Minutes of KIRRA Executive Meetings 2023

View and download full meeting minutes here:

• Special General Meeting 6 May 2023

• KIRRA Executive Meeting 22 April 2023

• AGM 18 March 2023

• KIRRA Executive Meeting 9 February 2023

Minutes of KIRRA Executive Meetings 2022

Download and read the minutes from KIRRA Executive meetings here.

• WEDNESDAY 2 November 2022

 Wednesday 6 July 2022 5.30pm at Sandspit Café & zoom

PRESENT: Julie Alach (Island Conservation), Colin Bright, Liz Brooks (AC), Peter Buckton, Sue-Ellen Craig, Shelley Futcher, Richard Griffiths (Island Conservation), Lin Pardey and Nikki Porteous,

VIA ZOOM: Kate Backler, Beth Houlbrooke (Rodney Local Board), Pippa Tabron and Michael Wheatcroft.

APOLOGIES: Pam Dallow, Andrew Fyfe, Abigail Harress-Blaas, Greg Knowles, Michael Marris, Jonathan Miles (AC), Sally Ostick, Greg Sayers, Carl & Mandy Weaver and Jude Wood.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: No matters arising.

CORRESPONDENCE: Restore Rodney East (RRE) emailed KIRRA TO invite us to some of their events on the mainland. Beth Houlbrooke explained to us that they are funded by the Rodney Local Board and have a coordinator who provides support, education and networking opportunities in the area from Leigh to Puhoi and out east. It doesn’t include Kawau as we are already under the pest eradication plan that is being funded by Auckland Council. Richard Griffiths and Julie Alach from Island Conservation are our people for pest work on Kawau. They are linked into RRE. Richard informed us that if pest eradication does occur on Kawau there will be ongoing community conservation needs. Knowledge sharing with RRE would be a good introduction. Island Conservation can provide a connection and put RRE in touch with Pohutakawa Trust, North Harbour Custodians and any other interested islanders.

South Covians emailed KIRRA about the installation of smart meters for Genesis Energy customers. A lot of islanders are reporting receiving inaccurate accounts due to continual estimated meter readings. Mercury have also sent letters to customers offering smart meters. It was suggested that residents who would like a smart meter to call their power company. This information will be circulated in these minutes.

FINANCIALS: Sally sent through the accounts for the periods ending 10th May 2022 and 5th July 2022. No matters arising. Moved by Sue-Ellen Craig and seconded by Peter Buckton.

The cost of providing a private water taxi for those returning to the island after a mainland KIRRA meeting was approved as ferry costs are covered for those commuting from the mainland to Kawau for meetings. Moved by Colin Bright and seconded by Peter Buckton.

KAWAU ISLAND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (KIAC) Lin Pardey & Michael Marris: Lin reported that we have a major problem with Auckland Council and the Sandspit Reserve. AC have asked the local boards to do management plans for all the reserves and parks. We have been asked for feedback on the Sandspit reserve management plan due by 15th August. Lin’s opinion is that it’s the worse management plan she has ever seen. We must do something about it as this plan will determine what the use of the reserve will be for the next 10 years. Our last plan lasted 25 years without any consultation with Kawau Islanders. The people dealing with this appear to have not listened to anything we have had to say. Apart from mentioning that a ferry lands at the reserve there is no mention of Kawau Island. They don’t state that this is the only access for Kawau Islanders and that our needs must be met. They have ignored the history and background. We purchased part of the reserve area to ensure future parking. The only mention of parking is that the council intend to charge for parking again. Also there is no mention that there is a recycling and rubbish facility which will always be necessary for Kawau Islanders. Also, no mention is made that there is a compound area for our emergency responders. The only management issues they talk about are the loss of habitat for birds and the threat of cats and dogs. No mention is made of boat parking either which must be retained on the reserve land. The other reserve area covered is Brick Bay Road with no mention of parking which assists Kawau Islanders with overflow parking. The sea walls are not mentioned which desperately need work.  Apart from the carpark caretakers house, all the other buildings are on the road so under Auckland Transport. Proper consultation hasn’t occurred as it wasn’t open and was time limited. We need to write a report on what we need, what we want and what the background is.

Beth Houlbrooke informed us that the Rodney Local Board has done a lot of work on this management plan which covers 338 parks. They are presenting a draft and are asking the public how they would like those parks managed into the future. This work is separate with what has been happening with the carpark so the feedback from the carpark issue may not be reflected in the plan. The deadline for submissions will be 15 August and there will be a hearing panel. Submissions from KIRRA, KIAC and individual submissions are encouraged.

Sue-Ellen will put together a submission which is made available to all islanders. For those who want to it can be copied and pasted and sent in. Or if people prefer, they can put together their own.

Lin also mentioned that the Kawau Boating Club is in strife. She encourages people to get to the AGM. The current committee want to make changes which includes raising the subs and taking away the members benefits. We want to get Kawau Islanders involved. No newsletters have been sent out or updates made to the website.

Beth reiterated the importance of getting people along to the AGM. The date of this meeting hasn’t been announced yet. Overall, the communication has been terrible. As a committee member Beth is not happy. We need more people on the committee who have a genuine interest in the club and someone from the island at least would be really good.

GENERAL BUSINESS:

Incorporated Society Act Changes – Sue-Ellen sent through some documents prior to the meeting about how we can meet the new legislative requirements. She said we need to make some changes and now is good as we haven’t made changes in a long time. We can look at what our purpose is, what we prioritise and how we approach things. We could do this by surveying all islanders. She proposes two surveys. The first one is who we are as islanders, how many permanents, how many cats and dogs etc. The second survey is asking what is important to people and how can we prioritise that work. For example, sub-committees for those who don’t want to be on the KIRRA committee but want to support initiatives. She needs to know if we think surveying is a good idea, and if it's a yes then what sort of things should we ask.

Once we have that information, we can ask how we structure KIRRA, or are there any changes required via the new paperwork for the Incorporated Society Act. Having an updated vision statement would enable us to do MOUs and engage more with council. We are lucky to have Beth, but we may not have her after October as she is planning on not standing for the RLB again which means we need to look at how Kawau has a voice around the table. Sue-Ellen has written a separate paper on KIAC as there is no reason for council to engage with KIAC over KIRRA. She is not saying things are broken but are we the best we can be.

Colin Bright thanked Sue-Ellen for the massive amount of work that has gone into this. What he does ask is that we don’t do anything at this meeting. That we push it into the next meeting to enable us to have a proper opportunity to go through those questions. Michael Marris sent an email suggesting much the same thing. Also, we don’t need to rush it because our deadline is 2026. Sue-Ellen agrees as it is big. She suggests an in-person meeting to just look at this. Colin moved that this be on the agenda for the next meeting and that everyone has considered what Sue-Ellen has put together. She said it does need more time as it is complicated. Shelley Futcher seconded Colin Bright’s motion.

There was strong support from all those present for the survey as it will help people feel involved in the community. On that subject acknowledgement was made of the social get togethers in South Cove and the need for more events like the ball, welcome to Kawau at KBC and a smaller version of Music in the Gardens.

Rodney Local Board – Beth reminded us that the waste minimisation grant is still open for applications. The Sandspit carpark is progressing towards the new arrangements to make it paying.

KIRRA sign at Sandspit Wharf – Shelley and Nikki are on the sub-committee for this. We’ve had some correspondence with Laurie Lowther of the Sandspit Residents & Ratepayers Association. Laurie is their liaison person with KIRRA as he is a property owner on Kawau and a KIRRA member. To update the sign what we need is a graphic designer, then get it the sign made. Neville Eade who is a Kawau Islander and a graphic designer has offered to do it for free and he can possibly get the signage made for us at a good rate. We will share the content with the committee before it is finalised and acknowledge Neville’s work in some way.

The Kawau Project, Auckland Council and Island Conservation – Liz Brooks the Pathways and Marine Hauraki Gulf Biosecurity Team Manager. As part of the proposed of multi species eradication for Kawau we’ve engaged Island Conservation and have Richard and Julie here. We’re at the first stage of gathering information and putting together a proposed feasibility assessment setting out whether the project is possible. Her other role is to look at what biosecurity looks like for all the Hauraki Gulf islands as well as the marine areas. We have a number of standard bio security measures for all the islands. These would complement an eradication if it proceeds.  If you are going to invest in getting pests off islands, we need to maintain whatever is achieved. I am here to answer any questions.

Julie and Richard from Island Conservation then updated us. They are currently about a third of the way through the community consultations having met most of the permanent residents. However, they still have a long way to go before they have talked to everyone. They hope to have completed the consultations sometime in September – October. Following the completion of consultation, a feasibility assessment will be developed. A summary will be made available to the community to review.

The key message that Richard wanted to relay to KIRRA at this meeting was that if there is sufficient community support and the project does move forward how would the community like to be involved in the project? This could be at differing levels from providing direction or being involved in the project’s delivery. It will be important that the community’s views are represented. It could be a representative from KIRRA or one of the conservation groups working on Kawau. At some point later in the year they will come back and ask about this again. He then invited questions.

Lin asked how much push back are they getting from people? For example, some don’t like the idea of having rat traps in the ceilings of their houses. Richard replied that the feedback to date has been overwhelmingly in favour of the concept, but it is still too early to say whether the project is feasible. We want to talk to those people who have concerns about having a rat trap or bait station in their attics and whether they can be resolved. Other feedback that Lin has received is the fear of aerial drops due to possible bi-kill and the washing of chemicals into the marine areas. Some are also worried about their pets. Some of these people haven’t met with Island Conservation yet. Another worry is the increased costs of enforcing bio security on the ferry company. Richard replied that it is important to note that the ferry service is already operating within the pest free warrant scheme.

