BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE 2019 Annual Report E hara taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini
My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective CONTENTS
A tribute to our Patron 2 From our Chair 3 About us – our strategic direction and services 4 Our CE’s overview 5 Educating for the future 6 Funding for success 7 The value of shared support 8 The real heroes - our member groups 9 - ALFA Charitable Trust 10 - Aongatete Forest Project 11 - Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre 12 - ARRC Wildlife Trust 13 - Friends of the Blade 14 - Kaharoa Kōkako Trust 15 - Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society 16 - Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust 17 - Te Whakakaha Trust 18 - Uretara Estuary Managers 19 - Western Bay Wildlife Trust 20 Our team 21 Financials 25 Our supporters 27 A TRIBUTE TO OUR PATRON
WE WERE HONOURED THIS YEAR WHEN SIR ROB FENWICK AGREED TO BE THE BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE (BCA) PATRON.
As we were about to go to print with this report we learnt of Sir Rob’s passing after sadly losing his battle with cancer. We would like to pay tribute to Sir Rob for the huge contribution he made to conservation and environmental challenges in New Zealand.
Sir Rob is highly regarded in the New Zealand conservation space. He is credited with inspiring the Predator Free New Zealand 2050 movement and held a range of instrumental roles including former chair of the Predator Free New Zealand Trust (an organisation committed to supporting volunteers involved in pest control), The Kiwi Trust and Predator Free 2050 Ltd.
Sir Rob said, “I’m happy to be your patron because I believe by coordinating administration of conservation groups in the Bay of Plenty, the trust’s work will present a valuable model for more efficiency in conservation in NZ. The role of volunteers in the war on predators is so important the less time they have to spend filling in funding applications and the more time they have killing stoats the better.”
Arohanui to an inspirational man.
2 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE FROM OUR CHAIR
MOMENTUM IS A GREAT • We have worked with two of the major future developments in the Bay of Plenty by philanthropic funders in the area, TECT and most government, local and national agencies. WORD. IT’S FROM LATIN Baytrust, to revolutionise the way they fund • We have our own office - if we are going to small environmental groups. MOVERE, MEANING ‘TO MOVE’ succeed a dedicated working environment is AND ASKED FOR JUST ONE • We have played a significant role in the essential. development of the Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku The year ahead promises to be challenging, but WORD TO DESCRIBE WHERE Project with representation on the Trust Board, that should bring out the best in us. There is a the Steering Group and two of the three BCA IS AT THE END OF 2019, very long way to go and certainly the issue of Project Groups. I WOULD SAY MOMENTUM. funding is never far from our minds. • We have a dedicated Education Manager We face 2020 with growing passion and We have now been established for three who has created an attractive and innovative continued commitment. We’re gaining years, year one was very much assembling the programme. The year has included the confidence that the support model we are jigsaw including funding to employ our Chief development of an offering that would suit building is adding real value to our member Executive; year two was developing a sound college level students. We believe there groups, increasing engagement and participation foundation on which to build, and year three has is a gap for meaningful environmental in bettering nature outcomes for our region. been all about gaining momentum. education opportunities at this level, especially considering this is the age that students are Thanks everyone for your continued support. Forward motion is a key focus as we strive to considering career pathways or looking to support community conservation outcomes acquire skills that give them confidence to across our region. Here’s a few of our Julian Fitter engage with community initiatives. ‘momentous’ highlights in 2019: BCA Chair • We have moved to ensure that members have • We have increased our membership from four common financial systems based on Xero to eleven community groups, with several accounting software and to provide support possible new members for 2020. This is a for members with accounting or performance demonstrable endorsement that other groups report enquiries. and organisations see the attraction and rationale behind BCA. • We have become part of the conversation. We are consulted and included in discussions on
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 3 ABOUT US OUR STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND SERVICES
OUR OUR Support, sustain and grow community-led A healthy environment enriching nature and people. VISION MISSION environmental restoration and nature conservation.
1. To connect environmental restoration and nature These are our key shared support service areas with OUR conservation projects through joining the Alliance. OUR the intention of lightening the load on our member groups so they can get on with the real work: AIMS 2. To build an effective and valued platform through SERVICES which projects can be initiated, supported and - Financial management sustained. - Administration 3. To deliver key shared support services to members. - Advocacy 4. To increase community participation in member - Education activities through advertising, education, events and effective volunteer management. - Communications & marketing 5. To promote current and develop new funding - Fundraising mechanisms to support members. - Project/operations management 6. To promote partnerships as a means to develop - Collaboration landscape scale restoration projects. - Templates for compliance e.g. Health and Safety, 7. To be a voice for our members and the environment. general policy etc.
