IN THE MATTER of the Resource Management Act 1991

AND

IN THE MATTER of a Board of Inquiry appointed under section 149J of the Resource

Management Act 1991 to consider The New Zealand King Salmon Co.

Limited’s private plan change requests to the Marlborough Sounds

Resource Management Plan and resource consent applications for

marine farming at nine sites located in the Marlborough Sounds.

__________________________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF EVIDENCE OF BRIAN PLAISIER PREPARED FOR

TUI NATURE RESERVE WILDLIFE TRUST (charitable organisation)

IN RELATION TO THE NEW ZEALAND KING SALMON CO. LIMITED PROPOSAL

JULY 2012

__________________________________________________________________________________

Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust

Private Bag 65023 Havelock 7150 Marlborough 027 285 0660

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INTRODUCTION

1.01 Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust is a Charitable Organisation that is committed to the

enhancement and protection of the Marlborough Sounds’ unique eco systems.

1.02 Trust members are involved in community development, community communication, culture,

scientific research, education, youth development and biodiversity projects.

The Trust’s board is supported by an advisory group. Their combined experience, knowledge

and expertise will educate and bring more awareness to issues regarding our environment. The

Trust also links together the efforts and interests of many people to improve our environment.

2. Location

Protected land and private conservation initiatives in red.

2.01 The Trust uses the Tui Nature Reserve Biodiversity Project as a base for its activities.

The 42-hectare project is located in Outer Pelorus Sound, to the northwest of Department of

Conservation scientific reserve Maud Island, on a peninsula neighbouring Mt Shewell Estate

(DOC) and adjacent to the so-called “ marine farm prohibited zone”.

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2.02 Tui Nature Reserve is protected by an Open Space covenant (QEII) and is actively doing site

protection and enhancement works programmes. It is a pilot programme for the Marlborough

District Council and is involved in the council’s Marlborough Significant Natural Areas Projects.

2.02 The Trust uses the Tui Nature Reserve Biodiversity Project as a pilot scheme for new initiatives

such as the establishment of a future planned fluttering shearwater colony on Yellow Cliff (north

west of Treble Tree) and a Little Blue Penguin conservation project. Other important schemes

for the trust include research on the rare King Shag in the Outer Pelorus area and the build of

diverting predator fence.

2.03 Tui Nature Reserve is considered a “key property” within NZKS’s proposals as it is situated in

the middle of the proposed Waitata Reach salmon farm expansion in the Outer Pelorus

Sound.

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Department of Conservation and QE II National Trust representatives are visiting

Following some Trust activities

3. Youth and Student Programmes

3.01 The Trust has developed student and youth development programmes which will take place in

the Sounds area and other parts of the top of the South Island. The student programmes are

focused on environmental studies and closely linked with universities and their study guidelines.

3.02 For this, the Trust has developed a 10-day student study/field trip. This programme has received

interest and input from several universities both in New Zealand and overseas, including

Auckland University, Otago University, Massey University, American Universities International

Programmes and International Honour Group USA. The programme has been developed to work

in cooperation with local transport, catering and accommodation providers. The Trust also

formed this programme in partnership with Ngati Kuia (Custodians for the Pelorus) DOC,

Marlborough District Council, QEII National Trust, Community Projects, Private Initiatives, NZ

Reef Check, Scientists, Researchers and Educators.

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Board meeting to discuss strategies.

3.04 Besides field work, the courses include workshops and lectures on topics based around ecology,

environmental science and integrated management.

3.05 Students can experience Tui Nature Reserve’s own breeding facilities and “breeding for release“

programmes. These programmes are designed around the eventual re-introduction of native

species on the reserve, with input from the Ngati Kuia and the Department of Conservation, but

also form another study aspect.

3.06 The Trust has also developed a programme aimed at younger people with an interest in the

outdoors and environment, with more of a focus on practical field work. Participants will learn

skills needed for employment in this field of work. This programme has the involvement of the

Department of Conservation, Iwi and other relevant organisations and individuals, as well as

potential for tying in with Work and Income programmes.

The Trust has engaged qualified outdoor instructors for the programme and experts in areas

such as chainsaw operation, first aid and other safety courses.

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Geckos arriving from Maud Island for breeding programmes - Board member Raymond with Liam Plaisier

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Nelson ranger course students with Calvin (coordinator) are visiting Tui Nature Reserve to give a hand

with the fence.

3.07 Workshops and lectures that are part of the developed programmes;

- In partnership with the Marlborough Districts Council, lectures are prepared with their

Environment Scientist with topics like Marlborough Significant Natural Areas and Coastal and

Freshwater Ecology.

- Research Scientist Ralph Powlesland (Board member) prepared a lecture with the focus on re-

introduction programmes for threatened bird species.

- The Ngati Kuia is welcoming students to their Marae to experience Rongoa (Maori traditional

medicine) Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship) and Korero (stories and cultural experiences)

- In partnership with the Department of Conservation, students are able to visit Maud Island

(under certain conditions) to have an insight in recovery programmes for species like Kakapo,

Takahe and the Hamilton Frog.

