Branch NEWSLETTER August 2012

CONTENTS Another successful photo competition 2 News 3 - 5 Trip and Event Reports We received 135 6 - 7 Trips and Talks entries this year in coming up the photographic competition, with 7 Photo competition the prizes being results awarded at the AGM. 8-9 KCC trips reports Prizes were and trips coming up sponsored by Snapshot Cameras, Imageland, Noel Leemings and Trek n Travel.

Congratulations to all the winners. Please let us know Jenny West, overall winner, with photo competition organiser Jenny West was if you now have an Colleen Brimblecombe email address and overall competition would prefer not to winner for her photo receive hard copy of series of Nikau. this newsletter (this Ian Patrick won saves us printing first and second in costs, and saves the Native Fauna trees and it will be in category with White colour) faced Storm Petrel Contributions for (right) and Kotuku. the newsletter are Other results on always welcome. page 7. Photos should be at least 300kb. Email to waikato.branch@ forestanddbird.org. nz For regional events calendar: www. envirocentre.org.nz Walter Scott Avatar moth at Reserve Denniston The new species of moth found on the threatened Denniston Plateau during our recent BioBlitz now has a Great news! As blockbuster name: Avatar. the Otorohanga Entomologist Brian Patrick and District Council Oparau 42.8ha Pirongia - Kawhia his son Hamish selected the name from over 100 entries Pekanui Stream has solved the generated from our moth naming competition. “It was by washout problem far the best one. It’s a novel name and the movie is about a

Scott Rd on the main track k rac tt Rd mining company that threatens to devastate a human-like

Sco ound T below Scott Road R species that’s living in harmony with nature. It’s just a really

rack by blocking the Valder T good analogy,” said Brian. offending drain, Car par k it has been pos- Velvet Shank Wax Gills How you can help TO WALK THE ROUND TRACK IT WILL TAKE 2 HOURS • Join the Denniston Reserve supporter group and we’ll keep sible to make a Please notify any damage or hazards to the Forest & Bird Society www.forestandbird.org.nz you updated on any progress. short boardwalk • Donate to Forest & Bird to assist with the promotion and over the washout. The new sign the implementation of the reserve proposal. A benched track • Write to the Prime Minister and ask him to stop mining leads to this, and the only steps remaining are a few plans and turn the Denniston Plateau into a reserve. Write ones at the far end (if coming from the car park) of similar letters to your local MP and other key ministers. this new deviation, and the track is now suitable for • Send a message to our Minister of Conservation, Kate all levels of fitness. As well a new sign has been erect- Wilkinson telling her that you want the Denniston to re- ed (suggesting that it could take up to 2 hours to do main untouched. the loop) and more trees planted in the rimu grove.

Branch Contacts Please address all correspondence to ‘Secretary, PO Box 11092, Hillcrest, Hamilton’ Committee Members Phone Mobile Email Responsibilities

Philip Hart 07 856 7992 [email protected] Chairperson, Covenants, Trips Jim Crawford 07 889 7739 [email protected] Treasurer, Trips, Morgan Res.

Jim Macdiarmid 07 849 3438 [email protected] Secretary

Adua Geremia 07 843 3375 [email protected] Membership, carpooling, Publicity

Anne Lee 07 843 6880 [email protected]

Bruce Dean 07 827 2874 Morgan Res, Walter Scott

Colleen Brimble- 07 855 5626 Photography Competition combe Dave Lee 07 843 6880 [email protected]

Jane McLeod 07 856 2505 [email protected] Publicity, Trips, Meeting catering

Jon Wenham 07 855 0808 [email protected] Conservation grants, Publicity, National Exec

Mary Crawford 07 889 7739 [email protected] Minutes secretary

Steve Brooker 07 850 6017 [email protected] Legal

Sue Smith 07 889 5859 [email protected] Trips

Katherine Hay 07 856 1906 021 267 2773 [email protected] Newsletter, Tui 2000 Helen Ranson 07 825 8555 [email protected] Trips

David Pattemore 07 560 0252 021 100 9456 [email protected]

