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Archives For 30/11/1999

Photo of the week: Rowi chick success on Blumine Island

Department of Conservation —  29/05/2013

This week’s photo was shared on Facebook by DOC West Coast. It shows Rein the kiwi dog checking in on Norman and Stealth, two rare rowi kiwi, on Blumine Island/Oruawairua. After years of breeding problems Norman and Stealth have finally become parents to a new kiwi chick.

Rowi breeding success on Blumine Island – we’re stoked about it!

rowi-rare-breeding

The photo was taken by Iain Graham, an Operation Nest Egg Ranger in DOC’s Franz Josef – Waiau Area Office.

To hear the romantic story of Norman and Stealth listen to this report on Radio New Zealand.

Send us your photos

If you have a great, conservation related photo you want to share with the world (or at least the readers of this blog) send it through to us at socialmedia@doc.govt.nz.

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Mystery of the moving bridge

Department of Conservation —  24/04/2013

Cornelia Vervoorn from DOC’s Franz Josef/Waiau Area Office shares photos from the recent repair of a bridge damaged by flood on the West Coast.

After a flood you can sometimes find DOC bridges washed miles from their original positions. What is more unusual is to find them in the same place but rotated 90 degrees.

The bridge on Lake Ellery Track that was damaged by flood.

The bridge appears to have made a 90 degree turn

We think that is what happened with the heavy rain a wee while back. The river backed up as the lake level rose slowly, gently lifting the bridge and turning it, rather than destroying it as normally happens!

This bridge is located on the Lake Ellery Track, south of Haast. The water level during the flooding was at head height for a person standing on the track.

DOC rangers fix the bridge on the Lake Ellery Track.

DOC rangers get to work fixing the bridge

The flood lifted the bridge and the concrete block it was attached to! The mystery of the moving bridge reminded some people of the magical moving staircases in the fictional world of Harry Potter.

The magical moving staircase in Harry Potter.

The mystery of the moving bridge was not as magical as some thought.

DOC rangers Cheryl and John have fixed it now and are pretty pleased about it as you’ll see!

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DOC rangers Cheryl and John after fixing the bridge.

In West Coast , , , , , ,
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Kayak trail opens at West Coast lagoon

Department of Conservation —  16/10/2012

The Ōkārito Lagoon Kayak Trail on the West Coast was officially opened by Norm Thompson, deputy CEO of Air New Zealand, on Friday 5 October, in defiance of some of the worst weather to hit the West Coast this spring.

Norm Thompson opens the trail with the help of Luuka Jones and Holly Robinson.

Norm Thompson opens the trail with the help of Luuka Jones and Holly Robinson

Approximately 30 hardy souls, warmed by sausages and kumara patties at a pre-event barbeque, fought their way through the driving rain and 40 knot winds to the shelter of the shed on the historic Ōkārito Wharf, near Westland National Park.

While the weather put paid to plans for an inaugural mass kayak flotilla, led by Olympians Luuka Jones and Holly Robinson, these two champion athletes cheerfully assisted with the other important rituals of the day, including arranging the official ribbon for cutting, and planting soil-stabilising carex grasses on the lagoon shore.

In the comparative calm of the wharf shed, Norm Thompson cut the ribbon to declare the South Island’s first kayak trail officially open to the public. Norm spoke about the range of projects that have been sponsored by the Air New Zealand Environment Trust so far, and the great relationship that the Trust and Air New Zealand as a whole have built with DOC in their restoration and sponsorship activities.

Norm Thompson and Wayne Costello braving the weather to open the trail.

Norm Thompson and Wayne Costello braving the weather to open the trail

Highlighting the successful partnership that has seen the creation of this trail Norm Thompson said “DOC manages one of the most important tourism assets in New Zealand—its incredible natural environment, so as the company that brings more visitors to this country than any other, Air New Zealand values being able to work with DOC on projects such as this to protect and enhance that environment”.

The opening of the trail is a highlight of the Glaciers to Wetlands Restoration Project, funded by the Air New Zealand Environment Trust, which as well as restoring the wetland complex to its former glory is also making it easier for visitors to the area to enjoy what wetlands have to offer to people and the other inhabitants of the complex ecosystem.

White heron sculpture stands along the kayak trail to mark the route.

White herons mark the route

It’s intended that, through the provision of good information and a well-thought-out guide to the kayaking possibilities on the lagoon, New Zealanders and overseas visitors will develop an appreciation of the importance of healthy wetlands, and that the region will be a winner economically with increased tourist numbers and longer stays in the region.

Clare Backes, chair of the West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board said, “There is a real need for this kind of eco-sensitive development which showcases our unique environment and its flora and fauna. Both New Zealanders and international tourists will appreciate this new development by DOC”.

