Category: Department of Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 November 2023

As waiata were being sung a kea flew over the gathering adding a special touch of nature.

Ōparara, in Kahurangi National Park, is known for its spectacular limestone formations, including incredible arches and the Honeycomb Caves.

The new viewpoint provides a spectacular view of the basin and includes interpretation for visitors such as a stone diorama explaining the geological formation of the area.

DOC Buller Operations Manager Suvi van Smit says it’s an exciting addition to local attractions.

“Ōparara is a wonderful place to visit any time of year especially summer. Combined with the reopening of the Heaphy Track as a through walk there’s so much on offer for visitors to the Karamea area this summer.

“We’d encourage people to visit on their summer holidays. Immerse yourself in what’s here – look, listen, breathe and feel; explore the relationship with nature and how it can benefit you.”

The Ōparara improvements have been made possible via a $5.7 million Provincial Growth Fund grant, which is administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, based at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. In addition, the Ōparara Valley Trust sourced $2111,835 from the Department of Internal Affairs’ Community-led Development fund.

The works have focussed on improving safety and access for visitors while protecting the highly sensitive environment of Ōparara.

They include a viewing platform at Mirror Tarn and an extension to the tarn track, limestone steps for better access to Moria Gate, improvements to the Ōparara Arch track and safety work on the 16 km access road.

New interpretation panels are also in place to showcase the connection of mana whenua, Ngāti Waewae, with the ngahere/forest.

“The recent improvements have built on previous work by the Ōparara Valley Trust and were were only possible because of everything they have done over the years, including putting in the successful application for the funding of this work,” says Suvi van Smit.

The Trust has worked since 2002 to upgrade tracks and facilities in the Ōparara Basin for the long-term benefit of the Karamea community.

Powelliphanta (giant snails) toutouwai/South Island robin, yellow-crowned kakariki/parakeet, cavernicola spelungula, whio/blue duck, weka, korimako/bellbird, kea, kākā,and miromiro/tomtitare among the species which can be seen in the basin. There are also some impressive rātā and old beech trees along the tracks.

McCallums Mill Road (Ōparara Basin access road) reopens fully on 1 December 2023.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  16 November 2023

DOC and OSPRI joint research, undertaken near Arthur’s Pass in 2022, involved testing whether kea attracted by audio lures and exposed to the repellent anthraquinone in non-toxic baits, became averse to the baits, and less likely to eat 1080 baits.

Kea are smart but endangered with introduced predators like stoats and feral cats the major threat to their survival.

Predator control significantly benefits kea populations but unfortunately 1080 also poses a risk to individual kea, which is greater in areas like Arthur’s Pass where they have learnt to scavenge human food. Considerable work has gone into mitigating this risk to kea, including research into repellents.

DOC Director Terrestrial Biodiversity Hilary Aikman says about 90 kea were monitored using radio transmitters and cameras during the trial, and results show the repellent baits did not cause the hoped-for aversion.

“Significant numbers of kea were attracted to the 25 repellent bait sites using recorded kea calls but few adverse reactions were recorded, and kea continued to visit and interact with the bait undeterred.

“Overall, kea ate little of the repellent bait – likely not enough to make them feel sick and create a lasting aversion – as previously seen when tested with kea in captivity.

“Unfortunately, use of the repellent prior to the predator control operations around Arthur’s Pass last spring did not reduce risk to kea.

“We are disappointed with this result, but it was important to further investigate anthraquinone as it had previously shown promise.

“Overall, we know predator control significantly improves nesting success and long-term survival of kea and we remain committed to further work to help keep kea safe during 1080 operations,” Hilary Aikman says.

Anthraquinone was previously tested on kea in captivity where the birds learnt to avoid cereal baits. It was also trialled by Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) in South Westland in 2018 – where animal carcasses were used to attract kea to repellent sites – with promising results.

DOC and the Kea Recovery Group are now considering the next steps in the ongoing research to protect kea and grow the population of this taonga species, particularly in eastern areas of the South Island where their numbers are in greatest decline.

Social science is also being used to inform how best to encourage people not to feed kea or allow scrounging. New ‘don’t feed kea’ signs are being installed at key visitor sites.

