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Kia ora Haere mai I trust that everyone had a good break and is enjoying this nice long Welcome summer – except farmers who will be hoping rain is on its way. As this is only an ‘update’ only a few bits have changed – including Dion’s Rongoā update, a ‘No time to Volunteer’ section and additional volunteer opportunities. March is Whio Awareness Month so we are looking to do whio related events. If you are interested in being involved flick me an email… Nga mihi Chris Rendall Community Relations Ranger – Taranaki Area [email protected] Ph 06 759 7178 In brief: The Herpetological Society One of the local groups that do their bit for conservation is the Herpetological Society. They are the local council’s first point of call if they are undertaking vegetation clearance in a location that may be home to lizards. The Herpetological team then springs into action and rushes out to check the vegetation for lizards to move them to safer habitat. Here are a couple of action shots:
Ngaire Jury, Barbara Watkins, Elise Smith and New Plymouth District Council Arborist Conrad Pattison checking Flax bushes for Lizards in an area that was to be cleared for a walkway.
If you see lizards please report them at http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/reptiles-and- frogs/reptiles-and-frogs-distribution-information/species-sightings-and- data-management/
Pest of the Month – Possum
Pest of the Month Trichosurus vulpecula (Brushtail Possum)
The Brushtail possum is an introduced marsupial (have pouched young) and are widespread throughout New Zealand. They have a thick bushy tail, close woolly fur, fox-like ears and a pointed snout.
Possums are a serious conservation pest not just because they can decimate localised stands of trees, but more importantly because they change the overall structure and composition of native forests and other ecosystems. Responsibility for control
Within the Taranaki region there is a Self-help programme run by the Regional Council your property is part of the Self-help. Possum Control Programme (see map by way of TRC link below), you must control possums on your property to a level where they are not impacting upon your neighbour’s property.
Identifying features
They are active at night, although in winter starving or sick animals may emerge to feed in the afternoon. Possums generally emerge from their dens about 30 minutes after sunset. They return just before dawn in the summer, but often several hours earlier in winter. Favoured dens are in thickets of gorse, flax and scrub, but they are equally happy in hay rolls, barns, and the roofs of houses and garages.
Further info http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/factsheets/possums http://www.trc.govt.nz/assets/taranaki/environment/animals/pdf/bru shtail.pdf General information on weeds and being involved in their removal is available from Weedbusters www.weedbusters.org.nz.
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Know your Natives – Bats/Pekapeka Bats/Pekapeka are New Zealand’s only native land mammals (apart from seals and sea lions, which spend some of their lives on land).
New Zealand bats/pekapeka are endemicas they have been isolated from other species for millennia. There are two main kinds (genera), the long-tailed bat Chalinolobus and the lesser short-tailed bat Mystacina.
Long-tailed (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) Lesser Short-tailed (Mystacina tuberculata) Lesser short-tailed bats are important pollinators of forest lilies, pöhutukawa and especially the parasitic wood rose Dactylanthus taylorii (pua o te reinga). Some New Zealand flowers produce more nectar at night, attracting lesser short-tailed bats as pollinators. Threats Fire, logging, land-clearance, disturbance of roosts and predators such as stoats, rats, possums and cats have reduced pekapeka numbers to the point where scientists consider them endangered. Local relevance Taranaki is home to bats and Dactylanthus – so ensuring both species survive is important for each of them. The Department is involved in monitoring both species and undertakes actions to protect both species including caging Dactylanthus and pest control.
