By Nicola Toki, Threatened Species Ambassador

It’s been another busy month in the world of threatened species. With 985 threatened species and a further 2700 at risk, it’s no surprise that our work is pretty full on.

I’ve been busy too, and have had the pleasure of participating in many events relating to our most vulnerable natural heritage. Among other things, I attended the New Zealand Ecological Society Conference (a week’s worth of local ecology overload) with over 300 conservation scientists and experts. The conference included 250 presentations on research and conservation work happening around New Zealand; incredible!

Build me up buttercup!

A couple of weeks ago I joined passionate plant man and DOC ranger Danny Kimber at the beautiful Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill, where we shot a story on the endangered Castle Hill buttercup. Just 67 plants remain on the planet! Life isn’t easy for this highly specialised flowering plant, especially with a recent plague of mice, constant predation by hares, and encroaching weeds.

Castle Hill buttercup

But an onslaught of pests is no match for our dedicated DOC team! A new hare-proof fence will make life a brighter shade of yellow for these amazing wee plants. Find out why you should love the buttercups as much as Danny does by watching the story.

Meet the Locals at Wellington Zoo

Last month Wellington Mayor Celia Wade Brown and I opened the “Meet the Locals – He Tuku Aroha” section of Wellington Zoo. This entire section of the zoo is dedicated to our wildlife, with a real focus on visitors connecting and engaging with the natural environment of Aotearoa. It was an honour to represent the Minister of Conservation and speak at this event, which drew a crowd of over 300 people.

Opening “Meet the Locals – He Tuku Aroha” at Wellington Zoo

Meet the Locals He Tuku Aroha is a journey through New Zealand from the coast, to the farm, through the bush, and ending in the mountains. Karen Fifield, Wellington Zoo Chief Executive, said, “Meet the Locals He Tuku Aroha is a celebration of our country, our animals and our people and is Wellington Zoo’s love story for Aotearoa New Zealand.” I couldn’t agree more (and of course, I do love the name they’ve chosen!)

87% of New Zealanders now live in towns. For that reason, the importance of zoos showcasing our native wildlife and telling a cohesive story about how unique it is (and what we need to do to protect it) cannot be underestimated. In addition, zoos provide wildlife hospital care, animal husbandry services and expertise. Increasingly, many New Zealand zoos and wildlife parks are also engaged in conservation on the ground in the wild, often working hand in hand with DOC staff or other agencies and communities.

DOC Air New Zealand partnership in latest Air New Zealand ad

You may have spotted me and my gecko mate Kermit in the latest Air New Zealand commercial. This was a fantastic experience which I enjoyed along with my workmate, Nelson partnerships manager Martin Rodd, and a bunch of very excited and lovely kids from Miramar Central School in Wellington. We spent two weekend days with a film crew and Air New Zealand staff in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park.

Kermit the Northland green gecko

We’ve received lots of great feedback from the public about DOC’s work with Air New Zealand. In my mind, the partnership makes perfect sense. We’re both ‘selling’ the same thing (our national identity) which of course hinges on our natural environment and importantly our connection to it. Martin and I have both endured some good-natured ribbing for our cameos, and I particularly liked this ‘tribute’ shot that Martin’s team took in the Abel Tasman recently.

I also enjoyed hanging out with the Air New Zealand crew, including these two cabin crew. Despite scorching temperatures, they were in their full dress uniform on the beach!

Hanging out with the Air New Zealand crew

Richard Henry – book relaunch

This month I also attended the launch of the new edition of “Richard Henry of Resolution Island”, which is the only definitive account of the life of New Zealand’s first ranger and pioneer of island conservation. I’ve written about him before, when I visited Resolution Island as a volunteer for stoat control work with the DOC Te Anau team (while I was seven and a half months pregnant!).

The relaunch of the Richard Henry book

Richard Henry, in my view, was the Ed Hillary of the natural world in New Zealand. Between 1896 and 1900 he took it upon himself to row more than 500 kākāpō and kiwi to offshore islands in a bid to give them sanctuary and safety from the wave of introduced predators (including stoats, ferrets and weasels). After five years of rowing precious cargo away from predators, he saw what he termed a ‘weasel’, and realised all of his work had been in vain.

Of course his work wasn’t really in vain: his skills in translocation of birds, using dogs to track kākāpō and kiwi, and the idea of keeping birds safe in predator-free environments are all cornerstones of New Zealand’s conservation work today. I only wish he had been around to see us declare Campbell Island (11 000 ha) pest-free in 2005. That is quite a legacy.

The book “Richard Henry of Resolution Island” was published in 1987. It was written by John and Susanne Hill, who made it their labour of love to tell his story. I was lucky enough to meet them shortly after my visit to Resolution Island. Sadly, Susanne died a couple of years ago and is dearly missed. I imagine Susanne would have been thrilled to see the book published again.

The opportunity to own a copy of this amazing story is now within grasp (it has long been out of print), thanks to Cadsonbury Print in Christchurch. The new edition includes an update on our kākāpō programme by Alison Ballance, and can be purchased on the Smiths Bookshop website. If you are interested in conservation in New Zealand and haven’t heard of Richard Henry, or you don’t know much about him, I highly recommend this book.

To find out more listen to the interview with book’s co-author, John Hill, on the Radio Live website.

The DOC Threatened Species Ambassador is proudly supported by Air New Zealand. Follow her updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Today’s photo of the week was taken during a calm summer morning at Totaranui beach in Abel Tasman National Park.

The campground at Totaranui is a popular spot over summer with its clear waters and golden sands. It’s a great place to swim, kayak, fish or explore native bush on one of the nearby tracks.

DOC is currently looking for volunteers to become ‘camp hosts’ to help staff manage this busy campground over summer while enjoying the stunning surrounds.

Volunteers will need to be available for two to four weeks and it’s best done as a couple or two friends, due to the busy nature of the campground.

More information can be found on the DOC website.

By Robyn Orchard, Communications Advisor

A Tauranga mum and her three children had the “most amazing day ever” last week when they released two kiwi chicks at Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary.

