Jobs at DOC: Services Ranger, Nick Fisentzidis

Department of Conservation —  04/04/2014

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 Nick Fisentzidis, Services Ranger based on Kapiti Island.

At work

Nick and Sirocco Kakapo.

Nick and Sirocco Kakapo

Some things I do in my job include… I’m lucky enough to have a pretty defined role as the hihi/stichbird contractor on Kapiti Island.

This basically involves feeding, counting, catching, banding and reporting on Kapiti hihi. It also includes liaising with plenty of hihi gurus to come up with better ways of managing the Kapiti hihi population.

As well as this I support my partner, Genevieve, in her position as Kapiti Island ranger by doing a whole bunch of other things such as checking traps, track work, working with volunteers, paying accounts and everything else that comes with her varied role.

This helps achieve DOC’s vision by… continuing the great work that has been undertaken on Kapiti over the last 100 years, to help keep the island safe and chock full with rare species, and to inspire those who visit to learn about their environment and their place within it.

The best bit about my job is… There are a fair few ‘best bits’ when you are fortunate enough to live and work on a nature reserve.

Having takahē walking along the deck in the morning; talking the ears off visitors about hihi (or anything Kapiti related really); being a small part of the history of such a special island; but what I really enjoy is continuing to learn about the island on a daily basis.

This place is full of surprises and mystery and I love the fact that there is still so much more to discover about it.

Being able to talk to those, with past and present connections, to the rock is how I’ve come to realise what a privilege it is to work here, and also importantly, that it won’t last forever so enjoy it while we can!

Nick and Kapiti Island ranger Gen.

Nick and fellow Kapiti Island Ranger Gen Spargo

The awesome-est DOC moment I’ve had so far is… Even in only seven-odd years at DOC I’ve got a few to chose from.

I think I’d have to pick sitting on the deck of the hut on Rangatira/South East Island in the dark being bombarded by white-faced storm petrels, while listening to the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final on a tiny radio that kept cutting out at crucial times.

The yell I let out when I heard that the game was over, and the All Blacks had finally broken their 24 year World Cup jinx, could’ve just about reached Eden Park.

The DOC employee that inspires or enthuses me most is… There have been plenty up until now but I’m going to have to be a bit cliché and say my partner Genevieve.

Everything Gen does (work related or otherwise) is with met with enthusiasm, humour and a touch of Aussie class (is there such a thing?).

The passion she has for this island and for conservation in general is one to aspire to. Plus she puts up with me, so that counts for plenty.

Nick at Ta Prohm, Cambodia.

Taking some photos at Ta Prohm, Cambodia

On a personal note…

The song that always cheers me up is… I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab For Cutie, from the album Plans.

My stomping ground is… Wellington and the surrounding area.

A born and bred Wellingtonian from the much maligned northern suburbs has meant I (like many) enjoyed my first tramping experiences in the Tararua Ranges. Up to Powell Hut in the snow with running shoes, swimming in the Waiotauru River at Otaki Forks after a harrowing time on the Main Range, seeing the view for a split second as the cloud clears from Maungahuka Hut. If you can tramp in the Tararua you can tramp anywhere!

My best ever holiday was… every family road trip I ever went on.

My Dad is a huge car enthusiast and loves to drive so we often planned trips around which obscure state highway he hadn’t driven yet.

I’ve seen a fair chunk of New Zealand from the back of a car that’s for sure. Perhaps staring out the back window on those early trips helped me to realise that that we live in a pretty exceptional country and subconsciously lead me to a career trying to look after it.

Jamming with staff from Camp Wabana in Canada.

Jamming with staff from Camp Wabana in Canada

My greatest sporting moment was… Making the Wellington U-16 cricket team in my teens (my Mum still has the clipping from the paper). Even though my cricketing career didn’t go much further than that, cricket is still a slight obsession. And by slight I mean massive.

If I could be any New Zealand native species I’d be… As much as I’d like to say hihi they actually have a pretty tough life! Getting bashed around by tui and bellbirds, struggling to find old trees to nest in, putting up with annoying humans wrapping plastic and metal rings around their legs and leading them to a life of sugar water addiction…

Maybe I’ll just go with a kea so I’d have the luxury of soaring above the Alps as well as being able to pull apart some poor tourist’s rental car. Sounds like the best of both worlds to me.

Nick with a cheeky kākā on Kapiti Island.

Nick with a cheeky kākā on Kapiti Island

Deep and meaningful…

My favourite quote is… Recessions come and go but extinction is forever.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is… Don’t trust anyone whose collar is a different colour than their shirt.

In work and life I am motivated by…Humble people.

I’ve been fortunate to meet and learn from those who I’d really describe as New Zealand conservation royalty, and more often than not they are down to earth and so modest about the truly amazing work they have done.

It is something to try to remember that regardless what you have contributed, to conservation or in any other field for that matter, to never get too big for your boots. Because this whole conservation thing is far bigger than one person!

My conservation advice to New Zealanders is… Visit and spend time in your (emphasis on YOUR) special places and discover why we need to do everything we can to look after them. They’ve all we’ve got.

