Working together for healthier streams and river through community participation and kaitiakitanga News, views and information on the sustainable management and biodiversity restoration of the Whau River Catchment

Kia ora koutou - Greetings to you all

Find us on Facebook July 2020

Ecological Restoration: Volunteering Auckland helps to boost our capacity

In July staff from one of NZ’s best breweries - Garage Project joined us on site at the Kurt Brehmer Walkway on Rosebank Peninsula. The team worked on a spiny weed called Eleagnus using our new leather gloves supplied through Love Your Neighbourhood; they also cut massive amounts of Elephant Grass. Funnily enough, one of Garage Project's best beers is Pernicious Weed - a beer we sometimes award for top services in the field of weed control. Lovely to work with these people and thanks to Volunteering Auckland for supplying such a great number of corporate teams to help us.

Ecological Restoration: The Thursday Friends of the Whau group goes from strength to strength

Every Thursday we have had a great crew of people turn out for our weekly session. This team is getting more skilled up by the week and Volunteers have tackled a broad range of exotic weeds on the Rosebank Peninsula. Some volunteers have gone back to work or study but we continue to get more new people coming along each week from all walks of life and from different parts of the city. Due to Volunteers requets we’ve extended the time that these events run so they now go from 10am through till 12.30pm. Get in touch if you would like to hear more about this fabulous group. Contact Sandra: [email protected]

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 1

Te Whau Biodiversity Survey: Become a Community Scientist register for the upcoming workshop

We are looking for more Volunteers to participate in our Te Whau Biodiversity Survey. It does not take up much of your time. You can do it while walking in the local reserve or from your own backyard. All you need to do is take photos of weed and/or native plants. If you already have the iNaturalist app on your phone, you can instantly download the image and its GPS location at a push of a button. It is so easy. You will be helping a great cause at the same time. As each photo becomes data that is used to establish where weeds and native plants are located within the Whau River catchment. This is something that has not been done before. If you are interested and would like to join a workshop on the 6th of September at the Blockhouse Bay Recreational Reserve email Justine at [email protected]. For further details. If you cannot make it check out how to download the iNaturalist app on this link

Ecological Restoration: KiwiKrew in action on the Kurt Brehmer Walkway

Checkout our new volunteers – they look pretty handy don’t they! KiwiKrew – are Entertainment Industry Roadies, whose work is really quiet given the current border closures in NZ & worldwide. No concerts means no work, but these people want to stay busy and every Friday they will be out helping us with our restoration work. Thanks guys we really appreciate what you are doing.

Environmental Education: Whau River catchment stream water testing

It is great to see so many people wanting to participate in water testing of freshwater streams within the Whau River Catchment. Stream water testing is essential at this time of the year. Especially after a heavy rainfall. The stream ecosystems are often seriously affected by stormwater runoff that washes pollutants, nutrients and sediments into our streams. Unfortunately, most storm water systems are not designed to handle large amounts of water flowing off imperious surfaces within built up urban areas, which can cause serious problems for stream ecosystems and our health. Check out this link for more details. If you wish to assist with testing stream water health please contact Justine by emailing: [email protected] or mobile: 021627864. See the events page at the end of the ENews for dates and times of the next stream water-testing event.

WRCT Community Plant Nursery: Individual Volunteers & Groups Wanted

WRCT staff and FOW Volunteers have been working on and off to develop an area to hold the 20,000 plants received annually from Auckland Council’s, Mayor’s Million Trees programme. The area also provides space for the growing on of native enrichment plant species, which we require for our restoration projects in the Whau River catchment. The Nursery area is comprised of a plant holding area, plant propagation area, potting shed and storage facilities. From the beginning of this year, the Community Nursery will be open to Volunteers who would like to participate in the growing and propagation of native plants, which are specific to the Whau River catchment.