Matthew, Michael and Abbie-Lee with one of the kiwi chicks

Arna Conder and her three children Michael (8), Matthew (5) and Abbie-Lee (3) won the kiwi release experience through a Save Kiwi Month competition on the DOC Tongariro Facebook page.

The competition required them to answer the Kiwis for kiwi daily kiwi quiz. To help with the quiz the children spent the month finding out interesting kiwi facts and posting them on their bedroom walls.

On the day of the release, mum and the kids travelled over to Taupo. Along the way the family picked up the two kiwi chicks from Rainbow Springs in Rotorua where they had been incubated and hatched.

Release time

Mum Arna was very excited as she got to release one kiwi and eight-year-old Michael released the other. It was an incredible experience for both of them.

According to Arna the experience is all Michael has talked about back at school. His favourite moments were releasing the kiwi into it’s new home, seeing the takahē and having a kārearea swoop down and touch his head.

The family do a lot of bush walks together and having this hands on experience with some of our special native birds was fabulous for them and worth the day away from the office and classroom.

Save the Kiwi month is held during October each year. This year, New Zealanders raised over $50,000 in donations, helping to protect more than 500 kiwi. More information about the month can be found on the Kiwis for Kiwi website. 

Come behind the scenes and into the jobs, the challenges, the highlights, and the personalities of the people who work at the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Today we profile Bruce Vander Lee, Improvement Manager in Nelson.

At work…

Bruce Vander Lee

The key focus of my job is to:

Support the Operations Director to deliver more conservation in the Northern South Island Region.

This helps achieve DOC’s vision by:

Finding the best ways for DOC to do the right work at the right place in the best way, and supporting others to do the same.

The best bit about my job is:

I get to work with a variety of passionate and motivated people who are focused on conservation outcomes, and hopefully I am able to help them to achieve even more! As Improvement Manager, I rely on others to help solve critical issues, and I’m constantly amazed by the knowledge, skills, and creativity of people working in DOC.

Crossing the Waiohine River to monitor short-tailed bats in the Tararuas

The DOC (or previous DOC) employee that inspires or enthuses me most is:

There are many, and I am meeting more all the time in my new role. If I have to choose one, I’ll say Martin Kessick, because of his ability to get his mind around really complex issues and work with others to find solutions. I was also surprised to find he is a very strong paddler in the front of a kayak!

On a personal note…

My happy place is:

On days I don’t commute via bike, I use the time to take our cocker spaniel for a walk along the Ruby Bay beach. Looking across Tasman Bay to D’Urville Island and the Richmond Ranges is a great way to start the day.

Our dog Cricket enjoying the beach (he didn’t dig that hole!)

If I could trade places with any other person for a week—famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional—it would be:

I think it would have been interesting to be part of the Lewis and Clark expedition as they explored what is now the western portion of the United States. The native flora and fauna they observed and described during the trip was pretty spectacular.

My best ever holiday was:

I think the next one is always the best!  However, I recently spent five weeks cycle touring from Anchorage, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia via the Yukon. It is a part of the world I’ve always wanted to see and I enjoyed seeing it via my bike.

Sunrise on top of Mount Rintoul

My greatest sporting moment was when: 

I managed to knock in a hole-in-one at the Fisher Grove Country Club in South Dakota while I was in college. It will continue to be my greatest moment until my older brother manages it; then I’ll have to find a new one.

If I could be any New Zealand native species I’d be:

I would be a kākā, so I would always have a keen sense of curiosity and be able to get away with consistent ‘cheekiness’.

On the Top of the World Highway heading towards Dawson City, Yukon

Deep and meaningful…

My favourite quote is:

“We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes. I realized then, and have known ever since, that there was something new to me in those eyes – something known only to her and to the mountain. I was young then, and full of trigger-itch; I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters’ paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view.” ― Aldo Leopold

I read this when I was relatively young and it inspired a real ecological curiosity in me.

Paddling (sailing?) in Abel Tasman

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:

“The only constant in life is change” – originally from Heraclitus but said to me by my boss early in my career. I think it has allowed me to embrace change as opportunity, rather than resisting it.

Overlooking Totoranui, Abel Tasman

My conservation advice to New Zealanders is:

Just to get out and do something that is important to you. It may seem small, or only be as far as your backyard, but who knows where it might lead?

In November New Zealand lost a great leader in marine conservation, Dr Bill Ballantine. Marine Science Advisor Debbie Freeman shares her memories of Bill and his lasting legacy…

Bill Ballantine at the Cape Rodney – Okakari Point Marine Reserve

I first met Bill as a student at the University of Auckland when he was a marine biology lecturer. However, I had known of Bill years earlier when the Hastings Underwater Club, of which my father was a member, received a mailed copy of Bill’s newly published book “Marine Reserves for New Zealand”. I had a growing interest in marine science and was given it to read. I remember one of the first images in his book, the Earth was in a position so as much ocean is visible as possible. The result is New Zealand sitting in the middle of the “water hemisphere” — where 91% of that half of the Earth is ocean.

Dr Bill Ballantine

I also recall reading the ‘health warning’ at the front: “Marine reserves are addictive and can affect your health. People who have them do not want to give them up. They start clamouring for more. The side effects are serious. People infected with the idea become interested, enthusiastic, active, knowledgeable, healthy and impatient… in the end they become determined, convincing and unstoppable”. These are all traits I think of when remembering Bill.

As a lecturer, Bill was passionate, lively and inspirational. His eyes would widen and his arms would begin to wave enthusiastically, whether he was describing the life history of barnacles, the homing behaviour of limpets or the scientific value of having protected areas in the ocean. Later, as a postgraduate student at the Leigh Marine Laboratory, Bill was always there when we needed him, to talk – sometimes for hours – on ecology, politics, or virtually anything. Often it wasn’t until much later that we recognised the value of these conversations.

Summer at Cape Rodney – Okakari Point Marine Reserve

Bill was born in 1937 in Leicester, England, and completed his PhD at Queen Mary College, University of London. In 1964 he emigrated to New Zealand. That same year, he was appointed the first Director of the University of Auckland’s Leigh Marine Laboratory. Bill led the development of legislation (the Marine Reserves Act 1971) that enabled marine reserves to be established. He also helped drive the establishment of New Zealand’s first marine reserve at Leigh in 1975. Today, New Zealand has 44 marine reserves. The majority, if not all, have been guided in some way by Bill’s experience and expertise.

