Category: Department of Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  06 November 2023

Construction of the Observation Rock viewing platform was completed earlier this month after work to improve the visitor experience and safety at the site began in July.

DOC’s Rakiura Operations Manager Jennifer Ross says following months of tough winter weather conditions, it’s great to have the platform open on time and under budget.

“We’re thrilled to have this work completed ahead of the busy summer season, giving visitors a safer place to observe the phenomenal views across Paterson Inlet during the day, and the expansive skies at night.

“We’d like to thank the community for its ongoing support and understanding as we completed this upgrade work.”

The project is a joint initiative between DOC, Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board, Rakiura Māori Lands Trust, Southland District Council, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and Great South.

Observation Rock has been a viewing area for many years, with an informal track and viewing area pre-dating DOC. In recent times, it’s become increasingly popular with visitors as a great spot to view Rakiura’s night sky, which was designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary in early 2019 by the International Dark Sky Association.

Great South Destination Development Manager Amie Young says since gaining international Dark Sky Sanctuary status, Observation Rock has been a must-visit spot for stargazers.

“It’s fantastic to see the reopening of Observation Rock viewing platform. With enhanced safety features and a revamped platform, both locals and visitors to Rakiura Stewart Island now have an ideal location to immerse themselves in the beauty of the island’s dark skies.”

The platform was initially suggested by the Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board as a safety solution to the unprotected edge at the site.

It has been funded by contributions from the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy, and MBIE’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund. DOC contributed funding in the early stages of the project and provided additional funding and project management until its completion.

Although the platform officially opened last week with a blessing from local kaumatua Phillip Smith, there is still some work to be completed, with interpretation panels and seating still to come.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  03 November 2023

Every spring, around 75,000 of these half kilogram, brown-grey, long-beaked shore birds fly approximately 12,000km from Alaska and the Arctic to New Zealand, with around 4000 of them landing on Southern coastal areas.

DOC Biodiversity Supervisor Sean Jacques says this annual migration is one of the most impressive in the animal kingdom.  

“Bar-tailed godwits — along with other migratory waders — travel phenomenal distances from the northern hemisphere all the way to Southland every year.  

“Cross-Pacific flights usually conjure images of albatross and other large seabirds rather than a godwit, or the sparrow-sized red-necked stint which travel to Southland from north-eastern Siberia,” Sean says.

“It’s really important for people visiting coastal areas like Awarua, Waituna and New River Estuary to make sure you’re giving all shore birds space to rest and recuperate.

“They need to restore energy following their arrival, build up reserves for the return trip, and are highly vulnerable to disturbance throughout their time here.”

People can help by keeping their dogs under control, especially during high tides when the birds are roosting, and digesting the marine worms they travelled all this way to feed on. People should also be mindful of where they drive as waders can be difficult to spot until it’s too late.

The Tiwai sandspit at Awarua Bay is of particular importance as an officially designated Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the highest levels of protection for an ecosystem in New Zealand. It’s also an important site for the critically endangered Southern New Zealand Dotterel, population just 126 at last count.

“This means visitors should not be taking dogs here or driving vehicles or quad bikes in this location,” Sean says.

“We’re developing signage for the area to ensure all visitors understand the rules, and most importantly, what’s at stake.”

Updating the signage is one part of DOC’s work to raise awareness of the vulnerable and unique species that use the wider Awarua area. The coastal region is a popular spot for recreation like duck shooting, whitebaiting and fishing.  

“Southlanders generally take real pride in our outdoor environments and most people want to recreate sensibly,” Sean says.

“We want to ensure everyone has the right information so they can enjoy the area without harming the threatened native species that reside there.”               

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  02 November 2023

Work began yesterday on the Manganui Bridge, after Ngāti Ruanui representatives joined DOC and MBIE staff to bless the site on the first day of bridge construction.

DOC’s Taranaki Operations Manager Gareth Hopkins says yesterday morning’s karakia was attended by approximately 50 people, including several DOC staff, members of the Taranaki Crossing governance group, and personnel from the companies contracted to deliver the project.

“Partnership and meaningful engagement are key aspects of the Taranaki Crossing kaupapa, so we were delighted and honoured to be able to stand alongside Ngāti Ruanui and our other stakeholders this morning as this part of the project got underway.”