Russell Vant 07 856 2505 [email protected] Plant sale

Susan Baucke 078298977 021 254 1360 [email protected] KCC TRIP REPORTS

Easter Camp 6 -10 April Retaruke On Friday 22 people settled into the Whio Lodge, Whakahoro, which looks down towards the Whanganui Valley. We had turned off at Owhango, and headed west on a long and winding road. Keith Wilkinson took us on a tour of the settlement, covering the history, including the old school house, the bridge that got shifted in the flood, Retaruke bridge – Lacy’s bridge which has an obvious kink in it from a 1958 flood, (river rose 50 feet) landing sites from bygone days, the attractive original homestead, and from the homestead front lawn, Outside Blue Duck Cafe a wonderful view down on the confluence of the Retaruke and the Whanganui Rivers. sighted two blue duck at the falls. After dinner we had a talk from local administrator Returned the lifejackets to the Depot, where we didn’t Wendy Lane, who outlined the Blue Duck programme, have the traditional whiskey for morning tea but admired and answered heaps of questions. She also brought over the stag head and bemoaned the lack of scones to the the aerial photo map which has been populated by fellow resident hunter. The walk passed through steep areas camper Bob Jordon showing location and kill numbers of which had been cleared and settled long ago, but which over a thousand traps in the surrounding area. had us wondering about the sense of those early settlers. Impressive gorges, drops into creeks, great views. Some Next morning, another stunner after a bit of fog, we went returned back to base from the depot, at this stage, and up the Kaiwhakauka River from the waterfall – in canoes then went on to a fun afternoon at the local Retaruke sports conveniently left there for visitors, took turns to paddle day, where they were treated to woodchopping, horse through the chasm to see if we could spot a Whio. Adua riding, produce judging etc and the king of the mountain did the canoeing distance record paddling from bank to race. bank but was patiently helped to steer there and back by Stan. One blue duck sighted by canoeists, (staying still for The rest of the party did the Te Mata loop track to Stan’s so long we wondered if was in fact stuffed) but we were Whare, where more whisky bottles were in evidence. An to be outdone by Keith, who waiting back on the track artist’s delight – rusty corrugated iron and picturesque. On the way back looked out over incredibly steep sided hills to the Central Plateau mountains, and some climbed to the potential lodge sight on the flattened top of a mountain from where Mt Taranaki sat in the distance, which gives an indication of the wonderful clear weather we were treated to. The Loop returned us back to the Depot, from where the last hour back seemed to be a lot longer than the morning’s walk – apparently we had covered about 17km. Sunday, after a relaxed start, a merry band headed back out the Retaruke Rd, to Te Rata, over the new bridge. We turned up the Tapurae Stream to an old mill site with a kahikatea

New Group at Miropiko - helpers welcome Bob Miropiko Pa on the in River Rd was Cuming built originally by the Ngati Hanui, a subtribe of Ngati at Stan’s Wairere. It was owned by the Valder family until the whare early 50’s. It is now a HCC reserve, but has a significant pest plant problem, mainly Tradescantia. It is planned to set up a monthly weedbusters/care group for Miropiko in partnership with the local Iwi, kindergarten, HCC and local community, and Forest and Bird, in September. If anyone is interested in coming along please contact Katherine Hay [email protected] with your name and contact details for more information. Three (wise) men at the mill site TRIP REPORTS Thursday 19th April