The kayak trail winds through seven kilometres of New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland system—the Ōkārito Lagoon. The kayakers follow cleverly designed numbered kotuku (white heron) markers that correspond to information in a waterproof trail guide that has been designed to fit on the deck of a kayak.

As the rain beat heavily on the region, river levels rose quickly, but out at the lagoon, water levels were affected mainly by the tide, thanks to the flooding mitigation that is one of the essential services wetlands like Ōkārito lagoon provide.

A kayak on the trail on a sunny day in the Okarito lagoon.

On a sunny day it looks like this!

In Recreation, West Coast , , , , , ,
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Hokitika’s Conservation Week limerick contest

 —  26/09/2012

There once was a limerick contest
Hokitika staff picked out the best
They were displayed on boards
At the Conservation Awards
But one poem was better than the rest

As part of their Conservation Week activities, Inger Perkins and Sue Asplin of the Hokitika Department of Conservation (DOC) team ran ‘The Great Conservation Week Limerick Competition’.

The task was to ‘write a limerick about something you love doing in our great outdoors’. The prize was a helicopter ride for two with Anderson Helicopters, a kiwi crèche experience with a DOC ranger, a daypack, a head torch, Whittakers fair trade chocolate, and an Andris Apse book of scenic photos.

Image of Tyler Bishop, Age 7, the winner of the limerick competition.

Tylar Bishop won the limerick competition

Tylar Bishop, age 7, from Kaniere School won the competition. Here’s his winning limerick:

There was a young kid who liked to go tramping,
As he walked his feet he was stamping.
He kicked all the rocks,
And pulled up his socks,
Then pitched his tent to go camping.

The competition was stiff, with some amazing entries coming forward from local children and adults alike. Below are a few of the good ones. The floor is open for anyone else that wants to have a go, though, sorry, all the chocolate has gone!

Image of a group of children from St Mary's School, Hokitika, reading the limericks of the finalists.

Group of children from St Mary’s School, Hokitika, reading the limericks of the finalists

Limerick contest entries:

There once was a little brown kiwi
Who tried to find his long lost iwi,
When he found the whānau,
They were like “Um, Ah, No!!”
Till they found out his name was Hiwi
Lesha Iraia, Age 12, Karoro School

There once was a fisherman called Ron,
Who was worried the fish were all gone.
Don’t catch too many
Leave some for Lenny
As what will we eat when they’re gone?
Taylor Martyn-Frewin, Age 11, Karoro School

There once was a DOC worker named Ned
Who was a very wise man he said
“Be not overcome with greed
And take only what you need,
Save some for your grandchildren instead”.
Keeley Sexton, Age 11, Karoro School

There once was a botanist called Ambrose
Who would hike up where Edelweiss grows
He saw something new
Then stepped in a poo
His discovery – a Toilet Paper Rose
Megan Norris

Here West of the alps, it is great
With Flora, Fauna, Forests, Glaciers and Lakes,
Whitebait are found,
Marvellous Vistas abound,
Let’s preserve and enjoy our Conservation estate
Jean Adams

I’ve sat back and listened for years
There’s been fighting and protest and tears
If we do what we say
and we say what we do
This planet will last us for years.
Dave Palmer

The Arthur’s Pass kea are such a delight
But feeding these birds is NOT alright!
When they eat the wrong food
They get cheeky and rude
And totally wreck anything that’s in sight!
Sue Asplin

Image of DOC area manager, Ian McClure, selecting finalists - and laughing.

DOC area manager, Ian McClure, selecting finalists – and laughing

In Jobs at DOC, Old Conservation Week posts, West Coast , , , , , ,
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Jobs at DOC: Ivy Willmott, DOC Visitor Centre/i-Site Ranger

 —  06/07/2012

Every Friday Jobs at DOC takes you behind the scenes and into the jobs, the challenges, the highlights, and the personalities of the people who work at the Department of Conservation.

Today we profile DOC Visitor Centre/i-Site Ranger Ivy Willmott.

A good day at work

Name: Ivy Willmott.

Position: Ranger, DOC Visitor Centre/i-SITE. 

At work…


What kind of things do you do in your role?

Being one of the front line laydees of goodness and joy at the Franz Josef Visitor Center and i-SITE, I answer phones, radios and lots and lots of questions every day. I chat about everything from the weather, DOC projects, campsites, tramping, day hikes, Great Walks, hunting, fishing, the glaciers, travel, New Zealand, Franz, Fox, eating, drinking, jumping out of planes, riding horses… the list is endless!

We are constantly learning—thank goodness for the awesome DOC website with the answers to nearly any DOC-related question.

I help book people onto whatever activity they want to do, find and book accommodation all over New Zealand, sort out travel plans… basically help folks have the best holiday/trip possible. I LOVE IT!!!


