Category: Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 August 2023

The call comes in Conservation Week which celebrates conservation work across the country and encourages people to take action for the environment.

The message to West Coast lake users is clean, check, dry and report to stop freshwater pests from spreading in local waters which have some of the most outstanding natural values in the country.

DOC Hokitika Operations Manager Owen Kilgour says some pest threats, such as lindavia (lake snow), can’t be seen by the naked eye on a tramping boot or boat.

“A single drop of water, plant fragment or fish egg can be all it takes to spread an invasive freshwater pest from a contaminated waterbody to a pristine one.”

“Pests to look out for on the West Coast include gambusia or mosquito fish, rudd, koi carp, oxygen weeds (hornwort, egeria, lagarosiphon), and Parrot’s feather. Some of these such as gambusia, koi carp, and hornwort aren’t on the Coast, while others have very limited distribution. If we all do our bit we can prevent the spread.”

Freshwater pests which get into lakes squeeze out native freshwater vegetation and fish. Weeds such as lagarosiphon are bad for water quality and reduce dissolved oxygen, which affects native species and sports fish habitats.

Where freshwater weeds grow in waterways and drains, they exacerbate flooding in the surrounding catchment. Both pest fish and weedy plants are extremely difficult and expensive to get rid of once established.

“We all need to do our bit and protect our lakes by always checking, cleaning and drying gear that’s been in contact with water before moving on,” Owen Kilgour says. “Early detection is essential to managing new incursions and preserving lake quality.”

West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) leads an annual surveillance programme in conjunction with DOC’s Freshwater Biosecurity programme to detect incursions of introduced freshwater weeds on the West Coast.

WCRC Biosecurity Coordinator Taylor Blyth says each summer a number of lakes are selected for surveillance based on incursion risk and previous surveillance history.

“The problem species we’ve found in West Coast waterbodies which are the biggest worry are lagarosiphon major, and egeria densa. Lagarosiphon is already in Lakes Paringa and Ianthe and the Kapitea Reservoir. Egeria is known to occupy two sites within the region.

“We’re using environmental DNA (eDNA) as part of our surveillance so we might pick up a new incursion, but as our checks are only done annually it’s not a silver bullet. The most effective approach is to stop weeds, such as lagarosiphon, from spreading to lakes like Moeraki just down the road from Paringa.”

Taylor Blyth says jet boaters visiting the Coast from Canterbury or Central Otago could potentially spread freshwater pests to every waterbody they visit.

“South Westland communities are concerned about the lagarosiphon and we’re working to progress weed cordons in these lakes to reduce the chance of spreading elsewhere. One of our next steps with the surveillance programme is to do an intensive grid search late spring,” says Owen Kilgour.

“But unless we all work hard to check and clean equipment, then report any pests found while enjoying what the West Coast has to offer, it’s only a matter of time before pests spread.”

Discoveries of any freshwater pest should be reported via the Find a Pest or iNaturalist apps. People can also contact WCRC directly by emailing clear photographs and coordinates to info@wcrc.govt.nz. 

Further information

Check, Clean, Dry, Report

• Check: Remove any plant matter from your gear and leave it at the site (the river or lake bank) or put it in the rubbish. Don’t wash plant material down any drain.
• Clean: Use 10% dishwashing detergent mixed with water and leave the item wet for 10 minutes.
• Dry: Ensure your gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out, then leave dry for at least another 48 hours before you use it (didymo can survive for months on moist gear).
• Report: Find a Pest or iNaturalist

Conservation Week

Conservation Week runs from 14-20 August with a theme of taking action for nature.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  16 August 2023

Reports are flooding into the Whanganui DOC office of seal sightings.

“We call it seal silly season,” says Marine Science Advisor Laura Boren. “Despite it happening every winter, it’s always a surprise for people to come across seals in unexpected locations.”

“Encountering seals this way is actually reflects the strong recovery of our seal populations, so enjoy the unique experience – from a safe distance.”

Young kekeno/seals, along with males of any age, leave their breeding colonies between May and September, making it prime season to spot them in odd places.