More information http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/bats/
3 Calendar of Events – Work / Exercise
10 & 17 March (also Rotokare – Working bee (South Taranaki) – special effort for the every Sunday) construction of a new fence walking track 9am - 12.30pm (lunch provided ) The pest-proof fence is such an integral component of the sanctuary project, so it makes sense to give people the opportunity to see it up close and follow the boundary. In addition, we are seeing people walking the fence line on a regular basis already – so this project is essentially supporting a strong community interest, whilst also helping to reduce erosion risks associated with the fence and heavy foot traffic. This project is physical, requiring a reasonable level of fitness. Rotokare volunteers will lead small teams working on various elements of walkway construction. Please bring sturdy footwear, sunhat, plenty of water and snacks. Useful tools: hammer and spade. Other Sundays activities may include: trap re-baiting, fence checking, paving, planting (contact: [email protected] for further details)
TBA- see contact A new Volunteer Opportunity details During March we will begin our search for Dactylanthus taylorii in the Egmont National Park. Dactylanthus is New Zealand’s only completely parasitic plant; depending on its host for survival. It produces a sweet nectar with entices wildlife from all around; which includes possum who tend to destroy the flower with prevents the development of seeds. For more information on Dactylantus see www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-plants/dactylanthus/. If anyone is interested in getting up close to this unique plant then please contact Kelly at [email protected] or on (06) 759 7183 (leave a message as I am usually not at my desk). This job will involve either day or overnight trips, during which you locate plants then place and secure a cage over it. This caging improves the plants chances to produce seed and therefore continue the success of the population for generations to come. st 1 Saturday of the Forest and Bird’s Te Wairoa Reserve (Clearview Rd – Lepperton) Month Working Bee for maintenance of this well established small reserve. Opportunity to be amongst mature trees and see birds. For further information or confirmation of the day contact; Janet Hunt 06 756 9165 or [email protected]
TBC – March/April Frankley Road Reserves – New Plymouth We are looking to link some remanant bits of bush on this reserve with the help of the adjoining landowner (whose family also donated the land to the Department). The land is currently paddock and so will take a while
to re-vegetate so it would be great to help it along. There is also the opportunity to do some pest plant eradication in the bush remnants. Contact Chris Rendall 06 7597178 [email protected].
TBA- see contact Taranaki Kiwi Trust details Don’t just read about us – get involved! There are lots of neat opportunities; various forms of field work including being part of night kiwi survey teams, stoat trap setting; simple computer work including assisting with the processing of data collected through our night kiwi recorder devices (own computer required, all training provided); assisting with events and set-up of resources; any other skills you can offer us?..….. Contact Taranaki Kiwi Trust, 027 4601047 or [email protected] st 1 Sunday of the East Taranaki Environment Trust – Working bee (continues the first Month Sunday of every month) 10am at Purangi We are working on improving our new public walking track and cleaning up after the very wet winter. Lunch will be provided. Contact Karen Schumacher 06-7568064 for details.
TBA- see contact Huatoki Conservation Group (Urban New Plymouth) details The Huatoki Conservation Group focuses on the care and conservation of the native habitats in the Huatoki area; including the Huatoki Domain, Huatoki Scenic Reserve (‘Tupari’), Sheppard’s Bush/Budleigh Street Bush Reserve and the Huatoki Walkway. We have monthly working bees consisting of weeding and rubbish clearance in targeted areas and annual restoration planting with the Vogeltown School. Contact Bill Clarkson (06- 7535811) or Greg Sharman (06- 7695858).
TBA- see contact Forest and Bird’s Upper Te Henui Walkway Restoration Project details (Urban New Plymouth) This project began in 2009 to restore the southern section of the Te Henui Walkway between Cumberland Street and Durham Ave back to native vegetation with agreement from NPDC. Within this area there are some native species of special interest. To achieve their preservation and restore the area there is a need for on-going weeding and occasionally planting. If you are interested in volunteering with this project contact Carolyn Brough [email protected].
Sat 13/Sun 14 April Mangorei Track – Working Bee 9am at the end of Mangorei Road The boardwalk to the Pouakai Hut is finished but there are still some jobs to do along the Mangorei Track. The New Plymouth Tramping Club has
5 been helping us out by tidying up the earthworks and stacking the old totara slats. We'll meet where we park the cars. If you need a ride give Mike Tapp ([email protected]) a call at the DOC Office 067597193 or 0274477229. Phone Mike before the day too, just to confirm that the working bee is still on.
