ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTENTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2020 Conservation Trust Trustees and Staff 2 This Annual Report will be presented to the Annual General Meeting of the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust to be held Chairperson’s Report 4 on Wednesday 30 September 2020. 2050 Ecological Vision for Banks Peninsula / Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū (including ) 8 The Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust was established in Goal one – Old forest remnants 9 2001 and is a non- profit organisation, a charitable trust under the Charitable Trusts Act, and is registered with the Charities Goal two – Rare ecosystems 12 Commission. Goal three – Land/freshwater/marine habitats & the species that depend on them 16

Goal four – Core indigenous forest areas Office: Main Highway, P O Box 146, 7645 20 Email: [email protected] Goal five – Productive & settled land also supports indigenous biodiversity 26 Phone: (03) 329 6340 Website: www.bpct.org.nz Goal six – Flora & fauna are increasingly abundant 30

Title page photos from top to bottom: Goal seven – Species reintroductions 32 1. Port Hills view over Lyttelton towards Banks Peninsula 2. Colorful tui in flax plant during the summer 3. View over connecting QEII covenant to sea at Stony Bay Stream Goal eight – Pest Free Banks Peninsula 34 4. French settlement Akaroa, Banks Peninsula Covenants 36

Our Supporters 37

Financial Statements 38 BANKS PENINSULA CONSERVATION TRUST TRUSTEES & STAFF

Mark Christensen (Chair) is a natural Pam Richardson farms in partnership David Miller (Deputy Chair) lives in Rebecca Parish is the Property Development resources lawyer, specialising in biodiversity with husband Ian and son Andrew a 710 Decanter Bay, where he has owned his farm Manager at Foodstuffs . issues. He became involved with the Trust hectare Banks Peninsula hill country prop- since 2001, and was one of the earliest With a background in town planning, business, when working on a Ministerial Advisory erty. In 2007 they won a Ballance Farm covenantors with the Trust. David has a resource management, and governance. Committee on the protection of biodiversity Environment Land and Life Award. Pam is background in clinical psychology and Rebecca divides her time between a home on private land. Mark is a trustee of the a founding member of the Banks Peninsula public health. He has worked in these fields in and their 130 acre NZ National Parks and Conservation Conservation Trust and Chairperson of the in many regions for the United Nations and property on a ridge above . Foundation. He is a consultant to the Feral Goat Eradication Working Group. as the Ombudsman for the World Health Rebecca chairs the Wildside Committee World Conservation Union IUCN, Organisation and the Global Fund to Fight (Retired August 2019) and the Manager of the Sustainable Ingrid Kerr is a chartered accountant AIDS, TB, and Malaria, in Geneva. Business Council’s Business, Biodiversity, working as Chief Financial Officer for Philip Helps resides in . Married and Ecosystem Services Project. construction firm Armitage Williams. Edward Aitken lives in Pigeon Bay with to Jane, they have jointly farmed their Port She lives on Mt. Pleasant and enjoys wife Penny on a 1100ha sheep and beef Levy property for in excess of 40 years. Amy Carter is CEO of The a family holiday home in French Farm. breeding property. This developed farm is Other interest includes active involvement in Foundation. She is also chairperson at pub- now managed by son Angus in conjunction a marine farming partnership. Philip’s family lic relations firm Perception PR & Marketing. Paul Bingham is Executive Chair of Digital with an intensive farm in North Canterbury. has had a continuous association with the Her communications and public relations Marketing Platform Shuttlerock, Farm stay accommodation is available and land as farmers on Banks Peninsula, dating experience includes work with some of Chair and fifty percent shareholder of Banks Edward is a director and shareholder of back to the late 1830s. Philip is an active New Zealand’s iconic charitable organisa- Peninsula’s Black Cat Cruises, a Director marine farming companies in the area. member within the Banks Peninsula branch tions including Surf Life Saving New Zea- of Ngai Tahu Tourism and Trustee of Edward has had many years involvement, of Federated Farmers. land, Swimming New Zealand, and St John. The Christchurch Foundation. He recently with Federated Farmers, in the District Plan Amy lives with her family at Taylor’s Mistake retired from the Air New Zealand board process, out of which evolved the Trust. Jack Gibbs lives within the area of the and has been involved with the Trust since and served as Director at Tourism New Wildside Project beyond Akaroa with his 2 011. Zealand and Chair of Christchurch and Kate Whyte lives with her family in wife Charlotte. Twenty percent of their Canterbury Tourism. Paul’s career has Lyttelton. She has significant experience 240ha property is now dedicated Reserve. spanned marketing roles in a range of managing ecological restoration projects companies, he led Black Cat Cruises for 15 on the Peninsula. Kate has been actively Richard Simpson lives at Fisherman’s years as Managing Director. Paul’s family involved in the Trust’s work since its Bay on the eastern side of Banks Peninsula lived in Diamond Harbour and Akaroa and inception and is committed to ensuring where he and his wife Jill farm 402 has been based in Asia, the UK, and the US it remains a community-led organisation. hectares, running beef cows and dairy before returning to live in New Zealand 20 replacements. They have Banks Peninsula years ago. Conservation Trust covenants totalling 76 hectares and have been involved with the Trust since its inception in 2001. Richard chairs the Trust’s Wildside Committee. (Retired August 2019)

Maree Burnett – General Manager Sarah Bisley – Administrator Marie Neal – Covenants Officer Sophie Hartnell – Volunteer Coordinator Alice Webster – Wildside Coordinator

2 3 CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

I am very pleased to present the • How each of the five Rūnanga hold and • And it’s a place where residents and • Leading the planning for the Te Kāka- chairperson’s report for the 2019/20 own intangible taonga and heritage. visitors alike come or stay to see and hu Kahukura project on the southern Port financial year. These provide insights into the Maori world experience a place they’ve heard about – Hills. This initiative also supports Goal 4 view, whakapapa, mātauranga Maori, somewhere where the brand does deliver, of the Ecological Vision and builds on the In 2016, the Trust led the development and tikanga, connections to the landscape, and where ‘pure’ means what it says, and learnings we have gained from the Wildside adoption of the 2050 Ecological Vision kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Information where there’s a community that’s connected, Project. It is another ‘legacy’ project for the for Banks Peninsula/Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū. about traditional knowledge and tikanga resilient and healthy. A place, which people and city of Christchurch. The eight Goals of the Ecological Vision is owned by each Rūnanga and is precious, amongst others, is an example of how You can read about all these initiatives, guide and direct all the Trust’s activities and is for Rūnanga to contribute or release the whole country could be, in time. and others, in this report. and projects, and the allocation of our as they wish. This is about a true partnership resources. with manawhenua who exercise kaitiakitanga In this annual report you can read about the The year ahead and rangatiratanga – and that’s something range of the Trust’s work on each of the eight The year ahead is an exciting one. The Ecological Vision’s Goals are aspira- no other country in the world is able to do Ecological Vision Goals, and our striving Things to watch out for include: tional. But they are achievable if the Trust, as we can. towards contributing to this larger story. Rūnanga, councils, agencies, organisations • Ramping up the work of Pest Free Banks and landowners all work together collabo- • A prosperous primary sector and tourism The year in retrospect Peninsula. We will be employing a Project ratively, and the Ecological Vision is used industry, part of whose message is that its Highlights of the last financial year include: Leader whose task it is to support the col- to guide conservation and environmental meat, its wool, its carpets, its wine, its olives, laborative implementation of this nationally management across the Peninsula. or its cheese is grown on Banks Peninsula – • The continued expansion of our significant project. a place that can tell its story by way of its covenanting programme 76 covenants over While critical to our work, the Ecological own special brand and its connection with 1502 ha, (primarily Goals 1 and 2 of the • Yet more covenants. Expect some major Vision is not an end in itself; it is merely the whenua and wai - and can tell that story Ecological Vision), and especially the ongoing increases in hectarage this year. part of a larger story. That is because authentically to visitors. rollout of the Covenant Engagement and conservation is, in the end, about people. Support Programme. The Trust remains the • As part of the covenanting, we are con- And that larger story includes: • Finding a place where the environment only locally based and landowner driven tinuing to design, and will hopefully be able supports our mental and physical health – organisation in the entire country that has to announce, opportunities for increasing • How we ensure that the ecological and where we can recreate and re-create – a the legal power to covenant private land in support through a mixed carbon offsetting cultural health of Banks Peninsula/Te Pātaka place of inspiration and regeneration for perpetuity. and biodiversity enhancement financing o Rākaihautū is restored for our children both urban and rural dwellers. model. and their children. That is, working to make • The Trust’s leadership and facilitation of Banks Peninsula/Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū • A place where the thriving biodiversity the Pest Free Banks Peninsula project (Goal a healthy, abundant, and interconnected ‘spills over’ into the red zone and the wider 8 of the Ecological Vision). This project is environment for people to respect and city, and across the plains. gathering momentum and funding is now value – however that value may look or feel in place to make a real difference in the to them. • A place where we can tell the story of coming years. how the landscape that we see today results from the volcanic past and the environmental • Further progress on the Wildside Project changes over millennia to produce the unique (Goal 4 of the Ecological Vision). The biodiversity which is known as the Banks Wildside is recognised nationally as a Ecological Region. leading example of a landowner led and collaborative conservation initiative over • A place which contributes to our national mostly private land. BPCT continues to be carbon neutral status – a place where the driving force and the ‘glue’ to make this Christchurch residents and businesses can project the success it is. see (and experience) the forest returning which helps to offset their unavoidable • Increasing our connection with the carbon emissions. community through more volunteers involved in a range of projects.