Easter camp continued AGM stand which was fruiting, Followed much the same format as usual - but we do have where we a new committee member, namely David Pattemore, were treated who in a past life worked for Forest and Bird, and is most to a beautiful welcome, adding a youthful face to Waikato Branch (that bellbird is not difficult). concert Dr Stuart Parsons from Auckland University gave an while we interesting talk about bats, spelling out the differences rested, between the two native species, and the research that has and large been undertaken over the past few years. Long tailed bats, fat kereru such as are found in Hamilton feed mainly on insects in the feasted and flew in and out. Harvest Festival for birds. air, whereas the less common short tailed bats feed more A kilometre’s amble along from there took us through commonly on the ground. a very attractive stand of old kahikatea/tawa bush, He talked about where different populations have been now a QE 11 covenant, culminating in two enormous found around and its islands, including a kahikatea, reputed to be 900 years (and 2 days). population of short tailed bats close to Pureora which Then a very steep hot climb to the ridge for lunch, some can be seen flying out in the evening in large numbers. complaints that the sun was shining, up to Te Rata itself, Hamilton’s long tailed bats tend to hang out south of great views of Ruapehu. Sidled down to an old road and Cobham Bridge which raises questions as to whether the farm track through farmland and beside pine trees where a bridge or its lighting is posing a barrier to bats heading small friendly tomtit chatted before we returned past farm further north. animals, alpaca, horse, dogs and the old homestead. Dinner that evening was a local goat curry at the Blue Duck 27 - 29th April Central café. Viewed the 1080 video movie before dinner and Bob Jordan gave his talk about his work with the pest Waikato Show control project to protect the Whio in the area. The Google Forest and Bird had a stand at the newly revamped Waikato Earth results of their trapping programme can be seen at Show along with about 20 other environmental groups. tiny.cc/5adm2 which Bob has spent many hours uploading. Held over three days, over 10,000 people were reported to attend the show and the weekend was especially busy. Monday Thanks to the volunteers who made sure there was a Packed up and left Whio lodge, and headed back through presence on the stand all the time and thanks to Jane Owhango to the Ohinetonga Loop track which runs from McLeod for her wonderful bird identification game for the carpark beside the Whakapapa River, up into the bush children ( and adults), which was well used. and around back to the carpark. It’s meant to take an hour and a half but there were so many distractions – chattering groups of whiteheads way up in the canopy, and another 5th May group at eye level just before we got back to the carpark, Plant Sale much to our delight. This walk is through really beautiful Held once again outside Mill St Pak’n’save, and organised bush, huge old mahoe, miro, a few old podocarps surviving, for the first time by Russell Vant, the plant sale was and a lovely boardwalk across the Ohinetonga lagoon. extremely successful. Donated plants helped raise over Definitely worth the detour if you are passing Owhango. $4000, and again thanks to all the volunteers who helped This report was a collaborative effort. collect plants, and sell them. Sunday 10 June Taupiri/pukemokemoke About 20 people turned up at the base of Taupiri Mountain. Fortunately the weather was good, as the reasonably steep track to the summit would be very slippery after rain. The views around the Hamilton basin from the trig at the top are a great reward, and the walk up through the bush with large kohekohe and a range of different fungi was very enjoyable. After lunch we headed off to Final morning 0utside Whio Lodge, fog just lifting. nearby 40ha Pukemokemoke Reserve, not too far from Sunday 8th July Gordonton, where Warwick Silvester met us, and showed us how the Friends of Pukemokemoke Trust is dealing with ROTORUA AND OKAREKA privet. Dense thickets of privet, mainly in the kahikatea With a frosty 7.30 departure from Hamilton twelve intrepid dominated floodplain, have been mulched by T-Rex, and Forest and Birders met at the Agridome in Rotorua to be deposited on the ground, over which has been sown grass to led astray by Keith Wilkinson. create a lovely area for the community to come and picnic. Pest control is being undertaken, and there is a pleasant We first went to Ngongataha Trout Hatchery where we had walk to the top of the mountain up through mixed forest hoped to have morning tea, but the place was overrun by which we did not have time to do before day’s end. children trying to catch a fish after a casting lesson, on the Katherine Hay annual open day for children. We went into the hatchery building where we saw spawn,and very tiny trout. The little fish in there needed feeding every hour or they would die. We walked around a lovely bush walk, where we saw many sizes of fish in the outside ponds, as well as NZ falcons in aviaries. We were not sure why they are there. At 11am as the weather warmed up we arrived at Okareka Walkway where we had a lovely morning tea provided by Keith. Yummy fruit cake, biscuits, and hot drinks. The walk along the lakeside was especially good as the lake was like a mill pond creating lovely reflections and the hills on the right of us were covered in magnificent punga, and other native trees. The weather was great , blue sky and no wind.