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 2

Community Science –Te Whau Biodiversity Survey 2020

The ‘Te Whau Biodiversity Survey 2020’ is in action on iNaturalists. Last year there was 1000 observations added to the iNaturalists app by people in the community. This year we want to increase the numbers of observation by double. We need your help by taking photos of the animals and plants you observe in your backyard or in your local reserve. It is easy to do. Just download the iNaturalists app onto your mobile phone and start taking photos. All photos will automatically become data for the ‘Te Whau Biodiversity Survey 2020’. Provided the photos be taken within the Whau River Catchment area.

If unsure what to do attend a 2-hour workshop run at the Blockhouse Boy Recreational Park. You will learn how to use the iNaturalist app and the advantages of the participating in the biodiversity survey.

It is a fun way to learn more about nature and find out what wildlife lives in your neighbourhood. Why not form a Neighbourhood family group and involve the children.

For more details and regular updates, please follow progress in more detail on our Facebook Page or visit the project on the iNaturalists website if you need more information on how to use the iNaturalists phone app click on this link.

The project recommenced in January 2020 and will run until the 31st December 2020, thanks to support from The Trusts Community Foundation and Whau Wildlink.

If you have, any questions please feel free to contact Justine by email: [email protected] or mobile: 021627864.

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 3

Kids’ Corner: Quiz

1) What bird feeds 2) Where are you 3) What New 4) What weed forms on insects in the most likely to see Zealand plant a large pod of air? a dragonfly? bears cones air-Bourne instead of seeds? flowers? a) Kiwi a) Polluted water a) Kowhai (a) Ginger plant b) Kereru b) Flooded water b) Totara (b) Gorse c) Pukeko c) Freshwater water c) Pohutakawa (c) Elephant grass d) Fantail (Streams, ponds d) Nikau (d) Moth plants and lakes) d) Salty water (Mangrove areas)

* Answers are at the end of the ENews

Native Plant of the Month: Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides)

The Kanuka belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. From 1832 to 1983, the species was known as Leptospermum ericoides. They look very similar to the manuka (Leptospermum scoparium). To compare the two different species, the kanuka prefers drier sites and is intolerant of truly wet soils. The leaves are softer to the touch. The kanuka trees live longer than the manuka, with an average of 60 years. They can grow up to 10-15 m tall whereas the manuka only grow to 6-8 m. The kanuka have slightly smaller flowers than manuka. The Kanuka flower in late spring to mid-summer (November to January). Whereas the Manuka flowers can be seen flowering during winter. Their seed capsules are similar to small cloves and not held onto the tree like manuka. The seed itself is small enough to look more like dust. Sooty mould occurs on kanuka, but not to the same extent as manuka. Kanuka wood is extremely hard and was used for tools and the wood can be machined. The brush provides shelter from wind and rain. Kanuka is also used for honey production. However, it does not possess the ability to kill antibiotic resistant bacteria that the some manuka honey has.

Native Bird of the Month: Pukeko – Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus)

The Pukeko are a member of the rail family birds. They look very similar to takahe. Although takahe are much heavier, the pukeko are longer (51cm). They have distinctive colourings; a deep blue colour, with black head and upperparts, white feathers under their tail and a red bill and legs. They are widespread and are as at home in pasture and farmland as they are in the wetlands. They are commonly seen along marshy roadsides and low-lying open country. Unlike many other native birds, the pukeko has adapted well to new habitats, such as grassed paddocks, cropland and even city parks, a necessity brought about by disappearing wetlands. Although they’re not great flyers, they are good wader, swimmers and runners. They’re mostly vegetarian, but also eat protein-rich animals especially during breeding season. Such as, invertebrates, eggs, frogs, small fish, chicks and mammals.

