to be maintained [ck].

Te Kahui Kaupeka [proposed] All vehicles: Round Hill and Mount Dobson ski fields; Coal River

carpark.

4WD: park periphery only, via Godley, Macaulay & Havelock River valley vehicle tracks, to Red Stag, Macaulay & Mistake Flat huts respectively.

Mountain bikes (non-motorised): Richmond Trail, otherwise as limited by park topography but primarily on former farm tracks.

[for that part within the Rangitata catchment, currently being investigated as part of a recreation use study for the O Tü


Wharekai project] [General criteria – do we want to try and establish criteria for changes &/or additions to the above? Possibly locate this in 1.5.2 Vehicles, as it is likely to be applicable to other public conservation land as well as conservation parks]

[Potential criteria:

- avoidance of high significance areas (e.g. RAPs, bird nesting, etc), wetlands and vulnerable soils, geopreservation features and historic sites;

- compliance with 4WD Code of Practice (on Doc web);

- the track being sustainable for the purpose and will not require progressive maintenance that would eventually lead to upgrading to a higher track/road standard;

- that the track purpose can be retained and the track will not be vulnerable to uses arising from to other access means (e.g. down-hill mtb use of non-down-hill tracks due to high level road or heli-bike access);

- keeping a distance from huts & camp sites;

- didymo and weed cleaning?;

- other?]

Table 5: Horse and pack animal access within conservation & forest parks5

Conservation or Forest Park

Horse and pack animal access [ck re existing concessionaire horse-trekking routes]

Craigieburn [where?]

Lake Sumner See Place 2.7 Lake Sumner Forest Park & Lewis Pass National Scenic Reserve

Hanmer [Roads and some tracks?]

Torlesse/Korowai Tussocklands Starvation Gully to Trig M [?]; Coach Stream to Trig M; ex-Avoca

Station access track from Avoca Hut. Ahuriri

Access roads, 4WD tracks, up Ahuriri valley (avoiding wetlands), Snowy-Maitland & Hideaway Biv routes; not free-range in park elsewhere.

Ruataniwha Maitland track; Hopkins and Dobson valley floors; Ben Ohau Range [ck]; not within Temple or Huxley valleys.

Hakatere [currently being investigated as part of a recreation use study for the O Tü Wharekai project]

Oteake Within the Canterbury conservancy part of the Park: Access roads, 4WD tracks, and existing farm track network where to be maintained [ck].

Te Kahui Kaupeka [from Rangitata Gorge Road & Fox Peak ski field road?]

[for that part within the Rangitata catchment, currently being investigated as part of a recreation use study for the O Tü Wharekai project]

[General – possibly locate in 1.5.4 Animals, as may be applicable to other public conservation land as well as conservation parks]

[Do we want to try and establish criteria for changes &/or additions to the above, e.g.

- where a history of stock droving, pack tracks, horse trekking

- didymo & weed cleaning?

- likely level of use & other user interaction & potential conflict

5 Horses accessing conservation areas will require appropriate permits.


levels

- overnight corralling away from huts]

Milestones/Outputs Completed by the end of year three after CMS approval (2013) Completed by the end of year five after CMS approval (2015) Completed by the end of year ten after CMS approval (2020)


PART 3

Specific Policy Requirements for Auckland This section implements the requirements of the Conservation General Policy 2005 and other legislative requirements. The policies of this section apply to all public conservation lands and waters covered by this CMS. Where the provisions in Part 3 are different to the provisions in Part 2 “Places” the more specific provisions in Part 2 prevail. Vehicles The increasing popularity of motorised vehicle recreation and access to appropriate opportunities in the Auckland Conservancy is an emerging issue for recreation providers requiring a multi-agency approach. Auckland Conservancy has limited opportunities for the use of motorised vehicles on public conservation lands. Motorised vehicle use has the potential to adversely affect conservation values and impact negatively on the public safety of others. In the coastal environment. motorised vehicles can destroy shorebird nests and young, cause damage to dune systems, and conflict with other recreational uses. Mountain biking has become an established recreational activity. Improved track designs, management techniques, user education and signage have reduced concerns about potential user conflict and impacts on values. Opportunities for mountain biking exist on Aotea/Great Barrier Island and further opportunities will be provided. Aircraft are an important tool for managing public conservation lands and waters and for search and rescue, and can facilitate use and enjoyment of public conservation lands and waters by providing access to difficult-to-reach places and allowing quick access for people with limited time. However, aircraft activity – even scenic flights which do not involve landings - can have adverse effects on users of public conservation lands and waters, impacting on values like natural quiet and remoteness. Effects most often relate to the presence, behaviour and noise characteristics of aircraft and to the frequency of activity. While demand for aircraft lands is low they are discouraged to avoid adverse effects on users of public conservation land. The Conservation Act 1987 requires every aircraft operator (private or commercial) taking off from, landing on or hovering above public conservation lands and waters to have a concession. Watercraft are the main form of transport used to access much of the public conservation land in the Auckland Conservancy, including the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Commercial ferries service many of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, and these islands are also accessible by private boat. Most of the waters within the Auckland Conservancy are not public conservation waters, meaning limitations have not been placed on watercraft. Commercial ferry and charter operations are required to hold licences to use the department’s wharves in the Hauraki Gulf. Animals Animals are not permitted to be taken onto public conservation land unless it is consistent with legislation and provided for in a conservation management strategy or plan. Domestic animals and pets can have adverse effects on the natural, historical and cultural values of public conservation lands and waters and can detract from visitor appreciation and enjoyment. Potential effects include killing wildlife, introducing pest plants, browsing indigenous vegetation, increasing erosion and conflicting with other user groups. Dogs The department controls the use of dogs for recreational activities, including hunting, on public conservation lands and waters to protect both indigenous wildlife and people’s rights of use and enjoyment. The only dogs which do not require permits on public conservation land are those used for police, customs, management and search and rescues purposes, and guide or companion dogs. Dogs are not permitted on most public conservation land within the Auckland Conservancy, including: all island reserves within the Hauraki Gulf; some foreshore areas on Aotea/Great Barrier Island; the foreshore of marine reserves; foreshore areas in Auckland’s harbours and along the east coast of the Conservancy, such as Okura and Pakiri. The department has identified some areas of public conservation land in the Auckland Conservancy where it is considered dogs may be taken without compromising the values for which the land is administered, the protected wildlife and other users.


