Year to Date Progress - Horizons

Biodiversity

1 Biodiversity Protection Programme

1.1 Targets – Year to Date Progress

Measure Reporting Period

YTD Actual

Target

*1

%

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

New high priority wetlands under active

management *2 0 0 0 1 1 3 33%

New high priority wetlands under partial management

0 0 0 0 0 NA NA

New high priority bush remnants under

active management *2 0 0 0 6 6 6 100%

New high priority bush remnants under partial management

0 0 0 0 0 NA NA

Environmental Grants supported *2 3 7 10 21 21 25 84%

Environmental Grants completed (paid out) 0 2 2 3 3 25 12%

1.2 Targets - Life to Date Progress

Measure Reporting Period LTD

Actual LTD

Target %

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

Total high priority wetlands under active

management *2 0 0 0 1 57 59*3 97%

Total high priority wetlands under partial management

0 0 0 0 24 NA NA

Total high priority bush remnants under

active management *2 0 0 0 6 116 118*3 98%

Total high priority bush remnants under partial management

0 0 0 0 28 NA NA

*1 Annual target

*2 AP/LTP targets

*3 Life to date target

1.3 Activity Report

General:

1.3.1 The Biodiversity Team has been working with the Science Team on vegetation plot surveys in bush remnants, which will help the Council report on policy effectiveness and outcomes. Staff inspected actively and partially managed bush and wetland sites to check fencelines and ascertain the requirements for management input. Weed control was undertaken at several sites. The annual target for bush remnants has been met and we are on track to meet the life to date target by the end of the financial year.

Community/private biodiversity:

1.3.3 Twenty-one biodiversity-related Environmental Grant and Biodiversity Support applications have been approved so far this year. Three have been claimed on.

High priority wetlands:

1.3.4 One new high priority wetland – Ngaruru Lakes in the Rangitikei District – was added to the managed list during this period. The total number of high priority wetlands under active management is now 57 and the number of sites under partial management is 24.

High priority bush remnants:

1.3.5 Six new bush remnants were added to the list of actively managed sites during this period. They were Manderson’s Bush within the Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) boundary and Kawhatau Junction Forest, Concretion Terrace, Paki-iti Bush, Clausen’s Bush and Bob Wakelin Bush, all in the Manawatu District. The total number of high priority bush remnants under active management is now 116 and the number of sites under partial management is 28.

Aaron Madden ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR – BIODIVERSITY

Bill Martyn MANAGER – BIOSECURITY & BIODIVERSITY

2 Community Biodiversity

2.1 Targets – Year to Date Progress (% complete)

Measure Reporting Period YTD

Actual Target

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

Totara Reserve Regional Park

Totara Reserve Regional Park (Manawatu) 10% 20% 25% 20% 75% 100%

Collaboration Projects

Manawatu Gorge (Palmerston North and Tararua)

5% 20% 30% 20% 75% 100%

Pukaha/Mt Bruce (Tararua) 15% 15% 20% 25% 75% 100%

Kia Wharite (Ruapehu) 15% 15% 25% 25% 80% 100%

Save Our River Trust (Horowhenua) 5% 20% 25% 30% 80% 100%

Manawatu Estuary (Horowhenua) 5% 20% 20% 30% 75% 100%

Community Projects (10 supported)

Massey Hill (Palmerston North) 0% 20% 40% 25% 85% 100%

PN Weedbusters (Palmerston North and Manawatu)

5% 10% 50% 40% 90% 100%

Rangitikei Environment Group (Rangitikei) 5% 15% 35% 30% 85% 100%

Waitarere Beach (Horowhenua) 5% 10% 55% 15% 85% 100%

Bushy Park (Whanganui) 0% 20% 30% 30% 80% 100%

Tawata Mainland Island (Ruapehu) 10% 20% 25% 25% 80% 100%

Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park (Manawatu) 10% 20% 20% 30% 80% 100%

Moawhango Community Project (Rangitikei) 0% 30% 20% 30% 80% 100%

Turitea Reserve (Palmerston North ) 10% 20% 20% 30% 80% 100%

Te Potae o Awarua (Rangitikei) 0% 25% 40% 20% 85% 100%

Lower Kahuterawa Stream (Palmerston North )

10% 15% 20% 30% 75% 100%

New community projects supported as resources permit

Gate Pa Bush Restoration (Manawatu) 0% 20% 20% 35% 75% 100%

Ohau Beach Walkway (Horowhenua) 0% 15% 20% 40% 75% 100%

Friends of Waitoetoe Park (Palmerston North)

0% 30% 20% 30%

80% 100%

2.2 Activity Report (Community Projects)

2.2.1 This report includes an example of work that the Biodiversity Team does under the Community Biodiversity banner but which is not recognised formally in the list of projects above.