The $13.4 million Taranaki Crossing project is being funded through the Provincial Growth Fund administered by MBIE’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. The project is funding upgrades to tracks and facilities on Taranaki Maunga to provide an improved visitor experience. The Taranaki Crossing is a partnership between Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, DOC and MBIE that has been in place from project feasibility through to delivery.

Ngati Ruanui, Deputy Tumu W’akaae, Ngapari Nui, says: “It was great to see a partnership of two years come together with the commencement of the bridge construction.

“We have been involved with the bridge design, location including key cultural considerations which will ensure an enduring legacy for all.”

“Projects like this are the blueprint for the future; working together to improve cultural connections along with enhancing the economic and tourist potential of the Maunga”, Ngapari says. 

The design of the impressive Manganui Bridge structure was revealed last year, and when completed it will be 109m long, 1.2m wide and sit 50m above the Manganui Gorge.

The new bridge will connect the plateau carpark with the only ski field on the maunga, via a 30-minute walk.

Kanoa funding aims to create jobs in regions and increased work for local businesses.

Gareth says main contractor Abseil Access Ltd specialises in this type of construction, while other subcontractors – including local Taranaki firms – are fabricating components off-site.

“Several Taranaki companies will be supporting the build, providing services including helicopter flights and materials and supplies like concrete and food.

“We’re pleased to be able to support Taranaki businesses through this investment and ensure there’s work for local people.”

Many of the construction team are multidisciplined tradespeople who are also highly qualified in working at heights while working from ropes. Contractors will be using the Stratford Mountain Club Lodge as accommodation.

The bridge will be built to withstand 210km winds, and to last 100 years. It will be constructed using 850m of steel support cables, 2800m of handrail infill cables, approximately 10.5 cubic metres of concrete, with 430 clips holding down the custom-coloured deck material.

It will also have 24 in-ground rock anchors, and 9-degree inward leaning masts – some of its most striking features.

An artist commissioned by Ngāti Ruanui has designed the mast and balustrade panels to add a strong cultural representation to the bridge and emphasise the significance of Taranaki Maunga to the iwi of Taranaki.

The project has ongoing support from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, which has welcomed this significant Taranaki Crossing project milestone.

The bridge is expected to be completed in April 2024.

Background information

Taranaki Crossing seeks to develop a high-quality visitor experience on Taranaki Maunga in Egmont National Park. The Taranaki Crossing refers to the main track network enabling visitors to travel by foot from Dawson Falls along the slopes of the maunga, across the Ahukawakawa wetland and over the Pouakai Ranges to the end of Mangorei Road. The journey can be experienced as a series of day walks, or a multi-day tramp.

The Taranaki Crossing project is being funded through a $13.4 million grant made through the Provincial Growth Fund. Additional funding has been contributed by local councils and DOC. The crossing project will see 25 km of tracks improved, creating a mix of short walks and longer tramps. It will also minimise the impact of visitors on the maunga environment.

When completed, the Taranaki Crossing will showcase a safer and world-class visitor experience that truly represents Taranaki Maunga and its people. The improvements will reduce the impact of people visiting the maunga as well as providing an enhanced visitor experience.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  25 October 2023

The new track has been created in partnership between DOC, Ngāti Waewae and the families of the 29 men who died as a result of the Pike River mine disaster in November 2010.

“The opening of the Pike29 Memorial Track is another step towards the Pike River Families’ dual goal of creating an enduring memory for their family members lost in the Pike River Mine disaster and creating long term sustainable economic benefits for those West Coast Communities impacted by the Pike River Mine disaster,” says Pike River Families Group Committee chairperson Colin Smith.

The track rises 880m from the Pike River valley floor to the Paparoa Range ridgeline making it a challenging walk or ride.

DOC Greymouth Operations Manager Chris Hickford describes it as an outstanding walking and mountain biking journey in a spectacular landscape from alpine scrub through to luxuriant forest.

“As it winds between the valley floor and the tops of the range it introduces visitors to the story of what happened at the Pike River Mine

“It’s designed to be a fantastic track in its own right but can also be used as an alternative entry/exit point for the Paparoa Track.”