Kea survival around Arthur’s Pass since last year’s predator control has been high with only one monitored bird killed by a stoat since then. Kea will continue to be monitored over the coming year to measure the effects of stoat suppression longer term.

The predator control operations over a combined 73,000 ha aimed to help to eradicate bovine TB and protect kea as well as other threatened species such as roroa/great spotted kiwi, pīwauwau/rock wren and mohua/yellowhead.

Background information

All aerial 1080 operations in areas where kea live must follow DOC’s Code of Practice, which has measures to mitigate the risk to kea based on the latest research, including bait type, sowing rate, operation design and proximity to known kea scrounging areas.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  16 November 2023

The 36-metre suspension bridge across the Mangakino Stream was originally constructed in 1978 by the New Zealand Forest Service.

It’s one of the last of its kind in the Pureora Forest.

The historic bridge has been a key feature of the North Island Heartland Cycle Trail, linking to the iconic Timber Trail to the Waikato River Trails Great Ride.

DOC’s Maniapoto Operations Manager Graham Kimber says the bridge replacement project will begin on Monday 20 November, and will take about six weeks.

“The bridge is something of a symbol for walkers and cyclists who enjoy this part of the country, but it’s due for replacement, and we’re pleased to have commissioned this project to get that work done,” he says.

The new bridge will be 31 metres long from tower to tower – about the same size as the bridge being taken out of service.

The new bridge will be a suspension-style bridge – so a similar design to the existing structure, with cables and wooden slats making up the bulk of the structure.

The “dead man” anchor points for the new bridge are the first phase of the project.

Once the anchor points are constructed, the main cable across the Mangakino Stream will be fitted.

Following the installation of the main cable, the existing old bridge will be removed in pieces.

When finished, cyclists may still need to up-end their bikes to cross the bridge, and Graham urges continued patience and courtesy among those who use the bridge.

While work is underway, DOC strongly encourages cyclists using the trail to take the recommended detour. See Timber Trail for details.

Riders and walkers should also check Timber Trial status for regular updates.

This ride forms part of Tour Aotearoa, a 3000km route through the length of New Zealand. The ride passes a monument marking the geographic centre of the North Island.

It is a popular inclusion on the many bikepacking routes that traverse the area including the Kopiko Aotearoa and the Geyserland Gravel Grind.

The Pureora Forest was the location for extensive logging through the middle of the 20th century – and more recently it has become a haven for native biodiversity and recreation.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  15 November 2023

The Alliance responsible for the development of the Wellington-Petone cycleway has received a formal warning from DOC, following an investigation into the deaths of several korora/ little blue penguins during the construction.

The Alliance reported the deaths of the penguins, which occurred over a two-month period, to DOC. The warning relates to the death of one of the protected birds.

The investigation found none of the deaths were malicious or intentional in nature. The cases were all self-reported by the Alliance and highlighted the need for better protective measures for little blue penguins to be in place across the whole of the project.

It was established several deaths could not have been foreseen or prevented, due to penguins nesting in an area below the water line where nobody believed them to be. Further deaths occurred due to site checks not being carried out properly, but these did not amount to offending under the Wildlife Act.

The final penguin death was directly attributable to the failure to carry out required checks, and as such a single penguin was crushed when a rock was moved. The Alliance conceded all reasonable steps were not taken in this instance and issued a Stop Work notice pending an internal investigation.

In line with DOC’s enforcement guidelines, the Alliance has been issued with a formal warning for the bird’s death.

Matt Davis, DOC Principal Investigation Officer, says the investigation has resulted in the Alliance adopting stricter and more rigorous measures to better protect little blue penguins.

“DOC staff carried out a site visit and were extremely pleased to see the new measures in place,” says Matt. “The Alliance was fully cooperative with DOC’s investigation into the deaths and, although the deaths were all very disappointing, we note no further deaths have occurred since the implementation of the new measures.

“Although the death of any wildlife is regrettable, DOC is satisfied the Alliance has taken on board recommendations and learnings from these incidents. The Alliance has worked closely with DOC to resolve this matter and its staff have expressed genuine regret over the deaths.”

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  15 November 2023

Popular holiday destinations include the Coromandel, Hauraki Gulf Islands, and Northland, some of which are expected to sell out during the peak season.