Trig at the top of Taupiri mountain - 360° views We walked via the boardwalk out to a viewing hide,and saw various water birds from there, mainly Canada geese, black swans, dabchicks, and a whitefaced heron. Then it was on to the end of the lake to the outlet where we saw the overflow of Lake Okareka into Lake Tarawera thus keeping the water level of L.Okareka at an acceptable level for the locals. At 12.30 we had a leisurely segregated lunch at the picnic tables near the outlet; 6 males at one table and that meant 6 females at the other. On the way back we walked the Rememberance Walk detour. Back at the cars by 2.30 and off to the beautiful Tikitapu Nature Walk near the Blue Lake, which only took 30 minutes. Last stop of the day was the DOC campsite on the opposite side of Lake Okareka, where we had been most of the day. We had afternoon tea here before heading Pukemokemoke - grassed area (above) which was until recently home to Hamilton just in time for the 6 oclock news. a privet thicket, and below, Warwick Silvester talks to Forest and Thanks to Keith for a lovely day. Bird members by the newly constructed picnic shelter complete with its own water supply Lyn Kingsbury

Lake Okareka boardwalk and segregated lunchtime TRIPS, WALKS, TALKS, TRAMPS LABOUR WEEKEND CAMP, October 19-22 Sunday 12th August tower. We will lunch here and enjoy the great views across to the Kaimai KIRITEHERE WALK - NEW FIND MINE Ranges and Firth of Thames. The This camp will be based at the farm downward route is longer and more house, on a 2,200 acre sheep & beef Leave Hamilton at 8.00, drive to gentle. farm right on the coast, South of Te Aroha, where turn right at clock We will then drive to Maungakawa Marakopa. tower and drive past domain and take (Sanatorium Hill). We will then have Farm & surrounds have a variety of second road left out of town (sealed a talk from someone involved in the bush, open farm & coastal walks, all road to Waiorongomai): meet at car- Friends of Mangakawa Hill group with good views, still to be confirmed. park at end of this road at 8.50. Bring explaining the importance of this area QE2 Covenant, pest control, stream torches’. in the Hamilton Halo project. We will planting, good management on farm, then walk the Maungakawa Loop maybe talk from owners ? High on the slopes of Te Aroha, this track which starts above the memorial Accommodation in house is limited, goldmine was discovered in October clearing – about 20 minutes. but room for camper vans, tents etc. 1881. Leader: Jane McLeod (jane. is available if required. Costs will be We’ll walk up the upper track to have [email protected]) reasonable. lunch on the site of Carr’s store at For bookings, enquiries contact the vanished mining settlement of Jon Wenham, 07 855 8852 or Quartzville, and then leave the track [email protected] to scramble uphill to the mine, which Monday 10th has the most impressive stope to the September surface of any New Zealand mine. Sunday 11th CONSERVATION WEEK Other relics, notably the tramway November TALK with its three inclines and the remains WALK to double falls, of Hardy’s hut, will be seen. by Greg Martin, tawarau Forest DoC Regional Conservator Suitable for older children and the These beautiful falls are reached adventurous of all ages. Greg’s annual talk on the work DoC from Appletree Road in the Tawarau has carried out during the previous Forest. The track follows a forested Hard year is always interesting and ridge before descending steeply to a Leader: Philip Hart ph 07 856 7992 wonderfully illustrated. secluded rocky gorge of the Tawarau Chartwell Room, Hamilton Gardens, River. We will have time to explore Cobham Drive. limestone bluffs and caverns and note Sunday To join the speaker, committee and special plants of kaast landscapes. It is members for a meal ($12.50 per head a great spot for a picnic lunch. 9th September at 6.15pm) before the talk, please Meet at River Rd Hamilton at 8am or meet at Waitomo Caves Discovery WALK - TE TAPUI LOOP email: [email protected] by 6th September. Centre at 9am. It is approximately TRACK AND MANGAKAWA 20mins drive to the start of the track. SCENIC RESERVE (Note - there is no fuel at Waitomo) Contact John and Stella Rowe, ph 07 This will be an interesting day Sunday 14th October 843 5199 exploring 2 reasonably local reserves. Ruapane Lookout, Average with some more difficult Suitable for families (and others). parts. Meet at Memorial Drive for carpooling Pirongia (+KCC) at 9.00am. We will drive to Richmond Meet at Memorial Drive for carpooling Downs via