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 4

Insect of the Month: Yellow Admiral (Vanessa itea)

Yellow admiral butterflies are native to New Zealand, Australia, Norfolk Island and Loyalty Island. They are long-lived butterflies that can live up to a year. Yellow admiral are found nationwide where there is good food supply. They feed mostly on nettle species (Urtica spp). However, they have been seen feeding on the sap from tree bark, berries, fruit juices, nectar plants like Buddleia and Hebe. They are commonly found in the open country and garden. This butterfly has a wingspan of 45-55 mm and have a broad yellow band on both sides of their wings. An albino variation has white bands and pale brown on the remaining parts of the wings. The numbers of the yellow admiral dropped in the 1970’s and 80’s due to reduced numbers of Nettles and the introduction of the parasites (Ichneumons) and the wasp (Pteromalus puparum) to control the white butterfly. However, many may have been lost to the self-introduced Australian wasp. Photo by Dean Morley

Pest Plant of the Month: Elephant Grass (Arundo donax)

Elephant grass is also known as giant reed. The plant originates from Eurasia and is considered an invasive weed. It forms dense thickets that crowd out other plants by smothering them from above. They can thrive in soils with little nutrients and moisture. They spread from root fragments, through either soil movement or dumping of garden waste. Although it rarely sets seed in New Zealand now, there is concern that this may change with increase global warming. Rhizomes and broken stems are spread from roadsides, tips and gardens by water movement. These broken stems can resprout and has the potential to become a wetland weed and could affect aquatic native fauna. To get rid of it cut the thickets close to the ground and then dig out the root/rhizome mass. Make sure you dispose these roots at the refuse transfer centre or in a black plastic bag. Otherwise cut the stems and inject or spray the stems with a herbicide. Check out this link

Pest of the Month: Stoat (Mustafa ermine)

Stoats can live in any habitat where they can find prey and are known to live near human settlements. These introduced pests are destructive towards New Zealand unique wildlife, especially the native birds. They are able to climb trees and steal eggs, chicks and attack adult birds. Since they can swim about 1.5 km, they are a threat to isolated sanctuary islands near the mainland, such as Tiritiri Matangi Island and other pest free islands in the Hauraki Gulf. These pests are one of the species listed on the government driven ‘Predator Free New Zealand’ campaign to be rid of by the year 2050. If you suspect you have a stoat in your backyard and want to set up a trap, check out this link for more details. If you have, any questions please feel free to contact Justine at the Whau River Catchment Trust via email [email protected] or phone 021627864.

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 5

WRCT Pest Free Whau: Be part of the effort to see the Whau River Catchment Pest Free by 2050

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 6

YOU Can Make a Difference - Show your support for the local environment through our Givealittle Page

The work of the WRCT / FOW can now be supported through Givealittle. So it is now possible for you to personally make a financial contribution, supporting the ongoing good work already underway helping to protect the Whau River, and for the continued restoration of wild life habitats within the Whau River catchment. Money raised will go towards the purchase of ecosourced native plants, weed control, litter bins, and generally help with supporting volunteer restoration events for 2020-21. Thank you to all those people who have already made a donation. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

Givealittle Donation Facts

Plants cost on the average around $4.50each to buy at trade price. So 10,000 plants will cost around $45,000. Some of the plants WRCT use are funded by Auckland Council, but all additional plants we need have to be purchased or grown by WRCT. Can you help by supporting our Givealittle campaign for the WRCT to grow or purchase native plants for our restoration sites? Replacing weeds with natives and restoring wildlife habitats back to the River. The cost to prepare a site before planting and then to maintain it weed free for 2-3 years costs a considerable amount of money. As Volunteers can only do so much, the rest of the job often requires experienced Council approved Contractors to help manage a site.

Donations & Other Ways to Support the WRCT/FOW

As a charitable Trust WRCT/FOW relies on the generosity and goodwill of individuals, corporates and funding organisations so we can keep doing what we do so well – improving the natural environment of the Whau River catchment for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE

If you or anyone you know would like to donate goods, services, time or make a financial donation or a bequest, please contact Gilbert at [email protected] or phone 09-827 3374. We would love to hear from you and discuss how you can help! CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

Exclusive FOW Quality Supporters Apparel – Autumn Sweat Shirt for FOW Volunteers

How about supporting FOW by purchasing a FOW Sweatshirt for the cooler autumn months and look the part when you come out to help.

