5 July 2013 minutes - Department of Conservation
5 July 2013 minutes - Department of Conservation
5 July 2013 minutes - Department of Conservation
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Minutes <strong>of</strong> the West Coast Tai Poutini <strong>Conservation</strong> Board<br />
133rd Meeting, 5 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2013</strong>, Order <strong>of</strong> St John, Hokitika 9.00am<br />
Present:<br />
Stewart Robertson (Chairperson)<br />
Dr Clare Backes<br />
Doug Baker<br />
K Hutana (10.45am-1pm)<br />
Dr Mike Legge<br />
Terry Scott<br />
Kim Thomas<br />
In Attendance:<br />
Chris Hickford (Community Support Manager)<br />
Mary-Anne Thorpe (Board Support Officer)<br />
*Judi Brennan (Permissions/SLM Manager)<br />
* Di Clendon (Permissions Team Leader)<br />
*Ron Hazeldine (SLM Advisor)<br />
*Don Neale (Technical Advisor, Marine)<br />
* Denotes partial attendance<br />
S Robertson welcomed Board members to the meeting in Hokitika.<br />
Board stood for a minute silence to acknowledge the passing away <strong>of</strong> Les Wright.<br />
He was a valued Board member and served from February 2006 – <strong>July</strong> 2010<br />
K Thomas said a karakia.<br />
The meeting was adjourned at 10.30am for morning tea and reconvened at<br />
10.45am. Lunch was taken between 12.15pm and 1.00pm. The Board continued<br />
into the afternoon without a break. The meeting concluded at 3.20pm.<br />
1.0 Apologies<br />
Apologies were received from Board members J Jones, P Sheridan and<br />
Conservator M Slater.<br />
“Moved that apologies be sustained.”<br />
K Thomas/M Legge<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
2.0 Agenda Confirmation, Timetable and Declarations <strong>of</strong><br />
Conflict <strong>of</strong> Interest<br />
K Thomas declared a conflict <strong>of</strong> interest on any matters with regard to the<br />
Escarpment Mine.<br />
S Robertson referred to a potential conflict <strong>of</strong> interest relating to membership <strong>of</strong><br />
Forest & Bird and agenda item 5.1. It was decided to address this within item 5.1<br />
should it be deemed appropriate.<br />
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Letter from P Lawless re Buller Coal Plateaux – inviting the Board to attend<br />
multiparty talks – discuss under 8.0.<br />
Frida Inta asked Board to consider her letter on Old Ghost Road and Disposals –<br />
refer 9.4<br />
M Legge asked for the following items to be added to the agenda: PlanBlue,<br />
Marine Reserves, <strong>Conservation</strong> Inc., Statement <strong>of</strong> Intent – refer 9.5<br />
Chairperson advised that at 9.30am J Brennan, D Clendon and R Hazeldine from<br />
the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> (DOC) would join the meeting and would give<br />
an overview on the <strong>Department</strong>s work in the Permissions/SLM area. At 10am D<br />
Neale (DOC) would join the meeting and give a presentation on Marine Place.<br />
3.0 Confirmation <strong>of</strong> Minutes from 3 May <strong>2013</strong> meeting<br />
Confirmation <strong>of</strong> the unconfirmed <strong>minutes</strong>.<br />
Resolved:<br />
‘That the <strong>minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> the meeting <strong>of</strong> 3 May <strong>2013</strong>, having been previously circulated<br />
to the full Board, be confirmed as a true and accurate record <strong>of</strong> the meeting,<br />
subject to any corrections.’<br />
T Scott/D Baker<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
Note: That once confirmed, <strong>minutes</strong> are posted on the Board’s webpage.<br />
4.0 Matters Arising<br />
4.1 Follow-up on actions from previous meeting<br />
Draft report to decision maker – C Hickford had raised this with Permissions/<br />
SLM Manager J Brennan. BSO to arrange meeting M Legge and J Brennan to<br />
sort out processes and get clarity on board triggers.<br />
Action: BSO<br />
Resolution:<br />
“Moved that the following be ratified: letter to Bathurst re Denniston Plateau<br />
multiparty talks; letter to West Coast Regional Council re Otumahana Estuary<br />
clearance; letter to C Trouson re campervan levy; letter to Minister <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Conservation</strong> re meeting in Nelson, letter to DOC West Coast re lack <strong>of</strong><br />
consultation on Escarpment Mine Access Arrangement Report; letter to NZCA re<br />
lack <strong>of</strong> Board consultation re Buller Coal Escarpment Mine; letter to NZCA re<br />
conservation board in new DOC structure.”<br />
C Backes/D Baker<br />
Carried<br />
K Thomas abstained<br />