Waitarere Beach (Horowhenua):

2.2.2 Weed control work on the dunes has been completed for this season.

Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park (Manawatu):

2.2.3 The Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park Trust was pleased to have flood and sediment control issues included as an action in the Manawatu River Leaders’ Accord Action Plan.

Kimbolton School (Manawatu):

2.2.4 Two staff from the Biodiversity Team visited Kimbolton School and ran a weeding exercise in the nearby reserve. The school has “adopted” the reserve and has spent many years combining environmental management with education.

Photo 1: Biodiversity Officer Ruth Fleeson explaining the principles of weed control to a group of students from Kimbolton School. Photo: Neil Gallagher

Aaron Madden ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR – BIODIVERSITY

Bill Martyn MANAGER – BIOSECURITY & BIODIVERSITY

3 Collaboration Projects – Horizons / DOC

3.1 Activity Report (Collaboration projects)

Kia Whārite (Ruapehu/ Whanganui):

3.1.1 The Kia Whārite project was celebrated on 3 March with a whio release on the Manganui o te Ao River. Twelve captive-born whio were released at the Ruatiti Domain and the event was attended by more than 40 people including local iwi, landowners, school children and Horizons Regional Council representatives. The day was a great success and received good media coverage locally.

3.1.2 Annual whio surveys have been completed for the Manganui o te Ao – Retaruke Whio Security Site. There has been an increase in the number of pairs protected with 34 pairs and 18 singles observed during surveys. This is an increase from the total of 22 pairs protected last year. At least 27 ducklings have been confirmed to have fledged.

3.1.3 Stoat trapping has continued on the intensified network, with checks taking place twice monthly throughout the whio breeding season. Cat trapping on the network of Timms traps around the Manganui o te Ao has taken place monthly, and six cats have been trapped over the summer period.

3.1.4 Final post-operational 1080 monitoring using tracking tunnels was completed in March, with data analysis to be concluded soon.

3.1.5 Annual summer weed control on the Whanganui River trench began during December and continued through to April. Control is predominantly targeting tutsan, Japanese walnut, wattle, pampus and African feather grass. Aerial spraying in the Mangapurua Valley has targeted Himalayan and Japanese honeysuckle.

3.1.6 Goat control on the 16,817 ha Matemateāonga block of the Whanganui National Park ran from November to March. Hunters were audited throughout this period by Department of Conservation (DOC) staff. Local and Regional staff are working to review the current goat control programme to seek improvements and efficiencies

3.1.7 Mustelid trapping has continued in the Retaruke catchment, Aramahoe Reserve and on Ohorea Station. Overall the catch rates continue to be low. We plan to leave the traps open for another month at which time a decision will be made to either close them down during winter or change to a monthly servicing regime.

3.1.8 A contractor was engaged to ground-hunt goats in the Aramahoe Reserve last month. A total of 173 goats were destroyed. Follow up work will continue during winter/spring.

3.1.9 Planning work is underway to aerial drop 1080 on a 600 ha block of native bush in the Waimarino Forest, adjacent to the Managanui o te ao River. The control work is aimed at protecting kiwi and whio and will target possums, rats and mustelids. The work is planned to commence in July 2016.

3.1.10 High visitor numbers have continued on the Whanganui Journey throughout the season, meaning greater exposure to the Kia Whārite project area.

Photo 2: Whio being released at the Ruatiti Domain

DOC Community Fund Updates in Whanganui area

3.1.11 Work at Bushy Park is progressing very well and the second DOC Community Fund payment is due in May following a 6-month progress report.

