Photo of the week: Kapiti Island

Department of Conservation —  02/07/2014

Kapiti Island is host to one of the largest accessible island bird sanctuaries in New Zealand and deserves to be enjoyed by as many of us as possible.

Kapiti Island.

To encourage you to visit Kapiti Island permit fees have been reduced:

–  If you’re an adult the permit fee is now $10 (down from $28.75).

–  If you’re 17 or under you don’t have to pay a permit fee at all.

Kapiti Island is only one hour from Wellington, and boasts a unique environment populated with birds and wildlife rarely seen on the mainland.

Have you visited Kapiti Island yet?

Photo by Kathrin & Stefan Marks | CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

In Islands, Photo of the week , , , , ,
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Mudfish monitoring in Saltwater Forest

Department of Conservation —  01/07/2014

By Cornelia Vervoon, Partnerships Ranger, Franz Josef

Rangers Mirella Pomeroy and Myles Riki were out in Saltwater Forest on the West Coast last week completing the local annual mudfish (Neochanna apoda) survey.

Range Myles setting a mudfish trap. Photo: Mirella Pomeroy.

Ranger Myles setting one of the mudfish traps

They set 30 traps and caught 32 mudfish, half a dozen koura/crayfish and some kokopu – a great result!

A mudfish and a koura. Photo: Mirella Pomeroy.

A mexican standoff between a mudfish and a koura

Mudfish are under increasing threat from habitat loss, so to find them thriving in Saltwater Forest is a really positive sign.

Two mudfish in a trap. Photo: Mirella Pomeroy.

Two mudfish in one go

Mirella found out what the bigger ones have been eating:

“We caught this one mudfish, which we thought was pregnant because it had a really big belly. Then we picked it up for a closer look… and it regurgitated (“blleeerrrgh”) a juvenile kokopu into Myles’s hand.” 

A mudfish up close. Photo: Mirella Pomeroy.

A mudfish up close

You can find more information about mudfish and New Zealand’s other freshwater fish species on the DOC website.

Saltwater Forest, South Westland. Photo: Mirabella Pomeroy.

Perfect mudfish habitat – Saltwater Forest, South Westland

In Native animals, West Coast , , , , ,
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Making Sirocco – The Film

Department of Conservation —  30/06/2014

By Ashwika Kapur, Filmmaker

Ashwika Kapur holding a video camera.

Ashwika Kapur

I came to New Zealand in early 2013 to chase my childhood dream of obtaining a degree in Natural History Filmmaking so I could entertain and educate audiences through timeless wildlife stories from around the world.

As part of my degree I had to make a film so I began scouting ideas, and among the weird and wonderful creatures of this far away land, I came across Sirocco the kākāpō’s story. It was just one of those things; I simply knew this was the documentary I had to make!

Sirocco looking through a hole in a wooden box.

Peek-a-boo

Sirocco is irresistibly endearing, cheekier than a monkey and remarkably bizarre in his mannerisms. Sirocco is an extraordinary character and his story is equally extraordinary; a true-blue rag to riches tale. My film sets out to tell that story; the one-of-a-kind tale of a bird catapulted to super stardom by a chain of rather strange events.

Sirocco's claws around a tree branch.

Check out those rockstar claws

Sirocco’s story is one of hope, joy and celebration. It optimistically premises the idea that there can be no better ambassadors for conservation than animals themselves.

My film about Sirocco has recently been nominated for a Panda Award, dubbed the ‘Green Oscars’, at the Wildscreen Film Festival.

Sirocco amongst the trees.

Curious Sirocco

The film will be available online to view for free after the Wildscreen Film Festival in October, until then you will have to enjoy watching this short trailer:

In Kākāpō, Sirocco the kakapo , , , ,
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Biodiversity day creates a storm

Department of Conservation —  28/06/2014

Partnerships Ranger John Barkla writes about the recent community day in Dunedin to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity.

In a scene reminiscent of the Pied Piper of Hamelin I watched as Ranger Jim Fyfe, grim determination etched on his face, led the unsuspecting children up the hill away from their parents. Actually it was all above board and the kids were willing and enthusiastic tree planters on Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua in the Otago Harbour.

Ranger Jim Fyfe leading the children up the hill on Biodiversity Day.

Ranger Jim Fyfe leads the children up the hill

The day started with a gathering on the Otago Peninsula. Four speakers gave unique perspectives on what islands meant to them, with historical, ecological, spiritual and management themes all explored.

While the adults were being enthralled with this, the children were off having a fun learning time under the watchful eye of local Kiwi Conservation Club organiser Tiff Stewart.

For the DOC rangers present it was a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new acquaintances and share island experiences and stories.

Ranger Jim Fyfe planting trees with the children.

Ranger Jim explains the finer points of tree planting

Following a sumptuous lunch we all took the short boat journey to Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua where resident caretaker Gordon Douglas gave a brief welcome before everyone grabbed a plant or two and carried them up to the planting site amongst tall rank grass.