4.1.2 Board received a reply from the West Coast Regional Council regarding<br />
the Otumahana estuary. H Macbeth brought this matter to the Boards attention<br />
at 3 May meeting, and should be advised <strong>of</strong> the outcome. Action: S Robertson<br />
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4.1.8 NZCA response received 4 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2013</strong>, which answered three <strong>of</strong> the Boards<br />
letters. NZCA cannot do anything further re the non-consultation on Escarpment<br />
Mine. The National Park issue – suggested new legislation may help, Agenda<br />
item 8.2.1 Transfer <strong>of</strong> Land into National Parks 6 (h).<br />
While SLM Advisor was present Board were able to discuss further and were told<br />
that Crown Minerals Act overrides the <strong>Conservation</strong> Act. C Backes said it was<br />
important to get the land parcels into national park as soon as possible – Board<br />
advice given on this back in November 2011. Board had been told that the priority<br />
was on the Treaty Settlement work. Board asked for NZCA to follow up so can be<br />
formalised.<br />
T Scott said a legislation change was required in Minerals Act. C Backes stressed<br />
the need for clarification.<br />
4.1.9 Westpower – Waitaha Hydro - nothing further to report. Board Support<br />
Officer to make contact with Westpower re any further developments.<br />
Action: BSO<br />
5.0 Chairperson’s Report<br />
S Robertson spoke on Les Wright’s death. Several members attended funeral. Les<br />
was a significant member <strong>of</strong> Board, always gave good advice. Through Les’ work,<br />
the West Coast story was better recorded on a historic level.<br />
J Jones had advised <strong>of</strong> her appointment by the Environmental Protection<br />
Authority to be on their list <strong>of</strong> Exclusive Economic Zone Decision Makers. T<br />
Scott advised he had been appointed by Ngai Tahu to the Species Recovery<br />
Group looking at whio. Both were to be congratulated.<br />
Busy two months, meeting with Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> in Nelson re<br />
Escarpment Mine, - Westland National Park Management Plan meetings. Thanks<br />
to C Backes and D Baker for staying with Board until Minister has appointed new<br />
members. Thanks to M Legge for taking <strong>of</strong> the role <strong>of</strong> Chair for the Concessions<br />
Committee.<br />
5.1 Report on meeting with Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> and related<br />
developments<br />
The visit with the Minister was at short notice, in Nelson on 21 May. Four<br />
members attended. Board was informed <strong>of</strong> the Minister’s decision on the access<br />
arrangement for the Escarpment Mine. There was no consultation involved.<br />
Minister’s decision was to be embargoed until 23 May when press release issued.<br />
M Legge indicated that the Minister spoke <strong>of</strong> a less attractive compensation<br />
package if a quick decision were not made - as a result <strong>of</strong> the change in<br />
legislation. Board were also able to discuss other issues, marine reserves etc.<br />
S Robertson’s paper 5.1 was discussed and all agreed was well documented.<br />
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Motion:<br />
“That the paper entitled ‘Escarpment Mine Access Arrangement process and the<br />
related <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Report to the Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong>’,<br />
author Stewart Robertson, dated 24.06.13, accurately represents the views <strong>of</strong> the<br />
West Coast Tai Poutini <strong>Conservation</strong> Board at 5 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2013</strong>.”<br />
M Legge/T Scott<br />
Carried<br />
K Thomas abstained<br />
Board then discussed letter received from Forest & Bird which referred to a<br />
possible judicial review <strong>of</strong> the Minister’s decision to grant an access arrangement<br />
for the Escarpment Mine on the Denniston Plateau. Forest & Bird asked the Board<br />
to consider whether it would be prepared to provide an affidavit in support <strong>of</strong><br />
their application.<br />
S Robertson felt his meeting paper (5.1) had answered all Forest & Bird questions<br />
except point 2.5 in the letter which required speculation rather than statement <strong>of</strong><br />
fact. T Scott asked if the Board might be required to go to a court hearing. S<br />
Robertson indicated that this was a possibility should a judicial review be sought.<br />
It was considered that the information required for the judicial review was already<br />
