Kia RESULTS

Whio release at Ruatiti Domain, March 2014

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Executive Summary This report summarises the first five years of work undertaken by the Kia Biodiversity Project from 2008-2013. This project is a joint partnership between Horizons Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and local iwi and landholders aimed at improving the health of over 180,000 ha of private and conservation land within the Whanganui River catchment. This benefits threatened species such as the North Island brown kiwi and whio (blue duck), and has the additional benefit of improving overall biodiversity and forest health.

The project has improved forest health through implementing over 60,000 ha of sustained possum control and monitoring, the culling of over 10,000 goats, and control of pest plants over a vast majority of the project area.

The project area has captured work in the Whanganui National Park and safe-guards the Whanganui forests on the flanks of the Whanganui River. This collaborative work forms a solid foundation for a ‘whole catchment’ approach to biodiversity management in the Whanganui River catchment.

Horizons Regional Council have worked with landholders to protect key bushland and wetland areas on private land, helping to achieve over 53 km of protective fencing, and weed and pest control in these areas. This work empowers land holders to have a positive impact on the health of their farms and the wider Whanganui River catchment.

Kiwi protection has increased due to successful aerial 1080 operations within conservation land and the establishment of a trapping network in the Waimarino Valley. Monitoring of populations suggests an increase in numbers of adult kiwi, though further monitoring is required to observe a long-term trend in this wild population.

Whio numbers have benefitted from increased protection through the establishment of extensive trapping networks within a nationally significant Whio Security Site. The number of pairs is being supported through the national captive breeding programme to assist in population recovery after a flooding event caused a steep decline in 2010.

The Kia project has received fantastic community support and is actively promoted by both government agencies through a wide range of avenues. This includes avian aversion training, community events, media releases, signage, school engagements and the development of a blog and twitter page.

The project has achieved measurable gains for biodiversity within the region and is a partnership brand that is recognized and respected both locally and nationally. The partnership was described by former Conservation Minister Tim Groser as a ‘model for conservation projects’. The report provides recommendations for the next operational plan which will guide the next 10 years of the project.

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Top 10 Kia

1. Significant improvements have been demonstrated in the in the Whanganui National Park, improvements are across all species that were monitored.

2. Well over ha of our most precious old growth forests are under sustained possum, rat and stoat control. Additional 27,000 ha was included in 1080 treatment just this year!

3. g are removed annually from over 30,000 ha of our most significant forests.

4. Department of Conservation and Horizons Regional Council are actively controlling of weeds across the project area.

5. $ % sites are now fully fenced and under active pest management.

6. %$1 in the project area have been fenced and are under pest management. More are in the pipeline.

7. '%(*I have been developed within the project area, and as a result more than 8I have been planted on sensitive land.

8. '% for two out of every three years for the largest known Western North Island brown kiwi population. Well over $ have been through kiwi aversion training.

9. Whio Security Site now contains @I$ network along the Manganui o te Ao and Rivers, @$ 8

10. 1% of people are exposed to the benefits of the biodiversity management every year as they traverse the Whanganui Journey Great Walk and the Mountains to Sea Great Cycle.

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2 Executive Summary ...... 1

1 Introduction ...... 7

1.1 Overview ...... 7

2 Forest Health ...... 8

2.1 Possums ...... 8

2.1.1 Aims ...... 8

2.1.2 Outcomes ...... 8

2.1.3 Results ...... 9

2.1.4 Recommendations for next operational plan ...... 11

2.2 Goats ...... 12

2.2.1 Aims ...... 12

2.2.2 Outcomes ...... 12

2.2.3 Results ...... 12

2.2.4 Recommendations for next operational plan ...... 15

2.3 Pest Plants ...... 15

2.3.1 Aims ...... 15

2.3.2 Outcomes ...... 15

2.3.3 Results ...... 15

2.3.4 Recommendations for next operational plan ...... 16

3 Bush and Wetland Protection ...... 16

3.1 Aim ...... 16

3.2 Outcomes ...... 16

3.3 Results ...... 16

3.4 Recommendations for next operational plan ...... 17

4 Kiwi ...... 18

4.1 Aim ...... 18

4.2 Outcome ...... 18 4

4.3 Results ...... 18

4.4 Recommendations for next operational plan ...... 22

5 Whio ...... 23

5.1 Aims ...... 23

5.2 Outcomes ...... 23

5.3 Results ...... 23

5.4 Recommendations for next operational plan ...... 25

6 Promotion and Sponsorship ...... 26

6.1 Aims ...... 26

6.2 Outcomes ...... 26

6.3 Results ...... 27

6.4 Recommendations for next operational plan ...... 28

7 Management ...... 29

7.1 Relationship approach ...... 29

7.2 Results ...... 29

7.2.1 Economic development and training ...... 29

7.2.2 Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail and Te Araroa walkway ...... 29

7.2.3 Associated projects ...... 30

7.2.4 Working together effectively ...... 30

7.3 Recommendations for next operational plan ...... 30

8 Conclusion ...... 32

9 Acknowledgements ...... 33

10 References ...... 33

Appendix 1: Kia project map ...... 34

Appendix 2: Protected areas for whio on the Manganui o te Ao River ...... 35

Appendix 3: Protect area for whio on the upper River...... 36

Appendix 4: Protected areas for whio on the lower River, Morinui and Kaiwhakauka streams ...... 37

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Appendix 5: Kia case study featured on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website ...... 38

Appendix 6: Kia advertorial –Whanganui Chronicle 2013 ...... 39

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1.1 Overview The ‘Kia – Restoring the Balance’ project has been running since 2008. The project is a partnership between the Department of Conservation (DOC), Horizons Regional Council (HRC), local iwi, land holders and community to improve the ecological and biodiversity values of over 180,000 ha of public and private land (see Appendix 1). The project area possesses significant biodiversity values, being the largest stronghold of North Island brown kiwi and second largest remaining stand of lowland native forest in the North Island. The project area is also home to whio, who rely on swift flowing healthy waterways for their survival.