Horses In some cases, the use of animals such as horses can enhance the recreational experience of visitors. Authorisation is required to take horses and other pack animals into public conservation lands and waters. The level of horse riding use on public conservation land in the Auckland Conservancy is currently low and not causing any discernable adverse effects. Authorisations Anyone wishing to carry out a trade, occupation or business on public conservation lands and waters requires an authorisation. The most common authorisation is given as a concession under Part 3B of the Conservation Act 1987. The department aims to allow for a range of authorisations that are consistent with; relevant legislation and policy, the protection of natural resources and historical and cultural heritage, and the recreational settings and planned outcomes for specific ‘places’. Authorisations can add value to visitors’ experiences by connecting them with natural, historical and cultural heritage and providing opportunities to visit places which may not otherwise be easily accessible. Applications for authorisations for recreation and tourism activity in the Auckland conservancy have mainly been for guiding and related visitor services, particularly on the more accessible islands in the Hauraki Gulf such as Kawau, Tiritiri Matangi, Rangitoto and Aotea/Great Barrier. Several sites on the mainland also attract such applications, including Maungauika/North Head, Goat Island Bay and Taramaire/Miranda. Community groups, particularly those associated with island restoration programmes, are increasingly applying for authorisations to enable them to undertake activities such as guiding, educational activities or the development of visitors centres. Such authorisations allow for the expansion of services for visitors that might otherwise not be possible, and also help to generate additional funding for conservation activities. The monitoring of authorised activities is required, particularly for the Hauraki Gulf Islands due to the special nature of many of the islands, the increasing visitor pressure on islands, and the potential effects on the experience of other visitors to those places. Monitoring may also be required for authorised activities in areas rarely visited or managed as for remote experiences. Where authorised activity is beginning to reach, or has already reached, the environmental and/or social carrying capacity of a place, the department may limit the amount of activity that can occur in that place. Under the Crown Minerals Act 1991 the Minister of Conservation has the consenting role for all land administered by the Crown that is administered by the Department of Conservation. Marine Mammal Viewing Marine mammals are protected under Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 and the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992. Commercial activities involving marine mammals must be authorised by the Director-General. There are currently two commercial operations involving marine mammals in the Hauraki Gulf. Commercial operators are required to provide a high standard of education and interpretation. This enhances the visitor experience by building awareness and understanding of marine mammals and their conservation value. Human interaction with marine mammals can provide a unique experience, but if not managed properly it can also have adverse effects such as altering the mammal’s behaviour patterns. In the Auckland Conservancy human interaction with marine mammals is a recent activity; the long term effects are unclear, but research to date suggests that a precautionary approach should be taken. If research and monitoring of the impacts of human interactions with marine mammals shows evidence, or risk of, adverse effects management options include reducing the levels of activity, discontinuing the activity, or seeking a moratorium on the issuing of new permits. Sand and Shingle Extraction Sand and shingle extraction from riverbeds and beaches is managed and allocated by regional councils under the Resource Management Act 1991. On public conservation lands and waters, however, these activities also require authorisation from the Department. Currently, sand and shingle extraction does not occur on public conservation lands within the Auckland Conservancy. Commercial Eeling The department is responsible to protect and preserve tuna/eel within public conservation lands and waters as far as practicable. Tuna/eel have an important role to play in ecosystem functioning being the top predators in freshwater ecosystems. Commercial eeling, habitat loss and hydro development can all have potential adverse effects on tuna/eels. Long-finned eels are now categorised as a threatened species in ‘Gradual decline’ (Hitchmough et al 2005).


The Ministry of Fisheries manages commercial eeling under the Fisheries Act 1996, the Fisheries (Commercial Fishing) Regulations 2001 and other associated regulations. Commercial eel fishers require a concession to access public conservation lands and/or take tuna/eels from waters whose beds are public conservation land. The commercial take of indigenous fauna such as tuna/eels from reserves administered under the Reserves Act 1971 is also subject to exceptions contained within section 50(1) of that Act. The exceptions do not apply in the Auckland Conservancy, hence commercial take of tuna/eels cannot be authorised within reserves located in the Auckland Conservancy. Within areas administered under the Conservation Act 1987 other legislative requirements can limit the ability to lawfully grant concessions for commercial eel fishing. For example, an ecological area must be “managed as to protect the [ecological] value for which the land is held”. Areas held under the Conservation Act 1987 in general are required to be managed so that their natural resources are protected, and eels are part of those natural resources where they are present. There are no current authorisations for commercial eeling within the Auckland Conservancy. Sports Fish and Game Waters on Public conservation lands are often recognised as a valuable recreational asset for anglers. Where sports fish are present they may be retained. There are few habitats suitable for trout in the Auckland Conservancy although rainbow trout have been released into several lakes including Rototoa/Lake Ototoas and are present in some catchment dams in the Hunua ranges. Recreational fishing is managed by the Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game council who issues sports fishing licences. A balance needs to be maintained between the management of sports fisheries and the management of indigenous fresh water species. The New Zealand Fish and Game Council also manages game bird hunting. The Department, however, has a responsibility to provide for game bird hunting on public conservation lands and waters where such hunting is consistent with the purposes for which the lands and waters are held and does not have adverse effects on protected indigenous species. Collection of Material Applications for the collection of material are addressed in, and must be consistent with the Conservation General Policy 2005. Policies General 1. Manage public conservation lands and waters to be compatible with the statutory purpose

for which they are held 2. Ensure the classification or statutory purpose of public conservation land and water

reflects its values. 3. Prioritise and undertake conservation management in accordance with national priority

setting tools. 4. Close access to public conservation lands and water where necessary to:

• enable the protection of natural, historical or cultural heritage; and • protect public safety (cross reference to specific legislative tools section).

Vehicles – General (CGP 9.5(b))6 5. Should permit vehicles (other than aircraft) on roads purposefully formed and

maintained for vehicle use and in car parks as identified on Map 10. Access may be restricted at any time in the following situations:

a) Health and safety risk

6 Bylaws or regulations will be required to implement restrictions relevant to management of vehicles


b) Fire risk c) Adverse effects are evident on conservation resources d) Priorities change for the maintenance of the formed road or designated vehicular track

6. Consider provision for motorised vehicles (excluding aircraft) outside of areas provided for

by Policy 5 only where it is identified at designated sites listed in Part Two: Places. 7. May permit motorised vehicles (excluding aircraft) on public conservation lands for the

construction and/or maintenance of utilities, farming operations, and restoration activities. 8. Work with other conservancies, tangata whenua, councils, other organisations and the

community to provide for designated sites for motorised vehicles (excluding aircraft). 9. Meet the requirements of the following criteria when considering the use of motorised

vehicles (excluding aircraft) on public conservation lands and waters: a) consistent with the purpose for which the land is held; b) consistent with the outcome for the ‘place’ where the road, track or site is located; c) consistent with the recreational opportunity setting; d) adverse effects on the natural, historical or cultural values are avoided, or otherwise

minimised; e) adverse effects on the safety and enjoyment of other recreational users are avoided, or

otherwise minimised; f) adverse effects on the qualities of solitude, remoteness, peace and natural quiet, where

these qualities are present are avoided, or otherwise minimised;. . 10. Work with councils and the police to manage motorised vehicle use on beaches. 11. Establish bylaws and/or regulations, where necessary, to control the use of motorised

vehicles within the Auckland Conservancy. 12. Should allow the use of non-motorised vehicles for the transportation of non-motorised

aircraft in the Moirs Hill Wildlife Management Reserve. 13. Should only permit non-motorised bicycles on the following tracks and roads listed in Part

Two: Places. a) Goldie Bush walkway (between Constable and Horseman Roads), excluding the track to

the Mokoroa Falls lookout; b) Moirs Hill walkway (northern section of Beverley Price Loop track from SH1 to

Mahurangi Road, and the section of walkway from Mahurangi Road to Moirs Hill Road). 14. Consider further opportunities for non-motorised bicycle access on designated roads and

tracks on public conservation land. 15. Meet the following criteria when considering the use of bicycles on public conservation

lands: a) Consistent with the purpose for which the land is held; b) consistent with the outcome for the ‘place’ where the road, track or site is located; c) consistent with the recreational opportunity setting; d) potential adverse effects on the natural, historical or cultural values are avoided, or

otherwise minimised; e) potential adverse effects on the safety and enjoyment of other recreational users of the

area are avoided, or otherwise minimised. Aircraft (CGP 9.5(b)) 16. Should permit aircraft landings and take-offs on public conservation lands for the construction

and/or maintenance of utilities authorised by concession. 17. Should allow aircraft landings and take-offs only on sites on public conservation lands listed in

Part Two: Places, subject to any conditions outlined in Part Two or as identified in Table 7 and Map 11.

