Patron: Ruud Kleinpaste PO Box 48-232, Blockhouse Bay, 0644 Newsletter www.littlebarrierisland.org.nz Issue 38 November 2017

FROM THE CHAIR

I hope you have all had the chance now to watch the 11-minute approved funds for research into the genetics of Hauturu’s hihi video prepared for the Trust by NHNZ and generously funded by population. The fieldwork has now been carried out and we will the Becroft Foundation. It is free to view on YouTube – “Little have a report to share with you in due course. Barrier Island: ’s Ark” – and is a great heart- The Conservation Management Plan for Te Hauturu-o-Toi was lifter for those of us that love NZ’s unique natural heritage. approved by the Ngäti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and the Auckland I would like to welcome our newest trustee, Shane McInnes. Conservation Board and released in October (see page 4). Shane was a ranger on Hauturu for several years, but now Finally thanks to all our supporters, many of whom have given has a land-based job and a young family and is keen to give generous donations of time or money towards ensuring that something back to the island. The Trust is keen to benefit from Hauturu remains the jewel in the crown and the exemplar for his expert knowledge of the island as well as his youth and all other restoration goals around New Zealand. enthusiasm. Lyn Wade – Chair Sadly we acknowledge the passing of a previous trustee, Geoff Drew, who had retired from the Trust last year after many years as the accountant (see page 7). Congratulations to our newsletter editor Kate and partner In this issue Sam on the safe arrival of a new wee daughter, Indigo. Rangers report ���������������������������������������������������������������������������2 Keith Gell, DOC Conservation Services manager for the Gulf Islands, spoke to our July meeting about his role. We also had Old friends and new faces ��������������������������������������������������������3 Tom Trnski, Head of Natural Sciences at Auckland Museum, Hauturu’s new rangers ��������������������������������������������������������������4 to our October meeting to talk about marine reserve possibilities Te Hauturu-o-Toi Conservation Management Plan ����������������4 for the . Käkäpö and kauri breeding link ����������������������������������������������5 Weed work continues on the island with assistance from Trust- A dream come true �������������������������������������������������������������������6 sourced funding. Our thanks go to Foundation North and the DOC Community Conservation Fund for this welcome support. A deep connection ��������������������������������������������������������������������7 The Trust has been working towards offering small amounts Parkinson’s rätä �������������������������������������������������������������������������8 of funding to assist with research on the island. We recently ‘Island Invasives’ conference: Hauturu on the world stage ����8

Hauturu Issue 38 1 Rangers Report

August and early September were mostly taken up with preparation for the weed season and a response to the spread of the plant pathogen myrtle rust. Polly went off to the main- land for a couple of weeks to train and help with response at infected areas, and on the island we identified unaffected rätä, pohutukawa, kanuka, manuka, and ramarama that we could potentially collect seed from early next year. Weeds The recruitment of the weed team went smoothly and so far the team has covered good ground with the number of weeds declining compared to last year. To date only seven climbing asparagus have been found this season – two of them were adult but not old enough to generate seeds. The number of pampas found has been significantly lower than last year, with no seeding adults found to date. The team is making good progress on the number of plots that have to be covered this year. Hihi The hihi team of five was on the island from 5 to 13 October to look at genetic diversity and sperm viability in the hihi population on the island. The birds caught had blood samples taken, with sperm samples taken from the males. A total of 36 hihi were caught in mist nets to determine similarities or differences between sites on the island. Samples were taken from Pohutukawa flat (6 birds), East Cape (6 birds), and the bunkhouse and valley track/Hamilton track junction areas (24 birds). 34 of the captured birds were male and only two female. This is in part due to the fact that the females were sitting on nests at the time, and a good outcome as males were predominantly targeted. The hihi team is planning to come back in March to capture more birds and continue to research genetic diversity. – – – Four more käkäpö arrived on Hauturu in July, two new faces and two old friends (see story on next page). The annual transmitter change in September went well and all of the birds were caught on the first attempt and within the time allowed. There were two teams, and neither returned empty-handed on any of the catching days – a first since käkäpö returned to the island. All of the birds were in good or very good condition with most of the males being very heavy – which helped us to catch them as they were comparatively slow moving! The good weight of the males indicates that they are likely to boom. The beech and kauri seed count has not shown high numbers of flowers or cones, but there are some flowers and seeds forming. We’ll have to wait and see if any breeding occurs this season. The käkäpö team were once again key actors and ‘Lollywood stars’ in Liam’s movie-making efforts. Leigh was on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island helping with the käkäpö transmitter change and health check. She was excited to catch up with Mahli (the chick hatched on Hauturu in 2014 and named by the Supporters after Liam and Mahina) and see that she was in good condition and doing well, as was her sibling Tohu.