Liz Brooks said that they work hard with operators to incorporate biosecurity measures into their practices without adding additional costs. Any costs are borne by the Auckland Council for example a dog handler inspecting a high-risk load such as the relocation of a house or bulk supplies of building and landscape materials. Lin asked about barge operators. Richard replied that our current barge operator is also operating under the pest free warrant scheme and provides a service to other pest free islands.

Liz replied that council would do the inspection so it would be their cost. They would be able to act in advance, identify the pest if it’s there and remove it. With people living on an island there is the inevitable transport of goods which the Council can’t and don’t want to interrupt. They just don’t want the pests getting here. For example, they have spent millions of dollars in eradicating argentine ants from Vivian Bay so if for instance there is bulk horticulture goods being delivered, they have argentine dogs which can do the inspection. The ideal situation is when people can give us advanced notice. Going to the source is better such as the nursery or supplier. Council don’t want to be obstructive. Council has had no issues expressed by other pest free Hauraki Gulf islands such as Rakino or Great Barrier Island.

Liz and Island Conservation are happy to have conversations with anyone who has questions or concerns.

Sue-Ellen thanked them for taking the time to come all the way up here to our meeting.

Colin Bright also expressed his thanks for the fact that they are talking and listening to islanders.

Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 – Applications for recognition orders affecting the coastal and marine areas around Kawau – Colin Bright presented a memorandum. In summary the sub-committee who have been monitoring the applications comprises of Colin, John Sinclair and Michael Marris. They have not met for some time and that responsibility lies with Colin. Back at our AGM he sought to be relieved of the issues and responsibility for monitoring the applications that have been lodged with the High Court of NZ by a number of applicants. As KIRRA has limited means there is a limited allocation of funds that can be spent on these issues. It seems to Colin that without a major injection of funds, the ability to involve and instruct legal practice with the expertise that is needed in this field or for people either within or outside KIRRA being prepared to put in a devote a great deal of voluntary time, that apart from raising awareness there seems little point in the continued involvement and for this item reappearing on the agenda for each of our meetings. As an example, Carl Weaver has stated that Kawau is in a different situation to other coastal and marine areas and that there is historic evidence to support that. In the event that there is such evidence, then we need to be able to enlist people prepared to research it and the ability to seek and obtain a specialist legal opinion on the implications that evidence may have for the various applications. We need to do that now, not in a year’s time. Then it is likely to be too late. Although KIRRA has filed notices recording its wish to have its voice heard as an interested party, in all but one of the current court applications, it has taken no other steps. A number of interested parties have been heard, participated in proceedings and made appearances at the various Case Management Conferences. Our organisation has not done that and time is rapidly running out. We are presently not even an interested party to one of the most important major negotiations that are presently taking place. These are between the Crown and Ngati Whatua O Orakei and a number of other applicants. All of the various applicants who have made applications for customary rights affecting the areas around Kawau may be pursuing valid claims in which they have genuine rights and entitlement but the likely impact for our island if the orders are made will be enormous. Most islanders may not be aware, or not fully aware of that likely impact.

Unless there is an infusion of new blood into this process in the place of myself (with myself stepping down), then as I see it, some of the most important and far-reaching decisions affecting Kawau, that are likely to occur this century, will be made, whilst we stand by.

Colin then presented a second note to give more context to the above. This includes the Minute of Justice Churchman dated 1 July 2022. In summary he has observed that as the applications have progressed, they have become aware of the difficulties that they face in obtaining recognition orders for Customary Marine Titles, where there are overlapping claimants who also assert exclusive use and occupation of the same part of the Takutai Moana since 1840.

If interested, please contact either myself or Colin for a copy of the full note.

The following discussion occurred with questions from the committee and answers from Colin:

How much money would we need?  The reply was $100,000.

Is there any chance that we would ever win? Colin replied that he believed some of the applicants would be successful in obtaining rights to the foreshore and seabed areas around Kawau. However, by participating and providing evidence we may be in a position to affect and or limit the nature and scope of the decisions. The decisions that are made in favour of parties who obtain coastal and marine rights around Kawau maybe affected by the evidence and submissions from interested parties.

When Maori groups get customary rights does this mean we would have to confer with them for anything we would want to do on the foreshore, such as jetties and seawalls? That is correct.

Without the money required do we need to start building relationships with iwi? Colin replied that he thought the most important first step required would be that, as the evidence in support of various claims is presented, to have the resources to analyse and respond to the various claims. Some will be valid and some justified but some of them may not be. There will be historic evidence and issues relating to the coastal and marine environment that have to be considered. Where the claimants are seeking customary marine rights or title there should be at least some input from the island before it happens.

Does it mean that if a property owner required resource consent for a jetty or wharf, would that person have to go to more than one iwi? Colin replied that it will be much more fundamental than that. You will not be able to lodge your application for a resource consent until you have the consent and approval of whoever has been found to hold Customary Marine Title.

Sue-Ellen responded that she is not concerned as that having worked with Ngati Whatua O Orakei they are very clear about co governance for the benefit of Auckland.

DOC – On behalf of DOC Nikki shared a couple of things. The phoenix palms have been removed and work has been completed on strengthening smelting house.

Pohutakawa Trust – Nil update.

Ngati Manuhiri Settlement Trust – Nil update.

Kookaburra – Nil update. Thanks Jude for getting the winter issue out before heading off to warmer climes.

Website – In 2021 our website visitor numbers soared due to Covid and people only being able to travel within NZ. This year, website numbers are down slightly on the same time last year. We would expect this given most visitors to the site, are visitors to the island (rather than residents and ratepayers) and people are now returning to travel overseas. Most visitors to the website are NZ Based with the lion’s share of visitors in Auckland (17K), a few in Wellington (1,180), Canterbury, Waikato and just a sprinkling from Northland. Based on visitors preferred content, we assume they are visitors to the island rather than the community.

Top site content is the home page (obvious as this is the entry point), then getting to the island (13,450), accommodation (7094) and activities (6776) followed by more about the island’s nature and history (2-3000 approx for each page). Most visitors to the website find it using Google search (84%). A small number of websites have links that bring people to the Kawau Island website.  These include Aucklandnz.com, urbanlist, freelancer.com, Sandspit Holiday Park and Kawau Cruises.

Social media currently does not generate many website visits and, based on the insights, the community don’t currently use the members area very much. So far year to date, there have been 200 visits to the KIRRA pages and only 66 to the members area. Recommendations from the AGM are still to be progressed.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Harbour Master Reinstatement at Sandspit Wharf – For future discussion.

Meeting closed 7.30 pm.

Next meeting to be held: - Saturday 3rd September 9.30am at Shelley Futcher’s, Stockyard Bay.

MINUTES KIRRA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday 30 March 2022 5.30pm via zoom

PRESENT: Julie Alach (Island Conservation), Kate Backler, Liz Brooks (AC), Sue-Ellen Craig, Pam Dallow, Shelley Futcher, Richard Griffiths (Island Conservation), Abigail Harress-Blaas, Beth Houlbrooke (RLB), Emma Kearney (DOC), Greg Knowles, Jonathan Miles (AC), Sally Ostick, Nikki Porteous, Pippa Tabron, Carl Weaver, Mandy Weaver, Michael Wheatcroft and Jude Wood.

APOLOGIES: Colin Bright, Peter Buckton, Andrew Fyfe, Michael Marris and Lin Pardey,

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: No matters arising.

CORRESPONDENCE: Letter from Colin Bright thanking KIRRA for his life membership award which he received at the AGM in January.

FINANCIALS:  Our treasurer Sally Ostick submitted the accounts for the period ending 28/3/22.

• The outstanding income is $6,000. It is better than it was but is mainly repeat offenders who haven’t paid. Sally’s view is that if advertisers are not paying then they shouldn’t be advertising. It was suggested that we look at a two-stage penalty system as it is a lot of work trying to recover this debt. However, when Sally does phone them they do pay. There is only a couple not responding. Jude said that they are our big advertisers and others just need to be taken out of the Kookaburra.

• There are also member subscriptions not paid but we are chasing them up. It would be helpful if they could tell us why they are not paying. Invoices for 2022 subscriptions are going out on 1 April so hopefully members will respond well.

KAWAU ISLAND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (KIAC) Lin Pardey & Michael Marris: Nil to report.

GENERAL BUSINESS:

Rodney Local Board

• Beth Houlbrooke reported that the Sandspit carpark will be back to a paying system by next summer based on the same rates as Auckland Transport possibly adjusted with inflation. Auckland Council are not planning on making any big changes to what the pricing was.

• Sue-Ellen asked if it will be changed to allocated parking? Beth will query this with council. Parking spaces will remain for FENZ, Coastguard and the Sandspit café. Any changes will come to Kawau Island residents for consultation. The hope is that the changes will be in place by Labour Weekend. Pam asked if we could book a parking space between certain dates when we know we will be on the island? Sue-Ellen asked what level of engagement they are expecting? Beth will bring these suggestions back to our next meeting.

