Te Whatanui Winiata, Chair of the Kaitiaki Board who administer the island, is pleased the island will be accessible for mana whenua and the public in time for summer.
“The kaitiakitanga of the island is paramount,” says Te Whatanui. “Mātiu is a haven in the heart of Te Whanganui a Tara. We’re looking forward to the future, with Matiu remaining accessible for all uri, kaitiaki, and visitors to experience.”
In addition to this new wharf, there are changes to biosecurity procedures to help protect native species on the island, and continue its pest-free status. Angus Hulme-Moir, DOC Operations Manager for Kapiti-Wellington, says it’s critical to keep pests off the islands.
“Mātiu/Somes Island is home to nesting populations of kororā and kākāriki, as well as rare species like tuatara and wētā, while also being a popular destination for tourists and locals alike,” says Angus. “DOC manages the island on behalf of the Kaitiaki Board, and we will work with visitors to ensure they understand the importance of keeping these species safe.”
East By West Ferries will recommence its ferry services to Mātiu/Somes as soon as the island is open again.
“Mātiu/Somes is one of the most accessible of New Zealand’s island sanctuaries, and it is a significant part of our business each year – so we are excited to take visitors out again after a gap of several months.” says Mat Jonsson, General Manager at East By West.
“As the island reopens to the public, we have worked hard with mana whenua and DOC on a model for sustainable visitation to Mātiu/Somes Island, and we’re pleased to be able to introduce online bookings to coincide with reopening and hopefully a busy summer”.
Work on the rebuild of Mātiu/Somes Island’s wharf, by Brian Perry Civil, began in February 2024, and has been completed both on time and on budget.
Mātiu/Somes Island is a predator-free scientific reserve. It is also a historic reserve with a rich multicultural history.
The island is owned by local iwi (Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika). It is governed by a Kaitiaki Board and managed by DOC.
Since pests were eradicated, the island has become a sanctuary for native plants, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates including tuatara, kākāriki, North Island robin, little blue penguins, and wētā.
With outstanding human and natural history, Ōkārito on the South Island’s West Coast, will become the 28th site in the growing Tohu Whenua network.
Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, the Ōkārito Community Association, Tohu Whenua, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Toanga, DOC, and Manatū Taonga the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, joined local school students to celebrate the area’s diverse history.
Ōkārito is an important place for Māori, Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio chairman Paul Madgwick says. “Ōkārito holds a special place in the history of Ngāi Tahu and also our earlier whakapapa of Ngāti Wairangi, Patea and Waitaha, and so Ngāti Māhaki are thrilled to be part of this.
“Tohu Whenua is fitting recognition for the mana of this place. Several pā and kāinga here testify to centuries of occupation—and war—plus Ōkārito was renowned far and wide for its whare wānanga for learning the traditions and lore of Te Tai Poutini.”
Manahautū/Chief Executive of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Chair of the Tohu Whenua Governance Group Andrew Coleman says Tohu Whenua sites provide unique opportunities to encounter and interact with the history that has created Aotearoa New Zealand’s story.
“Ōkārito has layers of fascinating history and we are thrilled to welcome it into our growing network.”
DOC South Westland Operations Manager Wayne Costello says the rich human history combined with the stunning natural environment at Ōkārito make it one of the feature spots of Te Wāhipounamu.
“This is a place of harvest, conservation and goldrush. Today—with the area being part of Predator Free South Westland—the mauri of the natural environment is being restored, making it a must-do place for New Zealanders to visit and connect with both nature and our history.”
To learn more about visiting Ōkārito and other sites on the Tohu Whenua itinerary, visit www.tohuwhenua.nz.
There are a number of ways to experience Ōkārito including beautiful walks featuring rimu, rātā and silver pine forests and the popular 4.3km Ōkārito Trig Walk. The Ōkārito Lagoon can be explored via foot, boat or kayak – giving visitors a close experience with over 70 species of birds, including the rare kōtuku/white heron, along with panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Tohu Whenua will also encourage visits to the iconic Donovan’s Store, Ōkārito Wharf and boatshed. Bookable accommodation includes Ōkārito Community Campground and Ōkārito Schoolhouse – which is managed as a historic asset by DOC.
Tohu Whenua
Tohu Whenua is a free itinerary of places to visit and explore history where it happened. The visitor programme connects New Zealanders with their heritage and enhances their sense of national identity by promoting significant historical and cultural sites.
Tohu Whenua is a partnership between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai (DOC), and Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Other Tohu Whenua sites in the Te Tai Poutini region include the Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre, Historic Reefton, Te Kopikopiko o te Waka and Denniston, Waiuta, and Brunner Mine.