in the public domain, and the Board paper answered most <strong>of</strong> the enquiries in the<br />
letter. Board shouldn’t have to go any further - Board would reply to Forest & Bird<br />
and send copy <strong>of</strong> S Robertson’s paper.<br />
Action: S Robertson<br />
6.0 Correspondence<br />
6.1 Correspondence Schedule<br />
Resolved:<br />
“That the inwards correspondence is received and the outwards approved.”<br />
S Robertson/D Baker<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
7.0 Statutory Planning<br />
7.1 M Legge told Board members he spoke with the Minister on the<br />
<strong>Conservation</strong> Services Programme process, observers etc. He covered as much as<br />
possible in the time given.<br />
Resolved:<br />
“That the submission to <strong>Conservation</strong> Services Programme Draft Annual Plan<br />
<strong>2013</strong>/14 be ratified.”<br />
K Thomas/D Baker<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
7.2 <strong>Conservation</strong> Management Strategy (CMS) Reporting<br />
C Hickford said that J Jones, J Lyall and C Hickford hadn’t yet been able to set<br />
up a meeting regarding the CMS reporting. He said the new DOC structure will<br />
be in place 2 September and the content <strong>of</strong> CMS reporting will then be<br />
undertaken by different groups in the organisation although no detail on this has<br />
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been finalised as yet. Chris suggested the CMS report could be delivered using<br />
the existing format for this year once staff were in the necessary roles. DOC and<br />
Board need to agree on reporting.<br />
M Legge said the new system can’t work until the old system had been analysed.<br />
Board considered whether they should continue with CMS reporting until more<br />
was known about the DOC structure and Boards generally. M Legge answered<br />
yes, Board need to do ground work and perceive implementation on CMS. The<br />
reporting is done annually so it can feed into the DOC business plan.<br />
The 19 September CMS workshop will be a good opportunity in invite staff in<br />
their new roles, to come to workshop and work in with the Board to develop future<br />
reporting requirements.<br />
M Legge was prepared to analyse previous CMS reporting and also look at the<br />
flowcharts developed from CMS workshop last September. He would work with C<br />
Hickford and J Jones to develop a draft.<br />
Action: M Legge/BSO<br />
Draft CMS for Canterbury, Otago and Southland have just been released but<br />
didn’t say much on reporting.<br />
In Committee<br />
“The Board resolved to move into committee for Agenda item 7.3 Westland<br />
National Park Management Plan Partial Review progress.”<br />
C Backes/M Legge<br />
Carried<br />
“The Board resolved to move out <strong>of</strong> ‘committee’.”<br />
K Thomas/C Backes<br />
Carried<br />
8.0 <strong>Conservation</strong> Advice<br />
M Legge went through and gave a brief background about each concession.<br />
C Backes asked that the whole concessions committee view draft reply on any<br />
advice, before letter sent to DOC.<br />
Timeframes were very tight in which Board advice was required by DOC, but they<br />
will turn over as best they can.<br />
Resolution:<br />
“That the following letters to DOC West Coast be ratified: bach application<br />
Barber; guiding concession White Heron Sanctuary Tours; easement Inchbonnie<br />
hydro scheme; easement Okarito Community Association. Also letter to B Reay<br />
re fishing concession with DOC be ratified.”<br />
K Thomas/D Baker<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
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The intention to grant an easement for widening and use <strong>of</strong> Whareatea Road,<br />
Denniston Plateau by Buller Coal Limited has been publicly notified with<br />
submissions closing 16 August <strong>2013</strong>. Board decided they would make a<br />
submission. M Legge requested a copy <strong>of</strong> previous submission to review before<br />
he drafted a new submission.<br />
Action: BSO/M Legge<br />
Multiparty talks<br />
Discussion took place on receipt <strong>of</strong> letter from P Lawless inviting the Board to<br />
have a representative at the proceedings. The Board would have to agree to the<br />
same terms <strong>of</strong> confidentiality that the other parties have agreed to. S Robertson<br />
said he was keen to keep the Board in the loop. The confidentiality clause was<br />
discussed. Can disclose the information to the Board ‘in committee’, but not to<br />
the public. Any party can withdraw at any time.<br />