3.1.12 Castlecliff Coastcare has been focusing on mulching and weeding over the summer months. Coastcare volunteers were involved in the organisation and running of Sea Week educational events at Castlecliff Beach.

Coastal Reserves in Whanganui

3.1.13 Summer weed control has continued at Tapuarau and Whitiau coastal reserves. This involves aerial and hand spraying and good results have been achieved this season

Manawatu Estuary

3.1.14 Horizons and DOC funding has enabled work on the new $179,000 culvert at Whitebait Creek. The new culvert at Seabury Avenue was installed late January 2016, to improve fish migration further upstream and spawning sites for inanga.

3.1.15 Work on spartina us now complete. Permanent and temporary staff have been utilised to undertake weed control focused on the sandspit area and sharp rush following the weed plan recommendations

3.1.16 Horizons staff and Councillors attended the launch of the Foxton Beach mustelid trap network extension. Foxton Beach School students have created artwork for 40 traps and a small sign, including two students’ names, has been placed at every trap site in the hope that it will reduce vandalism. DOC has provided an additional 25 DOC 150 traps for Wildlife Foxton Trust to utilise.

Findings from the kiteboarding event held at the RAMSAR site in November are scheduled to be shared and discussed on the April 7. The next meeting of the Manawatu Estuary Group is scheduled for April 15.

Totara Reserve

3.1.17 The Fern Walk proved popular for the 2016 Manawatu Walking Festival. Two dozen people enjoyed the beautiful scenery and informative commentary from the hosts. All participants agreed that the track upgrades were very good but the first section of the new track requires some steps. It is possible there will be enough residual funds to get these installed following Phase 2 of the upgrade work.

3.1.18 The tender for Phase 2 of the Fern Walk upgrade (the installation of two pedestrian bridges and a number of boardwalks) is out now and we hope the work will be completed by the end of the financial year.

3.1.19 Two more grants were received for the playground replacement – $8,000 each from the Lion Foundation and the Blue Sky Community Trust – and we are still waiting to hear back from a recent application to the Infinity Foundation. This adds to the $20,000 grant from Eastern and Central Community Trust and the $10,000 grant from the Mainland Foundation. We had rejections from the Trillian Trust, Pub Charity and New Zealand Community Trust.

3.1.20 At the end of March, more than $54,000 had been taken as income from the campgrounds, the Camp Rangi lease and the rental property. This is well above the expected figure of $30,000 and is largely attributable to all the fine, settled weather we enjoyed over summer.

3.1.21 It has been a good year for fruiting for many of the trees in the reserve with the most notable species being tawa. The clatter of tawa fruit hitting the forest floor with every wind gust caused our Biodiversity Coordinator to dub it “Purple Rain”.

Photo 3: Purple Rain – tawa fruit.

Te Apiti Manawatu Gorge

3.1.22 Ground control of old man’s beard finished in March with some positive results that can now be incorporated into future planning

3.1.23 Volunteer pest control for stoats has continued. Two bait fills for rats have been recently completed and targeted possum control will occur over the next couple of weeks. Result monitoring will be undertaken post control.

3.1.24 Latest track count data downloaded at the end of February show that use of the track has increased by nearly 20% in 2015. Of note, the Tawa Loop section from the Ashhurst-end car park showed a 24% increase in 2015 compared to the same period last year, with numbers exceeding 20,000.

Pukaha

3.1.25 Trapping for ferrets, stoats and weasels continues on a four weekly rotation. Traps are currently baited with fresh rabbit. We are now well into the high catching period for mustelids. We are continuing to audit all traps in the reserve to ensure the trap sensitivity is correct, we are also carrying out any required maintenance.

Cats

3.1.26 We are continuing to check the chimney houses with Timm’s traps check as part of our monthly trapping schedule.

Kiwi management

3.1.27 Signals continue to be collected by volunteers and DOC staff.

3.1.28 Two chicks were due to be released in March.

3.1.29 Mo has received a new transmitter and is currently situated in the southern end of the ‘State Highway One’ gully.

Kokako survey

3.1.30 Kokako calls have been successfully recorded and will be run through an editing process to isolate the calls and remove the background noise caused by cicadas.