Bill will be remembered fondly by a large number of DOC staff involved in marine protected area establishment, management and research. Bill was always kind and unhesitating in spending time with anyone interested in marine biology or conservation, whether out on the rocky shore, or over a glass of red wine or whiskey late into the evening.

Bill received a vast range of honours and awards over the years for his work on marine conservation issues. These include being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to marine biology and conservation in 1994, receiving the Goldman Environmental Prize for work on marine conservation in 1996, and being made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order for public services in 2006.

Bill gave lectures and ran workshops all over the world, which largely focused on the need for ‘no-take’ marine protected areas for protection of marine biodiversity. The three key reasons for marine reserves he proposed in a lecture at the ‘Environment 77’ conference (Christchurch February 1977) are still relevant today:

“Large remote ‘national park’ marine reserves are needed immediately, simply to preserve some marine areas which are both grand and natural… other reserves will be needed to protect some natural examples of each major habitat and some special features… still further reserves are needed with recreation as the prime concern”.

Bill remained engaged in marine conservation issues well into retirement. During his last weeks, he attended the event announcing the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary (which he was particularly chuffed about), and also met with a technical group supporting Sea Change (the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Planning process).

Bill at the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary announcement in October

Bill passed away aged 78 at Leigh, where he had lived much of his life. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Read more

• Bill’s 1991 publication “Marine Reserves for New Zealand”
• Radio New Zealand interview with Bill (5 October 2015) on the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary
• Radio New Zealand story on Bill
• Goldman Environmental Prize

By DOC’s Cher Knights, Queenstown Office.

Tourism operator Real Journeys diverted from the ordinary Christmas gift-giving this year to support Kākāpō Recovery by ‘adopting’ a few of the the critically endangered parrots.

Ruapeke, one of the last 125 Kākāpō in the world

Based in the South Island, Real Journeys is one of New Zealand’s largest tourism operators. Earlier this year DOC and Real Journeys signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together where there are opportunities to use the tourism and fundraising power of Real Journeys to benefit conservation, which has sparked a number of recent projects.

Bestowing kākāpō adoptions as Christmas gifts to key agents and suppliers was about giving something meaningful in line with the company’s conservation ethos, and supporting a cause close to their hearts.

Altogether, Real Journeys purchased $4,800 worth of kākāpō adoptions for agents and suppliers in New Zealand and key international markets.

Real Journeys’ bond with kākāpō started with the Chicks Day Out in Arrowtown in 2014

Geraldine McMillan, Sales Manager for Australia and NZ said, “We think adoption of a kākāpō as a Christmas gift is a brilliant way to recognise the efforts of our key agents and suppliers and support a worthwhile cause; one that all our staff are very close to. Unlike the usual gifts we give every year, the adoption will actually do good, raise awareness for the kākāpō among the recipients and hopefully will be remembered for a lot longer.”

Real Journeys also raised $37,000 for Kākāpō Recovery by organising the ‘Birds of a Feather’ charity ball earlier in August.

Three of the kākāpō up for adoption

The ‘Adopt a kākāpō’ initiative by Kākāpō Recovery is of course a ‘symbolic’ adoption; the kākāpō is a ‘taonga’ (treasured) species to New Zealand Maori, therefore no-one can actually ‘own’ a bird outright.  Anyone can help to protect the world’s remaining kākāpō by symbolically adopting one of the birds featured. Each adoption directly supports efforts to fund health management, supplementary food and annual transmitter changes for the last 125 kākāpo left in the world.

Today’s photo is of three baby miromiro/North Island tomtits spotted in the pest control area of Opua State Forest over the weekend.

The miromiro is a small bird, about 13 centimeters long with a large head and short bill. It looks similar to a robin and can be found in forest and scrub.

These baby birds were spotted by the Bay Bush Action team who are doing an amazing job protecting the biodiversity of Opua State Forest, as well as the shoreline and islands around Paihia.

The long term goal of the group is to protect over a quarter of this forest and to see flocks of kākā and kūkupa return to the back yards of Paihia.

Find our more about Bay Bush Action on their website and on Facebook.

DOC employee Anita Tibbertsma shares her ‘tips for the trails’ after recently embarking on short walks between Picton and Christchurch.

Snout Track, Picton

Many ‘trail blazers’ head to Picton to explore the Queen Charlotte Track, but with a short amount of time before the Ferry arrived, I took off to explore the nearby Snout Track. It’s loosely over an hour’s run return if running, or longer if you are walking.

There are plenty of small adjoining tracks to explore to reach Snout Track, through Lower Bob’s Bay Track, Upper Bob’s Bay Track and Picton-Waikawa Track.

Queen Charlotte view from Snout Track in Picton

Trip tip – The track has some really nice picnic spots. If you’re catching a ferry, keep an eye on the time, and don’t be tempted to go further than you’ve allocated time for.

Getting there – Cross the tall curved bridge at Picton Marina or check out this map.

Ohau Stream Walk, Okiwi Bay (that famous waterfall baby seal walk).

Ohau Stream Walk seal creche

This walk was amazing. It is now one of my favourite places I have ever visited. It’s also super short which is great for those that have trouble walking, but really want to see the beauty of New Zealand. There were quite a few people there who had difficulty walking, but were still able to do the 10 minute walk to the seal ‘crèche’. Note that there are stairs. The stairs are easy for the average person, but a bit tricky for those with walking difficulties.

Please note –  The Ohau Stream Walk is often closed temporarily at this time of year due to fur seal breeding activity in the area. Please check the DOC website before visiting. If it is closed, the Ohau Point Lookout, a short drive south of the Ohau Stream is great spot to see the seals.

Getting there – If driving towards Kaikoura on SH1, lookout for the big car park area on the left side of the road, right on the corner. If you are driving from Kaikoura towards Blenheim, lookout for the train tunnel on your left. As you round the bend, you’ll see the car park area for Ohau Stream Walk on your right.

Trip tip – If you are there in the summer, drop by the lavender farm nearby!