18. Meet the following criteria when considering aircraft use on public conservation lands:

a) consistent with the outcome for the ‘place’ where the site for aircraft landings and take-


offs is located; b) consistent with the purpose for which the land is held c) consistent with the recreational opportunity setting; d) potential adverse effects on the natural, historical or cultural values are avoided, or


area are avoided, or otherwise minimised; f) effects on the qualities of solitude, remoteness, peace and natural quiet, where these

qualities are present are avoided, or otherwise minimised. 19. Give particular attention, when considering the effects of an aircraft, to the purpose of

landing, frequency of activity, behaviour and noise characteristics of the aircraft and the effects on other users.

20. Undertake a co-operative approach with air operators over-flying public conservation lands

and waters, to establish voluntary codes of conduct which reflect the recreation settings of those lands and waters.

Dogs (CGP 9.6(a)) 21. Manage dog access in accordance with already established controlled and open dog areas. 22. Inform the public of the location of controlled and open dog areas on public conservation

lands and waters. 23. Ensure that permits to take dogs into public conservation lands and waters contain conditions

that protect the values for which those lands and waters are held. 24. Educate the community about the threats dogs can pose to conservation values. 25. Work with local authorities to ensure consistency in dog control in areas containing

protected wildlife and important wildlife habitats. 26. Where a person has been so authorised to take a dog into public conservation lands that

authorisation may be subject to the following conditions: a) owners will be required to keep the dog under control at all times; b) dogs must not go into or be under public buildings including huts; and c) dogs must be currently certified by an approved bird aversion trainer.

Horses (CGP 9.6(a)) 27. Should authorise the use of horses only in the following locations or at identified sites listed

in Part Two: Places. • Miranda (Taramaire) Government Purpose Reserve (Wildlife Management); • Miranda Marginal Strip; • Okura Beach Marginal Strip; • Okura River Marginal Strip; • Pakiri Marginal Strip; • Rahuikiri Marginal Strip; • Waikato Heads Conservation Area; and

28. Meet the following criteria when considering the use of horses on public conservation

lands: a) consistent with the purpose for which the land is held; b) the potential for horses to introduce or spread new weed species into the area are

avoided, or otherwise minimised; c) the potential for horses to accelerate erosion or cause other damage to the area are

avoided, or otherwise minimised; d) potential adverse effects on the natural, historical or cultural values are avoided, or

otherwise minimised; and e) potential adverse effects on the safety and enjoyment of other recreational users of the

area are avoided, or otherwise minimised.


28. Should monitor the level of horse riding on public conservation land. If monitoring

indicates horse riding is causing adverse effects on the natural, historical and cultural values or the visitor experience, will consider management options to limit horse riding.

Other Animals (CGP 9.6(a))

29. Should not permit livestock, other than horses, on public conservation lands unless under a grazing concession.

30. Should not permit any other types of animals, including pets, on public conservation lands or waters.

Private Accommodation (CGP 10)

31. Should not authorise new private accommodation and related facilities, including encampments, on public conservation lands and waters.

32. Should only grant the renewal of authorisations for private accommodation and related facilities, including encampments, on public conservation lands and waters if:

• the existing authorisation contains a right of renewal; and • the person holding the authorisation has complied with all of the terms and

conditions of the authorisation.

33. Phase out existing private accommodation on the death of the person named on the authorisation, or within twenty years, whichever occurs first.

34. Remove unauthorised buildings from public conservation lands and waters.

Authorisations – General (CGP 11) 35. Issue authorisations in accordance with the provisions of the Conservation General Policy

2005.

36. Monitor authorised activities and their effects, including cumulative effects, on a regular and ongoing basis.

37. Establish limits for authorised opportunities where demand approaches or exceeds the environmental or social carrying capacity of a place and/or cumulative effects are becoming unacceptable and manage through an allocative process.

38. Should not grant authorisations which are inconsistent with the values set out for ‘places’ described in Part Two: Places.

39. Should generally not grant authorisations for new permanent structures for recreation and tourism, other than at those sites listed in Part Two: Places.

40. The following criteria will be used when considering new permanent structures or the adaptive reuse of existing buildings on public conservation lands and waters:

i. whether the structure could reasonably be located outside public conservation lands;

ii. whether the structure could reasonably be located in another location with less potential adverse effects;

iii. whether the structure adversely effects conservation and recreation values;

iv. whether the structure is readily available for public use; v. whether the structure is consistent with the visitor setting; vi. whether the structure enhances the visitor experience; vii. whether the activity promotes or enhances the retention of an historic

building; and viii. whether the activity is a suitable adaptive reuse of an existing building.

Sand and shingle (CGP 11.4(c))


41. Should only authorise sand and/or shingle extraction from public conservation lands and

waters where adverse effects can be avoided, remedied or mitigated. It should not be authorised from areas located on Map 12.

42. Will use the following criteria when considering sand and/or shingle extraction from public

conservation lands and waters: a) Consistent with the purpose for which the land is held; b) consistent with the desired outcome for the ‘place’ where the road, track or site is

located; c) consistent with the recreational opportunity setting; d) potential adverse effects on the natural, historical or cultural values are avoided, or


area are avoided, or otherwise minimised. Commercial eeling

43. Should not authorise commercial eeling on public conservation lands or waters, to ensure

the preservation of tuna/eel species,

44. Work cooperatively with the Ministry of Fisheries, tangata whenua and the community to protect indigenous tuna/eel populations and their habitats on public conservation lands and waters.

Marine Mammals 45. Support research into and monitoring of the impacts of human interactions with marine

mammals.

46. Take a precautionary approach to the number of commercial operators involved in marine mammal operations, including seeking a moratorium on the issuing of new permits if research and monitoring indicates that such a step is required.

47. Require commercial operators viewing marine mammals to provide a high standard of education and interpretation.

48. Review at regular intervals, and implement, a Marine Mammal Tourism Site Plan for the Hauraki Gulf which sets out desired objectives for management of the marine mammal tourism industry.

Sports Fish and Game 49. Work with the Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game Council on the management of sports

fisheries and game birds. Milestones/ Outputs 1. uhgjhgjkhukl 2. jhbjhhjk 3.


Part Four: Implementation, Monitoring, Reporting and Review

4.1 Implementation, Monitoring, Reporting and review The Department of Conservation uses many different tools to implement conservation management strategies. These include: • the department’s business planning processes, where decisions are made about priorities and about

resourcing the business activities undertaken in a conservancy • decisions on concessions and other authorisations. Monitoring implementation will assist in determining the success of the provisions of this conservation management strategy. The department reports regularly to the Auckland Conservation Board on the implementation of the conservation management strategy, and the conservation board reports annually to the New Zealand Conservation Authority. Objective 1. To report at least annually on progress in achieving the milestones of the CMS to the

Auckland Conservation Board on the implementation of the Auckland Conservation Management Strategy.

cms-model. n 49 doc This is for illustrative purposes only and includes informatiowhich should not be considered factual or accurate to Auckland

Part Five: Maps – this will be a separate volume

• Conservancy Map • Place maps • Map 3 – Recreation Opportunity Spectrum • Maps 4-8 - Prioritisation maps • Map 9 - Bicycle locations • Map 10 - Motorised vehicle access • Map 11 - Aircraft access • Map 12 - Shingle and sand extraction sites • ………


Part Six: Appendices Appendix 1: Work or activity of the Department of Conservation that meets the requirements of section 4(3) of the Resource Management Act 1991 for exemptions from land use consents Appendix 2: Appendix 3: Significant Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems and Habitats Appendix 4: Plant and Animal Pests Appendix 5: Threatened Flora and Fauna Appendix 6: Significant Marine Ecosystems Appendix 7: Significant Geological Features Appendix 8: Recreation opportunity settings in the Auckland Conservancy Appendix 9: Actively Conserved Historic Places In Auckland Conservancy Appendix 10: Reclassification options for lands within the Conservation Park Place

Part Seven: Glossary


Appendix 1

Work or activity of the Department of Conservation that meets the requirements of section 4(3) of the Resource Management Act 1991 for exemptions from land use consents7 Activity scope Management

actions Environmental impacts

Location

Tracks & roads for visitor purposes 1. Upgrade of existing

tracks and roads to meet current Departmental Service standards using current alignment.

