Managing the coastal environment

As part of this level of service we will:

• 21.1 Ensure our risk assessment regime and Safety Management System is consistent with the New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code and compliant with ISO 9001:2015 certification for customer focus, quality management and continual improvement.
• 21.2 Ensure availability of our operational and emergency response function, and a qualified, experienced and independent harbourmaster, so that Papatipu Rūnanga, organisations, user groups and the community receive guidance on the safe navigation of vessels within the region.

How are we doing: For target 20.1, work to undertake external reviews that confirm consistency with the Code and compliance with ISO 9001:2015 was completed in quarter one.

As part of this level of service we will:

• 21.1 Ensure the method used to monitor water quality sites for ecosystem health meets national and local standards.
• 21.2 Ensure the method used to monitor water quality sites for recreational swimming meets national and local standards.
• 21.3 Undertake a marine biosecurity survey in Kaikōura, Lyttelton, Akaroa, and Timaru.
• 21.4 Maintain a Maritime NZ-approved marine oil spill response capability and plan.

How are we doing: Water quality is monitored at 79 coastal and estuarine sites on either a quarterly or monthly basis for ecosystem health. Water quality is monitored at 46 region-wide sites on a weekly basis between November and March, with all results published on LAWA within 48 hours. In addition, further monitoring has been undertaken at sites in Lyttelton Harbour to determine the sources of faecal contamination. A report will be provided when the monitoring is concluded. All monitoring is in accordance with national and local standards.

Marine biosecurity surveys in Timaru, Akaroa and Lyttleton were completed by the end of quarter three.

Marine oil spill response readiness has been maintained as required by the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

As part of this level of service we will:

• 22.1 Progress a review of the Canterbury Regional Coastal Environment Plan.

How are we doing: Following a successful hui on 10 March, Te Rōpū Tuia confirmed that the work programme will focus on delivering a Regional Policy Statement by 2024 to achieve integrated management of natural and physical resources in Canterbury, including provisions to halt environmental decline of the coastal area. The need for additional provisions as part of a reviewed Regional Coastal Environment Plan will be considered at a later date.

This target will therefore not be achieved within this timeframe but will be addressed as we continue to develop the regulatory framework beyond 2024.

How are we doing: Field work has begun at Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula and is on track and progressing as planned and within budget. The research team have continued with planned fieldwork around the eastern and southern regions of Banks Peninsula. Increased swells and high winds as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle have forced much of the fieldwork to be concentrated within the Akaroa harbour, enabling the team to complete all planned benthic fauna sampling. To date, the fieldwork effort includes 35 boat days, 262.5 boat hours and 908.5 cumulative people hours.

How are we doing: The navigation safety bylaw review is moving forward. Staff prepared proposed amendments for Council consideration. In April, Council agreed to go out for public consultation on the amendments in May 2023.