Dear Department of Conservation,

Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following information regarding the aerial application of agrichemicals (including glyphosate and associated surfactants) in the Te Henga / Bethells Beach wetland area funded or authorized by the Department of Conservation for the 2025/2026 season:

Wildlife Act Authorities: Copies of any authorities or permits granted under Section 53 or 54 of the Wildlife Act 1953 to the Department, its contractors, or partner organizations (e.g., forest and bird, ) to incidentally disturb, catch, or kill absolutely protected wildlife—specifically Australasian Bittern (Matuku-hūrepo) and Long-tailed bats (Pekapeka-tou-roa)—during spraying operations.

Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE): Any internal reports, ecological assessments, or advice held by DOC regarding the potential impact of aerial spraying on the nesting cycles of the Matuku and the roosting/foraging behavior of the Long-tailed bat in this specific Significant Ecological Area (SEA).

Surfactant Toxicity Data: Any information held regarding the specific toxicity of the surfactants being used (e.g., Aquakynde or similar) on the aquatic invertebrate food chain that supports the Matuku and Pekapeka populations.

Monitoring Requirements: Details of any requirements for on-site ecological monitoring during the spray to ensure no "take" or "disturbance" of protected wildlife occurs.

Species-Specific Safety Evidence: Please provide any scientific reports, peer-reviewed studies, or internal DOC technical advice held by the Department that specifically assesses the toxicological effects of glyphosate and the surfactant [e.g., Aquakynde/Polaris] on:

The Australasian Bittern (Matuku-hūrepo), specifically regarding secondary poisoning via their aquatic prey (fish/insects). Also disturbance due to aerial spraying and loss of habitat.

The Long-tailed bat (Pekapeka-tou-roa), specifically regarding the ingestion of insects that have been exposed to the spray or the inhalation of aerosolized spray drift.

Expert Consultation: Please provide any internal correspondence or records of consultation with Dr. Colin O’Donnell (or other DOC Principal Scientists) regarding the potential risks of this specific aerial spray operation on the Te Henga bat and bittern populations.

Data Gaps: If no such evidence exists, please provide the Department’s rationale for proceeding with the spray in a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) despite the lack of baseline data on species-specific chemical sensitivity.

Yours faithfully,

Levonne Scott