The annual Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa Conservation Week runs from 2-8 September and this year’s theme calls on people to help the environment and species that make New Zealand special.
The Punakaiki event, ‘Conservation Conversations’ will be held in the new Punangairi building which includes the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre.
Five speakers will present on a variety of topics, including invertebrates of Paparoa, the Paparoa Predator Free Project, local freshwater fish, archaeology and history of the Fox River area, and how to get involved with conservation.
DOC Visitor Centre Manager Máire Hearty says that it’s a great opportunity to learn about the area and conservation work happening on the West Coast.
“People from around the world come here to experience our natural environments; this event is a way to remind us locals what makes this place so special.”
“There’s an opportunity to learn about things you don’t get to see every day – prepare to be surprised by what lives in our backyard!”
Conservation Conversations starts at 12 pm midday on Wednesday 4 September 2024.
Event details: Conservation conversations 12 pm – approx. 1:30 pm Wednesday 4 September 2024 Punangairi building/Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre 4294 Coast Road, Punakaiki
Responders deployed a range of response equipment including a mobile incident control point, boom sets, oil skimmers and holding tanks. The orange land/sea booms, for example, are rolled out then filled with water and air. These booms can protect sensitive areas and assist the recovery of oil on water.
“The equipment requires specialist training, so it’s essential to have regular exercises to maintain the capabilities of our responders,” says coastal response and readiness lead Emma Parr.
Staff preparing oil spill response equipment
Marine oil spills are responded to using a three-tier approach laid out in the Maritime Transport Act 1994, with regional councils being responsible for planning and responding to Tier 2 (regional) marine oil spills. Regardless of the type of spill, the goal is always to minimise the environmental impacts on Canterbury’s precious coastal area.
Freshwater ecologist Dr Jane Kitson and biosecurity dog handler John Taylor detailed the history of the large tidal estuary while Wink the dog led people around the site.
It has seen significant negative impacts due to the largely agricultural catchment and surrounding urban development.
Spartina was also once planted here to help in land reclamation efforts but Wink and John have seen to it that this unwelcome invasive pest is eradicated from the site.
Despite its challenges, the expanse of mudflats, seagrasses and marshes continues to provide a home for various precious species.
Wink at the estuary waiting for his sheep to follow. Photo credit: Brittany Pickett, Environment Southland
Kew Bush – remnant podocarp forest
Also on the trip agenda was Kew Bush – a little-known 3.3ha stand of remnant podocarp forest within Invercargill hospital grounds.
A small group of dedicated volunteers have been devoted carers of this podocarp pocket, undertaking decades of plantings, pest control work, track building and maintenance – naturally with minimal resources.
They share their plight and hope to inspire more like minds to take the reigns and maintain the gains.
Upon returning to base there was also a spartina detection demonstration, and fortunately, Wink did not disappoint.
Success is not maintained in isolation but with support and buy-in from landowners, communities and other groups. Likewise, projects require sufficient inputs early on and the cost of reduced or insufficient resources can quickly stall or reverse any gains. Which is the challenge.
Everyone recognised there are no easy solutions to these challenges but identifying some areas of opportunity and capitalising on these at the right time are all good steps in the right direction – collaboration and partnerships, smarter tools and technology, clear goals, along with knowledgeable and passionate people leading the mahi.
While DOC detection dogs, the Kew Bush volunteers, and many other speakers shared stories of success in their endeavours, what resonated throughout was that not one of these successes, like our own, is immune from the challenge that is ‘maintaining the gains’.
The site is a significant World War II coastal defence heritage site with restored gun emplacements and other heritage military structures, alongside walking and mountain biking tracks. There is also a campsite and Lighthouse Cottage bookable accommodation, which have also reopened.
Awaroa is a significant site for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke whānui.
More than 100,000 people visited the site annually before parts of the complex were temporarily closed by DOC after asbestos and other historic residual soil contamination (thought to be from historic buildings demolished before DOC took over the site’s management) was discovered in April 2021.
DOC Mahaanui Operations Manager Andy Thompson says it’s fantastic to have Awaroa/Godley Head open to visitors again.
“Alongside the significant heritage and cultural values at the site, Awaroa also offers outstanding sea views and great walking or mountain biking. It’s an awesome day out and we’re thrilled to have the site open to the public again – especially ahead of Conservation Week.”
He says contamination was found in the ground during repairs to a road in 2021, which led to DOC temporarily closing the site as a health precaution. This triggered wider testing which found other areas of residual soil contamination around heritage buildings, which has now been remediated.