Approximate distances/times:

Moonlight Hut to Pike Valley carpark, 17km, 4-8 hours

Pike Valley carpark to Paparoa Track intersection, 11.6km, 3-5 hours

Vehicle access to the start of the track in the Pike Valley will be via Logburn Road – which leads into Pike Valley Road – off Atarau Road northeast of Blackball.

It will not be possible to go further up the road until the memorial facilities are completed. The designs for these are continuing with condition assessments for the buildings underway.

For those who do not want to do the whole Pike29 track an easy 15-minute walk from the Pike Valley carpark leads to twin bridges within the forest to give a sense of what the track has to offer.

More information

The Paparoa Track Great Walk has already become one of the higher-performing Great Walks comparable with the Kepler and Routeburn in terms of bednights.

A DOC report Paparoa National Park Management Plan – Paparoa Track Visitor Use Review found 11 permanent full-time equivalent jobs and 16 full-time equivalent seasonal jobs have been created in the community following the track opening.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  24 October 2023

The video shows a man in a wetsuit grabbing the young kekeno by the scruff of its neck and putting it into a bag. 

It is an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to disturb, harass, harm, injure, or kill a seal. 

Matt Davis, Principal Investigation Officer, says the behaviour is inexcusable and will bear consequences for the offender. 

“The video is quite distressing, showing someone handling a seal very roughly and possibly injuring the animal. DOC has a range of enforcement tools available for punishment of wildlife crimes, including fines, infringements, or a prosecution through the courts which can lead to a jail sentence. 

“While we don’t yet know the full circumstances, there is no excuse for treating a seal like this.” 

The penalties for harassing, disturbing, injuring, or killing a marine mammal under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 are a maximum two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $250,000. 

DOC’s advice is to never touch or handle a seal. People should keep a distance of at least 20 metres from kekeno, if possible, and not get between the seal and the sea. 

DOC is actively investigating this incident. If you see anyone disturbing fur seals call the DOC emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) and report it. 

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  24 October 2023

Building on more than a decade of collaboration, the renewal will see Air New Zealand directly invest more than $5 million in DOC biodiversity programmes over the next five years.

The funding will continue the airline’s support for sustained pest control and species monitoring across five of New Zealand’s Great Walks, and the increased contribution will welcome DOC’s nationwide Conservation Dogs Programme to the partnership.

DOC Director-General Penny Nelson says that the enduring partnership with New Zealand’s national carrier demonstrates the value of nature in Aotearoa.

“The environment is fundamental to tourism. When people experience nature that is wild, healthy and unique, it has a positive impact on them. Our environment is a major drawcard for international visitors and New Zealanders alike.

“Sadly however, we have more than 4000 species threatened or at risk of extinction. This partnership with Air New Zealand means we can do more for native species than we could do alone.

“On the Milford track for example, our partnership has helped control predators to the point where we could bolster the population of pāteke/brown teal. Air New Zealand flew in 60 pāteke, plus funded radio transmitters to monitor their success. 

“When a tramper hikes along the track, they now have the chance to spot pāteke as well as many other birds, reptiles and insects thriving thanks to our partnership.

“This is the sort of impact we can make with long-term partnerships with business, so it’s great to be furthering our work alongside Air New Zealand.”

In addition to the direct investment, Air New Zealand will also provide more than $5 million of in-kind support. This support includes continuing to fly conservation dogs and threatened species, as well as through initiatives to raise awareness of the biodiversity crisis and ways that both New Zealanders and international visitors can support conservation efforts in Aotearoa.

Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin says the airline is delighted to expand its long-running partnership with DOC to include the world-leading Conservation Dogs Programme.

“New Zealand’s unique and precious biodiversity is under constant threat. Continuing to implement a range of science-based initiatives to respond to this threat is vital.

“Our increased investment will support the DOC Conservation Dogs Programme to mentor, certify and support dog-handler teams to detect New Zealand’s protected species or unwanted pests.

“These highly trained dogs and their handlers are at the forefront of the fight against biodiversity loss in Aotearoa.”

Since the partnership began in 2012, it has achieved more than 42,000ha of sustained pest control alongside some of the most iconic Great Walks, flown more than 4,300 threatened species and conservation dogs, and enabled over 30 million engagements with people through joint storytelling.

