no. 1 july 2007 - thames coast kiwi...

Carol N

anning

Co-convener’s Corner

July 2007

No. 1

Protecting and enhancing kiwi populations on the

Thames Coast

kiwi numbers and distribu-tion on public and private land took place resulting in identifying nineteen individ-ual kiwi from ten listening stations. This information would help guide the group’s efforts to trap stoats (known to be re-sponsible for more than 64% of kiwi chick mortal-

ity).

TCPS provided “seed money”, a $5,000 dona-tion and a further $5000

loan.

Key to TCKC and kiwi protection is respect for landowner rights and sus-tainability of the project through people’s support

over time.

Coast kiwi protection, the beginning . . . .

It all started in April 2006 when the Thames Coast Protection Society (TCPS) formed a sub-committee to research the viability of kiwi protection on the Thames Coast. This in-cluded identifying locations for kiwi protection, finding out if there was land-owner, community and agency support for such a project, and what funding and protection options were available. (predator

control/translocations etc)

Historical evidence indi-cated a remnant kiwi population near Te Mata so TCPS decided to focus

on this area.

But, this project would not work without community and landowner support, as

this would be critical to the success of such a pro-

ject.

Discussion with landown-ers and neighbours took place and land where own-ers were supportive was included in the area pro-posed for trapping. Then a public meeting in May 2006 which, to our aston-ishment, drew a crowd of more than 60 coastal resi-dents. Support for pro-tecting kiwi was over-whelming and a steering group was formed com-mencing it’s first meeting on the same day. ‘Thames Coast Kiwi Care’ (TCKC) was endorsed by the com-

munity.

Following this, a baseline kiwi survey to determine

Inside this issue:

Kiwi protection—who are the kiwi killing culprits ?

2

The practical side of getting things happen-ing on the ground

2

Kiwi protection: predator control

3

Kiwi Aversion Training 3

Waiomu Summer Fair 3

Music by the Lake 4

Up-coming Events 5

Regional Pest Manage-ment Strategy

5

Visitors to TCKC 6

TCKC Membership 6

Acknowledgements 6

T-Shirts for sale 5

Artists acknowledge-

ments

5

THAMES COAST KIWI CARE

(INAUGURAL NEWSLETTER)

May/June 2006 the baseline kiwi survey followed kiwi call protocol e.g. an hour of silence is followed by broadcasting female and male kiwi calls for 80 seconds every 15 minutes in the second hour. This method is used to detect kiwi where a low population is sus-pected. Pictured are Louise Deane and Ian Stewart, who were part of the 15 person team who carried out the three two hour surveys at each of ten listening stations. Another kiwi survey is currently underway.

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the inception of TCKC. Under the expert guidance of our first Convenor, Ra-chel Garden, and the passion of Fin Buchanan for the survival of kiwi, the basis was laid for this project. Through the dedication of com-mittee members, volunteers, as well as the community, our group has gone from

strength to strength.

A very big thank you to all concerned. May our efforts result in a strong kiwi presence throughout this region so that we may have the honour of hearing kiwi calling from our

own back yards!! Keep up the good work!!

Regards from Isabel Eyberg.

Well . . . it takes dedicated people (lots of them) to get the practical side of kiwi pro-

tection set up.

A big shed is also most useful for a project where costs can be cut and friends made over the making of a heap of

trap boxes!!

Likewise, businesses that contribute materials and

consumables aids the plan

to protect kiwi!!

The big shed thanks to Paul and

Jackie White

More recently, 250 trap boxes

made and ready for the hill!!

The first 50 trap boxes are placed;

Tapu Coroglen and Bennett Roads

Doug Smith making sure traps are in working order before they go out!

Photo: Myra Lincoln

Kiwi protection—Who are the kiwi killing culprits and what to do about it?

The practical side of getting things happening on the ground

trap shy animals.

What’s more, forest pro-tection work carried out by DOC on public and private land will help pro-vide for leaves on trees,

flowers, berries and seeds!

This benefits all native

wildlife including kiwi.

Also, 47 dogs (pets and hunting dogs) went through the DOC run Avian Aversion Training at

Te Mata last November!!!

The day was reported as a

great success.


The many donations to date, and sponsorship money have contributed to 200 DOC200 traps and boxes on the ground being checked by a dedicated crew of volunteers and landowners at least 16 times a year

Landowners and locals form a chain gang to construct trap boxes in the first working bee - 2006

All trap box materials have been donated by various businesses. See

acknowledgements on page 6!

There is a long list of ani-mals that threaten kiwi survival. ‘Yep,’ and we are on the list too (through land practices etc). But we are able to contribute to their survival as well, by making sure our dogs don’t roam, raising our aware-ness; doing some predator control and protecting the forest to enhance kiwi habi-

tat.

To begin with TCKC sup-porters are targeting stoats and weasels with DOC200 traps, a ‘humane’ kill trap that leaves no escapees to

develop a population of

Avian Aversion

Training is an

attempt to train dogs

off kiwi.