4 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE OUR CE’S OVERVIEW
The foundation of Bay Conservation Alliance There is huge scope to make efficiency gains and heartened by the support provided by many key (BCA) was driven by four active conservation achieve so much more through collaboration and partners and thank them for their contribution. groups in the Western Bay of Plenty: Aongatete coordination. We are lucky in the Bay of Plenty We look forward to continuing to build Forest Project, Maketu Ongatoro Wetland that we have a history of doing this and are seeing relationships and further organisational capacity Society, Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust and Uretara great gains across a range of sectors. Conservation in 2020. Estuary Managers. These groups shared the should be no different. Nga mihi, aspiration of looking at new ways to support Our role is to help keep the energy and passion and sustain community-led environmental flowing through our member groups and help restoration and nature conservation, whilst ignite new participation and collaboration. Michelle Elborn lessening the load of day to day operations. Chief Executive Officer One important task BCA can focus on is building a It is with great pleasure that I get to play a part wider understanding of our region’s conservation in turning that into reality. My reflection over the challenges and some of the great responses seen year concludes that it is all about the people. across our members to drive more support. The Community conservation in New Zealand is driven intention of this annual report is to not only share by incredibly passionate people, striving to protect with you BCA’s work throughout 2019 but to also our native taonga and improve our ecological provide a place to tell a collective story of our systems for both nature and people to thrive. We “ member groups. You will note our member groups also have a new generation coming through with have different metrics they track to measure their a desire to tread more lightly on our planet, which UNLESS SOMEONE LIKE YOU CARES successes. This is another area we would like to means we have a responsibility to equip them A WHOLE AWFUL LOT. focus on next year to develop some shared KPI’s with the skills and confidence to contribute to so we can help tell a much better collective impact NOTHING IS GOING TO GET BETTER. conservation. story in future reports. IT’S NOT It has been heartening and sometimes Having strongly focused on building our overwhelming as we spend time listening to the foundations, I am excited about what the Dr Seuss challenges we face and the significant energy coming year will bring as we cement our support and perseverance that is required to succeed. services and really get down to business. We are
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 5 EDUCATING FOR THE FUTURE
A GROWING BODY OF great volunteers. Other groups have found this an Our first year of operation has confirmed overwhelming task. the need to have a strong focus on college RESEARCH POINTS TO THE level students as there is generally a gap in This year BCA developed a new nature education BENEFICIAL EFFECTS THAT environmental education at this level. This too programme which provides a fully facilitated is the age at which students are thinking about EXPOSURE TO THE NATURAL hands-on experiential conservation education career pathways or considering civic duties like experience. Students discover how incredibly WORLD HAS ON HUMAN volunteering. Our work with colleges in 2020 unique New Zealand is, gain an insight into will see students developing real conservation HEALTH, REDUCING STRESS many of the conservation challenges in New management skills and participation in Zealand and learn a set of practical conservation AND PROMOTING HEALING. meaningful monitoring activities, in bona fide skills. Activities and lessons include bird banding community managed conservation sites. Now, policymakers, employers, and healthcare and ID, reptile and insect monitoring, rongoa, providers are increasingly considering the need biosecurity challenges including issues like kauri We believe we have an obligation to equip our for nature in how they plan and operate. dieback and of course the huge challenge of pest young people with the confidence and skills to management. contribute to conservation outcomes for New An important step is ensuring our children have the Zealand. opportunity to connect and learn in nature. How We are currently operating at two sites – can we expect them to protect the planet, if we do Aongatete Forest in the Kaimai Mamaku not first introduce the beauty and the benefits? Conservation Park near Katikati and Otanewainuku Brian Ireland Forest between Te Puke and Oropi. A third site Education Manager Historically our member groups have responded is being developed for 2020. We are also linking to school enquiries in different ways. Some to the existing education offering through our groups have hosted schools with the support of member group Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society.