Crew sweat, raglan sleeves. Heavy weight, 350 GSM 80% cotton, 20% polyester, anti-pill fleece. Neck and sleeve cuff ribbing, preshrunk to minimise shrinkage - Different colours available $52.95 incl. GST https://fow.printmighty.co.nz/products/fow-sweatshirt Help promote the work of FOW. You can now buy quality Friends of the Whau T-shirts, Sweat Shirts, Hoodies, Singlets, Raglan Shirts, Canvas Bags and other apparel to show your support for Friends of the Whau. A portion of the sales will go to Friends of the Whau Support Friends of the Whau http://fow.printmighty.co.nz/products.

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 7

Biosecurity: JOIN THE PEST FREE WHAU PROJECT

Our vision is one where native birds and other wildlife can flourish, and everyone works together to support our natural heritage. Our focus is to make the Whau River Catchment Predator Free by 2050.

We are committed to eliminating the possums that shred our native trees, the rats and other predators that eat native baby birds and eggs and the weeds that strangle the native bush.

Our strategy to support our native wildlife by removing pests will require a partnership between the community, businesses, schools and central and local government. Some of our volunteers have begun pest monitoring, and setting out traps. However, we need more people on board to achieve our goal of saving our native wildlife.

We need volunteers to assist with trapping and removing weeds in their homes, their streets, and their workplaces, as well as in our reserves. We need volunteers to provide information and/or foster a spirit of collaboration amongst neighbours to do their bit to control rats, possums, and other animal and plant pests.

Contact us if you can help and would like to get involved email [email protected] OR phone (09) 627-3372.

UPCOMING E-EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY

Further details on our Facebook Page

Date / Time Event Who Site Monthly: Online activity. The Whau Backyard Bird All Welcome Within your ‘area’ of the Survey (iNaturalist) (Contact Justine) Whau River Catchment [email protected] All of 2020: Online activity. Te Whau Biodiversity All welcome Within your ‘area’ of the January – December Survey 2020 (iNaturalist) (Contact Justine) Whau River Catchment [email protected] Monthly: Online training for Backyard Predator Control All Welcome Within your ‘area’ of the Pest Control in your – helping to control rats (Contact Justine) Whau River Catchment & backyard and mice around your [email protected] Residents of Rosebank property Peninsula Monthly: Online training for Community Plant Nursery All welcome From home online Plant Propagation of Native (Plant Propagation) (Contact WRCT) Plants [email protected]

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 8

UPCOMING OUTDOOR EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY Further details on our Website and Facebook Page

Day Date Time Site Thursdays Ongoing 10am -12.30pm Rosebank Peninsula. Check with Sandra by emailing [email protected] for location each week Tuesday 16-Aug 10am-12pm Stream water testing - Meet at the Margaret Griffen Park, 16 Griffen Park road. If interested please call or text Justine 021627864 or email [email protected] Sunday 23 Aug 10am-12pm Rosebank Peninsula (TBC) Check with Sandra by emailing [email protected] for location Sunday 27 Aug 10am-12pm Rosebank Peninsula (TBC) Check with Sandra by emailing [email protected] for location Sunday 30-Aug 10am-12pm Stream water testing – TBC. If interested please call or text Justine 021627864 or email [email protected] Sunday 6-Sept 10am-12pm Citizen Science – TBC. Collect data for a good cause. If interested please call or text Justine 021627864 or email [email protected] Tuesday 8-Sept 10am-12pm Stream water testing – TBC. If interested please call or text Justine 021627864 or email [email protected] Saturday 12-Sept 10am-12pm Citizen Science –Collect data for a good cause. If interested please call or text Justine 021627864 or email [email protected] Saturday 10 Oct 11am-2pm Te Whau Day Out – Archibald Park

YEAR ROUND EVENTS

Date / Time Event Who Site All of 2020 Planting, plant releasing, All Welcome Kurt Brehmer Walkway Contact us for a date and Mulching and Clean-ups (Contact Sandra) and Rosebank Peninsula time to suit you [email protected] East All of 2020 Te Whau Biodiversity All welcome All of the Whau River Survey (iNaturalist), (Contact Justine) Catchment Stream Monitoring [email protected] (Waicare), Bird Counts All of 2020 Predator Control – helping All welcome Rosebank Peninsula Contact us for a time & to check our trap lines (Contact Justine) date to suit you particularly on Rosebank [email protected] Peninsula. All of 2020 Community Plant Nursery All welcome Blockhouse Bay Rec. Contact us for a date and (Plant Propagation) (Contact WRCT) Reserve time to suit you By arrangement. [email protected]

Contact the office for further details phone (09) 627-3372 or email [email protected].