An operational plan was created at the start of the project in 2008 and covered the aims of the first five years of the project. The operation plan covering 2008 – 2013 projects had the following aims:

 Grow the North Island brown kiwi population by 10% every three years (currently declining at 5% per year).  Grow the whio population on the Manganui o te Ao and Rivers to 50 pairs under active management within five years.  Enhance forest health.  Improve wildlife generally (birds, mammals, reptiles and insects). Strengthen existing relationships between HRC, DOC, iwi and local communities within the project area.  Promote economic development in the area.

This report covers achievements for the 2008/2009-2013/2014 period. A new operation plan is required for the project and the recommendations for the next ten years operation have been identified in this report

A ten year operational plan will enable a more realistic timeframe for detecting biological response to management programmes. Recovery of natural systems and species populations requires sustained long-term efforts.

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Rtaruke Valley 7

2 A key outcome for the project is to maintain and improve forest health and condition throughout the project area. With sustained management of introduced browsers we are reducing the risk of forest canopy collapse and improving recruitment of under-storey species. The benefits of good forest condition include:

 Improved habitat for native fauna, including North Island brown kiwi and whio

 Enhanced protection of the Whanganui River catchment through reduced sedimentation, erosion and regulating flood events

 Provision of ecosystem services to communities within the Whanganui River catchment; a healthy catchment = healthy people

 Improving visitor experience for people recreating in the Whanganui National Park and travelling on the Whanganui River

Optimum results in forest health improvement are achieved by coordinating the control of browsing pests on public and private land. Key threats to a healthy forest system are browsing by possums, goats, deer, and the impacts of invasive weed species. Control of these threats is managed in the Kia project through the following methods

 Possum control: aerial poisoning, ground baiting and trapping

 Goat control: coordinated hunting (aerial and ground)

 Weed control: poisoning and mechanical methods

Predation of native species by rats and stoats is also a threat to ecosystem function. The project has adapted the aerial 1080 operations to address rat numbers; this technique also controls stoats over large areas. Stoat control is addressed under Section 4 of this report which deals with kiwi conservation.

2.1 Possums

2.1.1  Co-ordinate possum control operations in the area to minimise gaps in coverage, reduce return times, and maximise the impact on possums and by-kill species.  60,000 ha of the Whanganui National Park is under 3-yearly possum control.  All private land is under sustained possum control by 2018.

2.1.2 O  Possum numbers to remain at or below 5% Residual Trap Catch (RTC) for TBfree NZ (formerly Animal Health Board) control areas and on public land, and at or below 10% RTC in new possum control operation (PCO) areas.  The kiwi population will increase by 10% every three years from the current 1500 pairs to more than 2000 pairs within ten years. (see Section 4)  Forest health improves.  Bird numbers and densities increase. 8

2.1.3 The commencement of the Kia project in 2008 saw DOC modify its aerial 1080 possum control programme in Whanganui National Park. From about 1993 until that time aerial 1080 operations had been undertaken on a 7 year cycle with about 13,000 ha treated each year. These operations had been designed to limit the impact of possums on forest emergent and canopy trees, particularly rata, totara and kamahi. Although indications were that this approach was achieving its goals, modelling had suggested that a more frequent treatment regime over larger areas could have a positive outcome for kiwi and whio, as well as other forest birds, by suppressing rat and stoat populations as well as possums. The expectation was that, by adopting a 3 yearly treatment cycle, 1 – 2 bird breeding seasons out of every three would have reduced predator populations and hence there would be pulses of recruitment to the bird populations. Modelling suggested that kiwi population decline would be reversed and the population grow significantly.

In 2008 a three yearly treatment cycle over 30,500 ha in the area was commenced followed by a similar cycle beginning in the 31,691 ha Mangapurua block in 2009. (Table 2). To enable this cycle of treatment, DOC ceased possum control operations in the adjacent Conservation Area in 2008. In 2014 this area was re-treated as part of DOC’s Battle for our Birds project. DOC is now exploring how operations in this 27,000 ha area can be sustained on an equivalent cycle to the Kia site.

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- - - - - - - 6I$ 30,500 No No 29,500 No No 28,537 operation operation operation operation 6$%% No 31,691 No No 30,882 No No operation operation operation operation operation

As the chosen treatment regime is effective against both rats and possums the aims of the 2008 operational plan have been achieved with respect to public conservation land.

The operational plan established desired outcomes for the control work with a target of possum numbers remaining at or below 5% RTC on public land. RTC Monitoring results for the public conservation land are in the range of 2.6% - 5.8% (Table 3).

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Aerial 1080 sowing rates since 2008 in the Kia area have reduced from 5 kg/ha of toxic bait in 1993 to 1 kg/ha as standard in recent operations. The site has been used as an experimental area for exploration of low sowing rates and more efficient operations. Part of the treatment area in 2014 was treated at 0.75 kg/ha. 9

Outcome targets for forest health and kiwi populations were identified in the operational plan and achievement against those targets is described elsewhere in this report. An outcome of increasing bird numbers and density was also proscribed. No specific monitoring of this outcome has been undertaken to date as data is costly to obtain. However, anecdotal information including comments from visitors generally presents a favourable picture of birdlife. DOC staff reported observing increases in species such as kereru, tui, bellbird, robin, tomtit and kakariki. They also note that one contract goat hunter rejected an offered contract because he reported that he was no longer able to track his “bailing” dogs because the bird noise masked their barking!