6 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE FUNDING FOR SUCCESS
The Parliamentary Commissioner’s report Changes to funding systems – ‘Taonga of an island nation; saving New To contribute to our endowment fund A very big thanks to our local funders TECT and Zealand’s birds’ by Jan Wright in 2017, made a please visit www.acornfoundation.org.nz Baytrust who were both willing to try a new recommendation to establish regional biodiversity approach this year. Each supported a combined hubs to coordinate and support community funding application which BCA coordinated on Community Conservation Hub pilot conservation groups. This was in response to behalf of its members. the recognition that the process of setting up a Linking back to Jan Wright’s report non-profit community group, obtaining grants, This considerably reduced the administration recommending the establishment of managing funds and undertaking conservation load on each member group and indeed, for the regional biodiversity hubs, the Department of operations requires specialist skills. It also talked funders themselves. Conservation announced a new community to the challenges of our current funding system The outcome was very positive with TECT conservation hubs fund to open in 2020. While which does not support administrative and funding $300,000 over two years across eight this fund is constrained, in order to have the financial management functions well, although groups (including BCA) and Baytrust funding widest impact across multiple regions, BCA they are fundamental to success. $87,500 over one year across seven groups. This will certainly be putting our name in the hat – wish us luck! Likewise, the report ‘Transforming community is a very welcome and substantial investment in conservation funding in New Zealand’, community conservation. commissioned by the Predator Free New Zealand Setting up for the future Trust, makes a series of recommendations including the establishment of regionally linked Having set up an endowment fund with the Acorn institutions that provide visibility, strategic Foundation in 2018, we saw our first donors advice and practical support to community gifting into our fund in 2019. An endowment conservationists including landowners. fund is a way we can build resilience for our organisation over the long-term as we strive to In line with these reports we believe that there are provide sustainable support. great funding efficiencies to be gained in taking a more collaborative approach and this has been a We would like to thank the Acorn Foundation for focus for BCA this year. the support they provide us on our journey.
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 7 THE VALUE OF SHARED SUPPORT
SOME OF THE SHARED Good governance We closed the year with our inaugural formal members event which we held in November We have reviewed our constitution this year SUPPORT SERVICES WE 2019. This brought all but one of our member making sure we are fully up to date with groups together along with key partners to enjoy HAVE DEVELOPED OR legislative requirements and that our model is some fantastic presentations and networking. DELIVERED IN 2019 taking the best approach. We have been delighted to hear a number of our members have used our Shared operational support constitution as a template for revising their own. Policy templates This year we have undertaken much thinking We also developed a success metrics tracker Thanks to a helping hand with funds from Western around the potential benefits of shared this year to track progress against each of our Bay of Plenty District Council, BCA developed a operational support. This will be a focus for us to strategic aims. Progress against each metric is Policies Template Manual for our member groups deliver in 2020. We think the right skills shared reported to our board on a bi-monthly basis. early this year. The manual includes templates for across groups would add an enormous amount a range of things including governance, health & of value to conservation gains on the ground. Members events safety, communications, volunteer management Tasks such as site planning, time consuming and Treaty of Waitangi obligations. We held a number of members events this processes like toxin applications to the Ministry year. These included bringing member group of Health and DOC, increasing pest control The templates act as a starting point for each treasurers together to refine our standard chart capability and wider coordination are all on the member group to review and amend to suit of accounts, look at Xero capability and discuss radar. Watch this space! their own needs, which reduces organisational performance reporting. overheads and improves the quality of the results by not having to start from scratch. Well With support from the Flaxroots Interagency Forum done to our member groups who have already we celebrated National Volunteer week with a trip implemented new policies! to Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain with a bus load of Western Bay of Plenty volunteers.
8 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE THE REAL HEROES OUR MEMBER GROUPS
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 9 Who we are…
Our Members
Staff & ALFA CHARITABLE TRUST
Purpose Key challenges in 2019 Formed in 2018 by arborists, ALFA is a charity • Building a presence, creating brand awareness. focused on advocating for the strong positive • Finding the spare time for administration benefits urban trees have on the health and including budgets, funding applications, health wellbeing of the environment and the people & safety etc. within it. ALFA Trust aim to provide advice and information to landowners and local government Metrics authorities, support schools, iwi and private • As a relatively new charitable trust, we don’t landowners in environmental restoration projects have someone keeping track of the numbers and to educate the community at large about in a defined fashion, but we had 60 volunteers the benefits of trees for humans as well as assist with approximately 8000 plants. biodiversity.
Achieving success Location and area covered The key next steps for us to achieve the vision of Based in Otakiri on the Rangitaiki Plains, with a “We’ve found BCA very our organisation are to continue to boost brand national outlook. useful with the policy/health awareness in order to attract more membership. and safety side of things This would help us to be less reliant on funding Highlights for 2019 although we’re aware that applications for the next financial year (which take • Hosting events including a wetland restoration significant time). constraints on our time where a school was invited. mean we’re not engaged as • Some of the best arborists in NZ travelled to members as much as we’d help us with a large oak reduction in order to like to be.” help save the tree.