• Carl Weaver had made a submission to the carpark survey. The proposals were all rejected. He asks how will the annual subscriptions be administered and how will the process of consultation take place? There needs to be better dialogue going forward, so that everyone gets a chance to have their input and that it’s more open. Beth will take all these points back. The initial survey went out to several parties. An agreement was made that they required consent from all parties to share their feedback but not all of them gave their consent. Despite this Carl said it would have still been good to get some feedback. Sue-Ellen is interested to know why there is a limited stakeholders list whom council deal wit?. KIRRA needs to know who the other stakeholders are to assist with engagement. It would be great to know what list counsellors are using for Kawau and maybe it needs refreshing. Beth said that this came up with the wharf repairs as well. The council does not hold an up-to-date database of stakeholders as you are dealing with community groups and volunteer organisations that are constantly turning over their office holders and representatives. Beth said that the groups she has recorded are KIRRA, KIAC, Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers, Sandspit Yacht Club, FENZ, Coastguard, Kawau Cruises, Sandspit café and commercial users of Sandspit wharf. If she has left anyone out please let her know. On her own initiative she has created a community contact list so council staff often come to her as the local board are more closely in contact with the community. When she is gone, she doesn’t know what will become of it as it does require a lot of effort to maintain. Sue-Ellen offered to work with Beth on getting this list on the council database. Carl thanked Beth for her trust and interest in having Pohutakawa Trust on that list as they have always had plenty of good communication.

• The new rubbish facility at Sandspit appears to be working well. Apart from some initial operational issues with the gate itself, the eyesore, smell and complaints are gone. The CCTV camera is there to capture anyone, and they did issue a couple of fines. If you see anyone who shouldn’t be in there, please phone the council.

• Beth sent an email about council’s annual budget and proposed changes to rubbish collection. She asked some questions on how Kawau Island ratepayers would be affected by the proposal. There is a proposed charge per ratepaying property of $50.83 which is for disposing of the rubbish from the facility. The rubbish facility itself is free. Mainlanders don’t get free rubbish. They will be paying $124 to $180 for rubbish disposal and already pay extra for inorganic. The charge for islanders is mostly because council are having to pay more to dispose of rubbish due increased levies and government waste minimisation policies. Beth has always said that this is going to be a difficult thing to hold on for free as currently islanders don’t pay a waste levy at all. There was an opportunity to make comment on this through the annual budget submissions which closed on Monday. Sue-Ellen posted it on Facebook with a direct link. Beth thinks that the proposal will go through as there is dissatisfaction on the mainland and council wants to pull everyone into the same system.

• It was asked if there has been an update on the inorganic collection? Great Barrier do pay for theirs and pay the same waste levy that mainlanders do. The issue with Kawau is that there is 10 years of accumulation with no regular service so now we’re trying to bite off a massive chunk of the problem. Beth doesn’t think that there will be much help from council. They reneged on their initial offer 18 months ago. It is going to now be a very hard sell to get council to provide anything given the policy on waste minimisation and increased waste levy. Beth is willing to persist with it and has spoken to Lin Pardey who has posted on the Facebook page asking what sort of waste people want to get rid of. It sounds like about 80% of it has scrap metal value. The Tin Men at Silverdale would pick it all up from Sandspit wharf for no charge as they would recoup the costs. It's just getting our inorganics from Kawau to Sandspit which our community needs to try to coordinate as we know the island. Lin Pardey has spoken to the barge operator who is willing to do this for a good deal and the cost has to be split amongst the people who use it. Once it’s at Sandspit it’s not a problem getting it collected. We then look at what we’ve got left like old pieces of furniture and mattresses and do another run for those. Beth’s work was acknowledged she was thanked especially for locating the Tin Men to do it at no charge. As the council is not going to help we have to come up with our own solution.

• Beth then spoke about the Hauraki Gulf Forum. She has had some communication with them following concerns raised at the AGM that we don’t have a voice on that forum. A visit of the forum to Kawau is being planned with an agenda and itinerary. The response from the council members of the forum is quite positive so Beth expects there will be interest from other members of the forum as well. Beth proposed to send them an invitation with save the dates of 28, 29 or 30 April. We need to do some work on what we want to talk about within the scope of their remit and an itinerary with the logistics of how we will get them around. It would be good to get them to a few places to show them that the island doesn’t have roads, the waste issue and several things that do affect the gulf directly. The islanders need to be driving this and Beth is communicating with Nikki, Lin and Sue-Ellen who suggested that this may not happen before elections. We also need to be clear about what we stand for and what we want to achieve. Beth is happy to be the conduit with islanders driving it.

• We’ve been kept up to date by Karen Turnage from Auckland Transport on the Sandspit wharf, Schoolhouse Bay and South Cove Stairs repairs. 

KIRRA sign at Sandspit Wharf

• We are working with the Sandspit Ratepayers association about refreshing or replacing the sign on the end of dinghy lockers at Sandspit wharf. Nikki and Shelley Futcher to consult further and follow up with SSRA.

Ngati Manuhiri Settlement Trust – Nil update.

Auckland Council and the Multispecies Eradication Plan

• Jonathan Miles the Teams Islander Manager with Hauraki Gulf Biosecurity thanked us very much for the invitation to our meetings. The conversations we have just been having is very informative and helpful to us for this programme. We are calling it the Kawau Project to get rid of the pests and animal species off Kawau Island. We have consulted on the plan and have funding for this project so are now in the “yes” part. We will be doing it in the timeframe of our new regional pest management plan. Our partners are DOC, ourselves and the treaty partners of both organisations. One third of the funding is from council, one third from Predator Free 2050 and we are searching for the last third of funding. The most exciting part is phase one which is a feasibility study to see if it can be done. The key part is the engagement of Island Conservation who are contracted by AC to deliver this phase. Richard Griffiths and Julie Alach are going to come and meet with islanders. The total funding is around $4 million which is just for the engagement and eradication. There will also be ongoing costs. They want to be holistic in their approach looking at some of the weed species and their management and once pest free look at what’s coming back on to the island. Sue-Ellen asked if this includes wilding pines and would we gain any funding for their removal? AC is currently working with MPI (Ministry of Primary Industries) at Aotea (Great Barrier Island). They are looking at including Auckland which would include Kawau. It’s not going to happen overnight but there is a plan out there. As a lot of the pines are on the DOC reserve they are also part of that conversation. Jonathan can’t promise anything right now. Sue-Ellen has worked with MPI on the wilding pines and understands that MPI can’t release any funding until AC says that they are a significant fire risk on Kawau as they were with the Lake Ohau fire. She appreciates that it can’t be part of the pest management plan but we need to do something. Jonathan and Sue-Ellen will continue this communication. Carl Weaver informed us that Pohutakawa Trust have an unwritten agreement with three major landowners to remove 60% of the wilding pines on the island. Sue-Ellen has information from Lin Pardey and Lyn Hume on what has been done about the wilding pines in the past. Jonathan finished by thanking Pohutakawa Trust for the remarkable job they have been doing over the years.

• Richard and Julie from Island Conservation then spoke. They are organising times to have conversations about the proposed pest eradication starting with permanent residents and then all ratepayers. They have been preparing some information to make it clear from their side what an operation might look like. The costs and benefits will be set out so that we are fully informed. Our views will be listened to. Sue-Ellen asked what the most effective eradication methods are top down based upon what has been employed on other islands? Richard replied that it does depend upon the target species. Wallabies are quite different to rats, possums and mustelids. When they come and talk to us, they will be explaining the methods that would provide the greatest level of success and there will be some bottom lines as there are some parts of Kawau that are inaccessible on foot. They don’t want to get into too much detail at this meeting, but they will be discussing these things with us.  A list of names only are required as ratepayer’s details can be tracked with the AC so privacy is not an issue. They can meet different groups on different parts of the islands so it would be helpful to know who is there and who is not. Nikki, Sue-Ellen, Richard and Julie will meet online to help plan the logistics.

Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 – Applications for recognition orders affecting the coastal and marine areas around Kawau – Nil update.

DOC

• Emma Kearney (Senior Ranger Community) said that DOC will be very interested in being part of the wider discussion on wilding pines. The kiwi aversion training is happening on 8 May. It is being combined with our mainland team. To date there have been only a couple of expressions of interest from Kawau. The flyer will be posted on the Kawau community Facebook page and copies hung up at Sandspit wharf. Also, there will be a full-page notice in the autumn Kookaburra. In response to a request for any updates on the recent dog attacks in Schoolhouse Bay Emma said that all she knows is that it’s being investigated.

Pohutakawa Trust

• Carl reported that last month they undertook a culling program and successfully removed approximately 400 animals. There are very few possums left and those remaining are on the DOC reserve, east of Schoolhouse Bay and around Lidgard House and the boating club. There are very few rats and stoats left. It is becoming increasingly hard for the contractors to find the animals. We are getting increasingly more support from landowners. Our next cull will be the 10 days following the April school holidays. We are getting many reports of trees, grasses and birds thriving. We’ve also seen a lot of tarairi tree seedlings which is exciting. Jonathan (AC) thanked the Pohutakawa Trust for the amazing job they are doing. Congratulations and thank you.

Kookaburra

• Jude reported that the autumn issue will be in the post tomorrow.  It is 80 pages this time as we were a bit light on material but typically at the last minute we could have filled it. Thank you to everyone who has sent in some gorgeous stuff for this issue. Jude was thanked for all the hours she puts in as editor. It’s a great wee publication that we are all very proud of. Jude says that she really loves doing it. 

Website

• Kate said that she came away with a list of recommendations from the AGM. For example, making the password for the members area more accessible and loading some aspects of the minutes on the website. At the moment she is focussing on updates in the members area. She will be able to provide more of a report at the next meeting. If anyone has any issues with the web browser please do let Kate know. All the phone numbers of those on the executive are listed on the website and published in the Kookaburra.