Question of the week…

If you had the choice between the super power of flight, being invisible or mind reading, what would you choose and why?

Probably invisibility, so I could secretly watch and attempt to better understand what hihi really need. Or maybe mind reading would be better for that… I guess if I could read their minds then I’d actually know what they need! Mind reading it is.

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Scarfie Army conservation volunteers

Department of Conservation —  03/04/2014

By DOC’s Andrea Crawford

Volunteer with gravel in a wheelbarrow.

Fetching gravel for the path to the penguin viewing area

Recently 40 Otago Polytechnic students from the Scarfie Army did something different during their first week back in Dunedin. As well as the usual toga parties and raves, these energetic scarfies spent two days volunteering during Orientation Week.

The volunteers worked with local rangers Lucy Hardy and Guy Brannigan on maintaining the penguin viewing area at Pilots Beach at the end of Otago Peninsula, which is home to over 100 little blue penguins. This area is managed by the Pukekura Trust which runs viewing tours at night. It is also close to the northern royal albatross colony at Taiaroa Head.

It was a sweltering day and after wheel-barrowing gravel for the footpath down to penguin viewing area, picking up trash from the beach, and weeding around natives planted by local school children, the scarfies couldn’t resist and jumped into the sea to cool off.

Two volunteers clearing weeds from a penguin burrow.

Clearing weeds from a little blue penguin burrow

The volunteer army also helped with some maintenance work at the fort on Taiaroa Head for the Otago Peninsula Trust, such as cleaning rust off the disappearing gun.

Other hands on work included weeding around hundreds of native plants at the Living Legends planting site at Waitati.

The students’ work will help survival of the 10,000 natives planted by the community to create a native wetland at the Orokonui Estuary. They also potted dune restoration plants for the Tomahawk Smaills Beachcare Group at their plant nursery.

Weeding around natives plants.

Weeding around natives plants at Waitati

It is fantastic to have the Scarfie Army volunteer with DOC to help out on some important conservation projects in their local area.

Inspired to help? Our volunteer programme lists opportunities for conservation projects with the Department of Conservation. Becoming a DOC volunteer involves being supervised by, and/or working with, DOC staff.

In Otago, Volunteers, Weeds , , , , ,
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Photo of the week: Duvaucel’s gecko

Department of Conservation —  02/04/2014

New Zealand’s largest lizard, and one of the world’s largest geckos, moved onto Motuihe Island this week.

Duvaucel's gecko. Photo: Dick Veitch.

Duvaucel’s gecko

100 Duvaucel’s geckos joined other threatened wildlife already on Motuihe, as part of an ecological restoration programme being implemented by the Motuihe Trust with the support of Iwi and the Department of Conservation.

Geckos play an important role in ecosystems as predator and prey, as well as dispersers of seeds and pollinating plants.

Duvaucel’s geckos are nationally “At Risk” and by reintroducing these animals to Motuihe, the long-term survival of Duvaucel’s gecko will be further assured.

Learn more

Threatened geckos to find sanctuary on Motuihe Island – Media release

New Zealand geckos

Visit Motuihe Recreation Reserve

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Poupou marine reserve markers unveiled in Fiordland

Department of Conservation —  01/04/2014

By Te Anau Conservation Services Ranger, Chloe Corne

Unique, individually carved poupou marine reserve markers were installed across Fiordland and unveiled in a special ceremony. Read on to discover how it was done…

Each poupou has a unique face and body design. Carved by Bubba Thompson.

Each poupou has a unique face and body design carved by Bubba Thompson

For the Fiordland Marine Guardians, the unveiling of newly erected poupou marine reserve markers in Charles Sound/Taiporoporo represented an important milestone and was the rewarding culmination of several years’ collaborative planning.

In his address during the unveiling ceremony, Guardians Chairperson Malcolm Lawson, acknowledged the significant effort put forward by the collaboration of the Fiordland Marine Guardians, DOC and local iwi from the Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka (the mandated Iwi Kaitiaki) on behalf of the wider Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Karanga perfomed by Rangimarie Suddaby, of the Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka, during the unveiling ceremony.

Karanga perfomed by Rangimarie Suddaby, of the Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka, during the unveiling ceremony on board the DOC vessel ‘Southern Winds’

While marine reserves are traditionally marked with white triangles, the poupou project derived from a mutual desire to put in place marine reserve markers more in keeping with the natural and cultural heritage of the fiords.

For Ngāi Tahu, the poupou symbolise enduring kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of Te Moana o Atawhenua (Fiordland).

Poupou at Wet Jacket Arm, Acheron Passage, overlooking the sound, with Fiordland Bottlenose Dolphins in the background.

Poupou at Wet Jacket Arm, Acheron Passage, overlooking the sound, with Fiordland Bottlenose Dolphins in the background

Poupou cut an impressive figure from the walls of the fiords

Poupou cut an impressive figure from the walls of the fiords

The project—led by Stewart Bull, the Ngāi Tahu representative on the Guardians, and project managed by DOC Senior Ranger Richard Kinsey—commissioned Bubba Thompson, a skilled local carver from the Awarua Rūnanga, to design and carve the poupou.