Background information

Air New Zealand and DOC partnership

Conservation Dogs Programme

• DOC’s Conservation Dogs Programme mentors, certifies and supports dog-handler teams to detect New Zealand’s protected species or unwanted pests.
• There are currently over 120 certified dogs in DOC’s Conservation Dogs Programme, around 80 pest detection dogs and around 45 protected species detection dogs.
• Certified conservation dogs support work on threatened species, check for invasive pests at wharves where boats depart for pest free islands, carry out surveillance inspections of pest-free areas, assist in pest incursion responses, and educate local groups on conservation and the role trained dogs can play.
• More inforamtion at doc.govt.nz/conservationdogs

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  20 October 2023

DOC Marine Species Technical Advisor Kristina Hillock says the two dolphins were spotted by a member of the public on Thursday 19 October, near Te Kouma’s Sugarloaf Wharf. Te Kouma is a few kilometres south of Coromandel Town.

It’s just the third time in 60 years the species has been spotted in the Firth of Thames – and Kristina says the two dolphins may be the same animals seen off East Cape a week ago.

“We occasionally get reports of Hector’s dolphins on the east coast of the North Island, such as around Hawke’s Bay and the eastern side of Coromandel Peninsula – but their usual habitat is around the South Island,” Kristina says.

“That makes the sighting of this pair particularly important to us: If we can relocate the dolphins, we’ll try to get a small skin sample from them for scientific purposes.”

The skin sample would provide genetic information that would help determine which subspecies the animals came from.

Anyone who sees the Hector’s dolphin can report it directly to 0800 DOC HOT.

“If you do spot the dolphins please maintain a respectful distance, but do record the date, time, GPS coordinates (if available), the time spent near the dolphins, the direction the animals are moving, and descriptions of the location and activity of the dolphins,” Kristina says.

Videos and photos of the animals are also beneficial for DOC’s marine scientists, as imagery or footage helps confirm the species and any identifying marks on individual animals.

A small group of Hector’s dolphins were spotted off the coast of Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach in 2020. In September and October 2022 there were several sightings of a Hector’s dolphin between Mahurangi Harbour and Mangōnui (Doubtless Bay), but DOC staff weren’t able to get a skin sample from this dolphin.

Hector’s dolphins are recognisable through their distinctive rounded dorsal fin, shaped like Mickey Mouse’s ear. They are grey and white with black markings.

Hector’s dolphins are classified as ‘nationally vulnerable’, with an estimated population of 15,700 individuals. 

Māui dolphins are classified as ‘nationally critical’ with an estimated 54 animals aged one year or more within the survey area on the west coast of the North Island. 

Although it’s possible the dolphins spotted in the Firth of Thames are from the Māui subspecies, it is considered unlikely.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  19 October 2023

The campsites at Fletcher Bay, Port Jackson, Stony Bay, Fantail Bay and Waikawau Bay offer idyllic seaside camping on a “pack in, pack out” basis.

They provide an “off the beaten track” classic Kiwi seaside camping experience, far away from the hustle and bustle of towns and cities – and are ideal for people who enjoy activities like fishing, tramping, swimming, snorkelling and boating.

Although several of the campsites sustained damage after Cyclone Gabrielle, and were closed for several months while repaired, they will be available from staggered opening dates in October. Post-cyclone work included inspecting vaults below toilets, fixing water take infrastructure, rebuilding internal roads within the campsites, repairing bridges and culverts and removing strewn vegetation and some trees.

DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says his team has made some changes to the campsites’ management this year to support the area’s recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Although we’re really pleased to be able to offer these camping experiences for this summer, we have opted to reduce visitor capacity at several locations,” Nick says.

The capacity reductions for this summer mean Port Jackson will host 185 people (previously 250), there’ll be a 200-person limit at Fletcher Bay (previously 300), and 60 people at Fantail Bay (previously 80).

“Reducing capacity at these campsites allows DOC to work with Thames-Coromandel District Council to lower traffic volumes on the gravel roads accessing these locations,” Nick says.

“There are still some challenges with these roads and it’s a safe and sensible option to limit the vehicles using them to get to our campsites.”