Richard Walle

From top: Leigh with Mahli on Whenua Hou, the hihi team at work, helicopter pilot Roger Stevenson helping release the new käkäpö arrivals.

2 Hauturu Issue 38 Rangers Report Old friends and new faces

On 10 July, four more käkäpö were transferred to Hauturu, on to father Mahli and Tohu in 2014, meaning Wendy is their bringing the total number to 14. The new arrivals included grandmother. two older birds who have been on Hauturu in the past, and The birds were released by the island rangers as well as Deidre two younger females, Tiaka and Tia, who have settled in the Vercoe and Bronnie Jeynes from DOC’s käkäpö team, and iwi southwest of the island. representatives Fiona McKenzie (Ngäti Manuhiri) and Tane Davis Blades, an older male and prolific breeder – the father of 22 chicks (Ngäi Tahu). The birds were carried a short distance up the hill – was one of the ‘originals’, caught on Stewart Island and taken and released following a blessing by Tane and Fiona. to Hauturu in 1982. In 1999, he was transferred to Whenua Hou/ In a lovely symmetry, Warkworth-based helicopter pilot Roger Codfish Island. Blades’ winter home-range on Hauturu was near Stevenson flew the käkäpö to Hauturu. He had transferred Wendy Te Hue point and though he’s been away almost two decades, off the island in 1998 – and it was his father who originally took he seems to have settled back in the same vicinity. her there in his helicopter in 1982! The other older bird is Wendy, also a known breeder. She arrived Hopefully the addition of another successful breeding male and on Hauturu from Stewart Island in 1982, and was taken to Te Hoiere/ three more females will help answer the question sooner about in 1998, then transferred to Whenua Hou in 2001. whether female käkäpö can successfully raise chicks on Hauturu Her home-range on Hauturu was near Track 20, and within one without supplementary food. week of transfer she was back in her old haunt.

During her last stint on the island Wendy mated with both Bill and Ox and had several nests, eggs and chicks on Hauturu. Clockwise from below: Flightless birds in flight from Whenua Hou; iwi representatives Tane and Fiona accompany the käkäpö on the Two chicks disappeared from the nest, but Dobbie successfully helicopter trip; Tane and Fiona release the birds on Hauturu; fledged in 1991 with the aid of supplementary food. Dobbie went Wendy in her new home; prolific breeder Blades.

Hauturu Issue 38 3 Hauturu’s New Rangers

Hi everyone, Polly and Andre here. Not We arrived on Hauturu at the end of June sure where to start but the last place we and were straight into a flurry of activity left off might be best. Polly and I were with the planned release of käkäpö the the island rangers on Stephens Island/ following week. A highlight for us was a Takapourewa for the last three-and-a-half visit to Orau gorge with Pete and Kathy years. Stephens is around 20 times smaller to have a look at some weed sites, a very than Hauturu and is known for its seabirds imposing and special spot. and reptile fauna – it’s home to between The last few weeks have been quieter with 20,000 and 50,000 tuatara and many Richard joining Leigh and the kids for a millions of seabirds, including fairy prions. much-deserved break off the island. Prior to Polly’s focus on the island was mainly this Richard and I were focused on getting looking after the nursery, propagating the sentry stations running, me used to the 10,000 trees from seed a year to help with boat, and learning anything else I needed the restoration of the island. Although close to know before being left to look after the to the mainland, Stephens is more isolated island. than Little Barrier due to its location in Cook The professional weed team has started and Strait. There is boat access, but the island Polly and I have been flat out working with has no boat of its own. them. It’s a great bunch of people, and we Stephens and Little Barrier differ a lot in Andre DeGraaf and Polly Hall exploring are starting to get to grips with the island’s the Orau Gorge in their new home. most aspects apart from the cliffs. Forest weed plots. birdlife is sadly lacking on Stephens, though We are looking forward to some warm water and swims off the the reptile fauna is out of this world! There are fewer overall rocks this summer and maybe the odd bit of fishing and bird species than on Hauturu, but Stephens makes up for it in sheer watching thrown in. We look forward to meeting some of you volume with skinks and geckos everywhere. sometime! Polly and I spent a year on the Chatham Islands prior to Stephens and the previous 6-7 years in South Westland. We still call Haast home.

