Category: Department of Conservation

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Celebrating 10 years of West Coast Marine Reserves | Conservation blog

Source: Department of Conservation

Today we celebrate 10 years of West Coast Marine Reserves with a look at where they are, who looks after them, and what they are helping us discover.

The West Coast has five marine reserves, which represent the different habitat types found on the West Coast. The West Coast has a pretty wild coastline, so these marine reserves are mostly enjoyed by visitors from the shore, where the continuous mountains to sea landscapes give you the feeling you are somewhere special.

The reserves were established after thorough discussions over several years that involved Poutini Ngāi Tahu, local community representatives and several stages of public consultation.  By the time the reserves came into being, the local and other public support for them was strong, and that’s been reflected in the way that the ‘no fishing in the reserves’ rule is followed very well.

You would think in a place like the West Coast there would be remote places that nobody accessed, but the consultation process showed all areas on the coast were being accessed to some degree.

The main intent of marine reserves is as areas for scientific study.  But they have also been celebrated as places to enjoy the natural environment, and as a kind of insurance against the impacts that people can have on the sea.  They are a place where fish and other sea life can grow, sustaining local habitats and breeding stocks.  Each of the reserves has quite unique features.

Location of the West Coast’s five marine reserves:

Kahurangi. Photo: Andris Apse

The Kahurangi Marine Reserve reaches along 16 kilometres of coast, alongside the Heaphy Track Great Walk and the Kahurangi National Park.  The wide tidal zone of rocks and beaches in this large reserve are great to explore, with expansive mussel beds supporting starfish, octopus and seaweeds.  Offshore, the broad continental shelf is home to sealife like fur seals/kekeno, red cod, gurnard and sharks.

Punakaiki. Photo: Andris Apse

The Punakaiki Marine Reserve is centred on the world-famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes walkway, and the ‘secret treasure’ of the Truman Track coastline.  The reserve extends the protection of the Paparoa National Park out into the Tasman Sea, to include rocky reefs where bull kelp swirls in the waves, and open ocean where seabirds like terns/tara, penguins/kororā and Westland petrels/taiko catch their fishy food.

Waiau Glacier Coast. Photo: Andris Apse

Waiau Glacier Coast Marine Reserve reaches 11 km from Kohuamarua Bluff to Omoeroa Bluff.  The reserve complements the exceptional glacial landscapes of Westland Tai Poutini National Park to make it a truly ‘Mountains to Ocean’ sequence.  Extending about 4km offshore, it is one of the largest marine reserves in mainland New Zealand

Tauparikākā. Photo: Andris Apse

Tauparikākā Marine Reserve is New Zealand’s smallest marine reserve at just 17 hectares, but it importantly protects the ‘watery’ parts of the Ship Creek visitor site.  Here you can enjoy walking the beach, watching the Hector’s dolphins, and paddling in the tea-coloured stream mouth.

Hautai. Photo: Andris Apse

The remote Hautai Marine Reserve lies 50 km south of Jackson Bay and covers 8.5 km2.  This reserve protects some rocky coastal habitats where crayfish, kina, cod and other marine life can thrive.  Further out from the Hautai Reserve, underwater canyons reach ocean depths of more than 3000 metres and add to the rich diversity of this area.

Marine Reserves Ranger Don Neale has worked on the West Coast for DOC for over 35 years, always in a role with something to do with the ocean. His daily job involves monitoring, research, advocacy and making sure people follow the rules put in place to protect these reserves. Here he is with a sample of sea water which is being DNA tested to see what species exist in this particular stretch of coastline as part of a survey of the Kahurangi Marine Reserve coastline.

Photo: Spencer Virgin, University of Canterbury

Baseline monitoring of the marine reserves and nearby areas has been set up in the last few years. Over time this will show how the sea is changing and the difference that the protection is making in those places. Here, two researchers measure the abundance of mussels on a rock platform in an intertidal area in the Kahurangi Marine Reserve.

Protecting these individual reserves is more than a matter of making sure people don’t fish or gather seafood in them. Climate change is a massive threat to the health of marine reserves and the ocean generally. Over the past few summers, the West Coast has had marine heatwaves, raising the temperature of the oceans by an average of 5oC. Through photo analysis, DOC has noticed a worrying trend at a number of West Coast sites of bull kelp die-off, as this photo taken at the Punakaiki Marine Reserve demonstrates. Bull kelp is a large native seaweed that provides habitat for a number of marine species, and the die-off is a highly visible indication that our global carbon emissions are having a huge impact on the natural environment, which we depend on for our health and wellbeing.