The other changes at Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay are an adjustment to the service standard – from what DOC terms a “standard camp” to “backcountry standard”. The differences are explained on DOC’s website, and relate to the facilities and assets DOC provides for visitors to use.

At Fantail Bay, the service will be reduced – meaning DOC’s staff will visit less often than previous summers.

Nick Kelly says it’s vital visitors planning to stay at the northern Coromandel campsites go fully prepared and understand their isolation.

“Reducing capacity at these campsites allows DOC to work with Thames Coromandel District Council to lower traffic volumes on the gravel roads accessing these locations,” Nick says.

“Coromandel’s road network – including some of those routes in the most northern part of the peninsula leading to the DOC campsites – remains compromised in places.

“Our advice to any visitors planning to go camping at our more remote northern Coromandel spots is to ensure they use a reliable and well-maintained 4WD vehicle and drive carefully.

“If you’re heading up there, we recommend you ensure you cover the motoring essentials like having a good spare wheel – and knowing how to change it – and a set of tools, ropes and towing gear.

“The beauty of these places is their isolation but that means if you get into trouble, emergency services will take some time to get to you.”

DOC urges people to pay close attention to weather forecasts and road network alerts if planning to stay in northern Coromandel.

Thames-Coromandel District Council is also urging people to be sensible and conservative with water use in the district through summer, and both the agencies ask people to be cautious and aware of fire risks and bans.

Visitors planning to enjoy any of the northern Coromandel campsites should go prepared, with all the supplies they need, including water, food, toilet paper, cooking equipment, emergency provisions and potentially spare fuel for vehicles.

Prices and opening dates

Waikawau Bay

Bookings: Open now for dates through to 30 June 2024.

Service standard: Standard campsite.

Nightly fees: 9 February to 25 December – Adult $18 / Child $9 powered (26 sites), Adult $15 / Child $7.50 unpowered. 26 December to 8 February – Adult $21 / Child $11.50 powered, Adult $18 / Child $9 unpowered.

Stony Bay

Bookings: Open now for dates through to 30 June 2024.

Service standard: Standard campsite.

Nightly fees: Adult $15 / Child $7.50 unpowered site.

Port Jackson

Bookings: Open on 13 October, for dates from 20 October 2023 to 30 June 2024.

Service standard: Backcountry.

Nightly fees: Adult $10 / Child $5 unpowered site.

Fletcher Bay

Bookings: Open on 13 October for dates from 20 October 2023 to 30 June 2024.

Service standard: Backcountry.

Nightly fees: Adult $10 / Child $5 unpowered site.

Fantail Bay

Bookings: Open on 20 October, for dates from 27 October to 30 June 2024.

Service standard: Backcountry.

Nightly fees: Adult $10 / Child $5 unpowered site.

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  18 October 2023

A section of the track between Heaphy and MacKay huts has been closed since storms in February 2022 caused severe damage, including the loss of three bridges, most significantly the Heaphy River bridge.

DOC is organising events tomorrow (19 October 2023) to mark the reopening and thank local communities affected by the closure for their patience while the track was partially closed.

DOC Buller Operations Manager Suvi Van Smit says DOC has been very mindful of the impact the closure has had on the communities at both ends of the 82-kilometre track.

“The Heaphy Track is an important asset for Karamea, the West Coast and Golden Bay.

“The quickest most straightforward solution for replacing the Heaphy Bridge may have been to use the same design at the same place but we but had to ensure that whatever solution was put in place it would endure and this took time.”

A hydrology report found a new Heaphy Bridge at the old site could soon be threatened by future flooding.

The most resilient solution turned out to be to build two bridges, one across the Heaphy River downstream from the previous bridge, the other over the Lewis River with a small section of new track in between.

The new Heaphy Bridge is well above the 100-year climate change adjusted flood level, Suvi van Smit says.

“I want to pay tribute to the outstanding work done to get us to here – to all the DOC staff involved from dealing with the initial response to the storm damage through to where we are now with the Heaphy re-bridged and to Abseil Access and Westreef for the work they’ve done.”

The day will start with Ngāti Waewae blessing the new bridge across the Heaphy River. 