Te Hauturu-o-Toi Conservation Management Plan (CMP)

On 2 October 2017 the Te Hauturu-o-Toi/ Nature Reserve Conservation Management Plan (CMP) became operative. The development of this plan was an important part of the Ngäti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act of 2012, which provided for co-governance of the nature reserve by the trustees of the Ngäti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and the Auckland Conservation Board.

As part of the Settlement Ngäti Manuhiri gifted the island to the people of New Zealand, retaining approximately 1.2 hectares in the name of their tupuna, Rahui Te Kiri. The Settlement Trust, the Minister of Conservation and the Director General are all committed to the restoration and protection of the health and wellbeing of the nature reserve for present and future generations. the previous chair of the Conservation Board. The process has Early in November a special celebration was held at the Auckland allowed an outcome that will work for all parties and ultimately Museum to celebrate the CMP and all that it means. Nicola the island and its precious cargo. MacDonald (Chairperson of the Ngäti Rehua Ngätiwai ki Aotea Trust) was the MC for the evening, and set a lovely welcoming The speeches were followed by shared food and drinks and a tone. The main speakers were Mook Hohneck, Ngäti Manuhiri chance to chat – to the accompaniment of our recent film about Settlement Trust; Andrew Baulke, Director of Operations Auckland, the island. DOC; and Lyn Mayes, Chair, Auckland Conservation Board. The CMP is available to be viewed online. Each speaker acknowledged the work of all of the group, Lyn Wade and also the input from many others, particularly Ross Aitken,

4 Hauturu Issue 38 – – – KAkApO and kauri breeding link

A new study has found a link between käkäpö breeding attempts and years of increased kauri fruiting on Hauturu, hinting that the trees may act as a trigger for the island’s käkäpö.

For her Masters research, University of Auckland student Zoë Stone examined previously un-analysed data from the 1990s – the first time käkäpö were on the island – and compared breeding attempts with patterns of seed production. In the , käkäpö only breed during ‘mast’ years – when rimu and some other podocarp trees produce larger-than-usual numbers of seeds and fruit. There are only a few rimu on Hauturu, so what triggers käkäpö breeding on the island has been a mystery. Stone and her colleagues found that in the 1990s, the years käkäpö attempted to breed coincided with high kauri cone production – and that the female käkäpö that attempted to breed preferred kauri-dominated vegetation to other kinds of habitat. “We’re suggesting that kauri forest might provide useful food for käkäpö breeding,” Stone says. “Whether it actually triggered it, we can’t say for sure yet – we’ll need more data.”

“These are all small sample sizes so you have to be a bit cautious with interpretation. But the three birds that did attempt to breed were selecting kauri forest more highly than any of the other birds.”

Zoë Stone during her Masters research on Hauturu.