Each has the same basic shape, but with varying design differences in the face and body.

Designed to be both attractive and functional, they will be named after various ancestors from Kai Tahu Whānui history.

Production and installation of the poupou was jointed funded by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and DOC.

So far, ten poupou have been installed, in sometimes challenging wind and sea conditions.

High winds and steep, slippery rocks make installing some of the poupou difficult. Here Pete Young braces Allan Harms so that he can use the drill, while Ronnie Bull (above) keeps the poupou straight.

High winds and steep, slippery rocks make installing some of the poupou difficult. Here Pete Young braces Allan Harms so that he can use the drill, while Ronnie Bull (above) keeps the poupou straight

Still to be installed are the markers for Te Hapua Marine Reserve in Sutherland Sound and Te Tapuwae o Hua (Long Sound) Marine Reserve.

DOC and the Fiordland Marine Guardians are yet to decide if the markers for the older reserves in Milford and Doubtful Sounds will be changed.

Fourteen new poupou, newly arrived from Bluff.

Fourteen new poupou, newly arrived from Bluff

With the new poupou now in place, marking not only the marine reserves but an important part of New Zealand’s cultural heritage, all of the DOC staff involved are celebrating it as a significant achievement and are looking forward to installing the last few poupou in the remaining reserves.

In Fiordland, Marine , , , , ,
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Codfish Island – a ‘land before time’

Kurt Sharpe —  31/03/2014

I’ve recently returned from Codfish Island/Whenua Hou where I spent a week helping rangers from DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery team. While I was there I was lucky enough to experience the hatching of the first kākāpō chick of the season.

The journey to Codfish Island began with my first ever ride in a helicopter. As the chopper flew over Foveaux Strait I could almost hear the Jurassic Park soundtrack playing in my head. We were heading to the New Zealand equivalent of a ‘land before time’.

Helicopter landed on Codfish Island. Photo: Kurt Sharpe.

My first helicopter ride

Upon arriving on the island it truly did feel like I had been transported to another era. Birds, bats, lizards and insects ruled the island, and the small hut just off the main beach at Sealer’s Bay, seemed to be an oddity in such a wild and ancient place.

The island is home to most of the surviving population of kākāpō in the world, and was teeming with kākā, kākāriki, korimako, mōhua and the Codfish Island mātātā.

Codfish Island fernbird. Photo: Abbey McMillan.

Codfish Island mātātā. Photo: Abbey McMillan

The diversity of plants at different points on the island was stunning; I had never before seen such lush plant life and native bush. The local korimako/bellbirds were by far the friendliest native inhabitants of these bushes and they were not afraid to land right at your feet and check you out before returning back to the bushes alongside the tracks.

The curiosity of the bellbirds was only rivalled by that of a kākā called George who loved getting his beak into anything that was left lying around the hut. He was even blamed for one or two items of clothes that went missing from the washing line.

View across to Stewart Island. Photo: Abbey McMillan.

The view across to Stewart Island. Photo: Abbey McMillan

Having grown up in the North Island I had never before seen a mōhua/yellowhead. This beautiful little bird was last year crowned New Zealand’s Bird of the Year so I really hoped I would get to see one during my stay. Not only did I get to see one, but I discovered they are social creatures and groups of them could be seen flitting from branch to branch and singing from the treetops.

Mōhua. Photo: Jinty McTavish.

Mōhua. Photo: Jinty McTavish

At night the short-tailed bats took over the island. Unlike other bats they use their folded wings as limbs to scramble around on the ground to search for food, if you are walking around the island at night you have to be careful where you step.

The booming and chinging of the male kākāpō can be heard all over the island at night. One evening, as we were transporting gear from one of the kākāpō nest sites, we ran into Wolf the kākāpō booming his little heart out just off the track. If you’ve never heard a kākāpō boom before it’s quite an unusual sound. Not only do you hear it but you can also feel the vibrations go right through you.

A booming kākāpō.

A booming kākāpō

DOC’s ensures the kākāpō are well looked after and protected from pests and diseases. Quarantine on the island is strict. Diseases and pests could do real harm to the remaining kākāpō population and the other species that call Codfish Island home.

While on the island one female kākāpō needed to be caught for a health check. Transmitters make finding the kākāpō a reasonably easy job, although catching them isn’t always as simple. Sometimes the kākāpō might be sleeping up in a tree or tucked away on the forest floor. These are wild animals, so they don’t take kindly to human intrusion. In this case the kākāpō was easily found and caught and the health check turned out to be a quick and painless affair.

Kākāpō health check. Photo: Kurt Sharpe.

Kākāpō health check

DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery team doing an amazing job caring for the kākāpō of Codfish Island and I consider myself really lucky to have spent a week there meeting this team who are doing an awesome job for kākāpō conservation.

Watch this short video of my first meeting of a kākāpō on Codfish Island:

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