A recent survey commissioned by Tohu Whenua revealed that 78% of New Zealanders surveyed want to learn more about Aotearoa New Zealand history and many indicated a specific interest in Māori heritage.
Archie’s owner and handler is Lauren Piket, one of our biosecurity officers.
She trained Archie herself for over two years, outside of her usual work hours. He passed his full certification test in November 2023 and will be sitting his first-year recertification in November, when it’s hoped he’ll also become qualified to hunt for great willowherb.
Great willowherb is an invasive flowering weed that prefers wet or damp environments such as wetlands. It’s been found at several locations in Canterbury, and with Archie’s help, Lauren is hoping to target areas outside of the usual hotspots.
After November, Archie will need to sit a test every three years to remain certified in the Conservation Dogs Programme.
Lauren says Archie not only needs to show he can find the target species but that he can ignore distractions such as birds, stock and people.
“The tests also check that he can come on command, do emergency stops – things like that. There’s a whole range of skills the dogs are assessed for.”
DOC’s seasonal experiences (including Milford, Kepler, Routeburn, Tongariro Northern Circuit and Whanganui Journey Great Walks) open across October and November for the peak summer season that runs from now until the end of April.
DOC Heritage and Visitor Director Catherine Wilson, shares her top advice for all those planning to get into nature over the next few months, whether on a Great Walk, a day hike or somewhere further off the beaten track.
“Spring is a beautiful but unsettled time in the outdoors. Rivers can rise quickly from rain or snowmelt and avalanche danger can continue through spring and early summer.
“We’re keen to ensure outdoor adventures are truly memorable experiences for all the right reasons. We also want people to be mindful that, as it gets busier, their behaviour can make all the difference for our species and places.
“DOC’s website and visitor centres hold important safety information for anyone preparing to head out. Those planning tramping trips should check the latest weather and safety information, pack the right gear with extra layers and plenty of food and water, and let others know where they are going and when they expect to return.
“We ask people to help protect the land, water and wildlife in the natural areas they visit – give wildlife space, never feed the birds, use toilets provided and take litter away with them or put it in a bin.”
“We’re also reminding people of the importance of paying their hut and campsite fees to make a fair contribution and help keep these facilities available in future. Visitors paying the New Zealand rate on the Great Walks will need to carry proof of ‘ordinary residency’ to show rangers and visitor centres.
Catherine Wilson says bookings are looking promising for the coming season with Great Walks bookings up 19% on the same time last year.
“Milford, Routeburn and Kepler are close to or at capacity, but there is still plenty of space available across the network of 11 walks.
“International bookings are similar to last year accounting for approximately 25% of all bednights.
And it’s not just Great Walks people should plan ahead and book for this season, says Catherine Wilson.
“DOC will be continuing with a free booking system for Tongariro Alpine Crossing as we work to manage visitor pressures and safety on this popular day hike.
“Bookings for huts and campsites outside of the Great Walks, are very strong this year, up 40% on the same time last year as weather-damaged facilities re-open and additional popular facilities become bookable.”
How to be a low impact tramper
Make a commitment to Aotearoa by protecting nature, being prepared, keeping New Zealand clean and showing respect.
Freshwater Ranger Suze Harris is based in Hokitika and studies migratory galaxiids on the West Coast. Here she explains a summary of what whitebait grow up into, and what habitats you can find them in.
There are 5 whitebait species in the Galaxiidae family (excluding smelt/cucumber fish, which are not a true galaxiid). Each have their own habitat preferences and unique behaviours! They do not have scales and tend to be nocturnal to feed on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates while avoiding predation by bigger fish.
The most famous of the whitebait species, making up 90% of any whitebait fritter (depending on the river). Highly fecund (produce a lot of eggs) and live close to the coast. They are weak swimmers and cannot climb, so they stick to slow-moving waters such as wetlands, swamps and lowland streams. Their greatest threats are fish passage barriers (such as overhanging, perched culverts or structures with high velocities running through them), habitat loss, and introduced species. Īnanga spawn in autumn on spring tides on the sides of creeks and rivers. Generally, they live 1-2 years, some spawn twice. Like the rest of the whitebait species, they can live a lot longer in captivity.
Giants are the largest of the whitebait species, with the record length being 450mm, and were the first Galaxiidae to be described in 1789. The golden spots are very distinctive, and its colour pattern inspired the generic name of Galaxias to the whitebait family – referring to the profusion of stars in the galaxy. They are territorial in nature, usually lurking in slow-flowing waters in lowland runs and pools, and feast on large insects like cicadas and wēta. Their spawning ecology is still being unravelled by ecologists, a recent study suggests there are freshwater migrations to and from their domain to spawn.
