Minutes of Tapora Land & Coast Care Group Inc - August 2020
Of the 17th Annual General Meeting of The Tapora Land and Coast Care Group Inc. held at the Golf Club on Saturday, 18 July 2020 commencing at 10:45 am.
Present: Earle Wright (Chair), Wally McDonnell (Patron),
Garry Jordan, Tim Short, Leane MaKey, Paul Allen, Bryan Bingley, Wikitoria Wright, Virginia Wright, Paul Tolley, Ray Bennett, Ernie Cunningham, Phil Wattam, Paul Casci, Linda Casci, Craig Smith, Simon Robinson, Bronwyn Robinson, Christine Hill, Christopher Fowler, Vicky Slatter, Gavin D’Souza, Jim Heays, Natalie McConnell, Brett Frances, Phil Newland, Arena Ashby, Edward Ashby, Gillian Ashby, Mack Cunningham, Robbie Stevens, Mark Pengelly, Nick Common, Michelle D’Souza.
Earle Wright welcomed everyone followed by a round of introduction from all attendees. The following members were acknowledged;
Paul Tolley as the kaitiaki of the reserve, immense contributions to Tapora.
Linda’s father (belonged to Ngᾱti Whatua), an old timer with a real passion for the Kaipara, produced the only written Mᾱori records of the Kaipara found at the Port Albert Museum.
It was noted:
A large amount of planting done on some properties with lots of flaxes and Manuka flourishing and wetlands created.
The opportunities given to Tapora school children through the Landcare environmental awards which get children out of the classroom, building their participation in the community.
1. APOLOGIES
Ashley Whittle, Willie Wright, Tarb Wright, Malcolm Smith, Missy Osborn, Maree Hare, Rebecca Kemp (AC), Sam Sutherland (AC), Andrew Nelson (AC), Jason Maguiness (AC), Mike, Thelma Wilson, Tami Tomanu, Thomas Te Whare , Rossen Wright, Herbie Skipper, Ray Bennett, Rick Walker, Dave McClean, Bruce Stewart, Mike Stewart, Rochelle Casci, Rochelle Chambers, Kim Lewin, Peter Marsh, Brett Walker, Ryan, and Bruce Eade.
Earle Wright acknowledged recently passed members of Tapora.
Tony Gibbs passed away a couple of weeks ago. He started Avocado Heaven creating major change. The community recognized the benefits his farm brought to the area, creating jobs for local people. Aroha to Val and the family.
Yesterday morning Mike Neil passed away in his sleep from a sudden heart attack. Mike and Sharon Neil moved to Tapora years ago and were big supporters of Tapora and a part of the school community. Mike was a share milker at Gavin Woolsey’s farm (Clarks). Aroha to Sharon and her family and the Neils.
Today is about Landcare, its structure and finances and compliance. It’s about the group being in the position where we are at present, to understand why there is the need to go down this track in order to be in a potentially receiving position to get access to the Kaipara remuneration.
As noted by Virginia, a $100m pool of funding is available through the Kaipara Harbour Restoration Project. Council needs to match the 100m. $350m has been projected as needed for the clean-up of the Kaipara harbour. The government has guaranteed a 6-year roll out of the project the goal of which is to reduce sediment presently sitting at 750,000 tonnes by half, estimated to take approximately 10 years.
2. CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The minutes of the 16th Annual General Meeting of The Society held on Saturday, 3 May 2019 were read by Earle Wright. These were accepted as a true and accurate record.
Motion: To accept the Minutes of the AGM of 2019.
Moved: Jim Heays Seconded: Wally McConnell
Carried unanimously
3. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Earle Wright
Earle Wright presented the Chairman’s Report.
The year 2019 has been a funny year. Earlier in the year, H&S was a big burden on time and money. Access agreement forms from landowners were needed to be ticked off, a compliance issue that had to get done and with that, there was high administration workload recorded. The current pace of change is a challenge and we must adapt. Our strength is in our diversity of thinking, skills and connections as well as in our ability to work as a collective.