2. Service standard upgrades of existing tracks and roads by partially or completely realigning to take advantage of better grades, terrain features or to incorporate elements of natural or historic landscape.

3. Construction of new tracks as agreed in consultation with the community.

4. Improvements to any existing track considered necessary in order to mitigate any environmental impact, health and safety concern or to provide improved access for any management purpose.

1. Track and road construction using cut to fill excavation, cut to waste excavation and levelling using hand tools, motorised equipment and machinery.

2. Excavation of batter slopes to a maximum height of 1.5 metres.

3. Vegetation removal from the full width of track corridor and discretionary removal of any vegetation beyond the track and road corridor that is considered hazardous or may adversely impact upon track components such as batter slopes, drainage or track surface materials.

4. Aggregate surfacing including placement and compaction of local and imported materials (from approved weed free sources).

5. The use of local materials in the vicinity of the asset corridor where necessary for obtaining fill/ surfacing materials.

6. Ground works of in-ground timber steps

1. Soil disturbance including disturbance of the duff layer and subsoil. Disturbance and soil compaction in fill areas.

2. Surface water runoff including modification of existing natural watercourses and control and redirection of surface water using various means such as culvert pipes, drainage sumps, cut-outs and cross boards.

3. Alterations to land contours and slopes during track construction and upgrade.

4. Removal of vegetation from track corridor and from immediately adjacent to asset corridor.

5. Disturbance of archaeological and historic features and botanicals on or in the immediate vicinity of the track or road.

EXISTING ROADS & TRACKS

Auckland Area Office: Albany Scenic Reserve track; Browns Island Scenic Reserve

(Motukorea) track; Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve

track; Goldie Bush Walkway; Henderson Valley Scenic

Reserve track; Mataitai Forest Conservation

Area tracks; Matietie Historic Reserve track; Miranda Taramaire Government

Purpose (Wildlife Management) Reserve tracks;

Motuihe Island Recreation Reserve road & tracks;

Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve – roads & tracks, Home Bay Walkway, Rotary Centennial Walkway;

Mt William Scenic Reserve track; Mt William Walkway; North Head Historic Reserve

(Maungauika) roads & tracks; Okura Walkway; Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve

roads & tracks; Stony Batter Historic Reserve

roads & tracks; Stony Batter Walkway; Te Henga Walkway; Vining Walkway.

Great Barrier Area Office: Bush’s Beach Recreation

Reserve track; Fitzroy Bay Landing Recreation

Reserve – Akapoua campsite road;

Great Barrier Forest Conservation Area roads & tracks;

Harataonga Recreation Reserve – road & Loop track;

Harataonga Walkway;

7 This table is for the purpose of meeting requirements for enabling section 4(3) RMA exemptions. It does not exclude the need to meet all department requirements for assessment of effects. Advice from the relevant territorial authority is required to determine whether a land use consent under the RMA is required. The application of this exemption is the decision of the territorial authority. This table does not imply the facilities included in these lists will be managed in perpetuity.


Activity scope Management actions

Environmental impacts

Location

including formation and levelling, drainage and timber construction.

7. Construction of drainage and redirection of surface water from track surface to existing natural contours using various means such as culvert pipes, drainage sumps, cut-outs and cross boards.

8. Road re-formation and widening to provide safe 2 vehicle access and road stability to the required standards. Drainage improvement to prevent erosion and deterioration of the road surface and structure and provide safe vehicle access.

9. Historic heritage features associated with the track or road maintained to ensure they are not adversely impacted.

Hirakimata Swamp Ecological Area tracks;

Okiwi Recreation Reserve tracks;

SS Wairarapa Graves Walkway & route;

Te Paparahi Conservation Area – Burrill’s route

Wairahi Forest Sanctuary tracks.

Warkworth Area Office: Leigh Scenic Reserve – Omaha

Cove walk; Dome Walkway; Goat Island Bay Walkway; Kawau Island Historic Reserve

roads & tracks; Rangitahua/Raoul Island,

Kermadec Islands Nature Reserve roads & tracks;

Leigh Recreation Reserve beach access tracks;

Logues Bush Scenic Reserve tracks;

Mt Auckland Walkway; Motuora Island Recreation

Reserve tracks; Moturekareka Island Scenic

Reserve tracks; Tiritiri Matangi Island Scientific

Reserve roads & tracks; Waihunga Moirs Hill Scenic

Reserve tracks.

PROPOSED FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Auckland Area Office: Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve

– extension to track system; Motuihe Island Recreation

Reserve – Eastern Bays Loop track;

Stony Batter Historic Reserve - Nature walk.

Great Barrier Area Office: Fitzroy Landing Area Recreation

Reserve/Great Barrier Forest Conservation Area/Okiwi Recreation Reserve/Whangapoua Conservation Area – track from Old Lady track to Whangapoua Estuary;

Great Barrier Forest Conservation Area/Okiwi Recreation Reserve – Te Paeroa track;

Harataonga Recreation Reserve – Overton Beach track, Rangiwahia track;

Te Paparahi Conservation Area – Rangiwhakaea Bay route.

Warkworth Area Office: Atuanui Scenic Reserve – Link

track, Nature Loop walk; Lake Ototoa Scenic

Reserve/Ototoa Conservation Area – track;




Location

Leigh Recreation Reserve – Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve Lookout track;

Okura Estuary Scenic Reserve – Ridge Loop track.

Structures8 & buildings for visitor purposes 1. Upgrade existing

structures and buildings to meet Departmental Service standard to meet visitor group requirements such as minimum access width and safety barrier heights as specified within SNZ 8630:2004.

2. Scheduled ‘like for like’ (substantially similar structures and buildings built on the same footprint or within the immediate vicinity) replacement of existing structures and buildings as these reach the end of their projected / economic life.

3. Construction of new structures and buildings required to meet service standards for existing tracks, roads, amenity areas and campgrounds.

4. Construction of new structures and buildings as a component of development work for new tracks, roads, amenity areas and campgrounds.

5. Improvements to any existing structure and building considered necessary in order to mitigate any environmental impact, health and safety concern or to provide improved access for any management purpose.

1. Preparatory site works such as vegetation removal, formation and levelling of structures and buildings footprint, and excavation of piles and footings.

2. Works associated with water reticulation and sewage containment / treatment.

3. Construction of drainage and redirection of surface water from structure and building footprint to existing natural contours using various means such as culvert pipes, drainage sumps and cut-outs.

4. Construction of structures and buildings such as bridges, boardwalks, stairs, handrails, safety barriers, viewing platforms, huts, shelters, toilets and ladders in accordance with requirements of SNZ 8630:2004 for the relevant visitor group.

5. Historic heritage features associated with the structure or building maintained to ensure that their integrity is not adversely impacted.


2. Surface water runoff including modification of existing natural watercourses and control and redirection of surface water using various means such as culvert pipes and drainage sumps.

3. Alterations to land contours and slopes during structure and building construction.

4. Removal of vegetation from structure and building footprint and from immediately around.

5. Aesthetic impact and altered sight-lines from man made structures in natural areas.

6. Disturbance of archaeological and historic features, including historic botanicals, and aesthetic impact on historic landscapes.

