Category: Environment

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  14 October 2024

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Kelly Brider says the projected increase is a testament to landscape-scale predator control and community trapping, which has made this large tract of forest a stronghold for Western North Island brown kiwi.

“The increase would result in 9000 kiwi in Whanganui National Park and surrounds by 2030. But for this to happen, kiwi must grow up in a safe environment, so they will survive and have chicks of their own,” Kelly says.

Save the Kiwi Week is underway from 14-20 October, so it’s a perfect time to encourage communities to protect kiwi.

A kiwi avoidance course for dogs is scheduled for 26 October at Gordon Park Scenic Reserve in Whanganui, which is a great way to help keep kiwi safe from dogs.

“Any dog, big or small, can kill a kiwi, and small dogs can fit into burrows and do significant damage. If you are thinking about taking a dog hunting, or have a farm dog, it’s really important that you do this training,” Kelly says.

“A single adult kiwi can lay up to 200 eggs in her lifetime, and her offspring can produce 800 chicks, so even one death is devastating for populations.”

As well as ensuring your dog is ‘kiwi avoidance trained’, dog owners can follow other steps to prevent their dogs from harming kiwi.

“Keep your dog contained on your property, and under control on a lead when out walking. And don’t let your dog roam, as roaming dogs can harm themselves and people, as well as posing a threat to wildlife like kiwi,” Kelly says.

Check DOC’s website information on where you can take your dog. Dogs are not permitted in kiwi sanctuaries and in many conservation areas.

For more information about kiwi avoidance training and to book, visit www.kiwiavoidancetraining.nz or contact DOC’s Whanganui office whanganui@doc.govt.nz.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  11 October 2024

It’s another major setback for the species’ Southland population, where only seven pups were born this year. Sea lions began breeding in the Catlins again in 2006 and today there are just 12 breeding age females in the local area.

The mother sea lion, named Jade, gave birth to the pup about 60 km up the Clutha River Mata-au in February, which was highly unusual behaviour.

Jade was found by a local on Tuesday evening, about 100 m from where her pup was found dead in late-September. She had begun to decompose, and it’s believed she washed up there during the recent flooding.

DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says shooting a sea lion is an appalling thing to do and it’s completely unacceptable.

“Sea lions are a protected species and it’s a very serious offence to intentionally injure or kill one.

“It goes without saying these kinds of incidents must stop. Most people will be deeply disgusted by this sort of behaviour against a protected species and the DOC team is genuinely shocked.

“It’s a tragedy both mother and pup have been shot. DOC staff are determined to find the person responsible and urging the public to contribute any information which may help the investigation.

“We want to find the person who has done this so they can be held accountable. Anyone with any information is asked to come forward by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Jade was well known to the local community and her loss is devastating for locals and those who work with the species, Aaron Fleming says.

“We don’t know when, where or why these sea lions have been shot, or if they were shot at the same time. Any information could help.”

The NZ Sea Lion Trust is offering a $6000 reward for information leading to a successful prosecution.

Aaron Fleming says a local vet performed an x-ray and examination, which found about 50 shotgun pellets. Some of these will be forensically tested to see if they match the pellets found in her pup.

“She was lying down and facing away from the shooter, with most pellets entering her chest and spine.”

NZ Sea Lion Trust Co-chair Shaun McConkey says although the sea lion population in the subantarctic continues to decline, one positive is their lives seem to be a bit easier on the mainland, which makes it even more heartbreaking when something like this happens.

“Sea lions were wiped out on the mainland by human hunting, 250 years on and we’re still doing the same thing. The killing of a breeding female is a devastating loss to a small population that has only recently returned to the area.

“It’s important to remember these sea lions are taking fish to feed themselves and their young not just for recreation or enjoyment.

“Thanks to generous donations from the public the reward has increased to a maximum of $6000 for any and all information leading to a successful prosecution in regard to these recent sea lion killings. Please visit our website www.sealiontrust.org.nz for further details.”

Jade was born under a crib (bach) at Kākā Point in 2016. She was named after the late son of the bach owners.

Under the Wildlife Act, it is illegal to injure or kill protected native wildlife like sea lions and anyone who does so can face punishments of up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

Background information

Pakake have a threat status of “Nationally Vulnerable” and number about 10,000. About 96% of the population is found in the subantarctic islands and is in decline. On the mainland, there are small but growing populations in Rakiura/Stewart Island, Murihiku/Southland and Otago.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  10 October 2024

“Visitor safety and risk management is a priority for DOC,” says Southern South Island Director of Operations, Aaron Fleming. “We are currently attending to multiple slips, surface damage and tree falls across a number of tracks, some of which are fully closed while we repair them.

“Tunnel Beach Short Walk in Dunedin is fully closed due to around 10 large slips covering the width of the track.

“Despite the carpark being locked and several barriers and signage saying the track is closed, we are alarmed and disappointed by the number of visitors who are choosing to ignore safety advice and walk the track regardless.

“This is also causing frustration to nearby residents with people choosing to park in the neighbourhood and on private property to walk on the closed track.