The last 12 months have been incredibly challenging. COVID-19 made us stop and apply brakes on a lot of projects. Lucky for us, we used that time wisely and put a lot of time and effort on compliance which will be seen today. Also, a lot of good has come out of all that work and because of our present position, it has now put us in front especially for the Mᾱnukapua project which shows how well we sit with the Kaipara harbor restoration project.
The vision is clear. A recent article and video has put Tapora on the map and this has made the government and New Zealanders stop and take a look at what is being done here, with 5 million hits this year, not to mention the 4000 plants that were planted and promotion of our school, our community as well as the Kaipara.
The unknown financial position of Auckland Council and our pest program includes cuts to services and projects which will be a huge hit to our pest project. Only time can tell but we will adapt and move forward. In the meantime, as one project slows down the other might leap forward.
Earle Wright conveyed his thanks to the officer holders, the committee and the restoration committee – Wally, Tim, Michelle, Maree, Ashley, Nick, Gary, Malcolm, Bryan, Paul, Mark, Edward and Leane.
Motion: To accept the Chairman’s Report
Moved: Wally McConnell Seconded: Michelle D’Souza
Carried unanimously
4. TREASURER’S REPORT – Michelle D’Souza
a) The Financial Report for the year 2019-2020
Michelle D’Souza presented the financial report 2019-20, as prepared by Davies Chartered Accountant. Overall, the year ended with a net of $60,120. Points highlighted:
The third grant payment of $20k made on 26th March was meant for this financial year.
Grants formed the main source of income as subscriptions / donation requests had not gone out to members.
Higher expenses were recorded under pest control work, health and safety compliance costs and administration expenses.
The Accountant fees goes up every year
Motion: To accept the Financial Report for 2019-20
Moved: Bryan Bingley Seconded: Phil Newland
Carried unanimously
Other points noted:
1) Under assets, one bike was written off the books as not worth selling. The CAM was sold and a Wolverine purchased to run the pest management program as a quad wasn’t permitted to be used under Council contract, causing numerous delays. The purchase was over $23k but noted as a very good bike with many additional features, obtained at half the full price with assistance from Bryan Bingley.
2) Under compliance, a large amount of pest management work involved H&S - writing up the H&S template at a high cost and obtaining approval from landowners through completion of access agreement forms.
3) The H&S committee initially comprised of 4 members including Mark and Nick and this was important as when Mark goes around the property and notices issues and problems, he was able to inform landowners. Earle advised that the old committee was dispersed due to bureaucracy - too many people involved in H&S, work not getting done and increased financial costs. Tim took over to help with compliance issues as there was a need to protect the group and access agreement forms were needed for work to continue.
It was recorded that Tim apologized to anyone who might have seen him as stepping on toes and indicated that it was not the intention. He doesn’t see himself as H&S but as a point of contact for Mark and to ensure all agreements are in place. With forms received from almost all farms / owners, it was noted that from now on landowners would be fully responsible for hazards. Moving forward, there was need for a single point of contact instead of 3 persons. While land access agreements stand, Tim clarified that when Mark enters and exits a property, he must contact the owner. It is the owner’s responsibility to inform him of any new risks along driveways. If Mark sees a hazard, he should advise the landowner. If he has an accident, the liability falls back on the landowner.
It was noted that there is a huge administration costs involved in this compliance and an immediate need to get rid of it. But it was also recognized that this cost cannot be totally discarded, but possibly reduced.
b) The Financial Position Statement and budget for the period 1 April – 17 July 2020
A position statement was presented. Points highlighted:
The Society operates two accounts: Mainland Pest Management and Mᾱnukapua Island Restoration Project.
The budget was prepared based on 2019-20 actuals and variances forecasted.
Insurance costs have increased due to additional cover taken to safeguard the Society against any mitigated risks from spraying.
30% of pest management costs went towards administration and H&S compliance in 2019-20.
Earle thanked Michelle for all her work.
c) Local Contributions and donations
Subscriptions and donation will be sought from landowners and households to cover costs of pest management.
d) FMG Insurance - General Liability and Association Liability cover
Insurance has been stepped up to cover our liability not just to the public due to the project run out of Mᾱnukapua but to ensure adherence to compliance.