Possum monitor

3.1.31 The possum monitor is well underway, with 11 monitor lines throughout the reserve and each line containing 20 wax tags spaced at 10 metre intervals. The wax tags marked were to be collected in early March.

Rat monitor

3.1.32 We brought this monitor forward to record a relative index of abundance of rats on the front face before the installation of the A24 automatic traps went out. The index of abundance on the front face was 5%, i.e. one rat tracked out of 20 cards. The total for the reserve came back at 27.5%

Ferret Stoat Weasels Cats Rats Hedgehogs Rabbits

Catch tally 2 4 1 6 31 75 1

Bill Martyn ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER – BIOSECURITY & BIODIVERSITY

Allanah Irvine DOC Partnerships Manager (Acting) – Palmerston North

Biosecurity Activity (Animals)

4 Possums (Possum Control Operations - PCOs)



Actual Target %

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

Maintenance PCOs (by count)

3 6 15 11 35 69 51%

Initial operational areas (by count)

- - 2 1 3 15 20%

Overall programme control (by count)

3 6 17 12 38 84 45%

Control maintenance operational areas (by area)

157,938 75,620 147,567 106,467 487,592 725,687 67%

Control initial operational

areas (by area) *1 0 8,407 39,386 44,636 92,429

138,192

116,000*1 67%

Overall programme control (by area)

157,938 84,027 186,953 151,103 580,021 863,879 67%

*1 AP/LTP targets

4.2 Activity Report

4.2.1 Good progress continues in the 2015-16 PCO operational work, with 67% of the overall programme completed. One initial and 11 maintenance operations were completed during the reporting period, with work underway on a further 30 programmes. All contractors are working hard to ensure that all operational work is completed by the end of the financial year.

4.2.2 Landowner cooperation continues to be excellent with no major issues during the reporting period.

4.2.3 We have commenced planning work for next year’s initial programmes involving four areas (Whangamomona, Paparangi, Lismore and Atene) over approximately 56,000 ha. We plan to contact landowners over the coming month to assess the level of participation. Early feedback suggests that about half of the landowners in the Whangamomona area will opt out of the PCO due to their desire to continue with fur harvesting.

4.2.4 Vertebrate toxin applications are currently being prepared for all of next year’s maintenance operations.

Eric Dodd ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR (ANIMALS)

Map 1: 2015-16 PCO (Year 10)

5 Rooks


Measure

Reporting Period YTD Actual

Target %

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

a. Existing rook colonies (rookeries) 84 69 - - 69 Record 0%

b. New sites - - - - - Record 0%

Total rook colonies (rookeries) (a + b) 84 69 - - 69 Record 0%

Aerially treated rookeries *1 0 67 - - 69 100% 97%

Ground based rook control operations 0 0 2 2 2

-

Report ground control efficacy (% estimated kill)

NA - 90% 90% 90%

Ensure all contractual obligations are completed before annual rook control programme begins

Yes - - - Yes

Contract signed

with aerial provider

100%

*1 AP/LTP targets

5.2 Activity Report

5.2.1 Since the last report, staff have investigated three rook enquiries, all in the Tararua district.

5.2.2 At two of the sites (emerging crops) pre-feed bread bait was positioned in areas where birds had been observed feeding. Unfortunately, heavy rain was experienced in both situations which resulted in large numbers of invertebrates coming to the surface, providing the birds with an alternate food source. Consequently, both of these operations were abandoned and dead rooks placed on site as deterrents.

5.2.3 The third enquiry related to a small flock of rooks feeding in walnut trees on a property at Herbertville. Following an inspection of the area and discussion with the landowner it was decided that no control work would be attempted due to the fact that it was highly unlikely that the birds would take the bait when natural food was at hand. A breeding rookery, near to the site, will be controlled as part of next season’s aerial programme.


Map 2: Rook distribution post control November 2015

6 Amenity Pests



Actual Target % 1

st 2

nd 3

rd 4

th

Manage and record all amenity pest enquiries using Frontline corporate

database *1

88 164 203 140 595 Record 100%

Respond to all enquiries within 48 hours of

receipt *1 88 164 203 140 595 100% 100%

Close out or action all enquiries within 5 working days of receipt

88 164 203 140 595 100% 100%

Report on all amenity pest enquiries Reported below

*1 AP/LTP targets

6.2 Activity Report

6.2.1 A total of 140 enquiries were received during the reporting period.

6.2.2 The highest percentage of enquiries were from landowners in Palmerston North City, followed by the Manawatu, Wanganui and Horowhenua Districts.

