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9/11/10 - Approved Mock-up CMS - Partially based on Auckland 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
Mock-up CMS - This is for illustrative purposes only and includes
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information which should not be considered factual or accurate to
Auckland.
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 Auckland Conservancy ........................................................................................................................ 8
1.1.1 Vision for Auckland - 2050 ............................................................................................................ 8
1.1.2 Distinctive Features, Values and Issues of the Auckland Conservancy.......................................... 9
1.1.3 Auckland Conservancy by 2020 ................................................................................................... 14
1.2 Treaty of Waitangi Responsibilities .................................................................................................. 19
Part Two Places ............................................................................................................................................ 21
2.1 RANGITOTO and MOTUTAPU ISLAND............................................................................................ 22
2.2 Tiritiri Matangi ....................................................................................................................................... 25
2.3 AOTEA/GREAT BARRIER ISLAND ............................................................................................. 28
2.4 National Park Place ........................................................................................................................... 31
2.5 Conservation Park Place .................................................................................................................... 32
PART 3................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Specific Policy Requirements for Auckland......................................................................................................... 41
Part Four: Implementation, Monitoring, Reporting and Review ........................................................................ 48
4.1 Implementation, Monitoring, Reporting and review ......................................................................... 48
Part Five: Maps – this will be a separate volume ................................................................................................. 49
Part Six: Appendices ............................................................................................................................................ 50
Part Seven: Glossary........................................................................................................................................ 50
VOLUME II: Public Conservation Land Inventory ............................................................................................. 73
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Auckland.
Foreword
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Auckland.
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.
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Auckland.CMS Natural History Recreation Engagement Business
SECTION Heritage Opportunities
Part 1 Conservancy Vision
Distinctive Page xx Page xx Page xx Page xx Page xx
Features,
Values and
Issues of the
Auckland
Conservancy
Auckland Page xx Page xx Page xx Page xx Page xx
Conservancy
by 2020
(includes
objectives)
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.
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Auckland.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)
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Auckland.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.
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Auckland.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
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Auckland.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
25
20
15
remaining ecosystem type
proportion proteced
threatened species
10
5
0
Coastal Forest Lava Forest Broad Leaf/Kauri Forest Wetlands Dunelands
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.
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Auckland.Map 1 and Map 2
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Auckland.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.
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Auckland.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.
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Auckland.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 Comment [m1]: These maps
conservation outcomes identified by the Department. (in development) will demonstrate
the outcomes from DMF and
The Diversity of our Natural Heritage is Maintained and Restored NHMS optimisation programmes
throughout the country.
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,
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Auckland.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.
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Auckland.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.
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Auckland.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
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Auckland.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.
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Auckland.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.
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Auckland.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.
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Auckland.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
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Auckland.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.
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