Tauwhare Rd (off main road at 9am. We will walk the Tirohanga Wednesday 14th to Morrinsville), right onto Scotsmans Track to the Ruapane lookout and November Valley Rd, right into Chepmell Rd Trig where we will have lunch. From and on to Kiwitahi. Turn right at the Whatawhata pass through Te Pahu Talk - Pest fish and Morrinsville-Walton Rd intersection, and turn right onto Cocoran Rd – meet native fish in NZ and right into Paratu Road. Wait at in the carpark at the end of the road fresh waters the beginning of Paratu Rd and we can by 10am. Although the route climbs all Adam Daniel will give a brief history convoy; we will leave here at 10am (it the way it is not very far and there is of pest fish in New Zealand and the is about 45 minutes from Hamilton). no hurry. ongoing threats of the intentional We will do the shorter and steady Leader: Jane McLeod (jane. spread of invasive fish. He will climb to reach the summit and lookout [email protected]) TRIPS, WALKS, Results of the Waikato Branch Forest and TALKS, TRAMPS Bird Photographic Competition 2012 cover the impacts of pest fish and how the agricultural industry may Native Fauna category (40 be improving pest fish habitat. The entries), University of Waikato has been prize sponsored by Imageland implementing some innovative pest Kodak Express fish control measures in Waikato lakes 1st Ian Patrick - White faced that will be discussed. Storm Petrel 2nd Ian Patrick - Kotuku Bruno David will give an overview of 3rd Jake Baars - Red Damsel Fly NZ’s unique and highly endemic fish ‘People’s Choice’ voted Koos Baar - fauna and discuss threats that have Waxeye led to 2/3 of these species currently being ranked as ‘declining’ or worse. Native Flora category (32 entries) He will also discuss some new Prize sponsored by Snapshot techniques being developed to help Cameras better understand the complex life 1st Claire Lambert - Cabbage history and recruitment patterns to trees at sunset improve existing populations. He will 2nd Noel Taylor - Windy tree show a range of video clips and photos 3rd Werner Illenburger - Windy that showcase some of the amazing tree physical and behavioural qualities Kotuku - Ian Patrick ‘People’s Choice’ Noel Taylor - Windy tree second place in the Native that have evolved in our fauna. Fauna category Chartwell Room, Hamilton Gardens, Natural Landscape category (35 entries) Cobham Drive. Prize sponsored by Imageland Kodak Express To join the speakers, committee and 1st Carl Finlay - Bush Stream members for a meal ($12.50 per head 2nd Werner Illenburger - Pinnacles, Coromandel at 6.15pm) before the talk, please 3rd Claire Lambert - Castle Rock email: [email protected] by ‘People’s Choice’ voted 4 way tie - Werner Illenburger (2) Noel Taylor, Ian 10th November. Patrick Sunday 2nd December People in Nature category (15 entries) Aotea – Kawhia Area Prize sponsored by Snapshot Cameras (+KCC) 1st Claire Lambert - Castle Rock Come prepared for a special day by 2nd Paul Brimblecombe - Emerald Lakes, Tongariro Alpine Crossing the Wild West Coast! 3rd Jenny West - Tongariro Alpine Crossing This will be an interesting, varied day ‘People’s Choice’ voted Noel Taylor - Walking downhill to coast out from Aotea including farmland, bush, beach, wetland, birds, plants, Photo series (8 entries) local issues & history...exhausted yet? Prize sponsored by Imageland Kodak Express We will meet at Aotea at 9am. 1st Jenny West - Nikau Further information from Jon 2nd Deborah Fisher - Monarch butterfly Wenham, 07 855 8852. 3rd Paul Brimblecombe - Rock Formation ‘People’s Choice’ voted Jenny West and Noel Taylor - Waxeyes Leader: We are fortunate that John Dodgson who has lived in the area for School Prizes - sponsored by Noel Leemings 10 years and worked for DoC will lead Under 12 years - Elaisa Pentecast - Starfish us. He has arranged access through Secondary School Student - Sascha Arai-Swale - alpine plants farms and is very knowledgeable on all the areas listed above. Overall ‘People’s choice’ went to Noel Taylor (prize from Trek n Travel) There is an opportunity to shorten the Member’s Trophy went to Jenny West - Nikau walk for some if required. By stopping Overall Competition Winner for her photo series - Jenny West in Aotea village the trip may be shortened by approximately two km, Congratulations! the rest continuing to their vehicles, returning to Aotea to pick up those Thanks to Colleen Brimblecombe for organising the competition once again. who stopped. Dam/Jones Trip reports Landing Trip Sunday 22nd April Tiritiri Matangi Sunday 25 March