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Seals playing near Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.

I didn’t walk this track. I ran it in light rain – a choice which ruined most of my happy snaps but it is beautiful. A baby seal was sitting on the path, and I think I saw my first albatross. The footage above is of baby seals playing near the car park when I arrived.

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.

Getting there is super easy. Follow the road through Kaikoura town centre to Point Kean Car park and follow the signs. If there are seals in the car park area please drive slowly and give them space.

Trip tip – This was way quicker than I thought it would be (I ran it in 40 mins return). It’s a good one to break up a long drive but of course it takes longer walking than running. DOC signs suggest three hours.

Hanmer Forest Park

The trails around Hanmer Springs are amazing. The light filters through the trees like you’re in a fairy tale with nice soft turf covered in forest leaves to help cushion the running impact. That said, I spent so long running enjoying the trails, that I didn’t realise how badly I’d injured my ankle. That’s why you see people with day packs – so they can bring a few first aid supplies with them.

Hamner forest. Photo by Br3nda (flickr)

Getting there – Just follow the road to Hanmer Springs. Once in town, there are many entry/exit points to the park. I walked straight up the main drag and followed the signs.

Trip tip – Take a track map. There are so many tempting intersecting tracks to explore – I can see how easy it may be to get lost.

Find a short walk near you. Head to doc.govt.nz/shortwalks, take your pick and get outdoors this summer!

Come behind the scenes and into the jobs, the challenges, the highlights, and the personalities of the people who work at the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Today we profile Donald Herron, Visitor Centre Ranger in Wellington.

At work…

Some things I do in my job include:

I offer advice to locals and visitors heading into the backcountry, this includes checking the weather, talking to them about what to expect, taking bookings for Great Walks and front country huts, and sometimes arranging transport. I also answer numerous phone calls and emails; As Wellington is centrally located this can be anywhere in the country. I give directions to all manner of different locations. Notably, the nearest public loo, the mall and the Cable Car. No two questions are ever the same, and in case you are wondering, you don’t need to change currencies to visit the South Island.

Mount Holdsworth, Tararua Forest Park—the best place to go tramping in the whole world!

This helps achieve DOC’s vision by:

Getting folks into the greatest living space on Earth!

The best bit about my job is:

Talking to New Zealanders and people from all over the world about our wonderful country. It’s fantastic to tell someone about a Great Walk, a National Park, or many other incredible places we have, including all out weird and wonderful creatures that live there.

The awesome-est DOC moment I’ve had so far is:

It would have to be heading into the Rimutaka Forest Park with Peter Cooper a volunteer from the Rimutaka Forest Park Trust and local DOC ranger Daryl Stephens to locate ‘Whero’ a North Island brown kiwi who had two chicks with him. I got to hold him while Peter and Daryl gave the chicks a quick health check and put some transmitters on them.

It was an amazing experience to have this creature in my arms, his smell, his feathers, his beak, eyes, feet and sharp claws. A truly unforgettable experience and it makes me proud to live in New Zealand.

Awesome Whero!

The DOC employee that inspires or enthuses me most is:

Daryl Stephens, he’s my best friend and (most importantly) he laughs at all my completely appropriate jokes.

On a personal note…

Most people don’t know that:

I am currently the President of the Hutt Valley Tramping Club. Which keeps me very busy. Much to Erica’s (my wife) dismay.

Lunch is over there! On the way to Kime Hut in Tararua Forest Park

My happy place is:

Not sitting down (except on my bike), basically anything to do with biking, I love bikes!

My best ever holiday was:

Hiking to Everest base camp in 2008 with five friends from the Hutt Valley Tramping  Club. Nepal is a simply amazing country; scenery is outrageously gorgeous with incredibly friendly and humble people (when they are not trying to sell you something you don’t want).

It’s Nepal

In my spare time I love to:

Ride my bike, go for walks, watch Breaking Bad, listen to music, read, nap, garden, eat and clean (weird I know, however I find it strangely therapeutic).

Biking the Bridge to Nowhere

If I could be any New Zealand native species I’d be:

A kākā, they are loud, cheeky, and inquisitive. The complete opposite of me.

Deep and meaningful…

My favourite quote is:

There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing. It’s either an old Scandinavian or Norwegian saying.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:

Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.

My wife Erica enjoying the view in Mount Aspiring National Park

In work and life I am motivated by:

Helping others and getting people to enjoy our wonderful outdoors.

My conservation advice to New Zealanders is:

Get out there and explore, by simply visiting a place you are making a difference and be sure to tell someone about it!

By Lou Sanson, Director-General

Old Ghost Road cycle trail opens

I was delighted to join Minister Nick Smith at the opening ceremony for Westport’s Old Ghost Road last weekend.

I was proud to see the acknowledgement of our Operations Manager Bob Dickson and the huge amount of work that had been put in to working with the Westport communities on this cycle trail.

This 85 kilometre ride raised a total of $5.5 million in funding including $1.5 million from DOC. At a time when Westport has seen significant loss of jobs in their community, it’s great to join with others to support regional development in rural New Zealand. It will be one of New Zealand’s premier mountain bike rides and is already heavily booked.

At the opening of Old Ghost Road. From left: Buller District Council Mayor Garry Howard, Minister Nick Smith, Project Manager Phil Rossiter, Bob Dickson, Mike Slater, Damien O’Connor, MP.

Project Mounga and NEXT Foundation

I’d like to acknowledge the major announcement last week of a significant commitment by NEXT Foundation to Project Taranaki Mounga.

Working with NEXT, Iwi and the local community, this partnership will enable us to make sizeable steps towards pest eradication and reintroduction of species in Mt Egmont National Park.

It’s great news for the Taranaki region and for all partners involved, and a great note to end the year on.

Nature Heritage Fund – 25 years

The Nature Heritage Fund recently marked its 25th anniversary with an event at Hakatere Conservation Park. I was there with other DOC staff, Minister Nicky Wagner and former Conservation Minister Philip Woollaston.

Hakatere Conservation Park

Since 1990, when the fund was set up to protect private land and add it to the conservation estate, the NHF Trust has spent $163 million on 750 applications protecting land through purchase or covenant. This equates to 342,000ha or 1.3% of New Zealand’s land area permanently protected.