EXISTING STRUCTURES & BUILDINGS

Auckland Area Office: Albany Scenic Reserve track; Awhitu Conservation Area; Browns Island Recreation

Reserve (Motukorea) landing & track;

Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve; Goldie Bush Walkway; Mataitai Forest Conservation

Area amenity area & tracks; Miranda Taramaire Government

Purpose (Wildlife Management) Reserve wildlife viewing platform;

Motuihe Island Recreation Reserve – campsite, farmland & roads, HMNZS Tamaki/quarantine station site, wharf;

Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve – roads & tracks, Motutapu Walkway; battery site; Home Bay campsite & day use area; Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp; US Naval magazine sites.

Mt William Scenic Reserve track; Mt William Walkway; North Head Historic Reserve

(Maungauika); Okura Bush Walkway; Plows Road Conservation Area; Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve

– roads & tracks, controlled mine base, Islington Bay wharf & Rangitoto wharf amenity areas, summit boardwalk, summit viewpoint & picnic area, Yankee wharf;

Stony Batter Historic Reserve gun emplacements;

Stony Batter Walkway; Te Henga Walkway; Vining Walkway; Wiri Lava Cave Scientific

Reserve.

Great Barrier Area Office: Awana Stream Recreation

Reserve – Awana campsite; Burgess Island Scenic Reserve

(Pokohinu) wharf; Bush’s Beach Recreation

Reserve picnic area & track; Fitzroy Bay Landing Recreation

Reserve – road & tracks, Akapoua campsite, pontoon;

8 Structures for visitor purposes include viewing platforms, steps/stairs, boardwalks, bridges, handrails, safety fences, stiles, signage etc.




Location

Harataonga Coastal Walkway; Harataonga Recreation Reserve

campsite; Great Barrier Forest

Conservation Area – roads & tracks, Kaiaraara hut, Kiwiriki Bay picnic area, The Green campsite, Kaiaraara Bay seawall;

Hirakimata Swamp Ecological Area tracks;

Okiwi Recreation Reserve – Whangapoua campsite;

Oruawharo Creek Recreation Reserve – Medlands campsite;

SS Wairarapa Graves Walkway; Te Paparahi Conservation Area –

Miners Head historic site.

Warkworth Area Office: Atuanui Scenic Reserve carpark; Dome Forest Walkway; Goat Island Bay Walkway; Kawau Island Historic Reserve,

Smeltinghouse Historic Reserve, Stony Hill Recreation Reserve – roads & tracks, Mansion House valley, Smelting house;

Rangitahua/Raoul Island, Kermadec Islands Nature Reserve roads & tracks;

Lake Ototoa Scenic Reserve/Ototoa Conservation Area public toilet;

Leigh Recreation Reserve road end;

Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve (Hauturu) roads & tracks;

Logues Bush Scenic Reserve tracks;

Moirs Hill Walkway; Motuora Island Recreation

Reserve tracks & campsite; Moturekareka Island Scenic

Reserve; Motutara Island Scenic Reserve; Mt Auckland Walkway; Tiritiri Matangi Island Scientific

Reserve – tracks, Hobbs Beach anchorage, lighthouse picnic area, wharf amenity area;

Waihunga Moirs Hill Scenic Reserve track;

Wairere Scenic Reserve track.


Auckland Area Office: Motutapu Island Recreation

Reserve – Home Bay; Motuihe Island Recreation

Reserve.

Great Barrier Area Office: Great Barrier Forest

Conservation Area – Forest Road;

Great Barrier Forest Conservation Area/Hirakimata




Location

Kaitoke Swamp Ecological Area – Mt Heale;

Harataonga Recreation Reserve – Waipapa Bay;

Port Fitzroy Landing Reserve.

Warkworth Area Office: Kawau Island Historic Reserve; Leigh Recreation Reserve; Motuora Island Recreation

Reserve; Tiritiri Matangi Island Scientific

Reserve. Campsites & amenities for visitor purposes 1. Upgrade existing

campsites and amenities to meet Departmental Service standard to meet visitor group requirements for campgrounds and amenity areas as specified within SNZ 8630:2004 and any other applicable service standard.

2. Scheduled ‘like for like’ (substantially similar campsites and amenities built on the same footprint or within the immediate vicinity) replacement of existing campground and amenity assets as these reach the end of their projected / economic life.

3. Construction of new campgrounds and amenities required to meet service standards for existing campgrounds and amenity areas.

4. Construction of new assets such as structures and buildings as a component of development work for new campgrounds and amenity areas.

5. Improvements to any existing asset or establishment of new assets considered necessary in order to manage, meet regulatory requirements, and

1. Preparatory site works such as vegetation removal, formation and levelling of campground and amenity footprint, and excavation of piles and footings.

2. Works associated with water reticulation and sewage containment / treatment including effluent dispersal fields and in-ground waste tanks

3. Construction of drainage and redirection of surface water from building and structural campground and amenity footprint to existing natural contours using various means such as culvert pipes, drainage sumps and cut-outs.

4. Construction of campgrounds and amenities such as bridges, boardwalks, stairs, handrails, safety barriers, shelters, toilets, showers and ladders in accordance with requirements of SNZ 8630:2004 and any other applicable service standard for the visitor group.

5. Historic heritage features and botanicals associated with the campsite or amenity maintained to ensure that they are


2. Surface water runoff including modification of existing natural watercourses and control and redirection of surface water using various means such as culvert pipes and drainage sumps. Fill materials not normally found on the site may be imported (such as scoria).

3. Alterations to land contours and slopes during campsite and amenity construction.

4. Removal of vegetation from asset footprint and from immediately around campground and amenity.


6. Noise from increased usage of campground and amenity sites.

7. Increased water take for operation of campground campsite and amenities.

8. Disturbance of archaeological and historic features

EXISTING

Auckland Area Office: Motuihe Island Recreation

Reserve campsite; Motutapu Island Recreation

Reserve – Home Bay campsite.

Great Barrier Area Office: Awana Stream Recreation

Reserve – Awana campsite; Fitzroy Landing Area Recreation

Reserve – Akapoua campsite; Great Barrier Forest

Conservation Area – The Green campsite;

Harataonga Recreation Reserve – Harataonga campsite;

Okiwi Recreation Reserve – Whangapoua campsite;

Oruawharo Creek Recreation Reserve – Medlands campsite.

Warkworth Area Office: Motuora Island Recreation

Reserve campsite.


Auckland Area Office: Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve

– Boulder Bay campsite.

Great Barrier Area Office: Great Barrier Forest

Conservation Area – Kiwiriki campsite;

Te Paparahi Conservation Area – Miners Cove campsite, Rangiwhakaea Bay campsite.




Location

mitigate any environmental impact, health and safety concern or to provide improved access for any management purpose.

not adversely impacted.

and botanicals on or in the immediate vicinity of the campsite or amenity.

Historic assets – remedial work & maintenance 1. Maintenance of

historic places to DoC service standards and ICOMOS and NZHPT standards & guidelines.

2. Maintenance and improvement to tracks allowing public access to heritage places.

3. Construction of new assets to support, improve, interpret or improve access to historic places.

4. Stabilisation of condition of historic assets by conservation treatments and land stabilising, e.g. construction of retaining walls.

1. Vegetation management, maintenance and improvement of tracks to and around historic places, maintenance of drainage channels, dealing with safety issues including barrier construction, installation of interpretative panels.