The training, still under scrutiny, is still one step dog owners can take to guard against

kiwi mortality.

Using a ‘correction collar,’ dogs are ex-posed to kiwi scent, and warned off it if they show signs of

interest. More on Pg 3

The DOC 200 trap

Zeagold F

oods

Props used to expose dogs to kiwi

for the Avian Aversion Training

Zeagold Foods donate eggs to nearly all the kiwi protection pro-

jects on the Coromandel

Carol N

anning

Kiwi Protection—predator control update

trapping regime we have in

place.

Darren’s visit was a prime opportunity for trappers to have a get together and a yarn. At a potluck” Dar-ren talked about the box design, lures and tech-niques to ensure traps are

correctly set.

At least 841 hours have gone into grass roots kiwi protection since October 2006, this includes working bees to build 425 trap boxes, preparing trap lines, placing the boxes, and

regularly checking them.

A motivated 20 strong trapping team give their time on a roster basis, checking traps in pairs (usually), creating an op-portunity to meet others, share knowledge and so-cialize. Keen landowners also check DOC200 traps and boxes on their own properties and send in trap

catch results.

Figures shown are based

on a growing number of trap boxes being checked since the end of Septem-

ber 2006:

Stoats (St): 28

Weasels (W): 28

In April 2007, Darren Pe-ters, “DOC National Predator Control Advisor” visited the project to give feedback and advice on the

Kiwi footprint found behind Te Mata during the walk with Darren and his wife, Lindy

No. 1

MONTHLY TALLIES

St W St W

Oct 7 1 Nov 0 1

Dec 3 2 Jan 5 2

Feb 2 6 Mar 6 4

Apr 1 2 May 4 5

June 2 1 July

Darren has an overview of projects throughout NZ, so it was an excellent ex-change of information and very encouraging to have

the TCKC predator

control practice affirmed.

Grateful thanks for your

input into our project

Darren!!

Lindy Peters

The key contact for Kiwi Aver-sion Training for dogs is DOC Ranger, Richard Goomes Tel: 07

8666637.

TCKC can arrange a local train-ing day with Richard if there are enough dogs. Phone Carol Nan-

ning if this interests you.

Kiwi Aversion Training—contact

Fun was had and $4800.00 was raised for kiwi protection at the annual Thames Coast Fair on Auckland Anni-versary Day. Thanks to the many peo-

ple that turn up to help every year!

Photo’s captured by reporter, Deb-orah Cumming, show Lal Carr bar-gain hunting and Golde Holzapfel and Ingrid Lindeman getting into the fair

spirit.

Carol N

anning

.

Waiomu Summer Fair—2007

Caro

l Nann

ing

Carol Nanning (TCKC Predator Control Co-ordinator), shows Darren Peters around some of TCKC trap lines during his visit in

April


Joanne Richards reflects back on the Music by the Lake Concert at Rapaura Water Gardens Photos by Carol Nanning

Imagine standing in the beautiful Tapu Valley with Maumaupaki-paki (The Camel’s Back) as a back-drop . . . . .

Quietly listening . . . .

Anticipating what we might hear . .

Waiting . . .

And then hearing the call of our rare and beautiful kiwi.

What an experience!!

That was how our ‘Music on the Lake’ fundraiser began.

Unfortunately the kiwi call on that day was a recording, but with community support and fundrais-ing events like this we hope to increase our small population of Coromandel Brown Kiwi on the Thames Coast, so that one day we can all get to enjoy hearing the call of kiwi in its natural environ-ment.

Jeff Clarkson was first in the line-up of musical talent with his quiet soulful music. Jeff stolidly played through a gentle but persistent rain, sheltered by an anonymous umbrella wielding woman (whom we would like to acknowledge for her thoughtfulness).

Next, a high spirited Art Auction was run by our auctioneer extra-ordinaire, Ian Coatsworth, and a bunch of stoic umbrella holding

helpers. Not to mention an audi-ence not put off by a little bit of wet.

(We did not anticipate rain. OOPS but a lesson well learnt).

All the original artworks donated by talented artists were purchased.

People were not scared to dig into their pockets for the kiwi cause and a piece of original art.

Next, with feelings of anticipation we welcomed ‘our own’ David Cal-der and the Hamilton County Blue-grass Band. It was dancing, clap-ping, knee slapping stuff; the musi-cal sparring and incredible energy of this band you need to see to be-lieve.

Then there was still more as singer, songwriter Andrew McKay took the stand, and provided a great repertoire of covers and original music.

What a way to end the day!!

The sum of $5193.50 was raised for kiwi recovery on the Thames Coast!

The concert organisers and TCKC are grateful to the musicians, Sally and

Sacha Sank of Rapaura

Watergardens, artists, volun-teers and supporters for their

generosity!!