Some of the best-known NHF purchases include St James Conservation Area (78,000ha),Birchwood Station (24,000ha), Greville Harbour on Durville Island (1800ha) Kura Tāwhiti /Castle Hill (8,800ha) and the remarkable number of conservation covenants on Chatham Island.

We finished the celebration with a tour of Hakatere Park, itself protected through NHF purchase. It is now the most protected and largely weed-free inland alpine basin left in New Zealand.

Nature Heritage Fund. Rear: Mike Leigh, Minister Nicky Wagner, Phillip Woolaston (first Minister of Conservation), Di Lucas, Gwenda Harris, Jan Riddell, Les Molloy. In front: Jerry McSweeney, John Wardle.

Moutohora Island: a Treaty Partner co-management success story

I recently visited Moutohora/Whale Island near Whakatane with Ngāti Awa and the Te Tapatoru ā Toi Joint Management Committee, set up in 2005 for DOC and Ngāti Awa.

The island has been used by Maori since 1400 and since 1830 was subjected to whaling, quarries, sulphur mining and farming (completely cleared of native forest) and had a multitude of owners before the NZ Wildlife Service protected it in 1984.

Critically it was NZ’s first large island pest eradication and is now virtually completely restored with large populations of tieke, kiwi, kākāriki and tuatara. There are sufficient numbers of oi/grey faced petrel (89,000 pairs) to provide a cultural harvest of 200 birds for the first time in 50 years.

We discussed potential work to restore Raetihi Pa (the only pa site with stone terracing in New Zealand) and the original kumara gardens at Moutohora.

We also heard about a case to have Ngāti Awa’s Tauwhare Pa site treated as a historic icon or landmark site; and about Ngāti Awa’s role in supporting the Whakatane Kiwi Trust on the 490ha Ohope Scenic Reserve, with wide-scale stoat trapping.

Pomahaka Farmers thank our staff

At the Morgan Foundation’s New Zealand River Awards in November, Pathway for the Pomahaka was one of the best stories of the night.

The Pomahaka Farmers Water Care Group is committed to improving the water quality in their patch of West Otago. They’ve developed water quality testing and initiatives to understand the sources of nutrient in their catchment.

These efforts were recognised with the River Story award (shared with another great project, the Wairarapa Moana Wetland project).

Three of the farmers in the Pomahaka group came up to me at the end of the night to acknowledge Biodiversity Ranger Rosemary Clucas, who has been supporting their group with advice. They sung Rosemary’s praises for teaching them about freshwater species and why what they were doing was important.

It’s fantastic to see our staff supporting community initiatives that directly contribute to our freshwater stretch goal and to hear how much their input is appreciated.

John Gaukrodger

John Gaukrodger farewell

A few weeks ago I joined our Hamilton and Thames staff to farewell John after 50 years of service to conservation.

I first worked for John as a ranger in Invercargill in the Catlins Forest Park in 1980, and developed a huge respect for his ability to get things done.

He was a founder of Kauri 2000, the establishment of Moehau ecological area and led controversial 1080 pest ops there that have led to a 70% kiwi fledgling success rate.

He was instrumental in the development of Pureora Timber Trail, Karangahake Gorge mountain bike trail, the Miranda/Pukorokoro viewing facility and the Cathedral Cove redevelopment. He also played a key role in the Hauraki/Whanui treaty claim.

I joined many staff in wishing him well as he departs from DOC having left a significant legacy through his career.

Opotiki office visit

In November I visited our Opotiki office where I saw the significant work they’ve done with on-site interpretation in the Waioeka Gorge, and how well their office works with Nga Whenua Rahui, Opotiki District Council and the regional council.

I met Tony Whittle, who has been working with Corrections for five years on a number of projects in the area that involve, on average, 6000 hours of Corrections volunteer time each year.

Tony Whittle and some of the projects he’s worked on.

With Mana Gemmell, he has helped to develop the Whakatane kiwi sanctuary shelter, the new Sandy Bay walk and the Tirohanga Dunes bike trail

On a number of these projects he’s used Black Power volunteers, helping to influence them towards a life away from alcohol, drugs and violence.

Meri Kirihimete

I’d like to wish a Merry Christmas to readers of this blog on behalf of everyone at DOC. We hope to see you out there enjoying our natural spaces this summer or in one of our visitor centres. Have a safe and happy holiday everyone.

Senior Helper Benjamin Pigott from Palmerston North Boy’s High School shares his experience walking the Ruahine Ranges this year.

Each year Palmerston North Boy’s High School runs numerous Year 10 camps throughout the North Island. One of these is the Ruahine Traverse, which sees a group of Year 10 boys crossing the Ruahine Ranges from east to west. This year, sixteen students, three staff and two senior helpers undertook the journey.

Lunch at Sunrise Hut

Our first day in the ranges composed of sweat and sore legs as the boys tackled the reasonably gentle incline up to Sunrise Hut with packs filled with six days worth of food and equipment.

We were lucky to have great weather and the view looking out from Sunrise Hut was fantastic. Heading up over Armstrong Saddle was something the boys enjoyed, the steep rock faces testing anyone with a fear of heights.

After passing Top Maropea Hut we carried on down to our first nights camp spot, in the valley below. The first night was an experience for the boys, some of who had never been out in the bush overnight before.

Up early the next day, we pressed on downriver. The destination for our second night was Maropea Forks Hut. We were travelling through some amazing country and the Maropea River was incredibly clean and crystal clear. Upon arriving at Maropea Forks Hut, some fishing was attempted, and a helicopter graced us with its company. This saw the boys, (who had never experienced a helicopter hovering directly above them) scrambling around to clear a landing spot.

Day three was a planned rest day, which saw another reasonable attempt at fishing and lessons in bush craft. While exploring the Maropea Forks area, we encountered a pair of whio who were very photogenic. This was a great example of some of the rare wildlife that can be seen in the Ruahine Ranges. The group was beginning to acknowledge the beauty of the bush and wildlife around them. Walking in for two days with a heavy pack upon their backs gave them a greater appreciation of what was around and why our environment needs to be preserved.