10 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE Who we are…
Our Members
AONGATETE FOREST PROJECT
Purpose Metrics Staff & A joint venture between Forest and Bird and the Trapping totals: 11 stoats, 275 rats, 163 possums, Aongatete Forest Restoration Trust, the project is 22 mice, 28 hedgehogs, 1 rabbit. focused on restoring native biodiversity including 20 Volunteer Wednesdays, 9 Volunteer Saturdays birds, insects & invertebrates to a portion of the (baiting campaigns), 100 different volunteers, Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park using pest 3000 hours, 5 large volunteer groups from the control and to demonstrate the benefits that more community including businesses. widespread pest management efforts would bring to the park. Achieving success
Location and area covered We’re very supportive of the work being done by Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust. We’ve proven 500 hectares of lowland forest in the Kaimai pest control does make a significant difference, Mamaku Conservation Park, accessed from the but without a bigger area of the Kaimai under top of Wright Road, Aongatete. management our vision of a flourishing forest will remain limited in scope as well as heavily reliant Highlights for 2019 on the goodwill of volunteers and funding bodies. “We’ve been very pleased • Fenced demonstration area for translocated with the support that BCA has para (king ferns) completed. provided in areas like accounting, • Third annual Breakfast with the Birds event very funding and compliance and it successful. has improved our organisational • New entrance with large information sign & sustainability even more than we boardwalk. had anticipated.” • New website. • BCA’s development of a professional education service allowing us to offer significant environmental learning opportunities to local schools in the forest we care for. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 11 AONGATETE OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE
Purpose Metrics Focused on environmental education and • 23 school camps with 1400 students and outdoor safety and sustainability, the mission of nearly 500 teachers/parents. Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre is to offer • 19 other educational groups (800 students predominantly school-age children memorable and adults). learning experiences with activities that develop positive life skills, encourage resilience and • A 50% increase in bednights compared to promote a love of and connection to NZ’s native prior 6 years. bush. Achieving success Location and area covered The key next steps to achieve our vision involve 834 Wright Road, Aongatete a significant upgrading and modernising of our physical facilities, our education resources and Highlights for 2019 our online presence. “We’re very pleased with the • New courses, including Outdoor Safety and support BCA has provided by Survival and Forest Discovery & Conservation. applying for and securing the • Installation of an automated security gate. funding to allow an expansion • Installation of back-up water supply tanks. of the Nature Trail Information • Flood-protection drainage installed around Panels and other environmental main block. education resources.”
12 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE Who we are…
Our Members
Staff & ARRC WILDLIFE TRUST
Purpose illustrate how wildlife are injured or orphaned by humans and what children can do to help make a Passionate about caring for New Zealand’s difference have been distributed to a number of native wildlife, ARRC assists the Department of schools. Conservation, vet clinics and the public with the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and Key challenges in 2019 orphaned wildlife in the Bay of Plenty. ARRC works to educate the community at large about • Obtaining funding. the importance of respect and responsibility for • Organising education opportunities. This is the wellbeing of wildlife, animals and our natural where working with BCA has been a fabulous heritage. opportunity to leverage our strategy.
Location and area covered Metrics Office in Fraser St, Tauranga - covering the wider • Admitting and caring for over 800 birds/ Bay of Plenty. animals (and the occasional skink, frog and “BCA has facilitated some very weta!). Highlights for 2019 helpful funding as well as organised • At least 12 school/community group ARRC has continued to provide a high level excellent education opportunities educational talks. of care for the region’s injured and orphaned (particularly with schools), allowing wildlife. They successfully rehabilitated many Achieving success us to focus on what we know we birds including a few rare bitterns. Education of are good at, relieving some of the The next steps to realise the vision of our people and especially children is very important organisation are continued collaborative efforts necessary but resource hungry to facilitate the evolution of a society that with BCA, to ensure we take advantage of ‘back-office’ pressure.” respects and cherishes our wildlife and natural educational opportunities and obtain the funding heritage. To this end, a number of talks to needed for our rehabilitation activities. schools and community organisations have been given. The ARRC Kids Adventure books which
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 13 Who we are…
Our Members
Staff & FRIENDS OF THE BLADE
Purpose Key challenges in 2019 Friends of the Blade/Pa Kereru are a community • Higher numbers of rats in surveys due to mast conservation group drawn primarily from year. residents in and around Whakamarama. Animal • Trial of Smooth lure unsuccessful (despite pest control using traps only is the main focus, being blue, wasn’t effective at avian inhibition: with the aim of creating a rat, stoat and possum- increase in robin deaths as by-catch in trap free environment in which native wildlife can boxes). flourish. Metrics Location and area covered Gained 10 new volunteers, although we lost Near Whakamarama (north of Tauranga), three. Volunteers hours: approx. 2100. currently expanding to cover 300 hectares of the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park Trapping totals: 2000 rats, 480 possums, 670 mice, 25 stoats. Highlights for 2019 “BCA is wonderful for linking The most important next steps we need to take us into a wider network; what • Opening of the Pa Kereru Loop Track in to be successful in the mid to long term are November - the culmination of several human resource oriented: we need to find a good we’d like is more practical help years work by the Mahi Boys (patients of the secretary and a project leader with younger legs! to cope with the administrative BOPDHB mental health service). Adding a further 100 hectares to the trapping and organisational demands. The network is our goal too, it will provide more room • Expansion of area under pest control. current leadership want to work in for our birds to breathe and breed. the bush with the volunteers, not • Good inflow of new volunteers from WBOPDC sponsored adverts. be responding to what can seem like a constant stream of requests • Increase in stoat kills. from our support agencies.”