1) $500,000 public liability cover increased to $5m to cover risk due to the work on the island and reserve and possible risks to avocado farms by spraying drift. $3295.62 with an additional pro-rata amount for July – January 2021
2) $2m Association Liability cover taken will protect all members of committee from any legal action – costing $1150.00 annually.
3) Insurance costs will be distributed across the two accounts.
e) Landcare structure, roles and asset register
This document defines the position of the committee and shows a structured organization. This is important as when working with IKHMG. The document will be used as a template for other groups on Kaipara harbor, community groups, catchment groups and other Landcare groups, to assist them structure their own groups and in doing this, can apply for funding within these community.
Earle Wright took the members through the different roles; the group’s patron - Wally McConnell, the founding member who lends credibility and support to the cause of organization, and the working management group - Chairperson, Treasure, Secretary, Operational Pest Manager, Communications Manager, Newsletter Editor and H&S Officer (details available from the document). The document also detailed compliance information and an asset register. It was emphasized that all roles are voluntary and covers the work done in a role and not related to the holder of the position. Members were invited to put up their hands should they wish to be involved.
Additional discussions:
Earle Wright advised that he had discussions with Rebecca Kemp from Auckland Council. The Auckland Council held an emergency budget meeting and Rebecca was to get back to him regarding the outcomes but the email didn’t reach in time. It was noted that our grant is likely to be reduced.
Earle posed a question to members – “With lots of people not paying subs but getting full benefit from pest management, is this fair to members who pay?” It was noted that at a small cost of $1/hectare or $20/household, there were massive opportunities going forward not just in pest management benefits to owners but also compliance issues. Within the next 4 years, landowners would need to have resource consent to operate under the Environmental Farm Plan and the costs to get this could be as large as $30k.
Paul Allen advised that Fonterra’s bioenvironmental group has already contracted the work to carry out the Environmental Farm plan at farms around the harbor at a cost of $7000/farm. Earle advised that Fonterra was working with dairy farms to bring up them to standards but it was miles away from the detailed environmental plan and farmers would be left having to make improvements to reduce their carbon footprint. The harbor restoration project would help landowners in a massive way as the funding comes to community groups, landcare groups or catchment groups, not directly to owners. Being structured will put the landcare group in a good position to manage bureaucracies and receive funds to assist 90% of the way with environmental farm plan including planting, fencing and reducing the carbon footprint on property.
The committee has done a large amount of work and Earle advised that he can take it only up to a certain point and then someone else needs to take it forward. He estimated that through volunteer’s input and school children’s contributions alone costs have exceeded $150,000 when counted “in kind”. While council should match this, it is highly unlikely to happen.
5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Wally McConnell called for nominations for the various roles for 2020-21.
Chairperson: Earle Wright Nominated: Ernie Cunningham Seconded: Tim Short
Treasurer: Michelle D’Souza Nominated: Bryan Bingley Seconded: Garry Jordan
Secretary: Natalie McConnell Nominated: Vicky Slatter Seconded: Earle Wright
Operational Pest Manager: Tim Short Nominated: Earle Wright Seconded: Garry Jordan
Communication Manager (Website): Garry Jordan
Nominated by: Wally McConnell Moved by: Earle Wright Seconded: Phil Newland
Health and Safety:
Motion passed that this group will be selected by the committee at their first meeting if it is seen as required.
Newsletter Editor and Facebook:
Motion passed that this role will be selected by the committee at their first meeting as no hands were put up at the meeting
Committee Members:
Ashley Whittle Nominated: Wally McConnell Seconded: Phil Wattam
Bryan Bingley Nominated: Paul Allens Seconded: Earle Wright
Paul Allens Nominated: Earle Wright Seconded: Bryan Bingley
Nick Commons Nominated: Wally McConnell Seconded: Garry Jordan
Virginia Wright Nominated: Natalie McConnell Seconded: Vicky Slatter
Linda Casci Nominated: Jim Heays Seconded: Wikitoria Wright
Jim Heays Nominated: Virginia Wright Seconded: Leane McKay
6. OTHER BUSINESS
a) Pest control programme (Tim / Mark)
Tim reported back on the current position of control on the peninsular and presented a 1-year and a long-term plan.
