Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected]
W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 1
Working together for healthier streams and river through community participation and kaitiakitanga News, views and information on the sustainable management and biodiversity restoration of the Whau River Catchment
Kia ora koutou - Greetings to you all
April 2019
Biosecurity: What are Tracking Tunnels?
We have been laying out tracking tunnels along the Rosebank Peninsula coastline where we intend setting up our trap lines. Monitoring is essential to ensure the project is on the right track towards achieving its objectives, and gives us an idea of which species we have before trapping and if these species change as we continue to trap. They are used to identify what type of predators are roaming around your backyard or in the bush. Tracking cards and tunnels are specifically designed for tracking small mammals such as mice, rats and stoats. They can be used before and after predator control occurs to show the effectiveness of your predator control. Chew cards and tracking cards and tunnels have a common purpose, to identify what type of predator(s) you have and therefore what you will need to start trapping. So if you think your problem is with possums, go with chew cards. The tracking card and tunnel is also useful once your trapping programme is completed. By replacing the tracking card and setting again you can detect the presence of lizards, weta and other insects to confirm predators have been removed.
The tunnels are “baited” with peanut butter as a lure which is placed on an ink pad in the tunnel. Once the creature enters the tunnel to eat the lure, it walks in the ink and leaves footprints. These prints are then identified as to what species we have lurking in our midst! The first check of the tunnels confirmed we have a lot of work ahead of us, with plenty of footprints (particularly mice!). Predators will use regular pathways in the grass, along fence lines, down the side of the house, near compost and waterways. To be most effective place at intervals of no more than 50 meters apart. If you don’t have multiple tunnels be selective where you place your tunnel. As a general rule the manufacturer suggests 1 night. If you don’t get a result, try moving to a different position and leave out for another night.
Find us on Facebook
36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected]
W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 2
Biosecurity: Department of Conservation and Auckland Council Animal Pest Control Workshop
Would you be interested in learning about conservation pest control? The Department of Conservation and Auckland Council will be putting on a FREE Pest Trapping workshop on Thursday 23rd May, 6:30pm at the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. We will be there to discuss our current trapping project and of course recruit any new volunteers! Please RSVP to either myself at [email protected] or to the address on the workshop link. Hope to see you there! For more information CLICK here.
Ecological Restoration– Weeding at Kurt Brehmer walkway
This month we had a few volunteers that were new to the Whau area. They were keen to get their hands dirty, visiting the slip site at the Kurt Brehmer Walkway. The young men played a game of “my wattle is bigger than yours”, while also tackling some Convolvulus arvensis (bindweed), that was beginning to smother the native plants (such as the cabbage tree (Cordyline australis as pictured). The volunteers were amazed at how much smaller the natives were once all the extra padding was removed - hopefully now they can breathe and continue to grow! Any numbers of volunteers are always welcome to help us out in the Whau River area, so don’t be scared to get in touch. We will continue to work with volunteers throughout the walkway to help with our goal of having happy, healthy native plants!
Citizen Science – Revamped Te Whau Biodiversity Survey
WRCT’s FOW volunteers have been recording observations in the
Whau River catchment since 2015. However, the majority of these
observations (excluding the ‘BioBlitz and surveys with particular
timeframes) have been random and without a particular focus.
In May-June WRCT will be implementing a more focused
biodiversity survey will be undertaken with the catchment divided
into 20 smaller management units (pictured to the left). This will
allow us to better understand what flora and fauna diversity we have
currently, and will allow us to more accurately monitor how
biodiversity changes with seasonal change and time progression.
This also gives us an opportunity to compare biodiversity in areas
such as residential, industrial and public park land areas.
We are looking for interested volunteers to look after individual
management units. This is not a labour or time intensive task – it
can be as simple as regularly recording observations from your
backyard! See the upcoming events section for more information.
36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected]
W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 3
Native Insect of the Month – Wētā
Wētā have become icons for invertebrate conservation in New
Zealand because many species are threatened or endangered.
There are more than 70 species of wētā in New Zealand, 16 of
which are at risk. The greatest threat to wētā is predation. The
introduction of predators such as rats, mustelids, cats, and
hedgehogs has resulted in a sharp increase in the rate of predation.
Habitat destruction and modification by both humans and by
browsers is also leading to their decline.
The Weta species pictured is the Giant Weta or Wētāpunga. It is the
biggest species of weta, being heavier than a mouse or sparrow
when fully grown. Although wētāpunga were originally distributed
across Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier Island, the species
have currently only survived on Little Barrier Island. Sorry none of
these Weta can be found in our catchment.