14 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE Who we are…
Our Members
Staff &
KAHAROA KŌKAKO TRUST
Purpose time, carried out pest control in approximately need more suitable habitat that is under pest 80 hectares at the same time as our sodium management to achieve our vision. We already Formed in 1997 by a group of local residents with fluoroacetate bait station operation. have another 130ha on our radar. The long term the express goal of saving the remnant population goal is to boost the population of kōkako so that of kōkako that remained in the area. Working Key challenges in 2019 they spill out of the KCA into neighbouring, pest closely with DOC to implement ongoing pest controlled bush. control in the Kaharoa Conservation Area, kōkako • An ongoing issue is low numbers of numbers have grown. An excellent example of volunteers. Many of our volunteers assist other what can happen when the community takes on groups in the Rotorua area. the vital role of caring for and enhancing their • Ungulates are a problem, pigs in particular environment. continually damage young nikau plants.
Location and area covered • Unfortunately, people still dump their unwanted cats and kittens at the end of the 30km by road north-east of Rotorua, half way road. between Rotorua and Te Puke as the crow flies with approximately 900 hectares under Metrics management. 2019 trapping totals: 12 stoats, 4 weasels, 216 rats, Highlights for 2019 1 rabbit, 24 hedgehogs, 5 cats. • August: 3 pairs of kōkako were translocated to Volunteer hours: 1400+ with monthly work days the Manawahe Ecological Area to try and help for track and bait station maintenance, 7 pest bolster their falling population. Unfortunately operation days for placing bait into stations and one bird died shortly after. One pair raised a removal later. “We would love to have support from BCA chick, still waiting to confirm that it fledged around our communications, website Achieving success safely. and volunteer recruitment as well as A genetically viable population of 250 pairs of • Port Blakely Ltd, who have neighbouring forest training for volunteers around things like kōkako requires 2000 hectares of bush. We in which kōkako have been observed spending Controlled Substance Licenses.”
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 15 Who we are…
Our Members
MAKETU ONGATORO WETLAND SOCIETY
Purpose Key challenges in 2019 Staff & Wetlands are nature’s filters, improving water The reorganisation of our management team, quality and offering flood protection as well as with key personnel leaving or stepping back, providing critical habitat for native wildlife. Maketu upskilling those with willingness & talent. Also Ongatoro Wetland Society (or MOWS for short) expanding our volunteer training programme so is behind the creation and implementation of we can both identify and develop more people Biodiversity Management Plans that cover the that have the skills required for the project: weed conservation of four key coastal areas surrounding control, pest control, biodiversity monitoring, Maketu. The main aim of the group is ecological chainsawing etc. monitoring and restoration of these unique habitats via a pest mammal control program, Achieving success removal of invasive plant species and education. The key next step for us to achieve the vision of our organisation is developing our human Location and area covered sustainability - both management and work- From Kaituna Cut to Waihi Harbour Wetland, force. This is critical to ensure the continuity and “BCA is key to our future including four key project sites: Maketu Spit, longevity of the group. operations and success. Newdicks Beach, Dotterel Point Pukehina and the Assistance to develop longer term Waihi Harbour Wildlife Management Reserve. funding and to work with partners to expand our projects as well as Highlights for 2019 sourcing, training and maintaining Continued growth of our education programme. an effective management team No serious adverse weather events! and workforce is where support Second annual “Breakfast with the Gulls” event from BCA is needed.” which attracted over 70 people.