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 9

Answers to April Quiz

Answers: (1) (d) Fantail – These birds have a distinct ability to undertake aerobatic intricate looping flights which enables them to catch insects in mid-air; (2) (c) freshwater (pond, lakes and streams); (3) (b) Totara; (4) (d) Moth plant.

Regular FOW Volunteer Opportunities

Thursday morning Friends of the Whau Volunteers meet every Thursday to work on a range of sites and tasks, learning more about our catchment as well as getting the job done. Get in touch with Sandra if you would like to be added to the email list for this informal group. Sessions run 10am – 12.30pm. Email [email protected]

Weekend Friends of the Whau Volunteers: Due to popular demand, if you are busy during the week, we now have more opportunities for you to join us on the weekends. Session times will vary to fit with the calendar, so check first with Sandra, where possible we will keep them to mornings 10am – 12pm. All are welcome to get active helping us looking after our streamsides with a range of tasks and sites. Check out our Website and Facebook page for details or contact Sandra on 021 295 0302 OR email [email protected] to find out what is happening at future events.

WRCT Internships 2020: The WRCT has volunteer Intern positions currently available. Internships may be part- time or full-time. A typical internship lasts between 1 and 4 months but can be shorter or longer.

The two primary types of internships are:

o Work experience internship: Most often, this will be in the second or third year of the school period. The placement can be from 2 months to one full school year. During this period, the student is expected to use the things he/she has learned in school and put them into practice. This way the student gains work experience in their field of study. The gained experience will be helpful to finish the final year of study. o Research internship (graduation) or dissertation internship: students who are in their final year mostly do this. With this kind of internship a student does research for the Trust. The Trust can have something that we feel needs researching, or the students can choose a topic themselves. The results of the research study will be put in a report and often will be presented.

Another type of internship growing in popularity is the virtual internship, in which the intern works remotely, and is not physically present at the job location. It provides the capacity to gain job experience without the conventional requirement of being physically present in an office. The internship is conducted via virtual means, such as phone, email, and internet communication. Virtual interns generally have the opportunity to work at their own pace.

Please contact Gilbert Brakey at [email protected] for further details.

Stay in touch with us via Facebook and our website for more events and latest details.

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 10

COVID-19: LOCKDOWN ACTIVITIES (Pg1) – Back by popular demand

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 11

COVID-19: LOCKDOWN ACTIVITIES (Pg2)

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 12

For lots more info go to our website at http://whauriver.org.nz/

Contacts

To contact the WRCT Office – Phone the office on 09)627-3372 or email [email protected]

To contact Atu Fanguna – Office Administrator phone the office or 021 839 187 or email [email protected]

To contact Gilbert Brakey – Chair / Manager phone the office or 0274 378867 or email [email protected]

To contact Sandra Maclean – Ecological Coordinator 021 295 0302 or email [email protected]

To contact Justine Newnham – Coordinator 021 627 864 or email [email protected]

We gratefully acknowledge the support of Foundation North, Auckland Council RENH, and The Trusts Community Foundation, The Trusts (West Auckland), the Department of Conservation.

Auckland Council: Whau Local Board, Auckland Council Parks Central West, Healthy Waters & the Environmental Services Unit.

Companies: Te Ngahere (2009) Ltd, TreeWorx Ltd, Asplundh NZ Ltd., and the Rosebank Business Association.

If you no longer wish to be on this email list, please reply with 'remove from list' in the subject

36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected] W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 13