Acoustic recorder technology has been used at the site to improve knowledge of the Kiwi population. It is anticipated that this technology may allow general forest birds to be more systematically monitored in the future.

HRC has an operational target to have all rateable private land within the project area under sustained possum control by 2018. We are confident that we are on track to meeting this objective.

PCOs have been established in the Waimarino area, located in West Raetihi and Pipipi. Possum control in the northern part of the project area is primarily managed by TBfree NZ. This area covers approximately 77,428 ha. HRC is positioned to take over the responsibility for maintenance of possum control of areas when TBfree NZ determines the TB risk has been minimised. PCO’s managed by HRC and TBfree NZ are achieving the RTC monitoring targets, with RTC’s from 2011- 2012 being 3.76%, 3.92% and 0.71%

HRC continue to assist landowners with possum control work; to date this support has resulted in excess of 800 ha of land being controlled by landowner initiated programmes. This assistance has been in the form of operational advice and in some cases materials i.e. bait stations.

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Aerial Foliage Browse Index (AFBI) is a rapid, cost-effective method of collecting information by visually assessing canopy health. It uses individual trees of six indicator species: hinau, kamahi, mahoe, Northern rata, tawa and totara shown to be palatable to possums (Hawcroft 2012). This monitoring method has been used in the Kia block since 2002. Measurements of foliage cover were initially taken using a set of random points. However from 2005, the same 40 points were sampled in 2008 and 38 were re-measured in 2012. Twelve new points were added to replace two that lay outside the control block and to increase sample size to meet best practice.

Using a helicopter to hover over these points, an observer would record: foliage cover (% cover of leaves over the total canopy area); dieback (bare twigs in the top third and the whole canopy; possum browse (percentage of partially chewed leaves in both the top third and the whole canopy) and abundance of flowers and fruits.

Monitoring has found significant improvement in foliage cover over time for all species. Improvement was the greatest in the earlier years. In 2012, foliage cover was greater in the treated block than in the non-treated for 5 of 6 indicator species. Measures of damage to the canopy (browse and dieback) have dropped substantially since monitoring began. In 2012, less browse and dieback were recorded at the treatment block than in the non-treatment block.

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Therefore it’s been found that foliage cover is denser, and there are reduced incidences of browse and dieback on indicator species over time in the possum treated block than the untreated block. This method of monitoring vegetation will continue, with the next monitoring period due in 2015.

2.1.4  To continue the expansion of the possum control work in the Waimarino area; all rateable private land will be completed by June 2018.  Continue AFBI monitoring to assess the response of forest species to possum control  Looking at opportunities to include additional high quality kiwi habitat in the Waimarino area into the existing possum and rat control programme.  Continue to align opportunities for HRC and DOC to work collaboratively on 1080 programmes, particularly where private properties neighbour conservation land.  Maintain collaboration with landowners, forest managers, iwi, Nga Whenua Rahui and other interest groups to achieve forest health outcomes.  Investigate opportunities to secure the next cycle of 1080 for the adjoining Conservation Area. If achieved would add 27,000 ha of protection to high value forest from possums.

Helicopter spreading 1080 bait over Whanganui National Park

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2.2 Goats

2.2.1 A  Continue existing 20,000 ha of public land goat control.  Additional 15,000 ha in a public and private land buffer is progressively controlled and maintained over a 7 year period.  A network of goat traps is developed on private land within the project area for passive goat control. 2.2.2  Measurable seedling recovery, especially of palatable species. Reduced impacts from feral goats on farming operations. 2.2.3 6$I$II Since 2008, significant areas of goat control have been carried out by staff and contracted hunters. Contract ground control began with an initial area of 23,550 ha but was increased significantly in 2010 by over 10,000 ha (Table 4). This continued over subsequent years, alternating between different blocks including the Te Mata (15,011 ha.), Mangapurua (4,838 ha), Kaiwhakauka (3,067 ha) and (16,817 ha) blocks. Depending on the rotation of 1080 operations, ground control and the hectares covered differ to exclude areas that have received 1080 within the caution period necessary. Each block is controlled over several months between November to April or May.

DOC staff concentrate ground control around the boundaries of the Kia project area including the Whanganui River Trench (WRT) and the Mangapurua Valley. This is to limit invasion into the Kia area. The Mangapurua is generally done using an aerial shoot method. The time available has varied and therefore the numbers of kills are low. However work in the WRT has more time available as work is carried out in the winter. This has seen a relatively consistent number of kills since it began in 2010, with the 2013/2014 season being lower due to weather constraints. Any comparison of kills is different due to the varied number of hours spent on the task and the fact that re-invasion can be significant due to the Whanganui National Park being surrounded by farmland.

Substantial numbers of goats are being killed annually across all of the project blocks. Reports from field staff and neighbouring landholders are that goat densities have been reduced through these sustained efforts. Deer numbers during this time are thought to have been rising and this is something that we need to develop a framework to deal with alongside goat control

HRC and DOC have worked together to actively control the project buffer zones. A total of 2,805 have been removed as browsers by DOC from the Whanganui National Park and buffer zones.

HRC are also working collaboratively with Nga Whenua Rahui, to carry out possum and goat control in 8,000 ha of the Waimarino area, in excess of 1,500 goats were destroyed in this area in the past 12 months.