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How do we fund these initiatives? The audited financial statements are We are also pleased to have Akaroa The people who make the difference In every annual report I say the same thing provided separately. Once again, I can Waterfront Motels supporting the Wildside The trustees wish to thank our five hard - our primary challenge is the financial report that we have managed our limited Programme as a silver sponsor, and Akaroa working and positive staff – Maree Burnett resilience and sustainability of the Trust, finances prudently. Thanks particularly to Dolphins, Black Cat, Christchurch Gondola, General Manager, Marie Neal Covenants particularly as it relates to core funding for the Trust’s Finance Committee of Ingrid and Rough and Milne Landscape Architects Officer, Sophie Hartnell Volunteer Coordi- the capacity of the organisation to deliver Kerr, Jack Gibbs, and Maree Burnett. as corporate members. nator, Sarah Bisley Administration Officer, projects. We are considering ways to move and Alice Webster Wildside Coordinator. beyond the traditional reliance on grant Forging lasting partnerships with commercial As I’ve noted, the continued financial Under Maree Burnett’s excellent leadership, funding. We continue to spend much time supporters is also critical, and this year our support for our activities from Environment our staff have once again worked tirelessly and resources on a continual search for the structured sponsorship programme has Canterbury, Christchurch City Council, the for the Trust over the year, and our success finances to keep us operating at the high continued. For the financial year we have Rata Foundation, Department of Conserva- is substantially because of their commitment, level you have come to expect, let alone been delighted to have the continued tion, the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust, enthusiasm and rapport with landowners the resources to allow us to expand our support of Hue Ltd as our Principal Sponsor. and WWF is critical to our success and and supporters. It has been a pleasure to activities to respond to the increasing demand This is the end of the sponsorship, the duration continues to be received with thanks. work with you all. from landowners and agencies for support, of which was signalled from the inception. and to continue the leadership the Trust Our thanks particularly to Andrew McCarthy, Why we deserve to stay in business Personally, I wish to thank my fellow trustees provides for various collaborations. Managing Director of Hue Ltd for the We believe we are making an impact, and for your continuing passion and commitment Having said that, we remain extremely significant support over the last three years. we stand ready to be accountable to you, to the Trust’s work and vision. Almost entirely grateful to our existing funders and supporters our supporters and funders for delivering landowners and residents on the Peninsula because that support allows us to achieve We continue to be grateful for the support that impact. We are continually striving to and Port Hills, you act, not only much, operating efficiently on relatively of foundation sponsors Anderson Lloyd and be ever more efficient with the resources we as governors of the Trust, but as examples to limited income. Lyttelton Port of Christchurch. have and to increase the transparency over your neighbours and to the wider community. the results of our work. We believe that our It has been a privilege for me to have One change you will see in the coming year Gold sponsors Fox and Associates, Boffa funders and supporters need to clearly see worked with you. is the move from memberships to supporters Miskell and Vicinity GIS Solutions, continue where their money and their time is being and friends of the Trust. Our accounting and to support us with surveying, ecological, spent so they can be confident that the And, a final thanks – to all the covenanting legal advice is that this has revenue and tax and GiS advice and services respectively. results being achieved are both ecologically landowners of the Peninsula and the Port advantages for both BPCT and our supporters. meaningful and strategically important. Hills, and to all our other supporters and Our work helping to coordinate the strategic friends – all of you who share our vision implementation of the eight Goals of the and are working with us to value, protect, Ecological Vision is critical to being able and care for the biodiversity, landscapes, to demonstrate that limited resources across and special character of Banks Peninsula. the entire Peninsula are being applied in the most effective manner.

Mark Christensen Chairperson

6 7 2050 ECOLOGICAL VISION GOAL ONE – ALL OLD GROWTH REMNANTS OF BANKS PENINSULA FOR BANKS PENINSULA / TE PĀTAKA O RĀKAIHAUTŪ (including Port Hills) FOREST COVER ARE PROTECTED AND APPROPRIATELY MANAGED

It is our vision to… Peak Covenant

create an environment in which the community values, protects and cares for the biodiversity, Duvauchelle Peak covenant was revisited in landscape and special character of Banks Peninsula / Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū. January as part of the Covenant Engagement and Support Programme (CESP). To pursue our vision we have adopted eight conservation goals for 2050. The goals are aspirational but This stunning 19.7ha gully of old remnant achievable and are used to guide all conservation management work, and should result in a substantial improvement in the state of indigenous biodiversity on the Peninsula by 2050. and regenerating forest at the head of Pipers Valley was established with Evan and Viv Marshall in 2015. Since then new owners Mike and Ruth Williams have continued the great work started, and in-keeping with the Suky Thompson and Viv Marshall on Catherine Evans’ wishes have worked with the Trust Marshall Reserve bluffs Photo credit: Marie Neal to extend the covenant to include the iconic Peak itself and impressive bluff system. During November, walkers were fortunate Catherine Marshall Reserve as the new to visit this covenant, in a joint event between extension is named, will protect this ecologi- the Trust and the Banks Peninsula Walking cally valuable rocky outcrop system forever. Festival. They enjoyed magnificent views of , a 360-degree view of the It was great to see the well-established core peninsula landscape, and the Kaikoura ranges of bush in the gully thriving, hear plenty of from the peak and bluffs. loud birdsong, and see excellent regener- This certainly made the significant climb ation advancing into the previously bare up through the gully alongside the original grassy areas in only five years after fence covenant well worth it. Thanks to Dr Susan construction to exclude stock. Generally, Wiser from Landcare Research for sharing her the bush is thickening and more ground knowledge of interesting rocky outcrop plants floor species are colonising, especially ferns, along the way. It was fitting given that this other groundcovers, and a plethora of was the first site Dr Wiser surveyed 20 years shrub species. Presence of most bioindicator ago, when first arriving from the US. species the Trust measures to gauge the health of developing forest are present. Fences are being well maintained to ensure stock remain out which can quickly unravel hard-won ecological gains, and the owners remain vigilant in nipping any weed issues in the bud – recently the odd wilding pine and gorse bush.