6.2.3 All landowners making enquiries were contacted / visited within the prescribed timeframes and provided with advice, equipment (traps etc) or small amounts of toxins to help them deal with their particular pest issue.

Possums Mustelid Magpie Rabbit Rook Cat All Other

This Year 40 15 8 36 4 10 27

Last Year 36 18 9 27 8 15 10

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Pest Animal Enquiry Summary by Pest Typefor Period January - March 2016

Graph 1: Pest Animal Enquiry Summary – by Pest Type

ManawatuPalmerston

NorthTararua Rangitikei Wanganui Ruapehu

Horowhenua

District 23 30 19 20 22 5 21

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Pest Animal Enquiry Summary by District for Period January - March 2016

Graph 2: Pest Animal Enquiry Summary – by District

Photo 4: Stoat caught in a DOC 200 trap near a hen house. (R Wilman)


7 Monitoring



Actual Target %

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

Monitor agreed sample of ex-TBfree PCOs

0 0 2 0 2 5 40%

Monitor agreed sample of new (initial) PCOs

0 0 5 3 8 14 57%

RTC of sampled ex-TBfree PCOs *1 - - 2.5% - - <5%

RTC of sampled maintenance PCOs

*1 - - 5.9% 1.5% - <10%

*1 AP/LTP targets

7.2 Activity Report

7.2.1 Three monitors were completed during the reporting period.

7.2.2 All three monitors met the predetermined <10% RTC target with Mataroa at 0.9%; Puka 2% and Rongotea 1.5%.

7.2.3 The tender process for the last nine monitors has been completed with Holden Trapping Ltd awarded the work. The first of these monitors is underway, with the balance on track to being completed by the end of June.

7.2.4 Planning work for this year’s rabbit night counts is underway and the counts will be undertaken in May.

Monitor results for the life of the Possum Control Operation

Average RTC results (June 2006 to January 2016)

Ex-TBfree operations 5% target Initial operations 10% target

2.22% average (35 monitors) 4.21% average (51 monitors)

Overall average 3.39% (86 monitors)


Map 3: 2015-16 PCO monitoring map.

7.3 Biosecurity Activity (Animals) Summary

Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date

Possum Control Operation

Operational implementation

2015-16 operational work commenced

Tender process completed.

MOH permits obtained for 2015-16

Success indicators

Ten monitors completed

Data management Twenty seven post-operational reports received

GPS data uploaded into GIS database

Rook Management

Aerial nest baiting 2015-16 aerial programme completed.

Ground control Two ground operations successfully completed and

two others attempted.

Rook database Reviewed and updated

Amenity Pest Programme

Respond to enquiries/complaints within agreed timeframes.

Frontline database reviewed daily

Individual enquiries actioned

Database updated regularly

Environment Committee Report

Assist landowners with advice on appropriate pest control techniques.

Ongoing – advice provided as appropriate

Loan trap and other equipment supplied

Initiate appropriate enforcement action against land occupiers who do not comply with strategy rules.

No action required to date

Ensure that information on control methods for amenity pests is available on Horizons’ website.

Ongoing (updated as required)

Animal Pest Monitoring Programme

Possum Control Operation 2015-16 monitoring plan completed

Ten of 19 monitors completed.

RPAMS (Regional Pest Animal Management Strategy) Monitoring Report

Rabbit night count prep work underway (monitors to be undertaken in April-May 2016).

Biosecurity Activity (Plants)

8 Zero Density/Containment Species



Actual %

1st 2

nd 3

rd 4

th 5

th

Survey & record status of all known and new Zero Density & Containment species

3,680 - - 3,680 -

New sites 0 - - 0 -

Total sites 3,680 - - 3,680 -

Zero Density progress (cumulative sites at zero density)

2,255 - - 2,255 61%

8.2 Activity Report

8.2.1 Species worked on during this period include banana passionfruit, Chilean rhubarb, climbing spindleberry, Darwin’s barberry, old man’s beard, pinus contorta, purple loosestrife and Senegal tea.