“Since 2021, a lot of hard work has gone into detailed planning, funding, and procuring suitable contractors who have carried out the specialist work of remediation. We’re excited for visitors to once again enjoy all that Awaroa/Godley Head has to offer.”
Planning was carried out by Sephira Environmental and ENGEO, with work on the ground from Citycare and Protranz Earthmoving.
The complex project is a finalist for Best Contaminated Site Remediation Project in the Australasian Land and Groundwater Association Awards 2024.
Andy says sadly there was some graffiti and vandalism at the site while it was closed. “We want to thank staff from Landguard who volunteered their time to remove and paint over some of the graffiti. The rest will be painted over when the weather is warmer, thanks to paint supplied through the partnership between DOC and Dulux.”
Visitors should note soil with residual contaminants is capped (buried) on-site, which is an industry-standard remediation method. Visitors must follow the guidelines on site signage, including keeping dogs on leads as all digging is prohibited.
The remediation cost approximately $1.4 million. It was made possible through partial funding from the Ministry for the Environment’s Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund.
Conservation for the critically endangered kākāpō dates back 130 years to 1894, when Richard Henry first moved kākāpō to (then) predator free Resolution Island. Today, DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme combines the efforts of iwi, partners, scientists, rangers, volunteers, and donors to continue to protect and restore this taonga species.
Our purpose is to restore the mauri (life force) of the once plentiful kākāpō. So far, efforts have been rewarded and during nearly 30 years of the programme the population has increased from 51 to the 247 kākāpō alive today. It’s a long game with challenges that can be grouped into three main categories; habitat, genetics, and disease.
Kākāpō Advocacy Ranger, Andie Gentle, looks into the first challenge – habitat, and what it takes to find new sites for the growing kākāpō population.
Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island | Jake Osborne, DOC
Kākāpō pace
Aotearoa New Zealand’s much adored night parrots come with their own, unhurried pace. Longevity is on their side. The oldest kākāpō known today is at least 51 years old and it is estimated they could live between 60-90 years old. Many kākāpō reach their teens before they start successfully breeding and even then, they only breed once every 2-4 years.
Most of today’s 247 kākāpō live on two Southern predator-free islands which are reaching kākāpō-capacity. With each breeding season, there is an increasing need to find sites to support kākāpō populations into the future. To be suitable, sites need vast native forest, no predators (feral cats, rats and stoats) and the ability to stimulate successful breeding (more on that later).
Kākāpō-pace means each new site trial could take a decade or more to gather the information required. One long-term site trial that has recently been completed was on Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island.
Kākāpō Lisa on Hauturu in 2018 | Jake Osborne, DOC
Hauturu & kākāpō
There are only two pest-free islands in New Zealand large enough to sustain a population of kākāpō that are certainly beyond the swimming distance of rats and stoats. One of them, Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, is a successful breeding home to a population of nearly 100 kākāpō. The other is Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island.
Hauturu is a sanctuary 80km north-east of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland. It was New Zealand’s first nature reserve and is now a refuge for hundreds of rare and endangered plants, birds, and animals.
Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island | Jake Osborne, DOC
Kākāpō were first translocated to Hauturu in 1982. At the time, there were just 29 known kākāpō and it had become clear that they were being predated by cats on Rakiura/Stewart Island. With the presence of kiore (the Pacific rat) but no feral cats, Hauturu was identified as a safer haven. By the end of 1982, 21 kākāpō had been relocated there. Intensive management and supplementary feeding programmes began seven years later after no breeding had occurred on the island.
Breeding triggers
The only known trigger to stimulate kākāpō breeding today is the mast of the rimu tree. This happens once every 2-4 years on the Southern islands. We can predict a mast in advance by comparing seasonal temperatures year-on-year and counting fruit tips.
To best support the critically endangered kākāpō we supplementary feed them ahead of a breeding season to help them reach top breeding condition. Additional feeding for chick rearing is also required if the mast was big enough to stimulate breeding but didn’t result in enough fruit to sustain chick rearing (which may occur after storms or extreme weather events or if the fruit doesn’t ripen).
Despite the absence of rimu on Hauturu, several breeding attempts were made there in the 1990’s and two chicks were raised with supplementary feeding support. It was the kauri tree that was thought to be the most likely trigger to stimulate kākāpō breeding on the island. Regardless, this was proof that, with support, kākāpō could thrive on Hauturu.
There was just one big problem. The island’s terrain is much more extreme than the Southern islands, making this level of hands-on management logistically challenging.
The rugged terrain of Hauturu, being navigated by DOC rangers and Auckland Zoo team members as they carry out work with kākāpō on the island | DOC.
