Autumn biking

Department of Conservation —  05/05/2014

By Chrissy Wickes, Ranger – Biodiversity in Te Anau

It’s that time of the year when the world turns bright orange and yellow.

Shannon biking along amongst the leaves near Clutha River.

My son Shannon enjoying some autumn riding near the Clutha River

A perfect occasion to put on your helmet and explore the brilliant bike trails in all their autumn glory while it lasts.

There are many trails in the Wanaka area that are golden with fallen leaves. A favourite of mine is the Upper Clutha River track, this follows the Clutha River all the way from the Wanaka lake outlet, under the Albert town bridge and on to Luggate. This track is classified as “intermediate” for mountain bikers.

Three riders getting ready for some autumn riding. Photo: Annette Grieve.

The golden leaves of autumn

You can go as far as you want, lie amongst the autumn leaves, or just take a picnic and sit on the banks of the impressive Mata-Au/Clutha River. The entire track is 21.5 km long, one way.

On the other side of the river are two other great tracks; the Newcastle and Deans Bank for a slightly more challenging ride. These trails were made possible through the partnership of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, Bike Wanaka and DOC.

Shannon riding amongst the golden trees near Wanaka.

Shannon amongst the gold and red leaves of autumn

So what are you waiting for? Go plan your ride on the DOC website and find out more information about some fantastic tracks in your area.

Get out there, get amongst it!

In Otago, Recreation , , , , ,
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Jobs at DOC: Hannah Hendriks, Marine Conservation

Department of Conservation —  02/05/2014

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 Hannah Hendriks, Marine Conservation Technician, based in DOC’s National Office in Wellington…

Swimming on Taputeranga Island, Island Bay, Wellington.

Swimming in Island Bay, Wellington

At work

Some things I do in my job include:

Being the point of contact in National Office for the operational side of marine mammal sightings and incidents, including managing and maintaining the data associated with these.

I have been involved with getting our Maui’s dolphin sightings and incidents data out of spreadsheets and into a geospatial database—wider marine mammal data is the next step in this process.

I am also responsible for improving the availability of our data and information to the public as well as updating and distributing our awareness resources. Plus a bit of everything else.

Embracing the weather in Doubtful Sound.

Embracing the weather in Doubtful Sound

This helps achieve DOC’s vision by:

Improving the knowledge and public awareness of marine mammal conservation issues and making our data collection process more time efficient and higher in quality so it can inform conservation management of our threatened species.

The best bit about my job is:

Having fun on Kapiti Island during the intern field trip

Having fun on Kapiti Island during the intern field trip

Working with such amazing, kind, and inspiring people (directly in National Office and through phone and email contact with district offices and field bases).

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

Working with the American students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) on their raising awareness of Maui’s dolphin project.

Such an awesome group of energetic, enthusiastic and bright students with some absolutely wonderful ideas.

Their ‘Rounded fin? Send it in!’ slogan is better than anything we could have come up with!

Also, our intern field trip to Kapiti Island—beautiful place and inspiring rangers. Was good to get our hands dirty.

The DOC employee that inspires or enthuses me most is…

It’s hard to pick one…being so new means that everyone inspires me! Especially those rangers who do the hard and hands on work on the coasts dealing with whale strandings etc.

But, if I had to pick one, it would have to be my supervisor, Laura Boren. There is so much marine mammal knowledge stored in that brain, she knows how to deal with every situation and that is what I want to be able to do at some point in the future.

I stood in her shoes to some degree while she was in Africa for a month, which was daunting to say the least.

I also have to mention Katie Clemens because she is like Wonder Woman.

Doing the Tongariro Crossing as a child. Something I really want to do again.

Doing the Tongariro Crossing as a child. Something I really want to do again

On a personal note…

The song that always cheers me up is…

I ended up changing this answer three times (have you noticed I’m not very decisive?) so I’ll just give you all of them—Feel Good Inc by Gorillaz, One more Time by Daft Punk and Breezeblocks by Alt-J.

The best piece of news I’ve heard lately is:

My contract was getting extended past the internship programme period; and compliments from a ranger saying that I did a good job dealing with a whale stranding while I was holding down the fort for Laura.

My secret indulgence is:

Disney and Pixar movies and music.

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

Well ever since I was little I wanted to be a zoo keeper and I think I would still like to do that.

Before working at DOC:

I was doing my Masters in Marine Conservation at Victoria University which gave me some awesome experiences such as going to Heron Island to experience some tropical conservation topics and doing some field science in the beautiful Doubtful Sound.

Sunset on Heron Island, in the southern Great Barrier Reef.