Westland’s marine reserves can be seen as ‘a window into the ocean’ for us all.  They are protecting some of our special places, and revealing new things that might otherwise pass us by and go unnoticed. 

So get down to one of your wonderful marine reserves, celebrate their 10th anniversary, and see what you can find!

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10th anniversary of West Coast marine reserves marked

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  06 September 2024

The five fully protected marine reserves were established in Westland on 7 September 2014. All sea life is protected within the reserves, so fishing and seafood gathering are not allowed there.

The reserves cover just over one percent of the West Coast’s seas and seven percent of its coastline length, leaving plenty of space for fishing elsewhere in the region.

Don Neale, a DOC West Coast Marine Reserves Ranger who helped establish the reserves, says they were ratified after thorough discussions over several years that involved Poutini Ngāi Tahu, local community representatives and several stages of public consultation.

“By the time the reserves were officially established, the local and other public support for them was strong, and that’s been reflected in the way that the ‘no fishing in the reserves’ rule is very well followed.”

The main intent of marine reserves is to preserve an area for scientific study. However, they have been proven to provide multiple benefits to the environment and people. Marine reserves are celebrated as places to enjoy the natural marine environment, and as a kind of insurance against the negative impacts that people have on the sea. They are a place where fish and other sea life can grow, sustaining local habitats and breeding stocks.

Baseline monitoring of the marine reserves and nearby areas has been set up in the last few years. Over time this will show how the sea is changing and the difference that the protection is making in those places.

Climate change is a massive threat to the health of marine reserves and the ocean generally. Over the past few summers, the West Coast has had marine heatwaves, raising the temperature of the oceans by an average of five degrees celcius.

Through photo analysis, DOC has noticed a worrying trend at a number of West Coast sites of bull kelp die-off, including the Punakaiki Marine Reserve. Bull kelp is a large native seaweed that provides habitat for many marine species and organic matter for coastal food chains. Its die-off is a highly visible indication that our global carbon emissions are having a huge impact on the natural environment, which we depend on for food, economic activity, ‘ecosystem services’ such as the production of oxygen, and our health and wellbeing.

Don says, “Westland’s marine reserves can be seen as ‘a window into the ocean’ for us all. They are protecting some of our special places from direct human activities, and revealing new things that might otherwise go unnoticed. So we encourage everyone to get down to one of your wonderful marine reserves, celebrate their 10th anniversary, and see what you can find!”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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West Coast Conservation Week event in Punakaiki

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  30 August 2024

The annual Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa Conservation Week runs from 2-8 September and this year’s theme calls on people to help the environment and species that make New Zealand special.

The Punakaiki event, ‘Conservation Conversations’ will be held in the new Punangairi building which includes the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre.

Five speakers will present on a variety of topics, including invertebrates of Paparoa, the Paparoa Predator Free Project, local freshwater fish, archaeology and history of the Fox River area, and how to get involved with conservation.

DOC Visitor Centre Manager Máire Hearty says that it’s a great opportunity to learn about the area and conservation work happening on the West Coast.

“People from around the world come here to experience our natural environments; this event is a way to remind us locals what makes this place so special.”

“There’s an opportunity to learn about things you don’t get to see every day – prepare to be surprised by what lives in our backyard!”

Conservation Conversations starts at 12 pm midday on Wednesday 4 September 2024.

Event details:
Conservation conversations
12 pm – approx. 1:30 pm Wednesday 4 September 2024
Punangairi building/Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre
4294 Coast Road, Punakaiki

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Awaroa/Godley Head reopens after remediation for contamination

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  30 August 2024

The site is a significant World War II coastal defence heritage site with restored gun emplacements and other heritage military structures, alongside walking and mountain biking tracks. There is also a campsite and Lighthouse Cottage bookable accommodation, which have also reopened.

Awaroa is a significant site for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke whānui.

More than 100,000 people visited the site annually before parts of the complex were temporarily closed by DOC after asbestos and other historic residual soil contamination (thought to be from historic buildings demolished before DOC took over the site’s management) was discovered in April 2021.