Tiritiri Matangi – “tossed by the wind”. An island aptly named. Day struggles to dawn in Hamilton, smothered as she is beneath sombre grey clouds. Drizzle dampens the road North from Whatawhata; challenges the Metservice prediction of fine weather ahead. Youthful spirits, warm and dry inside the car, remain high. Half way to Auckland and the sweet voices of our native birds drown monotonous Morepork sleeping, two Saddlebacks On the swing bridge with L to R Matthew, driving drone. New Zealand Bird Calls: sipping, four Fantails flittering, 15 Tuis Ella, Sam, Shaun and Savannah 48 thoroughly researched A5 pages twittering, two Fernbirds flying, 44 Sunday turned out to be the most and one very handy compact disc. Bellbirds bellowing (very sweetly, mind gorgeous day, the sun shone very What a fantastic resource, and what you), two Stitchbirds sauntering, three brightly, highlighting the beautiful fantastic value: available from the F&B Keruru crouching (nursing headaches autumn colours all around us. We all online shop for $29.99. from fermented berry overindulgence, met at the dam bridge at 10.30am and 9:45am. Gulf Harbour marina. Clouds perhaps), one Whitehead winking, walked to the longest swing bridge beginning to part. Scant sign of blue two Redcrowned Parakeets parading, which took about an hour and a half sky. KCC friends from Auckland have four Takehe t...t...trying their best to return, We were supposed to go to decided to join us on this excursion. sneak scraps from the lunch table, one Jones landing but didn’t get that far as Ferry boarded. We’re off. Waxeye whistling... And? And a Kokako the swing bridge walk took longer than The jetty on Tiritiri Matangi. Wind slipping in and out of deepest shadow, we thought, so we will do that next rising. DoC ranger briefing. Novice giving justice to its other name. What, time. This was a nice leisurely walk leader sends half the group off in the Blue-wattled Crow? No, silly, it’s other, with the children paying particular wrong direction. Hill mounted. Feeding other name. The Grey Ghost. attention to their surroundings as they stations inspected. Lighthouse Slipping in and out of deepest shadow were each set a challenge of matching sighted. Lunch eaten. Native birds we descend boardwalk and grassy up three resene colour samples to EVERYWHERE! slope to Hobbs Beach. What better something in nature on their walk. As Mr Jeffery, chief bird-spotting spot to while away an afternoon. Rock well as greens and browns, each child extraordinaire, did we identify all of pools and grazed knees, salt spray and received a white, pink or yellow card the 60 native birds presented so clearly fresh breeze. which they thought was impossible to on the New Zealand Bird Calls CD? Ah, Tiritiri Matangi. Wind tossed, yes, match up, but were very suprised to Well no, not 60 different varieties, but but oh so rewarding. find pink tinged leaves,pinky/purple certainly more than 60 individuals. How Russell Vant clover, and yellow flowers and white so? Well, this is what I recorded... one feathers. We then headed a short distance along the river in the other direction to find a nice picnic spot. A fabulous time was had by all and we look forward to next month’s trip. Susan Baucke

