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No. 4/86 . ISSUE 50 o DECEtrVIBER 1986
NEW ZEAI-{ND REGISTERED MAGAZINE WincherDte: (NZl Ltd DUCKS IJNTIMIIED QUARIERTY is pre'= r to support Ducks Unlimited (NZ) Inc. WAIERFOWT JOIRNAI, in their efforts to propagate and preserve New Zealand's rare uraterfowl.
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, MORE THAN A NAME. A LEGEND. Dlstrlbuted in New Zealand By: Winchester New Zealand
16 DUCKSUNLm (N.Z)INC., - FOR WAIERFOWL AND WETLANDS - PO BOX 4+f76tOWER lill-rr, NEW m,ALANn PRESIDENT'S REPORT BOARD OFDIRECTORS A. R. Wilson Ltd, HAMILION. Wellington Zoological Gardens. AI{D OITICIAI,SI FOR I986E7 Another festive season approaches as tions of local Chapters. Ducks Unlimited in interested in planting to enhance habitat and Winchester NZ Ltd, AUCKLAND. PRESIDENT wetland areas continue to disappear. One New Zealand hopes to emulate the impact of to add beatuy to the landscape. Bud has Westpac Banking Corp, Te Aro, WELLINGTON. J.C. Campbell,'Rameslie', RDl, MASTERTON. area which has given some cause for en- its big brother in America by encouraging the proved which varieties thrive in varying con- Reikorangi Pottery, WAIKANAE. thusiasm is Home Lagoon, featured in the growth of Chapters to assist in the urgent task ditions and has very valuable advice to otfer. VICF.PRET|IDENT Allan Millar Ltd, DUNEDIN. 1834, AUCKLAND. previous issue of "Flight". Thankfully, the of wetland preservation and restoration. To We are fortunate to be hosting Herb Mould- M. Newcomb, PO Box T. Fennesey, WELLINGTON. E. Handyside family was encouraged to retain this end, the Board has recently appointed ing from Canada shortly. Herb has been an Co., WELI.INGTON. SECRETARY Stanley Ammunition this impressive wetland and with considera- Derek Morrison as Chapter Coordinator to engineer with DU Canada for some thirty Pacific Arms Co., WELLINGTON. F.N. Hayes, 17 Wise Street, WAINUIOMAIA' ble input from Ducks Unlimited together with assist in this important task. So come on years and will have a wealth of information P. Johansen, TOKOROA. assistance f rom the Wildlife Service and the Christchurch, Blenheim and Dunedin; Eketa- to impart. Any members wishing to host Herb TREASI]RER Otorohanga Zoo, OTOROHANGA. Hooson, 39 Dominion Park St, JOHNSOI'WILLE. Acclimatisation Society movement, this valu- huna needs some challenge from further and his wife whilst they are touring New C.W. The World Shooting, SWITZERLAND. of able remnantof habitat has been saved and South. Zealand will, I am sure, be well rewarded. BOARD MEIVIBERS NZ Outdoor Magazine, PALMERSTON NORTH. restored. The final steps of the construction I spent a very pleasant evening recently Please contact any Director for further infor- R.D.4. PAHIAruA Jewellers, WANGANUI. A.K.M. Elliott,'Rawhitf Broadhead of islands and other improvements will be with DU members Elizabeth and Bud Jones mation. Ms D. Pritt, Smiths Road, OHAKUNE. D. J. & V. M. Duncan Farms, HUNTERVILLE. carried out this dry season. at their Nireaha property wandering around Finally, I thank all Directors and members M. Timms, 9 Millward Street, WANGANUI. N.Z. Small Game Shooters Sporting Assn, WGTON There are many more such areas within ponds and inspecting the large variety of for the support they have given me over the B. Coe, ll Burnside Street, LOWER HUT'[. Promotional Marketing Co., LOWER HUTT. our grasp but which require a financial input trees they have planted. The enthusiasm past year and wish you all a merry Christmas P.B.C. Pirani, 'Branta' Kahikatea Flat Road, Dairy Flat' Tight Lines, WAIUKURAU. far beyond our resources at the moment. ln shown by Bud as he described how much and a happy and prosperous New Year. R.D.2, Albany, AUCKLAND. N. Newcomb Ltd, AUCKLAND. the United States, most of Ducks Unlimited's growth some trees can achieve in just three Jlm C. Campbell Hill Road, PAUTAHANUI. Ballinger Firearms Ltd., CHRISTCHURCH. J. Glover, massive funding comes from the contribu- seasons would be sure to stimulate anybody Mrs G. Hansen,'Tidsfordriv', R.D. 3, EKETAHUNA. P. F. Nola, AUCKLAND. G. Girvan, 77 Waipapa Road, Hataitai, WELLINGTON. S. Gibbard, WANGANUI. Associates, AUCKLAND WILDLIFE SERYICE REPRESENTAITVE Turbott & Wildlife Centre, R.D.l, Mt Bruce, Faulkner Motors Ltd, WELLINGTON. I. Bryant, National Ltd, RAETIHI. MASTERTON. Winstone Afforestation N. W. Gunson, OHAUPO. OTHEROITICIALS Niloc Ltd., PETONE. Membership Secretary Gun City, CHRISTCHURCH. Brendan Coe Lyons Plumbing, HAMILTON. 'flight'Editor K. Mackie, AUCKLAND. Gary Girvan W. I. Becroft, PAPAKURA. Chapter Liaison Officer J. R. Morris, HIKURANGI. Derek Morrison, Waitohu Valley Rd, R.D.1 OTAKI R. A. Stanton, CHRISTCHURCH. HONORARY VETF,RINARY ADYISER: P. Vincent, TE AWAMUTU. J. O. Gill, B.V.Sc., ROTORUA. A. C. L. Insurance, PARNELL. R. V. Atkinson, TE KUITI. HONORARYMEMBERS R. L. Newcombe, MASTERTON. K. Barnett, TOKAANU Nelson Lakes Guiding Services, ST ARNAUD. H. A. Sinclair, MBE, DUNEDIN Magnetic Sweeper Ltd, AUCKLAND. K. G. W. Wilkinson, WELLINGTON Kati Kati Bird Gardens. Adrienne Longuet, WELLINGTON G. R. Holmes, WELLINGTON. E R. T. Adams, UPPER HUI-I E. G. Phillips, CAMBRIDGE .TRADE MEMBERS Queenstown Wildlife Park. Langdons Machinery Ltd., ASHBURTON. LIIIE MEXVIBE,RS g W. Barrett, AUSTRALIA. t! Marshalls Fine Arts, STRATFORD. a Rod & Rifle Magazine, PETONE. N. C. Cameron, FEAIHERSTON. W. H. Day, WINTON. P. M. Mcleod, CHRISTCHURCH. Kilwell Sports Ltd, RoToRUA. I. H. Pirani, ROTORUA. Halcyon Publishing Co. AUCKLAND. Mrs D. G. Pirani, ROTORUA. Reloaders Supplies Ltd, AUCKLAND. J. H. B. Ward, HUNTLY. A. Coltart, HASTINGS. M. J. Bourke, KIMBOLION. Rainbow & Fairy Springs, ROTORUA. Ava Zaubernen, AUCKLAND. Issac Wildlife Trust, CHRISTCHURCH. ,f F. S. S. Bailey, AUCKLAND. President's Report 3 N. Marsh, TAUPO. crlts DU News 4 Dr T. Reiger, ALASKA, U.S.A. Dr M. L. Hucks, TAUPO. ProiectReports.... 6 J. Campbell, MASTERTON. EA Govt Wetlands Policy 9 Mrs C. L. Pirani, AUCKLAND. Lla 'fr( Nga Manu Trust K. Lowry, AUSTRALIA. t2 R. M. Eberhardt, U.S.A. Cover pic{ure: Mute t**rXHEHr$g|r.the early morning mist at M. White, DUNEDIN. A. A. Gurney, UPPER HUTT. Central North Island Wildlife Conservancy Council, Photographed by Bud Jones: Olympus OM2, Olympus 300mm lens. ROTORUA. Other-ptiotogrAihs by Gary Giwan, Neil Hayes. M. R. Grace, HUNTERVILLE.