By 1999 more kākāpō had been discovered on Rakiura and the total population numbered 63. All kākāpō were returned South to help diversify the precious breeding populations that were now active on Whenua Hou and Maud Island. Following the removal of kākāpō, kiore were eradicated from Hauturu and the sanctuary gained pest-free status in 2004.
The trial
With supplementary feeding successful but not feasible on Hauturu, the next step was to learn if kākāpō could breed and raise chicks there without support. In 2012, eight of the total 125 kākāpō at the time were carefully selected by their genetic profiles and breeding history to help us find out. Over the coming years another nine joined the trial.
Seven of this cohort had been on Hauturu before. Notably, all seven returned to their old home ranges on the island within a couple of weeks of arriving back. Two of the returning birds were super-breeders Blades and Flossie, who had each produced the most offspring by a male and female respectively at the time.
Kākāpō Rangers Petrus and Bryony completing a transmitter change and health check on 27-year-old Tiwai on Hauturu, 2022 | DOC
What did we learn?
Unfortunately, the next decade saw limited breeding success on the island. In 2014 Heather was the only female to nest. She only hatched one of three fertile eggs herself and that chick needed support as, by ten days old, it was starving. It was the same poor result in 2016 when Heather and Lisa nested and the only chick to hatch also required support due to lack of food. Lisa nested again in 2021, but her two eggs were infertile.
During the trial period of 12 years, the kauri tree did not produce a heavy crop of seeds as it had in the past. Along with the poor nesting outcomes, this confirmed that while Hauturu is safe for kākāpō, they are unlikely to be productive on the island without supplementary feeding.
Heather’s 2014 chick Mahli pictured while receiving care at Auckland Zoo vet hospital | DOC
Wrapping up the trial
In 2023 it was decided that the kākāpō on Hauturu would be more valuable back on the Southern breeding islands, and the plan is for all to be returned by the end of this year.
It may not be the last time kākāpō live amongst the Hauturu forest, so remnant of primeval New Zealand. Given the long lifespan of kākāpō and the size and pest-free status of Hauturu, the island could play a role in the future security of the population until other safe breeding sites become available.
For now, the island has helped provide valuable data and insights to help manage kākāpō conservation for decades to come.
Left: DOC Ranger Richard Walle. Middle: Jasmine from Auckland Zoo carrying kākāpō before the first transfer off Hauturu, 2023. Right: DOC Ranger Dani completing a transmitter change and health check on Flossie in 2023. All photos by DOC.
It takes a village
DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery team worked closely with iwi (tribe) representatives from Ngāi Tahu and the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust to undertake the trial and the required transfers of the manu between rohe.
Kākāpō are a taonga species to Ngāi Tahu, the principal Māori iwi of southern New Zealand. It is of great significance to iwi when the care and protection of a taonga is transferred. During the Hauturu trial local mana whenua Ngāti Manuhiri took on kaitiaki responsibilities of the manu through the tikanga of whāngai (the concept of fostering).
This trial was undertaken in association with Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund with practical assistance from Auckland Zoo staff and its vet hospital, the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine. It was also supported by Kākāpō Recovery Programme’s National Partner Meridian Energy and DOC’s National Partner Air New Zealand.
Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāi Tahu representatives with DOC team members during (left) the first transfer from Hauturu to Fiordland in July 2023, and (right) the second transfer in August 2024. The final cohort of remaining monitored kākāpō on Hauturu will return later this year | DOC.
Moving forward to step back
Two new site trials are underway at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in Waikato and Coal Island/Te Puka-Hereka in Fiordland, and there are more to come. Like at Hauturu, it will be years before results are known, but it is hoped that more breeding triggers could be discovered along the way.
The last three breeding seasons have been bumper on the Southern islands. The next breeding season is predicted to be 2026 and with more than 80 breeding-aged females, it could be the biggest yet.
Rakiura will be a game changer for kākāpō when it becomes predator free. From there, the goal will be to one day return kākāpō to all their natural ranges throughout New Zealand. Of course, these visions will rely on the success of the country’s predator free movements.
We’ve come a long way since 1894; just imagine Aotearoa after another 130 years of care and protection. Will kākāpō be roaming safe and free among our great-grandchildren?
Anything is possible, even when each day goes at kākāpō-pace.
Kākāpō Lisa on Hauturu in 2020 | Jake Osborne, DOC
Get involved
Together with our Treaty Partner Ngāi Tahu and National Partner Meridian Energy we are grateful for the ongoing commitment from our supporters. There are lots of ways you can help ensure a brighter future for kākāpō.
The annual Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa Conservation Week runs from 2-8 September 2024, and this year’s theme calls on people to help the environment and species that make New Zealand special.