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To monitor what affect sustained ground goat control has on forest vegetation, Seedling Ratio Index (SRI) transects were seen as the technique to providing a relatively medium-term measure of ungulate impact on forests (Hawcroft and Husheer 2006). To assess the outcome of wild animal control in the Kia project area, a total of 28 transects were established within the treatment and non-treatment areas for goat control (15:13 plots respectively). These transects are 400 m long with 20 plots at 20 m spacings.

SRI transects were first measured in 2009, with a second measure in 2011/2012. Figure 1 shows the SRI results for both the treatment and non treatment sites. It shows that the H (highly palatable plant species to goats) has a lower SRI score than the medium (N) or low (L) palatable species. This means that these highly palatable species are not growing into the higher height classes. There is no statistical difference between treatment and non treatment. For the medium to low palatable species the SRI is higher therefore more of these species grow into the higher tier of the forest canopy. There is however no statistical difference between treatment and non treatment areas, or over time. This is not a surprising result as changes in vegetation recovery can be slow to observe. Ongoing monitoring is required in order to see changes in seedling recovery, and monitoring densities of goats and deer may be required.

Comparing the browse levels, the treatment area is consistently lower than the non treatment. However, the difference is only significant for the medium to low palatable plant species (Figure 2). This indicates that the goat control has reduced browse, but it is yet to impact on the regeneration patterns. Kill and pellet data doesn’t seem to indicate a difference in the goat numbers being reduced yet and this might explain why highly palatable plant species are not making it through into the higher tier classes. Deer impact will confound these results as no ground control is performed on this species.

However in saying this, the data only spans vegetation response over two years. This would be considered too short a period to see any vegetation recovery from goat management. It is thought that data spanning over 5 years would be a minimum to see any significant recovery in vegetation (I. Gruner pers. comm.). Next round of monitoring is programmed to occur in 2015 which will give this 5 year span. 13

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Continuing the SRI monitoring programme into the future is therefore required in order to see changes in seedling recovery. Improving our understanding of the goat and deer densities within the project area is important in guiding best practice for future control.

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2.2.4  Continue to control goats on private land in conjunction with the DOC annual goat contracts making efficiencies in effort and reducing reinvasion.  Maintain regular goat control in the Waimarino area, particularly in and around the recently established HRC Aramahoe Project inside the Waimarino Forest. Aerial and ground control methods will be utilised.  Continue to undertake SRI monitoring to assess the change and/or improvement to forest health (in the long term) from reduction in goat populations in the Whanganui National Park and the Aramahoe Project area.  Establish monitoring to further verify changes in densities of goats and deer in response to control methods.

2.3 Pest Plants

2.3.1  Control pest plants as identified in the Regional Pest Plant Management Strategy and DOC Pest Plant Strategy. 2.3.2  Infestation levels of pest plants are maintained or reduced in accordance with each organisation’s pest plant management plans. 2.3.3 Pest plant control is not directly funded by Kia , rather through HRC and DOC’s existing pest plant programmes. However control occurs on the boundaries of the project, which acts as a buffer for the forest environments protected under the Kia .

Of the pest plant species in the National Pest Plant Accord list, DOC is controlling the vast majority of species listed that are present in the district (Table 6). Focuses for HRC have primarily been Old Man’s Beard, Darwin’s Barberry and Tutsan. Fortunately there are relatively low numbers of these pests in the area, any sites located were controlled.

All DOC sites have been extensively mapped. Using this spatial information, local control plans have set targets for the control of all species with a long-term goal of reducing several pest plants down to a maintenance regime. A range of methodologies will be used including ground and aerial control, and there is also potential for biological control for certain prevalent species.

In addition, two DOC weed-led programmes are included in this control. This includes African feather grass and tutsan. These species are targeted as a priority annually. DOC and HRC are also involved in the Tutsan TAG group with Landcare Research and private landowners. This group is looking at the larger picture to controlling tutsan region-wide including work on public conservation land as well as working with private landowners.

Surveys have been undertaken by HRC to assess the density of tutsan in the area. Control has been carried out in sites identified, most of these being along roadsides. HRC and DOC staff also helped arrange a tutsan awareness field day at Pipiriki. A good number of landowners, forest managers and locals attended the day and were shown how to identify the plant and were provided with control options. 15

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Mangapurua Valley blackberry, Cotoneaster, German ivy, Japanese and Himalayan honeysuckle, Japanese walnut, pampas, Queensland Popular, tutsan, Whanganui River campsites African club moss, blackberry, buddleia, crack willow, Japanese honeysuckle, Japanese walnut, Jasmine, wandering dew Whanganui River Trench (from African club moss, African feather grass, blackberry, brush Whakahoro to Pipiriki) wattle, buddleia, crack willow, Cherry Loral, Japanese and Himalayan honeysuckle, Japanese walnut, Mexican daisy, pampas, Queensland Popular, Spanish health, Sydney golden wattle, tree privet, tutsan, wandering dew 2.3.4  Continue inspections, surveys and public awareness programmes relating to environmental pest plants in the Kia area. Record plant pest infestations on the HRC and DOC GIS databases8 Active weed control will continue to focus on environmental pests plants including efforts to minimize the establishment of tutsan and African feather grass in the area. 3 Waoci This arm of the project is driven by HRC and aims to compliment work on public conservation land by improving bush and wetland health on private land within the Whanganui River catchment.