Ducks Unlimited (NZ) Incorporated is a private, non-profit membership organisation dedicated to the_preservation, restoration, creation and maintenance of wetlands habitat in New Zealand and to the propagation of the country's rare waterfowl as a valuable natural resource; The organisation was founded in May 1974by a group of far-sighted conservationists and incorporated by them in June l9?5 at Wellington, New Zealand. The national headquarters mailing address is PO Box 44176, inwer Hutt. "Flight" is the official quarterly publication of Ducks Unlimited (NZ) Incorp-grated reaching 2fi)0 devoted members and friendi concerned with waterfowl conservation. pU 49m[ephips beiggs at $5.50pa for- funior io $16.50 for full membership with provision for trade and life members. Membership of Ducks Unlimited carries with it subscription to this publication. To assuri prompt delivery, members who m.ove are urged to forward their new address atoni witi current mehbership details to nat-ionaLheadquarters. ktters and contributed manuscripts and photographs. President, Jim Campbell, surveys the mute slvans onhisproperty. snouia Ue addressed to the 'Fl-ight" Editgr. Views expresled by contributors are their own and do not necessarily constitute those of Ducks Unlimited (NZ) Incorporated. .TLIGHT' IS PRINTED BY LITHOGRAPIilC SERVICES [fI), I.JOWER TIUTT 2 3 a road went our convoy, firstly to Jim Camp- which have been through a selection process tion is to be held on the 21st of March, 1987 bell's to view one of his newer ponds and a to ensure they have the correct maternal in- at the Shaw Saville Lodge, Kilbirnie, Welling- IUEWS pair of mute swan, then to Rathkeale College. stincts. We were able to have questions an- ton. Chapter members will receive an invita- DU a fine pond layout with a mag- swered and were most impressed with Bill's tion in their next newsletter. All members and Rathkeale has nificent range of birds on it. lt is a tribute to activities. friends are, of course, welcome and anywho NATIONAL RAFFLE for many years. D.U. Director Mark New- to grow at a healthy rate. But there is no rea- the DU members involved and the school. It was a most interesting and enjoyable day do not receive the newsletter should make partyof comb did a fine job as raffle organiser and son why each member should not be recruit Our tour had been joined by our local and we can only hope our mainly new bookings through Chris Hooson, 39 Domin- The D.U. National Raffle was strongly sup- hopes are high that the D.U. raffle will be- ing at least one new member per month!! guides Ted and Glenys'don't follow us, we're members is as enthusiastic about our ion Park St, Johnsonville, Wellington. (via projects ported bythe D.U. membership. The supporl come an annual one. New Life Member. Mark R. Grace of 'Rath- i-ost" Hansen, who th-en took us a scenic as the Committee are and that our in fact overwhelmed Directors. Sincere thanks to all for a great result. moy' Hunterville has become D.U.'s21st Life route!) to Bill Clinton-Bake/s property. Bill trips will be as well supported in the future. DUCKS UNUHITED PRO.'ECT IN THE particular A gross income of was achieved, I987 ANNUAL CONFERENCE member, and at 15 years of age is easily our gave us a short and most interesting talk on A thanks to Derek Morrison for NEWS $7,500 planning photograph with a net profit of equivalent to A registration form forthe 1987Annual Con- vounoest Life member to date. Mark and his his success with, in particular, brown teal. his and arranging of this excellent The following and short article $5,000 - trip. another large wetland project. ference is printed in this isue. We will be back iamilf have been D.U. members for many Then we proceeded to his ponds. Bill ex- appeared in'The Evening Post'of Tuesday, joined plained programme both Wellington Chapter Fundraising Dinner. October 14 and is reproduced While we all wanted to win, it was great to at THC Wairakei on Saturday and Sunday years and they have recently the Royal his for rearing here with their The Chapte/s third Annual Dinner and auc- permission. see the three prizes going to prominent D.U. 11th & 12th July. Swan project, having two impressive ponds Brown and Grey Teal, using foster Bantams kind supporters. Leo Moslin who won the bronze Diane Pritt, Smiths Road, Ohakune in front of their residence. shoveler is a farmer at Takou Bay north of (Phone 58.016) is again co-ordinating accom- New Sponsor Member: Bill Morrison of Keri Keri and it was on Leo's property where modation and registration requirements. Masterton. Wairarapa farmer Denis Han- It appeared as though the we released 46 brown teal last year. Please complete the form and post to Diane, New Trade Members: The Queenstown Na- dyside alongside his 20 hec- Farmet tevives wet ands remaining 20 hectares would Second prize the brown teal original with your $30 registration fee, as soon as con- ture Park has recently joined as Trade mem- tare wetlands reserve which go the same way until Ducks - joined painting - went to Dennis Handyside at Te venient. bers. The Park has also operation this year, with assistance Unlimited offered financial Hopai Station in the Wairarapa. Denis is the MEMBERSHIP 'Paieke'. BUILDING from the conservation organi- assistance. Support has also ownerof Home Lagoon where D.U. has been Horrie Sinclair continues to send new mem- SINCLAER WETLANDS been given \Mldlife FUND. Recent donations to the fund have sation Ducks Unlimited, was by the working on its largest wetland project to date bers in each week. Horrie is aiming at an all- reflooded. Service, the Wellington Ac- (see September'Flight'). Third prize of the up figure of 200 recruited by himself before been received from J. Begg (John's second At a cost of about $14,000 climatisation Society and the Zeiss binoculars went to Pauline Chitty of the 1987 annual conference. This is a f ine ex- major contributlon), the Dunedin Naturalists Wairarapa Auckland. Pauline has been a D.U. member ample to us all and membership continues Wildlife Society who sent a substantial dona- the Te Hopai Home Lagoon, Catchment Board. tion after Horrie Sinclair had provided the so- which largely dried up in 1980 