Once the planting was dispensed with it was time to explore the forest. What started as a pleasant wander, under warm north-westerly conditions, turned into an unforgettable show of the force of nature. With little warning, a south-westerly front hit the island bringing 70 km/hr plus winds that whipped the sea into a fury and drove rain and stinging hail onto those caught by the onslaught.

The storm front approaching the island.

The south-westerly front about to hit

The group was quickly and safely shepherded back along the spine of the island to the ’The Lodge’ where hot drinks and food restored composure. Conditions soon eased enough for everyone to be ferried back to the wharf on the mainland.

This was a day to be remembered; great company and fascinating perspectives with some wild island weather thrown in for good measure!

In Islands, Native plants , ,
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Jobs at DOC: Mangaweka Ranger, Alison Dorrian

Department of Conservation —  27/06/2014

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 conservation stalwart, Mangaweka Ranger, Alison Dorrian, who retires from DOC today.

At work

When did you start working at DOC?

Alison with a glass of Guinness at Temple Bar in Dublin.

Alison with a glass of Guinness at
Temple Bar in Dublin

I started working part time for the NZ Forest Service around 1979, when my husband went to Raoul Island for three months leaving me and Ranger Will Abel in charge of things in the North West Ruahines.

I needed to be employed to legitimise my driving of departmental vehicles and signing my name to hunting permits etc.

I was part time from then through until starting at DOC, when I helped set up the Mangaweka Field Centre.

At the time, the Mangaweka Field Centre had a public office. I had the grand title of Field Centre Support and did all the admin work. We also had the Postal Agency in our office, so were very much in the public eye.

About 10 years ago the public office at Mangaweka closed. At that point I had the option to become a field worker or to leave. So it was then that I began to learn to ride all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), do possum and rat monitoring, fencing, weed spraying…

It’s been a busy life and will continue to be busy… just unpaid.

Lunch in the Pourangaki with Toby, the dog, Kathleen and Ted, about 1974

Lunch in the Pourangaki with Toby the dog and two of my kids
Kathleen and Ted. About 1974

Some things I do in my job include:

Killing things—mainly weeds… or preparing ground, aerial and abseil contracts for other people to kill them; I’m the local contact for hunting and possum permits, and access issues; I liaise with Regional Council weed staff, local community groups and schools; I repair fences, monitor possums, rats and threatened plant species…

This is me with Henry during a RTC (residual trap catch) monitoring trip to Lake Colenso.

With Henry during a RTC (residual trap catch) monitoring trip to Lake Colenso

This helps achieve DOC’s vision by:

Being out there doing.

The best bit about my job is:

The views, the sounds and smells, followed closely by the people.

On our way to view the Mangaweka Scenic Reserve Dactylanthus in 2009.

On our way to view the Mangaweka Scenic Reserve Dactylanthus in 2009

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

Being stuck in the mud rescuing eels after having drained a pond to eradicate the koi carp. Finally got out with the help of a shovel. Now where’s that photo gone…

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

My husband Henry who left us in March 2012. He had a way about him that inspired many. We miss you Henry.

On a personal note…

The song that always cheers me up is:

Seed Trap collection on a frosty morning at Paengaroa Mainland Island

Seed Trap collection on a frosty morning at Paengaroa Mainland Island

Anything by John Foggerty, JJ Cale, or Kris Kristofferson. Also, after last Friday night, Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show.

My stomping ground is:

The Kawhatau Valley where I grew up and where I first met Henry. It’s simply home!

My best ever holiday was:

Six weeks in Europe with my youngest daughter, followed closely by a weekend at Mokai Hut with my son and grandson last year.

In my spare time I:

What spare time?!

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

A falcon, with the wind beneath my wings.

My secret indulgence is:

Red wine, but it’s no secret.

If I wasn’t working at DOC, I’d like to be:

A historian… that’s the next chapter.

Before working at DOC I:

Worked for the New Zealand Forest Service and, before that… my memory fails me.

Deep and meaningful…

My favourite quote is:

At the moment “There is no poison on earth more potent, nor half so deadly, as a partial truth mixed with passion” ~ Michael J. Tucker.

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

My Dad telling me “If you’re cold, get away from the front of the fire and go and chop some wood.”

With Henry and four of our six children at my 60th. From L to R Sara, Bill, myself, Ted, Henry, Kathleen

With Henry and four of our six children at my 60th.
From L to R Sara, Bill, myself, Ted, Henry, Kathleen

In work and life I am motivated by:

Children… the next generation.

My conservation advice to New Zealanders is:

I don’t usually give advice, I like to lead by example, BUT just get out and learn what NZ has to offer… and enjoy!

Question of the week…

What will you miss most about working at DOC?

There is no need for me to miss anything… all the reasons for my enjoyment of the job over the years, I can take with me: The good friends I have made, the places I feel at one with, the ones that energise and inspire me, the awareness and appreciation of the environment around me.

If I’m feeling a little un-attached I can always go and cut some Old Man’s Beard—there’s plenty left. Or I may take some time to instil in the next generation some of that awareness and appreciation.

In Jobs at DOC
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