DOC takes pride in providing affordable holiday options in pristine natural settings and staff have worked hard to address the aftermath of last summer’s cyclone which impacted some campsites across the North Island says DOC’s Heritage and Visitors Director, Cat Wilson.

“DOC’s campsites have long been a fixture of summer holidays for many Kiwis. Although a number are booked out over the busy two-week period, some still have space – and many do if you look to book in off-peak times.”

The cyclone recovery efforts have included repairing water infrastructure, rebuilding internal roads within the campsites, fixing bridges and culverts, repairing toilets, and clearing debris and fallen trees.

“The main impact visitors will experience from last year’s turbulent summer is reduced capacity of around 25 – 30 per cent at some Coromandel and Northland campsites.”

DOC campsites are particularly popular through the peak Christmas-New Year season, and during any summer long weekend. They draw campers looking to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and walking in sometimes isolated locations. Visitors planning to head to these locations are urged to go properly prepared and keep up to date with weather conditions and road network alerts, especially in the northern Coromandel.

Adjusted capacities for DOC campsites

Coromandel:

• Port Jackson: Reduced from 250 to 185 visitors.
• Fletcher Bay: Reduced from 300 to 200 visitors.
• Fantail Bay: Reduced from 80 to 60 visitors.

Whangarei:

• Uretiti Beach Campsite: reduced from 1000 to 750 visitors. Although floodwaters have receded over the past year, two main pools alongside the ring-road appear to be permanent.

DOC campsite availability for the upcoming summer

Northland:

• Otamure Campsite: Full from December 24 to late January.
• Puriri Campsite and Urupukapuka Campsite: Full from December 25 to the end of the first week of January.
• Trounson Kauri Park Campsite, Puketi Campsite, Uretiti: All have space available for Christmas/New Year bookings.

Coromandel:

• Port Jackson Campsite, Fantail Bay Campsite, and Waikawau Bay Campsite: Full from December 25 to the end of the first week of January.
• Fletcher Bay Campsite and Stoney Bay Campsite: Have space available for Christmas/New Year bookings.
• Kauaeranga Valley campsites: Plenty of capacity, but visitors are encouraged to book early, particularly for the busy Christmas-New Year period.

Inner Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana:

• Motuora Island Campsite: Full from December 25 to the end of the first week of January.
• Home Bay / Motutapu Island Campsite and Motuihe Campsite: Space available for Christmas/New Year bookings.

Aotea/Great Barrier Island:

• Akapoua Bay, Awana Beach, The Green, Whangapoua, Harataonga, and Medlands Beach Campsites: All have space available for Christmas/New Year bookings.

Some campsites do not need to be booked and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Advice for campers

• Be prepared – learn about the wildlife you’ll see, the best walking tracks, and the gear you’ll need before setting out.
• Check out the campsite rules, such as where to pitch a tent and when to boil water.
• Look after river, lake and ocean wildlife by using biodegradable products and washing away from water bodies.
• All DOC campsites have toilets.
• Most DOC campsites have special areas for your cooker, fireplace, or BBQ. Before you light any fires outdoors, check if any fire bans or restrictions are in place at Check its alright. 
• Not all DOC sites have waste disposal – make a plan to take your rubbish away with you.
• Book in advance where possible to secure a campsite.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  15 November 2023

A section of the Hauraki-Coromandel’s Opoutere Beach Recreation Reserve will be temporarily closed for the felling of more than 350 pine trees.

The pine trees are up to 30 metres tall and are mostly wilding pines that have spread from trees originally planted as windbreaks.

The death and decay of the trees has created a hazard to people walking through the reserve, through falling branches, as well as contributing to the fire risk at the site.

DOC’s Hauraki Operations Manager Avi Holzapfel says the condition of the trees stems from a deliberate and unpermitted poisoning incident.

The closure of the reserve will commence on 20 November, with the felling project estimated to take three weeks.

While the work is being undertaken, part of the reserve will be closed to the public. This will include the currently closed area at the southern end of the reserve, the main DOC track to the beach, and the northern side of the main track where some pines also need to be felled.

It is anticipated at this stage the track closure will be in place for 10 working days. The track may be reopened earlier if it is safe to do so.