Black swans, bitterns and ciety with a guided tour of the wetlands, Mr through draining, has had the a variety of ducks including and Mrs R. E. Pirani, G. B. Mitchell, and water returned to it. The shoveller, mallard, and grey, Buster Abbott. water has been piped from all make their home on the VIDEO TAPES the nearby Ruamahanga wetlands. DU has the following VHS tapes available on River, and will be regulated to Mr Handyside said a cov- loan to members, for a maximum of two allow plant regeneration. enant would be taken out on weeks and $10 to cover postage: Mr Handyside said most o, the reserve so it would al- protected. i:.::.i!:l:i:!j:r::: r:.::'ii:: :iii- 1. Hidden Places/Sinclair Wetlands his 240 hectare farm on the ways be While it 2. Country Calendar/Ducks Unlimited eastern side of Lake Wairara- would not be open to the pub 3. Country Calendar/Horrie Sinclair pa was once wetland. lt in- lic, anyone wanting to visit 4. River in Question cluded huge ares of lagoon, would be welcome to do so if 5. WlldfowlTrust but most had dried up during they asked. CI{APTERS the years through drainage. The D.U. Board of Directors has appointed Derek Morrison of Otaki as D.U. Chapter Liai- son Officer. This position will involved draw- ing up an annual programme of all chapter %*k activities, arranging for chapter reports to be priblished in'Flight', ensuring chapterfinan- SET AND TOR.GET cial statements are presented to the D.U. Board, keeping chapter committees in touch ":s*Y: FEEDER, with new projebts. and attendlng D.U. Board AUTOTUIATIC DUCK meetings. FULLY AUTOMATIC SELF-CONTAINED Derek has been a D.U. member since A UNIQUE AND D.U.'s formation and in the early days was FEEDER HAS BEEN CAREFULLY DESIGNED AND BUILT responsible for an arrangement with Cana- dian Pacif ic Airlines whereby D. U. Directors BY A TOP EUROPEAN CRAFTSMAN were able to travel to Canada, at minimal 1. The feeder is completely automatic. cost, to study D.U. Canada projects. WELLINGTON CHAPTER FIELD TRIP When the two micron timers are On Sunday 2nd November about 25 Commit- programmed the feeder will spread 5. Finished with 2 coats of Timbacryl tee members, DU members and friends at- maize, pellets, or soft feed over a paint the feeder is completely weather tended the annual Field Trip. diameter of approx. 10 metres. The and vermin proof. The trip started with a visit to the Mt Bruce amounts of feed can be varied to suit 6. Basic price is NZ$1500 per unit. This Wildlife Centre at 1Oam, where we were met requirements. does not include 12 volt battery or solar bythe Wldlife Services Officer in Charge and 2. The feeder will operate on any time .."rd DU Board Representative, lan Bryant, aswell panel charger. These can be supplied at as Allan Elliott. lan gave us a short address frame around 24 hours. For example extra cost. on Mt Bruce and the birds we would see. feeding out 2 litres of maize once a day Delivery ex Rotorua is approx. 2 weeks The tour through Mt Bruce followed and it the feeder will continue to distribute for after receipt of the order and a deposit of was pleasing to see the magnificent displays at least 6 months without attendance. of native birds and waterfowl. On the pond 10olo must accompany order. site we were able to view Grey Teal, Scaup, The feeder can repeat any number of Brown Teal and Mallard broods being reared. times during a 24 hour period. FOR ORDERS PLEASE WRITE TO:, The Blue Duck were on a separate pond 3. The hopper holds 400 litres of feed. enclosure, sharing this areawith theTakahe sET AND FOR.GET party and some time was spent by the view- 4. Constructed out of 18mn, tanalised ply DUCKFEEDERS ing these birds. I would highly recommend and 100 x 50 timber, with a 12 volt P.O. Box 1970 that an effort be made by all members to see plate, his magnificent facility. electric motor driving a double Rotoruo, New Zeolond DU dtsplay at Mt Bruce Wildlite Centre. Then after a short break for lunch, on the vaned, aluminium feed distributor. Two Omron timer clocks operate via a FOR MORE INFORMATION solenoid, with a compartment built in for the battery. (073) 28-056 AUSTRAIIA AND N.Z. PATENTS APPIIED TOR 4 PROJECTREPOBTS
PATEKE arv brown teal roost site has been complet- someone in Wildlilfe should spend 900/o of OPERATION The Recov- Final breeding ligures for 1985-86. Final ed'. D.U. and the Wildlife Service financed the theirtime on brown teal work! brown teal captive materials for fencing and Jeff completed the erv Plan should determine other areas out- figures for the 1985-86 re- bieeding programme and our successful work, which involved some 200 metres of sirie Northland where brown teal fencing. esliotisnment should be attempted.) breeders are set out below: habitat in C. 18 Protection of brown teal roost sites by fenc- 2. Maintenance of existing MONEY planting vital recent observations it MRS M. ATKINSON 3 inq and is thought to be Northland. From - - Jeff many areas of fenced and M. 10 to"brown te'al survi:val, and D.U. thanks is apparent that PIKE Six habitat are degenerating. M. 6 Carson for his outstanding support. oroi6cted DENCH fenced of brown teal habitat R, 14 brown teal roost sites have now been 3. Leoal Drotection MUNRO ln Norihland. All known brown teal roost WGTN 1 in Northland. ZOO Whilst legally protected, or pur- W. 3 Future olans for Operation Pateke. sites should be WRIGHT mira- protected by Wildlife or the J. 2 D.U. an'd its membbrs have achieved chased and CAMPBELL of Conservatiori' We believe this W. CLINTON.BAKER 32 cles with the captive breeding of the rare and new Deot 14 endangered brown teal over 700 reared to be a ielatively simple and inexpensive OTOROHANGAZOO - but feel that the brown teal is F. N. HAYES 9 since ig76 D.U. Directors are concerned excercise, - of project. With not receiving the priority it de- HILLDALE ZOO 8 about the lono term future the simply recently draft- serve's. lf we cannot maintain a stable W. SANDERSON 9 this concern i-n mind, D.U. has its thoughts on future brown teal work and oooulation in Northland then none of us MRSA. 1 ed GRAEME in with involved in wildlife manage- NATIONAL WILDLIFE CENTRE 23 on orioritie!. To keep members touch bnbuld be brown teal work the following is a slightly ment. We belive there are a few problems .TOTAL 153 abridoed version of a submission recently involved in ensurinq a healthy brown teal Forthe 198G87 breeding season 34 mem- madito the Wildlife Service. oooulation in Northl6nd; particularlywhen bers will be holding 75 pairs of brown teal. BROWN TEAL RECOVERY vol toof at the Carolina recovery - from Liberations in Northland. 