Although kekeno are marine mammals, they spend much of their time basking on rocky shores and occasionally explore much further inland.

“People’s protective instincts come up when they see young pups alone, or seals doing normal seal things like regurgitating, sneezing, or crying.”

“These are all typical behaviours for seals. Please call the DOC hotline only if they are in immediate danger, severely injured, or tangled in rubbish.”

Those frequenting beaches this seal silly season can help keep kekeno safe by having dogs under control.

“If you’re walking your dog where seals are regularly seen, or if you see a seal – put your dog on a lead until you are well away.”

DOC’s Lead the Way programme offers guidance for dog behaviour around coastal wildlife.

If you see a seal which is severely injured, being harassed, or in obvious danger, call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  14 August 2023

The captive-raised and critically endangered taonga were released into the Tasman and Godley rivers just in time for Conservation Week, running from August 14-20. The annual event celebrates conservation work across the country and encourages people to take action for the environment.

The released birds included juveniles from an important female kakī remaining in captivity named Māwhero. She had several clutches of chicks with a new mate named Manunui, who she paired up with in a remarkable way, after tragically losing her first partner Wiremu.

DOC Kakī Recovery Programme Wild Lead Claudia Mischler says the wild adult population is up to about 156 adult birds (not including those just released), and is generally trending up over time, though it fluctuates quite a bit.

“They [kakī] have had a long journey since the 1980s when they were down to 23 adults, they’ve come a long way now.”

She says staff will provide the newly released sub-adult kakī with supplementary feeding for the next few weeks to help them settle into their new environment while they are learning to fend for themselves.

Claudia says the breeding programme is very successful and work is happening to improve the birds’ survival rates in the wild.

Kakī are vulnerable to introduced predators and extensive trapping takes place across the Mackenzie Basin, including through the Te Manahuna Aoraki Project and Project River Recovery programmes, with support from local landowners.  

“An action people can take to help kakī is to be aware and take care if fishing or otherwise out on riverbeds, as kakī or other birds may be around – especially over summer months when birds are nesting,” Claudia says.

“If there’s a bird nearby and it seems to be annoyed, move on and give them space.”

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kakī Species Representative Rynee de Garnham has been coming to kakī releases for five years and says releasing manu for their first flight in the open is always a special experience.

“Being able to see that, and watching the population increase, there’s nothing else like it.”

Rynee says its important there are opportunities like this for Ngāi Tahu whānau to engage and be better acquainted with the species, and to contribute to the species success in the wild.

“My dream is for kakī to one day be found all across Aotearoa, and there will no longer be a need for the Kakī Recovery Programme.”

Captive rearing for wild release takes place at DOC’s Twizel facility and The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust in Christchurch. It is a significant part of the Kakī Recovery Programme.

One significant bird held in captivity is Māwhero, who comes from a lineage that’s underrepresented in the wild which means she’s important for the genetic diversity of the species.

She was offered several suitors and originally partnered with a male called Wiremu. The pair had a very successful first breeding season but then, unfortunately, Wiremu died suddenly due to cancer in February 2022, leaving Māwhero to raise their chicks on her own.

In November, a wild male kakī began hanging around DOC’s captive breeding aviaries in Twizel. He was particularly interested in Māwhero so staff opened the door and let the male in, and they soon formed a pair.

After looking back at the records, it was determined the male, named Manunui, was one of the birds originally trialled with Māwhero and although they were friendly then, there didn’t seem to be any romance between them, so Manunui had been released into the wild in January.

The new couple were very successful this breeding season, raising several clutches of chicks, which means Māwhero’s valuable genetics were passed on and spread into the wild.

For more information about kakī and the recovery programme visit doc.govt.nz/kaki

Kakī release in the Tasman Valley, August 10 2023. Image: Liz Brown/DOC

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  14 August 2023

Monitoring data shows rodent numbers in the area remained low until at least May when the last results came in, following the aerial 1080 predator control operation in December last year.

Department of Conservation Senior Biodiversity Ranger Rebecca Teele says this is continuing to provide much needed relief for native species in the area.

