Footnotes August 2009
Have a say on a planned Te Araroa link through the Tararuas
Submissions are invited by 18 September 2009 on a proposal to extend the Te Araroa trail through the western side of the Tararua Forest Park, including the currently untracked Oriwa ridge.
Te Araroa, The Long Pathway, aims to be a continuous 3000 km walking track from Cape Reinga to Bluff connecting various settlements, towns and cities en route.
Looking down the Otaki River valley
and Oriwa Ridge along its right flank
DOC is supporting the Te Araroa Trust with sections of the trail traversing DOC-managed land. Recently completed sections in the Tararua foothills - Burtton’s and Mangahao-Makahika Tracks - were constructed with the Te Araroa Manawatu Trust.
The Te Araroa Wellington Trust proposes to continue the track from Poads Road in Levin through to Otaki Forks, linking Waiopehu Hut with Waitewaewae Hut via Oriwa Ridge. Part of this area is currently designated as the Otaki Remote Experience Area - an area with minimal facilities which is suitable for more experienced recreational users. The ridge is used by trampers as a through trip, requiring navigational skills and a degree of self sufficiency.
Find out more about the proposal to extend Te Araroa Trail along Oriwa ridge, Tararua Forest Park and make an online submission.
Discover Wellington's conservation hotspots
The Wellington region boasts a diverse range of conservation visitor hot spots within easy reach of Wellington city, including marine reserves, wetlands, forests, island sanctuaries, heritage sites and outstanding geological features. Find out where they are using Google Earth
Recreation facility updates
Kapiti's Whareroa Farm will soon offer short walks for visitors, the new intepretation panels are now in place on Kapiti Island, Hawke's Bay campsites are being spruced up for summer, a leaky hut in the Tararuas is being repaired, a new hut in the Rimutaka Forest Park will be bigger than expected, and an historic cottage in Hawke's Bay reveals its colourful past. Find out more.
Dog attack likely cause of Rimutaka Forest Park kiwi death
One of the kiwi re-introduced by the community into the Rimutaka Forest Park was killed by a dog in July, highlighting the importance of keeping dogs on a lead in the park. The death of Fern – the first kiwi to die from predation in the park - has distressed members of the Rimutaka Forest Park Trust (RFPT), which reintroduced kiwi to the park with support from the DOC. An autopsy has confirmed the likely culprit was a dog. Read the media release.
Help sustain whitebait fishery for the future
With the whitebaiting season now underway in New Zealand (apart from the West Coast and Chathams) DOC is asking people to help sustain the fishery by abiding by the Whitebait Fishing Regulations, by not taking more than they need, and by helping to protect whitebait habitat and passage.
DOC rangers will be patrolling waterways throughout the season to check people are complying with the regulations. Some nets that were set before the start of the season have been confiscated in Hawke's Bay and Wairoa region, but Wairoa-based ranger Helen Jonas says it's encouraging to see novice whitebaiters calling into the Wairoa field base to ask about the rules. If you see anyone breaking the rules let us know by calling the DOC emergency number, 0800 DOCHOT/0800 36 24 68.
Also remember to Check, Clean, Dry whitebaiting gear when moving between or up waterways to prevent the spread of aquatic pests, and avert the introduction of didymo into our waterways. Didymo hasn't yet been reported in the North Island, but is present throughout the South Island.
Find out more about whitebait and the Whitebait Fishing Regulations.
Solar energy being harnessed on Mana and Kapiti Islands
DOC buildings on Kapiti and Mana Islands are now being powered by solar energy.
The new eco-friendly Kapiti Island
staff house
Solar hot water, double glazing and insulation are features of the new staff house built on Kapiti Island, to replace the house destroyed by fire in 2007. Built by Carl Barratt from Straight Steel Construction in Palmerston North, the two bedroom house was designed by Paraparaumu architect Ben Gilpin to maximise the passive light and natural heating of the sun.
"It was built to be as eco-friendly as possible," says Kapiti Area visitor assets programme manager Wayne Boness.
Weather conditions posed some logistical challenges with its construction, "but all involved worked at short notice to make sure it got done," says Wayne.
Careful planning around the weather was also required to transport the two tonnes of batteries and 18 fragile panels providing solar energy on Mana Island. But staff and volunteers there now have a sustainable supply of electricity, with the security of a diesel back up option.
Mana Island's history on show at Pataka
Mana Island’s colourful history features in an exhibition running at Porirua’s Pataka Museum of Arts and Cultures until 27 September. The exhibition includes aspects of Maori occupation, whaling, farming, DOC management, natural history and artists' interpretations. Find out more on the Pataka website.
Mana Island’s fledging forest expands
Keen volunteer groups braved the winter conditions to add almost 11,000 plants to the native forest being re-established on Mana Island.