3.1 Aim  All high priority wetlands and bush sites are under active management by 2017.

3.2 Outcomes  High priority bush and wetland sites are protected and enhanced.

3.3 Results Horizons staff have assisted landowners to fence off areas of bush and wetlands by way of environmental grants, through the Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) and in conjunction with Nga Whenua Rahui.

There are seventeen high priority bush sites in the project area, fifteen of which are fully fenced and under active management for plant and animal pests.

There are nine high priority wetlands in the project area, four of which are fenced and are under active management for plant and animal pests. Discussions are underway with landowners to get a further two sites fenced.

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In addition to the bush and wetland management, HRC have developed 40 SLUI farm plans (covering 28,627 ha) in the project area. As a result of these plans the following outcomes have been achieved:  1,193 ha afforestation (over 1.2 million trees!).  613 ha of farm land retired.  274 ha wetland and riparian retirement.  118 ha erosion prevention (planting trees etc).  53 km of fencing around waterways, bushland and retired farmland.

3.4 Recommendations for next operational plan  Continue plant and animal pest programmes within high priority sites. This includes working with landowners with the aim of fencing off the remaining high priority sites.  Establish vegetation monitoring programmes in two bush sites and one wetland area.

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4 Kiwi

4.1 Aim  That aerial possum control operations in the project area are adapted to also control stoats on a three year basis maximising kiwi survival and breeding by timing the control operations to coincide with kiwi breeding season.  Kiwi are further protected by stoat control on private land using methods agreed with the landowner and kiwi aversion training for dogs.

Western North Island brown kiwi

4.2 Outcome  The kiwi population will increase by 10% every three years from the current 1500 pairs to more than 2000 pairs within ten years

4.3 Results

4.3.1 The adaption of the pre-2008 possum control aerial 1080 regime within Whanganui National Park to generate a positive outcome for kiwi is described in the “Possum control” section of this report.

Timing of control has been targeted at late winter/early spring with the aim of suppressing stoat populations during the period that kiwi chicks are vulnerable to predation. Since 2008 operations have not occurred later than early December with the most recent operations occurring in September 2012 and August 2014. In the nearby Tongariro Forest, peaks of kiwi hatching over the last 9 seasons have been in October/November and January/February and the average time between hatching and death by predation (where that has occurred) has been in the range of 57-149 days. Therefore while the August and September operations are likely to have provided optimal protection of kiwi chicks from stoats the later operations have also suppressed stoat populations before the average predation 18

periods have been exceeded. Never-the-less the Department will continue to strive to deliver aerial 1080 treatments in the late winter/early spring period as this also gives the greatest chance of benefiting both kiwi and whio8

4.3.2 !5% This free training is carried out 3-4 times annually in various locations and is open to members of the public. This training protects our local kiwi by teaching hunters, local residents and their dogs to avoid kiwi. It also raises awareness of kiwi populations which are vulnerable to dogs such as the Whanganui National Park, Conservation Area and several hunting blocks in the wider district. Since 2011, over 1,000 dogs have completed this training.

4.3.3 !5 Whanganui National Park is considered to home the largest remaining population of Western North Island brown kiwi. This Park is isolated and the population is a geographically challenging population to monitor and understand. The birds remain free from handling by humans which limits the tools we can use to monitor them, but makes them an entirely wild and unique population.

Kiwi call monitoring was first conducted in the area in early May 2009. Initially twenty people listened in the evening between 7 pm and 9 pm on 3 consecutive nights at 19 different stations. This was repeated for the following 2 years, which established a base line of kiwi within the Whanganui National Park. Additional data using acoustic recorders has been carried out in subsequent years. This is seen as the most cost-effective method to collect the amount of data necessary to determine long-term trends (H. Robinson pers. comm.), particularly due to the management area being large and often inaccessible.

The data from 2010 and 2012 was tested to look for changes in call rates over the two periods. Results showed an increase in calls per hour of 33%, though this result was not statistically significant. This overall increase over time should be treated with caution. With such a short run of data, changes in call rates could come from reduced predation due to 1080 operations or chance fluctuations in weather effecting timing of breeding and hence call rates.

Through these analyses it was found that noise (particularly weather conditions) had a substantial effect in decreasing the call rate. This is because kiwi are less likely to call in high noise, and also because listeners find it more difficult to detect calls in these conditions.

Due to juvenile kiwi taking up to 3 years of age to start calling, there is a substantial lag in call rates with these juveniles coming through into the breeding population. Anecdotally newly formed pairs often call frequently, whereas established pairs call much less (H. Roberson pers. comm.). These factors must be taken into account when interpreting the results of call count monitoring as a tool for detecting population change.

In general terms, the outcome target for Western North Island brown kiwi inside aerial 1080 areas is that the population should increase by 10% every 3 years (Hurley 2009). The situation in the Kia project should become clearer as 1080 operations and counts continue for a decade or more. The more data points collected over time will allow the ability to detect any significant population trends. Call counts will continue on a regular basis to build on current data and used to assess population trends in the future.

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4.3.4 !5%% A trial of tracking kiwi using dogs to assess the age structure of the population was carried out in 2009 in the Manga-wai-iti Stream catchment by James Fraser and Natasha Coad, and funded through a BNZ Save the Kiwi grant8 A total of 20 hours were spent actively searching with approximately 24.7 km covered. Only two kiwi were found near the old John Coull Hut site, while none were found in the Mangapurua or Manga-wai-iti areas. Scat and sign were seen. This trial was to ensure that the encounters of kiwi would be high enough to allow an adequate sample for a full survey to follow. Due to the low encounters found within the trial, using this methodology to assess age class was seen as very labour intensive for very little gain. Further work with this monitoring has not been carried out.