“These valleys are home to rare and vulnerable species like mohua, rock wren, kea, whio and long tailed bats. Before the operation, all indications were pointing towards a tough breeding season with rat numbers in particular forecast to increase after a mast – or seeding event last summer.

“The operation gave some of our most precious and threatened native wildlife a chance to breed and raise their young last summer without the threat of introduced predators.”

While most monitoring data for native species won’t be available until this coming summer, anecdotally, DOC has received reports from visitors, hut wardens and other staff that the bird song in the area is the best it’s been in years. Long-term monitoring of long-tailed bats is showing a gradual increase thanks to ongoing predator control efforts.

“Even more incredibly, a member of the public came across a mohua on the Routeburn Track that, based on the colour combination on its leg band, was at least ten years old. Given the predation pressure present at times this is a huge win.”

Yellowhead/mohua used to be the most common bird in South Island forests but have declined over the years with populations at sites like the Dart, Routeburn and Caples, at risk of extinction, Rebecca says.

“The timing of the operation in early summer, before beech forest seeding, along with the large size and solid shape of the predator control area, is likely the reason we have had such a good result.  It’s clear that without predator control, mohua would be lost to these valleys completely.”

With Conservation Week taking place this week, it is a great chance to reflect on the work achieved so far, and for those wanting to help protect biodiversity in their own backyard, look at contacting your nearest local trapping group and consider a installing a trap in your own backyard, Rebecca says.

DOC will continue monitoring rodent numbers over the coming months in the lead up to the spring and summer breeding season. The numbers are expected to increase over the coming months, but it’s still a huge positive that we have been able to provide respite for native species since December.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  11 August 2023

The decision comes after a meeting with Department of Conservation (DOC) staff, during which a range of issues affecting the protection of Hector’s dolphins, and how targeted marine mammal tours can add to these, were discussed.

DOC Mahaanui Operations Manager Andy Thompson says DOC staff were concerned the tours could put upokohue at further risk and had formed a preliminary view to decline the application, although no formal decision was made.

A preliminary view is reached after DOC staff have considered relevant technical advice, cultural impacts and public submissions, but before these have been discussed with the applicant.

“Whakaraupō is a busy harbour and there are already likely to be considerable cumulative effects on the local Hector’s dolphins from vessel traffic,” Andy Thompson says.

“Research from nearby Akaroa Harbour indicates tourism activities impact Hector’s dolphins, and these are cumulative alongside the effects of other vessel traffic. Impacts could include changes to behaviour including changes to when and where dolphins are found in the harbour.

“We do not think the conservation benefits from public education through tourism outweigh the potential adverse effects of this proposal, especially given there are six existing dolphin tour operations in nearby Akaroa.”

Andy Thompson acknowledges Jet Junkies staff have worked constructively with DOC while the application was being processed. This has included changing the company’s application to reduce the proposed number of daily trips and to use a Sealver, or jet ski propelled boats, so customers would not be operating jet skis near marine mammals.

Jet Junkies CEO Kevin Scovell says, “We will continue to operate our strict accidental discovery protocols around marine mammals while out on our existing Jet Ski Tours. We would like to thank DOC staff for their work, and we look forward to building on this relationship between us.”

Andy Thompson says upokohue already face challenges include disturbance, habitat reduction, overfishing, water quality, bycatch risk, warming seas, toxoplasmosis and noise.

Hector’s dolphins/upokohue are one of the world’s smallest dolphins, about 1.5m long. They are nationally vulnerable, with a population of about 15,700, and are primarily found around the South Island’s coastline. Banks Peninsula is a hotspot for the species.

More information on the application is available at Application for a marine mammal permit by Jet Junkies Limited

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  10 August 2023

Conservation Week is an annual, national celebration that encourages people to get involved in nature and conservation.

Department of Conservation Senior Ranger Katy Newton says this year the Whanganui area has a diverse programme to entice the community to take action for nature.

“We’re kicking off with a conservation themed stall at the River Market with Bushy Park Tarapuruhi, Forest and Bird, Predator Free Whanganui, Horizons Regional Council, and Sustainable Whanganui on Saturday 12 August.”