Order Craig Potton 2013 Forest and Bird diaries and calendars now through the branch for a great discount: Calendar $9.89 (usually $17.99) Diary $14.99 (usually $24.99) Contact Jim Macdiamid [email protected] ph 8493438 KCC trip to the Saturday 23 September Observatory Trips and talks Wednesday 20th June Lake Serpentine calendar We shall meet Keith Thompson at Lake We met at 7pm to view the night sky Serpentine at 1pm. Keith Thompson, deputy chair of the National Wetland but the weather had other ideas; it was Sunday 26 August Trust, will share with us his wealth quite cold, windy and overcast so one Whangamarino of the members showed us the huge of knowledge on all things wetland 24 inch telescope which was built by Wetlands Historic as he guides us on a fieldtrip of Lake some members 10 to 15 years ago and Serpentine. We’ll be in Keith’s capable is secured to a huge concrete slab to Time: 25 min without stops hands until approximately 4pm, at stop vibrations. This walk is accessed from Oram which stage there’ll be time for a bite Then we went downstairs to hear a Road, off State Highway 1 between of afternoon tea. fascinating talk all about the planets and Mercer. It is just across A blurb from Keith: and the milky way etc; we highly the control gates. The Waikato has nearly 30 peat lakes – recommend this outing to all (if it’s Meet at 11 a.m. at Oram Road. Bring a rare type of wetland. Find out what overcast you receive tickets to return your lunch and good wet weather gear. they are and why they are important on another day). One tip we learnt to a visit to the 12000-year old Serpentine help the environment is for everyone The track follows the mown pathway Lakes, near Ohaupo. Find out what to turn off lights in rooms that are not and Po markers through regenerating lives in the lake and explore a 300-year in use which helps reduce the amount native bush of tree ferns, mahoe, old kahikatea swamp forest remnant. of light pollution (artificial light which mapou, hangehange and other shrubs Examine a 4-metre long peat core as it illuminates the night sky which is not before climbing up a grassy spur, with is brought up with a peat borer, and see beneficial for nocturnal animals). views over the Waikato River and State how the wetland has changed over the Susan Baucke Highway 1. last 4000 years. The track is generally of easy Lake Serpentine is found at the Sirocco Nocturnal Experience gradient with steeper parts stepped. midpoint between Hamilton and Te 19 August to 26 September At the top of the spur are some Awamutu, along SH3 (Ohaupo Rd). fortification ditches that were part Coming from Hamilton, the Lake of Te Teoteo’s Pa, a pre-European pa is on the left hand side of the road, site. A short distance further on is the approximately 3km beyond Ohaupo. Sirocco. Whangamarino Redoubt occupied by British forces during the Waikato War Notification of attendance for this of 1863-64. fieldtrip is essential. It will only go Information panels provide further ahead provided sufficent numbers detail about the history of the area. indicate their intention to attend. The track then follows down an Please contact Russell Vant - rmvant@ He’s charismatic, enigmatic and old roadway used during the Land gmail.com or (07) 856 2505. intriguing, he commands his own Wars to the exit on to Oram Road. seat in an aeroplane, and has more Bring your togs for a swim at Waingaro Saturday 24th than 11,000 Facebook fans. Hot Springs (20 minutes from He is coming to Maungatautari Ngaruawahia) on the way home. November for a very special visit. This will Be prepared to win prizes in the quiz! Bugs Alive discovery The Pokeno Market is on every Sunday be your only opportunity this afternoon year to get up close and personal 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit before or after. We are lucky to have Helen Ranson with one of New Zealand’s most (who works in the Science department precious taonga. You will need to Carpooling: Call Di 07 8298270 by 5 at Wintec) to take us on a bug gathering get in quickly because the Sirocco p.m. Saturday 25 August. walk and then hopefully take them experience is for 6 weeks only and back to Wintec to check them out tickets are expected to sell out! Cancellations: Call Di 07 8298270 under the microscope and hear a talk Find information about the visit and between 7 and 8.00 on Sunday morning about them. So mark this date in your booking details. if the weather looks too bad. calendar and watch out for more info closer to that date:) http://www.maungatrust.org/ Leader: Susan Baucke Sirocco.cfm 07 8298977 021 254 1360 Car Pooling

Help protect our planet from the effects of climate change and pollution (and reduce costs) by carpooling when going on Forest and Bird trips and camps.

Anyone seeking or offering transport should ring Adua Geremia by the previous Thursday. The Hamilton departure point is at the Hamilton War Memorial in River Road (south end) Please do offer the driver a reasonable contribution towards their petrol costs. If you are unable to make your way to River Road, we MAY be able to organise another pickup point, but please contact Adua in plenty of time.

Phone Adua on 07 843 3375 Cancellation of Walks Leaders of walks: to cancel phone 027 417 2346 by 7.45am (Hardley St Radio Network) To hear about cancellations: 0900 72 346 from 8am (small payment involved)

Return Address Waikato Branch Forest and Bird PO Box 11 092 217448 Hillcrest Hamilton