4.3.5 $)%%)5 Tracking tunnels have been used to assess the effectiveness of the aerial 1080 operations since the first application in 2008. This is carried out 4 times per year in permanent lines established in the and Mangapurua blocks. While the monitoring is carried out each year, data from these has only been assessed to mid 2012. However within this time, two 1080 operations have occurred. Rat numbers have been shown to have been knocked down to 5% or lower in the first 6-8 months in both the and Mangapurua blocks (Figure 3). Stoat numbers are seen to reduce directly after 1080 operations to below 5% for the first three months. Tracking rates are generally low in the block (<12%) and Mangapurua (5%) though a peak of 17% was seen 2 years after the 2009 operation (Figure 4).

Comparatively, non-treatment areas show a range of 12-75% tracking rate in rats and an 8-20% rate in stoats (Figure 5).

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The effect of aerial 1080 in reducing predation pressure and the survival rates on kiwi has been shown to be effective. Monitoring of the kiwi population in the Tongariro Forest has shown increases in survival rates of both chicks and sub-adults (the age in which kiwi are most vulnerable to predation). This project in Tongariro Forest had the capacity and access to transmit chicks and sub- adults (between 1100-1200 g) and monitor these over time. Kiwi chick survival increased significantly from around 25% to 70% in the year after a 1080 operation, with 60% in the second year (Hood et. al. 2009). By the third year the survival rate returned to pre-1080 levels. Sub-adult kiwi were seen to have a survival rate of 73% within the 1080 management area, whereas outside the survival rate was only 14% (Hood et. al. 2009).

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Given that comparable pest control is being undertaken in the Kia project the kiwi population in the Whanganui National Park is expected to have similar boosted survival rates. Monitoring a population (as opposed to individual survival rates) is a much longer term proposition and requires ongoing management and monitoring.

4.3. Horizons Regional Council kiwi protection HRC have recently established the 1,217 ha Aramahoe area as a project site aiming to protect kiwi, but also addressing whole of ecosystem threats. HRC is applying for derogation to the Forest Stewardship Council to use Brodifacoum in the area for pest control.

HRC is working to establish baseline information for kiwi in forestry land. Call count data is being collected and will enable changes in kiwi numbers to be monitored over time. HRC is also working with the kiwi recovery programme run through Maungatautari Sanctuary to protect North Island brown kiwi populations and increase genetic diversity across key sites.

4.4 Recommendations for next operational plan  For the continuation of aerial 1080 operations for predator control of rats and stoats on a three yearly cycle to reduce rats and stoats in the Kia area.  Continuation of running tracking tunnels to monitor rat and stoat populations and the effectiveness of the 1080 operations.  Continue to collect call count data within Kia to understand the changes in the kiwi population in response to reduction of predation pressure.  Establish a baseline for kiwi call counts for the HRC Aramahoe area to population any response from kiwi to predator control.

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5 Whio

5.1 Aims  50 km of waterway is protected with stoat trap lines within the next 3 years: o 20 km of the Manganui o te Ao River o 30 km of the River  50 pairs of blue duck live within the protected area within 5 years.*  A cat trap (live capture) network is established along the protected length of river.

*NOTE: as per the Blue Duck Recovery Plan, the goal of 50 pairs within 50 km for all Security sites was set for 2017 (not 2013 as stated in the Kia Operation Plan).

Whio family

5.2 Outcomes The population increases to at least 50 breeding pairs of blue duck (Blue Duck Recovery Plan target) by 2013.

5.3 Results Currently 78 km of the Manganui o te Ao and is being protected (Manganui o te Ao = 38 km; = 40 km) as part of the Whio Security site (Maps of the Security site are shown in the Appendices 2-4). Prior to 2008 no predator control was being undertaken in the River area. The establishment of a predator control network was completed in late 2009. The trap network in the River catchment has recently been realigned and the frequency of servicing has been reviewed. This has lead to efficiencies in management while still achieving protection for whio. The existing predator control network on the Manganui o te Ao is programmed

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to be intensified from 556 traps to 956 traps to increase protection for whio. DOC is also protecting an additional 15 km on the Manganui o te Ao River. This protects whio upstream of the Security Site to encourage whio to spread down river and form new pairs within the Security Site itself.

Live-capture of cats has now been replaced by a specifically designed kill trap programme. This is a systematic trapping programme covering two thirds of the Security Site on the Manganui o te Ao catchment. This exceeds any live capture programme carried out previously. It has the intent of removing resident feral cats from the area and potentially reducing reinvasion. This reduces the risk of whio being predated, particularly nesting females. Cat control on the is still limited.

The in the past five years trapping network has killed 182 cats, 6 ferrets, 785 stoats, 295 weasels and 10,051 rats. This amounts to 11,319 target pests being removed from critical whio habitat.

The number of pairs in the two catchments is currently below the 50 pair goal (Table 7). This is due to a severe slip and flooding events in 2010 which had a significant impact on whio numbers; whio pairs have not yet recovered to pre-flood numbers. This highlights the vulnerability of the remaining whio populations. All due diligence has been carried out for whio protection with predator control programmes.

Whio are known to take several years to recover from a major event like that seen in 2010 (A. Beath pers. comm.). It’s possible the number of whio pairs may be too low to allow the population to recover naturally (J. Scrimgeour pers. comm.). In 2012 the first strategic release of captive-bred birds on the Manganui o te Ao was achieved to help the local population recover more quickly. It is expected that repetition of this management will boost the long term security of the local wild whio population within the Security Site.