Throughout the week there will be chances to learn about predator trapping, tree-plantings and working bees, a conservation film, and opportunities to kōrero/chat with DOC staff.

“We really want to connect with our local whanau and hear about the communities’ aspirations and see how we can provide support to achieve those goals.

“There are many ways to get involved, and all of these actions, small or large, combine to have a real impact on our taonga species and environment.”

For the full Conservation Week programme visit conservationweek.org.nz.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  10 August 2023

The maximum length of whitebaiting gear used on the West Coast will be six metres, bringing it in line with the rest of the country. This change will mainly affect fishing gear used from whitebaiting stands.

Department of Conservation Freshwater Species Manager Emily Funnell says the new regulations, which DOC began rolling out in 2021, were developed to ensure a sustainable whitebait fishery.  

“The new regulations mean whitebaiting will remain an option for recreational fishers, the rules are more nationally consistent, and fishing pressure is reduced.

“Whitebait are taonga and mahinga kai for Māori and provide a much-loved recreational pastime for New Zealanders. But four of the six whitebait species are classified as threatened or at risk of extinction from a variety of causes including habitat loss and barriers to their migration. We want to ensure the decline is reversed.”

The new West Coast regulation will also help to address equity issues. Up until this year, West Coast stand-holders could potentially harvest significant amounts of whitebait using extensive net and screen lengths. Whitebaiters without stands were disadvantaged.

As well as following the whitebait regulations, Emily Funnell urges whitebaiters to help reduce the spread of invasive freshwater pests, particularly gold clam this season.

“No matter where you whitebait, be sure to follow Biosecurity New Zealand’s updated Check, Clean, Dry advice. As an extra precautionary measure, if you are fishing in the Waikato, stick to whitebaiting in only one river for the season to reduce the risk of your gear and waders spreading gold clam.”

She also recommends teachers and young whitebaiters and their families check out a new education resource for children that explores the fascinating life cycle of whitebait species.

“The resource includes a boardgame, word-find and lots of fun and interesting facts. It’s now live on our website, right on time for Conservation Week, 14–20 August.”

Visit DOC’s website for the whitebaiting regulations including information on West Coast net length changes, and the children’s whitebait education resource and activity brochure: www.doc.govt.nz/whitebaiting. 

You can also email whitebait@doc.govt.nz for free printed copies of all whitebaiting brochures.

Visit Biosecurity New Zealand’s website for up-to-date Check, Clean, Dry information on freshwater gold clam: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/clam.

The whitebaiting season takes place from 1 September to 30 October.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  10 August 2023

The predator-free island, in Fiordland’s Tamatea/Dusky Sound, is proposed as a site for a fifth wild population for the critically endangered taonga species, with hopes kākāriki karaka could be released there from spring 2024.

With the support of Kaitiaki Rōpū ki Murihiku, representatives from the Kākāriki Karaka Recovery Groupwill soon visit Pukenui to assess the forests and infrastructure, as part of the mahi underway to check the island’s suitability for the taonga species.

It would be a significant step forward for the species’ recovery programme, run in partnership by DOC and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Kaitiaki Rōpū ki Murihiku represents the four southern Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga who hold mana whenua over Pukenui. Kaumātua Michael Skerrett says the rōpū is very supportive of the proposal to explore the island as potential habitat for kākāriki karaka.

“Habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals has contributed to the extinction of too many native manu species already. We must do everything we can to exercise our kaitiakitanga and explore habitat opportunities like Pukenui to ensure the ones who remain can thrive.”

DOC Kākāriki Karaka Operations Manager Wayne Beggs says establishing more self-sustaining wild populations is a crucial part of the plan to ensure the species’ recovery.

“The captive breeding programme, run by The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust and Orana Wildlife Park, does a fantastic job of raising lots of chicks for wild release each year, but we need more safe sites to release them.

“Our goal is to see kākāriki karaka thriving in the wild. The predator-free beech and rimu forest on Pukenui/Anchor Island should be a great site for kākāriki karaka to succeed.”