What is the best part about your job?

Helping people smile and enjoy their day and remove the stress that many folks seem to find on holiday! Crazy Moogs!

Every day is a happy day!

Watching the wave of relief wash over folks as bookings are made, travel plans are sorted, and watching the good holiday juju work it’s way back onto their faces as they trot off to enjoy this beautiful country.

Followed swiftly by getting to sample all the amazing activities on offer in the area in the name of research… Yeeaaaaaooooooow! AWESOME! You gotta know it to sell it!

Franz Josef Glacier hike


What is the hardest part about your job?

Trying to convince people you have no control over the West Coast weather. Rude people, impatient people, and trying to keep the ability to smile over it all. Not being able to wear bright colours! Ha, nah, it’s all sweet… not much to not be happy about here!


What led you to your role in DOC?

I’m originally from Scotland with a career as a Theatre Stage Manager. Nine years of fun and mischief worldwide led me to New Zealand, where I have been for eight years. Working with environmental community groups in the resource recovery field for the last three years, but having a yearning for the West Coast, led me to Franz Josef.

As well as having a good crew of mates that worked within the department, but mostly the awesome Kiwi team here on the coast and their enthusiasm for their work. The opportunity arose to join the wonderful Visitor Centre/i-SITE team and here I am… BooOm!!!

Quadbiking in Nelson, Happy Valley


What was your highlight from the month just gone?

Well, research this month was pretty spectacular. Going on two glacier heli trips was pretty amazing, hmmmmm, so was horse trekking on a crispy sunny spotless winter morning with breathtaking views over Mount Elie De Beaumont….

But what did take the biscuit was my first Area day. Getting to put faces to the names and voices I deal with daily. Getting to see what all the different groups have been up to for the past year. Awesome jobs all round, and that’s just our Area!

The rule of 3…

3 loves

  1. My dog Munter.
  2. Having dreams and ambitions and having them coming true.
  3. Good recyclers. 


3 pet peeves

  1. Litter on the roadside… actually litter anywhere it shouldn’t be.
  2. Rude people.
  3. Lateness.

3 foods

  1. Pizza.
  2. Rock and roll chick pea gravy and mash (recipe available on request!).
  3. Roast chicken and veg cooked in the camp oven on the beach at sunset!

3 favourite places in New Zealand

  1. Any of the wonderful South Island West Coast beaches…. The salty wind on your face, the sound of crashing waves, sunset, wine and good friends—heaven.
  2. The summit of Treble Cone after a big snow dump, bluebird day, good friends, chocolate and mulled wine. The snowy mountains and Lake Wanaka feeding the soul.
  3. I have to say, sitting up at Almer Hut having a picnic with the laydees on Boxing Day, looking down the Franz Josef Glacier and out to the Tasman sea was ridiculously special! 

Hmmmmm I feel a theme… nature, fine food, fine wine, and fine friends, and I’m a happy gal.

Snowboarding up Treble Cone summit


Favourite movie, album, book

  • Movie: Oooh a toss up between Big Fish and Cinema Paradiso.
  • Album: The Band – The Band.
  • Book: The Power of One.
     

Deep and meaningful…


What piece of advice would you tell your 18 year old self?

I would love to think sense has got the better of me and I would say ‘Do something that will make you money’. Ha, but nope, I think it would be ‘Follow your dream, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it, but maybe learn a skill like welding, or cheffing or hairdressing to help you out of those tight financial spots!’ Hmmmm…. also, ‘Don’t leave it until your mid 30s to try Brandy Alexander’s!’

Me and my juggling clubs


Who or what inspires you and why?

My mum…. Not only did she teach me the joys of self sufficiency, she always taught me to follow my heart; that no dream is too big, and it’s never too late to change. Always do what makes you happy. She definitely taught me to keep my cup half full.


When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A Stage Manager… from as soon as I knew that was actually a job!


And now, if you weren’t working at DOC, what would you want to be?

A bread baking, veggie growing, cheese making, goat milking, fine feast making mum.


What sustainability tip would you like to pass on?

Less is more! Reduce and reuse before you recycle, and if you have to buy something, buy a good make—more expensive, but will last a lot longer than most of the plastic nonsense about these days.

Picnic lunch up Almer Hut

Which green behaviour would you like to adopt this year—at home? At work?

I definitely want to get my veg patch cranking! I finally have a garden space to do this. Wooohooo….


If you could be any New Zealand native species for a day, what would you be and why?

Definitely a kereru. So plump and happy, hanging out getting drunk on rata berries all day, trying to fly my plump self about, and such beautiful colours!

What piece of advice or message would you want to give to New Zealanders when it comes to conservation?

Reduce, reuse then recycle. Stop driving when you don’t have to… and when you recycle…WASH and SQUASH!!!

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