Harbour Master Reinstatement at Sandspit Wharf

• Beth reported no update. This needs to be pushed through processes with a long term plan when it comes around or the annual budget. Beth does raise it at any opportunity. Sue-Ellen suggested that we just take it off the agenda as she questions whether this is ever going to happen. Agreement was made that it goes in any other business so it is not forgotten rather than a standing item on the agenda.

Anzac Day

• Beth in her new role as recently elected member of the Kawau Boating Club committee along with another new committee member Fendall Halliburton, are in charge of organising Anzac Day. They are looking for an MC and someone to tell a story. Any children or teenagers who may like to tell a story about a grandparent’s involvement would be great. Any ideas please let Beth know to her personal address beth@socialiq.co.nz. They hope to see as many of you there as possible.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Regulatory Changes to the Incorporated Society Bill

• Sue-Ellen proposes that we review our charter. The changes to this bill will affect KIRRA. A revised charter will help us understand who we are and what we need to prioritise. Our current charter (vision statement) is out of date as more than half of it no longer stands as it’s been taken over by the unitary plan. As part of this new bill we will be required to have a very clear governance structure so that it’s easy to identify how decisions are made. Sue-Ellen has met with Lin Pardey who supports this proposal. There is so much that KIRRA has achieved over the years. This provides an opportunity to reflect on these achievements, the value that we add and enables all members to have a say. It’s not a lot of work as there are community groups that have done this whose structure we can use. At the moment the structure of KIRRA doesn’t relate to the structure of local government. KIAC was established before local boards were set up. The role of KIAC is now being delivered by local boards. I do think that looking at our charter and governance structure we may want to identify a role where there is one or two people on the KIRRA committee that form that relationship. Sue-Ellen thanked Nikki for her work and those of the other committee members. It would also mean we could share the load a bit more. Beth commented that this is great to hear as it’s been an unresolved situation. Beth commented that when she first joined the RLB she heard about KIAC and how they were no longer recognised under the amalgamated Auckland Council. With her personal interest in Kawau she decided to step in and probably gives this group a disproportionate amount of time because of the commitment she made. Beth shared with us that she won’t be in this role beyond October so this is very good timing.

Meeting closed 7.20 pm.

Next meeting to be held: - Saturday 14th May 9.30am at Shelley Futcher’s, Stockyard Bay.

MINUTES KIRRA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Saturday 18 Dec 2021 10aM, Andrew FYFe’s, Pembles Bay

PRESENT: Colin Bright, Peter Buckton, Shelley Futcher. Andrew Fyfe, Tim Holdgate (RLB), Beth Houlbrooke (RLB), Thomas Hynes (DOC), Lin Pardey, Nikki Porteous.

APOLOGIES: Kate Backler, Caroline Boot, Liz Brooks (AC), Pam Dallow, Abigail Harress-Blaas, Lyn Hume, Greg Knowles, Michael Marris, Jonathan Miles (AC), Sally Ostick, Greg Sayers, Carl Weaver, Mandy Weaver, Michael Wheatcroft, Jude Wood.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: No matters arising. Moved by Andrew Fyfe, seconded by Nikki Porteous.

CORRESPONDENCE: A Xmas card from Greg Sayers wishing us all a Merry Xmas.  Apart from that the usual email correspondence.

FINANCIALS: Sally’s report is as follows.

• We have around $12,000 outstanding invoices. Unpaid invoices are a concern to me. The same advertisers are consistently late – some for over 12 months. Memberships are steady but with a possible bug in MYOB there are still unpaid invoices. It is a lot of work to follow up members, but we really need to understand if they are not happy. And if they are not going to pay we are struggling to be financially viable at $50 membership. My suggestion is to increase membership anyway to $60. I know we did that this year, but small increases are always better and to receive 4 magazines a year is worth more than $50 in my opinion.

• I have done a drive on unpaid invoices over the last few weeks with these reactions. Payments made promptly with apologies and many people thanking us for our efforts. Angry responses for being reminded because they have already paid in which case I have of course apologised profusely. And others who thought they had paid but hadn’t.

• My suggestions are that Nikki, Jude and I go through the unpaid invoices again next year and contact people in person to understand why they are not paying.  Also to not place more adverts if people are not paying.
  The Kookaburra costs may look daunting but as always it is in the timing. For example – all the Kookaburra costs have been paid whilst advertisers have not paid us.

• A suggestion was made by Lin Pardey that with the next invoices a letter be attached listing what KIRRA and KIAC offer. Also that we don't put the fees up as we have inflation in all other areas and we have just put them up.
  In response to Caroline Boot's question about the rationale on decisions for the investments in the term deposits a discussion followed. Everyone agreed that interest rates are low at the moment but with inflation they will go up moderately.

KAWAU ISLAND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (KIAC) Lin Pardey & Michael Marris: Lin reported that the Sandspit wharf rebuild has started and we are waiting to hear when they will resume work, possibly March or after Easter.

• The needs of both the Auckland Council’s supply of materials, Kawau Cruises and weather are being taken into consideration. Communication with the Auckland Council is very good.

• Apologies were made for the beach mess at the Sandspit launching ramp. In an attempt to compact the sand, the mud was taken off resulting in large holes making it unusable. Beth Houlbrooke informed us that this used to be done annually but consents are now required so as it had been left for longer it had got particularly bad. Also a bulldozer was used rather than a bob cat. She said that hopefully we’ll see it being done annually in the future.

• A decision is yet to made about what to do with the carpark building.  It will either be re-used or taken down with the area used for parking.

• Lin made a plea for someone to start helping KIAC now.

GENERAL BUSINESS:

Rodney Local Board

• With the Sandspit carpark Beth informed us that nothing will happen with AC in the short-term because of budgets so it would be good to think about long term options. One option will be to build a carpark opposite the Z service station when the new road is built with a shuttle service to Sandspit. If we had a blank canvas, how would we like it to look? It would be good to get a plan together so we can start advocating for a budget. Major maintenance could be completed on the caretaker’s house and the café, but we would never get consent for a rebuild. One idea is to build a second story on the house with offices.

• Lin reminded us that it is only 16 days of the year during peak holiday periods that the carpark is full. However the population of the Kawau Island community is increasing.

• There is a plan to repair the lines and fix potholes after the New Year.

• Lin expressed issues with the road outside the ferry office. Beth and Tim Holdgate will look into it. Difficulties are the multi ownership this area with AC, Auckland Transport and Auckland Parks.  Parks are going through a re-classification so when the plans come out, they will have a look. There is reluctance to put more signage up.

• Beth asked if we are happy with the new rubbish facility? In general the answer is yes. AC have received less complaints. There have been a few issues with the combination lock. A challenge is the post which must be removable to get the truck in. The contractors must empty the bins often enough not to allow the bins to overflow. It’s lovely to see grass where the molok bins used to be. Lin asked if there is any chance we may loose this facility?  Beth replied in the affirmative. Longer term AC are looking at a bespoke option for Kawau Islanders but it won’t be free. Rodney ratepayers pay for their Northland Waste plus extra for their recycling and an annual inorganic collection.

KIRRA sign at Sandspit Wharf – The Sandspit Ratepayers association have contacted us about refreshing or replacing the sign on the end of dinghy locker. A decision was made to refresh the sign.  Nikki to follow-up.

Ngati Manuhiri Settlement Trust – Nil update.

Auckland Council and the Multispecies Eradication Plan – Jonathan Miles sent an update.

• Over recent months, we have been looking for local partner to begin conversations with the community about the proposed Kawau Island multi pest animal eradication.  We are delighted to share we will be partnering with Island Conservation as our community consultants.  Island Conservation are internationally renowned conservation specialists who are highly experience in working with island communities.

• Richard Griffiths, the team lead, will be working closely with Carol Nanning to consult with the community about eradication, Richard is an accomplished and award-winning conservationist.  He was a member of DOC’s Island eradication Advisory Group between 2004 to 2011 and has been honorary member since.  Richard has led notable island restoration projects including Little Barrier, Rangitoto and Motutapu islands.

• Richard and his team will be getting in touch late January 2022 to organise a time to meet with each of you. The purpose of these meetings is to gather your views and feedback on what the process of becoming predator free could look like.  It is really important to us to have the Kawau Island community involved from the very beginning and every single step of the way.  We want this to be a community lead project.

• With over half of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf now free of invasive mammals, Kawau Island represents an important opportunity for Tamaki Makaurau – creating the next, and largest, inhabited predator free island in Aotearoa.  The Hauraki Gulf has 98 islands larger than a football field, and of these, 28 are free of mammalian predators.  This enables them to become sanctuaries where rare and unique species can thrive.  “Invasive species are a leading cause of extinctions on islands and biodiversity loss globally” says Richard.  “While the threats of extinction are highest on islands, so too are our opportunities to save species at risk.  The removal of invasive species also often results in a compelling improvement in people’s lives.”

• If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

• You might also see our biosecurity champions on the ground over summer at Sandspit and other key boat departure points. They will provide guidance and information on how we can protect the biodiversity of the Hauraki Gulf through simple measures such as careful cleaning of boats and checking for stowaway pests on vehicles.

• The Kawau Island Predator Eradication proposal aims to be a collaborative project as part of the Tamaki Makaurau Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030. Some funding has already been committed by Auckland Council’s Natural Environment Targeted Rate, the Department of Conservation’s Jobs for Nature fund, and Predator Free 2050 to enable this happen.

Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 – Applications for recognition orders affecting the coastal and marine areas around Kawau – Colin Bright continues to follow the applications from all over NZ and reminded us of the consents that will need to be gained from applicants for any new structures on the foreshore or seabed and for any re-consents in the future.