“Tracks are closed for visitor safety. We are asking for people to please respect closures; our team is working hard to get tracks repaired and re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Our advice is for people to check the DOC website for the latest alerts for areas they’re heading to, or contact the local DOC Visitor Centre for information, rather than relying on web/map search engines which may not yet be up to date.”

Coastal Otago information and closures

• Tunnel Beach Short Walk – Closed. Significant damage with – 10 large slips covering full width of track.
• Taieri River Track – Closed from Taieri Mouth to John Bull Gully – undermined structures, track damage and full track washout near John Bull Gully
• Picnic Gully Track – Closed – undermined structures and full washout of track sections.
• The following Coastal Otago tracks are open but also damaged and may not be suitable for all visitors, use with caution while repairs are undertaken – Sandfly Bay Track, Outram Glen, Huriawa Pā, Orokonui Stream Walking Track, Tomahawk Track, Leith Saddle Walking Track, Bushy Beach Walking Track. McMeekings/Highcliff Track access road – damage to surface, not recommended for low clearance 2wd vehicles.

Central Otago information and closures

• Otago Central Rail Trail – damage to surface. Surrounds will continue to be wet for some time. Potential for additional slip movement over the coming weeks.
• St Bathans Hall – work underway to repair water damage.
• Danseys Pass Campsite – closed due to damage to the access road.
• A slip in the Ida Valley will be repaired this week.

Catlins

• Jacks Blowhole Track – Closed. Trees are down over track and there is significant scouring of track surface by flood water.

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  09 October 2024

Te Tapatoru ā Toi Joint Management Committee Chair Vince Copeland says the plan has been under development by Te Tapatoru ā Toi (TTāT), with the support of DOC, to put taiao at the centre of all decision making for the reserves – Moutohorā/Whale Island Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve – known collectively as Te Tāpui Tokotoru.

“The Committee worked closely with hapū, technical experts and stakeholders to develop a plan of how we expect to care for, protect, and relate to Te Tāpui Tokotoru over the next 10 years.”

TTāT was established through the Ngāti Awa Settlement Act in 2005 and has representatives from Ngāti Awa, the community, and the Bay of Plenty Conservation Board.

The floor is now open for the community to have their say on whether the plan meets the needs and interests of all who enjoy Te Tāpui Tokotoru (the three reserves).

“We invite you to share your feedback with us, and to be part of bringing the vision to life over the next 10 years,” says Vince.

Submissions will be open from 9 October to 1 December, with public hearings on 15/16 November at Te Whare o Toroa Marae.

The draft plan can be viewed on the DOC website copies can be viewed at DOC Whakatāne or Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa reception.

Submissions may be emailed to ttat@doc.govt.nz, or posted to 9 Louvain Street, Whakatāne, 3120.

Background information

The Te Tapatoru ā Toi Conservation Management Plan (TTāT CMP or CMP), is a statutory planning document describing how public conservation lands and waters will be cared for, protected and managed into the future.

The CMP sets the strategic direction for the management of Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve, and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve, known collectively as Te Tāpui Tokotoru.

The name Tapatoru-ā-Toi symbolises the connection between, and the shared responsibility to care for, these treasured reserves. The name draws upon the symbolism of the triangle (tapatoru) to:

• bring together the three reserves, Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve
• reference the relationship between the three groupings of Ngāti Awa, Department of Conservation, and the community
• recognise the three articles of Te Tīriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa.

Toi-te-huatahi is the esteemed ancestor of Ngāti Awa who dwelled within the bounds of the land and sea of these three significant places.

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  07 October 2024

The event is being held on Saturday 19 October between 10 am and 1 pm at the DOC Punakaiki workshop and is part of the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition. It will include a demonstration of how to butcher a goat, as well as a chance to taste goat cooked by a variety of methods.

There will be talks about hunter and firearms safety and on DOC’s work protecting the environment from wild goats. People will also be able to meet some of the dogs and hunters who work to reduce wild goat populations on the West Coast.

Community Ranger Maire Hearty, who is helping to organise the event, says it is a great chance to learn how to break a goat down to different cuts and get some ideas about how to prepare the meat in different ways.

“Goat meat is great in curries, on the barbeque and roasted, and people will be able to try meat cooked these ways on the day.”

Fiona Anderson, DOC Regional Lead for Wild Animals, says wild goats are prolific breeders, and can double their population every year when there is lots of food around and limited hunting pressure. 

“There are thousands of wild goats around Punakaiki, they really love the limestone country. They heavily browse native plants which threatens forest health and prevents regeneration. Over time, goats change the composition of the forest as they eat the seedlings of their favourite species.

“DOC cannot manage their numbers alone and we encourage as many hunters as possible to get involved in the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition, which runs until November 26. 

“Bring your tails along to the event to enter the competition. NZDA’s Shane Hall will be on site to officially measure goat heads for the NZDA greatest of all time (G.O.A.T) category.”

The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has a variety of categories for all age groups and levels of experience. The competition aims to encourage hunters, agencies, and landowners to get involved and help reduce the damage wild goats cause to the environment. 

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