TBA- see contact Mangorei and Maude tracks – Taranaki Kiwi Trust Traplines details We have full rosters at the moment, but always welcome more people, as we hope to expand by creating other traplines on other tracks on the Pouakais. We need people who are onto it in terms of tramping strenuous steep tracks for several hours, with all of their own personal day trip gear, and willing to empty manky dead critters out of traps, carry loads of eggs for rebaiting, and willing to reset heavy traps. People need to allow a full day, and do it a few times per year – bit dependant on how many people we have at the time. I organise a roster for the year. We show new people what to do, and can pair them up with more experienced volunteers if required Cees Bevers [email protected]; Ph (06) 759 2044; 027 6604041
9-12 March and Hut wardens 29 March to 1 April. If you are interested in being a hut warden contact Mike Tapp [email protected]
TBA- see contact Volunteering opportunities – EcoGecko Consultants Ltd details We have a number of biodiversity projects for which we often take volunteers out into the field (many are out of town in exciting places like Great Barrier Island, and require commitment for 1-2 weeks). We match projects with people based on their existing skill, fitness and commitment level, but are quite happy to provide training in herpetological and other field ecology skills. See www.ecogecko.co.nz [email protected] (06) 758 8771 / 027 635 3662. Freshwater Native Fish Monitoring Volunteering/ Training A student who has been researching spatial and temporal changes in fish opportunity diversity is going to do further study this summer. He would be interested in having some volunteers who he would train on habitat, fish and invertebrate sampling. If you are interested in either of these flick me an email - [email protected]
DOC Reserve Cleaning up your local reserve adoption/ clean-up There are a number of opportunities around the Region for local groups,
6 schools or organisations to adopt a reserve. This could mean working with the Department to remove weeds, plant natives, or control pests. A full display of public conservation areas is available from http://gis.doc.govt.nz/docgis/ or if you want to load it in your own GIS system http://geoportal.doc.govt.nz/geoportal/catalog/main/home.page. Calendar of Events – Education / Play First Monday of the Fredrick’s Bar – Taranaki Young Conservationists monthly meet and Month greet 6-8 pm Open to all ages, although under 18’s need to be accompanied by a parent. TBA- March Kiwi Aversion (was to be 2 March but organiser is in Oz fire fighting) If you take your dog into places where they may encounter kiwi then this course is for you – email me ([email protected]) and I can provide further information.
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Funding update I am not planning to include the full list of funding opportunities in each newsletter – but if you have not received it I can forward the original newsletter (or just the fund option pages) Taranaki Tree The first funding round of 2013 opens on the 1st of February and closes on Trust the 1st of March. The Trust makes grants to support projects which restore wetlands, bush remnants, the coast and wildlife habitat or enhance community areas. Planting projects planned for winter may be eligible. Additional information and an application forms can be obtained from the website www.taranankitreetrust.org.nz or from the Co-ordinator at 06 756 7127 or [email protected] Mazda Foundation The Mazda Foundation Trust aims include (but are not limited to) the provision of financial aid to individuals and causes for example assistance towards the maintenance and improvement of the natural environment http://www.mazdafoundation.org.nz/#/home. Honda TreeFund The Honda TreeFund is managed by the Regional Council – so approach them if you are interested in applying for funding http://www.honda.co.nz/environment/treefund/.
Bishop’s Action The Foundation is a community development organisation that helps Foundation local groups and organisations to do a great job. We intend that the projects and partnerships we support will help to build thriving communities www.bishopsactionfoundation.org.nz. No time to Volunteer? There are other ways you can help conservation…
The Department has arranged a small sponsorship deal with tumbleweed tee-shirts. They have offered to sponsor the monitoring of tuatara on Matiu/Somes Island. They are contributing $5 of every tee-shirt they sell and have established a brief summary on their website (and you'll see they are helping with other species too). http://www.tumbleweedtees.com/tuatara-conservation www.facebook.com/TumbleweedTees.