DOC – Thomas Hynes shared with us that strengthening work is in progress at the Coppermine plus some new fences have been erected.  Drainage work on Mansion House is to occur over the New Year.  Approval has been gained to remove the dead phoenix palms, but this won’t occur until after the peak season.  There is no talk of them being replaced at this stage.  Track upgrades will occur in the New Year except for the redwood track which will remain closed because of tree falls. The volunteer programmes are going well.

Pohutakawa Trust – Nil update.

Kookaburra – We all love the summer issue.  Keep up the good work Jude.  Peter Buckton distributes the magazines to the Sandspit cafes.  It was suggested that Snells Beach and Matakana should also be included.  Nikki and Peter to follow-up.

Website – Nil to report.

Harbour Master Reinstatement – Beth to follow up with the annual plan consultation.

VIDEO MEETINGS – Acknowledging that we would all prefer to meet in person but with the uncertainty of the pandemic and video calling as an option when people are unable to attend a live meeting, it was decided to go ahead and purchase ZOOM which is preferred over Teams. Nikki to coordinate.

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP NOMINATION 2022 – Colin Bright nominated by Michael Marris, Lin Pardey and Lyn Hume. 

Meeting closed 12.30 pm.

Next meeting to be held: - AGM Sunday 30 January 12pm at the Mansion House reserve.

MINUTES KIRRA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday 27 Oct 2021 5.30pm, ONLINE

PRESENT: Abigail Harress-Blaas, Beth Houlbrooke, Carl Weaver, Caroline Boot, Kate Backler, Greg Knowles, Mandy Weaver, Michael Marris, Michael Wheatcroft, Nikki Porteous, Pam Dallow, Tim Holdgate.

APOLOGIES: Andrew Fyfe, Colin Bright, Jude Wood, Lin Pardey, Peter Buckton, Sally Ostick, Shelley Futcher.

INVITED GUESTS: Delma O’Kane and Te Ao Rosieur from the Ngati Manuhiri Settlement Trust.

WELCOME: A special welcome to Ngati Manuhiri.  Delma started us off with a karakia (chant or grace) and then we did a round of introductions.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: No matters arising.

CORRESPONDENCE: No correspondence.

FINANCIALS: Sally’s report is as follows. The comparison with last year is slightly skewed because I am comparing today’s numbers with September 2020 – I will amend once I am back in my office.  The Surplus over Expenditure may raise alarms. I am not concerned about this because it is all in the timing. I take the numbers straight from the bank account and do not account for the outstanding invoices.  Advertising in particular is up on last year, so I expect these numbers to balance out over the next 3 months.  Nikki and I have also made a time to chase slow payers over the next few weeks. The accounts for the period ending 27th October were also presented.

Caroline raised two questions which were subsequently responded to via email. Why has the expenditure for Kookaburra increased so significantly this year compared with last year? Sally replied because we purchased new software in the hope that we could put together the magazine in-house but discovered it was much more efficient and productive for David Faulls to do that. David does come at a cost. Our editor Jude keeps a very close eye on those costs and we all agree he is doing a great job at a reasonable cost but it is reflected in the balance sheet. As far as the dip last year we had one Kookaburra distributed online which avoided printing, envelopes and postage costs.

The second question was could you please outline the policy/rationale we have in place regarding our term deposits – what term are we placing these deposits for, in general? Sally answered they are all placed for 12 months. I cannot comment on their rationale. The term deposits were in place when I took on the role and I have not adjusted them. If the committee would like to have a discussion on this I am happy to follow instructions but I am not offering any investment advice.

KAWAU ISLAND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (KIAC) Lin Pardey & Michael Marris – Lin’s report is as follows. She has been in close contact with Karin who is the coordinator of works for Auckland Transport.  Together with Maree Zylstra, we have worked out a plan to divide the work of repairing the Sandspit Wharf which allow things to proceed without threatening closure of any part of the wharf during peak times.  If all goes to plan, the first stage, which is divided into three stages, will proceed on 8 December. The inshore portion of the Kawau end of the jetty will be fenced off and if all goes to plan, will be repaired and reopened by December 1st. Just in case there are any hold-ups, portions of this area will be left intact until the last minute so the whole section can be reopened the first week in December. The other parts of the wharf will not undergo repairs until after Easter.

Lin is also monitoring proposals for charging at Sandspit Carpark, but little seems to be happening there currently.

GENERAL BUSINESS:

Ngati Manuhiri Settlement Trust – Delma reported that the trust is committed to Predator Free 2050 and are working with the Auckland Council who are leading the initiatives.

Beth said that the local Rodney Board values this work and works with Restore Rodney East.  Kawau is not included in this project as it will receive funding from another service.  Planning and strategising take time when working collaboratively with these projects.

Greg expressed excitement to have Ngati Manuhiri onboard.  We can make a huge improvement to Kawau.  Carl from the Pohutukawa Trust said that a lot of detail must be worked out as to how it will go.  Currently there are requests for proposals out with interested parties.  He’s not sure when this closes but nothing concrete will happen until 2022. 

Delma also informed us that remedial works on the Coppermine and tracks were supposed to start at the beginning of lockdown but will now be starting on 8 November.

Also, the trust has recently purchased three ex Police boats.  They are currently being refurbished in the Sandspit Marina and will be used for marine surveillance e.g., scallop dredging and marine reserves. 

Auckland Council and the Multispecies Eradication Plan – No update.

Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 – Applications for recognition orders affecting the coastal and marine areas around Kawau – Michael reported that this is a continuing process with the input from three heads (Colin Bright, Michael Marris and John Sinclair) to keep it as straight forward as possible.  It is critical and is currently moving forward with speed.

NB For a further update please note the item published in the Spring Kookaburra Page. 7. 

Rodney Local Board – Beth and Tim informed us of a resource consent for a Transferable Title Rights in Bon Accord. They bought this to our attention as properties are required to be protected and enhanced. This maybe an opportunity to open walking tracks or a paper road. The information can be obtained from the Auckland Council, or contact Beth or Tim.

Carl knows of two properties, and they have enlisted Pohutakawa Trust as they both have a strong commitment to pest eradication on their properties and across the island.

Beth also talked about the rubbish disposal, carpark and harbour master.  See as follows in further business.

DOC – No update.

Pohutakawa Trust – Carl reported that there have been two programmes this year, removing 900 wallabies and a few stoats. Another programme was cancelled because of COVD but they will possibly be able to fit another one in before Xmas.  Otherwise, the next opportunity is in February as firearms cannot be used during the holiday period.  There has been no work on the DOC reserve as the trust has been in negotiation with DOC. They now have an agreement to do further pest eradication.  DOC have the most wallaby and possums on Kawau Island. Stoat and possum traps have been provided over the break. The trust feels optimistic for the future.

Thanks was given for the work of the Trust. Carl said they have received an increased number of emails from landowners who are seeing more birds on the island. Landowners are already doing pest work.

A question was asked if it’s OK to feed the birds? They certainly like water especially in the summer.  Plant plenty of native trees and check the internet for the best types of food. 

Sandspit Rubbish disposal and waste plans – The new facility is now in place.  Beth said that there have been issues with people throwing bags over the fence. Discussions are underway as to how to prevent this. The current system is not perfect but will have to do until a longer-term solution is in place. Higher waste levees have been proposed with a waste minimisation plan for Rodney and the Hauraki Gulf.

AC reneged on the offer of a free inorganic pick up.

Beth has had no feedback yet from her article in the Kookaburra, Page 50, about the Waste Plan for Kawau and an opportunity of funding to investigate options, develop an agreed approach to inorganic material, improve the Sandspit Wharf waste service and support community-led composting, waste minimisation and community education.  This needs to come from us the islanders.

Sandspit Carpark – A letter from Geoff Pitman, Rodney Area Manager with the Auckland Council dated 18 October, was widely circulated. He informed us that the wire ropes would be going back up on the rows for Labour weekend and then taken down again. They will go up again prior to Xmas for the summer. A reminder not to park in the Kawau Cruises parks as they are reserved for day trippers. Keep the number of vehicles to a minimum. Paid parking is still being worked through and is progressing slowly. A map was attached. The committee acknowledged that it is not a perfect system with people getting locked into the carpark. Beth will communicate with the council to improve the signage and change the combination lock number. We would like this to be changed annually if the current system continues. The way this number is communicated needs to be improved also. One suggestion was to use KIRRA’s full members and non-members email list.

Kookaburra – No update.  We are all enjoying the Spring issue. Thanks Jude for getting this out.

Website – No updates since lockdown.

Harbour Master Reinstatement – Beth informed us that a letter from AT via Lyn Hume was a “fob off”. Apparently the personnel who used to be domiciled on Sandspit Wharf wasn’t a harbourmaster but a wharfinger. Beth will continue to work on this. In the meantime, she reminded us that we need to continue reporting any incidents to the Harbour Master.  Reporting issues builds a picture and brings attention to the need to increase resources.

Someone asked if we should report to Coastguard or AT?  The Coastguard can be informed but AT have the powers of enforcement.

Meeting closed 6.40 pm.

Next meeting to be held: - Saturday 11th December 10am followed by a Xmas lunch. This is of course dependent upon COVID restrictions. Venue to be advised.

MINUTES KIRRA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday 7th July 2021 5.30pm, Ponsonby Cruising Club, Westhaven

PRESENT: Andrew Fyfe, Beth Houlbrooke (via video), Carl Weaver, Caroline Boot (via video), Colin Bright, Kate Backler, Greg Knowles, Jude Wood, Lyn Hume, Mandy Weaver, Michael Wheatcroft, Nikki Porteous, Sally Ostick.