DOC Mahaanui Operations Manager Andy Thompson says it’s fantastic to have Awaroa/Godley Head open to visitors again.

“Alongside the significant heritage and cultural values at the site, Awaroa also offers outstanding sea views and great walking or mountain biking. It’s an awesome day out and we’re thrilled to have the site open to the public again – especially ahead of Conservation Week.”

He says contamination was found in the ground during repairs to a road in 2021, which led to DOC temporarily closing the site as a health precaution. This triggered wider testing which found other areas of residual soil contamination around heritage buildings, which has now been remediated.

“Since 2021, a lot of hard work has gone into detailed planning, funding, and procuring suitable contractors who have carried out the specialist work of remediation. We’re excited for visitors to once again enjoy all that Awaroa/Godley Head has to offer.”

Planning was carried out by Sephira Environmental and ENGEO, with work on the ground from Citycare and Protranz Earthmoving.

The complex project is a finalist for Best Contaminated Site Remediation Project in the Australasian Land and Groundwater Association Awards 2024.

Andy says sadly there was some graffiti and vandalism at the site while it was closed. “We want to thank staff from Landguard who volunteered their time to remove and paint over some of the graffiti. The rest will be painted over when the weather is warmer, thanks to paint supplied through the partnership between DOC and Dulux.”

Visitors should note soil with residual contaminants is capped (buried) on-site, which is an industry-standard remediation method. Visitors must follow the guidelines on site signage, including keeping dogs on leads as all digging is prohibited.

The remediation cost approximately $1.4 million. It was made possible through partial funding from the Ministry for the Environment’s Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Conservation at kākāpō pace | Conservation blog

Source: Department of Conservation

Conservation for the critically endangered kākāpō dates back 130 years to 1894, when Richard Henry first moved kākāpō to (then) predator free Resolution Island. Today, DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme combines the efforts of iwi, partners, scientists, rangers, volunteers, and donors to continue to protect and restore this taonga species.

Our purpose is to restore the mauri (life force) of the once plentiful kākāpō. So far, efforts have been rewarded and during nearly 30 years of the programme the population has increased from 51 to the 247 kākāpō alive today. It’s a long game with challenges that can be grouped into three main categories; habitat, genetics, and disease.

Kākāpō Advocacy Ranger, Andie Gentle, looks into the first challenge – habitat, and what it takes to find new sites for the growing kākāpō population.

Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island | Jake Osborne, DOC

Kākāpō pace

Aotearoa New Zealand’s much adored night parrots come with their own, unhurried pace. Longevity is on their side. The oldest kākāpō known today is at least 51 years old and it is estimated they could live between 60-90 years old. Many kākāpō reach their teens before they start successfully breeding and even then, they only breed once every 2-4 years.

Most of today’s 247 kākāpō live on two Southern predator-free islands which are reaching kākāpō-capacity. With each breeding season, there is an increasing need to find sites to support kākāpō populations into the future. To be suitable, sites need vast native forest, no predators (feral cats, rats and stoats) and the ability to stimulate successful breeding (more on that later).

Kākāpō-pace means each new site trial could take a decade or more to gather the information required. One long-term site trial that has recently been completed was on Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island.

Kākāpō Lisa on Hauturu in 2018 | Jake Osborne, DOC

Hauturu & kākāpō

There are only two pest-free islands in New Zealand large enough to sustain a population of kākāpō that are certainly beyond the swimming distance of rats and stoats. One of them, Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, is a successful breeding home to a population of nearly 100 kākāpō. The other is Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island.

Hauturu is a sanctuary 80km north-east of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland. It was New Zealand’s first nature reserve and is now a refuge for hundreds of rare and endangered plants, birds, and animals.

Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island | Jake Osborne, DOC

Kākāpō were first translocated to Hauturu in 1982. At the time, there were just 29 known kākāpō and it had become clear that they were being predated by cats on Rakiura/Stewart Island. With the presence of kiore (the Pacific rat) but no feral cats, Hauturu was identified as a safer haven. By the end of 1982, 21 kākāpō had been relocated there. Intensive management and supplementary feeding programmes began seven years later after no breeding had occurred on the island.

Breeding triggers

The only known trigger to stimulate kākāpō breeding today is the mast of the rimu tree. This happens once every 2-4 years on the Southern islands. We can predict a mast in advance by comparing seasonal temperatures year-on-year and counting fruit tips.