The 5-year vision of the Society is to formalise the monitoring of the pest control programme and work towards improving the biodiversity of birdlife and the reintroduction of Kiwi. This involves:
- possum numbers down, to <1% on monitoring
- Very low feral cats, mustelids, rats
- no feral pigs, deer – requirement if looking at introducing kiwi
The immediate plan for 2020 is to:
- regain control of possums which are increasing at an alarming rate in spring, to continue independent monitoring of possum numbers
To-date, Tim and Mark reported that;
1) They worked on solving the problems of adequate vehicle, organizing the H&S plan and completed access agreement forms for >90% of the peninsula.
2) Mark has covered about 2/3 peninsula so far for possums and mustelids.
3) Discussion were held with Council and there is a promise of contract for possum control to happen in July.
4) It was advised that the present funding is adequate to get to the end of the year but not beyond.
5) Investigations on the viability of a possum fence around Marsh road were being checked for control of possums and cats invading other properties / areas.
6) Atiu Creek Regional Park was identified as a major problem area with an alarming number of possums, pigs, rats, rabbits and even cats.
As identified on a detailed map displayed areas covered by Mark, he reported that;
- Possum control carried out on: Evans dairy, Pinehill dairy, Luond/Patton dairy, Jordan avocado, McConnell beef, Whittle dairy, Mcleod dairy, Orsborn beef, Inger beef (Journeys End), Seaview, M Smith beef, Watson dairy, Coleman dairy, Tucker dairy, Cotton beef/sheep, Candy beef, Inger pine forest (Burma Rd), C Smith beef, Ikin beef, Short beef/sheep, Allen beef, Marsh beef, Obery beef, James dairy, Baxter beef/honey
- Trapping for mustelids and cats on: Seaview, Jordan Avocado, Wrights dairy, Gibbs Avocado, Harbour Edge Avocado, M Smith, Inger beef (Journeys End), Ikin beef, Whittle dairy, Golf course, Burma Rd, Okahukura Rd, Journeys End, Marsh Rd and Run Road traps, Allen beef, James dairy, Obery beef, Marsh farm, Baxter beef/honey, Short beef/sheep.
- Access agreements yet to be completed: Tapp, Wright, Judd (Marsh Rd), Gurney, Gordon, Water board reservoir, Greensmith?
- No access historically and would like to revisit the situation: Judd (Okahukura Rd), Gates, Greensmith, Woolsey.
- Pest caught using traps (limited time period): 17 feral cats, 122 possums, 16 stoats, 23 weasels and 34 hedge hogs.
Concern was raised about the alarming increase in the pig population in Atui Creek Regional Park area. The drought resulted in the pigs going under cover, camping in the adjacent pine forests and moving onto DOC land. Pigs have been seen roaming along roads and entering other adjoining properties. Humphrey’s property is being destroyed and now accessing Bingley’s land. Concern was also raised that some of the pigs sighted looked domesticated.
Pigs, deer and turkeys are not one of the 6 pests for which funding is received from Council and if to be added, a variation to the contract is needed. Earle and Mark met with Joe, a DOC controller. Using night vision scope and thermal imaging to identify the problem, they sighted pigs in the 100s. This was around 9 months ago and reported to Council. DOC is very supportive and assists with monitoring. They also allow full access as keen for some action before the pigs get to the reserve. At the last hui with Te Uri O Hau and Iwi, the issue was emphasized as Council has a jurisdiction over the area and a moral responsibility to protect this area under their biodiversity and biosecurity umbrella.
Earle has had discussions with Sam Sutherland (Biodiversity) on options to fund it. With high debts, council is facing a real blow-out and by the time they recuperate, it was noted that the area might be destroyed. While volunteers could be brought in and landowners could take action on their own properties and do something about killing deer and pigs, there is no access to council land. It was also noted that the island has seen no tuberculosis and should even one pig bring it in, it could create havoc. Also, pigs could potentially carry disease and infect the kauri trees resulting in kauri die back. Earle advised that they have not gone public as would like to maintain cordial relationships. Hence the need by the group to decide on how to distribute money and where to target.