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Rongoā, Uses and Stories of NZ Natives (Dion Cowley) Summer is still here and the Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) fruit are turning yellow like the sun. The Kawakawa berries were eaten by Māori after spitting out the many hard seeds and used to flavour a kind of jelly made from seaweed.
Rongoā is Kawakawa leaf tea is the classic Rongoā Māori general health tonic and traditional Māori there are accounts of Kawakawa beer also being very refreshing. medicine using Kawakawa leaves have been known to be chewed for toothache or plants mouth ulcers or used as a breath freshener. Green leaves can be burnt to keep mosquitoes and sandflies away. Māori also placed leaves over cuts and boils to speed up healing. Kawakawa leaves are also used as an ingredient in the popular Titoki Liquor, which is currently exported to Japan, Australia, Fiji and the UK.
Rats are said to die when fed the leaves at 60% of their rations, so caution is needed. Interestingly, Kawakawa is related to the Fijian Kava which is made into a narcotic drink, however Kawakawa does not share this property.
One feature often noted is that the leaves often have holes, these are made by looper caterpillars (larva of species including the moth Cleora scriptaria).
References Crowe, A. 1997 Field Guide to Native Edible Plants of NZ http://blog.forestandbird.org.nz/native-born-remedies www.nzes.org.nz/nzje/free_issues/NZJEcol24_1_91.pdf www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/local-butterflies-moths/moth-kawakawa-looper-cleora- scriptaria.html www.visitzealandia.com/species-member/kawakawa Quick Links – local conservation stories
Argentine Ants – www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily- news/news/8187456/Invading-ants-out-of-control-council-gives-up Rotokare – www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/8152067/Reserve- teems-with-wildlife-again Wetlands (more general interest) www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-news- archives-2012-rtr9-news/main/ramsar/1-26-45-520%5E26034_4000_0
9 Conservation groups in Taranaki Also you can contact these groups if you are interested in being involved in their longer term projects. Taranaki Young www.facebook.com/TaranakiYoungConservationists A new group looking for new Conservationists members and has keen members who arrange interesting adventures!
www.pukekura.org.nz [email protected] P.O. Box 484, New Plymouth 4340
FROTH – Valda Poletti – 758 8693 – [email protected]
Huatoki Conservation Group – Bill Clarkson – [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/NgaMotuMarineReserveSociety?ref=ts&fref=ts Emily Roberts – [email protected] P.O. Box 1029, New Plymouth. Membership costs $5 unwaged, $10 waged
www.rotokare.org.nz [email protected] PO Box 33, Eltham
www.hivetaranaki.co.nz/ 769 6008 – [email protected] 13 Brougham Street, New Plymouth PO Box 914, New Plymouth 4310
While not specifically requiring volunteers – they are always interested in new members and assisting any attempts to liaise with land owners to conserve reptile habitat and prevent habitat destruction www.reptiles.org.nz.
For general activities and newsletters see www.forestandbird.org.nz / North Taranaki Contact Carolyn Brough [email protected]. Volunteers would be appreciated to assist with website updates, help with displays and promotional days. For kids there is also the Kiwi Conservation Club www.kcc.org.nz.