Sunset on Heron Island, in the southern Great Barrier Reef

So I guess I was one of the lucky ones to jump straight out of study (actually while I was still studying!) into specifically what I wanted to do. Dream job.

Deep and meaningful…

Graduating my Masters in December, with my dad.

Graduating my Masters in December, with my dad

My favourite quote is…

I don’t know if this is a quote but “Just do it”. It might sound cheesy but it is very appropriate if you’re like me and get anxious at the prospect of doing new things.

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

Don’t spend your money paying off more of your interest free student loan than you need to. Spend your extra money on travels and experiences. Hello Alaska in June!

In work and life I am motivated by:

Basically I just try my best to make the most of my time doing things I enjoy and to not waste opportunities (that’s how I got here).

My conservation advice to New Zealanders is:

Go out and do something in nature, even if it is small, it will increase your passion and awareness for New Zealand’s natural environment.

Question of the week…

What’s the kindest thing that someone has ever done for you?

One of the kindest things I can think of that has affected my life is how both my step parents treat me like their own family and support me in everything I do and make my life very pleasant! Plus they are both taking me overseas in the near future and if that’s not kind then I don’t know what is!

In Jobs at DOC, Marine , , , ,
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A tribute to lizard conservationist, Tony Whitaker

Department of Conservation —  01/05/2014

By Rod Hitchmough

Tony Whitaker passed away in February 2014. He was a herpetologist (studied reptiles and amphibians); a passionate advocate for conservation of, and research on, lizards; and a great friend of the Department. 

Tony providing a temporary perch for the largest living gecko species in the world (Rhacodactylus leachianus from New Caledonia). Photo: Marieke Lettink.

Tony providing a temporary perch for the largest living gecko species in the world (Rhacodactylus leachianus from New Caledonia)

Tony worked for Ecology Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in the 1960s and 1970s and, since then, had done contract research, writing and biological surveys.

When Tony started his work, he and Joan Robb of the University of Auckland were the only ones working on lizard ecology and taxonomy in New Zealand.

In his Ecology Division days Tony made numerous discoveries and had many insights which were revolutionary at the time but are now accepted as common knowledge.

Tony and DOC Science Advisor James Reardon photographing the rare Rangitata skink in its scree habitat. Photo: Marieke Lettink.

Tony and DOC Science Advisor James Reardon in their element photographing the rare Rangitata skink in its scree habitat. This species was discovered by Tony in 2004

He was the first to see that lizard faunas were extremely different on islands with and without kiore (Pacific rats). Kiore had been previously regarded as “harmless vegetarians” (apparently no one had wondered whether they had any impact on plants, which we now know they do).

He was the first to use baited pitfall traps for lizards and also the first to survey/monitor nocturnal species by locating their eye-shine using a head-torch and binoculars. He was the first to suggest that lizards might be important pollinators and seed dispersers for some plants, and that pale-coloured small berries carried in the centre of dense divaricating shrubs would be difficult for birds, but very easy for lizards to access.

Black-eyed gecko. Photo: Dave Timmerman-Vaughan.

Black-eyed gecko

He carried out a series of island surveys which greatly improved our understanding of the distribution and conservation status of many species, and discovered many new populations of uncommon species and some new species.

His collections from those trips and other survey trips on the mainland are now a very important component of the Te Papa lizard collection. He also named and wrote the formal description for the black-eyed gecko.

With Bruce Thomas, he prepared and published the first Bibliography of New Zealand lizards, an invaluable research resource which includes even the most obscure publications.

Tony also began the systematic recording of reptile and amphibian distribution records, leading to the development of the current Herpetofauna database, now one of the best sets of distribution data for any group of animals or plants in New Zealand.

Tony’s contribution to lizard conservation was huge. He was a member of every lizard-related recovery group DOC has had, including the Lizard Technical Advisory Group.He was a member of the reptile expert panel for all four assessments of lizard status which have been carried out using the New Zealand Threat Classification System, and earlier contributed to the Molloy and Davis species conservation priority listings.

He prepared lizard action plans and identification guides for many conservancies, and carried out many surveys and research contracts.

In the last few years he was extremely involved with biosecurity issues and had a Ministry for Primary Industries contract to identify all reptiles and amphibians intercepted at the border. Tony and his wife Viv also spent a lot of time in New Caledonia, carrying out surveys of areas proposed for mining. In the process he was also involved in the discovery and naming of many new species of skinks and geckos there.

Tony was a valued personal friend and mentor for many at DOC. As well as knowing a huge amount about lizards and always being willing to share his time and expertise, he was a warm, kind, interested, very humorous, non-judgemental friend. We will miss him enormously.