Mark reported that there are clear discussions on-going between the three departments; biodiversity, biosecurity and the regional parks, and with Atiu Creek Regional Park being the 3rd largest park, it should be taken seriously. But it was not yet clear whether the work might be done by a council contractor or was it something that Landcare could handle. Mark advised that it was not important who did the work as long as it was done in the right way and didn’t result in chasing the pigs inland and into hiding. He used thermal imaging, night vison skyps, and together with Danny and the DOC employees, had killed 22 pigs since they started August 2019.
Earle thanked Tim and Mark for all their work.
Motion:
Earle Wright requested to pass a motion to take the concerns of the landowners to Council and for Mark to continue discussions with Auckland Council about the large increase in pigs in the regional park.
Moved: Earle Wright Second: Leane Mckay
Unanimously approved.
b) Mᾱnukapua Island Project update (Edward)
The Mᾱnukapua project stems from the development of the right-of-way. It is important to carry on the development of Mᾱnukapua and the reserve while simultaneously trying to reduce the fire risks that will protect the new landowners and orchards. The work done is in the common interest of both parties and will have positive outcomes for all. There was a need for the role as Mᾱori have an interest in the work been done there and it is important to keep them informed.
Leane Mckay was responsible for preparing the Management Plan for the Mᾱnukapua Island restoration but Edward has taken on the role of coordinating the project and will be the day to day contact in the restoration of two sites.
Leane McKay reported that they have obtained a $100m grant from DOC, spread over three years, for restoration of the two sites. This is just 10% of the projected costs. It is a very big job with lots of weed control and replanting to restore the biodiversity. There are lots of different types of gorse, pines and pampas and need large machinery to get rid of it. This is the focus for the first year particularly on the Okahukura side of the harbor. The wildlife reserve and the other parts of the islands will then be targeted. The plan is to arrange some planting days over the next few months. Hrakiki, cabbage, and kanuka has been sourced locally and these will be planted soon.
It was also noted that a 5-hectare area was mulched earlier this year. The work was organized by DOC at a cost of $20k and covered their legal responsibility to landowners as the area was a high fire risk. The work was done by a contractor through IKHMG at $850/hr where a huge machine was used to go through all the gorse and weeds. The area was sprayed again last month and will be re-mulched lightly to rid it of pampas and gorse and the 5-hectare area will then be ready for the 5000-6000 plants that are presently sitting in the nursery. There are 10,000 kanuka seedlings and 2-3 students have been employed to separate and transfer the seedings and the little plants will be transplanted into pots ready to go into the ground next year.
Edward Ashby talked about the long-term vision which is preservation and restoration. The goal is to put the Mᾱroi back into it and opens up the site to a different view where everyone looks into it - a sort of Hīnaki waharua map - two entrances where you come through into the area. Also, the aim is to get the fairy tern back and restore significant sites on the island and the whole peninsular in general. The wish list is to protect the area through good signage for visitors advising the significance of the area, probably have a portacom that could be used for storage of plants, a toilet block and lastly a vehicle to patrol the area and somewhere to store it. All this is important because of the layout of the land, partly council, partly DOC and partly no-man’s land and so difficult to convict for damage. As the long-term goal, it is important for the group to have some sort of authority to take ownership as kaitiaki of the area to protect the island. Edward plans to work with council and through education ensure the history of the place is maintained. This is most important as unless others are aware and it is passed down, it will get lost.
It was noted that there are key milestones set up by DOC for the funding to be approved and written reports will be forwarded to DOC and through these, landowners will be kept informed on work done.
Earle thanked Leane and Edward for all their work.