- A workshop is prepared by Environmental Scientist Helle Janssen (Board member) with the

focus on the human effects on our eco systems.

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- The King Shag survey is led by Rob Schuckard and is combined with a lecture regarding

integrated management and how to improve biodiversity.

- Discussions and experiences led by Dr. John Broomfield, author of Other Way’s of Knowing.

- New Zealand Reef Check programme, students are involved to obtain data beneficial for

scientist to measure the health of the reefs.

- The QE II National Trust is promoted by representative Tom Stein (Board member)

Visiting Kakapo Sirocco on Maud Island

4. Community and communication

4.01 The involvement of volunteers and community members are crucial for the success of the Trust

and its projects. For this reason the Trust organises Open Days at the Tui Nature Reserve which

have been fully booked and are popular with schools, clubs and other interested groups.

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Regular organised Open Days are very successful

4.02 Tui Nature Reserve members also hold presentations at schools and clubs about its projects and

specialised predator dog programmes (which is part of the Department of Conservation

Research and Development Group). The dog programme in particular creates a lot of

interest.

4.03 Further public communication is through a monthly update in local newspapers.

Also currently under development is an online conservation magazine to promote efforts to

restore and protect ecosystems. The magazine will provide a hub not only for information but

also to create dialogue about and between community conservation projects. This new initiative

has already attracted the interest of DOC, Iwi, the Marlborough District Council and others.

Though the focus is currently on the Marlborough area, this project realistically has the

potential to grow to a nationwide.

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Above: Dog demonstration for visiting school at Tui Nature Reserve

Beneath: Volunteer Salley (England) looking after the Breeding Enclosures

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Volunteers working on the Little Blue Penguin project

5. The NZKS proposal

5.01 The new proposals are clearly not in line with the intentions and targets mentioned in the

Trust’s constitution.

5.02 The Trust is opposed to the proposed plan changes on the grounds that the creation of

prohibited aquaculture zones was decided after a long consultation process with a long term

sustainable future of the Marlborough Sounds in mind.

The proposed changes are endeavoring to make currently protected water space available for

the expansion of salmon farming. This not only creates a higher ecological impact than NZKS’s

previous operations, but sets a dangerous precedent for a flood of other applications affecting

formerly protected waters.

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6. Effects in general

6.01 The noise, light, visual and environmental effects on the Tui Nature Reserve have already been

outlined in its submission. However, some key targets of the Trust would also be under threat if

NZKS’s proposals are to go ahead.

(More details regarding the effects have been covered under my Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Park

evidence.)

7. Effects on the King Shag

7.01 As previously stated, the Trust is studying and actively supporting a number of endangered

species such as the King Shag, a bird that only occurs in the Marlborough Sounds and which is

a nationally endangered species under DOC’s threat classification system.

The Trust is making a contribution towards a better understanding of this rare species by

collecting data beneficial for research and observation projects.

Some facts;

- Within the national legislation, DOC ranked the King Shag as category B, the highest priority

grouping for conservation.

- Within the NZ Threat classification system the species is listed as “Nationally Endangered”

- The Marlborough Sounds is of particular importance to NZ biodiversity. As a unique

seascape this group of islands contributes significantly to the natural heritage that the

world has to offer.

- The Marlborough Sounds are home to the rare NZ King Shag

7.02 This species with only 645 individuals seems to have found a balance to maintain a very small

population in the Marlborough Sounds. This species is very important for local Maori and holds

an enormous mystery with its closest relative living on the Bounty Islands. Our Wildlife Trust is

concerned about the expansion of King Salmon and the impact on the feeding habitat of the

species. King Shag is a deep diving species with a very poor flying ability. Most birds will stay

within 10km from the colony. It simply cannot fly away when we make poor decisions

regarding their habitat, based on limited science. Duffers Reef is one of the biggest colonies with

the highest recruitment. All the farms applied for in the Pelorus Sound are in the centre of the

main feeding area in this King Shag colony.

The Trust is very concerned about the pollution generated by the new farms and its impacts on

the water column and the potential threat to the King Shag.

(I like to refer to Rob Schuckard’s evidence regarding the King Shag for more information.)

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King Shag observation trip with Rob Schuckard

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8. Effects on the Hector Dolphin

Endangered Hector’s dolphin is an endemic indicator species, responding to pressures on

marine ecosystems.

The Sounds Hector dolphin stronghold Northern South Island’s preferred coastal marine high-velocity habitat type for Hector’s dolphin A local population lives around Blumine Island and Tory Channel. Another pod of this northern South Island population lives in the remainder of the same marine environmental habitat in Cloudy Bay and Clifford Bays (Dawson et al. 2004). Small groups of the local QC Sound and Tory Channel population do venture out to frequent this habitat type in Waitata Reach and Tawhitinui Reach.

