April 2010 Tauranga, Royal Forest and Bird Protecton Society Newsletter

8/8/2019 April 2010 Tauranga, Royal Forest and Bird Protecton Society Newsletter

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Tauranga Branch Newsletter

April 2010Issue No 73

Life beneath the waves

A fascinating presentation of the wonderfulvariety of life beneath our waves. From thesmall and humble to the large and loud.

Guest speaker: Kirstie KnowlesNational Marine Conservation Advocate

Forest and Bird, Wellington

St Johns Anglican Church94 Bureta Road, Otumoetai, Tauranga

on Thursday 13th May at 7.30pmAll welcome !

With an international background in marine scienceand community coastal management, Kirstie will givean overview of all the amazingly unique butincreasingly under threat marine life that we have inNZ. This is also an opportunity to focus on some ofthe threats to our marine life, which includeoverfishing, bad fishing methods, marine mining and

exploration, ocean acidification and pollution.

Kirstie has developed an outlandish passion for ourmarine life. In this special talk she will share some ofher insights and address many of the concerns beingtackled by Forest & Bird.

This presentation will be followed by the AGM.Tea, coffee and juice will be served.

Gold coin donation for room hire please.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Help us give nature a voice!Have you ever considered taking a more active role in your local branch? Do you have ideas for activities,events, publicity or marketing? Do you feel passionate about conservation? Believe in speaking out? Doyou have a project you would like to see the branch undertake? Dont be shy! We are looking for peoplewho may like to become more active and we are always open to new ideas. If you are interested, or want tonominate someone (or be nominated) for the local branch committee, phone Liz on 577 6412 or email thebranch secretary [email protected] . Please consider joining the team. Help yourbranch make a difference!

Forest and Bird's Smol Work Holiday in VanuatuHelp nature and have fun in Vanuatu by joining

Forest & Bird Field Officer Sue Maturins trip to theVatthe Conservation Area on the island of EspirituSanto and visit the live volcano on Tanna Island.You will have opportunities to work in the bushalongside local teams to control a rampantconvolvulus vine, known as big leaf (Merremiapeltata), which is threatening Vatthe's native forest.During the tour you will have time to explore Vatthetropical forest and marine life on the shores ofMatantas, help control big leaf; stay in a remotevillage and get to know local families; snorkel overmany different vibrant coral reefs; see Tannasactive volcano; experience cultural events, relax on

tropical beaches and eat fresh pawpaw and muchmore. The trip departs 18 July 2010. Party limited to12 people. For more information or to bookcontact: Sue Maturin phone 03 477 9677 oremail

Small but deadly

The true impact of wasps as pests was broughthome to me today when I saw a common waspfeeding on something I finally realised was a livegreen cicada only the head, wings and tiny part ofthe thorax were still there. A wasp can eat about 6insects a day, in addition to nectar, in season dothe math yourself and wonder what is left for ourbirds to eat. (Eila)

Random thought for this issue Why minegold anyhow? What is it actually used for? Keptin vaults to prove wealth? Why not just store it in

the earth where it is and stop building vaults?(editor)
http://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]


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Kaimai Mamaku Campaign Report(by Eila Lawton)

Recent activitiesSeveral members have attended workshopsrelevant to the Campaign. Tanes Tree Trust isconcerned with growing native tree species for farm

forestry - one possibility for buffering the edge of thenarrow Forest Park. The Wetland Symposium run bythe National Wetlands Trust in Rotorua had manyideas for restoration of a habitat type that is underespecial pressure in our area. The Campaign made astrong presentation at a Waikato Biodiversity Forum.These meetings have also allowed us to raiseawareness of the Campaign and Forest & Birdsdetermination to work effectively with other groups toimprove biodiversity in the area, from the WaihouRiver to the Tauranga Harbour.

Our set of 6 excellent posters highlighting local

biodiversity and how it is at risk have been on displayat all these venues. A set of these posters isavailable for each branch to use whenever possible.Several posters could be used individually, also.

Please contact Al Fleming if you think you havesomewhere the posters could usefully be displayed.There are brochures and leaflets as well.

The 5 peaks walks series attracted good numbers,with 5 people receiving certificates for making it to all5 promontories. Thanks to Al Fleming and the walkleaders for this initiative, which we hope introduced

many people to the wildlife of the Forest Park.

Our KMC T-shirts with thenew F&B logo are a real hit,we get orders wheneverthey are seen! These comein: white, yellow and bluewith the 2-colour greenlogo, and in black with thelogo in white. Sizes are S,M, L, XL, and XXLTo order, contact Cynthia at552 0220 or [email protected] but hurry, some sizes arealready sold out!(kindly modeled by a recentPolish visiting adventurer)

State of the Environment Assessment ReportThe long-awaited State of the Environment report forthe catchments of the Kaimai Mamaku area fromDoC, Environment BOP and Environment Waikato isfinally published. (See the Environment BOP website toview the document online or request a CD). Forest &Birds initiative at Aongatete Forest has been at leastone of the seeds leading to the tripartite initiative of

which this publication is the first flower. It was severalyears ago that we shared a picnic tea with the CEOof Environment BOP (Bill Bayfield) amongst theshattered tawa of Aongatete, and heard him declarehe had never seen forest in such bad state ...

It is good to see that the authors of the report sharemany of our approaches (our contributions of somedata and other comments is acknowledged). Theyhave identified the same areas, recognising theintegrity of natural ecosystems.

The report underlines the value of the remainingforested areas, with their high biodiversity due togeology, landform, altitude changes and distributionlimits. It describes the northern Kaimai area asunique in its diverse assemblage of plants andanimals, and a bridge to the forests of theCoromandel. This area is the more diverse, but thegreater concentration of remaining threatenedspecies is in the south, the less damaged, lessaccessed Mamaku Plateau.