2. Repairs and conservation treatments as scheduled to concrete, masonry, timber and earthwork structures.

3. Timber seawall construction to protect midden site, Opoutere.

4. Historic heritage features associated the historic asset, including historic botanicals, maintained to ensure that they are not adversely impacted.

1. Minor soil disturbance of the duff layer and subsoil. Disturbance and soil compaction in fill areas.

2. Surface water runoff including modification of existing natural watercourses and control and redirection of surface water using various means such as culvert pipes and drainage sumps.

3. Removal of vegetation from assets and immediately around assets.


5. Disturbance of archaeological and historic features and botanicals on or in the immediate vicinity during the construction of new assets or track improvements.

Auckland Area Office: Browns Island Recreation

Reserve (Motukorea) archaeological landscape;

Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve; Motuihe Island Recreation

Reserve quarantine station/ HMNZS Tamaki site;

Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve – archaeological landscape, farm settlement sites, military installations, Reid homestead;

North Head Historic Reserve (Maungauika);

Plows Road Conservation Area manganese mining complex;

Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve – Gardeners Gap bach #108 & boatshed; Islington Bay bach community; Islington Bay community hall, tennis court & public toilets; Islington Bay public shelter & wharf abutment; Mackenzie Bay bach community; military installations; Rangitoto wharf bach community; Rangitoto wharf promenade, swimming pool, changing sheds & stone arch;

St Johns Redoubt Historic Reserve;

Stony Batter Historic Reserve coastal defence complex;

Te Matuku Bay Cemetery Reserve.

Great Barrier Area Office: Burgess Island Scenic Reserve

(Pokohinu) historic remains; Great Barrier Forest

Conservation Area – Kaiaraara Bay seawall & bakery site, Kaiaraara driving dams, Oreville stamping battery site, Tramline track, Whangaparapara sawmill site & steam engine remains, Windy Canyon log hauler & track.

Harataonga Recreation Reserve – Harataonga Bay homestead & graves, Harataonga Loop track pa;

Hirakimata/Kaitoke Swamp Ecological Area Tramline track;

Onepoto Historic Reserve SS Wairarapa graves;

Te Paparahi Conservation Area




Location

Miners Head copper mine complex.

Warkworth Area Office: Burton Wells Scenic Reserve; Casnell Island Scenic Reserve

pa; Little Barrier Island Nature

Reserve (Hauturu) archaeological landscape;

Kawau Island Historic Reserve/Smeltinghouse Historic Reserve/School House Bay Recreation Reserve – archaeological landscape, coppermine enginehouse and boiler, coppermine smelting works, Mansion House Valley complex, School House Bay historic cemetery, Sir George Grey Coach Road, Two House Bay estate manager’s cottage;

Moturekareka Scenic Reserve; Motutara Scenic Reserve; Rangitahua/Raoul Island,

Kermadec Islands Nature Reserve – archaeological landscape, road & tracks, meteorological station;

Sadler Point Conservation Area pa;

Karaka Point Marginal Strip Taupo pa;

Ti Point Scenic Reserve pa; Tiritiri Matangi Island Scientific

Reserve – archaeological landscape, lighthouse complex;

Waihunga Moirs Hill Scenic Reserve farm settlement;

Whangateau Harbour Marginal Strip.

Signs 1. Erect signage on or

within close proximity to public conservation land for the purpose of providing information to the public.

2. Erect signage on and off public conservation land for the purpose of informing people about fire lighting restrictions.

1. Works associated with the erection of signage.

1. Aesthetic impact from man made structures in natural areas.

2. Removal of vegetation from sign footprint and from immediately around sign.

All public conservation land within the Auckland Conservancy.

Other land within 1 kilometre of public conservation land for fire purposes or where permission has been given by the landowner.

Biodiversity tracks, roads & structures (including staff accommodation 1. Refer to ‘Activity

scope’ for: ‘Tracks & roads for visitor purposes’, ‘Structures & buildings for visitor purposes’ and ‘Campsites & amenities for visitor purposes’.

1. Refer to ‘Management actions’ for Tracks & roads for visitor purposes’, ‘Structures & buildings for visitor purposes’ and ‘Campsites & amenities for visitor

1. Refer to ‘Environmental impacts’ for Tracks & roads for visitor purposes’, ‘Structures & buildings for visitor purposes’ and ‘Campsites & amenities for visitor

All public conservation land in the Auckland Conservancy where biodiversity programmes are being undertaken.

Other land not managed by the department where permission has been given by the landowner.




Location

purposes’.

NB: Not all visitor standards noted above will apply to biodiversity tracks, roads & structures (including staff accommodation). In some cases a lesser standard may apply.

purposes’.

Other biodiversity related activities 1. Erection of fences

on public conservation land and its boundaries.

2. Habitat enhancement.

3. Pest control and/or eradication.

1. Vegetation removal to provide clear lines for fences, animal pest operations and general access required to undertake conservation related activities.

2. Earthworks & vegetation clearance associated with habitat enhancement i.e. pond/ drain creation or re-alignment.

3. Discharge of pellet bait, including by aerial application, for the purposes of controlling or eradicating mammalian pests.

1. Vegetation removal.

2. Soil disturbance, including disturbance of the duff layer and subsoil.

3. Contamination of soil by poison contained within pellet bait,

4. Death and likely eradication of target mammalian pests; possible death of non-target species.



For pest control/eradication: All islands containing public

conservation land, Other land on islands not

managed by the department where permission has been given by the landowner.

Hazardous goods 1. Use, transportation,

storage & disposal of hazardous substances.

1. Storage, transport & application of hazardous substances including but not limited to flammable liquids, pesticides and herbicides.

1. Will comply with all relevant legislative requirements.




APPENDIX 3:

Appendices 3-7 will hopefully have a web link which can provide more up to date information on these tables over the life the CMS – for information purposes.

KEY ECOSYSTEMS AND HABITATS WITHIN THE AUCKLAND CONSERVANCY9 Ecosystem/habitat type

Significant values

Pressures/Threats Administrative status

Responses

Volcanic and Geothermal lands Volcanic field containing basalt and scoria cones, and lava flows.

On the Auckland isthmus, remnant areas of distinctive shrubland vegetation around streams and gullies

Weeds, fire, disease and disturbance.

Most areas not public conservation land. Those that are include: Rangitoto Island; Motokorea/Browns Island Pokohinu/Mokohinu Kermedec Islands ALmorah, Ann’s Creek and Wiri on the mainland.

Rivers, streams and lakes Numerous small water bodies

Native fish Water quality, barriers to fish passage, pest fish.

Most not public conservation lands and waters, those that include streams on Mototapu and Lake ….

Wetlands

Dunelands

Coastal Cliffs

Indigenous vegetation

ISLANDS OVER 1HA ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION IN THE AUCKLAND CONSERVANCY

9 Adapted from Arnold, A. (ed.) 2004: Shining a spotlight on the biodiversity of New Zealand’s marine ecology: Experts workshop on marine biodiversity, 27-28 May 2003, Wellington, New Zealand. WWF-New Zealand, Wellington.

Comment [m2]: Have asked NHMS people for a standard list for everyone to work from.