To best support the critically endangered kākāpō we supplementary feed them ahead of a breeding season to help them reach top breeding condition. Additional feeding for chick rearing is also required if the mast was big enough to stimulate breeding but didn’t result in enough fruit to sustain chick rearing (which may occur after storms or extreme weather events or if the fruit doesn’t ripen).

Despite the absence of rimu on Hauturu, several breeding attempts were made there in the 1990’s and two chicks were raised with supplementary feeding support. It was the kauri tree that was thought to be the most likely trigger to stimulate kākāpō breeding on the island. Regardless, this was proof that, with support, kākāpō could thrive on Hauturu.

There was just one big problem. The island’s terrain is much more extreme than the Southern islands, making this level of hands-on management logistically challenging.

The rugged terrain of Hauturu, being navigated by DOC rangers and Auckland Zoo team members as they carry out work with kākāpō on the island | DOC.

By 1999 more kākāpō had been discovered on Rakiura and the total population numbered 63. All kākāpō were returned South to help diversify the precious breeding populations that were now active on Whenua Hou and Maud Island. Following the removal of kākāpō, kiore were eradicated from Hauturu and the sanctuary gained pest-free status in 2004.

The trial

With supplementary feeding successful but not feasible on Hauturu, the next step was to learn if kākāpō could breed and raise chicks there without support. In 2012, eight of the total 125 kākāpō at the time were carefully selected by their genetic profiles and breeding history to help us find out. Over the coming years another nine joined the trial.

Seven of this cohort had been on Hauturu before. Notably, all seven returned to their old home ranges on the island within a couple of weeks of arriving back. Two of the returning birds were super-breeders Blades and Flossie, who had each produced the most offspring by a male and female respectively at the time.

Kākāpō Rangers Petrus and Bryony completing a transmitter change and health check on 27-year-old Tiwai on Hauturu, 2022 | DOC

What did we learn?

Unfortunately, the next decade saw limited breeding success on the island. In 2014 Heather was the only female to nest. She only hatched one of three fertile eggs herself and that chick needed support as, by ten days old, it was starving. It was the same poor result in 2016 when Heather and Lisa nested and the only chick to hatch also required support due to lack of food. Lisa nested again in 2021, but her two eggs were infertile.

During the trial period of 12 years, the kauri tree did not produce a heavy crop of seeds as it had in the past. Along with the poor nesting outcomes, this confirmed that while Hauturu is safe for kākāpō, they are unlikely to be productive on the island without supplementary feeding.

Heather’s 2014 chick Mahli pictured while receiving care at Auckland Zoo vet hospital | DOC

Wrapping up the trial

In 2023 it was decided that the kākāpō on Hauturu would be more valuable back on the Southern breeding islands, and the plan is for all to be returned by the end of this year.

It may not be the last time kākāpō live amongst the Hauturu forest, so remnant of primeval New Zealand. Given the long lifespan of kākāpō and the size and pest-free status of Hauturu, the island could play a role in the future security of the population until other safe breeding sites become available.

For now, the island has helped provide valuable data and insights to help manage kākāpō conservation for decades to come.

Left: DOC Ranger Richard Walle. Middle: Jasmine from Auckland Zoo carrying kākāpō before the first transfer off Hauturu, 2023. Right: DOC Ranger Dani completing a transmitter change and health check on Flossie in 2023. All photos by DOC.

It takes a village

DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery team worked closely with iwi (tribe) representatives from Ngāi Tahu and the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust to undertake the trial and the required transfers of the manu between rohe.

Kākāpō are a taonga species to Ngāi Tahu, the principal Māori iwi of southern New Zealand. It is of great significance to iwi when the care and protection of a taonga is transferred. During the Hauturu trial local mana whenua Ngāti Manuhiri took on kaitiaki responsibilities of the manu through the tikanga of whāngai (the concept of fostering).

This trial was undertaken in association with Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund with practical assistance from Auckland Zoo staff and its vet hospital, the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine. It was also supported by Kākāpō Recovery Programme’s National Partner Meridian Energy and DOC’s National Partner Air New Zealand.

Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāi Tahu representatives with DOC team members during (left) the first transfer from Hauturu to Fiordland in July 2023, and (right) the second transfer in August 2024. The final cohort of remaining monitored kākāpō on Hauturu will return later this year | DOC.

Moving forward to step back

Two new site trials are underway at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in Waikato and Coal Island/Te Puka-Hereka in Fiordland, and there are more to come. Like at Hauturu, it will be years before results are known, but it is hoped that more breeding triggers could be discovered along the way.

The last three breeding seasons have been bumper on the Southern islands. The next breeding season is predicted to be 2026 and with more than 80 breeding-aged females, it could be the biggest yet.

Rakiura will be a game changer for kākāpō when it becomes predator free. From there, the goal will be to one day return kākāpō to all their natural ranges throughout New Zealand. Of course, these visions will rely on the success of the country’s predator free movements.

We’ve come a long way since 1894; just imagine Aotearoa after another 130 years of care and protection. Will kākāpō be roaming safe and free among our great-grandchildren?

Anything is possible, even when each day goes at kākāpō-pace.

Kākāpō Lisa on Hauturu in 2020 | Jake Osborne, DOC

Get involved

Together with our Treaty Partner Ngāi Tahu and National Partner Meridian Energy we are grateful for the ongoing commitment from our supporters. There are lots of ways you can help ensure a brighter future for kākāpō.

Educate:

Engage:

Support:

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Take action for wetlands this Conservation Week

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  29 August 2024

The annual Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa Conservation Week runs from 2-8 September 2024, and this year’s theme calls on people to help the environment and species that make New Zealand special.

Rangitaiki Wetland Day will be an opportunity to access conservation advice and resources thanks to Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Fish & Game, and the Department of Conservation.

DOC Senior Community Ranger Jesse Burt says the event will highlight funding opportunities for fencing and native planting, and is aimed at kaitiaki, landowners, conservationists and nature lovers.

“We’ll be encouraging the restoration of marginal land and riparian strips – these are areas that have significant habitat value for species such as matuku hūrepo (Australasian bittern).

“With many of our species threatened or at risk of extinction, this event will help landowners take action for nature.”

Matuku hurepō are globally endangered, with fewer than 1,000 left. The birds are known for their camouflaged plumage and the distinctive booming call of the males, most heard from August to December. Loss of their wetland habitat is a key factor in their decline.

Jesse says wetland restoration is part of ensuring future generations inherit a world rich in biodiversity.

“The invitation is open to anyone interested in improving water quality, creating wildlife habitats, and enhancing wetland ecosystems – Rangitaiki Wetland Day is an opportunity to gain the knowledge and support you need.”

Participants will receive a native wetland plant on arrival, and one attendee will win $500 worth of native trees from Coastland Nursery.

Event details:
Rangitaiki Wetland Day
Saturday 7 September 10 am-12 pm
Awakaponga Hall
To attend, RSVP to fcarr@doc.govt.nz.

Background information 

  • Conservation Week runs from 2-8 September 2024 with the theme ‘Take action for nature’.
  • DOC is listing Conservation Week events and outlining actions you can take to help nature on its website, check back regularly as more info is added. 

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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New research initiatives to boost tara iti conservation efforts

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  29 August 2024

Tara iti is New Zealand’s rarest breeding bird with fewer than 35 adult birds remaining.

“We are excited to embark on these critical research projects,” says Ilse Corkery, DOC Technical Advisor. 

“The research will concentrate on identifying optimal captive-rearing methods, mitigating climate change impacts, and enhancing genetic health. It is expected to provide valuable insights to improve management strategies and ultimately boost tara iti population size and resilience.”

The objective of the research is to address high-priority knowledge gaps through targeted and collaborative research and communicate findings to DOC decision-makers, whānau, hapū and iwi, researchers, community groups, and the wider public.

Starting in October 2024, a PhD student, supported by the Shorebirds Trust, will research optimal captive-rearing methods for tara iti. A master’s project will focus on improving nest site protection strategies.

In December 2024, another master’s student will study the behaviour and habitat use of captive-reared versus wild tara iti. The following year in March, a master’s student will explore better predator control measures. Other ongoing projects include a study on hatching failure and an examination of nesting site vulnerability to sea level rise.

“We are thrilled to see such a diverse range of research initiatives being launched. Each project has the potential to significantly enhance our conservation strategies for tara iti,” says Ilse.