Whio on the river.

After the rest day at Maropea Forks we set off up to Puketaramea. With most of the heavy food now gone, this climb was not as bad as the contour lines predicted. After some great photos on the top, we carried on past the junction to Otukota Hut and then followed a track back down into the Maropea River to our next destination, Iron Bark Hut. The boys rested their weary legs, put up their tents, began their camp cooking and most importantly, dished out well deserved banter. Everyone had now come out of their shells and through the challenges of weather, terrain and navigation they had formed a group capable of functioning well in the New Zealand backcountry.

Reaching Puketaramea high point. (Jake Hobbs, Jamie Penn, Quentin Thomas, Corban Beauchamp, Conner Brown and Noah Roberts).

Another rest day was on the schedule for the fifth day, which included well deserved sleep, an attempt to build a trap (which ended up as fire lighting material) and a walk to the waterfall up Unknown Creek. This second night at Iron Bark was the final night we were spending in the ranges, and it was spent well with games of cards and campfire stories.

With an early start the next day, we trudged up the track to Mokai Station. This hill was the last thing standing between sixteen boys who were craving a pie and a coke back at Mangaweka. Needless to say they motored over the Mokai-Patea Range to the road end to meet the bus.

The Palmerston Boy’s High School group.

This part of the ranges was incredible to cross, even with a larger group plenty of camping was available, and plenty of hills were there to test the young legs of year 10 students!

The bush was incredibly diverse with mountain cedar, clematis paniculata and a few endemic mistletoe all sighted on the journey. The famous Ruahine Ice Cream Tree was also discovered and after being tricked into each eating a leaf, the boys quickly learnt what horopito was. Bellbirds and tūī were often heard, as were grey warblers, shining cuckoos and the occasional whio. This section of the Ruahine Ranges is one that everyone on the trip will always remember as a classic Ruahine adventure.

Today’s photo is of a flowering pōhutukawa tree, photographed by J.E. McGowan.

Pōhutukawa in flower.

Pōhutukawa are known as New Zealand’s native Christmas tree because of the bright red blooms which decorate the trees during the summer months.

The Project Crimson Trust has made impressive progress re-establishing pōhutukawa nationwide by planting trees, coordinating and supporting a wide range of maintenance activities, scientific research, possum control programmes and public education. Whilst pōhutukawa is no longer threatened species their protection and continued renewal is still vital.

Photo: J.E McGowan – CC by 2.0.

Wishing you a great holiday season from all of us here at the Department of Conservation.

Meri Kirihimete!

On the windswept end of the Otago Peninsula comes a rare love story. Lyndon Perriman, DOC Ranger (Biodiversity) explains.

GO and WO are a pair of royal albatross sitting on a fertile egg this breeding season at Taiaroa Head. The pair get their names from their unique coloured leg bands. GO (male) has green and orange bands while the WO (female) has white and orange.

Albatross generally partner for life, but GO and WO (both in their 30’s) are an exception to this rule. The pair are breeding together for the first time since separating from their partners last breeding season. They are expecting their first chick together in the new year.

WO sits on her nest while GO keeps an eye on the background.

An injury and few sightings of GO’s previous mate led to his separation. It is likely WO’s previous mate started seeing a different female – a plot suitable for a TV drama series maybe?

Although the pair have a second chance at love, hatching a chick in the hot summer weather has challenges.

The effects of the sun on ground temperature can cause the birds and their nests to overheat. The birds become stressed, and can accidentally crack their eggs in efforts to cool down.

Water pipes help to cool the birds and their nests in hot weather.

The solution? Cool the nests and birds with water. On hot days, we spray nests with a fine mist. The mist cools the birds, protects the eggs from sunlight, and prevents egg breakages. While it might only be used 5 or 6 times a year, it is a useful management tool!

We have our fingers crossed for a successful breeding season for GO and WO.

Taiaroa Head or Pukekura was an important site for Maori and (later) European settlers. Today it is world renown as the only mainland colony of albatross in the Southern Hemisphere.

Every year about half of the headland’s 200 northern royal albatross make landfall for courtship or to nest. With a breeding cycle of 11 months, viewing albatross is almost a year round event.

Come behind the scenes and into the jobs, the challenges, the highlights, and the personalities of the people who work at the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Today we profile Kate McInnes, Wildlife Vet and Wildlife Health Coordinator.

Mohua—my favourite bird

At work…

Some things I do in my job include:

Animals (sick and healthy) and people. Actually every part of my job includes animals or people. The animals are easy. They only bite and scratch sometimes. The people are fun, interesting, unpredictable and sometimes a little bit wild!

Actually I work a lot with DOC rangers, vets, wildlife rehabilitation facilities and research communities.  When it comes to wildlife health and disease, we only know a tiny bit, so having a large network is important.

Recently my focus has been on keeping our crèche kiwi healthy, and part of that involved asking poultry vets for technical advice. It has been fun taking their knowledge and moulding it to how kiwi conservation works and then testing those ideas with the kiwi rangers to develop a final solution.

The best bit about my job is:

Helping people help animals. Seriously. It’s awesome when a project works and I’ve been some small part of it along the way, part of a bigger team who all wanted it to work, and who all had their areas of expertise and worked together, compromised, thought outside the square and then made it happen.

The funniest DOC moment I’ve had so far is: 

Arriving at a kākāpō nest in the middle of the a cold wet night to find a scarecrow set up in my honour. How many people can say that. The scarecrow was mainly made of thermal underwear, so it was bright and colourful, if a tad floppy and out of shape. I’m not sure the cardboard cut-out head was a good likeness, but at that time of night I wasn’t going to be fussy! Now I think about it, maybe it wasn’t a tribute to my loveliness, maybe they wanted to keep me away! Oh dear.

Early days in New Zealand with my first kākāpō

The DOC (or previous DOC) employee that inspires or enthuses me most is:

Scientist Graeme Elliott – he is awesome and, dare I admit, quite a nice person too!  Always positive, but not unrealistic, very smart and kind to everyone he meets. And admits when he’s wrong. Oh and modest too. I think he’s blushing now.