The top bluff system is home to really unique flora and fauna. These rocky outcrop eco- systems dotted across the Peninsula provide habitat for at least four of Banks Peninsula’s eight endemic species – meaning they occur naturally here and nowhere else in the world. They include Banks Peninsula blue tussock, Banks Peninsula sun hebe, Hebe strictissima, and Banks Peninsula forget-me-not. Hugh Eaton and Kit Grigg at Duvauchelle The rocks also provide excellent gecko Peak trig 738m on Catherine Marshall and lizard habitat. Rock stacks tower over Duvauchelle Peak Reserve Photo credit: Marie Neal 8 9 gully covenant Photo credit: Marie Neal Kakanui Covenant A hugely diverse array of species has devel- Top Bush Covenant Despite the harsh conditions, because of Te Rūnanga o Koukourārata, trustees of the oped over the different geographical areas. In December BPCT staff visited this extraor- a good strong canopy, the subcanopy and Kakanui Māori Reservation and the Coop Some outstanding plants of note common dinary 4.8ha block on the Hickory Goughs ground floor plant layers are amazing. family together with BPCT have protected to this area and not many others, are blood- ridge close to the Goughs Multi covenant. Particularly notable is the incredible fern life, this unique 65 hectare piece of Māori Free- wood Coprosma wallii (At Risk – Declining), The prevailing winds have sculptured the often epiphytic in trees along with wonderful hold land. The management plan documents fragrant tree daisy Olearia fragrantissima trees and shrubs on the top into crazy populations of native mistletoes, including shapes making us realise how incredibly (Nationally in decline). agreed ways to protect the special cultural, (At Risk – Declining), climbing aniseed Tupeia antarctica tough our native plants are to survive not Climbing groundsel Brachyglottis sciadophylla historical and ecological values found here Scandia geniculata, native broom just the wind, but drought, snow and salty is present and is also of National significance and so leave a legacy for future generations Charmichaelia australis, fierce lancewood sea air. The almost-sideways remnant tōtara classified as Uncommon. Banks Peninsula Pseudopanax ferox (At Risk – Nationally to enjoy. After many years of effort by all are truly impressive, as are the kahikatea, remains a stronghold for this species. involved, the covenant was established in 2017. Uncommon) leafless clematisClematis the huge kōwhai trees, and several ancient afoliata, small speargrass Aciphylla broadleaf trees further down in the more Ten years on after the covenant was fenced It was a real privilege for staff to revisit Ka- subflabellata (At Risk – Declining) and the sheltered lee of the hill. and registered, effective regeneration is kanui in January as part of the Covenant En- native iris Libertia ixioides. really evident and accelerating fast. The gagement and Support Programme, meeting bush edge is marching out into the grassy at the Tūtehuarewa marae to connect with Many native birds, skinks, geckos, and margins, the charge being led by kanuka more people involved, and learn more about invertebrates such as cicadas and tree and vines. Through that an impressive array cultural and ecological aspects of the project. weta enjoy this environment. Various small of broadleaf species are appearing as the fruit-producing shrubs provide a valuable umbrella effect takes place. The area is well Kakanui lies on the eastern side of Kouk- food source for birds and lizards. More protected by an impressive stock proof fence ourārata Port Levy above Puari settlement. native species will colonise as the habitat kept in excellent condition.

Hugh Wilson, noted botanist, described improves, providing better shelter and food. Undisturbed rock piles provide perfect the area along with Mt Evans as “the best habitat for geckos and skinks. Abundant examples of steep, semi-arid shrubland, Though the fence to exclude stock has only populations of red admiral and copper been in three years, it is already obvious grassland, bluffs and dry forest in the Banks butterflies were noted. Though a real pain Region”. The reserve includes magnificent that regeneration is well underway. Previ- (literally) to humans, the native stinging rocky outcrops, stunning gullies of mixed ously grazed-bare areas are now covered Remnant mātai at Kakanui covenant nettle ongaonga is an important larval food broad-leaved species shrubs, regenerating in young seedlings pushing through in the Photo credit: Geoff Walls source for red admiral butterflies. Ecologist hardwood forest with patches of coastal first wave of renewal. Grass areas are being Geoff Walls noted it highly likely Banks lowland forest, and small leaved scrub colonised by vines which will create new Peninsula tree weta are present in the old areas. The remnant of podocarp forest microclimates to hold moisture, while insects hardwood trunks and stumps though we includes half a dozen ancient mātai trees living in them will attract birds who will in weren’t lucky enough to spot any on our visit. and there are younger scattered tōtara and turn drop seeds in order for the new cycle mātai elsewhere in the covenant, which is of life to begin. really promising for future podocarp populations. Planning of new trapping initiatives to control possums and mustelids are in the Windswept trees at Top Bush on Hickory early stages so the future is really bright Goughs ridge Photo credit: Marie Neal for this special area.

Volunteer Fiona Porter helping with Kakanui photopoint monitoring Photo credit: Marie Neal View down over Kakanui middle slopes to the bay at Koukourārata far below Rich fern life on remnant broadleaf tree Remnant kahikatea at Top Bush Photo credit: Marie Neal at Top Bush Photo credit: Marie Neal Photo credit: Marie Neal 10 11 GOAL TWO – RARE ECOSYSTEMS ARE Days of celebration and volunteering Kaitōrete Spit is the last remaining strong- PROTECTED AND APPROPRIATELY MANAGED at Hauroko, Kaitōrete hold of several rare species. Two plant Hauroko ‘Place of Wind’ is a rare ecosystem species are endemic– the little known Galium at the end of Kaitōrete Spit and was a great ‘kaitorete’ and the critically endangered Head of the Harbour Botanist Hugh Wilson noted that although place to celebrate one of BPCT’s more Kaitorete woolly-head Craspedia ‘Kaitōrete’. much of the wider saltmarsh area has been A and B Covenants unusual covenants, with our valued supporters The prostrate native broom Carmichaelia highly modified for grazing and the intertidal Head of the Harbour A and B cover a rare and sponsors in early December. appressa is found only here and at one mudflats have lost their original eelgrass turf intertidal saltmarsh ecosystem in Teddington, other place on Banks Peninsula. The spit due to excessive saltation, it still remains the the last reasonably in-tact example of its This 18.7 hectare covenant near Birdling’s also supports the largest populations of the most extensive saltmarsh vegetation in the kind left on Banks Peninsula and in the Flat owned by Max and Liz Manson com- uncommon grass Zoysia minima, the endan- Region. All sorts of wonderful species exist region – and is regarded of National signif- prises regenerating shrubland just above sea gered totoraro or ‘wiggy wig bush’ in this unique environment including two that icance. Hugh Wilson, manager of Hinewai level along the coast near Te Roto o Wairewa Muehlenbeckia astonii in New Zealand are Nationally threatened or at risk; salt Reserve and noted ecologist rated it as Lake Forsyth, and was one of the first BPCT and the largest remaining population in windgrass Lachnagrostis tenuis and purple ‘Recommended Area for Protection covenants registered in April 2005. Canterbury of the rare sand tussock musk Mimulus repens. Plants exist in special Number One’ in his 1980’s survey work Austorfestuca littoralis. This is all good news communities; glasswort herb fields, native salt with Landcare Research. It has been widely Kaitōrete Spit is possibly the largest area of for the recolonisation of species from grassland, saltmarsh ribbonwood Plagianthus recognised by many organisations over coastal shrubland left in the country and the surrounding areas back into Hauroko cove- divaricatus shrubland and sea rushland. the years for its unique features of high only place in Canterbury where the natural nant, which were grazed out in earlier days. Notable ‘salt pasture’ plant species, (some conservation value. ecological progression from shingle on the uncommon or rare) include saltgrass coastline to inland dunes is still intact. Fascinating low growing native shrubs sculp- Puccinellia stricta, remuremu Selleria radicans, There are many nationally threatened or Its geography and climate are so unique tured by the wind include prostrate broom, sea barley grass Hordeum marinum, glass- at-risk plant and bird species supported that it warrants its own Ecological District. Coprosma and Corokia species, matagouri, wort or samphire Sarcocornia, various lichens here. It represents Nationally significant bird and porcupine shrub. Several other species, – Ramalina , Usnea, Teloschistes, and the tiny habitat and is the second most important The spit is the only place in New Zealand such as scabweed (Raoulia), sand sedge Parmelia, sea rush Juncus maritimus, shore estuarine system for wading birds in where all five Muehlenbeckia species occur and Scleranthus are common, forming button daisy Leptinella dioica, water pimpernel Canterbury and is a key part of a wider together. It has the largest Canterbury compact mounds to survive the harsh Samolus, shore buttercup Ranunculus network of coastal habitat linkages for many population of the nationally sparse leafless environment. Even drought-tolerant ferns, acaulis, plus many others. other bird species. Muehlenbeckia ephedroides and contains mosses and lichens thrive including Pyrrosia the largest continuous population of the eleagnifolia, Triquetrella papillata, and Birdlife is abundant, with excellent feeding Soft-underfoot plant mats comprise an array native sand-binding plant pīngao Hypnum cupressiforme. and nesting opportunities for a wide range of of diverse species forming an other-worldly Desmoschoenus spiralis in the country. rainbow of colour unlike that found in coastal and wetland species. It is an important any other ecosystem. It is the only coastal/ staging post for many migratory birds. estuarine habitat complex remaining on Several species of gull, tern (black-fronted, Banks Peninsula that retains all the distinctive Caspian and white-fronted), pied cormorants, coastal wetland habitat types – mudflats, eastern bar-tailed godwits, pied stilts, saltmarsh, saltmeadow and tidal creeks. variable oystercatchers, black and little black cormorants, royal spoonbills, herons and kingfishers, among others all frequent this area. Crabs are particularly abundant.

It has been a pleasure working with these proactive landowners who treasure these special sites and are committed to managing them long-term for the best possible conserva- tion outcomes. The combined area of over 12 hectares is a significant gain for future genera- tions to enjoy.