The Wi Neera whanau are helping to
plant a native forest on Mana Island
Friends of Mana Island, Ngati Toa, Hutt Valley and Wanganui Tramping Clubs and Plimmerton School have been mainly planting canopy species including nikau, titoki and kowhai amid the hundreds of thousands of pioneer species (such as mahoe, manuka and karamu), planted on the island over the past decade. Thousands of kohekohe seeds have also been hand broadcast on the island.
This year the planting was concentrated in two large planting blocks, one to the south and the other in the centre of the island near the weather station, with a wetter than usual May and June giving the plants a good head start.
Seeds were eco-sourced by Alan Corry from FOMI, and volunteer Kelvin Hunt, from 100 metres above sea level to ensure the best possible chance of survival once it begins its life at that elevation on Mana.
Find out more about Mana Island and Kapiti Island.
Southern right whale visits Kapiti coast
A rare southern right whale visited the Kapiti coast on 21 August.
Southern right whale, Pukerua Bay
While the sight of such a majestic creature so close to our shores naturally creates much public interest, people need to be aware of the dangers involved in close encounters between humans and whales, says DOC marine ecologist Nadine Bott.
"The presence of people or boats nearby can cause them to react unexpectedly, which could cause injury or even death." Threats to whales from human activity include boat strike, noise pollution, entanglement, harassment, displacement, and separation of mothers and their young.
The Marine Mammal Protection Regulations 1992 stipulate that people should keep at least 50 metres from whales. (or 200 metres from any large whale mother and calf or calves). Swimming with whales is not permitted. Loud noises that could startle the animals should also be avoided.
The full list of rules governing behaviour around marine mammals can be found in the brochure Sharing our coasts with marine mammals
"We urge people to take the time to familiarise themselves with these rules so that we can exercise care and respect when whales and other marine mammals pay us a call."
To help with its research, DOC is also keen to hear of sightings of southern right whales, via the 0800 DOCHOT line, 0800 36 24 68. Photos can be used to identify individual whales.
Penguins perish on Wellington roads
DOC's Kerry Swadling with one of
three blue penguins killed by cars on
Wellington's south coast
Wellington’s south coast roads are proving perilous for little blue penguins, with three killed by motorists in one weekend in July.
Concerned about the impact of the deaths on Wellington’s penguin population, the Department of Conservation (DOC) is appealing to the public to drive with care around the south coast, and watch out for penguins crossing the road to reach their burrows. Read the media release
Harbour Hector’s identify confirmed
A rare dolphin residing in Wellington Harbour has been confirmed as a male Hector’s dolphin. Sporting the distinctive rounded dorsal fin which is a characteristic of Hector’s dolphins, he was nicknamed Harbour Hector by locals, who have been reporting sightings of him to DOC since January. Read the media release.
Seal pup dies after Cook Strait crossing
A seal pup found sick in Picton had to be euthanased by a Wellington vet after it was brought across Cook Strait by a concerned ferry traveller.
The seal may have suffered more in transit than if left to its own devices, says DOC’s Poneke Area biodiversity manager, Peter Simpson, pointing out that it was inappropriate for people to attempt to move, or assist adult seals or pups.
"They are wild animals and should be treated as such. Even if they are sick or injured they may be capable of inflicting serious injury. They also harbour infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans, and are difficult to treat such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and salmonella.
He said most seals reported as injured or sick are just resting and should be left alone. Authorities will intervene if if seals are severely injured, entangled in marine debris, or under threat from people or dogs, which may have been the case for a seal taken into policy custody earlier this month. Peter Simpson was phoned by police around 5.30am by police with a request to collect the young seal from a police cell. It had strayed up the Hutt River from the sea, and was in a car park when it was "arrested". It was relocated to Eastborne beach. Find out more about seals and the rules for observing them.
Wellington’s Taputeranga Marine Reserve a year old
Wellington’s Taputeranga Marine Reserve celebrates its first birthday on 28 August.
Located on Wellington’s south coast, the reserve is a focus for marine study, outdoor recreation, and community events aimed at raising awareness of the marine environment. Find out more about Taputeranga Marine Reserve.
Give Moko space
The Department of Conservation is strongly advising people not to swim or interact with Moko, Mahia's bottlenose dolphin, who is likely to be more aggressive now that he has grown out of playful childhood into adolescence. He also needs a chance to seek out companions from his own species.
The warning follows an episode last month where Moko kept a swimmer from returning to shore. The swimmer was rescued after clinging to a buoy for some time, unable to make it back to shore on her own. Read the media release.
Chathams parea doing better than expected
A Chatham Islands parea, found during
a recent survey in the southern
Chatham Island forest
Scientists surveying endangered Chatham Island parea (Chatham Island pigeon) in July were “astounded” to find that the population had increased to around 500, from a population low of 40 in the late 1980s.
