HE RAUTAKI Ā-ROHE HEI NGAKI TIPUA OROTĀ Have your say on the Regional Pest Management Plan review

Transcription

1 BC5063 HE RAUTAKI Ā-ROHE HEI NGAKI TIPUA OROTĀ Have your say on the Regional Pest Management Plan review Auckland Council provides leadership for pest management in the Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland region under the Biosecurity Act In accordance with this Act, the council produces the Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP). The RPMP is intended to assist and facilitate the regional community to control the pests which have adverse effects on the things Aucklanders value. Have your say to help create the world s most liveable city. Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz consultation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz For more information, phone

2 HE RAUTAKI Ā-ROHE HEI NGAKI TIPUA OROTĀ Have your say on the Regional Pest Management Plan review Auckland s Regional Pest Management Plan was last reviewed in A lot has changed since then, both in terms of the pests themselves and changes to the Biosecurity Act. Auckland Council is now reviewing the existing RPMP and producing a new plan to align with the recent National Policy Direction for Pest Management The review will: provide a statutory and strategic framework for the effective and efficient management of pests in Auckland bring the RPMP up to date with changes in pest species and issues since 2007 to ensure that the RPMP addresses and complies with the council s functions, powers and duties under the reformed legislation. Auckland Council has prepared a discussion document (available at shapeauckland.co.nz) which provides more detailed information about the review. This summary outlines the key issues and provides various ways for you to have your say. Auckland Council is seeking comment on these issues or any other pest management matters you may wish to raise. Your feedback will help shape the pest management objectives and programmes for Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland for the next 10 years. 1 Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan review summary consultation

3 TUKU KORERO Ō WHAKAARO Have your say on pest management in Auckland Please visit shapeauckland.co.nz to read the full discussion document for the Regional Pest Management Plan review before providing feedback. You can provide feedback online, or you can complete this form and return it as outlined below: The council welcomes your comments on the issues covered in this discussion document and any other pest management issues you would like to raise. You may wish to suggest: new species for inclusion and how they should be managed; existing pests to be removed from the plan; changes to existing management programmes and rules; particular areas where specific controls are required. Ngā pātai general questions Your name and feedback will be public documents. All other personal details will remain private. Contact details: Full name: or street address: I am giving feedback: As an individual on behalf of an organisation Name of organisation: Simply scan your completed form and to: pestplanreview@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz In person: Drop off at your local library, service centre or local board office By post: Place your completed form in an envelope and send to freepost address: Regional Pest Management Plan, Auckland Council, Freepost Authority , Private Bag , Auckland 1142 You can also view the discussion document at your local library, service centre or local board; and online at shapeauckland.co.nz Or request a copy by calling Ka mutu tēnei kōrerorero a te Paraire 27 o Whiringa-ā-rangi this consultation closes on Friday 27 November The council will consider all the comments received as it prepares a new regional pest management plan. All the pest management programmes in the new plan will be subject to the cost benefit analysis required by the Biosecurity Act The new plan will be notified for public submissions in Council will have another period of consultation and then make decisions on any submissions received. Submitters will have the opportunity to appeal those decisions to the Environment Court. Once any appeals are resolved, or if no appeals are lodged, the new plan will come into effect. The following information is optional: Are you? Male Female I prefer not to say What age group do you belong to? Under I prefer not to say Which of the following best describes your ethnicity? Please select all that apply: Māori Pākehā / New Zealand European Pacific Asian African/Middle Eastern/Latin American Other (please specify) I prefer not to say Your Local Board: Yes, I want to receive the Shape Auckland newsletter from Auckland Council. Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan review summary consultation 2

4 TUKU KORERO Ō WHAKAARO Have your say on pest management in Auckland Ngā kawenga o Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Council s role in pest management: Q1: What should Auckland Council s role be in pest management? Ngā take tupu kīrearea Pest plant issues: Q2: What plant species should be added or removed from the regional pest management plan? Q3: How should the council manage pest plant species? Ngā take kīrehe kīrearea Pest animal issues Q4: What animal species should be added or removed from the regional pest management plan? Q5: How should council manage pest animal species? 3 Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan review summary consultation