This proposal would add another 5 Salmon farms to this habitat stronghold of the remaining Northern South Island Hector’s dolphin population.

For this reason the Trust needs to express its concerns regarding the effects on this rare species.

More evidence regarding the effects from the proposals on those species and their habitat is provided by our expert witness, Environmental Scientist Helle Janssen.

9. NZKS bio security Protocol (M.Preece 4 (c)

9.01 The recent bio security alert (from Feb onward this year) in the Outer Pelorus is discussed in our other submission and the Trust is hopeful to receive some further information from NZKS.

However it draws our intention to the protocols in place and it is surprising to see that other stakeholders are not involved in this process.

9.02 If we read the protocols, it is clear that the focus is on the fish stock and that plans are in place to isolate farms and avoid further spread of diseases.

Some actions are;

PRINCIPL o Set up of ‘quarantine areas’ around infected pen, farm site or CONTROL zone o Live fish transportation between farms and/or between CONTROL zones o Fish harvesting and transportation to processing plants, discharge of harvesting effluent (blood water) o Movement of personnel, nets/equipment and vessels within and between CONTROL zones o Isolation of mortalities, mort bags, dive equipment and mort bins between or within CONTROL zones.

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Disposal: Disposal of mortalities or processing waste should be carried out regularly to an approved disposal site using approved mortality containment and transfer systems. Notification: Under sections of the Biosecurity Act (1993), any person who knows or has reason to believe that an incidence of a notifiable disease must notify MPI (Ministry Of Primary Industries) New Zealand. Fallowing: Farm sites may require full fallowing (3-6 months) following significant loss from infectious disease. This may be directed by the MPI or applied internally by NZKS Management on a case by case basis. Treatment: Antibiotic treatment is seen as a last resort for NZKS due to its long term marketing implications. This decision is taken by the General Manager (Aquaculture) and Chief Executive Officer in conjunction with the Veterinarian. Destruction: killing and disposal of infected animals to prevent spread of disease, usually under supervision of MPI.

9.03 We like to refer to the appendix D (M.Preece,4)

The control area we see on this map, around the 2 and the proposed 5 new farms in the Outer Pelorus is a realistic projection.

The statement “it is realistic to suggest that the NZ King Salmon farms will at some time be affected by a disease” (M.Preece,88)

Following the problems on the Waihinau farm, Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust has grave concerns, if the expansions are going ahead, how NZKS( and our area) can deal with a mass of dead fish and the destruction of infected animals.

Again, this is unacceptable to the Trust who has the intentions to promote enhancement and protection for this area and the Marlborough Sounds.

All the work the Trust is doing in this area is based on creating awareness for young people and an opportunity for them to experience this environment and to stimulate them to protect rare species like the King Shag and the Hector Dolphin.

As you cruise through the majestic Marlborough Sounds on the mail boat you know you’re going to be in for a treat !the view is breathtaking; each morning I smiled to myself each time I realised I wasn’t dreaming (statement volunteer online)

9.04 It is hard to see how the Trust can create the same interest in our programmes with a “bio security alert in place and the need to isolate the area, with barges going in and out transporting tonnes of dead fish”.

9.05 With a lack of baseline studies or reliable assessments of the effects from the currently

established farms it is unclear whether the Sounds marine ecosystems has the capacity to cope

with even more marine farm waste outputs. Therefore research and monitoring of existing

marine farms are vital before decisions can be made about expanding aquaculture in the

Sounds.

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9.06 The proposed expansion would certainly have adverse visual effects on areas with outstanding landscape and natural character, including Tui Nature Reserve. The proposed plan change, if accepted, would furthermore result in a fundamental change from public open and recreational space to industrialization.

Views from Tui Nature Reserve 10. Mauri 10.01 Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust trustees are made up from a diverse range of people and representative groups. Te Runanga o Ngati Kuia are the oldest Iwi to continuously occupy Te Tau Ihu and have joined this group to promote Ngati Kuia associations and cultural identity. This encompasses kaitiakitanga and the protection of the Mauri of Te Hoiere. Mauri is the preferred indicator of a healthy ecosystem. 10.02 The Runanga have developed protocols and kaitiaki instruments over areas and taonga species.

Tui Nature Reserve encompasses the environmental protection that Ngati Kuia promote and

support. This includes the whole catchment from the mountains out to the ocean.

This protection requires the Tui Nature Reserve and the Trust to monitor all discharges from

forestry, farming, communities, aquaculture, recreational and commercial uses and the

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accumulated environmental effects that degrade the ecosystem and the Mauri of the

ecosystem.

Further evidence is provided by Raymond Smith, representative Ngati Kuia.

Our observation and conclusion is that the unique eco systems of the Marlborough Sounds are under

threat from the kind of inappropriate industrial expansion now proposed by NZ King Salmon.

The application should be refused in its entirety.

The Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Charitable Trust like to thank the Board for this opportunity to

express our concerns.

Brian Plaisier,

Chairman - Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Charitable Trust