APOLOGIES: Abigail Harress-Blaas, Greg Sayers, Katherine Lane (DOC), Lin Pardey, Michael Marris, Pam Dallow, Peter Buckton, Robynne Vis (DOC), Shelley Futcher.

INVITED GUESTS: Liz Brookes (Team Manager Pathways and Marine) and Jonathan Miles (Islands Team Manager) from Hauraki Gulf Biosecurity, Auckland Council.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Carl Weaver requested that a correction be made to the previous minutes.  The statement made by Robynne Vis in regards to Pohutakawa Trust was not accepted at the meeting.  Nikki to action.

CORRESPONDENCE: No correspondence.

FINANCIALS: Sally Ostick our treasurer reported that the main activity is Kookaburra with the increased costs of production. The accounts for the period ending 5th July were presented.

KAWAU ISLAND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (KIAC) Lin Pardey, Michael Marris & Lyn Hume – After many years on KIAC Lyn Hume announced that she was stepping down. A replacement has to be elected onto KIAC. Three people are ideal. She has digitised all the hard copies of KIAC records. As she mentioned at the previous meeting, we need representatives who are “furious but also diplomatic”.

We all thanked Lyn for her contributions and hard work over the years.

GENERAL BUSINESS:

Auckland Council and the Multispecies Eradication Plan

• Jonathan Miles - Islands Team Manager:

• Jonathan has a team working on Waiheke and Aotea/Great Barrier looking at pest control projects and contributing to the community led Te Korowai o Waiheke.

• A proposed multi species eradication on Kawau was mooted in the Regional Pest Management Plan. This Plan was approved in Dec 2020.

• This proposes to eradicate rodents, possums, stoats and wallabies from Kawau.

• Funding has been allocated from Auckland Council (1/3) and recently Predator Free 2050 have indicated they are likely to contribute to this project. Further finding will be required.

• The process being proposed is to get a Project Manager have oversight for the project and start by engaging the community and finding out what the community wants to happen, and how.  This will be integral to the feasibility of the operational plan, which will then be developed.  The operational plan will spell out the details of the eradication, and timeframes.

• Liz Brooks – Team Manager Pathways and Marine:

• Team looks after pest prevention, and does this through inspections, pest detecting dogs, Pest Free Warrants of transport operators and Biosecurity Champions. 

• The islands of the Hauraki Gulf are all considered to be of high value, and are naturally more isolated and better defended than mainland. There is a HG Controlled Area Notice which covers many pests and prevents to movement of these pests to, from or between islands of the Gulf.

• There is no point removing pests from an island if we can't keep them off the island.  So the eradication will depend on the support and efforts of all island residents and visitors to keep pests off the island.

• The proposed engagement stage will include what the biosecurity looks like following an eradication, and hear what the community views are, and what the community can contribute to the options.

Discussion:

•       Where to get tools or funding for tools to do more pest control in bays and neighbourhoods on the islands;

•       Dogs on private property – any rules or by laws to keep on their own land – not wander onto others?  Is there an island-wide by law possibility?

•       Kiwi numbers have increased from 24 to 500 in the most recent survey by Pohutukawa Trust

•       Full support for eradicating rats, possums and stoats; and divided opinions on wallabies.  But increasingly the benefits of seeing nature coming back is converting more people to restoring the natural values of Kawau.

Subsequent to the meeting Liz also advised that applications for RENH (Regional Environmental & Natural Heritage) grants are available to the community for pest eradication. There is a grant open until 27 August for projects tostart after 1 January 2022. Here is the link including a workshop for people who may need help with their application.

Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 – Applications for recognition orders affecting the coastal and marine areas around Kawau – Colin Bright informed us that he is meeting with the sub-committee (Michael Marris and John Sinclair) tomorrow so will report back. 

Carl Weaver has spoken to the Spencers whose lawyers will communicate directly with Colin. 

When asked what the future holds for Kawau Islanders, Colin responded that it will be momentous for anyone with a jetty or wharf as it will change the consent process.  Gaining consent from the iwi or tribal group will be a pre-requisite. 

Currently we are required to consult with iwi.  Another pre-requisite will be to prove continuous use.

Rodney Local Board – See Beth Houlbrooke’s communication in regards to the Sandspit carpark, rubbish relocation and the harbour master.

DOC – Nil report.

Pohutakawa Trust – Carl Weaver reported that in the next few months they will be undertaking further pest removal.  Currently this is not occurring on DOC land as DOC require a contract. DOC and the trust are in negotiations. 

Sandspit Rubbish Relocation – The new rubbish disposal area is working. The AC is transitioning to ways of reducing waste versus getting rid of the rubbish collection area altogether.  She did remind us that no one gets free rubbish collection in Rodney.  They pay $160 per annum for it in their rates. Kawau Island is exempt. We pay a differential on our rates. The fact that we have managed to keep the rubbish removal has been a battle.

 Sandspit Carpark – Disappointment was expressed by Carl & Mandy Weaver and Lyn Hume in regards to the meeting they attended with Auckland Council at the carpark and the subsequent poor communication.  Beth said if she had known about the meeting she would have attended and said she will follow up with the AC. Overall the committee have a lack of confidence in the process.

Beth Houlbrooke informed us that what happens with the carpark is 100% local board controlled. She reassured us that the carpark is safe and that she never heard any word about it being taken away.

Beth was reminded that at the AGM she reported that once the waste enclosure has been completed, Waste Solution staff will organise a day where Kawau residents can bring their excess household rubbish and inorganics to Sandspit for a one-off free collection.  The day will also include education and a celebration of the completion of the enclosure. Beth to follow-up.

Kookaburra – Jude Wood reported that all is good with Kookaburra except for ongoing problems with the mail-out and hence we are looking at using a "mail-house" to organise the post. Until now, volunteers have done all this work but the hours involved have become too great. 

Advertising is still very stable with one new full page colour advertisement. Some more new ads have been confirmed for spring. 

Website – Nil report.

Ngati Manuhiri – Nikki Porteous visited Ngati Manuhiri at their office in Warkworth and spoke to Delma O'Kane.  They hope to attend our next meeting and will be sent copies of the minutes from hereon. They are already on the Kookaburra complimentary mailing list.

Harbour Master Reinstatement – Beth Houlbrooke will continue to keep this issue in mind as by-laws cannot be enforced when no harbour master is present.  She wil keep the committee informed as to what is happening.

Meeting closed 7.40 pm.

Next meeting to be held: - Saturday 4th September 9.30am at Shelley Futcher’s, Stockyard Bay, Kawau Island.

MINUTES KIRRA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Saturday 9.30am 15th May 2021 @ Shelley Futcher’s, Stockyard Bay

PRESENT: Abigail Harress-Blaas (Zoom), Andrew Fyfe, Carl Weaver, Caroline Boot, Colin Bright, Kate Backler (Zoom), Lin Pardey, Mandy Weaver, Michael Wheatcroft (Zoom), Nikki Porteous, Pam Dallow, Peter Buckton and Shelley Futcher.

APOLOGIES: Beth Houlbrooke, Greg Knowles, Jude Wood, Lyn Hume, Michael Marris, Robynne Vis, Sally Ostick and Tim Holdgate.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: No matters arising.  Moved by Pam Dallow, seconded by Peter Buckton.

CORRESPONDENCE:  Letter written to North Harbour Starboard Wharf committee in support of their wharf consent renewal.

FINANCIALS: The Subs payments are rolling in nicely. There is still around 140 people yet to pay so I will start following up with them. There are around 40 advertisers outstanding.

You got excited at the last meeting re the interest rates we are getting. Sorry to disappoint you but that was my tardiness in not updating them – see the difference now!

As requested, I have added in the column for YTD 2020 to compare where we are at so far this year – looking good due to the Sandspit mooring repairs last year.

Copies of the accounts for the period ending 13th May 2021 shared.

KAWAU ISLAND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (KIAC) Lin Pardey, Michael Marris & Lyn Hume – See general business, Sandspit carpark and rubbish disposal discussed.

• Lin Pardey informed us that longer-term concern which may affect Kawau plus Wiaheke and Rakino Islands, are plans to make the islands pest free in two years’ time. Shelley commented that a DOC dog worker is currently checking luggage. Carl commented that AC are gauging how much interest there is on the island to make it pest free. Islanders need to keep an eye on this.

• Postscript – AC representatives have been invited to our next KIRRA meeting to explain

• A plea was made by Lin for new blood on KIAC. We need representatives who are “furious but also diplomatic”!

GENERAL BUSINESS:

• Sandspit Carpark – Lin Pardey updated us on the meeting with Auckland Council (AC) along with Lyn Hume and Carl & Mandy Weaver.  We have to wait for the council to get back to us with their report. We will have the opportunity to discuss their findings and then give them feedback.

• A comment was made by AC that it’s working well as it is.  Shelley Futcher said that it didn’t work during the summer for Kawau Cruises as people didn’t put the chains back up.  Customers would return to their cars to find that they were locked in so would have to go the office to ask for the pin. She also commented that problems arose in the past when we could no longer use the reserve area during peak periods i.e. Xmas, New Year, January, Easter, Anzac weekend etc. There are dotterels nesting on the reserve area and nearby.  A solution could be to negotiate another area for the dotterels.

• Caroline commented that with the increase in property sales on the island there will be more pressure on the parking.

• Carl Weaver commented that AC agree that things are not good so they are having meetings with stakeholders before moving ahead.  They have done what they said they would do to date. Hopefully what they will do will be the best.