This will be followed by a community planting and morning tea at Kohaihai plus a ribbon cutting at the Kohaihai River Bridge which marks the start/end of the track on the West Coast side.

The event will then shift to the Karamea Pulse Energy Centre for presentations on the reconstruction work, the significance of the area to Ngāti Waewae and the history of the track.

Suvi van Smit says over 11,600 bednights have already been booked for track huts between 19 October and the end of June next year.

“It’s clear the word is out that this legendary Great Walk is fully open for business again Here’s hoping for a great summer for people to make the most of the Heaphy and everything else that Karamea and Golden Bay have to offer.”

More information

Until mid-December, when construction of the Lewis River bridge is finished, it will be necessary to ford the Lewis River. In normal flow, this is an ankle-height crossing of approximately 20 metres.

During this time, DOC rangers will be onsite to assess river conditions and provide guidance to track users. If the river becomes unsafe to cross, DOC staff will advise track users that it’s not safe to cross.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 October 2023

Four-year-old Tautahi, who was safely returned to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari last week, is believed to have used a downed tree to boost himself over the fence and out onto the neighbouring farmland.

GPS data shows he spent time investigating the fence line, before heading on a hīkoi towards a farm block on the south-east corner of the mountain where he was intercepted by one of the ranger team.

Department of Conservation (DOC) Operations Manager for kākāpō, Deidre Vercoe, says the experience is a good learning opportunity for the trial population.

“Kākāpō have never lived in a fenced sanctuary before, and years of planning and preparation has gone into making this new phase of kākāpō conservation a reality. We’re thrilled to be at the stage where we can experience in real time how the manu react and adapt our management processes accordingly.”

While departure from the sanctuary was not ideal, it was one of the expected challenges of the trial, Deidre says.

“Kākāpō are smart, determined and excellent climbers. The two-metre high, 47km-long fence underwent a modification ahead of the translocation to add a barrier to deter kākāpō from climbing it, however as with any trial there is always an element of the unknown,” Deidre says.

“This is the purpose of a trial – to learn how to adapt to best suit kākāpō. It’s great to have real life data on how they react so we can refine our approach.”

The kākāpō wear transmitters and GPS and are regularly monitored by rangers but there are some limitations with the technology; this combined with adverse weather and difficult terrain prevented us from pinpointing Tautahi for several days, but once we saw he was definitively outside the perimeter we acted quickly and were able to return him safely to the sanctuary, Deidre says.

Tautahi is one of 10 male Ngāi Tahu kākāpō transferred from Whenua Hou / Codfish Island, Pukenui / Anchor Island and Te Kākahu-o-Tamatea / Chalky Island as part of an historic trial involving DOC, Ngāi Tahu and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari to see whether these flightless, nocturnal parrots can thrive in a fenced sanctuary, as the current habitat – predator free offshore islands – are close to capacity for kākāpō.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kākāpō Species Representative Tāne Davis has worked with the taonga for many years and was not surprised by the escape attempt.

“The manu will always challenge us. Each of the kākāpō are adapting to their new surroundings and we need to refine our approach alongside them. They’ve spent their life on offshore islands with no fences, so it’s natural for them to be inquisitive.”

General Manager of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Helen Somerville says learnings and adjustments to the Sanctuary’s operating protocols are being applied.

“Our team will add additional vegetation clearances and increase the monitoring of Tautahi over the coming weeks to ensure he stays within the safety of the sanctuary. 

“This event highlights the value of the partnership between Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, iwi, Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation who are all committed to the success of this trial.”

Overall, the 10 kākāpō are doing well in the new habitat, with all having passed recent health checks.

Tautahi was part of the second cohort, transferred in September.

“What we’re seeing is a period of settling in with the kākāpō where they spend the first month or so exploring their new surroundings. Once they have the lay of the land, they tend to settle into their smaller ranges,” Deidre says.

“Many of the others have come up to the fence and simply turned around again. So now we know we need to pay extra close attention to the birds who spend more time investigating the fence in those early weeks.

“We’re looking forward to a day where kākāpō can once again roam the landscape freely, but until we can achieve large predator free areas, it’s not possible.

“Kākāpō are vulnerable to predation, so pest-free habitat like Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is an important stepping-stone and we look forward to continuing to learn more from this important trial.”

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