Additional discussions:
1) Partner’s meeting with Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management
Earle attended a meeting of all interested groups who want to be part of the IKHMG project. He attended as the representative from the flagship side. Now the flagship side is transferred from his property right through Tapora and includes the whole peninsula. It has been recognized that our group is the only one with a shovel-ready project to roll out. Being right at the forefront with the project is a two-way street. To promote the program long term, the government needs quick wins to know it is funding the right program. It will then be advertised to the wider community.
It was noted that Daniel from the Fairy Tern Trust came to the island and did a bird count, giving photos of fairy terns resting on the island and feeding. This is a clear indication that some of the rare species come only to this area and there is a need to leverage off this evidence with IKHMG who have the funds. While there is money to be spent, there are not many community projects ready and so this group has huge opportunities and while no guarantees, Earle has been working with them for a long time so not just about timing. He would like to roll the restoration project out using the golf course as a training center and with the advantage of the camping group next door and a project in hand, it would be perfect.
2) Training program
Earle advised of discussions with DOC on holding a training program with DOC in August where our own kaitiaki could be educated on the needs and wants, what birds come here and when. DOC has got the expertise to train our own volunteers. It will be weekend event and Fairy tern trust and DOC will bring their pest management person. Mass plantings are projected within the Kaipara creating jobs but need to be involved. Everyone is welcome.
a) Landcare Group Webpage (Garry)
Garry reported back on the website project;
While it has been in the pipeline for 2 years, with things moving forward the data on the website becomes relevant telling a story to the community. The project aims to get the message out to the wider community outside of Tapora who wish to be involved. It is the starting point created through discussion between Earle, Wally and Garry.
Members were taken through the different pages of the webpages, which is still a work in progress and password protected but should go live shortly. It was also noted that the data on the site is not set in stone but a living document with constant change. There is the need to curate good content for the site as it’s not a social media platform but a one-stop-shop to keep all information in one place with the aim of sharing it with our stakeholders.
The website showcased the different events that happened in the area with lots of pictures incorporated. Front page showed the mission and the history and why the area is important to all. The main page pictures and the large number of gallery pictures of the area were provided by Shaun Stevens and this was acknowledged.
The News page showed the latest event as a sample and Garry encouraged members to get in touch with new event information, write-ups and pictures of events that happened and other important news that would be relevant to the community. Pest management reporting will also be available to landowners via the site once data.
He is also in conversation with school principal and is keen to for more involvement with Tapora School. The aim is to link the website to an email database so that event information, newsletters and other relevant information can be shared easily. There is also the possibility of linking the website to the Tapora Landcare facebook page as well as the Fairy Tern Trust and the Port Albert Land Museum. A well-structured informative website and good connections will help source new funding.
And lastly the location page making the public aware of Tapora, the great fishing and bird life found here but also the various hazards and dangers to inexperienced drivers with no rescue facilities on site.
It was noted that the website has a $350 annual fee. Garry talked about inviting outsiders who can join as “Friends of the group” as well as the option of receiving donations in the future which would need planning, but the opportunities are vast. As a promotional platform, the website is open to the general public and not only paid members and this could be a way to raise money for project work, tree planting etc and even creating a local brand.
Earle was very proud to inform members that all the promotional work already done helped immensely in obtaining the funding grant from DoC for the restoration work on the island. He also advised that there is a local slogan created by Willie Wright that could be taken up as the group’s branding “I am Tapora and Tapora is Me”.
Brief discussions were held about;
1) adding cats back to the list of pest as feral cats are a known pest to all farmers and the website was promoting a rural setting and not an urban one.
2) the urgent need for signage at the entrance of the path to the island. Earle asked that while funding was very limited, that if the different groups collaborated together there might be a way to find a sign writer within the group who can create a simple sign board.
The hard work put in by Garry was acknowledge and Earle thanked Garry for all his work.
Motion:
Earle Wright requested to pass a motion to that member push to get the signage done through available contacts.
Wally conveyed his thanks to all for their attendance and to Earle for leading the group on this long journey. Pleased with how far the group has come since he started the Society in 2004, he is keen to be part of the exciting times to come with all the new happenings. Edward ended the meeting with a spiritual message.
Earle Wright thanked all the members for their attendance and closed the 2020 Annual General Meeting at 3.30 pm.