Protection of their habitat through fencing, predator control and covenants has reversed the decline of parea, after the population fell to just 40 birds in the late 1980s.
The positive survey results could see their threat status lowered when these are next assessed. Read media release
Watch new series of Meet the Locals
Chathams and Hawke’s Bay conservation efforts are highlighted in a fifth series of Meet the locals, a partnership between DOC and TVNZ.
Gannet research and kiwi protection in Hawke's Bay and efforts to protect threatened seabirds, black robin and historic tree carvings on the Chathams are among the stories told in the latest of this series of four-minute mini-documentaries, that highlight the inspiring work of local communities, businesses and individuals, who give up their spare time to make sure our natural heritage has a chance to thrive.
They screen on TVNZ's Freeview digital channel TVNZ 6, during the Family 4-8.30 pm timeslot, and can be viewed on the DOC website. Watch the latest series of Meet the Locals.
More than 2000 students 'visit' Rangatira Island
Taking 2285 students on a field trip to the Chathams earlier this year wasn't the logistical nightmare it appears.
Thanks to the online education programme LEARNZ, the students were able to remain in their classroom to "virtually visit" remote Rangatira Island, to learn about its biodiversity and the research being carried out there by DOC and the University of Canterbury on bird behaviour and genetic variation.
Brigitta Kurenbach from Canterbury
University examines black robin DNA
for evidence of viral infection
Rangatira Island provides a rare opportunity to study how native birds behaved before predators such as stoats and rats were introduced to New Zealand, to see if similar bird species on mainland New Zealand now behave differently because of mammalian predators. The scientists are also studying rare bird species on the island, such as Chatham Island black robin, to look at the consequences of population bottleneck. This is when the number of breeding individuals fall to a very low level causing a loss of genetic variation in the future population.
Charmaine Nelson from LEARNZ says registered teachers in New Zealand are welcome to register to use the free, Ministry of Education supported virtual field trip programme with their classes. The 22 field trips offered this year are giving students the chance to talk to experts live in the field, watch video, read diaries and post questions on a web board.
To find out more visit the LEARNZ website: www.learnz.org.nz or phone 0800 22 55 53.
Captive breeding at Mount Bruce continues to protect NZ wildlife
The captive breeding programme at the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre will continue to protect endangered New Zealand wildlife. A recent review confirmed that the centre had a long-term future in captive breeding. But effort will focus more on those endangered species that the centre is best suited to assist. This is likely to include nationally endangered species such as kiwi, shore plover, whio (blue duck) pateke (brown teal) and kakariki. Read media release.
Trainee introduced to diverse role of a DOC ranger
Restoring dunes on the Chathams, protecting kiwi in Hawke's Bay, maintaining Wairarapa visitor facilities, and assisting with Conservation Week activities are among the varied tasks that DOC trainee ranger Briggs Pilkington will tackle during a two year traineeship with the Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservancy.
Trainee ranger Briggs Pilkington
Keen to be a hunter, Briggs decided to become a ranger instead after discovering the variety of work that DOC undertakes while he was enrolled in the National Certificate in Conservation course at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. "I get to do so many different things, which is really great."
DOC trainee ranger programme coordinator Scott Nicol says the National Certificate in Conservation equips participants for a career in DOC, providing such skills as chainsaw safety, first aid, the Growsafe certificate, boat masters' theory and navigation.
"Students get a balance of theory and field work and develop practical skills that help them in their day-to-day ranger careers. Briggs has got an awesome placement with a huge range of roles and plenty of good staff to learn from."
Find out more about the National Certificate in Conservation.
Volunteers sought to help control weeds in Tararua Forest Park
DOC is seeking up to 15 volunteers to help control Spanish heath in the eastern Tararua Forest Park in November. Spanish heath is an exotic plant that infests mainly kanuka shrubland in the Tauherenikau Valley.
Conservation Week - 13 - 20 September 2009 Get Involved: Kia Mahia te Mahi
This Conservation Week DOC and TVNZ 6 are giving you the chance to get involved in conservation. We’re also celebrating the efforts that thousands of volunteers and community groups put in to help conservation work in New Zealand. Details of events throughout the country are being posted on the Conservation Week website.