 “Our commitment to protecting tara iti is year-round, ensuring the species’ safety and growth throughout the year.”

The 2023/2024 tara iti breeding season was a success, with an amazing 22 eggs laid and 13 chicks surviving to fledging. This success highlights the importance of continued and enhanced conservation efforts.

“Seeing such a significant increase in fledging rates is incredibly encouraging and underscores the importance of our ongoing work,” says Ilse.

The new research initiatives, combined with ongoing conservation efforts and recent successes, represent a strategic effort to secure the future of tara iti. By addressing critical knowledge gaps, we aim to develop effective strategies to ensure the survival and growth of New Zealand’s rarest endemic bird.

Once widespread, tara iti now breeds at only four main nesting sites north of Auckland: Papakānui Spit, Pākiri Beach, Waipū and Mangawhai sandspits. DOC works closely with partners including Patuharakeke, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, Auckland Zoo, The Shorebirds Trust, the NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust, About Tern, Birds NZ, Tara Iti Golf Club, the Waipū Trapping Group, University of Auckland and University of Canterbury.

Generous support for the tara iti season has been provided by the Shorebirds Trust, Endangered Species Foundation, Pākiri Beach Holiday Park, Tara Iti Golf Club, Auckland Council, Manāki Whitebait, Tongariro National Trout Centre, and New Zealand King Salmon.

Background information

The Tara Iti Research Advisory Group is recently formed and dedicated to the conservation of the New Zealand fairy tern. Their mission is to conduct and support research that informs effective conservation management practices, ensuring the survival and resilience of this critically endangered species. The group includes experts in tara iti biology and world-renowned experts in shorebird ecology, behaviour and genetics. This is part of a strategic effort to build a holistic and integrated research programme with strong links to DOC staff on the ground to ensure rapid up take of new management techniques and approaches.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Tree removal marks start of track reinstatement work

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  29 August 2024

The track to the popular beach has been closed to the public since February 2023, when it was extensively damaged by extreme weather events including Cyclone Gabrielle. DOC considered the track unsafe for the typical visitor to the location.

DOC has two Mautohe Cathedral Cove work programmes underway, funded through the International Visitor Levy. One programme will reinstate temporary walking access to the cove for this summer, and the other workstream will determine a long-term visitor access and visitor management at the site.

DOC’s Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says arborists will be on site next week to commence an estimated three weeks of work to remove more than 30 trees of different species, including she-oak, pinaster and wilding pines.

“Removing these trees and assorted other pest plants supports weed management and biodiversity restoration goals we have for Mautohe Cathedral Cove.

“This type of work makes the area an active work site with obvious hazards – so we’re continuing to urge the public to please stay out of the reserve while contractors are operating. Please follow our clear advice and do not use the track.”

“Entering the closed track while the tree felling operation is underway could result in serious injury and may lead to delays in the work programme.”

Accessing Mautohe Cathedral Cove remains a marine-only experience until December.

Meanwhile, mobilising people to protect Mautohe Cathedral Cove into the future, and determine how its mauri (life essence) can be restored are key facets of visitor management planning work for the iconic site, says Cathedral Cove Project Lead Tania Short.

“And as a coastal location, Mautohe Cathedral Cove faces greater rockfall and landslide challenges than many other places.

“Mautohe Cathedral Cove is vital to the regional economy, and if we manage it and protect it, everyone will benefit,” she says. “But we must do that in a sustainable way.”

Ngāti Hei consider Mautohe Cathedral Cove as a significant site as it is the location of historic pa and fortification ditches.

“This coastal landscape is prone to storm damage, landslides and rockfalls making it a challenging place to maintain access and support high visitor numbers.”

Tania says Ngāti Hei has a clear desire for manuhiri (visitors) to be safe when they go to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, and that will be a key aspect in development of a long-term walking access option.

Contributions from the community are vital to the visitor management workstream, Tania says.

“Our visitor management planning project will be a conversation we want everyone in the community to be part of.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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The lazy person’s guide to taking action for nature: A Conservation Week how-to | Conservation blog

Source: Department of Conservation

This year’s Conservation Week will run from 2-8 September, with the theme ‘Take action for nature’. And since we know not everyone is quite ready to start backyard trapping or planting trees, we thought we could lead off with an easy guide to small changes even the most time-poor of us can make.