“The track and reserve closure may inconvenience visitors, and we apologise for that – but it is essential we get this work done,” he says.

DOC continues to urge people to exercise caution when entering the reserve and to check for overhead hazards. The felling work will reduce the risk of harm to the public from falling dead or dying trees.

“We’ve had concerns about the health and safety risk posed by these trees, and now we’ve obtained the support, the funding and the plan for safe and efficient felling,” he says.

Avi says obtaining support from local iwi was particularly vital, as the reserve includes areas considered culturally and historically significant – including urupa/burial sites.

A special Heritage New Zealand authority has been obtained to allow for the pine felling work, which will be carried out by experienced specialist contractors.

The Heritage NZ Authority, combined with restricted access to the site, means the pine trees will felled, and left in situ to decompose.

Avi says DOC has consistently warned of the fire risk in the reserve, where there is a fire ban and fires, barbecue and fireworks should not be used.

DOC supports FENZ’s advice which urges all residents and households in Opoutere to have a fire escape plan.

Opoutere is a small settlement, between Pauanui and Whangamata, built around Wharekawa Harbour, on Coromandel’s eastern coastline.

It has about 60 year-round/permanent residents and is a popular area for visitors and holidaymakers in summer.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  13 November 2023

Mahi Aroha, presented by Project Tongariro and Department of Conservation, offers a range of nature-based experiences for the whole family – with bookings open now for January’s programme of events.

Project Tongariro Chief Executive Officer Kiri Te Wano says Mahi Aroha is all about loving our backyard.

“We live in an incredible space in the Central Plateau; these trips and events are encouraging us all to get out and appreciate it.”

Community groups across the region have joined DOC and Project Tongariro to provide a calendar of nearly 30 events from Taupō to Ohakune, and everywhere in between.

Around the Taupō area, the always popular Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary tours are joined by other exciting activities including family-friendly nature tours at Waipāhīhī Botanical Gardens and Opepe Historic Reserve.

Further south, fit walkers can climb Mount Tihia for stunning views across Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park; or for those who prefer to enjoy nature in a more sedentary manner, join artist Sue Graham for guided nature-themed watercolour classes at Tūrangi Artworks.

Tongariro National Park and surrounds offer opportunities for those interested in history, culture, and nature. Visit heritage listed Kaikawaka Villa in Tongariro Forest, meet mana whenua to explore Te Pōrere and its 1869 battle, or enjoy a picnic at Paengaroa Scenic Reserve while learning about the array of fascinating plants in the park.

DOC Community Ranger Candace Graham says research confirms that contact with nature helps our wellbeing.

“Mahi Aroha makes it easy for all of us to get a little more nature in our summer.

We have so many beautiful natural spaces across the Central North Island, this is a great way to experience them with friends and whānau.”

Kiri Te Wano encourages people to visit the website to see the full programme of events.

“We can’t list them all here – there are big tramps and little walks, avoidance training for dogs, and so much more – we can’t wait to see you all out there this January.”

Popular events book out quickly – book your summer experience early at Mahi Aroha – Project Tongariro.

Background information

Project Tongariro

Project Tongariro is a community group with a vision to enjoy, discover, know, and care for Tongariro, Taupō, and the Central Plateau. The group was initially formed as a living tribute to five people, mostly rangers, who died in a helicopter accident on Mt Ruapehu in 1982. Project Tongariro has maintained a close and collaborative relationship with the Department of Conservation since its inception.

Mahi Aroha

The Central North Island area has boasted a summer programme of nature-related trips and events since 1964; it is the longest running programme of its kind in New Zealand.
Bookings for 2024 can be made at Mahi Aroha – Project Tongariro. 

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  13 November 2023

Clinton Duffy, DOC Marine Technical Advisor, says recreational fishers and others out on the water can make a significant contribution to research through reporting sightings and accidental catches.

“I’m very interested in what the public has seen – and usually they’re keen to identify an unusual creature too. All photos, videos and reports help build a better understanding of our rare and protected fishes, including rays, and sharks.

“We encourage people to take a few photos, full length shots and also of any defining features like fins, jaws and teeth, and details of the colour pattern. The exact location the fish was spotted or caught is useful too”, says Clinton.