Native Plant of the Month – Mānuka or kāhikatoa (Leptospermum scoparium)
Mānuka or kāhikatoa (Leptospermum scoparium), called ‘tea tree’ by Captain Cook, is a rather variable plant ranging from flat creeping forms and small shrubs to tall trees (up to 10 m tall). Although variable, all the forms of this species are unified by their sharp-tipped leaves, large, solitary white or pink-flushed flowers, with distinctive short, dark red stamens, and persistent greyish-white nut-like capsules. An easy way to remember the difference between Mānuka and the similarly looking kānuka is to remember the phrase “mānuka mean kānuka kind”, as the mean and kind relates to the spiky (mean) or rounded (kind) leave tips. Mānuka/kāhikatoa is common throughout the North, South and Stewart Islands. It can be found in many different habitats including wetlands, river gravels and dry hillsides. When mature, it is very tolerant of drought, waterlogging, strong winds and frost and it can grow at less fertile, colder, wetter and more acidic sites than kānuka.
Native Bird of the Month – Sacred Kingfisher/kotare (Todiramphus sanctus Vagans)
Kingfishers are found throughout the country in both coastal and inland freshwater habitats. They live in a wide range of habitats, including forest, river margins, farmland, lakes, estuaries and rocky coastlines. Their diet in estuarine mudflats is mainly small crabs, with a range of tadpoles, freshwater crayfish and small fish in freshwater habitats. In open country they eat insects, spiders, lizards, mice and small birds. Nest sites are in cavities in trees, cliffs and banks with breeding from September to February. After leaving the nest, chicks are fed by both parents for 7–10 days before they start to catch food for themselves.
36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected]
W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 4
Weed of the Month – Woolly Nightshade (Solanum mauritianum)
Woolly nightshade is a tree or shrub that grows to <8m tall. It has a distinct smell of kerosene, a furry greyish-green on upper surface, a white to yellowish green underneath and purple flowers. Woolly nightshade is a problem because it can form dense stands that crowd out other plants and stop them from growing. It invades pastoral land, native forest margins, scrublands and urban areas. A single plant can produce many thousands of seeds, which are spread by birds. These seeds can lie dormant in the soil and germinate up to 20-30 years later. When trying to remove/control wooly nightshade, small plants (less than 60cm) can be pulled out and left to dry after shaking all dirt from the roots. Alternitively, herbicide can be sprayed on the leaves of small plants, though this is less cost effective than hand pulling. Larger plants need to be cut down and the stump treated with herbicide or they will regrow. Try not to disturb the soil while removing.
Givealittle Donation Facts
Plants cost on the average around $4.00each to buy at trade price. 50,000 plants will cost around $200,000. The purchase of some of the plants are funded by Auckland Council but the rest we need to raise the money to buy plants. So you can help by supporting our Givealittle campaign for the WRCT to purchase native plants for our restoration sites. Replacing weeds with natives, restoring wildlife habitats back to the River. The cost to prepare a site before planting and then to maintain it weed free for 2-3 years costs a considerable amount of money. As Volunteers can only do so much, the rest of the job often requires experienced Council approved Contractors to help manage a site.
YOU Can Make a Difference - Show your support for the local environment through our Givealittle Page
The work of the WRCT and FOW can now be supported through Givealittle. So it is now possible for you to personally make a financial contribution, supporting the ongoing good work already underway helping to protect the Whau River, and for the continued restoration of wild life habitats within the Whau River catchment. Money raised will go towards purchase of ecosourced native plants, weed control, litter bins, and generally help with supporting volunteer restoration events for 2019-20. Thank you to all those people who have already made a donation CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION
Donations & Other Ways to Support the WRCT/FOW
As a charitable Trust WRCT/FOW relies on the generosity and goodwill of individuals, corporates and funding organisations so we can keep doing what we do so well – improving the natural environment of the Whau River catchment for everyone to enjoy now and in the future. WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE If you or anyone you know would like to donate goods, services, time or make a financial donation or a bequest, please contact Gilbert at [email protected] or phone 09-827 3374. We would love to hear from you and discuss how you can help!
36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected]
W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 5
FOW Quality Supporters Apparel – Last of the Summer T Shirts for FOW Volunteers
How about supporting FOW by purchasing a FOW Volunteer T Shirt for the summer for when you come out to help. 100% Cotton 150-180gsm - Different colours available M or W $31.00 http://fow.printmighty.co.nz/products/fow-volunteer-mens-tee-premium
Help promote the work of FOW Volunteers. You can now buy quality Friends of the Whau T-shirts, Sweat Shirts, Hoodies, Singlets, Raglan Shirts, Canvas Bags and other apparel to show your support for Friends of the Whau. A portion of the sales will go to Friends of the Whau Support Friends of the Whau http://fow.printmighty.co.nz/products
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY Further details on our Website and Facebook Page
Date / Time Event Who Site
June/July 2019 10am Contact us for a date to suit you
Weeding and Community Mulching
All Welcome (Contact WRCT) [email protected]
Kurt Brehmer Walkway and Rosebank Peninsula East
April/May 2019 Contact us for a time & date to suit you
Predator Control Volunteers (Contact WRCT) [email protected]
Rosebank Peninsula
June 2nd 2019 Whau River Regatta and Clean-up
All Welcome (Contact WRCT) [email protected]
Archibald Park Kelston
June 6th 2019 10am
Arbor Day Planting All Welcome (Contact WRCT) [email protected]
Archibald Park Kelston
June 30th 10am
Matariki Planting Day All Welcome (Contact WRCT) [email protected]
Tiroroa Esplanade
Sunday June 23rd 10am
National Volunteer Week Planting Day
All Welcome (Contact WRCT) [email protected]
Rosebank Peninsula
Contact the office for more details (09) 627-3372 or email [email protected] for further details. Website link http://whauriver.wixsite.com/whauriver/events-1
Pest Control Rosebank Peninsula 2019 – Regular FOW Volunteers wanted days/time to suit.