Here's a taste of what's on offer in the Wellington region and Hawke's Bay:
Get Involved in historic heritage in Wellington city, Sunday 13 September 2009, 10am-3pm
Enjoy high tea and jazz at Turnbull House on Bowen Street; sample historic heritage DOC-style at old Government Buildings; watch early Wellington film footage in the Gardens Battery at Dominion Observatory; learn about state of the art animal quarantine and experience geocaching on Matiu/Somes Island. For more information email: Paulette Wallace, pwallace@doc.govt.nz
See also: Heritage sites around Wellington
Kiwi Health Check, Kaweka Forest Park, Hawke's Bay, Tuesday 15 September 8:30am-1:30pm (from Puketitiri)
Join Paddy and Al to search out a recently released brown kiwi and give it a routine health check. Off trail, high up in the Kaweka Forest Park. A good level of fitness required. Free but own transport required. Contact DOC on +64 6 834 3111 to book. See also: Kaweka Forest Park
Dawn Chorus at Boundary Stream, Napier, Wednesday 16 September, 4.30am-10.30am (from Napier)
Come and listen to the amazing array of birdsong now heard at Boundary Stream. Includes a one hour easy walk around the Tumanako Track. Average fitness required.
Free but own transport required Contact DOC on +64 6 834 3111 to book. See also: Boundary Stream Mainland Island.
Castlepoint dune restoration and beach clean-up, Wednesday 16 September, 9.30am
Help restore dunes in the Castlepoint Scenic Reserve and clean up this iconic beach, Listen to talks by local rangers. TVNZ6 will be filming the event to promote Conservation Week. BBQ lunch will be provided. Meet at Castlepoint Scenic Reserve car park (next to the church). See also: Castlepoint Scenic Reserve.
Conservation korero – great whites, short-tails and kissing under mistletoe, Aratoi Museum, Masterton, Thursday 17 September, 7pm
Come to Aratoi - Wairarapa Museum of Art and History for an evening of conservation korero. Leading DOC experts will be on hand to tell you about the work they are involved in. Catch up with 'shark man' Clinton Duffy and our marine team; learn about endangered bats, and find out from botanist John Sawyer how you can get involved in plant conservation. Tea and coffee is provided. Bookings are essential. Contact Sandra Burles. Ph: +64 6 377 0700.
Weed swap, Pahiatua School, Saturday 19 September, 10am-1pm
Swap weeds (one supermarket bag per person) for native plants (one per person).
Weed swap, Civic Square Wellington, Saturday 19 September, 1-4pm
Bring your worst garden weed and swap it for a FREE NATIVE PLANT - there's a family prize pack for the worst weed brought in! Plus - displays and information on attracting native wildlife to your garden. For more information email: Matt Barnett, mbarnett@doc.govt.nz
Waewaepa mountain bike experience, Saturday 19 September, 2pm
Experience Waewaepa Scenic Reserve, one of Wairarapa's most isolated reserves, by mountain bike. The reserve is located on Makairo Road (western side), approximately 20-30 minutes from Mangatainoka northern Wairarapa.
This 10km one way trip, on a grade 2 trail, is supported by Pahiatua locals and DOC staff. Pick up a map from the Mobil petrol station, bike and auto workshop in Pahiatua. Look for DOC flags and meet local guides at the Grant's woolshed, Makairo Road - the western side (about 500m from entrance to reserve) at 2pm for ride. Parking is available here. Your own bike and some experience is required.
Tramping 101 to Sunrise Hut, Eastern Ruahine Forest Park, Hawke's Bay, Saturday 19 September, 9am-4pm (from Triple X car park)
Join DOC and the Napier Tramping Club and learn the trick to successful beginners tramping. Average to good fitness required. Free. Contact DOC on 006 834 3111 to book. See also: Eastern Ruahine Forest Park.
Conservation scavenger hunt – family day, Henley Lake, Masterton, Sunday 20 September, 11am
Celebrate the end of Conservation Week at Henley Lake, Masterton. Find native plants, identify native species, get building with Henley Men's Shed and lots more to see and do with the family. BBQ on site. More FM will be on site providing entertainment throughout the day.
Fungi walk around Holdsworth, Sunday 20 September, 2pm
Join Di Batchelor for a walk to examine the interesting fungi around the lowland bush of the Tararua Forest park. Meet at Holdsworth road-end car park, Mt Holdsworth Road, Carterton. The track is classified as a walking track suitable for low-moderate fitness. You should be prepared to walk up-hill if required. See also: Holdsworth
Conservation Week at the Cathedral organiser stands down
A desire to promote the “astonishing” number of Greater Wellington groups working for conservation and a better environment prompted Lay Canon Emeritus Ted Abraham to organise an annual Conservation Week event at Wellington Cathedral.
It highlighted the work of these groups in displays, and featured talks by high profile speakers. Ill health has forced Ted to stand down as committee leader, after 12 years, but the Cathedral continues to celebrate Conservation Week.
Find out more about Ted's involvement with Conservation Week at the Cathedral, and the Transition Town Expo the Cathedral is hosting this year.
Staff changes
The Chathams Area recently farewelled four staff - Ben Horne, acting programme manager threats; Eigill Wahlberg, who was employed temporarily on pest eradication in the Tuku Valley, and fauna assets rangers Dan Palmer and Antje Leseberg, who have been replaced by Abby and Patrick Liddy.
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