Deep and meaningful…

My favourite quote is:

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Vince Lombardi. Another version is ‘do your best’.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:

Everything will be okay. You can use it anytime, anywhere and it will still make sense and be helpful.

My conservation advice to New Zealanders is:

Do a little something every day. That can be bothering to recycle a tin, being nice to someone, sending a letter to your MP or signing up for a conservation project.  Whatever it is you do, a lot of little somethings make a whole mess of greatness!  And then come and help paint my house.

Don’t forget the scaly fauna

As 2015 comes to an end, we look back at some of the top images featured on our blog this year.

January – Bollons Island is mouse free.

DOC’s Mitch Bartlett searching for mice signs on Bollons Island. Photo by Hannah Edmonds.

On an earlier visit, staff were able to confirm that Bollons Island, the second largest island of the Antipodes group, is mouse free.

February – Dive into the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.

Verco’s nudibranch/Tambja verconis, Poor Knights Marine Reserve. Photo: Debbie Freeman.

Just north of Auckland, off the east coast, the Poor Knights Islands are an internationally renowned dive site and one of New Zealand’s ten Coastal Gem marine reserves.

March: The great Fiordland whio race.

Andrew Smart releasing rubber whio/blue duck. Photo: Barry Harcourt.

150 rubber whio/blue ducks were released on to the Upukerora River, in Te Anau, for the Great Fiordland Whio Race. The race was part of the Fiordland whio family fun day, celebrating Whio Awareness Month.

April: Hamilton’s frog.

Critically endangered Hamilton’s frog. Photo copyright Sabine Bernert.

The Hamilton’s frog is one of the world’s most endangered.Takapourewa / Stephens Island is Marlborough’s most remote DOC outpost and one of the only places in the world where you’ll find Hamilton’s frog. This beautiful image was taken by Sabine Bernert.

May: Prince Harry visits Ulva Island.

Prince Harry enjoys Ulva Island’s pristine golden beaches with DOC manager Brent Beaven and ranger Kate Richardson.

Prince Harry got close to some of New Zealand’s rarest birdlife on Ulva Island / Te Wharawhara, off Stewart Island / Rakiura, during his visit earlier this year.

June: Chatham Island’s brown skua.

An image of a brown skua/hākoakoa pair at sunrise on Rangatira/South-East Island in the Chatham Islands. The Chatham Islands are one of the the main breeding grounds for the native brown skua. Photo by Leon Berard | CC BY-NC 2.0

July: The Puawananga vine.

The Puawananga vine, used by Māui to climb to the heavens to collect the baskets of knowledge.

The puawānanga (white clematis, clematis paniculata) derives from pua = bloom and wānanga = obtain knowledge. This climbing vine takes its name from the story of Māui who climbed to the heavens to obtain knowledge for humankind. The Puawananga vine featured on our blog for Maori Language Week.

August: DOC’s Threatened Species Ambassador.

Nicola Toki – Threatened Species Ambassador. Photo: Wellington Zoo

In August, Conservation Minister Maggie Barry announced Nicola Toki as New Zealand’s first Threatened Species Ambassador. Self-confessed nature nerd Nicola Toki is pictured holding Flip Flop the little spotted kiwi. Photo courtesy of Wellington Zoo.

September: The War on Weeds. 

Weeding on Maud Island (Te Hoiere).

Volunteers got stuck in to remove weeds like old man’s beard (Clematis vitalba) on Maud Island (Te Hoiere) in the Marlborough Sounds.

October: Working with Maui dolphin. 

Māui dolphin survey, west Coast of the North Island. Photo: Martin Stanley.

DOC Intern Lindsay Wickman shared her experience working with Maui dolphin. With an estimated 55 individuals remaining, Māui dolphin conservation is a daunting challenge. But DOC staff are working towards a goal: that someday they will once again be found up and down the North Island coastline.

November: Great Walks on Google Maps.

Matt Jenke and the Google Trekker equipment in the mist on the Milford Track. Photo: Peter Hiemstra.

New Zealand’s Great Walks launched on Google Maps. The maps document the awe-inspiring sights of the Rakiura,Milford, Heaphy, Lake Waikaremoana, Routeburn, Kepler and Abel Tasman Coast tracks.

December: Kiwi experience for a Tauranga family.

A Tauranga mum and her three children had the “most amazing day ever” when they released two kiwi chicks at Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary in December.

We look back at our native species that have captured the attention of the internet world this year.  Here are the top ten most visited species on the DOC website during 2015.

#10: Short-tailed bat/pekapeka

The endangered short-tailed bat makes a scrambled effort in at number ten. It’s one of the few bats in the world that spend large amounts of time on the forest floor, using folded wings as ‘front limbs’ for scrambling around. New Zealand’s bats are rapidly heading towards extinction caused by rat plagues.

#9: Giant wētā/ wētāpunga

Wētā have been around long enough to see dinosaurs come and go and to evolve into more than 70 different species, all of them endemic to New Zealand. The giant wētā is the largest and when fully grown they can be heavier than a mouse.

Giant wētā.

Technical Advisor Dan Tuohy holding a giant weta. Celebrating all of our taonga species for #ConservationWeek. Photo: Nicol Scott, (DOC)

A photo posted by Department of Conservation (@docgovtnz) on Nov 6, 2015 at 6:42pm PST

#8: Morepork/ruru

Number 8 on our countdown is the morepork/ruru – New Zealand’s only surviving native night owl, known for its haunting and moody call. Morepork are commonly found in forests throughout mainland New Zealand and on offshore islands.

New Zealand morepork

The internet loves owls, especially tiny owls sheltering under tiny umbrellas.

#7: Takahē

The flightless takahē (once thought to be extinct) enters our countdown at number 7. Today the takahē remains critically endangered.

https://twitter.com/Spokesbird/status/671529177967927297

It’s been a good month for a retired takahē pair. They are now spending their late days at the Wairakei Wildlife Sanctuary alongside a luxury golf course in Taupo.