• Colin Bright expressed concern that we may loose the carpark altogether. 

• Lin Pardey reassured us that the area has been formally gazetted as a carpark.  We can’t loose it but it could be nibbled away. The house is an asset so shouldn’t be destroyed.

• Sandspit Rubbish Relocation –  It is believed that the building of the new facility in behind the gate next to the house is on hold while it is decided what to with the house and carpark.  Shelley commented that the molok bins were better managed this summer as they were emptied more often.

Kookaburra:

• Jude Wood sent her apologies along with the following report: - Not a huge amount to report on Kookaburra. Our winter issue is being prepared now with its deadline the end of May. We expect all the usual articles on the bays and are planning to feature a few more tales of old days on Kawau, which seem to be popular with readers. We are very fortunate to have our regular contributors whose writings on every-day life on Kawau are what makes Kookaburra so special. Advertising is stable with no cancellations and at this point and no new ones. 

Kawau Island Website:

• Our website sub-committee comprising of Caroline Boot and Kate Backler reported that have met twice with Lauren Woolf.

• Agreement was made on  some necessary steps to update the website including:

  • Refreshing notices and supporting ‘community partners’ by removing out of date notices and events and adding current notices – latest being the winter timetable and KBC winter hours.

  • Updating information to link to the source of truth (i.e. instead of repeating the ferry timetable on the website, link to Kawau Ferry website for the latest timetable, linking to DOC information about Mansion House opening hours. This reduces the risk of out of date information on the website.

• Updating members only area – including:

  • Updating committee members names and contact numbers.

  • Adding honorary members and emergency numbers.

  • Updating the latest issue of Kookaburra for members.

  • Removing 2018 meeting minutes and adding the latest minutes.

Next steps for the website include:

• Continue with updates to ensure content is fresh and up to date.

• Review visitor statistics so we get a view of who and how many people use the site.

• Refresh membership benefits on the website and email members  (Kate, Nikki and Jude) to remind them about the members only area and how to access this.

• Consider asking the island’s active Real Estate Agents to alert purchasers of properties to the benefits of KIRRA membership, and provide an introduction to KIRRA (to prompt welcome emails described below).

• Create a welcome email for new members with benefits (including link to members area) – template to Nikki.

• Strategically, a long term plan for the refresh of the website, and social media platforms will be hugely valuable for the community. This includes how we can generate revenue from the site to ensure it is self-funding in the long term.  Quote  to be reviewed with activity and benefits for the community and brought back to next meeting.

• Some potential areas for improvements include: Real estate listings (noting Jude and Lin have had regular inquiries for house rentals on the island). Community initiatives to support ecology of the island, improved directory listings, information for new and existing residents and home owners, raising awareness of topical issues in the members area, better links to community social media.

• Note that all work done by Lauren and Kate on the website refresh and content updates is (and will continue to be) pro bono. There may be some future costs associated with technical inputs from third parties, but these will be scoped and submitted to the committee for approval within the next stage.

• As noted above, the aim will be for any costs to ultimately be covered by revenue from the site.

Marine and Coastal Area (Tukutai Moana) Act 2011 - Applications for recognition orders affecting coastal and marine areas around Kawau:

• Colin Bright reported that shortly before the meeting a decision had been released on the Act that was likely to have momentous consequences for Kawau Island.  That was because of the precedent it set for all of the other applications that had been made under the Marine and Coastal Area Act.

• This was a judgement that had been released by the Court, on the 7th May 2021 before our meeting on the 15th.

• The Judge had urged that the applicants with overlapping claims, should engage with other applicants whose claims were overlapping, to see whether any agreement between the applicants could be reached, that might reduce the number of competing claims.

• The judgment effectively proposes granting “Customary Property Rights” to parties that could show that they had: “exclusive use and occupation of the specified area from 1840 to the present day… without substantial interruption.”

• The concept of Tikanga is used rather than traditional European property law concepts. There is also introduced a concept of “shared exclusivity”.

• There is more to it which Colin is following up on.

  • Read Colin’s full report relating to the decision

• Useful links pertaining to the decision can also be found below:

  • The full decision viewed online here

  • Media Release (summary of the decision)

• It’s not a done deal but may set a precedent. A decision for Kawau is unlikely to occur before 2022.

• It was acknowledged that the KIRRA committee has no Maori representatives at our meetings.  Nikki is to approach Ngati Manuhiri.

Rodney Local Board: Nil report

DOC: Robynne Vis sent us an update: -

• Staffing - Thomas Hynes is settled into the permanent Ranger role position now. Hedley Timbs has finished as summer ranger and has taken on a 6 month covering position on Tiritiri Matangi. Nikki and Jen continue to help with extra cover when we need it.

• Volunteering - We now have 4 different volunteer programmes on Kawau – more than any of the other Islands we manage. The other Islands all have supporting restoration groups -Hauturu Trust, Motuora Restoration Trust, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, Motuihe Trust, RIHCT-Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust,  Motutapu Trust and also Ngai Ki Tamaki do a lot of mahi on Motutapu. The 4 programmes are-

• Monthly gardening day - upcoming dates are Wednesdays- 26 May, 30 June, 28 July, 25 August

• 5-day programme  - groups of 6 volunteers for 5 days in July x2  and October x2. We are getting more applicants than places. Some volunteers are travelling from as far as Wellington and Christchurch and today I got an application from Australia!

• Group days - Corporate organisations give a volunteer day. Recently WSP and ASB have participated.

• Monthly Chattels and Mansion House cleaning day– fantastic having locals on board for this.

• Mansion House Hosts - We are looking into setting up a group of Volunteer Hosts to go on a regular roster to manage Mansion House reception mainly on weekends, but other days as well if there is enough interest.

  • Become a volunteer

• Mansion House Hours - In previous years Mansion House has been closed during winter. However this year from June- September we are keeping the House open for viewing from noon until 2pm on weekends.

  • See latest hours

• On the reserve- Approval for the removal of phoenix palms has been finalised.

• This week Thursday - Sunday DOC, Council staff and conservation dogs have had a stand at the Auckland Boat show to encourage and educate on-

  • Pest Free Hauraki Gulf

  • And Clean Below? Good to Go!

• Springer spaniel-Pip is a kauri dieback sniffer dog.                      

• We continue to work on the Motutapu pest incursion which is putting some threatened species at risk. There have been 4 stoat incursions on the Motu in the last year and 2 have been caught. It is a huge task with 100s of traps checked weekly. Some of the current work is cutting vegetation back to reopen old tracks on Rangitoto not used since the pest eradication many years ago. This is hard mahi, pushing through the bush on top of lava fields in a straight line is no easy feat. This will give us better reach on Rangitoto.

• We are running some Cultural workshops for Community groups working on conservation land. There are 1 or 2 more places available if anyone is keen to participate, let me know.

• And finally a recommendation to watch Fight for the Wild a documentary film and podcast exploring Predator Free 2050.  Catch the 1st of 4 episodes on TV this weekend or link to it here.

Pohutukawa Trust: Nothing further to report that hasn’t already been minuted.

Harbour Master Reinstatement:

• Up until a few years ago the Sandspit area was very well serviced by some extremely competent and knowledgeable Harbour Masters based on the Sandspit wharf.  These services were withdrawn to Warkworth and are now in the Auckland CBD.  As a result on the water behaviour has deteriorated around Sandspit and on Kawau Island.  Concerns are boats speeding, misuse of the wharf, a serious incident this summer in Bon Accord Harbour and parking issues next to the wharf.

• Email correspondence has occurred between KIAC, the committee, the Rodney Local Board and Greg Sayers. 

• Beth Houlbrooke responded that she has spoken to the hearings panel for the Navigational Safety Bylaw review and reiterated this very point. Adding further regulations by way of bylaw is pointless if there is no monitoring or enforcement, and you need a harbourmaster to do that.

• Greg Sayers informed us that Auckland Transport is reviewing the number of harbour masters across all of Auckland from a position that there are too few. When any conclusion will be reached is unknown/not set. He recommended that KIRRA write to the CEO of Auckland Transport and copy in the CEO of Auckland Council and himself outlining the concerns from a Kawau Bay perspective.  This is being actioned by Lyn Hume, KIAC and our committee.

Social:

• Lin Pardey informed us that a Gumboot Ball is being organised for all islanders on 24th August at Camp Bentson. 

• Also of note is the Art & Craft Fair at KBC (Kawau Boating Club) on 13-14 November.  This is limited to 20 artists and must either be a Kawau Island resident, boatie or KBC member. If interested please contact Lin Pardey 021 063 6772.

Meeting closed 11am.

Next meeting to be held: Wednesday 7th July 5.30pm at Ponsonby Cruising Club, Westhaven

MINUTES OF KIRRA EXECUTIVE MEETING

Wednesday 5.30pm Wednesday 24th March 2021

PRESENT: Abigail Harress-Blaas, Andrew Fyfe, Caroline Boot, Colin Bright, Greg Sayers, Jude Wood, Kate Backler, Michael Marris, Michael Wheatcroft, Nikki Porteous, Pam Dallow, Peter Buckton and Sally Ostick,

APOLOGIES: Beth Houlbrooke, Carl Weaver, Greg Knowles, Lin Pardey, Lyn Hume, Mandy Weaver, Robynne Vis and Shelley Futcher.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: No matters arising.  Moved by Pam Dallow, seconded by Peter Buckton.

CORRESPONDENCE: See request from North Harbour Starboard Wharf committee in general business.