1 7 3%I1$$16$%8– 5\%@ '%SI

Catchment Managed Seasons Number of Pairs Number of Fledglings per pair fledged juveniles

Manganui o te Ao 2013/2014 22 0 0.0 2012/2013 22 16 0.7 2011/2012 25 26 1.0 2010/2011 23 25 1.1 2009/2010* 37 32 0.9

2013/2014 15 0 0.2 2012/2013 21 27 1.3 2011/2012 18 6 0.3 2010/2011 14 4 0.3 2009/2010* 28 28 1.0

*seasons are shown from the 2009/2010 season only as the part of the Security Site was only fully operational from 2008.

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5.4 Recommendations for next operational plan  Align to the Recovery Plan of 50 pairs by 2017. To be realistic in that due to the 2010 events, natural recovery of this whio population may take some years. This is being augmented by the release of captive bred whio, though is dependent on the success of the captive programme. This should be recognised and new goals set.  Maintain predator control efforts in the Manganui o te Ao and River catchments while seeking continual improvements to best protect whio.

Conservation Services Ranger with two stoats caught in a DOC 200 trap

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6 ooio Sohip The project area of Kia covers a range of spectacular landscapes and is home to threatened endemic species. The successes of this project are significant and have achieved praise and attention at a regional and national scale. This collaborative partnership was recognized by former Conservation Minister Tim Groser and described as a ‘model for conservation projects’.

6.1 Aims  To raise awareness of the area and project  Promote the work being done and the results achieved  Attract sponsors

6.2 Outcomes  High media and community interest.  Third-party funding/sponsorship secured.

Locals and school children listening at the whio release at Ruatiti Domain

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6.3 Results Ongoing effort is made to raise awareness of the project and its successes through a variety of avenues. This includes education about the project, enhancing biodiversity values in the area, increasing recreation opportunities for more people to enjoy the area, and empowering community to become involved in the project. A summary of these efforts and the support received for the project are outlined below:

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 Kia was recognised nationally, winning an award for Working Together for Better Services’ in the 2010 IPANZ (Institute of Public Administration New Zealand) Gen-i Public Sector Excellence Awards.  The project has two significant public profile opportunities as it captures the Whanganui Journey Great Walk and the Mountains to Sea Cycleway Great Ride, both nationally and internationally recognised recreation assets.  The project was used as a national case study to highlight innovation in the public sector, and published on the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet website. See Appendix 5.  A blog page and twitter account has been created to keep the public up to date about the achievements and progress of the project. The blog page has links to social media sources such as twitter and you-tube to enable the integration into other media fields. http://kia.govt.nz/.  Funding was received through the BNZ Save the Kiwi trust to enable age class surveys to be undertaken on the wild population.  The project is also supported through the Central North Island Blue Duck Trust and Genesis Energy to assist in whio protection.  The Kia project has a page on the DOC website.  The project is promoted through signage and brochures for the Whanganui Journey. In 2013 alone over 7000 people travelled this journey and were exposed to the work of Kia .

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 As mentioned earlier, over 1000 people have participated in the avian aversion training programme. The programme raises awareness of kiwi and whio in the area and the work being carried out in the Kia project.  Kia is actively promoted through the regional events during Whio Awareness Month.  Whio releases in the Kia project area have involved local schools, land owners, iwi, HRC and DOC staff and media.  The Project is actively promoted throughout the community by DOC and HRC staff through face-to-face encounters, speaking to community and interest groups, engaging local schools and concessionaires in the area.  Local schools Oratoha and Kaitieke are proactive in their involvement with the project and promote predator trapping in their communities.  Promotional material has been designed and distributed to adjoining landowners, schools and staff within the Kia project.  The Kia project was featured in a full page farming feature in the Wanganui Chronicle (see Appendix 6).  Kia has been promoted at the Home and Lifestyle Expo in Wanganui which is attended by over 5000 people.

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6.4 Recommendations for next operational plan  Maintenance of relationships with schools, land holders and iwi.

 Both DOC and HRC being proactive in opportunities to engage other individuals and organisations in the Kia project including external sponsors.

 Ongoing promotion and engagement through Kia blog page, and HRC and DOC websites.

 Seeking media coverage and opportunities to tell ‘good news stories’ about the project and our partners.

 Expand current level of signage and interpretation in the project area to ensure all visitors to the area have the opportunity to learn about the project.

 Review progress on promotion and sponsorship at regular intervals with HRC and DOC.

Kaitieke School children sitting underneath their pest control tally board

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7 &% The banner of Kia provides important leverage for both HRC and DOC to obtain and direct funding into the important work that this project requires, such as the large-scale aerial 1080 projects and extensive on-ground predator control.

7.1 Relationship approach Two separate teams comprising DOC and HRC staff meet on a regular basis. One team meets at a management level and the second at an operational level. This group is the face of the project as far as landowners and the community are concerned. It is expected that both groups will meet regularly with, and otherwise keep informed, a large number of interested parties – respective governance teams, landowners, iwi and media.

An update on the Kia project is presented to the HRC Environment Committee on a bi- monthly basis to ensure the Committee has up to date progress on the project.

7.2 Results

7.2.1 ' % A key aim of the Kia project has been to combine biodiversity management with opportunities for economic and social development in communities in the project area. A critical part of this has been the Te Amo Taiao project which has seen HRC and DOC join forces with Te Puni Kokiri, the Ministry of Social Development and the Hinengakau Development Trust to provide an opportunity to train local people in conservation related work. Te Amo Taiao offers training in pest control, track maintenance/building and fencing, and participants are guaranteed two years work following completion of the course.