Rainbow effect of saltmarsh plant communities in the Head of the Harbour covenants at Walkers lizard spotting under tin amongst the Meryl Klein weedbusting at Hauroko July 2019 Teddington Photo credit: Marie Neal shingle at Hauroko Photo credit: Marie Neal Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell 12 13 A wide diversity of insects and tiny soil At the December event, our enthusiastic Panama Reserve Our partnership with Christ’s College during animals (many new to science) have been supporters and sponsors were treated to The distinctive rocky volcanic dike formation their Service Week continued in 2019, discovered at Hauroko. These minute guided walks of this very special place. known geologically as a trachyte dome is seeing students do weed control on many ‘mesofauna species’ include collembola, Thanks to Mark Hansen from Ecology New widely recognised as being home to a rare sites, one of them being the special Panama mites, flies and beetles and their larvae, Zealand for sharing his lizard knowledge associated ecosystem – a unique set of asso- Reserve protected under BPCT covenant. tiny wasps, millipedes, psuedoscorpions, along the guided walk on the day, and to ciated flora suited to its features. Because of This weeding bee included tackling broom small spiders, true bugs, and thrips. trustee Kate Whyte who took walkers over its vulnerability, special care is being taken along a new walking track. Weed control New Zealand has 16 native aphid species the beach and across the new Lake Forsyth to record, monitor and protect the natural is a huge and vital part of protecting rare and one very rare one is found on Kaitōrete outlet bridge to the Oashore cliffs to chat values of the area, whilst allowing people ecosystems. Thanks to Robin Burleigh, Spit. It lives on Muehlenbeckia complexa about the interesting geological history of to visit, experience, and learn about these Josef Langer Trust, Christ’s College Deputy and M. australis. the area. specific features. Principal Neil Porter and the Christ’s College students. Kaitōrete Spit has 130 moth species (six of Hauroko is unique not only ecologically Hugh Wilson recorded this in 2009 to be which are found nowhere else in the world). but also due to its proximity to Birdling’s Flat the only known locality on Banks Peninsula As Robin Burleigh – Josef Langer Trust It is famous for its leaping Lepidoptera settlement. While this proximity creates many for the gentian Gentianella serotina. Trustee and caretaker – emphasises, the (moths and butterflies). Many are flightless, exciting opportunities it also means Hauroko This occurs with snow tussocks and Dracoph- Trust is all about conservation, recreation probably to avoid being blown out to sea. is subject to continual invasion by weeds. yllum around the bluff tops, and can be seen and education. Sticking to his words, Robin Kaitōrete Spit is one of the last strongholds Our volunteer program includes three to flowering in Autumn. Other special rocky also led – with BPCT Wildside Coordinator for katipō spiders in NZ, which occupies four visits a year to Hauroko to ensure the outcrop plants include Anistome aromatica, Alice Webster as tail-end Charlie – the coastal habitats living in driftwood and rare ecosystems under covenant here are not Raoulia glabra, Celmisia gracilenta, ‘Grunts and Dykes’ adventure in Panama pīngao. threatened by unwanted garden escapees. Earina autumnalis, the tiny mistletoe Reserve as part of the Banks Peninsula Walk- The Trust works alongside DOC and local Korthalsella salicornioides (parasitic on ing Festival, during November. The limited Hauroko is also home to several species of residents to ensure this fragile ecosystem dwarfed kanuka), Leptecophylla juniperina, spaces on this walk were sold out early, with skinks and geckos. Four of the five possible thrives. Raukaua anomalus, Rytidosperma corinum, the group being very keen to explore the lizard species found on Banks Peninsula Hebe strictissima (a regional endemic plant), different aspects of the interesting reserve. occur here enjoying the stony ground, Professor Mark Hostetler, family, and students plus several fascinating lesser known mosses Great views, native forest, and spectacular shelter from the tightly interlacing plant from the University of Florida continue to and lichens. rock cliffs and their interlinked ecosystem branches, and berries many of them produce. support the volunteer program as part of their is what makes Panama Reserve so special. annual trip to New Zealand – designed to The walking group had lunch on the tops to give students new conservation experiences enjoy the view. Walkers with good heads & a deeper understanding of the taonga for heights were able to investigate closer of our whenua. The students have visited to the edge of the dramatic bluffs, including Hauroko for two consecutive years focusing searching for the stunted thin-bark tōtara on weeding the most invasive species. that inhabit the rock crevasses and somehow survive the harsh conditions found here.

Christ’s College students tackling broom Walkers’ enjoying a view stop with the rocky at Panama Reserve, November 2019 One walker takes in the view from the top torres behind Photo credit: Alice Webster Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell of Panama Rock Photo credit: Alice Webster 14 15 GOAL THREE – THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN LAND AND MARINE HABITATS ARE MANAGED TO SUPPORT VIABLE POPULATIONS OF SPECIES THAT DEPEND ON BOTH

Stony Bay Stream Covenant The Armstrongs’ are dedicated to manag- Stony Bay Stream covenant owned by Mark ing pests and threats to the covenant, which and Sonia Armstrong contributes to an will ensure biodiversity gains through cove- example of pastoral farming and conser- nanting will be safeguarded into the future. vation working side by side. Visitors on the rerouted Banks Peninsula Track winding its Beautiful view through protected bush over way down through Hinewai Reserve also connecting QEII covenant to sea at Stony Bay Photo credit: Scott Hooson pass through this covenant, a wonderful last section to meet the sea which allows people from all walks of life to enjoy the fantastic Goughs Bay Stream electric fishing The assistant fisher scoops them up in a net views, interesting bush, native bird life, and shows positive results and puts them in a water-filled bucket where often fur seals playing in the lower stream. Many of our native freshwater fish species they instantly revive. The fish are counted rely on being able to spawn in clear stony and measured and then released back into The 16 hectare covenant lies over four key beds of streams or on moist vegetation on the stream. areas within the lower Stony Bay valley, the banks of streams. This is why reducing protecting a rare example of intact coastal the amount of sediment that gets into a As part of the environmental monitoring of lowland forest. This supports habitat for a stream is so important – whether it be from possible sites to discharge Akaroa Waste myriad of marine, freshwater, terrestrial, runoff, slips, or stock access to the water- Water, the Christchurch City Council and bird species including white flippered way pugging up the bed and banks. organised monitoring of the main stem of little blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins Goughs Bay Stream on the Wildside. The historically (and hopefully again in the Sediment settles in the stream bottom and BPCT Wildside Coordinator participated future), NZ falcon, and many more. smothers out the habitat of freshwater in- in the monitoring of two 50m stretches of The characterful (and determined) little blue vertebrates (fish food) and spawning sites the stream. The results were pleasing with penguins can nest in the riverbanks over one of some of our native fish species. Addition- a great abundance of native fish and eels kilometre from the sea! ally, stock access right to the stream edge, found, including the rare parasitic lamprey. especially during spawning time, is likely to Stony Bay Stream is a key part of a large damage the habitat required for fish such as These excellent results show that the efforts (over 1,000ha) protected core area in the inanga to spawn. The eggs are deposited of upstream farmers to fence and protect Wildside of outstanding native biodiversity. on the bank in a moist environment such as waterways from stock damage, as well As part of this wider area, the new covenant rank grass, reeds, tussock or carex between as keep the water cool by leaving much connects to Hinewai Reserve, and is close to king tides for approximately one month. Fur seals play in Stony Bay Stream of the native vegetation in the gullies, has many other BPCT and QEII covenants, Photo credit: Marie Neal If stock are present on the stream edge all helped in providing a good habitat for Department of Conservation and during this time the eggs are at risk of our native freshwater fish. Previous electric Christchurch City Council reserves. being trampled. fishing studies done on other streams on the Wildside show similarly good results, which As most of our native freshwater fish species in a farming landscape is something that are very secretive and nocturnal they are Wildside landowners and managers can be very hard to spot during the day. For this really proud of. reason electric fishing is commonly used as an effective fish monitoring technique for small freshwater streams. A qualified electric fisher uses a long wand (attached to a bat- tery-pack on their backs) in the water that Electric fishing Goughs Bay stream sends out an electric pulse like ripples. Photo credit: Alice Webster This electric current effectively stuns the fish temporarily causing them to float to the surface. Electric fishing Goughs Bay stream 16 17 Photo credit: Alice Webster Trapping to support Yellow-Eyed Penguins Hikuraki Covenant Haylocks Stream Covenant red-billed gull chicks Yellow-eyed penguins (YEP), hoiho, are Hikuraki covenant occupies 59 hectares Another 20 covenants have been visited In January a call from a concerned land at their northern breeding limit on Banks of southeast facing slopes and small gullies as part of our Covenant Engagement and owner requesting traps started a campaign Peninsula. Unfortunately in recent years of Hikuraki Bay valley, ranging in altitude Support Programme (CESP) this year. This of intensive trapping to save red-billed there haven’t been many good news from about 50 m to 380 m above sea level. programme is intended to support landown- gull chicks from a sad fate. The landowner stories on hoiho, and they appear to be on The area contains many small rock outcrops, ers with the ecological management of their had gone from seeing adult birds on nests the brink of disappearing off the mainland as well as some steep bluffs above the main covenant and monitor the improvements in one day to blood stained empty nests the completely. stream. The protection of this area from indigenous biodiversity occurring. Cove- next day, with egg shell remnants scat- Bossu Road down to the bay enables a nants are visited by Trust staff approximately tered around the nest. He asked the BPCT During October 2019, six bays on the thriving ecosystem focused on healthy three-yearly and our volunteer programme Wildside Coordinator and a local trapper Wildside were searched for breeding YEPs. streams connecting freshwater to the ocean; can provide support for covenantors that for help. DOC 200, DOC 250 traps, and Despite predator control covering all known facilitating connectivity between these need some additional assistance following TIMS traps were sourced to deploy around YEP breeding sites from the last five years, ecosystems. the visit. the rock coast nesting colony. Within a few the population of YEP on Banks Peninsula weeks four rats and five stoats were caught is still declining, and only one of the bays Hikuraki, managed by Western Valley Multi Haylocks Stream covenant is a remnant of which saved the remaining nests, allowing searched was found to hold a breeding pair. covenant owner Antony Johnson, hosted native forest in the head of a south-draining the eggs to hatch. This is their story. Christ’s College boys as part of their Service valley. A spring-fed side stream meets the Week over two days in November 2019. main stream within the covenant; both have Nesting sea birds are ‘sitting ducks’ (or in Tuawahine, a female bird nested unsuccess- They worked on a track intended to give rocky cascades and small pools. Protecting this case gulls) for predators such as cats, fully with Rapa in 2011 and 2017. access through the covenant. Plans are afoot the head of Halocks Bay Stream not only mustelids, and rats. This is why control of This summer, Tuawahine rejected Rapa for another group to finish the track later safeguards species within the covenant animal pests is so important if coastal and (although he may not have quite got the in 2020. boundaries but also supports viable popu- seabirds are going to sucessfully nest on the message as he also returned to Shell Bay as lations downstream. Our CESP visit showed mainland. a bit of a third wheel) for an older bird – in a thriving and abundant block containing fact quite an old salty sea dog! Seadog had many interesting species. It is always heart- a metal wing band which meant he could ening to visit covenants that are managed be identified as a bird from Boulder Bay on well and are thriving ecologically. Otago Peninsula that hadn’t been recorded anywhere in 16 years! Tuawahine and Seadog set to work as a team to feed and raise two healthy chicks, who both fledged at a good weight. Both chicks have been microchipped and we hope to see them return to Banks Peninsula to breed in future.