Certain fish species are protected because they are naturally uncommon and therefore at greater risk of extinction than other fishes.

“Factors that make them naturally uncommon can include being slow to mature, which means they must survive a longer time before they can reproduce or having a slow reproduction cycle or a low number of offspring,” says Clinton.

There are nine fish species that are protected in New Zealand; five sharks, two rays, and two grouper.

While fishers are not allowed to target these species it’s not illegal to accidentally catch a protected fish. If you do catch one, you must release it as quickly as possible and take care not to cause it further harm, and you must report the capture to DOC. If the fish dies or is found dead, DOC may request you bring it back to shore and provide it to DOC so samples can be taken to support research.

“Spotting an uncommonly seen species would be an amazing fishing story to tell. The basking shark for example, has hardly been seen in our waters since the late 1990s. I’d be thrilled to get a report of one,” says Clinton.

DOC has a set of protected species identification guides on its website to help identify sea life, plus a protected species handling guide to assist recreational fishers to safely release marine life back to the water.

The public can report sightings, captures and strandings to DOC:

• anonymously via the Protected Species Catch App
• by emailing sharks@doc.govt.nz
• by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Background

There are nine protected fish species under the Wildlife Act.

• Five sharks: basking shark, great white shark, oceanic whitetip, smalltooth sandtiger (deepwater nurse shark), whale shark.
• Two rays: spine-tailed devil ray, giant manta ray.
• Two bony fishes: giant grouper (Queensland grouper), spotted black grouper.

Learn more about these species in our Conservation blog post.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  07 November 2023

To build up knowledge of this threatened fish, environmental DNA (eDNA) research and finely tuned pheromone sampling has taken place in selected catchments around the country.

DOC Freshwater Technical Advisor Dr Chris Kavazos says five previously unknown lamprey locations were revealed in the Taiari catchment, in Otago, as part of joint research this year with the Jobs for Nature Te Nukuroa o Matamata project team.

“Finding more evidence of lamprey is a huge win. They’re a taonga species, a source of mahinga kai for Māori, and they’re real survivors, with traits reminiscent of our earlier ancestors.

“Lamprey split off from our evolutionary chain more than 360 million years ago so, unlike virtually every other species of vertebrates, they didn’t evolve a jaw. Instead, they have a powerful ‘sucker’ full of tiny teeth. They even use their sucker mouth to climb steep waterfalls.

“However, lamprey face the same pressures as other freshwater fish, such as loss of habitat, pollution, and extreme weather events resulting from climate change.

“They used to be plentiful across the country, and there are stories of massive harvests in the past. Now they are classified as Threatened-Nationally Vulnerable.”

Finding where the secretive lamprey spawn is a big part of the battle to protect them.

Lamprey larvae give off tiny amounts of a pheromone called petromyzonol sulphate while they’re feeding. Having spent most of their adulthood at sea, lamprey follow these pheromones and are directed to streams with good habitat for breeding and for young fish to grow.

NIWA Principal Scientist Dr Cindy Baker has developed a method to detect the pheromone, even in miniscule amounts.

“We can detect the chemical in the femtomolar range, which is a concentration of around 5g (one teaspoon) in 580,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.”

DOC rangers already had indications of possible spawning streams using eDNA. To get specific locations, samplers were put in streams for three weeks, where molecules of the pheromone accumulated. Cindy then extracted the pheromone and determined the amount present, which in turn identified how popular the stream is with lamprey.

DOC’s freshwater rangers around the country surveyed their local areas, covering streams in Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast, Otago, Wairarapa and Taranaki.

The results of these surveys will help to DOC to make decisions on the best ways to protect and restore lamprey populations and their habitats.

Background information

Te Nukuroa o Matamata

Te Nukuroa o Matamata is a Jobs for Nature project delivered by Te Rūnaka ō Ōtakou. The project focuses on restoring the Taiari catchment through improving water quality and seeking to reverse the negative effects of drainage, development and adverse land use practices. Biodiversity enhancement is happening in the catchment through a range of wetland, river and riparian habitat restoration, including matauranga Māori to empower kaitiakitanga.