An old takahē breeding pair is living the retired couple’s dream on a world class golf course in Taupo. Yes, they will be judging your putting skills. ⛳

A photo posted by Department of Conservation (@docgovtnz) on Dec 4, 2015 at 3:37pm PST

#6: Longfin eel

The eel slinks it’s way into the 6th top spot. The longfin eel is one of the largest in the world and it is found only in the rivers and lakes of New Zealand. They are rare and heavily affected by human activities, such as pollution, loss of vegetation near their habitat, and overfishing.

Longfin eels.

#5:Tūī

The bird you usually hear before you see comes in at number 5. These clever birds are often confusing to the human ear as they mimic sounds such as the calls of the bellbird. They combine bell-like notes with harsh clicks, barks, cackles and wheezes.

Tui. Photo by Janice McKenna

#4: Kākāpō

The kākāpō  didn’t take out New Zealand’s Bird of the Year competition (or our countdown) this year, but Sirocco’s Kākāpō‘s online support continues to grow. This year, Sirocco got to meet blogger, world traveller and ‘bird nerd’ Young Adventuress. You can read all about their meeting on her blog.

Liz (Young Adventuress) meets Sirocco at Zealandia

#3: Kea

They’re a curious bird, and curious internet users –  The kea was the third most searched species of 2015.

A sodden kea surveys the rugged terrain at Browning Range on the West Coast. Photo: John Gibson, (DOC)

A photo posted by Department of Conservation (@docgovtnz) on Aug 1, 2015 at 5:44pm PDT

#2: Tuatara

Coming in at number two is our very own ancient reptile that thrived in the age of the dinosaurs.This year, the tuatara received the royal treatment through a close encounter with Prince Charles himself.

#1: Rowi

Rowi, the rarest species of kiwi, wins the prize for the top searched species of the year. Rowi are critically endangered with an estimated population of around 4,500 confined to Okarito forest in South Westland. The rowi kiwi team are working on their recovery.

Jo MacPherson with a young rowi chick

By Donald Herron, Visitor Centre Ranger in Wellington.

Summer is here! Other than the occasional blustery northerly, it is the perfect time to get back on your bicycle. So dust off the bike sitting in the corner of your garage and ride to work!

Commuting to and from work is not only great for the environment, it’s great fitness, makes you strong and gives you buns of steel. You can eat that chocolate muffin for morning tea guilt free too!

I commute from the Hutt Valley (20kms North of Wellington) into the central city. Even though this commute is along the road, I still get to appreciate the wonders of Wellington.

Snowy and clear Tararua Range.

Firstly I head west across the valley over the Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River). Over my right shoulder is the majestic Tararua Forest Park. The view is usually obscured by clouds but the views are fantastic on days I don’t ride. This forest park has a large network of tracks and huts.

Then it’s off down the Hutt motorway heading south until you get to Petone, and the Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour). The three islands of Mokopuna, Matiu/Somes and Makaro/Ward are easily spotted.  The biggest, Matiu/Somes, is well worth a visit.

Rays over Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour.

Along the eastern edge of Wellington Harbour is where the Rimutaka Range advances out of the ocean. It and rises, falls and heads northwards until it reaches the Tararua Range. Again, a large network of tracks and huts are found in this range.

From here it’s a quick ride into the city, hot showers, hot coffee and the stuff quiz (just joking about the coffee), then work!

If it’s good weather and I’m keen for a longer ride home, I take in more gems. A quick ride through the city (or around the bays), sees you heading past the Taputeranga Marine Reserve. The distant mountains of the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the snowy peaks often sparkle in the distance.

Taputeranga Marine Reserve and Taputeranga Island.

Get out there and ride your bike to and from work and see how many gems you can spot!

Today’s photo of the week is of the Nydia Lodge in Pelorus Sound, Marlborough.

This DOC managed lodge sleeps 50 people and is nestled at the edge of native bush on the south side of the beautiful Nydia Bay.

Over the summer DOC has several volunteer opportunities across the Marlborough region. Projects include building bike tracks, educational work and campsite and hut hosting.

Free accommodation is offered to campsite and hut hosts as well as a food allowance for volunteers at Kenepuru Head, Cowshed Bay, Camp Bay and Nydia Lodge.

More information can be found on the DOC website.

DOC’s Julie Kidd shares news of recent successes around the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

Kākā nests on Waiheke

Two kākā nests have recently been spotted in Onetangi on Waiheke Island (the north east side of the island, facing the Coromandel Peninsula). One nest is in the Forest and Bird reserve, and the other is in the bush of the Graves family home not far from the reserve.

North Island kākā

Kākā have returned to Waiheke over the past few years. Many residents have reported sightings; however nesting has never before been reported. Finding these nests confirms there is a really good chance a resident population is developing on the island.

Pest control on the reserve and in privately owned gardens, has enabled kākā to nest safer than ever before. The Graves Family have set rat traps, while family members and friends have kept a vigil around the nest to ensure local domestic cats and dogs don’t wander into the area. Mr. and Mrs. Graves said, “We’ve got the pest management under control enough to get the kākā chicks to the fledgling stage. The dangers are loose dogs and cats when the fledglings are on the ground.”

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is just a 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. It boasts a wide variety of activities including gorgeous beaches, stunning walks, historic places, and more than 30 wineries. The resident (human) population is about 8000 people. During summer, this swells to more than 50,000 people, therefore threats to native wildlife increase significantly.

It is awesome to see the wellbeing of our precious native birds and their habitat cared for so passionately by residents. The group has set up Facebook group called Waiheke Kākā Watch to gather information on the birds.

Tiritiri tops off a great year

Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi were over the moon to see New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu recently  nesting on Hobbs Beach (on the west side of the island facing the mainland).

Dotterel mum sitting on the nest

The single pair was vigilant on the nest, and it was pleasing for all when the chick hatched in December. Mary-Anne Rowlands, the shop and guiding manager on Tiritiri Matangi, mentioned this is the first occurrence of dotterels nesting since the restoration programme began in 1984.

Tiritiri Matangi attract thousands of visitors annually, no matter the time of year. It is home to many precious native species including kokako, hihi, tieke and takahe. What a lovely way to cruise in to summer in the Hauraki Gulf.

Tiritiri Matangi

If you wish to stay up to date with progress of species on the pest-free islands of the Hauraki Gulf, hop on to Pai and Piri’s Facebook page.