Eggs are deposited in floods during autumn on the banks of dense canopy cover. They usually run later in the whitebait season. Because they require instream cover with overhanging vegetation, they are disappearing from the east coasts of both islands. Some can live beyond 20 years, up to 40 years in captivity.
Banded kōkopu (Galaxias fasciatus)
Image supplied by: Suze Harris. Image credit: Alfonso Siciliano
Bandeds are common throughout the coast, and are the smallest in the whitebait stage, often golden in colour. They are difficult to differentiate from the other kōkopu when they are young, but the key feature in larger fish are stripes connect over their backs, which is easiest to see towards their tail. They rely on terrestrial insects and are sensitive to intensive land development and sedimentation, hence why they are less common on the east coasts of both islands. They are happy in any type of forests, including pine, beech, and rainforests.
The rarest of the whitebait species, shortjaws are named due to their overbite. They do not have distinct markings other than a black patch behind their gill plate, a blue-green eye, and a dark fringe on their fins. Territorial in nature, they like rocky streams with stable pools to live out their adult lives, likely ranging between 7-15 years. Little is known about these fish due to their solitary nature, but like the other kōkopu species, they spawn in autumn floods on the banks of streams, eggs develop in moist leaf litter and get carried away by floods out to sea. They tend to not coincide with beech forests, so are very rare south of Ōkārito.
Smoothwater River is the furthest southern record on the West Coast, and none have ever been recorded in Fiordland. They are now thought to be extinct from Canterbury. The West Coast is the densest area for shortjaws nationally due to habitat availability and decent water quality.
Also called climbing galaxias, Kōaro are the best climbers of the galaxiid family. They have elongated bodies with similar golden markings to a leopard. Their enlarged pectoral fins are ribbed, helping them climb any wet vertical surface. They can be found at the headwaters of rivers such as the Arahura and the Haast, even in the heart of the Southern Alps, which makes their larval migration out to sea incredible. There are lake-locked populations in NZ, including Lake Wānaka. They like rocky, tumbling streams and can be seen “moon bathing” on top of wet rocks in streams at night, which is likely a tactic to avoid tuna (eel) predation.
Our response team includes approximately 30 trained professionals, led by a qualified regional on-scene commander, prepared to respond to marine oil spills of any scale.
The team are responsible for planning for and responding to all kinds of events, to minimise environmental impacts on our precious coastal environment.
We maintain oil spill response equipment stockpiles across the region, including in Kaikōura, Lyttelton, Ōtautahi/Christchurch, Akaroa, and Timaru.
Additionally, we conduct at least three practice exercises annually with first responders, partner agencies, stakeholders, and industry members.
Wastewater rules are in place to prevent human waste entering the water table, risking public health and environmental degradation.
Project lead ranger Gerald Mullen says visitors who book in for self-contained sites must use their own facilities, and not take advantage of those on site.
“We want to keep the camp open for summer despite the wastewater challenges facing the town, and this is how we can do it,” says Gerald. “We’ll be out there keeping an eye on compliance, and potentially removing campers who are disobeying the rules.”
Bookings at Matatā Campsite are up nearly 25% from last year, indicating people continue to enjoy a summer camping trip in the Bay of Plenty.
Gerald says the team are getting ready to welcome visitors to what is expected to be a busy summer for the idyllic spot.
“Due to the strain on facilities, if visitors fail to comply we will likely have to close a large portion of the camp to remain within wastewater regulations.
“We really are relying on the honesty of campers so all can enjoy the upcoming season.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand initially responded to the fire on 21 October with support from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and mana whenua.
With the fire under control, management was handed to DOC to continue mop-up and start monitoring for hotspots from Saturday 26 October.
Over Labour Weekend, DOC aerial and ground crews inspected along the fire perimeter using thermal drones. Today DOC confirms there are no further hotspots and will move to a scaled-down monitoring approach.
The burnt area contains the largest and most intact raised peatland habitat in Whangamarino. This globally rare habitat is one of the few remaining raised peatlands in the southern hemisphere – and the peat soil plays an important role in storing carbon. The fire released an estimated 96,000-181,800 tonnes of greenhouse gasses back into the atmosphere.
The unique habitat supports a high diversity of threatened native wetland species, including black mudfish/waikaka, Australasian bittern/matuku-hūrepo, and spotless crake/pūweto. It also hosts many threatened plant species and is the only known location of the critically endangered swamp helmet orchid.