Wayne Beggs says this news is a fantastic lead up to Conservation Week, which runs from August 14.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu kākāriki karaka representative Yvette Couch-Lewis has been working with the manu (birds) for more than twenty years. She hopes a potential move to Pukenui will help to stabilise the overall population.

“We are grateful for the support of our Murihiku whānau who tautoko our dream to create a safe haven for our taonga on Pukenui.”

A kākāriki karaka population was successfully established in the fenced Brook Waimārama Sanctuary near Nelson in 2021, which Yvette says shows the value of releasing the birds at predator-free locations.

“While we would prefer to keep our taonga safe within our Ngāi Tahu takiwā, suitable sites are becoming harder to find. It’s a reminder that we must work together to achieve a predator-free New Zealand where our manu can fly free.”

The kākāriki karaka recovery programme is supported by The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Orana Wildlife Park, Canterbury University, Mainpower and the NZ Nature Fund.

Background information

Kaitiaki Rōpū Ki Murihiku represent the four southern Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga: Te Rūnanga o Hokonui, Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka, Waihōpai Rūnaka, and Te Rūnaka o Awarua.

With about 330 left in the wild, kākāriki karaka are the rarest mainland forest bird in Aotearoa.

They were once plentiful across the country, but proved an easy meal for introduced predators and were affected by habitat loss, which saw their numbers dwindle.

Because they nest and roost in holes in trees, kākāriki karaka are extremely vulnerable to rats, stoats and cats.

The species was twice declared extinct in the past (in 1919 and 1965) before being rediscovered in the late 1980s.

Anchor Island/Pukenui is already home to a range of threatened bird species including kākāpō.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  08 August 2023

The hapū and marae of Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust have also placed rāhui in their rohe, as shown on the map below.

These rāhui are supported by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, DOC and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. 

The constant re-sedimentation of habitat and spawning grounds post-Cyclone Gabrielle continues to threaten the ability of whitebait species to rebuild stocks for future sustainability.

As well as affecting whitebait, intensive damage across all catchments is a hazard for river users and includes riverbank instability and exceptionally turbid waters.

DOC’s Hawke’s Bay Operations Manager Tryphena Cracknell says recovery work is underway at some sites.

“The rāhui should come as no surprise to our community and fishers, due to the state of the rivers and banks post-Cyclone Gabrielle,” says Tryphena.

“In fact, many members of our fishing community have raised concerns about the upcoming season with us and are in support of this rāhui.”

This decision is based on the need to recover the environment post-Cyclone Gabrielle, and to maintain and enhance a sustainable fishery amidst the significant sediment and environmental disruption to spawning.

All parties involved agree this rāhui is the best way forward for fisheries and the communities.

About rāhui

A rāhui (physical and spiritual protection mechanism) is a tool to manage human activity around a site where there has been loss of life. It sets a temporary prohibition on activities around the rāhui area and limits access for that period.

By placing a rāhui over the area it:

• acknowledges the death and is a way to express our sympathy to the whānau of the deceased
• ensures that safety mechanisms are in place
• rovides time for tapu (sacredness) to dissipate following the death.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  04 August 2023

This decision comes after the poisoning of approximately large 50 eucalyptus trees in the area, posing potential risks to the public with falling debris.

DOC’s Operations Manager Pēwhairangi/Bay of Islands Bronwyn Bauer-Hunt says: “Our top priority is the safety of everyone who visits this stunning reserve. Weare closing the affected section of the track immediately while we assess and plan our next steps.”

DOC staff are exploring various options in collaboration with hapū, Heritage New Zealand, and other stakeholders.

The proposed alternatives being considered involve felling the trees and removing them, felling them and managing the debris, or potentially letting the trees naturally fall – although this latter option is unlikely.

“We remain open to all possibilities at this stage, and transparency and consultation with our valued partners will be at the core of our decision-making,” says Bronwyn.

“We aren’t ruling anything out at this stage and our priority is to close the track to protect visitors to the area.  The track area that will be closed will have minimal impact on visitors to the area with an alternate route available to loop people around the trees.”

DOC staff have identified a person of interest who is assisting them with enquiries into the matter.

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