S Robertson asked about changing land classification from stewardship to<br />
ecological area. C Hickford said this would require public notification.<br />
Motion:<br />
“That the Board join the multi party talks re the potential reserve on the Buller<br />
Coal Plateaux.”<br />
M Legge/D Baker<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
How many representatives on the group? M Legge stated Board should accept<br />
invitation and he wished to nominate Chair as representative. A reply to P<br />
Lawless accepting invite for Board to attend meetings and ask whether Board<br />
could have nominees for sub-committees. A list <strong>of</strong> meeting dates and locations<br />
would be useful.<br />
Action: S Robertson<br />
Motion:<br />
“Moved that Chair S Robertson, be Board representative and attend the multi<br />
party talks re the potential reserve on the Buller Coal Plateaux.”<br />
M Legge/T Scott<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
Permissions/SLM<br />
S Robertson welcomed DOC staff J Brennan, D Clendon and R Hazeldine to the<br />
meeting<br />
Concessions/Mining<br />
J Brennan acknowledged this was a good opportunity to meet the Board<br />
members. She told the Board that mining applications would soon be moving<br />
into the Permissions database. They will then be able to run reports on mining<br />
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activities/ issues over the Coast. The database will be able to generate a report<br />
similar to that <strong>of</strong> the fortnightly concessions report the Board currently receives.<br />
M Legge asked J Brennan if it would be possible to have a document to show how<br />
the concessions process is managed. He can then help make Board function<br />
better when receiving concessions application for Board advice. i.e. one document<br />
incorporating triggers, mining and concessions, timelines, concession SOPs, draft<br />
concessions reports, what raise the triggers – how they function.<br />
D Clendon said that where possible draft reports are provided, but due to SOP<br />
strict timelines not always possible. She explained the early assessment phase,<br />
and report has to be drafted after first 20 days. DOC only gets 40 days from<br />
receiving the application to finalising.<br />
S Robertson noted timeline was very short for Board to consider applications and<br />
asked for a bit more time. J Brennan said they will try and facilitate this.<br />
Statutory Land Management<br />
M Legge thanked R Hazeldine for providing the advice on land status definitions.<br />
It is very useful document to show how the land sits. A copy will be added to<br />
Induction Kit for new Board members.<br />
S Robertson asked if there was a hierarchy in status, in which Ron answered that<br />
land under National Parks Act has the highest protection, e.g. limiting to what<br />
activities can be done in a Park.<br />
S Robertson referred to Denniston protection, and changes in land status. How<br />
would you change status and to what; an ecological area, scenic reserve or nature<br />
reserve. C Backes suggested Board concentrate on National Park because they<br />
know it has the best protection. She asked Ron to clarify amenity areas, and he<br />
told Board amenity areas are provided for the public to enjoy, to give access to,<br />
while still protected any historical or ecological values. He said consideration <strong>of</strong><br />
values <strong>of</strong> the land <strong>of</strong>ten falls back to status because it is easier to understand.<br />
T Scott was concerned about the attitude – if any wealth is detected in an area,<br />
let’s do something about it. Wealth is best left as it is. Needs to be restored as<br />
well as possible. He would like a legislative act to cover this.<br />
R Hazeldine will review the letter from NZCA and discuss with Board.<br />
Chair thanked everyone for attending and asked if J Brennan could attend future<br />
Hokitika meetings for ½ hour to keep Board informed <strong>of</strong> Permissions generally. J<br />
Brennan said that either D Clendon or herself would attend.<br />
8.2 Land exchanges, disposals, revocations etc<br />
The Board noted that in the Permissions/SLM report, the proposed exchange in<br />
Okarito. The landowner had agreed to exchange land for two crown sections.<br />
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They had initially requested four sections. The <strong>Department</strong> was preparing a<br />
submission for the decision maker’s consideration. The Board would like more<br />
information about the exchange.<br />
Action: BSO<br />
Resolution:<br />