125 brown teal Thank you lor providing some encouraging iirtual extinction in 1910 (an era when the were released in Northland in lateJuly - 104 commdnts on the Brown Teal recovery pro- word'conservation' had not been invent- at the Mimiwhangata Farm Park and 21 at gramme. ed) to 4 million. Shooting, predators and ' the Kaeo - bringing the total released in North- Your comments have prompted D.U. to massive destruction of habitat reduced land to 296 in two years; an incredible review its ten years involvement with brown Carolina population to near-zero; birds achievement. Observations clearly show that teal and to con-sider future work and priorities. were imoorted, 10,000 reared in captivity' our birds are surviving well and successful But before itemising our thoughts we tens of ihousands of predator proof nest breeding has been recorded. would like to state thai a// groups and in- boxes were erected and vital wetlands Whananaki fencing. Thanks to farmer Jeff dividuals involved in the brown teal recovery were created and protected. ln todayd Carson the fencing of the Whananaki Estu- programme must be prepared lor longterm world with our advanced knowledge and invo-lvement, if they expect the project to be technoloqv our problems with the brown BrownTeal raised in Neil Hayes' backyard. successful. teal are-5urel! insignificant by com- No waterfowl recovery programme any- oarison? allowed brown teal are thriving. The pre- of wild birds to the captive rearing pro- reared brown teal can survive for many where has been an overnight success; in- 4. breation of habitat. From what we have dator trapping programme currently in gramme. An application has been made months, and years, and breed quite suc- deed the most outstandingly successful Jeen at Mimiwhangata the creation of operation is another excellent move to for approval to remove 5 males and 5 fe- cessfully, but we have felt for some time - the Carolina Wood Duck recovery pro- oonds and laqoons in suitable areas and eliminate one more reason for the decline males from Great Barrier lsland. This in- that there has been a tendency to write-off gramme is still going some 80 years after ivitn suitable protection could well be the of brown teal and ideally a predator con- flux of new blood could well be vital to the release areas before giving them a fair go. - popu- it started, even though the populatlon has In- kev to not onlv maintaining a stable , , trol programme should be instituted at all continued success of the captive rearing To quote the Carolina project again, large UCKS in- creased from neaizero io 4 million. The lation of brown teal in Northland but release sites. Of course, one important part of the recovery programme. numbers of Carolina's into a relatively Hawaiian Goose programme is still going creasinb the population also. ln this re- feature of Northland is the absence of Two years ago, at the last brown teal small area was one of the key features of large UNLIMTTED some 40 vears after it started, as are the Lay- soect t6e creiation of two further mustelids in many areas, but on the other oatherino. it was decided that Mt Bruce the recovery programme. be given san Teai and Aleutian Canada Goose obnds at Mimiwhangata should hand feral cats are a real menace to brown [now thel{ational Wildlife Centre) should Mimiwhangata has been an outstanding 'urgentpriority ponds are 'prolects, many many years after.they started. to ensure that the teal. Nest boxes will certainly help the pre- expand its role in'brown teal breeding. We success, but we feel that 100 birds released (NZl ING We believeihat the brown teal programme constructed this Year. dator problem and there is much work to believe that this should be pursued and the at one time is too many. When the new la- should be is very much in its infancy, yet if we look seri- Other areas foipond creation be done in this area. Centre encouraged to rear, say,50 brown goons have been constructed and the raupo should P.O. BOX 44-176 oushrat the results to date some outstancl- souoht and to helb in this, adverts 7. Research in Northland. We believe that teal each season. infested lagoon cleared releases of over 100 papers asking land ino orooress has been made. (We have in fact be oiaced in Northland a comprehensive study of brown teal in 9. Liberations. Contrary to our earlier should be possible. ln the meantime we be- LOWER HUTT have suitable areas iult rec"eived a letter from Dr Janet Kear con- owhers to reply if they Northland is vital to the long term manage- thoughts we now believe that releases of lieve that a carefully structured release pro- 'gratulating cer- D.U. and the Wildlife Service on for oondinq.'Eiucks [Jnlimited would ment and survival of the species. ln fact brown teal in Northland should continue gramme should be drawn up and except at for adverts progress being made.) tairilv havd monev available this item should really head our list for a ten year period before a major review Matapouriwe believe that releases should be Life membership $500.00 pond Our work in the - a little depresed and ior creltion. above the Recovery Plan. At present we is undertaken. on to lakes or ponds, not estuaries. Our ex- Sponsor membership year We do, however, become shows that the vast $50.00 negative comments about the Wairarapa clearly know little about brown teal in Northland Our observations show that captive perience seems to indicate that brown teal when we hear too pleased to Full membership $15.00 year involvement. We maioritv'of farmerb are only and a research project to determine such project and about D.U.'s large lagoon at Junior membership $5.00 year our captive pro- harie w'etlands created. A matters as: the population size, habitAt re- hever expected .rearing or a series of small ponds, Trade membership $20.00 year gramme tb be able to reverse the decline of Mataoouri, quirements, preferred habitat, food re- would have immediate benefit for