This year’s nest searches were conducted in late October with the search team con- sisting of members from BPCT, Christchurch City Council, Department of Conservation, Red Billed Gull adult and chick at Goat Point Hornby Vets, Pohatu Penguins, Akaroa Area seal colony Photo credit: Alice Webster School, and local landowners.

Yellow Eyed Penguin chicks in Shell Bay Students from Christ’s College working hard Haylocks Stream covenant from above photopoint 4 Photo credit: Alice Webster at Hikuraki Photo credit: Antony Johnson Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell 18 19 – FOUR CORE INDIGENOUS FOREST AREAS OF GOAL FOUR Hinewai Reserve. The primary focus of the MORE THAN 1000HA EACH HAVE BEEN PROTECTED reserve was to protect and restore indig- enous vegetation and wildlife, with Hugh The Wildside “When, in 1987, Hugh let the local dreaming “…that one day a whole catch- – A Year of Milestones and Movies! community know of his plans to allow the ment, from summit crest to sea, from snow New fences in upper Paua Bay C section Photo credit: Marie Neal The first of the four core indigenous forest introduced weed gorse to grow as a nurse tussock to nikau palm, from Celmisia to areas to be protected on Banks Peninsula, canopy to regenerate farmland into native mamaku tree fern and yellow-eyed the Wildside, had numerous milestones and forest, people were not only sceptical but penguins, could be set aside for Nature to sections, therefore recovery and colonization even a movie made about it this year! The outright angry – the plan was the sort to reassert her original covering” (article in the of new native species of flora and fauna is lungs and heart of the Wildside, Hinewai be expected only of “fools and dreamers”. Akaroa Mail – 23 October 1987). expected to be rapid given the incredible Reserve and its kaitiaki, Hugh Wilson were Now considered a hero locally and across And look how that vision has blossomed seed banks and healthy bird life in the celebrated; firstly, in a documentary ‘Fools the country, Hugh oversees 1500 hectares now! The connected area of protected extensive surrounding core area. This will and Dreamers: Regenerating a Native Forest’ resplendent in native forest, where birds and core indigenous forest on the Wildside now pave the way for improved invertebrate and and secondly, at a Hinewai Open Day to other wildlife are abundant and 47 known makes up a whopping 2,635ha of privately lizard populations. celebrate Hugh and his twin sister Hilary’s waterfalls are in permanent flow. He has and publicly owned and protected Vegetation consists of mainly native second- combined 150th birthday. proven without doubt that nature knows best conservation land. ary growth (regenerating) hardwood forest. The Banks Peninsula Walking Track that – and that he is no fool.” Key species include kaikōmako, kōwhai, weaves through – public and private Paua Bay C Covenant narrow-leaved lacebark, māhoe, and ngaio. conservation and farm land making up a If you haven’t yet seen this documentary, Paua Bay C owned by the Johns Family Five-finger and lemonwood are common as combined size much greater than 1000ha you probably should. It can be watched Trust at Paua Bay is another great example is kānuka. Understory species include – of core forested area and showcases the online for free at www.happenfilms.com/ of pastoral farming and conservation land ongaonga/tree nettle, mikimiki (species) spectacular wild and rugged views of this fools-and-dreamers complementing each other. This is the kawakawa, pigeonwood, and five-finger. hidden Wildside coastline – also had a family’s third covenant and has a special milestone, ticking over 30 years. Hugh Wilson – the well-loved charismatic ki uta ki tai or ‘Summit to Sea’ connection Native vines are abundant and include NZ botanist/cyclist/educator/linguist/author/ with covenants above and below to protect jasmine, meuhlenbeckia, supplejack, yellow ‘Fools & Dreamers: Regenerating a Native kaitiaki and manager of Hinewai Reserve Paua Bay Stream. The covenant adds to the clematis and bush lawyer. White climbing Forest’ is a free 30-minute documentary – celebrated turning a combined age of legally protected core area of indigenous rātā is also present (the latter being classi- about Hinewai Reserve and its kaitiaki/man- 150 years with his twin sister Hilary on a forest on the Wildside. fied as ‘Threatened-Nationally Vulnerable’). ager of 30 years, botanist Hugh Wilson. It sunny Sunday in February. The Wilsons’ On her ecological survey of the covenant, was a sell-out red carpet affair for opening were joined by over 500 friends, family, and It lies just over the ridge to the first Summit ecologist Melissa Hutchison listed 18 species nights at Hollywood Cinemas in Sumner & Hinewai faithfuls at Ōtānerito, paying tribute to Sea catchment protection on Banks of ferns, including two tree fern species: Akaroa Cinema. It proved so popular, extra to how well-known, respected and loved Peninsula running from Haleys covenants to silver fern/ponga and Smith’s tree fern/ nights had to be put on, and the documentary Hugh has become in the local (and wider Simpsons covenants which meet the sea at kātote. As well as many native herb forest then went on a nationwide release tour, be- conservation) communities. Fishermans Bay. Paua Bay C lies close to floor species, she noted three species of ing shown for free at all sorts of environmen- several other BPCT and QEII covenants, plus orchids: spider orchid Corybas trilobus and tally friendly institutions around the country. Of those 75 years, Hugh has now been Hinewai Reserve providing an important two species of green-hooded orchid the manager and living on Hinewai for ecological stepping-stone to improve Pterostylis areolate and P. banksii. Hugh, had no idea what a fuss a film could 33 of them. In 1987, Hugh paired up with connectivity of remnant and regenerating create as he was whisked into movie stardom philanthropist Maurice White, who shared forest patches in the wider landscape. The covenant contains three other plant as ‘Fools and Dreamers’ gained national Hugh’s dream of protecting some of the last This core area of protected indigenous forest species that are classified as Threatened or and international attention. Hugh, although remaining stands of old growth indigenous on the Wildside is constantly expanding. At Risk Nationally: Coprosma virescens, not particularly fond of the limelight, forest on Banks Peninsula and allowing Hugh Wilson described the native vegeta- Cotula australis, Kunzea robusta, kānuka diligently and wittily still obliged reporters of nature to regenerate other areas that were tion in this gully as of considerable value, (because of the threat of myrtle rust), and newspaper, tv and radio with his captivating wasted under a blanket of gorse, back to the lower parts being well recognised many Metrosideros diffusa climbing rata. Two knowledge and enthusiasm for the native native forest. Sadly Maurice passed away years ago. Paua Bay C covenant covers plant species uncommon on Banks Peninsula regeneration story. He is still trying to make in 2019, marking another great milestone, just over four hectares of secondary growth were also seen: Carex secta, pūkio, and his way through the pile of correspondence huge loss, and the end of an exceptionally (regenerating) native hardwood forest which Azorella hookeri. received by mail in support of what is being successful chapter of partnership as part of complements the first two covenants Bellbirds, grey warblers, brown creeper, achieved at Hinewai Reserve. the Hinewai story. covering 6.5 hectares. fantail, kererū, morepork, welcome swallow Happen Films, who produced the documen- Maurice’s original contribution helped It encloses a long thin steep-sided waterway enjoy the site, and hopefully before too long tary summarise it well on their website purchase the initial 109ha, to establish which stock could not easily access in many tūī and others from surrounding areas will too.