“That letter to NZCA re transfer <strong>of</strong> land into National Parks be ratified.”<br />
M Legge/D Baker<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
9.0 General Business<br />
No public attended the public forum.<br />
9.2 Public requests for Minutes – unconfirmed, confirmed<br />
Unconfirmed <strong>minutes</strong> will not be sent out to the public. They will only be<br />
distributed internally i.e. Board and <strong>Department</strong>.<br />
9.3 Franz Josef Visitor Centre and I-Site - Expressions <strong>of</strong> Interest<br />
Area Manager Franz subsequently has clarified that expressions <strong>of</strong> interest were<br />
for another site for the Visitor Centre/I-Site. Existing building has significant<br />
engineering problems and location issues.<br />
9.4 Old Ghost Road - where does the risk assessment responsibility lie?<br />
Area Manager B Dickson provided information which was very useful. C<br />
Hickford said that with mountain biking, warning information on hazards and<br />
other measures were in place. As landowner, responsibility ultimately falls back<br />
on DOC but permittees and concessionaires are required to manage risks as part<br />
<strong>of</strong> their agreements, e.g. through safety plans.<br />
A letter from F Inta asked why the Wangapeka Track was not used for the<br />
cycleway instead <strong>of</strong> the Old Ghost Road. It will be suggested she write to the<br />
Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust for a reply.<br />
Action: S Robertson<br />
F Inta also asked Board about a possible disposal <strong>of</strong> the Seddonville Tramway<br />
Reserve. Board understand it will be publicly notified if it is to be disposed <strong>of</strong> in<br />
the future.<br />
9.5 Marine Place<br />
Don Neale gave an informative PowerPoint presentation on Marine Place. He<br />
separated into four categories.<br />
Marine protection – mountain to ocean<br />
Don spoke on how the work <strong>of</strong> the West Coast Marine Forum had benefitted the<br />
Coast with the five new proposed marine reserves, which are expected to be<br />
gazetted later this year. While it took almost seven years to go through, the forum<br />
went through a good robust process. Three <strong>of</strong> these reserves are among the<br />
largest in mainland New Zealand, i.e. Kahurangi, Punakaiki and Waiau Glacier<br />
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Coast. Along with the two others (Tauparikaka and Hautai), they represent the<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> coastal marine ecosystems on the West Coast.<br />
Marine wildlife – mammals<br />
The West Coast is the major stronghold for Hector’s dolphin in New Zealand.<br />
The set-net ban in place since 2009 to reduce Hector’s dolphin bycatch appears to<br />
working. Fur seal monitoring since 1991, shows declining pup production on<br />
West Coast colonies. Queen’s Birthday saw four dead whales washed up on West<br />
Coast beaches. Sperm whale jaw bones are usually taken out, following DOC-<br />
Ngai Tahu protocols. Whales are usually buried or left on the beach after cultural<br />
or scientific samples are taken. There is a strong traditional interest in sperm<br />
whales.<br />
Estuarine systems<br />
DOC is starting a national estuaries project to improve the conservation <strong>of</strong><br />
estuaries, which are valuable habitats <strong>of</strong>ten under pressure from land<br />
development around their margins and catchments. Programmes are run on<br />
estuaries by local communities, e.g. Karamea Estuary Enhancement Group and<br />
Cobden Island.<br />
Marine education and individual action<br />
Education plays an important role in learning how we can protect ecosystems e.g.<br />
school trips to the rocky shores. A good example <strong>of</strong> education putting<br />
conservation into action is DOC Hokitika’s recent work alongside the local<br />
supermarket to reduce plastic bag usage. This was aimed at making school<br />
children aware <strong>of</strong> the harm plastics do to the sea and environment.<br />
C Backes asked about the pH <strong>of</strong> the sea. Don wasn’t sure about the pH but said<br />
that ocean acidification caused by the global increase in CO2 could eventually<br />
cause the failure <strong>of</strong> calcium-dependant (e.g. shell-forming) species and the<br />
collapse <strong>of</strong> marine ecosystems.<br />
M Legge asked Don about the proposed new marine reserves. He wondered<br />
whether once signed <strong>of</strong>f, there would be any future extensions. Don thought this<br />
was unlikely in the foreseeable future. A review <strong>of</strong> the Marine Reserves Act and<br />