8.2.2 Purple loosestrife control around Lake Horowhenua was completed with the last section being at the highly visible nursey area. Staff were assisted with security and local Police turned up to help keep the peace between those opposed to the work and the spray contractors, digger operators and staff present on site.

8.2.3 Pinus contorta operations in the upper Rangitikei river area have finished for the year. We worked according to the Nature Central Wilding Conifer Implementation Plan coordinating control with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC), Department of Conservation (DOC), and NZ Defence Force (NZDF). We also managed the control work on unoccupied Maori land, which was funded by Nga Whenua Rahui. We still have contorta work to undertake around Bells junction and Erua through to Lake Otamangakau, comprising some 1,300 ha of a mix of aerial and ground control.

8.2.4 The old man’s beard control season is almost finished. We have good control at many sites especially along both sides of the Ruahine buffer and through to Waiouru, and north of Taumarunui down through to Ohakune. There are a number of more difficult areas usually associated with difficult to access sites or sensitive areas such as river cliffs, remote bush and urban and peri-urban properties.

Craig Davey Natural Resources and Partnerships Coordinator - Plants

9 Production Species



Actual Target %

1st 2

nd 3

rd 4

th 5

th

Record and treat all known & newly discovered Zero Density species

528 - - 528 NA NA

New sites 0 - - 0 NA NA

Site total 528 - - 528 NA NA

Progress toward Zero Density target 315 - - 315 - 60%

9.2 Activity Report

9.2.1 Complaints or enquiries were received about urban blackberry, broom and gorse. Species worked on during this period include African feather grass and woolly nightshade.

9.2.2 Three days were spent spraying sites of African feather grass from Pipiriki through to Kauarapaoa on the Whanganui River. Staff were surprised at the robustness of plants as the June 2015 flooding had not displaced even smaller plants growing on shingle beaches.

Photo 5: African feather grass near Hunterville - not very palatable to stock. (R.Sicely)

9.2.3 We have an interesting complaint over blackberry at Mataroa, Taihape, where the community is concerned about spread into a DOC reserve. Kiwirail has agreed to control an adjacent site, locals are working on private property and Ruapehu District Council (RDC) has still to do its portion.


10 Biological Control


Measure Reporting Period

YTD Actual 1

st 2

nd 3

rd 4

th 5

th

Monitor and report on bio agent release sites - sites inspected

0 3 12 4 19

Monitor and report on bio agent release sites - new releases/transfers

0 - 13 6 19

10.2 Activity Report

Various

10.2.1 Green thistle beetle releases were delivered to four more farmers in the Taihape area. Staff also attended a Beef & Lamb/AgResearch green thistle beetle field day near Wanganui and received a number of requests for thistle agents in the next round of releases later this year or early next year. There has been a large amount of rural press driving interest in biological control of a number of production species.

10.2.2 Staff released ragwort plume moth at Eketahuna and at Tiratu, Dannevirke. We also had enough to provide a couple of populations to HBRC.

10.2.3 We received a ‘free’ release of the new Darwin’s barberry weevils from Landcare Research to shore up the previous release earlier in the year. The weevils were released in the infested area around Eketahuna.

10.2.4 We released some buddleia weevils further up the Pohangina. Staff noticed large infestations all around the eastern Ruahine area downwind of an original release site, which is very good news.

Tutsan

10.2.5 A hearing to consider the application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for release of two biological control agents against tutsan was held 8 April. The Tutsan Action Group (TAG) was represented by HRC and Landcare Research. This is the last step in a nine-year journey of investigation and fundraising for the TAG to realise its goal of reducing tutsan from the very serious pasture and environmental pest it has become in the Ruapehu District. Two submitters, DOC and Northland Regional Council, were against the release of the leaf feeding beetle due to concerns that feeding on native Hypericum occurred during the laboratory host range testing. The argument against this fear was that the St John’s beetle, which is of the same genus as the tutsan beetle, scored very much higher in the laboratory tests against native Hypericum but in the wild has little to no impact on these natives. Thus, the science tends to show that laboratory host range tests over-emphasise off-target damage. The decision will be notified around the end of May.