Island Administrative status Island classification

Mammalian pests

Issues

Aotea/Great Barrier* Various Ship rats, kiore/ Pacific rats, mice, pigs, rabbits, feral cats

Hauturu/Little Barrier Nature Reserve Mammalian pest free

Kawau* Various Ships rats, kiore/ Pacific rats, mice, possums, wallabies, feral cats, stoats

Kermadec Islands Cheeseman Curtis Haszard L’Esperance Macauley North Chanter North Meyer Rangitahua/Raoul South Meyer Small islets

Nature Reserve Nature Reserve Nature Reserve Nature Reserve Nature Reserve Nature Reserve Nature Reserve Nature Reserve Nature Reserve Nature Reserve

Mammalian pest free

Kohatutara Scenic Reserve Mice Motu Hawere/Goat Scientific Reserve Ship rats Motuihe Recreation Reserve Mammalian pest

free

Motukorea/Browns Recreation Reserve Mammalian pest free

Motuora Recreation Reserve Mammalian pest free

Moturekareka Recreation Reserve Mice Moturemu Scenic Reserve Mammalian pest

free

Motutapu Recreation Reserve Norway rats, ship rats, mice, hedgehogs, stoats, feral cats, rabbits

Motutara Scenic Reserve Mice Pokohinu/Mokohinau Islands Arch Rock Atihau/Trig Hokoromea Lizard Motukino/Fanal Motuharakeke/Flax Pokohinu/Burgess* Motupapa Small islets Stack H Tatapihi/Groper

Nature reserve Nature reserve Nature reserve Nature reserve Nature reserve Nature reserve Scenic reserve Nature reserve Nature reserve Nature reserve Nature reserve

Mammalian pest free

Rakino* Various Mammalian pest free

Rakitu/Arid Scenic Reserve Rats Rangitoto Scenic Reserve Norway rats,

ship rats, mice, hedgehogs, stoats, feral cats, rabbits

Taungamaro/Beehive Recreation Reserve Mammalian pest free

Te Hapua/Saddle Scenic Reserve Mammalian pest free

Tiritiri Matangi Scientific Reserve Mammalian pest free

Waiheke* Various Ship rats,


Island Administrative status Island classification

Mammalian pests

Issues

Norway rats, mice, stoats, goats, pigs, feral cats

* Indicates island is not wholly administered by the Department of Conservation


Appendix 4

Pests Present in the Auckland Conservancy Animal Pests Common and Scientific Name

Distribution Pressures/ threats

Response Priority Places for action

Birds – Rainbow lorikeet

Freshwater fish – koi carp, mosquito fish

Invertebrates – Argentine ants, wasps (Asian paper wasp, common wasp, German wasp, Australian paper wasp)

Mammalian pests – deer (fallow, red, sika), feral cats, feral goats, hedgehogs, mustelids (ferrets, stoats, weasels), feral pigs, possums, rodents (kiore (Pacific rat), Norway rat, ship rat, mouse), wallabies (brush-tailed, dama (tammar), rock, swamp (black-tailed), parma)

Reptiles – red-eared slider turtles

Plant Common and Scientific Name

Distribution Impact Management Priority Places for action

wild ginger, moth plant, tradescantia

Garden dumpings

pampas grass and marram grass

Dunelands and beaches

boneseed, boxthorn and Madeira vine

Coastal cliffs and rocky shores

hornwort, Mexican devil, grey willow and royal fern

Freshwater wetlands, streams rivers and lakes

rhamnus and woolly nightshade

Volcanic and geothermal lands

asparagus species and wilding pines

Indigenous shrublands

spartina and tall fescue

Harbours and estuarine


wetlands


Appendix 5

Threatened Flora and Fauna Present in the Auckland Conservancy Flora

Common and scientific name Threat Status10 NHMS Optimisation ranking

Fauna

Common and scientific name Threat Status11 NHMS Optimisation ranking

10 threat status may change over time……refer to re-evaluation process…. 11 threat status may change over time……refer to re-evaluation process….


Appendix 6

Marine Habitats and Ecosystems in the Auckland Conservancy 12 Ecosystem/habitat type Significant values Pressures/threats Protected Areas Biogenic reefs Elevated structures on the seabed constructed of living and dead organisms including sponge gardens, rhodolith (calcareous red algae), green-lipped mussel and dog cockle beds.

Hauraki Gulf estuaries and West Coast harbours Hauraki Gulf estuaries are typically large, shallow areas. West Coast harbours are characterised by large tidal estuaries

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park; Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve

Kelp forests Kelp species are typically found attached to rocks in open coastal waters.

Mangroves estuaries and sheltered coastal areas, with trees growing between mid-tide and high spring tide levels

Motumanawa (Pollen Island ) Marine Reserve

Rocky reefs between 30-50m deep around rocky headlands and offshore islands on the east coast.

Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve

Rock walls vertical or have a high gradient, and are typically subject to moderate or strong currents.

Seagrass predominantly found in intertidal areas on estuarine sandflats, also in shallow subtidal estuarine areas and on open coastal intertidal platform reefs.

Motumanawa (Pollen Island ) Marine Reserve

Soft sediment refugia remnant areas of shelf slope sediments, typically undisturbed and not fished due to their proximity to rocky outcrops canyons or prohibited areas.

Subtropical marine habitats huge depth range, including seamounts hosting unique species populations

unique species Kermadec Islands Marine Reserve

12 Adapted from Arnold, A. (ed.) 2004: Shining a spotlight on the biodiversity of New Zealand’s marine ecology: Experts workshop on marine biodiversity, 27-28 May 2003, Wellington, New Zealand. WWF-New Zealand, Wellington.


Appendix 7

Significant Geological Features and Landforms In the Auckland Conservancy – note this list should also include reference to places not on public conservation lands Feature Significance Pressure/threats Protected Areas Awhitu and South Kaipara penninsulars

Huge deposits of coastal sand dune. Pakanui contains the largest example of intact dune systems in New Zealand.

Erosion from vehicles and other uses Some dunes contain wähi tapu

Pakanui Stewardship Area

Pakiri dunes Eastern Aotea/Great Barrier Dunes

Whatipu sand flats Beach ridges of the Miranda Chenier Plains

marking changes in sea level over 4000 years.

Shell and gravel quarrying

Gravel Ridges at Whakatiwai

Shell spits at the mouth of the Weiti River

Internationally significant - Mark changes in sea level over 10 000 years

Volcanic features features of the young Auckland Basaltic field including the icon land form of rangitoto

Rangitoto; Maungauika/North Head; Browns Island; Wiri lava Cave;

Submarine canyons at Maori, Colins, Bartrum and Powell Bays

Ancient canyons containing rare deep water fossils and the best example of submarine pillow lava in NZ.

cms-model. r 67doc This is for illustrative purposes only and includes information which should not be considered factual oaccurate to Auckland

Appendix 8

Prescriptions for management of Recreation Opportunity Settings13 Icon destinations ROS setting Leigh Marine Reserve North Head Frontcountry Rangitoto Summit Track and short walks

Tiritirimatangi Island Gateway Destinations Kauri and Coast Trail Kawau Island Historic Reserve Home Bay (Motutapu) Tracks on Rangitoto Local Gems

13 This table may require some amendments to align with the destination management framework. It is included for illustrative purposes only.


Setting Urban Rural Front Country Back Country: Accessible

and Walk-in Remote

General description

Areas inside or on the periphery of urban areas.

Typically includes an historic or cultural site.

Remnant native forest, wetlands, marine reserves and historic or cultural sites in areas dominated by farmland and plantation forest.

Where the majority of visitation occurs, typically small areas, scattered within or on the periphery of large relatively natural areas.

Includes the vicinity of main ‘scenic’ roads passing through public conservation lands.

Often focused on a particular attraction.

Large scale natural settings generally accessed first through Front Country.

Includes popular walks and tramps set within the body of large scale natural settings, and/or that access other settings.

Catchments beyond the Back Country zone, forming the wild lands in the interior of large protected areas, with basic low-use tracks, marked routes and huts.

Accessibility Enabled for people of most ages and abilities.

Typically via sealed and unsealed roads, and in some cases by boat.