Marine Protected Area programmes in other less protected marine regions are<br />
likely to be higher priorities for the <strong>Department</strong>.<br />
M Legge asked D Neale about the structure for PlanBlue. Don replied that the<br />
structure was still evolving. PlanBlue is a NHMS equivalent in marine<br />
conservation. M Legge asked whether the Board should get involved, to which<br />
Don replied there was no consultation process for PlanBlue, but likely<br />
opportunities for input into conservation proposals arising from it (e.g. marine<br />
protected area processes).<br />
M Legge also asked Don what was happening with the Hectors/Maui Dolphin<br />
Management Plans? Don said the focus for conservation and research is<br />
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presently on Maui’s Dolphin (the critically endangered North Island subspecies).<br />
A re-survey <strong>of</strong> the South Island east coast population has recently been<br />
undertaken and is being planned for West Coast.<br />
M Legge said that fisheries observer coverage was poor on the West Coast. D<br />
Neale noted that observer coverage is primarily the responsibility <strong>of</strong> the Ministry<br />
for Primary Industries. Work is being done to improve NZ’s inshore observer<br />
programme, and the observer programme for <strong>of</strong>fshore fisheries (e.g. the West<br />
Coast hoki fishery) is also continuing.<br />
S Robertson thanked Don for coming along and stressed it was important to give<br />
marine issues a higher pr<strong>of</strong>ile.<br />
9.6 Statement <strong>of</strong> Intent <strong>2013</strong> – 2017<br />
M Legge asked about the Statement <strong>of</strong> Intent <strong>2013</strong>-17. C Hickford said there was a<br />
rolling overlap in these documents.<br />
9.7 <strong>Conservation</strong> Inc. Conference<br />
M Legge notified the Board about <strong>Conservation</strong> Inc. conference which would be<br />
held 18/19 October <strong>2013</strong> in Dunedin. It will be run by DOC Dunedin and Yellow-<br />
Eyed Penguin Trust. The conference <strong>of</strong>fers a formative opportunity to explore the<br />
nature <strong>of</strong> the changes in train and the challenges facing citizen-initiated<br />
conservation.<br />
Resolved:<br />
“That M Legge represents the Board and attends the conference in Dunedin.”<br />
T Scott/S Robertson<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
Any costs associated with Mike’s attendance at conference will come from Board<br />
budget, i.e. registration $195, accommodation, fuel.<br />
Mike told the Board that he had the opportunity to give a presentation. All<br />
members were keen for him to do so. With 80% <strong>of</strong> mining in New Zealand on the<br />
West Coast, mining issues, complexities are different from other Boards/<br />
Conservancies. The West Coast has a lot <strong>of</strong> non classified land.<br />
Members to provide Mike with any ideas so he can put together a finalised<br />
presentation.<br />
Minerals West Coast Forum is being held on 17/18 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2013</strong> at Shantytown,<br />
Greymouth, with registration available on the Minerals WC Website.<br />
Resolved:<br />
“That S Robertson could attend the Minerals West Coast Conference in<br />
Greymouth 17/18 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2013</strong>.”<br />
M Legge/T Scott<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
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10.0 Statutory Advocacy<br />
S Robertson spoke to his report and referred to his planning table. He advised<br />
Board <strong>of</strong> items that had reached conclusion and should now be removed from<br />
table. Planning Matters for period –<br />
Page 3 Freshwater Reforms <strong>2013</strong> and Beyond, submission receipt acknowledged.<br />
Westland District Council notification <strong>of</strong> Resource Consent by Westland District<br />
Property Group did not meet Board triggers.<br />
11.0 Information to be noted<br />
11.1 Conservator’s Report<br />
Page 12 – Rowi and Haast Tokoeka 2012/13 BNZ Operation Nest Egg Summary<br />
very well received.<br />
11.2 Conservancy Planning Update<br />
Otumahana estuary channelisation was well documented. Review <strong>of</strong> the West<br />
Coast Coastal Plan will eventually be publicly notified by West Coast Regional<br />
Council.<br />
11.3 Permissions Update – Mining/Concessions/SLM<br />
Will talk through any issues when Permissions/SLM Manager is present at next<br />
meeting.<br />
Recommendation:<br />