brown Srown teal on its own, as can be clearly seen quirements, movements, usage of roost in the enclosed article which was written a teal. sites, adaption to man-made habitat, and ARE priority ALL CONTRIBUTIONS couple of years ago. Captive rearing is.only 5. Enhancement of habitat' Fencing, is- so on, should be given urgent in the IUevv lromDu TAX DEDUCTIBLE part of thd progrimme,'but in saying this it lands, rafts, planting, and nest boxes must recoverv Drooramme. is a vital ingre- has long been recognised that in any water- all be part'of the-habitat creation and 8. Captivri bre6Alng. This fowl rec-overy programme captive breeding managbment programme. And a strict dient of any re-establishment or recovery Sales Dept Or write for further details programme must be programme D.U.'s success in this is a vital part of the Programme' habitat maintenance and no recov- Our thoughts on future work and prlorltles instituted to cover all brown teal habitats. area has been impressive, but BasebalFstyle cap suitable for IIIIIII possible are as follows: This is in an area where D.U. members ery in the wild will be without all As we points implemented. all outd oo r activfties. 1. Production ol an in'depth Recovery can be of considerable assistance. of the above being Name in wild Avallable in Hunter Green with Plan for Brown Teal' This should be pre- have seen at Mimiwhangata, islands and But regardless of what happens the I I oared bv the Wildlife Service, with as- rafts are avital ingredient in the brown teal D.U. will pursue, with vigour, its efforts to S-colour mallard togo. Address iistanceirom D.U. and should incorporate habitat Programme. build a massive number of captive brown One size fits alL The reasons for the tea. we certainly appreciate your support all of the following points. (Much work has 6. Predatdr cbntrol. $22,OO from DU Sales Dept. I teal on the mainland for his part of the project. I alreadv been do-n'e on a Recovery Plan decline of brown - years breeding, with See back page lor odefing and th6 work involved in producing an in- shooting, predation, habitat destruction - Afterten of captive and at 700 brown teal reared from un- delails, I I itial olan should not be too great, but it is have ali-been clearly documented well over not pairs, we feel that the time now two years since it was agreed that Mimiwhangata where shooting is der ten original IIIIEIIT I is right for an influx of a small number
6 7 )
adapt very readily to a lagoon environment - as witnessed at Puke Puke, Nga Manu, (N Matakana, Mimiwhangata and Koputara. A DUCKS UNLIMITED .Z.I ING suggested release programme for the next P.O. BOX 44-176, LOWER HUTT few vears is: 1987 ANNUAL CONFERNCE Mimiwhangata - 30 birds Matapouri - 20-30 birds " .!:,,. ';.!. THC WAIBAKEI Lake Ohia - 40-50 birds (if Ohia is Saturday & Sunday suitable) July llth & 12th, t987 We strongly support the idea of releasing small numbers of translocated Great Barri- Plus the NATIONAL CLAY BIBD GHAMPIONSHIPS er birds with captive reared birds. JULY {Oth, 1987 We also feel that feeding the birds for, say, At the TAUPO GUN CLUB one month after release should be part of the programme, along with many hours of follow- up observation work. A $30 registration fee is required and must be included with this form. To sum up our thoughts: Research on brown teal is needed in Northland. ii A brown teal Recovery Plan is needed. I/WE WILL BE ATTENDING THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE Far more work is needed on habitat creation and enhancement. release policy is needed. !/WE WILL REQUIRE ACCOMMODATION FOR ...... NIGHTS ON A structured Someone in the Wildlife Service needs (DATES) to be appointed to the full time position of Brown Teal Recovery Officer. NUMBER ATTENDING We feel that the project is heading in the NUMBER OF ROOMS REQUIRED right direction, but a little too slowly for the brown teal. NAME/S We also believe that the brown teal recov- ery programme should be given a much ADDRESS higher profile beforelhe Department of Con- servation gets off the ground. OPERATIOI{ WHIO good from National Wildlife The news the Dusk at the Pearce Wetlands. Centre is that good numbers of Blue duck eggs have been laid and hopes are high for Or charge to my a record number of blue ducks reared in cap WETLANDS PROTEGTION POLICY ANNOUNCED VISA/BANKCARD/DI NERS/AMEX tivity. (Delete to suit) B'ad news from the U.K. in that one blue Ducks Unlimited is pleased to publish the recently announced Wetlands Policv duck has died after getting its leg band tan- Government policy on wetlands. lt is pleasing to see that the ln approving the policy, the Cabinet Policy gled in the wire netting. Hopefullythe remain- philosophy and objectives of the policy so closely resemble those as Committee noted "that the policy is intend- CARD No. EXPIRY DATE ing pair will breed next season. set out in DU's Constitution. ed to indicate that in broad termstheGovern- OPEBATION ROYALSWAil ment regardsthe protection of representative SIGNATURE The 26 Mute Swans transferred from Pea- important wetlands as being desirable, protecting cock Springs last March have all been dis- Foreword little legislaaion for wetlands, and rather than to bind the Government to any tributed to D.U. members. a lot of policy, equipment and expertise course of action or to justify restrictions on REGISTRATION FEE OF $30 IS ENCLOSED have always A long list of members wishing to join the The wetlands of New Zealand ready to facilitate destruction. The agencies the actions of private sector". POST TO: part the project has been compiled and if everything been an important of the New Zealand of government responsible forwetlands are DIANE PRITT, SMITHS ROAD, ',environment. lt was around the coastal es- so policy for goes to plan more swans will be available ear- scattered that a coordinated The Policy , OHAKUNE tuaries and lagoons that the earliest Maori protection is difficult to recognise. ly in the New Year. ln the context of this policy, wetlands is: I settled and harvested the shellfish, fish and It is the extent of wetland depletion, the for permanently or inter- eels that abounded. lt was from the flax many positive values have as intact A collective term they miftently wet land, shallow water and swamps that material for weaving was col- f ecosystems, the ragmented administration land-water margins. Wetlands may be 1987 DUCKS UNLIMITED N.Z. CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRY FORM lected and waterfowl snared. To the early and conflicting policies, that have led the fresh, brackish or saline, and are charac- Pakeha the swamp brought an export pro- Government to ratify this New Zealand Wet- terised in.their natural state by plants or Your duct flax f ibre stronger than any fibre yet lands Policy. lt is a policy designed to show - animals that are adapted to living in wet in use in the world to help establish the the way, rather than to specify particular ac- Entry fee Targets Sweep Total cost Total - conditions. settlement on a firm economic footing. And lt foreshadows the establishment of tons, and fifty years ago the wet- it was the enormous flat swamplands that One hundred the Department of Conservation which will lands New Zealand were widespread. Skeet (25 tgts) $7.00 $4.50 $2.00 $13.50 yielded fertile soil when drained, sustaining major for wet- of clearly become the advocate They supported very large populations of farmers and supporting sheep and dairy land protection. Armed with this policy and (20) 7,OO 2.00 12.60 birds, a prolific range of plants, and were an Sporting 3,60' cows. Drainage became a major cultural ac- WERI (the national wetlands inventory integral part of the life cycle of many species tivity, like the bush clearance a symbol of the which will serve as the data base for the im- Sparrows (15) 7';00 2::V0 2..00 11.70 fish. Like the indig- "great work" of turning New Zealand into an plementation policy), of fresh and salt water otthe the new environ- forests and tussock grasslands, (10 economically productive land. ment administration will be in a position to enous Double Rise pr) 7:OO 3,60 2.00 12.60 many wetlands were subsequently deve- Today, however, times have changed. foster the sensitive management of remain- loped for productive economic uses. Single Rise (25) 7:00 4.50 2.OO 13.50 With few of our lowland wetlands intact the ing wetlands: as beautiful, complex, produc- The various wetland types in their wide many other uses are being recognised tive ecosystems, rich in unique plants and - range of location (mountain top to estuary, Single Barrel(20) 7.00 3.60 2.OO 12.60 habitats are rare plants and wildlife, land- animals, rich in historical memoryof howour ,i snowfield to mud pool, swamp to braided scapes in sharp contrast to the more uniform culture developed. Just as the indigenous" Pointscore (20) 7.00 3.60 2.OO 12.60 river) are valuable for many reasons. Hydro- l!t image of farmland, water storage systems forest policy has served to enlighten and logically, they may assist in reducing floods, and filtratiion plants for managing floods and lead forest protection on crown lands, so will High Gun 2.00 2.00 in maintaining minimum water flows and in h waterquality, recreational pursuits like hunt- thisWetlands Policy help us find an ecolog- rd recharging underground aquifers. Biolog- ing waterfowl and fishing. ical perspective for one of our most charac- NAME & ADDRESS are habitats for a wide array of But it is hard to reverse a trend. There is teristic natural features. ically, they fauna and flora, including some that are in danger of extinction. Economically, they M inister for TAUPO of Conservation Minister the Environment are essential for some inland and offshore SkeetGrade ..... Trap Grade ..... (Aor B &C combined) fisheries. Recreationally, they are enjoyed JULY GUN by many thousands of f isherm-en, shooters, (Please tick the events you wish to enter) CLU B naturalists and thoseengaged in otherwater 1987 sports. Educationally, they form excellent POST TO: Gavin Brears, P.O. Box 124 TAUMARUNUI. (Entries close June 30th) \,j- examples of the f unctioning of ecosystems and the study of biology. Scientifically, they offer a slorehouse of information on climate,
8 I vegetation, vulcanology, archaeology and othier events enabling a better ability to man- more tanqible (for example, revenue from age future events. Culturally, they are of qrazinq stock). As these usually flow to one great historic and current importance ln defina6le group, modification-often has a Maoritanga. Scenically, the New Zealand strong advocate. landscape would be sadly depleted without As-trustee of the public interest the them. Government has the responsibility to retain Because past and current development westlands because of th eir "economic, cul- and modification of wetlands has greatly tural, scientific and recreational value" reduced their former extent, emphasis In (IUCN).' wetland management has to be given to The Government acknowledges its fur- preservation, with development only when ther role in the management, promotion, en- ihere is an overwhelming balance in its a hancement and creation of wetlands. favour. t Wetlands modif ication may cause irrever- The need to preserve representative nat- : sible changes. Such changes reduce ural ecosystems already has public sup- choices available to future generations. port and has been embodied in * This risk is heightened by the lack of wetlandi themselves leoislation. knowledge-as aboit So-cietVs recoqnition of the need to preserve as well wetland catchment inter' reores'entativd natural svstems is embodies actions. in international conventi6ns and within legls- Once awetland has been significantly modi- lation. New Zealand, as a signatory of the ln- fied it can rarely if ever be returned to its ternational Convention of Wetlands, shares orioina] state. Some of the values lost may the international concern for loss of wet- beirreplaceable. A wetland may contribute lands as a habitat. benef its that are not appreciated until they "Being convinced that wetlands consti- have qone. Possible future benefits may not tute a iesource of great economic, cultur- be redognised at the time of development' al, scientific and recreational value, the The Government acknowledges a toss of which would be irreparable . . . " responsibility to future generations. lf more (Convention on Wetlands of lnternational of our unique wetlands are irreplaceably lmportance, IUCN Bulletin ApriliJune lost, the quality of life available for future (Re- 1971 ). tative samples of natural ecosystems Brendan C.oe sets off to explore the Pearce oenerations- will be diminished. It is now accepted internationally as well serves Acl1977). Wetlands. Accordingly, this statement sets out as in New Zealand that there are values in Governmenfpolicy as a guide to all agencies wetlands that have been too often neglect- Wetlands are a diverse group. Generally Wetlands are depleted. lt is not onlythe over- and individuals who manage and make de- ed in the past and lost through lack of ap- diminished, some kinds of wetlands are all quantitythat has been reduced, there are cisions in relation to the use of wetlands 'preciation and knowledge. very scarce indeed. lmmediate and con- many distinctly different types of wetland, all' throuqhout NewZealand. The provisions of Wetlands need maintenance. Mark Pearce in such a way as to maintain or en- New Zealand as a society has expressed tinuing action is therefore necessary in with theirspecial values, and some are now this oSlicv are to be reflected in iocal, region- hard at work in the Pearce Wetlands hance that role. in legislation its desire to preserve represen- order to protect them. scarce. Policies and management must al and ndtional policies and legislation that project. recognise these differences both of scarci- relate to wetlands and their management. ty and kind. '1 .4 To retain or re-establish wetlands sig- 2. Wetlands lnventory the most Wetlands continue to be modified. The Objectives nificant for the protection or enhance- 2.1 To maintain an inventory of significant wetlands. Government is concerned that many of the 1. Preservation and Protection ment of aesthetic, scenic, 2.2 To linkthe national inventoryforwet- rarest wetland types may be developed and 1 .1 To act urgently to protect by leg9.rYa- recreational and tourism values. related government lost. tion addiiionalweilands thdt f ulf ill the 1.5 To protect and manage habitats im- lands with other criteria of the lnternational Union for portant for native flora and fauna giv- resource inventories to ensure op- Wetland management must consider ' the Conservation of Nature and ing priority to rare and endangered timal compatibility of the inventory. causes and consequences beyond the Natural Resources (IUCN) for $et- species and habitats of importance to wetland boundary. lands of lnternational lmportance. mioratorv bird soecies. 3 Public Awareness promote public awareness of wet- Wetlands can be seen as distinct natural protect national t.6 To-protect, enhance, or re-establish 3.1 To 1.2 To wetlands of land values and encourage systems but are affectedly by and have ef- importance, and where aPProPriate, wetlands and their access waYS Public which are important for fish. participation in the Planning and fects on other systems. Management must wetlands of regional and local im- man- go beyond the'wet'land to encompass the portance. 1 .7 To promote the concept of managing so that the agement of wetlands, greater system of which the wetland is a 1 .3 To gain adequate permanent protec- all wetland catchments wi- 3.2 To preserve and enhance the oppor- part. Such management may not necessar- tion-of repredentaiive examples of all complex relationships that exist private pub- thin a wetland, and between a wet- tunities afforded by wetlands for edu- ily mean reservation of the whole catch- tvoes of wetland in and scientif ic studY and ment, but particular care of sensitive areas. Prioriiy will be given to land and surrounding ecosystems cation, lii ownership. recreation. of the least modified and are taken into account. oreservation 3.3 To promote the tourism and recrea- The long term benefits lost by modifying viable examples of 1 .8 To protect and manage wetlands that inost ecologically tional potential of wetlands. wetlands frequently do not iustify the each kind. have an important hydrological role I short term benefits gained. The govern- ment must act as advocate for wetland preservation because of the less tangible benefits from unmodified wetlands which accrue to the general public. Government IEoMNE tsEu€r@E NtrWritr E\th/ArsE) also has an important role in wetland management promoting research and FIETD Nowhere else on earth will you fihd rare takahe, fostering awareness of wetland values. saddleback and black stilt. Visit these and many It may not be easy to identify and charac- that flow from members of the New Zealand's terise some of the benefits Qther fascinating wetlands. Such direct and indirect benefits GUNS unique wildlife at the National Wildlife Centre, tend not to be valued in monetary terms and Mt Bruce. may accrue to large numbers of people over a long time period. Just 28km north of Masterton on State Highway 2 For example, unmeasured hydrological include protecting downstream MODEL5OO INTERCHOXE a week. benefits 'SL- Open 10am to 4pm, 7 days water quality, preventing excess flooding, a The most versatile shotgun in the SKB range AVAII.ABLE AT Refreshments available. water flows summer and a Boxlock type construction maintaining in a Selective single trigger with automatic ejectors ALL LEADING GUN recharging acquifers and maintaining water r Deep blued banels with ventilated rib d$&h' tables. By comparison, the benefits ob- a New internally fitted six choke system STORES NOW Nitride or blued hand engraved action Rotorua from modifying a wetland tend to be O Marketed in NZ by KILWELL SPORTS' Private Bag, tained o Hand checkered French walnut steks
10 11 Peter offers respite forWaikanae birdlife
The following article appeared in 'The Dominion' newspaper of October 4, 1986 and a nesting site. ln his office at the sanctuary is reproduced here with their kind permission. lt will be of interest to readers of 'Flight' an interview is constantly interrupted by the not only because it reflects the growing public awareness of the importance of wet- telephone. picks "Bird . . . it lands, but a/so because of the strong DU connection both in writer and subject. He it up. sanctuary does have a leg band? Ah, a racing pigeon. Just Adrienne Longuet, the writer, was made an honorary member of DU in recognition ionore it. Don't feed it and ifll oo awav. TheVre of the valuable publicity 'Coun- she brought to the organisation in her direction of tvvo n-ot the brightest of birds. ttlt oe ta't 12 13 spread it. I beeame an expert at getting bull- dozers out of the stuff - virtually every mac- hine we had here got stuck." Mr McKenzie planted trees, built aviaries D.[J SALES DEPT and pushed three truckloads of rock and gravel around in a wheelbarrow to form a bushwalk.'l was fit and lean in those days." Managng wetlands Ilrt, l.li\\'.'\ll.\\ the His achievement has been the preserva- and ther Brrds c(x)tr. I tion of wetland - a type of habitat that has been vanishing along with the particular birds ( and plants it supports. Extensive drainage has already cost New dl Zealand much of itsswampforest, which can rf take centuries to re-establish. Mr McKenzie I has saved a signilicant remnant. I \I His kahikateas, pukateas, and swamp ,{* maire attract many budding botanists from .,{\ I 1., Victoria University, while the number of bird -+ (,t species at the sanctuary has risen f rom 26 in i{ l.-irql l*,.r:,! 1. i.lt', *1 i 1978 to 53 at present. Mr McKenzie has been New from DU sales section isone L murtay wtlltams breeding and releasing birds into the wild too, of the best books we have seen on wetlands management. Wril Th. N.w.li.n G@s bY Janet group This with the help of the conservation ten bytheexpertsol the lnlerna- Kear & A.J. Borqsr. Tom Brg bY Murray is an absorb- Garn.Sltd Huntlng bY Orrcl Shoot n tional Waterfowl Research oulslanding b@k 12o Pa9€6 coverlng Ducks Unlimited. of tha rcrld s most C8ithre. 96 PaoPs caverrng willisms. Bureau the book covers such ino accouni quoations and lacts. lioures and wildlite Most native birds use the su-ccesslul walerlowl conserya' Droblcms, of the common topics as: managemenl ol Water gsm€bitd hunting in manaipnant ol walodill in N z' Levels, Management of Vegeta- lron propct 1 54 Pag3s covering anfl,.con sanctuary and alltypes of waterfowl, except N.Z. tion, Crealion ofWetlands, Crea- the entire Hawallan G@so Pto the blue duck, feed on the ponds, from scaup tion of Artificial Nesting Sites, tet, whrch h6 sn the Popula are also available boxed at $15.40 the pair and grey teal to the larger black swans and Prevention of Crop Damage, En- iion ri$ trom 30 bitds lo over r hsse two volumes dangered Species Managemenl, 2,500. Canadageese. Some of the rarer visitors in- and much more.368 pages. clude wild falcon, brown teal bitterns, kakas II IIIIIIII and the Australian glossy ibis. A discussion is interrupted by the phone s&r(3. again. "Bird sanctuary . . . yes, woodpigeons ORDER FORM !roro* APPROX. 3 WEEKS FOR DEL]VERY often fly into things. Well if you bring it in l'll P!OPLI PLEASE ALLOW have a look at it. We should be able to strap TO: DUCKS UNLIMITED (N.2.) INC', DATE. up its wing." C/O MS D. PRITT, SMITHS ROAD, The hospital section has many patients. OHAKUNE Moreporks who have been hit by cars and PLEASE POST ME THE FOLLOWING (All prices include postage and GST) dozens of blackbirds and thrushes. The '4 casualties usually have broken wings which Cost each Mr McKenzie eiJher splints or straps up. The Tee Shirts with DU logo (All Sizes) $13.75 more difficult cases go to the vet. A Coloured Key To Tlie Waterfowl of the World $11.00 Many invalids are victims of the strong nor- Ducks, Ponds & PeoPle $11.00 'westerly that goes with Nga Manu's location. Wildlorvl Management on ln- Wildfowl Management on lnland Waters $1s.40 land waters by the Game Con' Seabirds like the albatross and giant petrel pages covering Ducks, Ponds & PeoPle bY The Duckshooters Bag $7.70 seryancy. 100 112 conslruction habital tor John Switt ot B.A.S.C. are blown in exhausted and simply need a lhe ot provide guide to the DU Badoe(s) $s.s0 waterfowl, planting, loafing and pages a manaoement ol small lakes and (per short convalescence. nesting rafts, nesls and Prc Brown feil Greeting Cards pack of 10) $s.s0 pagation. ponds-for watertowl. (OU s bestI ln the meantime, Kapiti coast sailors, be- selling bmk.) Ducks Unlimited (N.2.) Decals $1.10 ware! Mr McKenzie has resurrected another The Hawaiian Goose $24.75 passions. painted ailt.la $7.70 of his outdoor His newly Tf,T NAIilTffiT Gamebird Hunting pink and grey trailer sailer will be chasing the *uxl DU Tie $13.75 winds that blow his birds about and this sum- Managing Wetlands $23.65 mer he will be out to catch the leaders. $y. DU Shart $41.80 DU Jersey $64.90 Nga Manu Sanctuary is open every day ex- $10.10 cept Mondays and Christmas Day. Admis- Brown Teal Booklet Patches $9.35 sion: adults $1.50, children 50 cents, family Shoulder Swiss Army Knife $33.00 $3. For further inquiries contact Nga Manu 6.60/Box phone Bic Pens Sanctuary, PO Box 126, Waikanae or $5.50 34-131. Duck Head Pins Wine glasses $82.50 glasses $82.s0 part the membership Beer Peter McKenzie with of original Ducks Unlimited $44lPr 1984 Brown Teal release at Nga Manu. badoes. sized 5/8" diameler, Maonetic Sions f€atiring the corporate symbol ThiLandscipe Special wetlands issue $6.60 A Coloured Key to the Water- in qold/white/blue are available lowl ol the wdld by sir Peter from OU Headquarters. New Zealand Birds $11.00 Scott.96 pages with coloured VHS Video'River in Question' $64.90 I GUARANTEE plates and notes detailing the status of the waterlowl of the ]TIEWZEALANI BIFOS DU Caps (one size lits all) $22.00 I YOUR COPY world. a Please Sond rtc onc I ENCLOSE MY CHEQUE FOR $...... ".IN PAYMENT I year's subrcrlPtlon to OR ROII&RITI.E t Rod and Rlllc PLEASE CHARGE TO MY VISA/BANKCARD/AMDUDINERS (6 lrsucs) MACAZINE I magazinc. (Delete to suit) I enclosc my chcque/ ! Sporting Publication money order for $13.50. NO...... EXPIRY DATE...... New Zealand's kemier I oARD Upland gamebird hunting I Name:...... NAME (Please print).... I Address: Wildfowling. Big game I ADDRESS... I hunting. Seafishing. I Post to: I Rotl & Rlllo m.g.rlnc New lrom DU sales division. A 40 Daoes and 75 Photo- Trout angling t PO BoI 3t-13E gr€trngs card showing our rare oraohs- bv Geofl Moon. PETONE Brown Teal in pen and rnk bY biscover'Nt zealand wellrnglon artrsl Pamela Mal- Series. HOUSES:TAX INVOICE REQUIRED f] thews. There are ten cards and BUSINESS O,"*) envelop€s per Pack. Four cards are in a plain linish, three in a silver linish and three in a IIIIII IIIII bronze tinish Very high quality and only 14 15