This iwi work collective is now fully established and employs 13 local staff sourcing their own contracts and working across a wide area. 7.2.2 & ()7$$5)57 The Mountains to Sea Great Ride cycle trail is now fully established and moves people through the heart of the Kia project area. The trail in its first few years has been fully utilised and is receiving great reviews. People can experience the biodiversity and history of this unique place first- hand as they move through the trail.

These are real attractions for cyclists and walkers and local landowners are increasingly offering accommodation options and the opportunity for visitors to experience the scenery and wildlife of the area. These small scale tourism businesses add to the diversity of the rural economy. An official partner’s programme for the trail has been launched to assist these local businesses to grow the trail experience.

The opportunity also exists for the development of interpretative material along the cycle trail route that will provide visitors with an introduction to Kia e and the conservation work of landowners, iwi, HRC and DOC.

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The Mountains to Sea multipsort race was run in summer 2013 after a seven year absence of the race. Organisers aim to restore this annual event and the opportunity exists for DOC to promote the Kia project to all race competitors and supporters. 7.2.3 ( Other stakeholder initiatives are expanding the biodiversity conservation effort within the project area. Examples include:  Project to protect and enhance biodiversity around Tawata on the Whanganui River. This project is using the skills of fieldworkers from Te Amo Taiao, HRC, and DOC to complement local Maori knowledge. The project will enhance kiwi protection and bush protection along the Whanganui River connecting to the northern ends of Whanganui National Park  Local iwi in the Waimarino Forest have for many years been involved with the Earnslaw One Forestry Company in a programme of kiwi protection through Operation Nest Egg, including an extensive predator trapping programme.  Recently DOC has assisted users of the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Valleys to join forces and start a Friends group for the area. This group brings together people with a vast array of interests in the valleys.  Local farmers such as the Steele’s have taken up the challenge to protect biodiversity values on their farms and promote this work through tourism ventures. 7.2.4 )% %7 A key driver of the Kia project has been for HRC and DOC to be working together effectively to get the best results for biodiversity conservation and also for the ratepayer and taxpayer. This has been done through sharing knowledge and skills around goat control, fencing, sharing resources around project support and training such as Te Amo Taiao.

For example the project team continues to work closely with TBfree NZ and researchers to trial lower sowing rates of aerial 1080. In the Kia project area this has seen the sowing rate decrease from 2-5 kg of prefeed and toxic bait per hectare to 0.5-1 kg in the most recent operation. Reduced bait loading reduces the costs of bait, bait storage and the helicopter time required to drop the bait. It also demonstrates that we are continuing to look at ways of minimising the amount of 1080 required to do the job.

HRC and DOC staff also maintain good communication which enables them to collaborate on work such as goat control, where neighbouring blocks can be treated simultaneously to share costs and maximise the success of the operation by reducing the chance of reinvasion.

7.3 Recommendations for next operational plan  Whanganui Iwi and agencies are preparing to implement Te Awa Tupua treaty settlement for a whole catchment approach to caring for the Whanganui River. The Kia biodiversity work sits at the heart of the Whanganui catchment. Whanganui Iwi has sought to strengthen the health and wellbeing of the Whanganui Awa and its people by managing the catchment as a whole. Where possible the Kia priorities should align to achieve Te Awa Tupua outcomes.

 Maintain strong relationships and communication between DOC and HRC staff.

 Establish yearly progress reports to summarise developments in the project, highlight successes and identify challenges as they arise. 30

 Continue to promote opportunities for economic development and training that benefit the Kia project and the local community and business ventures.

 Seek further opportunities to engage the increasing number of visitors to the Whanganui National Park in the work of Kia . Examples include the extension of existing signage in the park and promoting the project through events such as the M2C multisport race.

 Set a timetable for regular meetings. Operational and higher level team to meet at least once a year to review project.

Kiwi footprints

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8 ) The Kia Biodiversity Project is a precedent-setting example of inter-agency collaboration achieving biodiversity restoration goals over a vast tract of nationally significant land. The project owes its success to the effective partnership between HRC and DOC at multiple levels, the strong support it has received from iwi, and commitment from landholders and the local communities. This report has highlighted the achievements of the project since its inception in 2008, and presents opportunities for project partners in moving forward into the next phase of the project.

%$$$%1%- As man disappears from sight, the land remains

Whio being released by school children, March 2014

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9 )5% DOC and HRC staff would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of all other parties involved in making this project a success. This includes; individual land holders, local iwi, Roopu Mana Whenua, the Nga Whenua Rahui group, contractors, Central North Island Blue Duck Charitable Trust, Kiwis for Kiwi, TBFree NZ, HRC Environment Committee and the local community. 10 Hawcroft, A., and Husheer, S. (2006). Vegetation monitoring in Whanganui National Park, Unpublished Report, Department of Conservation, Wellington.

Hood, R., Sutton, N., Guillotel, J., Dix, A., Beath, A., Raemaekers, T., and Lawson, T. (2009). Tongariro Forest Kiwi Sanctuary Annual Report, Unpublished Report, Department of Conservation, Wellington.

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Appendix 1: Kia Biodiversity Project map

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Appendix 2: Protected areas for whio on the Manganui o te Ao River

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Appendix 3: Protect area for whio on the upper River

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Appendix 4: Protected areas for whio on the lower River, Morinui and Kaiwhakauka streams

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Appendix 5: Kia case study featured on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website Source - http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/sites/all/files/bps/ssr-2142844.pdf

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Appendix 6: Kia advertorial –Whanganui Chronicle 2013

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