“That the above reports be taken as read and issues discussed.”<br />
S Robertson/M Legge<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
12.0 Liaison<br />
12.1 Public Forum<br />
No public wished to address the Board.<br />
12.2 Liaison Reports<br />
Otago <strong>Conservation</strong> Board – M Legge spoke with previous Chair Abbey Smith.<br />
The Board had stability issues. They were disappointed no marine reserves were<br />
proposed in the region. Tenure review took up a bulk <strong>of</strong> their time. The Board<br />
have a huge amount <strong>of</strong> concerns regarding what’s happening with the DOC<br />
restructure, combined Regions, travel time and Board appointments.<br />
Stockton Community Consultative Group – K Thomas was unable to attend<br />
meeting 26 June <strong>2013</strong>. Draft Minutes for the meeting were circulated to Board<br />
members. From draft <strong>minutes</strong> she noted aluminium concentrations met the<br />
target level 94% <strong>of</strong> the time for the period since the last meeting. Clarity met the<br />
>54cm target for 62% <strong>of</strong> the time (the target is to meet this 75% <strong>of</strong> the time) so was<br />
short by 13%. Almost 500 snails were released in April. Another 1000 were<br />
planned for release next spring.<br />
Doc-1233579 Minutes 5 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2013</strong> 11
CONFIRMED<br />
Historic Places Trust – Les Wright was the previous record keeper. Board should<br />
be advised in due course <strong>of</strong> his replacement.<br />
13.0 Administration<br />
13.1 Financial Report – 13/008<br />
The Board noted the information in the paper that had been circulated.<br />
Resolved:<br />
“That the Board accept the financial report 01.07.12 to 30.06.13.”<br />
K Thomas/C Backes<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
13.2 Services <strong>of</strong> Board Support Officer in the future<br />
C Hickford advised that the expectation is that all staff, including the Board<br />
Support Officer will know their future before the end <strong>of</strong> August. He will find out<br />
shortly whether he has been successful in gaining a role within the new DOC<br />
structure. He said the Board should receive a similar service to what is presently<br />
provided.<br />
13.3 Laptop assigned for use by Chairperson<br />
This was discussed briefly at the last meeting. The driver behind this was so<br />
personal computers were not getting overloaded with Board business, and also so<br />
when change <strong>of</strong> Chair, the information went with the laptop. Chair said he liked<br />
to have access to all the records and was a matter <strong>of</strong> having a really good filing<br />
system. If home computer were to crash, all valuable information was gone.<br />
C Hickford said that the Board Support Officer would hold the <strong>of</strong>ficial records by<br />
way <strong>of</strong> files and electronically. He suggested ‘The Cloud’ storage system may be<br />
a good way <strong>of</strong> keeping a second record for Board members to easily access,<br />
storing files, PowerPoint presentations etc. BSO to work with DOC I.T. expert to<br />
work out how this could work for the Board. ‘Drop box’ also to be considered.<br />
Action: BSO<br />
T Scott asked again about electronic <strong>minutes</strong>, agenda and Board papers. M Legge<br />
said he found it easier to notate paper files and was against electronic versions.<br />
Board agreed to try out electronic Board papers for next meeting. Paper copies<br />
would still have to be available for public at meeting. M Legge requested paper<br />
copy also.<br />
Action: BSO<br />
As requested at previous meeting, the BSO laptop had been installed with<br />
s<strong>of</strong>tware so that web access was always available at Board meetings.<br />
14.0 Press Release<br />
Resolution:<br />
“That the May <strong>2013</strong> press release be ratified.”<br />
C Backes/M Legge<br />
Carried unanimously<br />
Doc-1233579 Minutes 5 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2013</strong> 12
CONFIRMED<br />
14.2 Discussion <strong>of</strong> items for <strong>July</strong> press release – Chairperson<br />
S Robertson is prepared to complete press release after each meeting.<br />
15.0 Next Meeting<br />
The next meeting will be held at Hokitika 19/20 September and will comprise <strong>of</strong> a<br />
one day CMS Workshop, with Board meeting the next day.<br />
Meeting closed: 3.20pm<br />
S Robertson<br />
Chairperson<br />
20 September <strong>2013</strong><br />
Doc-1233579 Minutes 5 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2013</strong> 13