Hauturu Issue 38 5 A Dream come true

Te Hauturu-o-Toi (aka Little Barrier Island) is a beautiful, unique some kiwi. We split into two groups and unfortunately I was a and lively island sanctuary where I was lucky enough to spend the part of the group that did not see one. However, I can’t complain weekend alongside a group of equally passionate volunteers. because I saw a giant weta, a gecko in a kanuka tree (Liam thinks it was either a pacific or common gecko), and we did hear some I have had an interest in New Zealand conservation from a young kiwi calls. age and Hauturu is a place that inevitably gets brought up almost any time you read about island conservation in New Zealand. On the Sunday we got to go for a walk deep into the forest up After a previous application decline (due to the popularity of the Thumb track and back via the Waipawa track, where we saw lots working weekends), I was delighted to receive a call to say I was of rare plants and birds. Lyn was an excellent guide on the walk, going to Hauturu. sharing her extensive knowledge of New Zealand flora and the history of the island. I certainly learned a lot and got to see lots I have always appreciated the spectacular rigid shape of Little Barrier of uncommon plants, such as green clematis and various types of Island and for an island with “Little” in the title, I can confirm that native orchids that I did not even know existed. up close it seems like anything but. As we approached on the boat, the details of the dense vegetation cover became more visible and Overall it was an amazing weekend and I am hugely grateful that I got the impression I was going back in time to a pre-European I got to visit such a special place. A big thank you on behalf of settlement era. the working weekend team to Richard, Liam, Andre and Polly for having us on the island, and to Lyn and the rest of the Trust After meeting Richard, Andre and Liam on arrival, we quickly moved for making it happen. through the quarantine checks, unpacking, briefings and soon got to work. Bruce and I were put in charge of trimming the plants Kevin Calis (back row, second from right) inside the tuatara boxes and we were told to take extra care so that we neither chopped or lost any tuatara (a big responsibility if you ask me). We later collected leaf litter containing bugs that Working weekends could be dispersed inside the tuatara boxes, so they could learn to AUTUMN 2018 catch their own food. The rest of the team worked hard – through Two working weekends are planned for Autumn 2018. rain and shine – on other jobs including firewood stacking, Due to the weed team being on the island there will only dismantling the old tuatara enclosures and pruning trees inside be nine participants in each group. the enclosures. The target dates (weather permitting) are: The most remarkable thing about working outside on Hauturu was the abundant bird life we encountered. Highlights included March 10/11 (back-up dates March 24/25) getting very close to a käkä sitting in a tree, seeing kökako jump April 21/22 (back-up dates April 28/29 ) from branch to branch and the diverse melodies of bird songs All participants need to be reasonably fit and agile and we heard. My favourite bird call of the weekend was the sweet prepared to cope, if necessary, with a wet and difficult sound of the tieke (saddleback) and the way they communicated landing over large and slippery boulders. We will do a with each other through call and response. Hearing a bird call is variety of jobs for the rangers, plus there will be time one thing but hearing birds talk to each other in that way was for walking, bird-watching and botanising. something extra special. For further details and to request an application form That night we had a barbeque at Richard’s house with the rangers for either of these weekends, please ring Sandra Jones, and weed team. After some wonderful food and hospitality – ph 09 817 2788, or email [email protected] including my first experience of biting into the sharp legs of a The closing date for applications is Friday 2 February. crayfish – we set off for a night walk with the hope of spotting

6 Hauturu Issue 38 CoAnne deepction Geoffrey John Burnard Drew

It is with profound sorrow that we report the recent death of Geoffrey Drew, a founding trustee, and the Trust’s highly regarded and greatly appreciated Treasurer for nearly twenty years. Throughout Geoffrey’s tenure, he contributed markedly to the smooth running and growth of the Trust, not only through skilled financial management, but also by keeping abreast of issues and contributing thoughtfully but resolutely to discussion. His input was typically quiet, considered and informative, though passionate when it came to threats to the island. Invasive weeds were a particular bugbear! But how did we meet him? Geoffrey (or ‘just Geoff’ as we soon learned) had close personal connections to Hauturu. We were fortunate to meet him through Chris Smuts-Kennedy, the resident Hauturu ranger from 1990 to 1995. invasive weeds were a particular bugbear In 1993, our core group of friends made one of several exciting – here he is dealing to trips to the island. It was on this trip that Chris nudged us towards them in this photo looking closely at the potential for a group of Supporters of this from the early 2000s most treasured island. Then, as our ‘starter group’ was gaining momentum, Chris introduced us to Geoff, his good friend and accountant. To our delight, Geoff was keen to join us as a trustee Then Geoff and Chris hiked the track together. and, most importantly, as treasurer. In 1997 the Trust was launched with Geoff’s hand on the financial Geoff brought with him not only his own considerable expertise, helm, and it has grown steadily ever since. but also his father’s approval and support for our endeavour. This In 2015, Geoff retired from his accountancy practice and in 2016 was very important to Geoff, as his family’s connection to Hauturu from the Trust, after many years of sterling service. was a very deep and sad one. Geoff was keen to have more time to enjoy overseas travel with Geoff’s younger brother John, an outdoorsman like his mate Chris his wife, Margaret, and to pursue his wide range of hobbies. For S-K, had embarked on a career in the Wildlife Service. example, his increasing interest in native plants and restoration In 1969, they were both working on Hauturu on the early stages of planting, including of his own property. He was a determined and the pioneering programme to eliminate feral cats from the island’s active conservationist and a keen participant in the Hamilton Gully very rugged terrain. Tragically, John suffered a fatal fall while Project with its positive impact on the Waikato River. returning to base at day’s end through a particularly difficult area. Such pursuits will surely be part of his legacy, but his nearly 20 During his time as Hauturu ranger, Chris initiated the renaming of years with this Trust will remain outstanding. the track that winds up the Tirikakawa Valley and the streambed We are all deeply indebted to him. into which John had fallen. In due course, Geoff and his father participated in the unveiling of the JOHN DREW MEMORIAL Judy Hanbury, Founding Trustee TRACK.

