Aotea’s newly elected Local Board is working on its next 3-year plan. This is the document that lays out the community’s priorities and which the rest of the Council group uses to guide decisions about services and budgets for Aotea over the next 3 years. There is a short online questionnaire on the webpage to fill out (see link above) – or a form you can print. It will take 10 minutes of your time – more if you have more to say. It asks you to answer any or all of 7 questions, answer them all or pick the ones which align to your priorities.
The deadline is 14th August 2023 (4pm)
KEY POINTS FOR SUBMISSIONS: AOTEA GREAT BARRIER LOCAL BOARD 3 YEAR PLAN
In the ‘Environment’ section of the form (Question 5 of 7), we recommend you consider using one or all of the following points:
The overall approach in the plan to the importance of the environment is fully supported and much appreciated, noting the importance of nurturing and restoring our precious and unique ecosystems both on land and at sea. Aotea’s reputation as a visitor destination is increasingly dependent on its credentials as an eco-destination.
Pest management is a critical component of biodiversity preservation. While acknowledging the imperative to take a collaborative approach to pest management, it is also important for governing bodies such as Council to provide leadership to help the community navigate through difficult and polarised issues such as rat eradication, cat and dog control, and feral pig control. These issues can’t be avoided because they are “too difficult” - the consequences of neglect are severe and unacceptable.
Beach signage relating to off-leash dog exercise needs to be obvious, clear and unambiguous, and backed up with enforcement from animal control.
Aggressive management of new pest incursions is critical. The Caulerpa incursion is an example of an inadequate response to a new biodiversity threat. We need to do better with that particular issue, and any newly identified threats. Resources to manage invasive plant species must be allocated to avoid losing ground which has already been gained.
Everything possible should be done to support and nurture the major environmental projects which are led by mana whenua, especially Tū Mai Taonga. These are significant initiatives which provide employment, harness community aspirations, and promote self-esteem and confidence (apart from their potentially significant environmental gains). Auckland Council needs to support and resource marine protection and restoration through Ahu Moana or other measures lead by mana whenua and supported by the community.
Similarly, the different conservation groups on the island are gathering momentum and achieving real gains, both in terms of conservation gains, and by developing community spirit and harnessing the power of collective action. These achievements have come through Local Board support and significant volunteer input, motivated by the enthusiasm of those leading the initiatives. It’s vital that these efforts are nurtured and maintained.
Given the extent of Department of Conservation management of Aotea/Great Barrier land we believe that it is important for Council and the local Board to be working closely with DOC to leverage their resources for managing the issues of biosecurity on land and sea, pest management/eradication, and visitor numbers.
Climate change is correctly identified as an issue of critical importance, and the initiatives to address it are supported. However, it should also be noted that carbon sequestration in wetlands is significant and long lasting, and efforts to restore and preserve the significant areas of wetland on the island should be enhanced and supported.
Tree planting, particularly long-lived native plant species, is also of major importance for carbon storage and landscape stabilisation. Council support for riparian planting is applauded but the planting needs to be everywhere.
Water quality is indeed an issue of great importance. It should be noted that the extensive numbers of wide-ranging feral pigs in our bush and waterways are a significant risk to water quality and human health. The new stock exclusion regulations of the RMA apply to significant areas of Aotea, with enforcement deadlines approaching.