Important documentation for spraying a significant ecological area with endangered species
Levonne Scott made this Official Information request to Department of Conservation
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From: Levonne Scott
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
From: do-not-reply
Department of Conservation
Kia ora Levonne,
Thank you for your official information request to the Department of
Conservation, received on 12/04/2026.
Your reference number is OIAD-6242.
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and no
later than 11/05/2026, being 20 working days after the day your request
was received. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will
notify you of an extension of that timeframe.
If you have any queries email us at [1][email address].
Ngā mihi
Government Services
Department of Conservation
Te Papa Atawhai
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From: do-not-reply
Department of Conservation
Kia ora Levonne SCOTT,
Thank you for your request received on 12/04/2026 to the Department of
Conservation.
We are transferring part of your request under section 14 of the Official
Information Act 1982, to the Auckland Council as the information to which
it relates is more closely connected with that Department's functions.
If you have any queries please email us at
[1][email address]. and quote your reference number
OIAD-6242.
Ngā mihi
Government Services
Department of Conservation
Te Papa Atawhai
Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that
is confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended
recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or
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in error, please notify us immediately and erase all copies of the message
and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you.
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From: Official Information
Kia ora Levonne Scott
Thank you for your request for information, which was forwarded to us by
the Government Services on Friday 1^st May 2026
We have attached an information sheet on our processes and requirements
under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.
We will respond to your request as soon as possible and in any event no
later than 20 working days after the day your request was received. This
will be by 29.05.2026
If you have further questions please feel free to contact Louise
Garside via reply email to [1][email address]
quoting reference 8140019181
Ngā mihi,
The Privacy and LGOIMA team
Auckland Council
[2]Turning food scraps into clean energy.
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From: do-not-reply
Department of Conservation
Kia ora Levonne,
Please find attached the Department of Conservation’s response to your
request, which we received on 12/04/2026, and your request that was
transferred from Auckland Council to DOC on 13 April 2026.
If you have any queries email us at [1][email address].
Ngā mihi
Government Services
Department of Conservation
Te Papa Atawhai
Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that
is confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended
recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or
copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you received this email
in error, please notify us immediately and erase all copies of the message
and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you.
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