Rangitaiki Wetland Day will be an opportunity to access conservation advice and resources thanks to Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Fish & Game, and the Department of Conservation.
DOC Senior Community Ranger Jesse Burt says the event will highlight funding opportunities for fencing and native planting, and is aimed at kaitiaki, landowners, conservationists and nature lovers.
“We’ll be encouraging the restoration of marginal land and riparian strips – these are areas that have significant habitat value for species such as matuku hūrepo (Australasian bittern).
“With many of our species threatened or at risk of extinction, this event will help landowners take action for nature.”
Matuku hurepō are globally endangered, with fewer than 1,000 left. The birds are known for their camouflaged plumage and the distinctive booming call of the males, most heard from August to December. Loss of their wetland habitat is a key factor in their decline.
Jesse says wetland restoration is part of ensuring future generations inherit a world rich in biodiversity.
“The invitation is open to anyone interested in improving water quality, creating wildlife habitats, and enhancing wetland ecosystems – Rangitaiki Wetland Day is an opportunity to gain the knowledge and support you need.”
Participants will receive a native wetland plant on arrival, and one attendee will win $500 worth of native trees from Coastland Nursery.
Event details: Rangitaiki Wetland Day Saturday 7 September 10 am-12 pm Awakaponga Hall To attend, RSVP to fcarr@doc.govt.nz.
Background information
Conservation Week runs from 2-8 September 2024 with the theme ‘Take action for nature’.
DOC is listing Conservation Week events and outlining actions you can take to help nature on its website, check back regularly as more info is added.
Tara iti is New Zealand’s rarest breeding bird with fewer than 35 adult birds remaining.
“We are excited to embark on these critical research projects,” says Ilse Corkery, DOC Technical Advisor.
“The research will concentrate on identifying optimal captive-rearing methods, mitigating climate change impacts, and enhancing genetic health. It is expected to provide valuable insights to improve management strategies and ultimately boost tara iti population size and resilience.”
The objective of the research is to address high-priority knowledge gaps through targeted and collaborative research and communicate findings to DOC decision-makers, whānau, hapū and iwi, researchers, community groups, and the wider public.
Starting in October 2024, a PhD student, supported by the Shorebirds Trust, will research optimal captive-rearing methods for tara iti. A master’s project will focus on improving nest site protection strategies.
In December 2024, another master’s student will study the behaviour and habitat use of captive-reared versus wild tara iti. The following year in March, a master’s student will explore better predator control measures. Other ongoing projects include a study on hatching failure and an examination of nesting site vulnerability to sea level rise.
“We are thrilled to see such a diverse range of research initiatives being launched. Each project has the potential to significantly enhance our conservation strategies for tara iti,” says Ilse.
“Our commitment to protecting tara iti is year-round, ensuring the species’ safety and growth throughout the year.”
The 2023/2024 tara iti breeding season was a success, with an amazing 22 eggs laid and 13 chicks surviving to fledging. This success highlights the importance of continued and enhanced conservation efforts.
“Seeing such a significant increase in fledging rates is incredibly encouraging and underscores the importance of our ongoing work,” says Ilse.
The new research initiatives, combined with ongoing conservation efforts and recent successes, represent a strategic effort to secure the future of tara iti. By addressing critical knowledge gaps, we aim to develop effective strategies to ensure the survival and growth of New Zealand’s rarest endemic bird.
Once widespread, tara iti now breeds at only four main nesting sites north of Auckland: Papakānui Spit, Pākiri Beach, Waipū and Mangawhai sandspits. DOC works closely with partners including Patuharakeke, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, Auckland Zoo, The Shorebirds Trust, the NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust, About Tern, Birds NZ, Tara Iti Golf Club, the Waipū Trapping Group, University of Auckland and University of Canterbury.
Generous support for the tara iti season has been provided by the Shorebirds Trust, Endangered Species Foundation, Pākiri Beach Holiday Park, Tara Iti Golf Club, Auckland Council, Manāki Whitebait, Tongariro National Trout Centre, and New Zealand King Salmon.
Background information
The Tara Iti Research Advisory Group is recently formed and dedicated to the conservation of the New Zealand fairy tern. Their mission is to conduct and support research that informs effective conservation management practices, ensuring the survival and resilience of this critically endangered species. The group includes experts in tara iti biology and world-renowned experts in shorebird ecology, behaviour and genetics. This is part of a strategic effort to build a holistic and integrated research programme with strong links to DOC staff on the ground to ensure rapid up take of new management techniques and approaches.