Lamprey

Lamprey are born upriver and spend the next three to four years in our waterways as juveniles. When they turn into adults, they travel down to the ocean where they hitch a ride on larger fish or whales and lead a parasitic lifestyle for several years. They then swim back upstream and respond to pheromone cues released by lamprey larvae to ensure they return to waterways with the proper nesting habitat they require. Once paired with a mate, they will spawn and guard the eggs from predators. The adults die a few months after spawning.

Lamprey are secretive and can be very hard to spot. They often hide during the day under logs or large rocks, or burrow into streambeds, with juveniles venturing out at night to feed, and adults moving around also mostly at night (adults don’t feed at all once they return to freshwater after their marine phase).

Lamprey have several Māori names. They’re known mostly as kanakana in the South Island and piharau in the North Island.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  06 November 2023

The bellbird-sized taonga species, also known as the orange-fronted parakeet, was first released into the sanctuary in November 2021. 125 captive-raised birds have been released there to date.

DOC Kākāriki Karaka Operations Manager Wayne Beggs says a recent survey — which played kākāriki calls to attract the birds — recorded about 170 kākāriki, although some of these may have been repeat encounters with the same individual.

“Almost all the birds we saw are the offspring of those originally released into the sanctuary, identifiable because they don’t have any coloured bands around their legs.

“We knew the kākāriki had been breeding well in the sanctuary, but this survey went beyond what we anticipated or hoped for. It’s a really positive sign this is good habitat for kākāriki karaka to thrive.

“Conditions have been great for breeding with lots of food available. We know kākāriki karaka can breed for up to 18 months straight when conditions are right, and it looks like the birds here have been making the most of it.

Current population models indicate there are between 136 and 214 kākāriki karaka in the sanctuary in total. Additional monitoring would be useful to refine these estimates and substantiate the recent survey results.

“As a boom-and-bust species, we expect to see their population fluctuate naturally,” Wayne says.

“Establishing new successful sites is crucial for this species, which has been just hanging on in some places.”

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kākāriki Karaka Representative Yvette Couch-Lewis is thrilled with the survey result.

“We are so grateful to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary for caring for our taonga and providing a safe habitat for the manu to flourish. We can’t wait to see this population continue to strengthen as a stronghold of kākāriki karaka.”

Te Tauihu (top-of-the-south region) iwi are delighted with the current success with this taonga species, and the cooperation displayed throughout the translocations.

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Chief Executive Ru Collin says: “In light of the success of the re-introduction of the species, The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary has also announced it will be campaigning for the kākāriki karaka in the ‘Bird of the Century’ Competition, marking 100 years of Forest and Bird.

“The Sanctuary hopes the good survey results will help to raise awareness about the species in its fight back from the brink of extinction.”

Meanwhile, planning work for the next proposed new kākāriki karaka release site, at Pukenui/Anchor Island in the Dusky Sound, Fiordland, recently received a big boost when RealNZ’s annual Conservation Ball raised $175,000 for the project.

Work assessing the island for suitability continues with hopes the first kākāriki karaka will be released there in spring 2024.

DOC works in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to lead the Kākāriki Karaka Recovery Programme, with crucial support from The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Orana Wildlife Park, MainPower, Christchurch Helicopters, and the University of Canterbury.

The programme’s work includes extensive predator control through the mainland habitat of kākāriki karaka, captive breeding, and maintaining a population on a predator-free offshore island.

Background information

Kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet were once commonplace across throughout New Zealand, but their distribution decreased rapidly over the last century. They have twice been declared extinct (in 1919 and 1965) and then rediscovered.

They are currently found in the Hurunui South Branch in Lake Sumner (Hoka Kura) Forest Park, the Hawdon Valley in Arthur’s Pass National Park, the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in Nelson, and on predator-free Ōruawairua/Blumine Island in the Marlborough Sounds.

The recovery programme works closely with partners such as The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust and Orana Wildlife Park. Their captive breeding programme work is vital to the survival of the species.

MainPower, Canterbury University, RealNZ, Formthotics, the NZ Nature Fund and Christchurch Helicopters also support the programme.

The main threats to kākāriki karaka are introduced predators and habitat destruction. They are especially at risk from rat and stoat plagues following beech forest masts (mass seeding) – for example, one valley population declined by 85% due to a rat plague in 2001.

Read more about Brook Sanctuary.

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