5 TUKU KORERO Ō WHAKAARO Have your say on pest management in Auckland Whakahaere kīrearea i Tikapa Moana/Te Moananui ā Toi me ngā kīrearea waitai Pest management in the Hauraki Gulf and marine Q6: How should the special nature of Tikapa Moana/Te Moananui ā Toi - the Hauraki Gulf be reflected in the new regional pest management plan? Q7: How might the issue of marine pests be addressed? Whakahaere ngā take kīrearea the future of community pest control Q8: How can the council best continue to support pest management community groups? Q9: Do you have any additional comments on pest management in the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland region? If you have any additional comments please write them overleaf. Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan review summary consultation 4

6 TUKU KORERO Ō WHAKAARO Have your say on pest management in Auckland Comments Need more room? You can attach extra pages, but please make sure they are A4, and also include your name and contact information. Ngā korero muna important privacy information All personal information that you provide in this feedback will be held and protected by Auckland Council in accordance with our privacy policy (available at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/privacy and at our libraries and service centres) and with the Privacy Act Our privacy policy explains how we may use and share your personal information in relation to any interaction you have with the council, and how you can access and correct that information. We recommend you familiarise yourself with this policy. 5 Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan review summary consultation

7 HE AHA TE WHAKAHAERE KĪREAREA? What is pest management? Pests are invasive plants, animals, insects or marine species that can have adverse effects on our culture, environment, economy and health. Controlling pests in the region helps to protect native plants, animals and ecosystems. Pest management protects wāhi tapu, culturally and archeologically significant sites. It also contributes to the amenity of our environment, and to maintaining the oranga (health and wellbeing) of communities. The productivity of the primary sector (farming, forestry, horticulture, fishing and aquaculture) relies on effective pest control. Everyone benefits from pest management and all have a part to play. Pests do not respect property, rohe or regional boundaries so a coordinated effort is required for their effective management. HE AHA NGĀ MEA NUI? What are the key issues? The review of the RPMP is an opportunity to address the future management of the key pest species. Key aspects are outlined below. 1. TAKE TUPU OROTĀ pest plant issues Auckland s current Regional Pest Management Plan lists over 200 pest plant species in four management programme categories. A further 28 plants are included in the research programme. The review will assess whether any plant species should be added or removed from this list. Ngā mea nui key issues: Bangalow palm A popular garden plant, bangalow palm poses a threat to our native nīkau palm a taonga found only in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Bangalow palms are likely to become even more invasive with the increasing temperatures associated with climate change. Bangalow palm is a research organism in the current RPMP. It needs to be decided whether the bangalow palm should now be managed as a pest plant in the new plan, which could involve banning its sale, distribution and propagation. Whakahaere ngā tupu kīrearea hira managing widespread weeds Widespread and common weeds like moth plant, woolly nightshade and wild ginger have adverse impacts on our environment and are highly visible. Managing widespread weeds is often difficult, costly and can be of limited benefit. In the current regional pest management plan most widespread weeds are subject to a surveillance pest management programme. The decision needs to be made whether to include these plants in the reviewed plan, what the objectives would be, and which pest management programme should apply. For example these weeds could be subject to a sustained control programme across the region with stronger rules enforced in some areas. 2. TAKE KARAREHE OROTĀ Pest animal issues Our current regional pest management plan lists 39 pest animals, including mammals, insects, birds, reptiles and freshwater fish. A further 10 species are included in the research programme. The council is seeking feedback on potential changes to the management of two pest animals in particular: Red-eared slider turtles These are kept as pets, but are often abandoned in the wild because they live a long time and grow quite large. They can degrade the mauri of wai māori by eating native plants and animals, disturbing sediment and affecting other ecosystem processes. The turtles can also carry salmonella, which poses a health risk to humans, especially to children. With increasing temperatures, it is anticipated that their eggs could successfully incubate and hatch. The decision needs to be made on how to control the keeping, breeding, distribution and sale of red-eared slider turtles in the region to reduce the risk of populations establishing in the wild. Nanenane kīrearea feral goats Feral goats are one of the most destructive animals in native and plantation forests, and they are widespread throughout the region. In the current plan, goats are considered a pest unless held in secure confinement. In addition, the council controls feral goats in and around areas of significant ecological value such as the Hunua and Waitākere ranges. To complement the council s current control activities, the new RPMP could include goat permit zones for buffer areas around the Waitākere and Hunua ranges, and throughout the Hauraki Gulf islands to reduce the likelihood of escapes. Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan review summary consultation 6