16 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE Who we are…
Our Members
OTANEWAINUKU KIWI TRUST
Purpose Key challenges in 2019 Staff & Originally formed in 2002, Otanewainuku Kiwi • Predator control continues to be our biggest Trust was a response by Te Puke Forest and Bird challenge. and other members of the community concerned • Developing sustainable funding for the future. at the decline of North Island brown kiwi in the Otanewainuku Forest. Volunteers maintain our • Building relationships with iwi. integrated pest management programme targeting Metrics stoats, rats and possums which has benefits for all plants and animals but particularly the kiwi and • Average of 15 to 30 people attending monthly kōkako reintroductions which the trust manages. workdays. Over 4000 predators have been removed from • 180km of trap and bait station lines, 250 stoat Otanewainuku in the past few years. trap tunnels and 2142 bait stations. Location and area covered Achieving success Approximately 20km south of Tauranga (past “BCA provides great support For Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust to achieve further Oropi, off SH36) covering 1200 hectares of forest. to Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust success, we simply must maintain our robust through education programmes, pest management programme - there can be Highlights for 2019 no let up, so we need to promote our work development of useable • Extension of the car park for safer visitor and encourage long-term volunteers. We also templates, the provision parking. see potential with the next generation and are of networking and training • New website and branding launched. delighted to be one of the key sites for the opportunities and that sense of delivery of BCA’s nature education programme. • Successful monthly workdays. connection with like-minded conservation groups.” • Great research work to improve the Romark bait stations and possum traps. • Successful photo competition with 150 entries.
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 17 Who we are…
Our Members
Staff & TE WHAKAKAHA TRUST
Purpose plants in the ground, many delicious donated Achieving success venison sausages eaten. Te Whakakaha Conservation Trust was founded We need increased visibility and community to ensure the long-term survival of the ancient • Weed busting day in November with 17 engagement to continue the restoration work, as and critically endangered Ōtawa Hochstetter’s volunteers. our long term vision sees the sanctuary area part frog. Genetically distinct from other species, the of an essential wildlife corridor and track network Ōtawa Hochstetter’s frog is only found in this Key challenges in 2019 that extends from Otanewainuku through Oropi location, which some of was once a quarry site. • Funding - tricky having to pay for things before Forest to Otawa Scenic Reserve. Ōtawa Scenic Reserve was officially designated a the funding arrives. sanctuary in December 2016 and the Trust now • Trapping track access difficulties. supports an active volunteer network to restore and protect the ecology of this precious area, in • Lack of volunteer resource to assist with conjunction with the Department of Conservation, administration and communications (such as district and regional councils and local iwi. newsletters and social media).
Location and area covered Metrics Otawa Scenic Reserve: 400 hectares of forest at • Volunteer hours 2019: 788 recorded (an 1254 No 3 Road, Te Puke. Some of this land was underestimation we’re sure). once a quarry site. • Trapping results: 5 ferrets, 11 stoats, 6 weasels, 206 rats, 131 mice, 34 possums, 24 rabbits, 4 Highlights for 2019 hedgehogs and 2 cats. (Note: Numbers do not • Attending the Te Puke A&P Show with other include kills from the 500 automatic resetting environmental groups. GoodNature Traps in the Sanctuary). • Volunteer training day in May with 17 • We plan to cover 400ha with traps by June attendees: a thorough review of trapping, GPS, 2020. “We have appreciated BCA’s efforts to safety etc. led by DOC’s John Heaphy. obtain finances from big funders to • Extensive frog surveys are scheduled for early support our programmes as needed.” • Planting day in September: 50 people, 1800 2020.
18 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE Who we are…
Our Members
URETARA ESTUARY MANAGERS
Staff & Purpose • Successful funding applications to DOC for swamp maire restoration and fish passage Formed primarily to help clean up the rivers and remediation. streams running into the Uretara Estuary, in the past three years UEM have broadened focus into • Advocate for community on discharge neighbouring catchments. So far, 8,000 metres of consents: Katikati Quarry and Claymark sawmill. stream bank has been fenced & planted to reduce • Stage 1 of the restoration plan for Haiku Park erosion and siltation. The group encourages adjacent to the Uretara River completed. native birdlife along walkways by developing and maintaining streamside and estuarine habitat and Key challenges in 2019 baiting for rodents during the nesting season. • Human resource constraints at an operational/ Location and area covered project management level - current committee (volunteers) at capacity. Katikati and the surrounding catchments (including Uretara 4,100ha, Tahawai 7,670ha, Te Rereatukahia Metrics in 2019 1,860ha, Te Mania 1,300ha). “BCA is assisting UEM with know- 7 planting days with over 12,000 plants in the how and can-do, especially in Highlights for 2019 ground. areas around policy and financial
• Remediation of barriers to fish passage in 4 Achieving success management. Being plugged into a catchments. professional organisation with a focus UEM has a vision for all of the catchments that on conservation outcomes means • 300m of riparian planting on Tahawai & feed into the northern Tauranga Harbour to have Uretara streams. community led catchment management plans we don’t have to recreate the wheel • Hosted a visit and wetland tree planting by the that prioritise water quality improvements and when it comes to best practice for a Minister for the Environment, David Parker. biodiversity restoration. Key to achieving that volunteer-run society.” vision is evolving the current governance and • Good Management Practice workshops with organisational structure and supporting it with industry groups, farmers and residents held for skilled human resources. Project Parore.