FOW Volunteers are urgently needed to help with the animal pest control programme at Rosebank Peninsula and at other locations on a regular basis. WRCT do not use poisons but use carefully controlled selective trapping methods. Our main animal pests are rats, mice, possums, and stoats. Contact Eve Clarke at [email protected] OR phone 021 167 4998
Biodiversity Survey (all Whau River Catchment) – Regular Volunteers wanted. Days/times to suit.
FOW Volunteers are needed to help with the new and improved biodiversity survey. Each volunteer will be in charge of a certain management area inside the Whau, and will record the biodiversity they see on a regular basis. Volunteers are encouraged to get in quick to secure the area around their home. Contact Tegan Illingworth at [email protected] or phone 021 295 0302. Full training will be provided if required.
36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected]
W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 6
Pest Control/Ecological Restoration – Regular FOW Volunteers wanted
The WRCT Biodiversity Coordinator and Ecological Restoration Coordinator are looking at setting up a regular FOW volunteer group. If you are regularly available in the mornings (10am-12pm), and are interested in volunteering throughout the Whau Catchment email [email protected] or [email protected] with days that suit and we will see if we can make something work.
Regular FOW Volunteer Opportunities
Wednesday morning Friends of the Whau Volunteers meet every Wednesday to work on a range of sites and tasks, learning more about our catchment as well as getting the job done. Get in touch with Gilbert if you would like to be added to the email list for this informal group. Sessions run 10am – 12 noon. 0274 378867 or [email protected] Weekend Friends of the Whau Volunteers – Due to popular demand, if you’re tied up during the week, we now have more opportunities for you to join us on the weekends. Session times will vary to fit with the calendar, so check first with Gilbert, where possible we will keep them to mornings 10am – 12pm. All are welcome to get active helping us looking after our stream sides with a range of tasks and sites. Check out our website and Facebook page for details or drop Gilbert a text on 0274 378867 or email [email protected] to find out what’s happening at future events. WRCT Internships 2019-20: The WRCT has volunteer Intern positions currently available. Internships may be part-time or full-time. A typical internship lasts between 1 and 4 months but can be shorter or longer. The two primary types of internships are:
o Work experience internship: Most often this will be in the second or third year of the school period. The placement can be from 2 months to one full school year. During this period, the student is expected to use the things he/she has learned in school and put them into practice. This way the student gains work experience in their field of study. The gained experience will be helpful to finish the final year of study.
o Research internship (graduation) or dissertation internship: This is mostly done by students who are in their final year. With this kind of internship a student does research for the Trust. The Trust can have something that we feel needs researching, or the student can choose a topic themselves. The results of the research study will be put in a report and often will be presented.
Another type of internship growing in popularity is the virtual internship, in which the intern works remotely, and is not physically present at the job location. It provides the capacity to gain job experience without the conventional requirement of being physically present in an office. The internship is conducted via virtual means, such as phone, email, and internet communication. Virtual interns generally have the opportunity to work at their own pace. Please contact Gilbert Brakey at [email protected] for further details.
Stay in touch with us via Facebook and our website for more events and latest details.
For lots more info go to our website at http://whauriver.org.nz/
36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600. New Zealand P: 09 627-3372 E: [email protected]
W: www.whauriver.org.nz F: www.facebook.com/whaurivercatchment 7
Contacts
To contact the WRCT Office – Phone the office on 09) 627-3372 or email [email protected] To contact Eve Clarke – Biosecurity Coordinator phone the office or email [email protected] To contact Tegan Illingworth – Ecological Restoration Coordinator phone the office or 021 295 0302 or email [email protected] To contact Atu Fanguna – Office Administrator phone the office or 021 839 187 or email [email protected] To contact Gilbert Brakey – Chair / Manager phone the office or 0274 378867 or email [email protected]
We gratefully acknowledge the support of Foundation North, Auckland Council RENH, and The Trusts Community Foundation, Sustainable Business Network – Million Metres Streams Crowd Funding Project, the World Wild Life Fund, The Trusts (West Auckland). Auckland Council: Whau Local Board, Auckland Council’s Parks Central West, Healthy Waters & the Environmental Services Unit. Companies: Te Ngahere (2009) Ltd, TreeWorx Ltd, Asplundh NZ Ltd., Methven NZ Ltd. & the Rosebank Business Association.
If you no longer wish to be on this email list please reply with 'remove from list' in the subject