Field horsetail

10.2.6 The Rangitikei Horsetail Group application to the EPA for release of a weevil was submitted at a similar time to the tutsan application. There will be no need for a hearing and we expect to hear the decision early June.


11 Non-rateable Land & Crown Agencies



Actual Target %

1st 2

nd 3

rd 4

th 5

th

MOU/Liaison progress 1 4 2 3 10 12 60%


We liaise with the following agencies: LINZ, DOC, KiwiRail, NZ Defence Force, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), Palmerston North City Council and Whanganui, Ruapehu, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Tararua and Horowhenua district councils. We also meet annually with neighbouring regional councils to discuss boundary pest control issues.

11.2.1 We met with NZ Transit Agency (NZTA) contract managers on 23 March to discuss potential changes to the NZTA roadside weed management programme under a new Regional Pest Management Plan. The contractors were very keen to work to an annual operational plan to clarify network standards and site plans for nominated special work areas. The concept of isolating some of the higher profile sites in a plan allows either more budget allocation or recognition of the sites’ peculiar characteristics that will dictate the outcome. We raised the need to adopt best practice weed management across the network, but tailored to sites and species, within or outside the contract specifications. Best practice roadside weed management can mean leaving as much vegetation as practicable to smother plants, requiring machinery wash downs or targeting timing or best selection of herbicides.

11.2.2 The topic of yellow bristle grass (YBG) was used to highlight the need to have good communication and information sharing between the management agencies and through to the guys on the tractors mowing the roadsides. HRC staff had recently visited the Waikato and seen the various methods used by councils and NZTA to prevent or unfortunately accelerate the spread of YBG. Roadsides where management was timed correctly, and where adjacent landowners were aware of the issue and able to act appropriately, had the best control of YBG. The key for YBG was minimal mowing, just enough for sight lines, and no-spraying. Roadsides inundated with YBG were those with sprayed strips, frequent mowing and ‘tidy’ fencelines. In this scenario adjacent pasture and maize was infested by up to 66%.

Photo 6: The perfect scenari - a small mowed strip and rank growth. This site was a previous infestation now smothered out, and not spreading, (C.Davey).

Photo 7: The worst scenario. Image taken with yellow filter to highlight YBG. Well mowed roadside, sprayed maker posts; paddock lost to YBG, (C.Davey).

Kiwirail

11.2.3 Kiwirail has been very proactive and controlled a number of sites across the region while also responding to complaints when brought to its attention. They have worked outside their brief and controlled or planned to control all contorta within the control zone from north of Taihape to Ohakune.

LINZ

11.2.4 HRC accompanied an inspection with Land Information NZ (LINZ) contract managers Boffa Miskell regarding broom and gorse on LINZ land in the Rangitikei River corridor. This area has been subject to long term ‘boundary control’ between LINZ and occupiers with HRC advocating on behalf of both parties. It has been successful in supressing target species within the river corridor though the situation is fragile and dynamic.


12 Surveillance



Actual %

1st 2

nd 3

rd 4

th 5

th

Survey and inspect all nurseries for National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) listed weeds

0 - - 0 NA

Report all discoveries and action taken Reported below

Survey & record status of all known and new Surveillance species sites

26 - - 26 NA

New sites 0 - - 11 0 NA

Total sites 26 - - 37 37 NA

Zero Density progress (cumulative sites at Zero Density)

18 - - 18 48%


Velvetleaf

12.2.1 A national response to the velvetleaf contamination of some fodder beet cultivars has involved the pest plant team since 22 March. Velvetleaf is a weed widespread across the northern hemisphere and known to reduce the yield of crops by up to 70%. A small number of the fodder beet cultivars planted in New Zealand were infected at source and imported from Italy as certified clean seed. MPI through AsureQuality is running and funding a national response that includes communications, response, search and destroy and trace back. Horizons staff from across the organisation have responded enthusiastically to the task of ensuring farmers are aware of the potential risk in their fodder beet and informing them of response protocols.

12.2.2 The Communication team produced articles to keep the local press informed and these have been picked up nationally as well, with HRC images used across the country.

Photo 8: Mature velvetleaf early April, Wanganui, (C.Davey).

