839 (2024). Darleen Tana to the Minister for Biosecurity

839 (2024). Darleen Tana to the Minister for Biosecurity: What resources, if any, have been provided to hapū/iwi to help demarcate caulerpa infested areas, listed by what type of resources, how many resources, and which hapū/iwi these went to?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: I am advised Biosecurity New Zealand has provided hapū/iwi funding for mana whenua to run various removal technique trials. This includes the current suction-dredge trial at Omakiwi Cove in Northland (Ngāti Kuta in partnership with Northland Regional Council); the current suction-dredge trial at Waiheke Island (Ngāti Paoa); and testing of a removal technique at Iris Shoal off Kawau Island (Ngāti Manuhiri). Surveillance to understand the exact boundaries of the various infestations (known as delimiting surveillance) has been carried out by science providers with support by mana whenua in some areas. Mana whenua have been able to provide local insights into the terrain and conditions, and have also ensured the work is in accordance with tikanga. Mana whenua have also been contracted to run ‘ambassador’ programmes, sharing public information on caulerpa and the legal controlled areas, including the boundaries of these.