This blog is for the newbies, the lazies, the folks who need as low a bar as possible to entry, and for those who need to see a personal, tangible benefit to do something good.

Actually, to be fair, it’s for all of us, because none of us are perfect.

Your coffee addiction

Action

Let’s start with an easy one: take a reusable cup! An ancient invention only recently rediscovered by archaeologists, these cups mean you can have your coffee without a single-use takeaway cup.

What it does for nature

Reduces resource use and the production of single use plastic, reduces waste to land-fill, and reduces rubbish into nature.

What it does for you

Honestly, aside from anything else, we’re convinced it makes the coffee taste better. Plus you may even get a discount at some places!

Glass, ceramic, gigantic, or espresso-sized – there’s a reusable cup out there for everybody | Madeleine Brennan, DOC

A rubbish idea

Action

Another basic: don’t litter! It might feel like we’re back in primary school, but I feel I need to say this; ideally, we’ll all reduce, reuse, and recycle, and even actively pick up litter, but at the very minimum please don’t drop your wrapper/vape/receipt on the street.

What it does for nature

Reduces the stuff ending up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans, which can seriously harm and kill our wildlife and persist for a really long time. Plus, it makes less work for the people who do pick it up.

What it does for you

Less rubbish for you to swim in, stand on, and look at. Do you really like walking through town with litter everywhere? Or swimming and seeing a piece of polystyrene float by? Didn’t think so.

Top: A mature rig strangled by plastic, Kāpiti. Bottom (left): Plastic rubbish collected from Bluff Harbour. Bottom (right): A pāteke/brown teal with plastic rubbish ring around its neck. All photos taken by DOC.

Paparazzi?

Action

Are you an Insta-queen or king? Always have your phone out taking photos? Use your powers for SCIENCE by posting pictures of mushrooms/birds/plants/sharks/whatever to iNaturalist. It’s super easy!

What it does for nature

Sharing to iNaturalist helps scientists (and other enthusiasts) learn more about what’s happening in Aotearoa, so they can give advice on how best to protect our environment. It lets people know about habitat, seasonality, and other boffin-talk which will overall help their work.

What it does for you

You’ll start paying more attention to nature, and we know that connecting with nature is good for your mental health. Plus, you can share the same pics to your socials and get some good old dopamine-boosting likes.

Left (top): A werewere kōkako/Entoloma hochstetteri mushroom, famously found on the $50 note (and forests across NZ) | Peter Baxter, DOC. Left (bottom): A sevengill shark about to boop the camera | Greig Funnell, DOC. Right: It might not be an albatross, shark or fungi you’re photographing, but we want to see it! | Laura Honey, DOC.

Keeping fluffy safe

Action

Keep your cat in at night (for extra points keep puss safe all the time in a super-cool catio!).

What it does for nature

Cats like to hunt – so keeping them in keeps our vulnerable wildlife safe. New Zealand’s birds, bats, and lizards are cute, but very few are a match for a hungry or bored cat.

What it does for you

Keeps your cat safe from traffic and catfights, saving you worry and vet bills. It also prevents Fluffy from letting a half-dead animal loose in your house. We have seen this happen, and trust us, you do not want this.

The ultimate two-storey, multi-layered Siamese sanctuary in Porirua | Merete Pedersen, via Predator Free NZ.

Take the lead with doggo

Action

Know the rules when walking your dog (see DOC rules for public land, or check with your council for other places) – and be aware of your surroundings even in off-lead areas.

What it does for nature

Prevents accidents like our threatened wildlife being killed by a dog. It’s up to us to keep our dogs from the temptation of chasing and attacking wildlife.

What it does for you

Prevents aggravated interactions with wildlife like seals which can injure your dog. Also, saves you from having to pay big fines if your dog accidentally kills protected wildlife, and helps you keep an eye out for other, aggressive dogs.

Left: A good boy wearing a good lead | DOC. Right: Two not so good boys without leads, attacking a kekeno/fur seal, Bluff | S Jacques, DOC.

Don’t feed the wildlife

Action

I know it’s hard when your three-year-old is begging you to feed the ducks, or a cheeky kea is performing next to/on-top of your car, but please don’t feed the wildlife.