12.2.3 Survey and plant containment has been completed by the Pest Plant team. We have spent approximately 600 hours on the response, inspected 220 ha of fodder beet and found 259 velvetleaf plants on 11 properties.

Figure 1 Extent of velvetleaf in the HRC region showing 11 known sites (J.Keast).

12.2.4 Four properties have been re-inspected as new plants bolt and are spotted by farmers or PGG seed reps. We have been given farm management advice information for farmers by MPI. Staff are connecting with the affected farmers and providing this information. Horizons will have to respond to the threat of velvetleaf that we now have in our region. Whether this is through our (Regional Pest Plant Management Strategy (RPPMS) or some avenue is yet to be decided.


13 Awareness & Promotion



Actual 1st 2

nd 3

rd 4

th 5

th

Report on all awareness and promotional activity *1 45 88 186 120 439

*1 AP/LTP targets

13.2 Activity Table

Activity What

Talks to groups Presence at eight River Management Group scheme meetings

Field days Dairy New Zealand – Green thistle beetle field days, Central Districts Field Days, Four Mile Bush old man’s beard Day

Media articles

Ragwort flea beetle articles, Bush Telegraph, Central Districts Farmer – March

velvetleaf response articles – picked up around the country and on RNZ National Radio.

13.3 Activity report

Graph 3: Pest plant enquiries - summary

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Production Zero-Density Freshwater Surveillance Non-Strategy

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35

Frontlines - March -April 2016

13.3.1 The main topics of enquiry during this period were:

PRODUCTION Enquiry/complaints about ragwort and blackberry

ZERO-DENSITY Old man’s beard sightings

FRESHWATER Unknown pond weeds

SURVEILLANCE Field horsetail and enquiry about yellow bristle grass

NON-STRATEGY Privet and convolvulus

Community Assistance

13.3.2 Two staff assisted at the “Pongoroa way to go group” with old man’s beard control at Four Mile Bush for a day, which they were extremely grateful for. This resulted in a write up in the paper thanking both Biodiversity and Biosecurity staff that attended.

Craig Davey NATURAL RESOURCES AND PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR - PLANTS

Biosecurity Activity (Plants) Summary

Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date

Nature Central (NC) Wilding Conifer Implementation Plan

Work with NC partners and other stakeholders to: 1. Form plan

2. Activity planning and tracking sheet

3. Annual meeting scheduled.

Annual meeting held, maps produced, alignment with programmes achieved.

Waimarino TNP Darwin’s barberry control programme

Organise joint work programme alongside DOC.

Programme underway. We have good cooperation and alignment with DOC.

Yellow bristle grass (YBG) intervention investigation

Decide on the best actions Horizons can take to arrest the spread and impact of YBG on the Region.

Beginning to disseminate best practice information to road managers. Topic of meeting with NZTA. Staff assessed infected roadside management options in the Waikato.

Rangitikei Horsetail Group

Assist group financially and with actions as required.

Successful field day held with more than 60 people attending at Te Hou farm. Project seeking funds for breeding up weevil as laboratory breeding is slow.

Tutsan Action Group Assist group financially and with actions as required.

Project is nearing completion and host testing of possible agents is underway in containment facility. EPA hearing for application to release two agents was conducted 8 April 2016. Decision expected in six weeks.

Agent assessment project

1. Workable structure established for Horizons staff to implement

2. Tutsan assessment sites established.

3. Other plants planned and criteria established.

Horizons’ protocol for regional and national assessment protocol commitments has been established.

Desert Road Invasive Legume Control Group

Relationship between parties maintained.

MOU completed

Coordinated action in priority areas is undertaken against the target species.

Annual meeting held in late September, collaborative approach to weed infestation management occurring between parties. Work of the various parties is progressing through the spray season.

Check, Clean, Dry (CCD) advocacy programme

1. Establish season plan

2. Establish register of relationships to be managed to enable wide community uptake of message.

Programme plan submitted and funding received from MPI and confirmation from DOC for funding a Whanganui catchment focused effort. Almost finished this year with only one event remaining, the Central Plateau T42.

Year to Date Progress - Horizons

Documents

Transcript of Year to Date Progress - Horizons