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 19 Who we are…
Our Members
Staff &
WESTERN BAY WILDLIFE TRUST
Purpose • Development of an interactive and educational Kororā workshop. Our emphasis is on the protection of native fauna and flora, and education to promote awareness and • Commitment towards a national monitoring understanding of our native ecosystems here in the programme with New Zealand Penguin Western Bay of Plenty. The trust has a strong focus Initiative. on monitoring and protecting the Kororā (little blue penguin) and Oi (grey-faced petrel) populations Key challenges in 2019 based around Mauao and Moturiki Island. • Managing with a low financial reserves and a low number of skilled volunteers. Location and area covered • Labour intensive scientific monitoring. Based at Mount Maunganui and a focus on the western Bay of Plenty coastline but supporting • Predation event during peak breeding season. wildlife across the region. Metrics Highlights for 2019 1000 volunteer hours, 2 educational tours, 7 “BCA have supported us with general and financial admin as Further progress towards protecting little blue education events, 3 clean-up days, 5 wildlife penguin habitat: rescues, 14 grey-faced petrel chicks banded, well as assisting us with funding. 68 adult and 10 chick little blue penguins We’d love help from them to • enhancing relationships with Tauranga City microchipped. Council. procure skilled volunteers that can shoulder the workload of the current • erection of a barrier on Moturiki Island to Achieving success: trustees at a secretarial and treasury prevent trampling of nests/reduce erosion. Realising the vision of our organisation requires level. We also see BCA as integral more funding to enable us to increase awareness • improved predator control and new signage to development of our education for dogs. and community engagement and boost our advocacy and education reach. We have a strong programme and connecting us • Increased trustee consultation for wildlife desire to progress research and development so with other members to work management. that we can ensure time and money is spent in an collaboratively on big projects.” optimal way.
20 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE OUR TEAM
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 21 JULIAN FITTER GAVIN CHERIE DAVID PETERS MICHELLE ELBORN CHAIR DEPUTY CHAIR SECRETARY CEO
Julian is a naturalist, conservationist, Gavin got bitten by the conservation David is an ex-business consultant Michelle has a long-standing passion writer and lecturer with a particular bug at a young age after taking part and project manager, now growing for the environment. Originally interest in New Zealand wildlife in Conservation Week with the Cubs avocados and contributing from the UK and having completed and island ecosystems. Educated at the age of eight. He has been to conservation through the a master’s degree in Conservation in the UK, Julian spent 15 years in volunteering at Otanewainuku Kiwi Aongatete Forest Project and in and Recreation Management she the Galapagos Islands where he Trust for around 13 years and has the wider Bay of Plenty through emigrated to Aotearoa in 2001 and established and ran the first yacht been a trustee for the last 6 years. Bay Conservation. Having worked was delighted to initially work for charter operation. Since moving His main responsibility there is to throughout New Zealand and the Department of Conservation. to New Zealand, he has become secure commercial sponsorships Australia in large commercial Moving on to Tauranga City an ambassador for native wildlife, for the Trust. Gavin is a chemical and government enterprises over Council she spent the next decade being involved in many aspects of engineer and owns 2Plus which several decades, he is now enjoying working across sustainability, conservation in the country, and specialises in ‘Green Chemistry’. His working to develop what are literally community development, strategy the driving force behind Maketu job allows him to travel around the grass roots organisations, to ensure and communications. She is now Ongatoro Wetland Society. He country, but while at home he is a they can continue to improve the very excited to be leading Bay is our passionate founder of Bay real outdoorsman, enjoying kayak environment and leave a legacy for Conservation Alliance, which Conservation Alliance. fishing and surfing. those that follow. presents a huge opportunity to develop a new model for community-led conservation.