www.etet.org.nz; [email protected]; contact Karen Schumacher, 556 Upper Durham Road, RD 8, Inglewood. Phone 06 756 8064
www.taranakikiwi.org.nz PO Box 867, New Plymouth [email protected] Daytime phone number (New Plymouth) 927-3543
www.osnz.org.nz Taranaki Region: Barry Hartley [email protected] 06 757 8644 12a Ronald St, New Plymouth 4312
10 www.openspace.org.nz
www.emr.org.nz
www.fishandgame.org.nz [email protected]
www.newplymouthnz.com
http://stratford.govt.nz
www.trc.govt.nz
www.doc.govt.nz
www.terrain.net.nz
Michelle Dwyer (Secretary): [email protected] Ivan Bruce (Archaeologist): [email protected]
www.taranakitreetrust.org.nz [email protected] Ph: 06 765 7127
www.waikato.ac.nz/eri/
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Other groups you may be interested in:
An organisation that develops a range of products including where you can find interesting and useful information on advances in pest control www.landcareresearch.co.nz. They also have a range of useful tools and tips for those learning how to identify plants and animals for example Landcare Research www.nzpcn.org.nz/page.asp?flora_Quiz, http://nzlizards.landcareresearch.co.nz/, www.landcareresearch.co.nz/resources/identification/plants/native- orchid-key. Is a site where you can record your species observations and ask for help to identify species. You can also look at the species that have been NatureWatch NZ observed in an area you are planning to visit http://naturewatch.org.nz/ and http://nzbrn.blogspot.co.nz/.
National Pest Assists those in the vertebrate pest control industry to share their Control Agencies knowledge and experience www.npca.org.nz.
Whitebait Is a resource available for schools to learn about freshwater. The website Connection also has a range of resources about freshwater ecosystems in general (WBC) www.whitebaitconnection.co.nz.
Is designed to be a one stop shop for marine conservation information Marine NZ www.marinenz.org.nz.
Since 1972 Environment and Conservation Organisations of Aotearoa ECO (ECO) has been an umbrella group for environment and conservation organisations in New Zealand www.eco.org.nz.
New Zealand Provides information on conservation related jobs around New Zealand Conservation Jobs http://conjobs.co.nz.
NZ Wildlife A site where you can chat about animals/issues you are interested in Management www.wildlifemanagement.net.nz. Forum New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE) is an organisation that promotes and supports lifelong learning about our NZAEE environment and encourages behaviours that lead to sustainability for New Zealand/Aotearoa www.nzaee.org.nz.
Founded in 1980, the NZ Native Forests Restoration now has 30 reserves Native Forest throughout the North Island with a total of more than 6,000ha of Restoration Trust protected native forests www.nznfrt.org.nz/. Provides current, relevant, and best-practice information to those Sanctuaries NZ engaged in managing biodiversity sanctuaries in New Zealand www.sanctuariesnz.org/.
12 Was established in 2003 with the vision that ‘no indigenous species of NZ Plant plant will become extinct nor be placed at risk of extinction as a result of Conservation human action or indifference, and that the rich, diverse and unique plant Network life of New Zealand will be recognised, cherished and restored’ www.nzpcn.org.nz/.
Weedbusters is a weeds education and awareness programme that aims
to protect New Zealand’s environment from the increasing weed problem www.weedbusters.org.nz.
Schools and Education
The Bayer Primary School Science Fund is sponsored by Bayer and administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand. This fund is to give primary schools the opportunity to apply for funding required to teach Bayer Primary both environmental science and ‘nature of science’ activities. A primary School Science school can request a maximum sum of up to $2,000 to help fund activities. Fund Examples of the sorts of activities that could be funded as well as other
information and application forms can be found at: http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/programmes/funds/bayer-primary- school-science-fund/.
Kids Restore New Zealand is an organisation that offers a chance to make a real difference to our environmental future! Kids Restore New Zealand \Kids Restore NZ is a project of the Air New Zealand Environmental Charitable Trust. fund Check out the website www.kidsrestorenz.org.nz which includes criteria for school participation.
New Zealand Science, Mathematics & Technology Teacher Fellowship Scheme is open to fully qualified and registered practicing primary, Royal Society of intermediate and secondary teachers whose work can be related to New Zealand science, mathematics, social sciences and technology. For more information, go to www.rsnz.org/awards/teacher_fellowships/index.php.
Please note I obtain images and information contained within this publication from other publications and do not always note the reference details within this publication I can provide the information to any interested parties.
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