FINANCIALS: Spent more than we have earnt this year but that is just because of outstanding invoices for advertisers which should remedy itself over the next month. The accounts will go out for 2021 Subs on 1st April. Copies of the accounts for the period ending 18th March 2021 shared. Following discussion Sally plans to reformat.

KAWAU ISLAND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (KIAC) Lin Pardey, Michael Marris & Lyn Hume – See general business, Sandspit carpark and rubbish disposal.

GENERAL BUSINESS:

Sandspit Rubbish Relocation

• Memorandum received from Jenny Chilcott, Senior Waste Planning Specialist from Auckland Council (AC).  In summary she outlines the short-term solution (for up to five years), as well as the longer-term plan for more bespoke waste services for Kawau residents.  At present Kawau residents do not have a waste charge included in their rates. This means that they rely on molok bins at Sandspit wharf to dispose of rubbish. However they are now being used by a range of people, resulting in the overflow of general rubbish and a dumping ground for large household items.  AC staff have been working to provide alternative solutions to the molok bins.  A secure waste facility was proposed. However, issues were raised in a cultural impact assessment report by local mana whenua, Ngati Manuhiri, due to the proximity of the waste station to the sea.  At a recent meeting, it was agreed that a better, longer-term solution was required that was fit for purpose for future needs.

• The amended short-term solution will provide a dedicated waste and recycling enclosure for Kawau residents in the already fenced yard in the Sandspit carpark (adjacent to the redundant carpark supervisor residence). The enclosure will have a pin code entry on the gates and allow access only for residents of Kawau.  It will also have security cameras. These measures are expected to reduce the illegal dumping issues. The existing molok bins will be removed, and the area reinstated with grass and plants.  The solution will not require a resource consent and will be more cost-effective than the original proposed option.  Once the wast enclosure has been completed, Waste Solution staff will organise a day where Kawau residents can bring their excess household rubbish and inorganics to Sandspit for a one-off free collection service.  The day will also include education and a celebration of the completion of the enclosure.

• The medium to long-term goal is to provide a cost effective, bespoke waste and recycling collection. It will require consultation through an annual plan process, as funding of the service may require Kawau residents to pay a waste charge through their rates. 

• An email was circulated from the Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers Association (SSRA) expressing concerns about the new rubbish relocation.  Reassurance given that the bin locations is temporary, that there will be a surveillance camera and pin number access only.

• Lin Pardey also reminded us all that it is important to keep an open channel of communication with SSRA, but also reminding them that over half of the Sandspit Reserve has been designated and has to be used for not only boat launching areas and ferry access, but also the access point for Kawau island.  This includes rubbish. Therefore their idea of having input as to the exact location of the rubbish bins must be countered, not only for the good of Kawau Islanders, but for the good of the Sandpit folks.

• Lyn Hume also agreed that we need to go with the current plan although she doesn't think that will stop people dumping illegally or in contravention to what is set out as suitable for the collection site.

• Colin Bright is concerned that this short-term plan will result in no rubbish collection at all. If we lose the molok bins his experience is that AC will not provide any rubbish disposal at all.  

Sandspit Carpark

• At the time of this meeting Beth Houlbrooke informed us that work has started on the enclosed rubbish facility, and a draft carpark concept plan will be consulted upon shortly. It will be a little while before the new rubbish facility is ready for use and there will be publicity and education before the molok bins are removed.

Kookaburra – At the time of this meeting the autumn issue has just been mailed.  Some advertisers are upgrading from black and white to colour.  There is a core group who want to keep advertising which is good.

Website – Michael Marris submitted a briefing note.  Our Kawau Island website https://www.kawauisland.org/  has been operational now for several years. It is an important community asset but now serious need of updating. For it to become the primary Kawau Island reference point, both for our community and for external visitors, it also requires ongoing regular management. After some considerable searching for the right person I have someone I would like to recommend who has submitted a cost estimate, indications and project outline. To recap some of the important values of our Kawau Island website:

• to become the primary communication portal for our community

• to be an inviting and informative reference for new island residents and property owners

• to become the primary reference point for people wishing to visit the island

• to liaise with commercial interests both on and serving Kawau Island

• to promote and encourage domestic tourism and, maybe again in the future, overseas tourism

• to be the “option of first choice” for major news issues affecting our community

• to be the primary reference point for important underpinning bureaucratic, political and similar external processes which are likely to affect our community

• to be a primary reference for all KIRRA meeting minutes and executive decisions

• to be the portal for community groups to present and promote their activities

• to be a money-making portal for various Kawau Island-related commercial activities

• to carry current and past issues of Kookaburra

There will be a cost to revamping and updating the website process and an ongoing cost to maintain, as we have previously understood. However, the potential is also there to recoup some of those operating costs – a potential which has not been previously utilised.

Sally Ostick asked what are the objectives of the website? Does KIRRA want to financially support tourism or is this  Kawau Cruises and Kawau Boating club responsibility to market?  Michael replied that the website is a community asset.  There are things happening around the island that we should hear more about it.  The Kawau Community facebook page is working very well but not everyone follows social media. Promoting tourism is an integral part of the website as with no tourism we would have no ferries.

A further question was asked about advertising.  Most of the advertisers from the Kookaburra wouldn’t see the point in going on the website as they are local businesses.  However island businesses would be suitable e.g. KBC, Kawau Cruises, The Beach House, Kawau Lodge.

A website sub-committee was formed of Kate Backler and Caroline Boot. They will follow up the current proposal and report back to the committee.

Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 – Applications for recognition orders affecting the coastal and marine areas around Kawau – Our apologies for not publishing Colin Bright’s AGM report in the autumn issue of the Kookaburra.  This report is as follows:

• The impact that this Act will ultimately have on all Kawau Islanders does not seem to be fully appreciated.  The impact on all islanders will be major.

• Up to now the KIRRA sub-committee (Colin Bright, Michael Marris and John Sinclair) have worked on your behalf.  They have filed 18 notices of claims of interest which seem to have covered all those who have made claims affecting the coastal and marine areas around Kawau (except one).

• Whilst those notices of claims of interest entitle KIRRA to be heard, and to make representations and to perhaps submit evidence, in relation to the applications where it has registered ints interest an an interested party, the extent to which it has been able to participate, to date, has been limited by the limited funds that KIRRA has.  There has been a consequential limited amount that the Committee have been able to commit to the steps that have been taken to date.

• The progress of the claims has reached a point where decisions need to be made by KIRRA as to the extent and nature of its future participation, in each of the proceedings, as an interested party.

• These claims are being progressed towards hearings. (Save for some where the claimants have sought to park their claims to enable direct negotiations with the Crown to be pursued.  Where adjournments have been sought for that purpose, they seem to have been granted).

• Colin would like others to now take over, consider and to take on behalf of KIRRA, whatever further steps and actions that they recommend to be taken, and that are approved by the KIRRA committee. The “others” sought may be persons either within or outside the Committee. John Sinclair, for example, has been involved throughout, as a rally valuable sub-committee member, and he is outside of the Executive Committee.

• This is a situation where the coastal and marine rights that have been sought around Kawau Island, might not just result in either none, or one, of the applicants being successful.  There is the potential here for several of the applications to seek to establish overlapping rights over the same areas.

• If the applicants (or one or more of them) do establish rights to a Customary Marine Title for all, or part, of the foreshore around Kawau, that group will acquire amongst other things a Resource Management Act permission right which will let that group say “Yes” or “No” to any and all activities that need resource consents or permits in the area affected. That would apply, for example, to your jetty’s; to your moorings; and to any other foreshore structure that required a permit.

• If the participation of KIRRA in these proceedings is to be more than just an onlooker receiving copies of the papers filed then what will be required will need a lot of work, time and both legal expertise and historical research expertise, if any evidence is to be presented.  Most of all it will require funding. Funding that KIRRA does not have.

• If KIRRA and/or its residents and ratepayers want to have a meaningful input into the decisions that will be made by the Court affecting foreshore and seabed rights around Kawau then, the time for just registering an interest and otherwise standing back has ended.  The time has come when there needs to be a full analysis carried out of each of the applications.  There needs to be decisions made about seeking outside funding help. There needs to be the involvement of people prepared to put time and effort into researching the historic and legal issues that apply and to be in a position to prepare and present evidence to be put before the Court in support of KIRRA’s positon.

• Above all there needs to be an evaluation of just what KIRRA can do, to the extent it has finding available to enable it to do so, and the consequences that there could be for our island of it just standing back and doing not much.

• Some discussion followed with different suggestions. We could get groups of people to work together looking at the evidence. It would be also good know what progress the Spencer family have made. A suggestion was made that law school graduates or students maybe interested in helping.

• Colin said that we need someone to look at the claims, look at the evidence, look at the opposing evidence and make counter claims. We do have rights.

Greg Sayers offered to approach the Spencers and will liaise with Carl Weaver.

Moved by Colin Bright, seconded by Jude Wood.

Rodney Local Board – No update apart from the Sandspit carpark and rubbish disposal.

DOC – No report.

Pohutakawa Trust – No report.

North Harbour Starboard Wharf (NHSW) New Consent – A letter was received from NHSW requesting input from KIRRA to demonstrate to Auckland council the importance of the wharf to the community.  They have asked KIRRA to prepare a letter of support.

It was agreed the Andrew and Nikki would write a letter on behalf of KIRRA.

Dogs and Island Birds – Information has been published in the autumn issue of the Kookaburra magazine.

Meeting closed 7.10 pm.

Next meeting to be held: - Saturday 15th May 9.30am at Shelley Futcher’s, Stockyard Bay