What it does for nature

Keeps wildlife healthier, since our food can make them sick, or make them starve because they’re filling up on the wrong stuff. It can also make them gather in high numbers, increasing the risk of spreading disease (something to keep an eye out for as HPAI bird flu may arrive in NZ soon). There are many reasons why feeding wildlife like kea is bad for them.

What it does for you

Means you’re less likely to have to walk through locations of highly concentrated bird poo (Western Springs, I’m looking at you), and you won’t have to rescue your kids from a bird or seal that sees them as their next meal ticket.

A pūkeko runs away with a chip” data-image-caption=”” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/695_O2.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/695_O2.jpg?fit=580%2C387&ssl=1″ tabindex=”0″ role=”button” data-id=”54488″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/695_O2.jpg?resize=580%2C387&ssl=1″ alt=”” class=”wp-image-54488″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/695_O2.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/695_O2.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/695_O2.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/695_O2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/695_O2.jpg?resize=2048%2C1366&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/695_O2.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/695_O2.jpg?w=1740&ssl=1 1740w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px” data-recalc-dims=”1″/>
Sometimes it’s better to not share your chippies | © Shellie Evans

The lunchbox swap

Action

Make a single lunchbox swap. Just one. (You can do more if you want to, but we’re keeping the bar low here). Those little baggies of chips? Go buy one big bag and split it up into lots of small containers for the week’s lunches.

What it does for nature

Less single use plastic creation, less little bits of litter likely to get into our waterways and hurt our wildlife (see above).

What it does for you

Saves you money, gets you street cred with the parents who give their kids homemade sandwiches in beeswax wrap every day.

There are so many super-simple actions we can take for nature without becoming a hard-core environmentalist overnight. Please share some of these with your laziest friends (don’t tell them we said that!), and feel free to recommend more tips to us!

These too easy for you? Why not check out the Conservation Week events happening, or see what conservation groups exist in your community.

Posted on

Best results ever for predator control

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  28 August 2024

The programme protects native wildlife and forests on public conservation land from the devastating impacts of rats, stoats and possums, and plays a key part in stopping threatened species from going extinct.

DOC delivered 24 aerial predator control operations across 735,000 ha in the past year. Monitoring has revealed exceptionally good results from this work, with rats consistently reduced to undetectable or very low levels and stoats and possums effectively controlled. Mice were also routinely reduced to low levels, giving relief to native insects and lizards.

Peter Morton, DOC’s predator control programme manager, says the improved results are in part due to changes to the timing of operations in areas where beech forest seeding (known as a ‘mast’) last year caused a surge in rodent and stoat numbers.

“Previously, during beech masts, we timed operations for late winter and spring to protect nesting forest birds from predators. This generally worked well, but we’d get poorer results in times of heavy seeding such as in 2019.”

A moderate beech mast occurred in 2023 affecting large parts of the South Island and Ruapehu. While the seed provides a bounty for insects and birds, it also causes rodent and stoat numbers to soar and puts native wildlife in peril. 

“We tested new timings to avoid the ‘food glut’ when beech seed is on the ground and rodents have plenty to eat. This meant running operations either before the seed hit the ground or after it had gone, when rodents were hungry,” says Peter Morton.

The changed timing saw predator control operations run in the 2023 summer before the beech seed fall in autumn, as well as the following summer and autumn after the seed had been eaten or germinated.

“We took a measured risk trialling this different approach, but it proved highly successful with consistently good results – giving our vulnerable native birds, bats and other wildlife the best chance to thrive,” says Peter Morton.

“Regular reviews using the latest research is an important part of the drive for continual improvement in predator control work. This new approach will stand us in good stead for the next big beech mast when predator numbers surge again.”

DOC controls predators on a sustained, rotational basis at 67 forest sites across Aotearoa over about 1.8 million ha or 20% of public conservation land – on average over about 600,000 ha per year.

The programme uses the most effective predator control tools available, such as biodegradable 1080 toxin and large-scale trapping, to protect the highest-priority populations of vulnerable native species and forests.

Long-term monitoring shows that sustained predator control helps ecosystems to recover. Populations of native birds, bats and other wildlife increase, vulnerable plants grow back, and the forest canopy is healthier.

Pre and post 1080 predator control rat monitoring results 2023-2024

Rat monitoring was carried out at 19 of the 24 operations in 2023-2024

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz