April-June 2023
Welcome to the April-June 2023 issue of Voice for Nature, the quarterly newsletter of the Central Otago Lakes Branch of Forest & Bird. We would really like to hear from you, so please send any content to Ross (jrosssinclair@gmail.com). For all other branch-related issues please contact our Chair, Andrew Penniket (apenniket@yahoo.com). (Banner photo Mo Turnbull)
Inside this Issue
- What your local branch of Forest & Bird does for conservation
- From the Chair
Forest & Bird project updates
- Roys Peak trapping project
- Makarora Predator Trapping
- No More Bad Cats
- Update from the Makarora Coordinator
- Young Valley trapping
- Butterfields Wetlands
- Pennycook Podocarp Restoration
- Offsetting carbon by planting at Grandview
- Trapping at Treble Cone
- Bridge closures impact F&B protection of threatened species
- One of the team - Highlighting Lesley Anderson and her work for Forest & Bird
Latest news from the Southern Lakes Sanctuary
- Recent highlights from the Southern Lakes Sanctuary
- Pestival hui events in Wānaka and Queenstown
- Gateways for integrated trap management installed
- 25 Mile trap installing in preparation for Takahē release
'Shake a stick at...' - other branch-related and conservation news
- Natural Values Remain at Risk Despite New Approach to Managing Crown Pastoral Land
- Upper Clutha Biodiversity Strategy workshop
- The origins of New Zealand’s biota, including lizards and insects of Otago
- Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Control Group
- Lindis Pass Conservation Group Annual Autumn Walk
- Environmental DNA sampling at Makarora
- Protection of 100 ha of Mt Iron and Little Mt Iron
- Research updates - Reptile eDNA study, Video Surveillance of A24 traps at Makarora, and Saving the Southern Alps giant wētā
- Queenstown Airport Draft Masterplan
Get involved... get along... get up-to-date...
- Climate Shift - 10-Point Plan for Climate Action
- You can help!
- Up-coming events
- Missed an issue?
- Thank you to our donors and supporters
What your local branch of Forest & Bird does for conservation
An overview of what the Central Otago Lakes Branch of Forest & Bird is doing to be a ‘Voice for Nature’.
Our main activity is predator trapping: 25 years of dedicated volunteer effort
We have been trapping at Makarora since 1998 with over 1350 traps now in action, and 70+ volunteers on trapping rosters doing 4500 hours per year
We removed 1423 predators in 2022-23 and 8664 since trapping records began
(Photo Andrew Penniket)
We plant hundreds of trees for biodiversity enhancement and carbon sequestration
We monitor and offset our carbon footprint
(Photo Anne Steven)
With partners, we run one of the highest trap lines in the country on Mt Roy to protect 5 species of lizard
(Photo Andrew Penniket)
We work with local schools and communities on conservation projects
(Photo Andrew Penniket)
We monitor mohua populations to measure predator control success
(Photo Jo Tilson)
We track predators numbers to measure the impact of our trapping
(Photo Mo Turnbull)
We sponsor research into predator and mohua populations
(Figure from a report by Nathan Whitmore)
We deploy innovative approaches such as this satellite-based platform for the humane live trapping of feral cats
(Photo Andrew Penniket)
As a founding member of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary, we are aiming to create a predator free region extending from Haast Pass to Lake Whakatipu
At Makarora we are guarding the northern gateway to the Sanctuary
(Image from Southern Lakes Sanctuary)
We make submissions on district and regional plans, and on planning applications by developers, where they impact our biodiversity
We are a 'Voice for Nature' in Central Otago and the Southern Lakes
(Photo DOC)
From the Chair
Forest & Bird’s trapping programme will be compromised
Forest & Bird’s trapping programme has recently been thrown into disarray by DOC’s sudden closure of bridges in Mount Aspiring National Park which are critical to our operations. We will be able to continue servicing most trap lines by cold river crossings when the river levels are low, but the programme will be compromised. The bridges are not necessarily unsafe, we are told, but the huge increase in numbers of tourists and visitors since they were constructed means their safe loading levels are sometimes exceeded. There are rumours that a group of 23 tourists were seen bouncing on one of the bridges that is rated for a maximum of 10 people.
Sadly, it is not expected any of the bridges will be replaced until at least next year, meaning that Forest & Bird volunteers will have to make many river crossings which will be less safe than an uncertain bridge. Many of us are pretty disgruntled by that.
Isn’t it time that government re-invests tourism dollars into the attractions they come here to see?
This also raises the problem of successive governments chronically under-funding DOC over at least two decades. Yet these same governments are very happy to benefit from the cash and GST that tourists bring into the country. Isn’t it time that government reinvests tourism dollars into the attractions they come here to see - our wild and beautiful parks?
Andrew Penniket is the Chair of our local branch of Forest & Bird. You can contact Andrew at apenniket@yahoo.co
Forest & Bird project updates
(Photo Andrew Penniket)
The Roys Peak trapping programme is a collaboration between F&B and the Wānaka Multisport Trapping group to protect at least five species of lizard – orange spotted gecko, Southern Alps gecko, McCann's skink, green skink, and Southern Lakes skink – using one of the highest trapping lines in the country.
Roys Peak Trapping has drawn to an end with the arrival of snow on the tops. The last team to go up there found the traps buried under snow so had to retreat, but it was a very successful second season with a total of 12 hedgehogs, 7 ferrets and 3 stoats removed from the ecosystem. This will surely help our alpine lizards and insects considerably.
Andrew Penniket is chair of the committee of our local branch of Forest & Bird. If you are keen to assist with this high-altitude trapping, contact Andrew at apenniket@yahoo.com
Predator Trapping at Makarora
The Central Otago Lakes Branch trapping team of 60+ volunteers, in conjunction with the Southern Lakes Sanctuary team, runs a network of around 1350 traps along 18 trapping lines in Makarora at the head of Lake Wānaka. Each month the team reports the number of predators captured. The Southern Lakes Sanctuary team runs rodent tracking tunnels every three months to give an independent way to monitor predator numbers.
March-May predators at Makarora are showing some interesting trends: stoat numbers continue to drop, which is really good although as expected. Mouse numbers are also very low.
Forest & Bird acknowledges the huge effort of our trapping volunteers
Mo Turnbull is a Trustee of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary representing our local branch of Forest & Bird. Contact Mo at sandymount@actrix.co.nz
(Putakitaki/Paradise Shelduck. Photo Mo Turnbull)
No More Bad Cats
Forest & Bird uses humane live traps for cats on braided riverbeds. Live capture traps are used as cats are more willing to enter the larger traps and any kea or pet cats caught can be released unharmed. Because the system sends a message when an individual trap is tripped, we only need to check traps at those times, not daily, and cats do not remain in traps for longer than a few hours. This trapping programme is designed to complement the extensive kill trap network in the adjacent forest areas.
The Matukituki traps have... fantastic results: 25 cats, 31 hedgehogs, 6 ferrets this year so far
Live capture trapping has continued very successfully on both Matukituki and Makarora braided river flats and adjacent farmland. The Matukituki traps have largely been operated by the Upper Clutha Deerstalkers under the guidance of Murray Burns, with fantastic results: 25 cats, 31 hedgehogs, 6 ferrets this year so far.
The partnership with the deerstalkers has been a breakthrough for us and we are very grateful for their help.
A big thanks to Tim Sikma who is our technical guru and Billy Barton who is our chief trapping advisor and bait provider. Matukituki and Cattle Flat Stations have also kindly let us trap on their land.
We have also established 4 traps at the Glendhu Wetland Wildlife Reserve and in just 5 months have caught 8 cats and 22 ferrets, proving the wetland is a huge magnet for predators.
A significant decline in feral cat captures suggests we are having a real impact on predator numbers
In the Makarora Valley, trapping has continued for almost two years under the dedicated control of Christine Pounsford who has also been supported by Southern Lakes Sanctuary and the Jobs For Nature fund, with supplementary help from Heather Pennycook. This has resulted in 69 cats and 209 hedgehogs captured over the past year. A significant decline in feral cat captures suggests we are having a real impact on predator numbers, so a huge thanks to Christine and Heather.
All the live capture traps are now operating on phone/cell coverage rather than a satellite link, significantly reducing costs.
We would like to specifically thank Brian and Jannie Gillman for continuing to significantly fund this operation, especially the satellite/mobile coverage.
We are always on the lookout for volunteers to help who have their firearms permit. If you are keen to assist on cat trapping, contact Andrew at apenniket@yahoo.com.
Andrew Penniket is Chair of our local branch of Forest & Bird and the driving force behind the 'No More Bad Cats' project. You can contact Andrew at apenniket@yahoo.com
Update from the Makarora SLS Coordinator
Sarah Forder is the Makarora Hub Coordinator. Sarah coordinates the logistics of supporting and expanding the existing trapping network. She manages both paid field staff, and the large number of volunteers (70+ at last count) who do the mahi on the trap network. This position is with the Southern Lakes Sanctuary and is funded for 3 years through DOC's Mahi mo te Taiao/Jobs4Nature.
The long-term goal of landscape-scale predator suppression and then elimination is coming to fruition. All we need to do now is keep it going until 2050
The Southern Lakes Sanctuary is entering its third year of supporting Forest & Bird with Jobs for Nature funding. Mo Turnbull – who has been involved at Makarora for many years – summarised the relationship for the Branch AGM this June:
While Forest & Bird trapping efforts at Makarora, Mt Roy, and the Matuki remain the responsibility of the Branch, Southern Lakes Sanctuary support has meant better management of monthly operations like bait organising, higher levels of maintenance of traps and trap lines, more fit and strong boots on the ground; and the resources to increase protection efforts. The integration of Southern Lakes Sanctuary and F&B predator control efforts is working extremely well. The idea of an underpinning organisation (Southern Lakes Sanctuary) supporting all the community groups across the Southern Lakes, with the long-term goal of landscape-scale predator suppression and then elimination, dreamed up by Chris Hankin in 2017, has come to fruition. All we need to do now is keep it going until 2050.
Forest & Bird and the Southern Lakes Sanctuary have increased the hectarage of Makarora under protection
Here is a snapshot: June 2022 - 786 traps (541 stoat traps) on 20 traplines; June 2023: 964 traps (719 stoat traps) on 22 traplines. Another 60 new stoat traps and 200 rat traps will be deployed this Winter, with 2 more traplines. Local Makarora volunteers and Southern Lakes Sanctuary field crew will service these additional lines.
With the help of a few key volunteers, the Southern Lakes Sanctuary field crew has upgraded many of the traps to kea-proof standard, and replaced the network's oldest, stiffest, and most rusted traps. The Southern Lakes Sanctuary has built and replaced 140 traps, completely replacing those on the oldest six lines. These traps were over 25 years old and have served the birdlife well in their many years! Immediately following an incident where mesh was pulled clean off a trap on the Camp Flat Line, all mesh ends are being targeted for replacement with steel grills, currently funded by the Southern Lakes Sanctuary. This work is in full swing.
A key group of trappers and Southern Lakes Sanctuary members meet once every 3 or so months to work through issues and develop invaluable ideas.
Our group is blessed with great ingenuity, experience, and enthusiasm, so we are always moving forward and thinking outside the box
Christine Pounsford, a Makarora local employed by Southern Lakes Sanctuary, has kept the cat cages running that F&B originally managed. There are now 56 cat traps, which have caught 69 cats in the last year. Southern Lakes Sanctuary is running a few extra traps around the Muddy Creek - Cameron Flat area over winter with cameras at them. F&B has also been running a camera trial on A24 traps following concerns that these traps don’t appear to be catching much. Preliminary results support this concern, with few rodents putting their heads in. Whether this is a trap issue, a bait issue (long-life chocolate lure and needing to squeeze the pottles often), or an issue with having the kea-proof Bissett cages has not yet been established.
Following on from a successful River Crossing Course for volunteers at Makarora with Southern Lakes Sanctuary staff member Scott Bewley earlier in the year, another is being planned for the shortest day of the year. The course will include crossings that volunteers need to use while the Makarora and Blue Pools swing bridges are down.
Many F&B members attended Pestival, a great event to get trapping enthusiasts together to mingle with other passionate conservationists and learn from highly informative talks. Petrina Duncan from Southern Lakes Sanctuary will also run a Winter talk series again, which we look forward to.
Forest & Bird received a grant from the ORC ECO fund to improve rat trapping efforts in prime Mohua habitat at Makarora
ORC funding will be used to replace 50 old Victor rat traps with more effective new Monster traps, and 200 new traps will go out on existing lines to increase the number of rats caught and help keep stoat traps available for catching stoats. Southern Lakes Sanctuary is making around 100 wooden trap boxes to house these.
We have been analysing what traps are catching and what traps aren’t, to look at how we can increase the efficacy of the network. It appears that some traps have caught nothing in their entire life, so these traps (in particular) will be moved to increased their effectiveness. The results from our "Why do some traps catch more rats?" project will come in handy.
The Blue Valley line is now the longest line at Makarora, taking 3 days to service by a trapping duo. Due to the weather and people's availability, it has proven challenging to service this line every month without a helicopter. It is also a long way to carry gear to do maintenance work. We want to scope out any funding available for helicopter time for the Blue.
With the help of some volunteers, the Southern Lakes Sanctuary crew has begun the monitoring work funded by the Tupiki Trust
This work will help plan what valley to target next for trap deployment this summer. Valleys to be surveyed include the Leven, Ore, Stag Creek, and South Branch of the Blue. The head of the North Branch of the Young, including side streams, was surveyed earlier in the year and was the first of these surveys. Two Whio pairs were seen, and several rock wren pairs. The Tupiki Trust funding will cover helicopter time and staff time, and the Southern Lakes Sanctuary will work alongside F&B volunteers to undertake the work.
You can contact Sarah at sarah@southernlakessanctuary.org.nz
Young Valley trapping
Forest & Bird run a trapping program in the Young Valley. Surveys in 2022 by committee member Jo Tilson concluded the site has one of the best remaining populations of Mohua in the region, so Forest & Bird and the Southern Lakes Sanctuary are stepping up efforts in the valley.
Trapping in the Young Valley has now finished after a successful season
Trapping in the Young Valley has now finished after a successful season which saw a 30 trap extension to the North Young line and a 20 trap extension on the South Young line, reaching to the head of the alpine basin to provide protection for rock wren, whio, alpine weta and other insects.
Richard Pears and Duncan Ritchie recently ran a trap check in the second week of June, and encountered deep snow and freezing temperatures. The upper basin was too cold for their toes, so after a heroic effort they were forced to retreat for hot chocolate in Makarora. They still accounted for 25 rats and 2 stoats. We are fortunate to have such hardy and dedicated volunteers
Andrew Penniket is chair of the committee of our local branch of Forest & Bird. If you are keen to assist on trapping in the Young Valley, contact Andrew at apenniket@yahoo.com
Butterfields Wetlands Hāwea Conservation Reserve
The Butterfields Wetland planting project in the Hāwea River Conservation Area was carried out over 5 years from 2010 to 2015 by our local branch of Forest & Bird with Central Lakes Trust funding. This project is now in maintenance mode, with on-going management by Forest & Bird. It is easily accessed via the Hāwea swing bridge and established DOC walking tracks. The planting follows a natural spring-fed watercourse and small lagoon system in glacial outwash gravels beside the Hāwea River, now populated dominantly by kanuka.
Volunteers are continuing to visit this planting project to care for the plants by weeding and securing dislodged cages. Cages are also being gathered up to be re used on other projects. Volunteer time is Wednesday afternoons from 3-5pm or Sundays from 10am-12pm.
Anne Steven is a committee member of our local branch of Forest & Bird. If you are keen to assist on the project, please contact Anne at a.steven@xtra.co.nz or ph 021 293 9207 or Andrew Penniket 022 342 187.
Pennycook Podocarp Restoration
Forest & Bird are assisting with the Pennycook Podocarp Restoration Project on the south side of Makarora township. This long term project was initiated by Heather Pennycook to rehabilitate her QEII covenanted land, and we are helping her regenerate forest over a large area of broom and bracken with plantings of podocarps that will eventually shade the broom and replace it.
The Podocarps have been growing steadily over spring and summer, sheltered in broom and bracken. Some kahikatea have doubled in size in a year. A major release and more planting is planned for early winter.
If you are keen to assist on the Pennycook Podocarp Restoration project, contact Andrew Penniket at apenniket@yahoo.com. Andrew is Chair of the committee of our local branch of Forest & Bird.
Offsetting carbon by planting at Grandview
In 2019 Central Otago Lakes Branch initiated a native forest project in Grandview Creek, on land owned by Lake Hāwea Station. The aims of the project are: to sequester carbon to help neutralise the ca. 8 tonnes of CO2 emitted during our travels for trapping; to enhance local biodiversity; and to try and change the mindset that Earth's climate crisis is someone else's problem. Once the forest is capable of absorbing our annual emissions, the balance will go toward Lake Hāwea Station's carbon neutrality efforts. Yes, it will take a long time; yes, it's a lot of work; no, it's not the whole answer; and no, "they" won't do it for us.
This 5-year project to plant native trees in Grandview Creek, to mop up sme of the carbon dioxide emitted by our driving to check Makarora traplines and for other F&B business is in its 3rd year. To date, some 815 trees have been planted. To cover 5 years, we estimate we need to plant 1300 trees (minimum). Unfortunately, with a hot, dry summer, we lost an estimated 20% of plants despite a weekly watering programme. We have learned some things about the site and will position new plantings more carefully.
We are seeking funding to install a water tank high up on the site to enable gravity watering. This system will be more efficient than the current one, which also interfered with the downstream water supply during a period of very low flow. We are very grateful to the Rowley and Ross families for allowing us to tap into their water supply.
The next planting of 500 trees is anticipated for autumn and/or spring 2024, pending funding.
Any help maintaining the planting, especially watering during summer, would be very much appreciated by the trees! We will soon have a working bee to care for existing planting and prepare the site for the next planting.
If you would like to help, please get in touch with Anne Steven at a.steven@xtra.co.nz 0212939207. Anne is a committee member of your local branch of F&B.
Trapping update from Treble Cone
The Treble Cone trapping program has been running smoothly this summer, with the 63 newly installed traps being checked regularly by RealNZ staff. During the ski field's winter operations the live capture cat traps will be redeployed to the Matukituki valley. Plans for next summer's trapping and monitoring are taking shape.
Tom Reeves is the Cardrona Hub Co-ordinator for the Southern Lakes Sanctuary and a committee member of our local branch of Forest & Brid. You can contact Tom at tom@southernlakessanctuary.org.nz
Bridge closures will affect F&B protection of threatened species
The government starving DOC of funds may have a downstream effect: reduced trapping effort may mean mohua will die... Is this a good conservation outcome?
DOC have closed swing bridges over the Makarora, Blue and West Matukituki rivers due to concerns over their capacity for large number of tourists on these "Great Day Walks". Replacements have been delayed because the DOC coffers are empty. These closures mean our trappers need to undertake more river crossings, with their inherent risks. While we will cope with the difficulties, it is an inconvenience significantly greater than the "little impact" suggested by tourism interests. Our unhappiness is however more about the Government starving the Department of Conservation of funds, than just more cold wet feet than normal. If we cannot cross the Makarora to service traps, mohua may die. Is this a good conservation outcome?
Left: Front page story, Wanaka Sun, 2 June, 2023
One of the team
Lesley Anderson
I came to Wanaka early 2014, when my daughter and family decided to come here from Christchurch. Soon after, I started attending Te Kakano – the local volunteers nursery - a great way to meet locals and even visitors.
I joined the Central Otago-Lakes Branch as Treasurer a few years ago. I also regularly join the trapping group at Makarora and various planting and watering projects run by the branch.
Forest and Bird is a great organisation to be involved with. Great people and great projects
I spent most of my younger life in Christchurch, working for accountants and enjoying Ice Skating in Freestyle, Dance and Pairs in Christchurch and at Lakes Lyndon and Ida.
Manorburn Dam near Alexandra used to freeze every year... Global warming has changed this
Manorburn Dam near Alexandra, used to freeze every year, a fabulous place to skate and we even saw a beautiful Aurora one night. Global warming has changed this. We did skate at Diamond Lake one winter soon after coming here.
Later, in the 1990’s I spent summers as a cycle tour guide, mainly in the South Island, sharing their experiences, biking with them, and showing overseas tourists our special country. This lead to a personal overseas trip or two, including Canada, USA, UK, Europe and Australia.
I enjoy tramping, a great way to get away from town into the mountains. Another love is Ballroom and Latin dancing, which I still practice here in Wanaka. Cross Country skiing is a favourite over the downhill. Although my grandson says. ‘Is that the skiing where you are going uphill all the time!”.
You can contact Lesley at lesleyma2016@gmail.com
(Photo Lesley Anderson)
News from the Southern Lakes Sanctuary
Our local branch of Forest & Bird is one of the founding members of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary, an exciting and ambitious project that aims to intensively control or eradicate predators across 183,000 hectares in the catchments of Lakes Wānaka and Whakatipu, to protect more than 30 threatened or at-risk bird and lizard species.
Paul Kavanagh, Director of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary, gives us the following recent highlights:
- We collaborated on a trial of Spitfire toxin delivery devices with Boffa Miskell in the Rees Valley.
- Southern Lakes Sanctuary was successful with an application to the Otago Science Participatory Fund Platform to expand our mohua monitoring study in Makarora. This allows us to continue our acoustic monitoring of mohua and extend research into how mohua song can identify individual birds.
- We have created a new trapline along the Coronet Water Race Trail in Queenstown, with nearly 50 traps along the line.
- Bonnie Wilkins, our Whakatipu Hub Coordinator alongside the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust. has been working with students from Shotover Primary School monitoring pest and predator species in the wetland near the school. They have used their monitoring results to design a trapline. Students plan to check their traps weekly alongside their teacher.
- A team of four flew into the upper North Branch of the Young Valley as part of our monitoring work in these valleys. This work was enabled by the generous support of the Tūpiki Trust.
- Southern Lakes Sanctuary have been busy hosting guests and educating people about the work we do in the region. We have taken delegations from Queenstown Lakes District Council to show them the impact of our work, as well as the Director General of the Department of Conservation Penny Nelson, her Deputy Mike Tully, and the Southern South Island Director Aaron Fleming.
- Southern Lakes Sanctuary has taken on a couple of new staff. Samuel Purdie, a powerhouse in the field of all things lizards, has come on board as the Biodiversity Projects Coordinator; Sarah Fredric is the fundraising manager and Tom Reeves has been promoted to Cardrona Hub Coordinator. We have also taken on three new field staff – Will King, Ana Macri, and Veronika Vlčeková.
If you want to learn more about the Southern Lakes Sanctuary, click on the links below or contact Sarah Fredric at sarahf@southernlakessanctuary.org.nz
Pestival hui events in Wānaka and Queenstown
Over 130 people attended the two Pestivals
On 12th and 13th May, we hosted two Pestival hui events in Wānaka and Queenstown. The aim was to bring together people from the local community-led conservation groups whom we support, along with relevant organisations such as Department of Conservation, expert guest speakers from around New Zealand and trustees and staff of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust. Turnout was great with over 130 people attending the two events.
John Bissell from Backblocks Environmental in the Wairarapa shared fantastic trapping techniques and tips. Know your target animal, use specific baits/traps, and think like a predator hunter!
Gavin White from the Forest & Bird Tautuku Restoration Project (Catlins) let us in on some of the immense challenges of working towards Predator Free in an isolated location without a big team.
Kim Miller shared some of the successes of the Halo Project - Beyond Orokonui’s work in the wider Dunedin area and Otago Peninsula. Data about the effectiveness of AT220 self-resetting possum traps was very interesting.
Guests left knowing a lot more about the overall picture of work that they are contributing to
Paul Kavanagh gave us a great overview into the work done by the growing team of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary. Many of our guests left knowing a lot more about the overall picture of the work that they are contributing to.
Bridget Carter gave us a sneak peak into the planning behind Predator Free Rakiura - likely to be the largest predator eradication project of an inhabited island that the world has ever seen.
And finally we heard from Brett Butland about some of the projects being supported by Predator Free 2050 Limited. New tech and science are at the forefront of these fantastic initiatives.
The positive outcomes of Pestival were too numerous to fit here! Most of all, we all enjoyed face-to-face exchanges of valuable knowledge, connecting with others in the conservation world, and sharing good kai with a motivated group of committed conservationists. We went away feeling like we’re all part of something much larger – the Predator Free 2050 movement in Aotearoa!
A huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in making these events successful, including our guest speakers, attendees, organisers, food preparers, venue providers and funders.
Gateways for integrated trap management installed
After a significant amount of planning, testing and some more waiting, we have installed the first of three Gateways for our new integrated management system on our AT220 traps in Bush Creek.
This technology will allow us to check on traps from the office... increasing our efficiency and enabling us to do much more work
This incredible technology will allow us to check on trap status, operations, bait and battery levels from the office, significantly reducing the need to check traps and thereby increasing our efficiency, and enabling us to do much more work. This project, in conjunction with FTP Solutions, has seen a leap forward in our ability to maintain our trap network as well as potentially opening the door into being able to use these traps in kea habitat. Through AI learning, these traps will not fire on an “unidentified target species” and can be set to only fire on Possums and Rats. We’re very excited to get the Bush Creek network live, before also rolling this out at Wye Creek and Bob’s Cove.
25 Mile trap installation in preparation for Takahē release
After quite a few track cutting hours put in this summer by two of our field crew, CJ and Ole were very pleased to deploy another 28 traps at 25 Mile Creek in the Rees Valley.
The total number of traps now installed along this new line is 50 with a few more to go at the highest altitude of 1200m. This brings the total number of box traps that we have installed in the Rees Valley up to 195.
These traps target mustelids and are crucial for future plans to release takahē in this area
The first release of takahē on land that is not public conservation land
This planned release in the Rees Valley will be the first release of takahē on land that is not public conservation land. The area scheduled for release is LINZ managed land, which has perfect habitat for takahē – beech forests opening into tussock fields. Southern Lakes Sanctuary as a Jobs for Nature project is now looking for further funding to continue our mahi so we will be able to continue to support DOC with this planned release.
Left: CJ and Ole carrying traps into 25 Mile Creek (Photo Chrissie Becker-Fifield)
'Shake a stick at...'
Other branch-related and conservation news
Natural Values Remain at Risk Despite New Approach to Managing Crown Pastoral Land
In November last year, just before new regulations and standards came into force under the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Act 2022, Toitu te Whenua LINZ received 386 applications for activities on pastoral leases requiring discretionary consent from the Commissioner of Crown Lands ('the Commissioner'). These applications will be processed under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998. As of March 31, 329 are active. Only five applications have been received since November 17.
There are 156 South Island pastoral leases, or stations as they are more commonly known, which LINZ must manage indefinitely now that tenure review has ceased.
Several pastoral leases remain through Otago and northern Southland…. and inevitably include areas with very high landscape, geomorphic and ecological values
Several pastoral leases remain through Otago and northern Southland (see map below). These extend over large tracts of high country and inevitably include areas with very high landscape, geomorphic and ecological values. For example, The Peninsula and Mt Gold in Mt Burke Station as a backdrop to Wanaka; the cluster of stations that make up the 53000ha Mahu Whenua QEII covenant between Whakatipu basin and the Matukituki valley; the famed Nokomai and Glenary stations on the Garvie Mountains including the amazing patterned mires of Roaring Lion plateau; and large tracts of the Rock and Pillar, Kakanui, Hawkdun, and St Bathans Ranges.
Very few applications were turned down… and many values have been lost or compromised
Under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998, the Commissioner had to “take into account” the “desirability of protecting the inherent values and in particular the inherent values of indigenous plants and animals, and natural ecosystems and landscapes” and “the desirability of making it easier to use the land concerned for farming purposes.” The Commissioner was required to consult with the Director-General of Conservation, whose responsibility it was to provide information on inherent values. Predictably, very few applications were turned down. “Taking into account” was not strong enough to protect values, and many have been lost or compromised. Of the 34 applications processed out of the 329, only one has been declined.
Under the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Act 2022, the Crown aims to be a better steward of crown pastoral land through an outcomes-based approach. Under section 4, the Commissioner “must seek to achieve,” among other things “maintaining or enhancing inherent values across the Crown pastoral estate.... whilst providing for ongoing pastoral farming” (note, there is only a requirement to "seek to achieve"). The Commissioner “must be satisfied” when making decisions that all inherent values and their importance have been identified, the level of adverse effect identified, and that any alternative with lesser effect has been identified. In making the decision, the Commissioner must still consult with the Director-General of Conservation as the source of information on values and effects.
And therein lies the rub.
The Department of Conservation needs to be more adequately resourced to perform its roles
DOC needs to be more adequately resourced to perform its roles, not the least of which is providing advice to the Commissioner. Landscape values are inevitably very important. DOC has not had any in-house landscape architects for some time, and rarely engages consultants, mainly due to budget constraints but also due to inadequate recognition of landscape values.
Further, the Commissioner is not bound by the Director-General of Conservation’s advice.
There is a very limited channel for getting advice to the Commissioner, and budget constraints heavily compromise that channel
So, we still have a situation where there is a very limited channel for getting advice to the Commissioner, and budget constraints heavily compromise that channel. Without good advice, the outcomes sought will not be achieved. At the same time, there is fervent pushback from lessees against restraints on development.
The way applications are processed… will reveal if there is a sincere commitment by LINZ to protect our high country landscapes and biodiversity
The way the 329 applications are processed and decided under the former provisions but under current paradigms and in the spirit of the “new approach” will reveal if there is a sincere commitment by LINZ to protect our high country landscapes and biodiversity.
Anne Steven is a committee member of our local branch of Forest & Bird. You can contact Anne at a.steven@xtra.co.nz.
Upper Clutha Biodiversity Strategy workshop
Wai Wanaka coordinated an Upper Clutha Biodiversity Strategy workshop on Wednesday, June 14th at the Lake Wānaka Centre. This was well attended by some 50 people from a range of organisations, all with a common interest in protecting and restoring our native biodiversity.
The strategy is a framework to guide actions, obtain funding, and bring groups together at a strategic level
The Strategy has been devised by a panel of people who together have considerable experience and knowledge around biodiversity and in particular in the Upper Clutha. The strategy is a framework to guide actions, obtain funding, and help bring the different groups involved with biodiversity conservation in our catchment together at a strategic level. The draft vision is articulated as
“Native biodiversity is at the heart of who we are and what we do. The extent and diversity of the native ecosystems of the Upper Clutha/Mata-Au Catchment have been enhanced over what they are today, flora and fauna native to the area are thriving, native biodiversity defines the place that both mana whenua and the local community call home, and the local community, including mana whenua, and visitors are actively involved in managing and enjoying native biodiversity.”
The strategy is at a draft stage and needs a bit more work yet, including who is going to manage it and how it is to be funded. This will be worked on over the next few weeks, with the aim of getting it to the stage of a working living document with a broad sign-up as soon as possible.
Any input is welcome. If you would like to obtain a copy of the strategy, please contact Prue Kane at Wai Wanaka prue@waiwanaka.nz
The origins of New Zealand’s biota, including lizards and insects of Otago
The local Forest & Bird AGM was recently held on a cold night in Cromwell and after the proceedings had finished we were treated to a fascinating talk by Sam Purdie. Sam spoke about the origins of New Zealand’s biota and especially the marvellous lizards and insects of Otago, which is the centre of diversity for many plant and animal groups because of our many mountain ranges and diversity of habitats. Sam also told us a bit about his MSc study of the very beautiful and recently discovered Galaxy gecko from the Hawkdun Range
Andrew Penniket is the Chair of our local branch of Forest & Bird. You can contact Andrew at apenniket@yahoo.com
Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Control Group
The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Control Group met last in April. Unfortunately, none of the F&B committee were able to attend. The group is still establishing itself and, most notably, preparing a comprehensive programme of tree control work. It is also seeking operational funding. Once this funding is secured, the group will prepare informative and promotional material, including a website, in readiness for a public launch soon.
If you want to know what landowners are required to do about their wilding or seed source conifers in Otago, click on the link below. Observe and report to the ORC if you see conifers that need to be removed!!
Anne Steven is a committee member of our local branch of Forest & Bird. You can contact Anne at a.steven@xtra.co.nz
Photo left: Wilding pine on Mt Iron, a priority area for their removal. (Photo Anne Steven).
Lindis Pass Conservation Group Annual Autumn Walk - Lindis Pass Scenic Reserve
Every autumn, to end the season of volunteer conservation activity, the Lindis Pass Conservation Group leads a walk to explore the reserve. On May 6 this year the walk was from SH8 to Peak 1440 in the extreme southwest of the reserve.
This mountain walk, this immersion in tall tussock and rock, this exposure to the dramatic shadowlands of the Lindis Pass landscape left me feeling full. High country wanderlust satisfied – temporarily. It rekindled a strong desire to explore and reconnect with the minutiae of our South Island high country.
Under a slab of semi-schist, a scribble of geckos, a grey twirl of tails and bodies of all sizes, from babies to adults, as they reacted to the light
This walk presented many minutiae. Under a slab of semi-schist, a scribble of geckos, a grey twirl of tails and bodies of all sizes, from babies to adults, as they reacted to the light. I have never seen so many geckos and different age classes in one group. I was pleased as it means a healthy population. A scat – whose is it? Think a hedgehog, too big for possum. The animal has been eating rosehips. And that scat is deer, tell-tale depression in the end. Wow – look at those field mushrooms – at 1200m! Blocky ancient scree and rock outcrops draw, often extraordinary things are found here: an unusually long straight, slender arm of porcupine shrub reaching to the light and lichen-encrusted corrugated semi-schist expressing subterranean forces require admiration and photos. By the scree, a skull –a herbivore, but whose? Huge hare? Small wallaby? Amongst the tall tussock are many granular piles of worm cast –their large size suggests gigantic worms made them. A large hare is startled, bounds away on long legs – I inspect its hollow in the snow grass – looks cosy and secure from sharp hawk eyes!
An intricate array of mountain ranges forever in all directions, gold ridge crests lit up against grey-blue shadow in the long autumn light
Peak 1440m is reached; a tiny sliver of reserve 225m long and 30m-0m wide gives us access to it across the freehold of Morven Hills Station. The view- an intricate array of mountain ranges forever in all directions, gold ridge crests lit up against grey-blue shadow in the long autumn light. But it’s raw up here in the breath of the mountain wind, the Hieracium and chewed tussock no shelter. Over the fence in the reserve, the snow tussocks and other native plants are returning slowly through the Hieracium. As the light is reduced, that soil-saving band-aid will shrink away, its job done.
The walk back down is easy if you have a sturdy manuka stick and know how to use it on a mountain slope! I learned from my dad on many a muster on our station back in the day.
Without the Lindis Pass Conservation Group work over 18 years… scrubby cover of sweet briar and gaudy Russell lupins would considerably diminish the outstanding tussock landscape
The Lindis Pass Conservation Group has looked after the Lindis Pass Scenic Reserve landscape for 18 years. Without the group’s efforts through several volunteer workdays every year, the scrubby cover of sweet briar and gaudy Russell lupins would considerably diminish the outstanding tussock landscape.
To learn more about the Group’s work, visit our Facebook page or contact our Secretary, Jan Kelly, on 03 443 4337 or Chair, Anne Steven, on 021 2939207.
Anne Steven is a committee member of our local branch of Forest & Bird. You can contact Anne at a.steven@xtra.co.nz
Environmental DNA sampling at Makarora
F&B head office has supported our local branch to sample two locations for environmental DNA (eDNA) in Makarora. We are currently weighing up options for where to complete the monitoring so we can use it to make the best conservation decisions on potential new locations to operate in adjacent to our main trap network.
Instead of taking a direct sample from an organism, eDNA is taken from various environmental samples like soil, water, or air. Organisms shed DNA that collects in the environment and therefore shows up in the samples.
eDNA has used to identify cryptic or rare wildlife species and for rapid assessment of the biodiversity
In recent years, eDNA has been employed as a tool to identify cryptic or rare wildlife species. Researchers of the University of Otago used it to determine if Nessie was hiding in Loch Ness (spoiler: she wasn’t). eDNA is also a tool for rapid assessment of the biodiversity of an area. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, eDNA methods were used to analyse wastewater samples as an early warning of disease outbreaks.
There has already been some eDNA done at Makarora that show some interesting results. DNA from dogs, rabbits, rats, pigs, and fallow deer were found in rather unexpected places. The birds recorded were mainly water birds, including pāpango / New Zealand scaup, pūteketeke / crested grebe, kawau pū / black shag, rakiraki / mallard duck, pūtangitangi / paradise shelduck, and several common forest birds. The fish recorded included parauri / brown trout, tāmana / rainbow trout, kōaro / galaxiids, tīpokopoko / bullies, and kūwharuwharu / longfin eel. There were also lots of bacteria, ciliates, crustaceans, diatoms, dinoflagellates, fungi, algae, insects, mites and ticks, mollusks, mosses, oomycetes, plants, rotifers, and worms.
The method might be helpful for surveying whio / blue duck, as they spend much time in the water and should therefore be shedding DNA that will be sampled
Tom Reeves is a committee member of our local branch of Forest & Brid. You can contact Tom at tom@southernlakessanctuary.org.nz. Mo Turnbull is a Trustee of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary representing our local branch of Forest & Bird. You can contact Mo at sandymount@actrix.co.nz
Protection of 100 ha of Mt Iron and Little Mt Iron
On May 27, a short ceremony marked the acquisition of the 100ha of Mt Iron and Little Mt Iron, Wanaka, by the QLDC, as public reserve land. Council plans to notify its intention to create a Reserve Management Plan for Mount Iron in June, which will provide for and ensure the use, enjoyment, maintenance, protection, and preservation of the reserve. Members are encouraged to explore Mt Iron, observe and experience its values, and submit ideas for its protection enhancement and future use to the QLDC when consultation is sought.
Research updates from committee member Tom Reeves
Reptile eDNA Study - The Southern Lakes Sanctuary team completed the second trial of our lizard eDNA monitoring technique at Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary in April. We deployed 36 eDNA collection pipes across six different rock tors, four in known habitat for Otago skinks (Oligosoma otagense) and two where they had yet to be observed but would be suitable habitat. We were testing the technique’s efficacy in suitable Otago skink habitat, hoping to see if they would interact with the eDNA pipes sufficiently for this to be considered a viable occupancy monitoring tool for long-term monitoring. We were also trying to determine the optimal time frame to leave the pipes in the habitat; we trialed three time frames (1, 2, and 3 weeks) simultaneously to avoid weather changes interfering with skink behaviour.
Results have been very encouraging with up to 65% of pipes in known Otago skink habitat coming back with strong eDNA signals, indicating that the species occupies that area
It appears that leaving the pipes for 2 weeks is the best option. We also detected Otago skinks in one location they were not previously known to occupy.
eDNA is a viable technique for monitoring Otago skinks... [that] requires far fewer field hours and staff numbers to complete
At this stage, we have a viable technique for monitoring Otago skinks that doesn't involve visual sightings and would require far fewer field hours and staff numbers to complete. We hope this technique can be developed as a more effective method for monitoring our most cryptic species. We are still analysing our data and will publish our full findings towards the end of winter. We have submitted a funding application for two more trials to be completed next summer to try to increase the efficacy of this technique and understand its potential wider use.
Video Surveillance of A24 traps at Makarora - We had trail cameras placed on seven Goodnature A24 traps across the Makarora trapping network for just over 12 weeks this summer and autumn to try to better understand how different species were interacting with these and what our kill rates were like. We are almost finished trawling through photos and compiling our data.
We would recommend only using the A24 network at times with high rodent numbers
Our initial conclusions appear to be that despite high interactions with A24s from multiple species, confirmed kills have been minimal which suggests that the maintenance and servicing of these traps is not very cost-effective. We have had some interesting behavioral interactions with the traps this summer, and we will be completing a report with our recommendations for future use that will be distributed later this winter. At this stage we would recommend only using the A24 network at times when rodent numbers are high, to reduce operating costs. We will also need enhance our techniques when servicing and preparing the area around these traps.
We replaced our seven A24 rodent lures with GoodNature stoat lures and will monitor them for 7 weeks to see if they perform differently.
Saving the Southern Alps giant wētā In April, Sam Purdie (Southern Lakes Sanctuary), Warren Chinn (DOC), and I (Tom Reeves) completed 3 nights of surveying in Mt Aspiring National Park for the Southern Alps giant wētā. The Southern Alps giant wētā (Deinacrida pluvialis) had recently had its threat status reclassified to Nationally Endangered. Previously it had been thought that the species were not threatened, however, extensive surveying by Danilo Hegg had found that the species is no longer found across the majority of its former range. This prompted a colloquial name change from the Mt Cook giant wētā as it was no longer found in much of this area.
We confirmed the presence of the species at multiple locations and in high numbers… this population must be the healthiest remaining
We found them in some unimaginable terrain against sheer cliffs and in areas the sun only touches for a few months of the year. This population must be the healthiest remaining, most likely due to the low densities of predators in this location, thanks to its geographic barriers and elevation. This is a good population for annual monitoring and study behaviour, and it could be suitable for trans-locations into other areas of suitable habitat. We are still collating our data and compiling a report. We will come up with recommendations for protecting this population and completing broader regional distribution surveys. We have a funding proposal submitted for a 3-year project to achieve this.
Tom Reeves is the Cardrona Hub Co-ordinator for the Southern Lakes Sanctuary and a committee member of our local branch of Forest & Brid. You can contact Tom at tom@southernlakessanctuary.org.nz
Queenstown Airport Draft Master Plan
A draft master plan for Queenstown Airport is out for public input. This document outlines Queenstown Airport Corporation's plans for the following 10 years, which include plans for airport expansion and a rise in passenger numbers.
Submissions close Friday 23rd June 2023.
Get involved... get along... get up-to-date...
How you can further support our work, learn more about F&B and upcoming events, and catch up on past issues of ‘Voice for Nature’
Forest & Bird has just launched a brand new Climate Shift campaign alongside Greenpeace, Oxfam and more than 30 other partners.
The campaign is a 10-Point Plan for Climate Action that calls on all political parties to prioritise urgent action on climate change.
Communities across Aotearoa are feeling the devastating consequences of climate change
You and your loved ones may even have been personally affected and know first-hand the impact of storms, droughts, floods, and cyclones. Events like these have driven home that we need a clear and decisive response to the climate crisis, now.
It’s not too late to turn things around. We can shift to a better, more connected society where nature is restored and protected, and people thrive.
That’s why we’ve launched Climate Shift, alongside a coalition of more than 30 like-minded organisations. This year’s election must be a climate election, and all political parties must guarantee action that shifts us towards a climate-positive future. We are here to make it happen: are you?
By protecting and restoring our natural world, we can keep huge amounts of carbon in the ground, soften the blow of extreme weather events, and address the biodiversity crisis
It’s time for all political parties to take the action needed to ensure that we can all live in a safe and stable climate, with a flourishing environment.
You can help!
If you would like to volunteer with our local branch, please contact Annabel: annabel@plotlandscape.co.nz
Keep abreast of the latest Branch news and events by following us on Facebook:
If you would like to donate to the work of your branch here in Central Otago Lakes, please contact Lesley (And your donation is tax deductible!): lesleyma2016@gmail.com
If you want to support our national efforts, click here:
Pass it on!
Please forward this email to any of your friends that might be interested in joining us as a Voice for Nature
Not a member yet? You can become a member of Forest & Bird by clicking here:
Learn more about Forest & Bird
Forest & Bird's Purpose: We Protect and Restore Nature in a Climate Crisis
Forest & Bird's Vision: Aotearoa, New Zealand Working Together for Nature
Forest & Bird's Mission: We Stand, Speak, and Act for Nature
(Photo Andrew Penniket)
Up-coming events
- Wanaka Backyard Trapping AGM. Thursday the 22 June, 7pm at Whare Mahana Luggate Hall. WBT will be sharing details of their projects over the last year. Sam Purdie, the Biodiversity Project Coordinator from Southern Lakes Sanctuary, will also speak about local lizards. There are some exciting opportunities for people to join our committee as both the Chair and Secretary are stepping down at this meeting.
- The Whakatipu Wildlife Trust Annual Photo Competition. The competition celebrates native wildlife in the Whakatipu basin. Entries close on 31 July 2023.
- Practical design and implementation of biodiversity strategies through pest control & community preparedness for adverse events. Otago Catchment Community’s Hamiora Gibson (AKA ‘Sam the Trap Man’) is a skilled bushman and educator who is bringing communities together through his online persona and work in the East Coast Catchments. Hamiora works at NZ Landcare Trust, where he is designing and implementing biodiversity strategies. An ecologist specialising in predator control and wildlife monitoring, Hamiora has over 20 years’ experience. Afternoon events focus on practical design and implementation of biodiversity strategies through pest control work. There will be plenty of time for Q&A. Evening sessions on Gibson’s tour focuses on community preparedness for adverse events and how groups can use their skills to implement change that benefits them. Lake Hayes 2pm Thurs 22 June; Arrowtown Community Centre 7:30pm Thurs 22 June; The Camp, Lake Hāwea 1pm Mon 26 Jun; Lake Hāwea Community Centre 7pm Mon 26 June
- Planting at Butterfields Wetlands, Hāwea Conservation Reserve. Volunteer time is Wednesday afternoons from 3-5pm or Sundays from 10am-12pm. These are self governed sessions but the idea is that people turn up at the same time to work together, and if coming from further away, please carpool if not biking. You will need to bring your own weeding tools. Suggested tools are a large screwdriver or similar for levering out the steel pins holding the cages down (often very firmly), a small grubber with a pick point or prongs, wire weeding hook, gloves, kneeling mat and snacks and drink. If it is hot and sunny still, a hat and sun cream and possibly insect repellant! As this will be casual with people turning up at different times, you will need to wander through the planted area to find other volunteers working. The general plan is to work from the end closest to the swing bridge to the far end. f you are interested in helping, contact Anne Steven: a.steven@xtra.co.nz or ph. 021-293-9207.
- Te Tatauranga o ngā Manu Māra o Aotearoa – The New Zealand Garden Bird Survey - 24 June to 2 July 2023. Join the almost 44,000 garden surveys since 2012 that help us understand the health of the environment we live in.
Thank you !
The donors & supporters making all of the above possible
We would like to thank our many generous donors and supporters: DoC's Mahi mo te Taiao/Jobs for Nature through funding to the Southern Lakes Sanctuary has enabled a paid coordinator and several "boots on the ground" staff to be hired for Makarora, and for other generous support; Tupiki Trust (backed by the New Zealand Alpine Club) via the Southern Lakes Sanctuary for funding to expand our efforts to protect biodiversity in the Makarora area; Brian and Jannie Gillman continue to give a substantial donation that went toward the No More Bad Cats control system; Wonderland in Makarora offers our trappers a local’s discount that is much appreciated – we drink a lot of their coffee; DoC Community Fund supported the expansion of the Makarora trap network by 275 traps over 3 years, and DOC continues to pay for some of the baits we use in trapping.