22 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE AMELIA DE RIDDER BARBARA MCGILLIVRAY LAWRIE DONALD TANIA GABORIT TREASURER BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER
Recently relocated to the Bay of A volunteer at Aongatete Forest Lawrie has a BAgSc in Soil Sciences A self-employed environmental Plenty, Amelia is passionate about Project since 2008, Barbara became from Massey University and has consultant running Maketu protecting and preserving our Chairperson in 2015 through until a wealth of experience in land Ecological Services Ltd, Tania environment for future generations 2019 and is a current trustee. management and conservation. is passionate about getting kids to enjoy. Now retired, her previous She is passionate about trying to Having worked overseas and involved in conservation. She is work experience included Business preserve the strength and health of locally in roles like Zone Manager the Education Officer for Maketu Management for an Incorporated the Kaimai forests, promoting this for Waikato Regional Council and Ongatoro Wetland Society. Tania Society, Service Manager for by introducing visitors to what is Senior Land Management Officer believes the best way to get kids Department of Conservation, and alive at Aongatete. One of her most for Bay of Plenty Regional Council. interested in the natural world is to Planning and Human Resources for exciting moments at Aongatete was Lawrie is now the Chair of Uretara get them out of the classroom and Shell Todd Oil Services. In Taranaki, the sighting of a Helms Butterfly! Estuary Managers dedicating into the field, helping with planting, weekends were spent tramping At Aongatete the biodiversity of the much of his time to the ecological beach cleans and wildlife monitoring. both on Mount Taranaki and in forest is celebrated and is enhanced restoration of the Uretara Estuary She is also a MOWS representative Eastern Taranaki. She now enjoys because of the ground-based downstream from Katikati. He also on the BCA board. When not the climate and beaches in and pest control carried out by the contributes to other ecological working hard, Tania spends time with around Tauranga. volunteers. issues by Chairing the Estuary Care her husband and young son, as well Leaders Forum. as horse riding, surfing and walking her dog on the beach.
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 23 LOUISE SAUNDERS LARRY O’NEIL BRIAN IRELAND CLAIRE HARTLEY BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER EDUCATION MANAGER ADMIN SUPPORT
After a 25-year career as an A passionate farmer and Born and raised in Wainuiomata, for A UK expat with a background in environmental consultant and businessman who has worked all the last two decades Brian has been zoology and animal care, Claire project manager, Louise believes over the world, Larry hopes we can involved in conservation education is also an avid conservationist. her job is all about problem solving. address some of our environmental including roles like Education and Back in the UK she was a marine She is passionate about helping challenges to leave a better place Visitor Experience Manager at mammal rescue volunteer and people work together positively to for future generations. His property Zealandia Ecosanctuary and Education has had a varied career including solve issues that matter to them, neighbours the Otawa Scenic Manager at Auckland Zoo where he being a zookeeper, a farm park pulling together the threads of Reserve and he became actively established an education programme worker, and managing an exotic pet diverse experiences and networks involved in the development of the on Rotoroa Island and the zoo’s first shop. She has recently retrained in to get things done. Although Louise Te Whakakaha Trust which achieved mātauranga Māori programme. Prior website management and social has ecological and conservation Sanctuary status for the reserve in to joining BCA Brian established a new media which is part of her job with skills, she joined the Board of Bay 2016, recognising the significance Outreach Conservation department at BCA. She is involved in the work of Conservation Alliance to contribute of the Hochstetler’s frog. He Auckland Zoo focussed on delivering Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society, experience in governance, strategy supports the intention of BCA that hands on experiential conservation both working in the field and helping and extending BCA’s organisational we need to work together and raise education across the Auckland region with admin tasks. reach to achieve its goal of awareness of the conservation – a concept Brian is excited to bring landscape-scale conservation. needs in our area. to the various BCA member groups in the BOP region.
24 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE FINANCIALS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION BALANCE SHEET
As at 31 December 2019 As at 31 December 2019
Revenue $ Current Assets $ Grants, Donations & Fundraising 231,990 Cash at bank 119,164 Other Income 4,472 Accounts Receivable 6,204 Interest 233 Total Current Assets 125,368 Membership 1,000 Total Revenue 237,695 Non Current Assets Property Plant & Equipment 14,659
Expenses Total Assets 140,027 Education & Event Delivery 71,021 Current Liabilities Fundraising Expenses 1,685 Credit Card 852 Operational Support 112,329 GST 1,180 Total Expenditure 185,035 Total Current Liabilities 2,032 Net (Profit) 52,660 Net Assets 137,995
26 BAY CONSERVATION ALLIANCE OUR SUPPORTERS
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS:
2019 ANNUAL REPORT 27 We coordinate an Estuary & Stream clean up education 100 trapping volunteers enjoy John Bissell’s presentation programme with TCC, WBOPDC and BOPRC. Education at Otanewainuku
We attended the Te Puke and Great gathering for our Katikati A&P Shows Volunteer trip to Maungatautari inaugural members event Maketu spit with gull colony CONNECT WITH US
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