8 3. WHAKAHAERE KĪREAREA I TIKAPA MOANA/TE MOANANUI Ā TOI Pest management in the Hauraki Gulf The islands of Tikapa Moana/Te Moananui ā Toi the Hauraki Gulf are a special area, a sanctuary for many of our threatened native species, including birds, lizards, insects and plants. There is extra protection in place for the Gulf in the current RPMP to reflect the importance of the area. Auckland Council also supports community pest management and ecological restoration projects in the Gulf. The council and the Department of Conservation (DOC) respond to new incursions of pests to keep these islands pest free. The review of the RPMP is a chance to address how the biological, cultural and social diversity of the Hauraki Gulf islands should be reflected in the new regional pest management plan, and what plants and animals should or shouldn t be considered pests in the Gulf. In addition, how could the new plan best support pest management on inhabited islands? 4. TIPUA TAIMOANA OROTĀ Marine pests The current RPMP does not include any programmes for marine pests. However, awareness of marine biosecurity roles and issues has developed substantially since the current plan was produced in Marine pests are seen as a particular issue for the Hauraki Gulf as well as a potential issue for the Manukau and Kaipara harbours. The review of the RPMP includes the issue of marine pests; whether they should be included in the new RPMP on a strategic or species level, and if so, how they should be managed. 5. NGĀ MAHI NGAKI TIPUA Ā-HAPORI Ā MURI AKE NEI The future of community pest control Auckland Council assists community groups undertaking pest control by providing technical advice and resources such as traps, herbicides and bait. The council also facilitates communication among communities through the Pest Liaison Group. The new RPMP could state that the council will continue to provide this support as part of its strategic regional leadership function. The review of the RPMP is a chance to decide how pest management by community groups can continue to be supported, and whether the new plan should provide for site-led programmes for community groups. NGĀ TŪNGA ME NGĀ KAWENGA ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Individuals Most pest management is carried out by individuals on land they own or occupy, from farmers controlling rabbits, to city-dwellers trimming their privet hedge. Auckland Council staff support people to carry out pest management by providing advice on what species should be controlled, and how best to do this. Māori Mana whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland have an important and unique role as kaitiaki of their rohe (region). Kaitiaki are involved in a diverse range of pest management activities in conjunction with the council, including monitoring of wai māori, kauri dieback disease, and the health of te ngahere as part of animal pest control. In some situations, mana whenua and the council undertake pest management together as part of formal partnership and co-management agreements. Mana whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau have increasing economic interests and ownership of primary production assets such as forestry, fishing and farming. These assets and resources are important for social and economic well-being and require protection from pests. Community organisations Around 800 community groups undertake pest management across Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland. Their efforts cover over 85,000ha and range from a single trap line in an urban park to large-scale conservation projects. For instance, community pest control at Ark in the Park has enabled the re-introduction of kokako, pōpokatea and toutouwai. Council supports community pest control through provision of traps, advice and training. Industry Pest management is a core activity for primary industry, from farmers controlling ragwort on their own land, to sector-wide management of the kiwifruit disease Psa-V. Council supports industry with advice on pest control and can help facilitate any regional pest or pathway management plans industry may want to produce. If these additions cause space issues we can remove or reduce the table of content table of contents could be reduced or removed. Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland Council Auckland Council has regional leadership and regulatory obligations for pest management under the Biosecurity Act The council is also responsible for pest control as a landowner. In carrying out these activities the council is committed to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi and broader legal obligations to Māori. The council s regional leadership functions include: promoting public support for pest management facilitating communication and cooperation among those involved in pest management providing education and technical support for pest control facilitating research on pests and control methods facilitating the development of regional pest management plans by others. 7 Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan review summary consultation