DOC’s Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says DOC worked closely with Fire and Emergency, Ngā Muka linking to Ngāti Naho, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Māhuta and other groups to ensure ecologically and culturally sensitive areas threatened by the fire were prioritised for protection.
“Individual animals will have perished in this fire, and there has been an enormous loss of habitat.
“However, we protected around 148 hectares of peatland, thanks to the quick response and co-ordinated effort of everyone involved. This area will be critical to the vegetation recovery as it provides a seed source.
“We wish to extend our huge gratitude to everyone who helped with this collaborative effort to control the fire. After taking a breath, we will move towards creating a recovery plan with the same collaborative approach. It will likely take decades to achieve the work.”
Ngā Muka Trust acknowledge the expertise and professionalism of the fire team throughout the Whangamarino Fire.
Ngā Muka Trust’s Kelvin Tupuhi says, “the kaitiaki implementation was well received and deemed important across all sectors. We take the positive from this, and look forward to a reset of our taonga. Mana whenua will continue to advocate matauranga Māori throughout the recovery process. Nga mihi kia koutou katoa.”
Tinaka Mearns says the fire serves as a reminder of the importance of wetlands to species and to people.
“Wetlands can be a source of carbon emissions when degraded – for example by draining peatlands – but are effective in storing carbon and removing CO2 if maintained or restored.
“Bringing water back into wetlands, restoring them and controlling any fires in their vicinity will reduce their risk to future fire damage. This protects unique plants and animals, plus keeps carbon out of the atmosphere.”
DOC Incident controller Steve Bolton says, “the whakatauki gifted to the response by Kelvin Tupuhi – ‘Ehara He Toa Takitahi, Engari He Toa Takitini’ – recognises that the outcome could not be achieved by one alone but by the many”.
“This includes the fire fighters, their families, employers and the community surrounding the wetland.”
Named Tāne Mahuta, the pou was initially carved in the 1990s by the late Rua Cribb to sit at one of the main entrances to the Whanganui River Road. The design connects mana whenua and symbolizes strength and the resilience of the forest and the awa.
Over the years since installation, the elements took their toll on the structure necessitating skilled refurbishment.
Restoration took place at a dedicated carving facility at Te Ao Hou marae, where the next generation of carvers are reviving the art in Whanganui. Appropriately, some of the restoration carvers trained under the tutelage of Rua.
Marae custodian Geoff Hipango says the pou represents what Whanganui iwi hold dear, in terms of the river.
“For anyone visiting it brings visibility, awareness, that our arts and our people are present.
“For us it’s not just about the pou, it’s also the knowledge that our arts are alive and well in 2024.”
With dedicated work over several months the pou was repaired and re-painted.
Representatives of Whanganui River iwi and Department of Conservation staff oversaw the delicate process of reinstating the pou, commemorating the success with karakia and a small ceremony on October 11.
The pou is situated alongside interpretation panels designed to educate locals and visitors to the Whanganui River.
DOC senior ranger heritage and visitors Jim Campbell says the team are thrilled to see the pou back in place celebrating Te Awa Tupua.
“It’s a fitting introduction to the wild landscapes and history of the Whanganui National Park.”
Visitors to the Whanganui River can view the pou Tāne Mahuta at the turnoff to the Whanganui River Road from State Highway 4.
NZTA has determined that the way some bus models are fitted with bike racks can partially obscure headlights, particularly at night. It has sent an alert to all public transport authorities across the country, asking for operators to check their buses to see which are affected and to resolve any issues accordingly.
As an initial response, bike racks on the front of Metro buses will only be able to be used during daylight hours while adequate testing and changes can be made to ensure compliance. The exact timings of restrictions will vary from month to month to maximise the time available to customers that take their bikes on the bus. For November, The restriction will be in place from 8.45pm to 5.45am.
“This directive from NZTA is all about public safety. While we have not encountered any issues with the visibility of our headlights before, we want to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep our customers, drivers and the public safe,” Public Transport operations manager Derek Walsh says.
“We ask that our customers travelling with bikes respect this new rule and ensure they board and disembark with their bikes during daylight hours. Staff will work with NZTA and operators to determine the best way to undertake assessments before being able to review the fleet and consider mitigation and funding options. The timeframe for this is not yet known.
“We will continue to communicate with our customers affected by this and will let them know when we have a better idea of how long these restrictions could be in place for,” he says.
“We thank our customers for their understanding as we work to get this sorted. Our drivers will be tasked with reminding customers of this new rule, please remember they are just doing their jobs and trying their best to keep everyone safe.”