20 21

work this year developing over-arching Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke and Te Taumutu Lansdowne A and B Covenant strategy and plans for this voluntary Rūnanga provided the name for the project. Post Fire Restoration TE KĀKAHU KAHUKURA landowner and community driven initiative. Our volunteer program continues to support It includes a range of private landowners, Kākahu means to dress or clothe as well our Port Hills fire affected landowners with The vision for Te Kākahu Kahukura is…. agencies, councils, and organisations. as being a generic name for clothing and restoration planting days. Two of these By 2050 the Southern Port Hills has a thriving It aims to facilitate and co-ordinate native garments. It references the actions of Tāne covenants, Lansdowne A and B, sit within and resilient indigenous forest supporting an forest revegetation and restoration on the Mahuta in clothing his mother Papatūānu- the Te Kākahu Kahukura area. Combined abundance of native birds and invertebrates; Southern Port Hills. Around the core area ku following the separation from his father the covenants cover 17 hectares and sit not it is a taonga for the Ōtautahi / Greater of regenerating forest, landowners are Ranginui. far below Kennedy’s Bush and in close Christchurch community to value, protect and encouraged to plant native plants and do proximity to Burke’s Bush covenant below engage with. pest and weed control in a way which Kahukura is a significant atua known in the Summit Road – a valuable old forest supports a thriving indigenous forest plant Ngāi Tahu traditions as being responsible remnant. The area encloses an important The Trust coordinates the Te Kākahu Kahukura community and allows native birds and other for cloaking the wreckage of Te Waka o headwater leading to the River, working group, which has undertaken much native fauna to move through the landscape. Aoraki with plants, forests and swamps, and which flows out to Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere. populating these places with all the varieties In August 2019 we once again worked of indigenous birds that dwell there. with volunteers from the South West Baptist Church. Many of the same volunteers come Kahukura is particularly important to the back every year and it gives them such creation of the forests of Te Pātaka o incredible motivation to see the growth of

Victoria Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula and is the previous years’ plantings. These trees Park Bowenvale Park Witch Hill remembered through the naming of a will soon be big enough to shade out any Scott Scenic Reserve Sugarloaf number of prominent peaks of the Port Hills competition. Steve Brailsford continues the Halswell Quarry Scenic Reserve Legend Reserve Indicative Project Area including Te Tihi o Kahukura (Castle Rock) management of his ‘adopted’ area. Thomson Scenic Core Area by Tenure Reserve and Te Heru o Kahukura (Sugarloaf). Brailsfords also helped us with the volunteer Tenure BPCT covenant effort by prepping the land and using their QEII covenant Park Scenic Reserve Reserve (under Reserves Act) Kahukura is also known to take the celestial tried and tested restoration techniques. Kennedys Reserve City Council managed land form of a rainbow and was central in local We would like to thank Steve Brailsford for Reserve

Otamahua/Quail Is rituals and karakia. Kahukura is also a name his generosity and expertise, Craig McInnes for the native red admiral butterfly and and Mark Johnston and the South West Sage Arboretum Reserve King Billy Is Orongomai literally means a cloak coloured with red Baptist Church volunteers for their ongoing Reserve Cass Peak Reserve ochre – another connection to the volcanic support, Trees for Canterbury who continue nature of the Port Hills. to donate plants for this project, and the

Otahuna landowners for their ongoing passion and Reserve

0 1.5 commitment to restoring these covenants. Coopers Knob km Omahu Bush Reserve Reserve 1:50,000 @ A3

Ahuriri Reserve

Te Kākahu Kahukura

November 2019 Topographic map sourced from LINZ, Crown copyright reserved

All plants in the ground! Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell South West Baptist Church volunteer Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell 22 23 Landowners of Lansdowne A covenant Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell

Western Valley Multi Covenant part From the top of the covenant BPCT staff of an emerging third core area were rewarded with sweeping views down Western Valley Multi covenant was visited Western Valley & Waipuna Bush, across to this summer as part of our Covenant Kaituna Basin, and in the distance Depart- Engagement and Support Programme. ment of Conservation reserves, Mt Herbert, This covenant contributes to a third emerging and Packhorse Reserve. This emerging core Western Valley Multi landowners with volunteer Hamish Fairbairn before the CESP site visit core area for Banks Peninsula in the Kaituna area is developing contiguous protection at Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell Valley / Western Valley area. an exciting pace with engaged and collabo- rative landowners.

Marie Neal, Antony Johnson and Hamish Fairbairn up the top of Western Valley covenant Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell

24 25 GOAL FIVE – LAND PRIMARILY USED FOR PRODUCTION AND FOR Supporting recreation in nature Over the last three decades more than 35,000 SETTLEMENT ALSO SUPPORTS THRIVING INDIGENOUS BIODIVERSITY The Trust’s volunteer coordinator position domestic and international tourists have is partially funded by the Rod Donald Banks completed this walk, with many repeat Peninsula Trust (RDBPT) and every year the two customers rating it as one of the best walks Port Saddle Restoration Project Our volunteer program continues to involve trusts’ work together on a volunteer project. in New Zealand. The Port Saddle Restoration Project, a and work with the local community on this partnership between Lyttelton Port of project – working with Lyttelton and Last year in collaboration with Jacobs, Little Akaloa Covenant Christchurch and the Trust, covers 17 hect- Heathcote primary schools, with support we assisted RDBPT to lay gravel on the We are thrilled that the owners of this ares above the township of Lyttelton and the from Enviroschools, local volunteers, and walking track from the Rod Donald Hut, covenant established in Little Akaloa in working port. The partnership has completed LPC staff. We would like to thank the fol- removed gorse from the track, and continued 2006, have chosen to upgrade their 25 three years of restoration planting and plant lowing for their support of this project; Kate the planting alongside the track started the year fixed-term covenant agreement to one maintenance with the help of local Whyte, Tina Troup, Penny Carnaby, Kim previous year. that will endure forever. This is a real reflec- volunteers, corporate groups, school students Kelleher and Crystal Lenky (LPC), Antony tion of the ongoing commitment to future and other conservation organisations. Johnson (Refuge Ecology), Conservation The Rod Donald Hut and associated walking generations through the well-being of the Volunteers New Zealand and the Conserva- tracks provide an important opportunity local environment. Though the covenant is As the restoration project grows and the tion Work Skills team, Toni Watts and Matt for the public to recreate in nature and relatively small at just under two hectares, ecological gains start to become evident, Stanford (Enviroschools), Felicity Blackmore undertake experiential learning about the it provides an important ecological step- we increasingly see how it fits into the wider and CIAL, Fuji Xerox, Christ’s College, and precious native biodiversity found on ping-stone for the spread of native flora and context of Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour Fox and Associates. Banks Peninsula. We’re delighted that our fauna across the landscape to other areas. plan. The purpose of Whaka-Ora plan is to volunteer programme can support the restore the ecological and cultural health of Rod Donald Hut and surrounds, and look Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour as mahinga forward to continuing our partnership with kai while also addressing other environmen- RDBPT. Thanks also to Jacobs for providing tal, cultural and social concerns, including the volunteer labour for this project. the needs of recreational users and the needs of a working port. Banks Peninsula Track Celebrates 30 Years Not long after Hinewai was established, an economic low-point for farming spurred local farmers to seek out other streams of income. A group of local farming families decided to link up some of the iconic gems View over Little Akaloa covenant to the sea Photo credit: Marie Neal on – and views from – their properties with a walking track. So began the Banks Peninsula Track often referred to as Banks Balguerie Stream Covenant Planting area before the volunteer planting day Enviroschools students planting at Port Saddle Track. By charging the public to walk through Balguerie Stream owned by Warwick and Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell their properties and stay along the way, Pam Beatson Banks Track became the first private hike in covers 8.5 hectares of regenerating bush the country. close to Akaroa township. In addition to protecting and This track models how collaboration between enhancing biodiversity, the owners rec- like-minded landowners has allowed for the ognised the extra importance of excluding protection of native biodiversity to comple- grazing stock because this gully encloses ment – not be at odds with – the farming Akaroa township’s water source. and tourism industries. In fact the indigenous highlights of the There is an impressive array of regenerat- Wildside such as penguins, sooty shearwaters, ing native tree and shrub species through dolphins, seals, and the large areas of the first stand of predominantly kānuka, regenerating native bush, have all benefited including fuchsia, kōwhai, māhoe, five finger, Tina Troup running a bird activity with Enviroschools Volunteers from Jacobs working on the track at from Banks Track. lacebark, wineberry, and silver ferns. students Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell Rod Donald Hut Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell

26 27 Recently and encouragingly seedling tōtara Landowner Weed Workshop What’s the carbon opportunity were discovered. There are also kahikatea People from a variety of organisations on Banks Peninsula? in the area. The beautiful white-flowering and individuals attended this day in April Many landowners have asked us how carbon native clematis C. paniculata, (not to be 2019 at the Lyttleton project site on the Port credits can be earned on regenerating confused with its pest cousin old man’s Saddle above Lyttleton. Di Carter, native forest so we ran a mid-winter beer beard), puts on a stunning display in the Christchurch City Council ranger generously and pizza evening at the Hilltop Tavern to canopy each year from about September shared her time and knowledge focusing on discuss the opportunity. A panel comprising until December. rocky outcrop and coastal cliff ecosystem experienced farmer and BPCT covenantor weed threats across the Banks Ecological Richard Simpson, Bob Webster Controlling old man’s beard here has been Region and Harbour Basin. Most of Banks (BPCT covenantor with ETS registration), a real success story thanks to the foresight Peninsula’s endemic species inhabit these and carbon consultant Clayton Wallwork and cooperation from owners Warwick and fragile and at-risk places. gave presentations and answered questions. Pam Beatson in employing contractors to Mark Christensen moderated the lively attack it in earnest following some earlier It was great to see people from the Summit discussion from a sell-out audience. volunteer support from Christ’s College Road Society - Ohinetahi working party, students. It is crucial to prevent the spread Conservation Volunteers NZ, Omahu of this nuisance weed which can smother Group, Summit Road Society, Otamahua/ and kill developing young bush. Quail Island Trust, and covenant holders coming together to discuss and learn Silver ferns regenerate under kānuka canopy Though the 8.5 hectare area is predomi- at Balguerie Stream Photo credit: Marie Neal more with BPCT, LPC, and Christchurch City nantly comprised of regenerating broadleaf Council staff. species, there are old mature podocarps; kahikatea, lowland tōtara and mātai. The bush is enjoyed by kererū, bellbirds, Weed identification, control prioritisation, Ecologist Geoff Walls described them as fantails and tūī, and noted it likely that and control techniques were covered. “the last survivors from the original forest, tomtits, moreporks, and riflemen will become Spur valerian, being a major threat, was and as such are highly important to the re-established in the area. The covenant as the most discussed species. The Council it regains balance will provide good insect covenant as living symbols of both the past are approaching management through Bob Webster fields a question from landowners and the future”. Ponga (silver fern) is habitat, including for tree weta. The owners a containment strategy on this worrying Photo credit: Marie Neal common in the stream-side forest as is tree have recognised that animal pest control and very easily spread pest. fuchsia, kawakawa and various ground will be crucial for the best on-going health ferns. Other notable species found by Geoff of native bird, insect, and lizard populations Walls on his ecological survey of the area and are currently researching effective pest include climbing fuchsia and climbing daisy. control methods.

View over Balguerie Stream covenant to Akaroa Lyttelton weed workshop discussion on sycamore Harbour Photo credit: Marie Neal with Di Carter Photo credit: Marie Neal

28 29 GOAL SIX – RARE AND COMMON INDIGENOUS FLORA The Wildside Wētā AND FAUNA OF THE PENINSULA ARE INCREASINGLY ABUNDANT In February 2020 our Wildside Coordinator was lucky enough to spend an afternoon learn- ing about our endemic wētā from Priscilla Wehi Through the renewed connection with land- Covenant Engagement and – Landcare Research – who specialises in these owners we are able to provide feedback Support Program interesting and not-so-little, feisty creatures. To date Trust staff have visited 44 covenants and share monitoring findings from the site The Banks Peninsula tree weta, Hemideina as part of the newly introduced Covenant visit. This facilitates educational opportunities ricta, is thought to be the rarest of Engagement and Support Program (CESP). for both Trust staff and landowners. New Zealand’s seven tree weta species. Key topics include flora and fauna species It is only found in the bays to the east of Pigeon The CESP programme enables us to connect identification, pest and weed information, Bay and Akaroa Harbour so we (unofficially) with, and support landowners. and providing other relevant contacts. assigned it the name of ‘Wildside Wētā’. This is particularly valuable for new land- owners who’ve purchased covenanted land. A large component of the CESP site visits Wildside Wētā, although restricted to a very It also gives us a chance to both celebrate involves monitoring covenant health via small geographical range and therefore regeneration successes, encourage and photopoint and bioindicator species monitor- originally thought to be imminent to extinction, support landowner commitment and ing. This helps to measure covenanting have now been found to be the more common initiative, and identify and address areas success over time both quantitatively and species of tree wētā found on the Wildside. of concern or uncertainty which may qualitatively. This monitoring plays a vital They are however, hybridising with the include legal obligations, weed and pest part in telling the success stories of the Canterbury weta, Hemideina femorata, management, and fencing repair matters. covenanting process and shows ecological which may eventually threaten the Wildside gains over time. Sophie Hartnell between monitoring points Wētā’s unique existence. on Pohatu covenant support visit

A huge thank you to our volunteers that assist Trust staff on our CESP visits – Hamish Fairbairn, Although wētās are at risk of predation, Fran Johnson, and Fiona Porter. Wildside Wētā are already at the larger-end especially by rats, they perhaps have survived of the scale in-terms of insect size, yet the on the Wildside due to the ever-increasing males take it one step further by growing areas of regenerating native vegetation being gigantic mandibles (jawbone). They use protected, in which they commonly live. these oversized jaw protrusions as weaponry They especially like the flakey bark, and to fight other males, sometimes drastically the knots and twists that kanuka trunks and wounding or throwing their opponent out of branches have to offer. Several of the sites the tree! The winning males earn themselves where we successfully found wētā were the right to mate. The most dominant males, in kanuka stands that are part of different gathering up harems of female wētā. covenants interlacing through the farming In Fishermans Bay we found a large male in landscape. a wētā motel with a harem of three females.