Budding artist Daniel Flynn draws a kiwi in

the ‘kids activity tent’

Some of the many donated art pieces for auction—see page 5 for

artist details

Andrew McKay

Hamilton County Bluegrass Band playing in March, 2007

Events coming up

T-Shirts for sale!

The Music by the Lake concert was such a suc-cess that we are planning another one in March

2008.

Thames Coast Kiwi Care AGM is to be held about October as soon as the financial statement has been audited. The date will be advertised in the Hauraki Herald closer to the time.

Come if you can!!

A raffle for Jenny Bithell’s quilt will be outside Pak and Save in October also. It will be drawn at the Waiomu

Summer Fair!!

The 2008 Summer Fair will prove to be another ‘not to be missed affair’. We will be calling for auction goods on the coast again in

January 2008.

protect kiwi.

Jenni Vernon, Chairper-son of Waikato Regional Council has responded

to our concerns.

Copies of both letters are available to anyone

interested.

Tel: Isabel 07 8682839

Tel: Carol 07 8684750

Here is a sample of Jenny’s handi-work


Isabel Eyberg and Shelley Carr help install the giant kiwi at Rapaura Watergardens for the

2007 concert

Please contact

Carol O7 8684750 or

Jennifer 07 8685320

If you are interested in stall space for 2008 Waiomu

Summer Fair!

Recently some concerns were raised by landown-ers and recreational hunters to group mem-bers regarding publicity surrounding the reclassi-fication of pigs in the

draft R.P.M.S.

TCKC felt it appropriate to get some clarification and assurances from Environment Waikato about landowners rights in relation to raising the ecological values of our area through the preda-

Joanne Richards, pictured, models the cotton lycra V neck T-Shirt designed for T.C.K.C. by herself, Lisa Ballantyne and Shelley

Carr.

Other T-shirt styles and colour combinations can be viewed at ‘Xperteez’ above Thames Industrial

Laundry.

Adult: $30.00

Child: $20.00

Order from Joanne:

027 2124 622

Front and back T-Shirt design

Draft Regional Pest Management Strategy (R.P.M.S)

TCKC are grateful for Music by the Lake art donations

Painters: Jean Wilton, Amanda Ewing, Caroline Auld, Andy McCaskall, Helen Barlow.

Renata Przynoga-Cousins; Jewellers: Kate Ewing, Serene Woolf; Cloth Artist: Nigel

Sparrow; Sculpture: Allie Curran THANK YOU ALL!!

Stan

Paul White Jackie White

David Barker Christine Friis

Bob Carr Robert Efford

Kent Middleton Wayne Lincoln

John Reason Mike Farrant

Doug Smith Jon Ballantyne

Carne Clissold Peter Burton

Fin Buchanan Lou Deane

Carol Nanning Ian Stewart

Warwick Reed

Richard Williams

Andrew Mc Kerrow

Thames Coast Protection Society

DOC Biodiversity Condition Fund

Transpower

Jan Fogg and Alan Webster

Landowners (donations)

Environment Waikato

Waipawa Timber Supplies

Bay Treatments (Rotorua)

Hume Pine

Zeagold Foods

Mainfreight (Rotorua)

Carters (Kopu)

Thames Frames and Trusses

Valley Craft

Placemakers, Thames

Jenny Bithell

Lee Bissett

Thames Businesses: 2007 Summer Fair

Thank you to our regular supporters:

Thank you for funding from:

Thank you for donations in kind: Thank you to our regular volunteers:

Many Thanks to . . .

PLEASE REMEMBER US IN YOUR WILL

Securing a future for kiwi on the Thames Coast by controlling

predators and protecting habitat will be some of our on-going tasks.

Kiwi population restoration is long term.

Bequests will help secure its survival.

Please remember us in your will.

Members

Vetel Contracting

Tapu Store

Royal Oak Hotel

Rapaura Water Gardens

DOC Hauraki Area

Thames Coast Kiwi Care PO Box 396 THAMES

E-mail: [email protected]

Protecting and enhancing kiwi populations on the Thames Coast


Sue Moroney setting the DOC200

The women’s Labour caucus visited the project in March. Paul White and Carol Nanning showed Sue Moroney, Diane Yates and Steve Chadwick how to set traps, and talked about the area TCKC are focussing on protecting. Two of the

women became TCKC members.

As a result of their visit the TCKC

received an

acknowledgement letter from Chris Carter, Minister of

Conservation.

Visitors to TCKC

TCKC Membership

Please pass on our details if you know someone who may be interested in be-

coming a member of TCKC.

An annual membership donation is $10 per person or family, and $50 for a life

membership donation.

General donations are also gratefully

received.

Steering Group Meetings are held on the

first Sunday of every month.

We welcome input from anyone who is interested in becoming involved in fund-

raising, events, trapping etc.

Tel: 07 8684 542 Shelley Carr

Tel: 07 8684 545 Myra Lincoln

Tel: 07 8684 750 Carol Nanning

Greg M

artin

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