The track to the popular beach has been closed to the public since February 2023, when it was extensively damaged by extreme weather events including Cyclone Gabrielle. DOC considered the track unsafe for the typical visitor to the location.
DOC has two Mautohe Cathedral Cove work programmes underway, funded through the International Visitor Levy. One programme will reinstate temporary walking access to the cove for this summer, and the other workstream will determine a long-term visitor access and visitor management at the site.
DOC’s Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says arborists will be on site next week to commence an estimated three weeks of work to remove more than 30 trees of different species, including she-oak, pinaster and wilding pines.
“Removing these trees and assorted other pest plants supports weed management and biodiversity restoration goals we have for Mautohe Cathedral Cove.
“This type of work makes the area an active work site with obvious hazards – so we’re continuing to urge the public to please stay out of the reserve while contractors are operating. Please follow our clear advice and do not use the track.”
“Entering the closed track while the tree felling operation is underway could result in serious injury and may lead to delays in the work programme.”
Accessing Mautohe Cathedral Cove remains a marine-only experience until December.
Meanwhile, mobilising people to protect Mautohe Cathedral Cove into the future, and determine how its mauri (life essence) can be restored are key facets of visitor management planning work for the iconic site, says Cathedral Cove Project Lead Tania Short.
“And as a coastal location, Mautohe Cathedral Cove faces greater rockfall and landslide challenges than many other places.
“Mautohe Cathedral Cove is vital to the regional economy, and if we manage it and protect it, everyone will benefit,” she says. “But we must do that in a sustainable way.”
Ngāti Hei consider Mautohe Cathedral Cove as a significant site as it is the location of historic pa and fortification ditches.
“This coastal landscape is prone to storm damage, landslides and rockfalls making it a challenging place to maintain access and support high visitor numbers.”
Tania says Ngāti Hei has a clear desire for manuhiri (visitors) to be safe when they go to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, and that will be a key aspect in development of a long-term walking access option.
Contributions from the community are vital to the visitor management workstream, Tania says.
“Our visitor management planning project will be a conversation we want everyone in the community to be part of.”
Pest trees – working together to protect bat habitats | Environment Canterbury
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A line of large poplar trees adjacent to the road on the Scannell family property in Pleasant Point had previously been identified as containing bat roost trees. Several years ago, the family worked with us to develop a native planting area and walkway below the trees to provide habitat for the future.
Unfortunately, the poplar trees had recently deteriorated to become a risk to the road and presented as a hazard.
The presence of bat roost trees required a collaborative approach between the Scannell family, district roading representatives and the Department of Conservation (DOC).
To achieve this, the groups initially needed to find a solution that reduced the risk from the trees and protected the bat roosts. After consulting with an arborist it was agreed that all of the trees be reduced to a height that preserved the bat roosting areas and allowed time for the trees to rot down rather than fall over.
Trees with bat roost attributes were checked for roosting bats before they were cut, and DOC was on hand to oversee the process.
Timaru arborist Kenny from Trees at Bay standing high at work in Pleasant Point, South Canterbury
The outcome has been well worth the effort as the trees continue to serve as safe roosts while allowing time for the plantings below to mature into new habitats.
The trees no longer pose a risk to the road or property and the area continues to be a great example of a family collaborating with us to continue working their land and caring for the environment.
Poplar trees before trimming
Poplar trees after trimming
Managing willows in the area
The Reith family’s property in Geraldine is in an area prone to high rainfall events and flooding of waterways. Large willows on their property were growing and falling into the waterway causing damming, flooding and erosion of the banks.
The property is in an area known to be frequented by bats so the family were aware that they couldn’t remove the trees without first consulting with us.
After a land management advisor visited the property and consulted with DOC, the decision was made to kill the large trees standing with the plan to remove them once dead within 12-18 months.
Willows (Salix spp.) were first introduced to New Zealand during the mid-1800s when early settlers discovered they could strengthen riverbanks that had been stripped of their native vegetation. Fast growing, even in the most challenging conditions, their dense root structures form a fibrous mat that protects bare soil from erosion and stabilises the riverbank.
In the wrong place, however, willows can also be a flood risk, taking up valuable space in the active channel of a river. So, while we are planting willows, poplars and other appropriate exotic and native species in some places, in other places we are removing them.
The family, with further advice from our kaimahi, intend on doing some remediation work to the banks and some follow-up stabilising plantings.
Large willow trees on the Reith’s family property have been removed to help reduce the risk of flooding in the area
Further assistance
To find out more about how you can manage problem trees on your property to protect ecological habitats, please get in touch with your local land management advisor or contact us on 0800 324 636