Tikapomo Rahui PP01.5 2009 Tikapomo Rahui PP01.5 2019 Approximately 10 years ago ‘weta motels’ The enormous size of the Wildside Wētā’s Photo credit: Brooke Turner Photo credit: Sophie Hartnell (little wooden boxes with a large hole drilled mandible has likely evolved through sexual in the bottom to allow weta access to their selection as males with larger weaponry new homes and a flap on the front face pass on their genes to the next generation. allowing us humans to open up the motels However, Priscilla has been researching and see who is currently residing) were set whether the development of larger weaponry up on several farms on the Wildside. comes at a cost. Increased predation risk, Priscilla and our Wildside Coordinator impaired locomotion or reduced immune Alice, with the help of local landowners responses have all been discussed. She has from Fishermans Bay, Goughs Bay and Flea studied sexually-skewed predation by Bay, were able to revisit some of these introduced mammals and the measurements original weta motels, where she recorded taken on the Wildside contributing to her the number of weta found and measured research into ecological costs of this evolution, Hugh’s PP01.4 2012 Hugh’s PP01.4 2019 – First succession growth the size of various body parts. including on foraging and nutrition. Photo credit: Geoff Walls starting to shade out gorse

30 31 GOAL SEVEN – AT LEAST TWO LOCALLY EXTINCT SPECIES HAVE BEEN REINTRODUCED 80

Tūī Update Among the birds sighted in Akaroa were It has been another busy year for tūī watchers the 16 birds (seven females and nine males) on Banks Peninsula, with over 1900 sightings newly banded in May-June 2019. One of reported over the 12 months to 31 March. the females was “Peggy,” who had been 60 The vast majority of these (more than 1600 spotted before capture with a leg injury. sightings) were of individually identified When we caught her, it was clear that she colour-banded birds. was in poor condition, so we decided to 40 bring her to veterinarian Susan Shannon for Based on all of these wonderful observations, evaluation. Susan found that Peggy’s leg it looks like the population is continuing to wasn’t broken, but had an infected wound - Population Estimate with SE (blue dots)

slowly but steadily increase, at least in the she had apparently been grabbed by some 20

Akaroa area. This is shown on the accom- kind of predator but had managed to escape. Number of Banded T ū i Sighted or Radio-tracked (open circles) panying graph, with the monthly totals of Under Susan’s care, Peggy recovered and banded birds sighted (open circles) showing was released two weeks later. seasonal fluctuations but an upward trend, 0 and the population estimates similarly The summer of 2019 - 2020 appeared to be 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 increasing over the last several years. a good one for many bird species, and Date The population estimates are very approxi- many tūī fledglings were spotted, including mate, and really only reflect the part of the a couple of unusual “pied” youngsters in tūī population that visits the Akaroa area; . They appeared to take on normal we expect the Peninsula-wide population to colouring as their adult feathers came in. be bigger than this. And among our adult birds, some of the originally-released birds were resighted again this year - including Louie, looking beautiful at 11 years old.

With the Pest-Free Banks Peninsula partner- ship planning on expanding and intensifying pest mammal control in the next few years, our tūī monitoring work will contribute to both pre- and post-treatment biodiversity monitoring. We are hoping to see an acceleration in population growth as predator numbers are reduced and forest health improves.

Laura Molles Tui fledgling Photo credit: Sarah Ford Ecologist

Louie, January 2020 Photo credit: Laurie Richards Peggy Photo credit: G&T Bedford 32 33 GOAL EIGHT – PEST FREE BANKS PENINSULA Pest Free Banks Peninsula Project Pest Free Banks Peninsula Project Oversight Group Members Management Group Members Mark Christensen (Chair) – BPCT Dr. David Miller (Chair) – BPCT trustee representative Richard Suggate – RDBPT trustee Since the signing of the partnership MOU in late 2018 much effort has been focused Councillor Andrew Turner – Christchurch City Marie Grey – Summit Road Society on establishing the governance and Council representative Jeremy Agar – Summit Road Society management committees, developing an Councillor Jeff Bland – Selwyn District Paul de Latour – Landowner over-arching strategy, beginning community Council representative Laura Molles – Ecologist engagement with the establishment of a Councillor Lan Pham – Environment Denise Ford – Selwyn District Council A vision for a pest free Banks Peninsula website and community meetings, and build- Canterbury representative Paul Devlin – Christchurch City Council / Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū ing relationships with funders. Andy Roberts – Department of Conservation Andy Thompson – Department of In 2050 a cacophony of native birdsong representative Conservation resounds across the Peninsula at dawn In addition to considerable in kind contribu- Rik Tainui – Banks Peninsula Rūnanga Richard Ball – Policy/Strategist and dusk. tions from many of the partners, significant representative Maree Burnett – BPCT Indigenous plant and animal species thrive funding has been raised. This includes a $3M Sarah Wilson – Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Shaun Burkett – Environment Canterbury and Banks Peninsula, including the Port Hills commitment from Environment Canterbury representative and Kaitōrete, is a taonga enjoyed by the over five years, $320,000 from the people of Ōtautahi/Christchurch, Christchurch City Council over five years, Canterbury, and visitors to the area. and $375,000 from the Department of Conservation over the same period. Pest Free Banks Peninsula/Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū is a collaborative programme The Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust will STRATEGY FOR A to protect and enhance biodiversity on the provide financial management services on Peninsula through the widespread eradication behalf of the 14 partners. PEST-FREE BANKS PENINSULA of animal pests. This community-led initiative has been formalised through a Memorandum Five year on-ground strategic priorities have of Understanding (MOU) signed by 14 been established which include: foundation signatories in November 2018. It aims to make Banks Peninsula /Te Pātaka • Peninsula-wide feral goat eradication of Rākaihautū free of pest animals, so the • Eradication of possums and suppression indigenous biodiversity can thrive and become of mustelids & feral cats over a 20,000+ more widespread across the Peninsula and into hectare area that extends from the existing Christchurch City. Pest Free Banks Peninsula Wildside supports Ngāi Tahu values, community development and sustainable agriculture • Eradication of possums, mustelids, feral and tourism. cats, and hedgehogs on Kaitōrete

• Suppression of possums, mustelids, feral cats, and hedgehogs to low levels in the Te Kākahu Kahukura area

• At least 4,000 households participating in trapping in the Port Hills

PREPARED BY PEST FREE BANKS PENINSULA WORKING GROUP

34 35 COVENANTS OUR SUPPORTERS

The Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust Establishment of a covenant includes fencing The success of the Trust is possible thanks works with landowners to legally protect the area, ecological survey, land survey, to the generous ongoing support of our important biodiversity and landscape values and undertaking the legal requirements to corporate partners and funders. in perpetuity through the covenanting register the covenant on the land title. process. A covenant is a powerful legal Landowners retain full ownership of their PRINCIPAL SPONSOR mechanism for protection that requires covenant and manage it with advice from current and all future landowners to manage the Trust provided through an ecological the land for conservation purposes. management plan developed for each covenant and ongoing landowner visits The covenanting programme experiences through the Covenant Engagement and high demand from Banks Peninsula landowners Support Programme. seeking to protect biodiversity on their land. FOUNDATION SPONSORS The Trust undertakes a careful selection process that ensures covenants contribute to the goals outlined in the Ecological Vision As at 31 March 2020, 1502 hectares and conservation funds are invested where of land are protected via 76 Banks Peninsula they will have most impact. Conservation Trust covenants. GOLD SPONSORS

1 Legend 75 74 BPCT Covenants Streat's Bush (2) Banks Ecological Region and Kaitorete Spit

Beacon Rock Lansdowne (2) Seb's Block 75 Hunter Burke's Gully Kakanui Bush McPhail Karearea Maori SILVER SPONSORS Dogs Head Kanuka Decanter Bay Gully Rock Block Matai/Podocarp Head of the Block Harbour (2) The The Wattles Monument Pipiwharauroa Bellbird Little Kaituna Bush Akaloa Basin Manny's Reserve Waipuna Festing Duvauchelle Saddle Waterway Peak Kowhai Bush (2) Sallys Bay The Western Valley Kaupu Inwoods Tikapomo Kenneth Okains Bay Langer Reserve Multi (5) Rahui (Panama Rock) Bush Brickeys Pawsons Kukupa Bush Wairewa Wairewa Extension Points Woodlands Tititipounamu Bush Tirowaikare Springvale CORPORATE MEMBERS Leonardo Church Block Cooptown-Okuti (2) French Allan's Farm Wetland Gorse Gully Christ College of Top Poranui Manaia Trans Himalyan Bush Okuti Valley Wisdom 75 Woodills South Block Goughs Bay Multi (4) French Heritage and Etienne's Bush Paua Oashore Bay (3) Cherry Haley's Heritage Hauroko Balguerie Hikuraki Valley Farm Hugh's Covenant Stream Kaik Hill Whangairimu Stony Bay Stream

Haylock's Stream Stony Bay Pohatu

FUNDERS Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust 0 5 km 1:150,000 COVENANTS MAP Completed to 31 March 2020

36 37 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

38 39 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

40 41 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

42 43 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

44 45 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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