Hauturu Issue 38 7 – – Parkinson’s rAtA

The rare, brilliant red flowers of Parkinson’s rätä (Metrosideros parkinsonii) have been found at a new, more accessible Little Barrier site by ranger Richard Walle’s son Liam. Also called Shrubby rätä, the endemic plant is only found in the north west of the South Island, and in the only on Hauturu and Aotea (.) On Hauturu it was only known at one site, Parkin’s Knoll, where it was last recorded in 1988. Richard, Mahina and Liam returned to the spot in October and found Parkinson’s rätä is still present there. They found four trees around 4-6 metres high. 350m away along the summit ridge Liam found a second site – a group of small Parkinson’s rätä shrubs dotted with flower buds. rätä belong to the myrtaceae family, meaning they are at risk of myrtle rust. As part of a nationwide response to the pathogen, the rangers plan to collect seeds from these rätä as well as other myrtle species. The aim is to identify strains within each species that might be more resilient to myrtle rust, as well as establish a seed bank as a short-term backup in case of widespread infection.

‘Island Invasives’ Conference: Hauturu on the world stage

In July, Hauturu’s predator-free story featured at an international but numbers of six species (bellbird, pied tit, robin, käkäriki, conference on ‘Island Invasives’ at the University of Dundee, kökako and saddleback) increased significantly. Scotland, which attracted more than 300 delegates from 43 Richard Griffiths presented on the topic of ‘Ecosystem Recovery countries and was opened by Princess Anne. on Little Barrier Island (Hauturu) following rat and cat eradication’. New Zealand’s progress in eradicating invasive species was This described the short- and long-term impacts of cat and rat described in several talks, and Hauturu was the focus of two eradication on the biodiversity of the island. Among the successes presentations, by Dick Veitch and Richard Griffiths. mentioned were the rediscovery of the NZ storm petrel, and that tuatara raised in captivity have now re-established on the island. Dick Veitch discussed ‘Changes in forest passerine numbers following rat eradication on Hauturu’. He reported the results of Proceedings of the conference, including both of the papers bird counts from 1975-89 (spanning the period of cat eradication) about Hauturu, will be published by IUCN next year in a major and later counts from 2013-17 (following the rat eradication in peer-reviewed volume. 2004). Seven species (, tui, hihi, rifleman, grey warbler, Mick Clout, Trustee blackbird and silvereye) were less abundant in the latter period,

Little Barrier Island/Hauturu The Trust Supporters Trust Patron: Ruud Kleinpaste The Trust was established in 1997 to help support Trustees: Lyn Wade (Chair), Evan Hamlet, Ray Stone, conservation and research activities on Te Hauturu-o- Mary Binney, David Stone, Rodger Murphy, John Clark, Toi / Little Barrier Island. Supporters of the Trust receive Dr Mick Clout, Shane McInnes Hauturu, the Trust’s twice-yearly newsletter, by paying an Scientific Advisors: Sandra Anderson (UoA), Assoc Prof annual subscription. The newsletter brings you up-to-date Jacqueline Beggs (UoA), Ewen Cameron (Auckland Museum), news from and about the island. Copies of past issues Dr Nicola Nelson (VUW), Dr Kevin Parker, Dr James Russell are available on request. Donations are also welcome. (UoA), David Seldon (UoA) All donations are directed towards activities that are of benefit to Hauturu. To become a supporter, make a The Little Barrier Island (Hauturu) Supporters Trust is a registered donation or offer help in some other way, please contact charitable trust CC24983 the Trust secretary Sandra Jones, phone: 09 817 2788. Email: [email protected] Hauturu is produced with generous support Postal: LBI /Hauturu Supporters Trust, from Paradigm Associates Ltd. PO Box 48 232, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0644 Editor: Kate Evans Website: www.littlebarrierisland.org.nz Logo and newsletter design: Danielle McBride

8 Printed on 100% recycled paper Hauturu Issue 38