Category: Department of Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  20 November 2023

Sometime between 1 and 3 November, an adult variable oystercatchers/tōrea pango was shot and killed by someone using an air rifle on or near Pouawa Beach, about 18 km northeast of Gisborne.

The bird’s death was reported to DOC by a camper, who was walking on the beach when they found it. It was picked up by a DOC staff member and sent to Massey University for a postmortem as there was no visible wounds on the bird.

Following x-ray, two pellets from an air rifle were found to be the cause of death.

A second bird was picked up the following day, and although a post-mortem wasn’t undertaken, DOC staff believe it was shot and killed in the same interaction.

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act to hunt or kill any absolutely protected wildlife, with maximum penalties of two years imprisonment, fines up to $100,000, or both.

Zachary Penman, DOC Ranger Biodiversity and Compliance Officer, says the actions are inexcusable.

“It’s hard to understand why someone would do this,” says Zachary.

“Variable oystercatchers are a taonga species of Aotearoa, and usually live up to 30 years. They will often inhabit the same area of beach for their whole lives.

“Local campers in Pouawa would see these birds every year and welcome their company. To them, and many in the community, it’s like losing a friend.”

If anyone has any further information regarding this shooting, or any other information on crimes against wildlife, please call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or contact the Gisborne DOC office and ask for the warranted officer on duty.

Background information

The variable oystercatcher is a large, heavily-built shorebird with conservation status of ‘At Risk, Recovering’.

Variable oystercatcher occur around most of the coastline of New Zealand, and breed most commonly on sandy beaches, sandspits and in dunes.

They are very vocal; loud piping is used in territorial interactions and when alarmed. Chicks are warned of danger with a sharp, loud ‘chip’ or ‘click’.

Adults have black upperparts, their underparts vary from all black, through a range of ‘smudgy’ intermediate states to white. They have a conspicuous long bright orange bill (longer in females), and stout coral-pink legs; their eyes have a red iris and the eye-ring is orange.

They breed in monogamous pairs and defend territories vigorously against neighbours. Nests are normally simple scrapes in the sand and the 2–3 eggs are laid from October onwards. Incubation is shared and takes about 28 days.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  20 November 2023

Stoats and possums are the key threat to this large forest parrot, with females and chicks the prime targets during nesting when they stay in tree cavities for long periods. Over time, this leads to a male-skewed and declining population.

Surveys for kākā in the Eglinton over the past few years show a thriving population with good numbers of female and juvenile birds, says Department of Conservation Science Advisor Terry Greene.

“The large numbers of kākā we’ve seen and caught in the Eglinton since 2019 clearly show the population is healthy.

“This is a direct result of the long-term predator control, as well as several good breeding seasons following beech seeding events in 2019 and 2023, providing plentiful food.

“It’s really pleasing to see the increase in female kākā, which are now close to parity with males.”

Kākā are often heard but are hard to observe high in the forest. They are surveyed by catching a sample of birds and measuring their beak length, which indicates their sex (males have larger beaks).

During surveys in 2019, 2021 and 2023 a total of 105 kākā were caught, more than 30% of which were juveniles.

Overall, the ratio of females to males was 1:1.3 (43% female and 57% male). In areas without predator control males have outnumbered females as much as five to one.

There have also been lots of comments from tourists about seeing kākā in the area, Terry says.

The Eglinton is one of the most accessible valleys in Fiordland National Park with State Highway 94 to Milford Sound running most of its length.

While they are capable flyers, kākā tend to stay in an area of about 50 ha, although they will move to follow seasonal food sources such as the flowering of tree fushia at The Divide near the head of the Hollyford valley.

There are other strongholds for South Island kākā in areas with sustained predator control including Waitutu Forest in Fiordland, South Westland and Kahurangi as well as stoat and possum-free Fiordland islands.

DOC has been undertaking large-scale predator control in the Eglinton valley for the past 30 years. This includes extensive trapping, use of ground-based toxins and aerial 1080 operations when rodent numbers spike after beech mast (seeding) events (most recently last summer).

Predator control is also benefiting other native species such as long-tailed and short-tailed bats/pekapeka, mohua/yellowhead and tuke/rockwren.

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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.

Contact

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.

Contact

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.

Contact

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. 

Contact

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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