In Native animals ,
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Photo of the week: Kākāpō nestcam

Department of Conservation —  30/04/2014

For the first time ever, you can watch kākāpō nesting activity streaming live from remote Whenua Hou/Codfish Island.

Our photo of the week shows foster mother Esperance caring for a chick but, if you head over to the Kākāpō Recovery website, you can see streaming real time footage of the pair.

Kakapo foster mother Esperance caring for a chick on remote Whenua Hou / Codfish Island.

Nestcam footage will stream 24 hours a day, however the activity will occur during the New Zealand night time, because kākāpō are nocturnal parrots.

A big shout out to:

Telecom NZ who supplied most of the technology:

“Because so much of the recovery programme takes place in the wild, on remote and protected islands, kākāpō nesting has to-date been limited to a very small audience. We’re delighted to have the connectivity in this remote location, and to contribute the technology needed to enable this precious event to be shared live with the world,” Andrew Pirie, Telecom General Manager Corporate Relations.

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd (NZAS) as major sponsor of Kākāpō Recovery NZAS has contributed significant financial support, while its employees assist with operational support.

“Our staff at NZAS have loved working in partnership with the Recovery team during the past 24 years, helping out on the island with maintenance, supplementary feedout and nest minding. It’s great that the team can now share part of that special kākāpō experience with the rest of New Zealand,” NZAS general manager Gretta Stephens.

Forest and Bird who administer the trust account that external donations and sponsorship money are made to. This ensures supporters can be sure all financial contributions to the programme go directly to Kākāpō Recovery.

In Kākāpō, Native animals , , , , , , , ,
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Mistletoe Bay Trust named Supreme Winner at Trustpower National Community Awards

Department of Conservation —  29/04/2014

Mistletoe Bay Trust was named Supreme Winner at this year’s Trustpower National Community Awards for its Mistletoe Bay Eco Village and Campground in the Marlborough Sounds.

DOC Ranger Wendy Sullivan writes…

The gorgeous Mistletoe Bay.

The gorgeous Mistletoe Bay

Mistletoe Bay Trust is a not-for-profit charitable organisation formed in 2003 when DOC was looking at options for the ongoing management of Mistletoe Bay Reserve and Campground.

After negotiating a Control and Management Agreement (CMA) with DOC, the Trust went on to create a sustainable Eco Village facility.

Outward Bound volunteers improving the road.

Outward Bound volunteers improving the road

The volunteer organisation makes the most of its native bush setting to give visitors—particularly children—a hands-on experience of living sustainably, with energy-efficient cabins, recycling, water collection and on-site sewage treatment.

Fun
Fishing
Sailing
Swimming

Their education programme is particularly inspiring. The Mistletoe experience includes a sustainability tour, sailing, kayaking, fishing, tramping, camping, beach/stream/pond study, native planting, maintaining vegetable gardens (for their Eat-Fit Programmes) and enjoying the native bush and bay.

An ideal venue for leadership skill building.

An ideal venue for leadership skill building

The income from general visitors, including wedding parties and conferences, helps pays for school groups to the Bay.

80% of the time Mistletoe is for kids, and the other 20% enables that.

Students learning new outdoor skills.

Students learning new outdoor skills

At the National Community Awards, each organisation gives an eight minute presentation on their group or activity along with a 1,000 word summary.

The groups are judged by their peers, with peer judging making up 50% of the final score and the other 50% coming from an independent judging panel.

The efforts of the Trust over the last 10 years were judged as “outstanding”, “inspirational”, “mind blowing”, “a model of sustainability and environmental education to be duplicated around the country”.

Simon Heath, Chair of the Trust.

Simon Heath, Chair of the Trust

You may be able to feel the passion from this group from reading the extract of an email that Simon Heath (Chair of the Trust) sent around on the Monday following the award ceremony…

“There is no doubt, through our collective energy, efforts and vision, we have done something very special for Marlborough and New Zealand. I just wish we could have all been together with our partners (who are a huge part of what we have done and do) to step onto that stage and feel that pride and humility that comes with receiving such a prestigious award…”

The NZ Army built the Mistletoe conference room.

The NZ Army built the Mistletoe conference room

As Trustpower National Community Award Supreme Winner, Mistletoe Bay Trust received a trophy, a framed certificate, $2,500 prize money, a $500 voucher from Exult, a leading specialist training provider for the not-for-profit sector, and the increased profile and recognition that comes with this national success.

So, if you are looking for somewhere to get married, hold a team bonding session or conference, or just enjoy a great camping spot, check out Mistletoe Bay—but book early!

In Nelson/Marlborough, Sustainability, Volunteers
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