Enabled for people of most ages or abilities.

Readily accessible areas, usually via sealed roads or scheduled ferry or air services.

Mostly by car but some sites also tour buses and guided parties.

Enabled for people of most ages and abilities.

People will have travelled some distance to reach these settings.

Back Country Accessible focuses on gravel roads, 4WD tracks, navigable waters and aircraft landing sites.

Motorised ground access generally restricted to designated tracks.

Back Country Walk-in is focused beyond the influence of motorised access.

Typically five or more hours travel from Front Country.

Access supported by aircraft in some areas.

Predominant visitor groups

Short Stop Travellers and Day Visitors.

Short Stop Travellers, Day Visitors and Over-nighters.

Predominantly Short Stop Travellers, Day Visitors and Over-nighters.

Other visitors in transition to Back Country and Remote settings.

Predominantly Back Country Comfort Seekers and Back Country Adventurers.

Back Country Adventurers and Remoteness Seekers.

Facility setting High standard footpaths, cycleways and modified landscapes.

High degree of control via information and direction signs, and barriers.

Short walks, campgrounds and picnic areas, for a range of ages and abilities.

High degree of control via information and direction signs, and barriers.

Good quality facilities, service and easy access.

Sometimes the origin for tramping tracks and routes, with signs and information to make this transition clear.

High degree of control via

A range of facility standards, including any vehicle tracks, and popular walks and tramping tracks.

Evidence of control limited to essential directional signs and

Basic huts, bridges, low-use tracks and marked routes.

Evidence of control is limited to essential signs.


information and direction signs, and barriers.

barriers on Great Walks and where there are significant hazards.

Desired visitor experience and interactions

Varying, from activities with large groups, time with small groups/ families, some time away from other groups, and solitude in some cases.

Generally some time away from other groups, and in some cases, solitude.

Occasional encounters with organised groups.

Generally accepting of occasional intrusion of noise.

Reasonable expectation of isolation from sights, sounds and activities of other people.

Interaction with few other groups.

Considerable self-reliance on back country skills.

Preferred maximum party size

What is socially appropriate.

Conforming concessions schedule – 15.

50. Conforming concessions

schedule – 15.

15, 50 for periodic tour bus

parties. Conforming concessions

schedule – 15.

15. 8.

Typical visitor interaction levels

What is socially appropriate.

20 or less people seen per hour.

30 or less people seen per visit duration.

15 or less people seen per day for Back Country Adventurer tracks.

40 or less people seen per day for Back Country Comfort Seeker tracks.

10 or less people seen per day.

Concessions operations

Concessionaire activity may be permitted in all these recreation opportunity settings, subject to conditions to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects, including compliance with criteria within this table. The outcomes, objectives and policies for Part 2: Places apply.

Concessionaire client activities should not be advantaged or disadvantaged compared with those for non-concessionaire visitors, unless there is a specified reason for different management. The outcomes, objectives and policies for Part 2: Places apply.

Concessions effects management

Avoid, remedy or mitigate effects by setting conditions. Avoid or mitigate effects. Concessions activity to be indistinguishable from other approved activities.

Aircraft management

Aircraft access for visitor use purpose should not be approved other than in accordance with section 1.6.2 Vehicles (including aircraft), and Part 2: Places.


Appendix 9

Actively Conserved Historic Places in the Auckland Conservancy SITE MANAGEMENT RESPONSE/DMF OPTIMISATION Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve North Head Historic Reserve (Maungauika) Plows Road manganese mining complex St Johns Redoubt Historic Reserve Motukorea/Browns archaeological landscape Motuihe quarantine station/HMNZS Tamaki site Motutapu – archaeological landscape Motutapu – farm settlement sites Motutapu – Reid homestead Motutapu/Rangitoto military installations Rangitoto – Gardiners Gap bach #108 & boatshed Rangitoto – Islington Bay community hall, tennis court & pubic toilets

Rangitoto – Islington Bay public shelter & wharf abutment

Rangitoto – Islington Bay bach community Rangitoto – Mackenzie Bay bach community Rangitoto – Rangitoto Wharf bach community Rangitoto – Rangitoto Wharf promenade (swimming pool, changing sheds & stone arch)

Waiheke – Stony Batter coastal defence complex Waiheke – Te Matuku Bay cemetery Harataonga Bay homestead & graves Harataonga loop track pa (T8/2) Kaiaraara Bay seawall & bakery site Kaiaraara driving dams Miners Head copper mine complex Pokohinu/Burgess Island historic remains Oreville stamping battery site SS Wairarapa graves Tramline track Whangaparapara sawmill site & steam engine remains Windy Canyon track log hauler Burton Wells Scenic Reserve Casnell Island pa Hauturu/Little Barrier Island archaeological landscape Kawau Island – Mansion House valley complex (including house, chattels, gardens & jetty)

Kawau Island – archaeological landscape Kawau Island – coppermine enginehouse & boiler Kawau Island – coppermine smelting works Kawau Island – School House Bay historic cemetery Kawau Island – Sir George Grey Coach Road Kawau Island – Two House Bay estate manager’s cottage Mahurangi River Historic Reserve Moir’s Hill farm settlement Moturekareka & Motutara Scenic Reserves Rangitahua/Raoul Island – archaeological landscape Rangitahua/Raoul Island – Boat Cove Road/Denham Bay/Bells Ravine tracks

Rangitahua/Raoul Island – meteorological station Sadler Point pa Taupo pa Ti Point pa Tiritiri Matangi Island – archaeological landscape Tiritiri Matangi Island – lighthouse complex


SITE MANAGEMENT RESPONSE/DMF OPTIMISATION Whangateau Marginal Strip


Appendix 10

Extent of potential land additions to conservation & forest parks Conservation or Forest Park

Associated catchments and/or ranges

Craigieburn Conservation areas within the Craigieburn Range and the Wilberforce River catchment, north of Coleridge Pass and Porter River.

Lake Sumner See Place 2.7 Lake Sumner Forest Park and Lewis Pass National Scenic Reserve.

Hanmer Conservation areas within the Hanmer Range.

Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands Conservation areas within and adjoining the Big Ben and Torlesse

Ranges, and bounded by Coleridge Pass and Porter River to the north, the Waimakariri River to the east, and farmland to the west and south.

Ahuriri Within Canterbury conservancy, conservation areas within the Ahuriri River catchment.

Ruataniwha Conservation areas within the Hopkins and Dobson River catchments and the Ben Ohau Range.

Hakatere Conservation areas within the upper Rangitata, Ashburton and Rakaia River catchments, between the Rangitata/Havelock and the Rakaia Rivers, but excluding the Adams Wilderness Area.

Oteake Within Canterbury conservancy, conservation areas within the Otematata River catchment and its surrounding ranges of the Hawkdun, Ewe, Ida, St Bathans and St Marys.

Te Kahui Kaupeka [proposed] Conservation areas within the Two Thumb, Ben McLeod, Sinclair

and Sibbald Ranges [potentially also Godley River bed, and Hall and Gammack Ranges – see Place 2.1 Aoraki/Mount Cook and Arthur’s Pass National Parks].


VOLUME II: Public Conservation Land Inventory Conservation Unit NO.

Name of site Legal * status

Area Legal description Description

12345 Tiritirimatangi Scientific Reserve

??? ??? Refer to section ???

678910 Somewhere else

Conservation Area

??? ??? Remnant lowland podocarp forest with significant animal and plant pest invasion. Pigs eradicated, goats controlled. No visitor facilities.

mock-up cms - partially based on auckland · mock-up cms - this is for illustrative purposes only...

Documents