Of the 89,000 ha of indigenous habitat remaining,some 70% is formally protected, with some 26,000

ha in private or Maori hands. One must question thevalue of this protection, with virtually no pest controlnow throughout the DoC estate, and the proliferationof pest animals and plants. It is good to see that deerare acknowledged as part of the browsing animalproblem, though I found the comment that thenorthern area had limited vulnerability to browseimpacts puzzling. I could only interpret this asmeaning that the composition of the forest wasalready so changed by pests that there wasnt thatmuch more that goats and deer would choose to eat.

So where to from here?

The more we know of the local authority/DoC plans,the better we can determine our most effective role.Directions must be decided in discussion andagreement with others in the community, but howbest do we become the true voice of nature in thiscampaign?

The report identifies the need for better monitoring.We have already taken a lead here with the birdsurveys initiated last November, and training peoplein monitoring other species groups may be one waywe can raise awareness of the need for action. Itwould also be an opportunity to increase recognition

and awareness of native species, a skill not highamongst kiwis. (Can you identify the two speciespictured on the next page?)

One idea being floated is of a belt of protection fromthe BOP to the Waikato, at a selected point, withgroups gradually working from either side to link atthe top of the range. If Waitakere can make an Ark inthe Park, so can we quote Barack Obama, not thebeer ad!

It is clearly important to give DoC all encouragementto resume pest control in Opuiaki, the kokako refuge

and centre of biodiversity in the Mamaku.

Wed like your ideas contact Al Fleming or me at 07549 3646 or our [email protected]

.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Can you identify these species?

Answers on

Saturday walks

page

Too Precious to MineDo we really need to have any more conservationland destroyed by mining? The Government's recentannouncement that there will be a review ofSchedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act, 1991 hasdivided public opinion. The review hopes to evaluatethe economic value of some areas of Crown land,areas considered to have relatively low conservationvalues and high potential mineral resources.

It is proposed that some parts of conservation land

and national parks are to be removed from Schedule4. The mining industry welcomes a stocktake on thecountry's natural resources however, many othersare against any use of these areas for miningpurposes. Areas currently at risk from this reviewinclude, Paparoa National Park for gold and coal,several areas in the Coromandel (which includeconservation land near Thames), Otahu EcologicalReserve and Parakawai Geological Reserve for gold,and silver at Great Barrier Island. This 'stocktake' willbe at a cost of around $4 million of taxpayers money.

Under the Crown Minerals Act, 1991, no prospecting,

exploration, or mining can take place on landmanaged by the Department of Conservation withoutthe Minister of Conservation agreeing to an accessagreement. Under Schedule 4, there are limitedcircumstances in which the Minister can grantaccess. These include maintenance and constructionof emergency exits or shaft service for anunderground mine, to allow the demonstration ofhistoric mining and to enable any mining operationthat does not remove vegetation which exceeds anarea of 16m

2. The Government has also suggested

that 12,000 hectares considered to be of highconservation value will be added to schedule 4.

However these areas, such as marine reserves andHauraki Gulf islands were previously considered inthe last review of 2008 and still await protection, so

this cannot be accepted as a trade off.

The total annual mineral value from the miningindustry in New Zealand is estimated to be around$1.6 billion. This is small compared to the economicvalue of tourism which is stated to be worth $21billion. Mining is a short term option for profit which ispotentially going offshore.

The forests in New Zealand have taken manyhundreds of years to grow and mature and cannot be

replaced in a short time. Long lived, slow growingspecies of flora and fauna need to be saved andprotected in this special place. This is the time tohave your say and be a part of the protection andconservation of New Zealand's unique and fragileheritage.

Do we want to sit by and witness the extinction ofmore unique native New Zealand species? We haveto consider what the sustainable options for thefuture are. New Zealand is a popular destination forvisitors from all over the world. The attraction is theopportunity to get out into the wilderness andexperience nature. The world has changed and the

exploitation of the natural environment for short termprofit has to stop. Many other species needprotection, not just humans. If we take these mineralsnow, what will be left? Open-cast mines have adevastating effect on the natural environment. Theremoval of vegetation, soil and rock through mining,means that the native birds, bats, insects and frogsare left homeless and vulnerable. The toxic run offfrom contamination of heavy metals such ascadmium, arsenic, lead and zinc builds up, andsediment causes the waterways to be come cloudy,leading to reduced light and oxygen that kills aquaticlife. And what about the waste product and the piles

of tailings left abandoned when the operation is doneand has moved on? Liz Cole

Be a voice for nature - What You Can Do1. The Government has called for submissions from the public on its mining proposals. Submissions close at 5pm on

Tuesday, 4 May 2010. Send a submission to Prime Minister John Key, reminding him of the value of the natural areaand the need for future protection. Use our online submission formhttp://www.forestandbird.org.nz/mining-conservation-land

2. Contact your local Government representatives and tell them what you think and what you would like them to do.3. Send a photo of your favourite location to the Prime Minister ([email protected]) and tell him why you dont

want to see it mined.4. Becoming a 2precious2mine e-campaigner. Get online (F&Bs Green Room, Facebook, Bebo, blogs, etc) and invite

your friends and family to become involved too.5. Signing up to our e-alerts and e-news to take part in our petitions and activities.6. Donate to our mining campaign.7. Visit too precious to mine website - and keep up to date on the latest news and events.8. Consider your own lifestyle and what you can do to reduce the amount of resources you consume and how you can

protect your surrounding environment from pollution damage and waste.
http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/mining-conservation-landhttp://www.forestandbird.org.nz/mining-conservation-landhttp://www.forestandbird.org.nz/mining-conservation-landhttp://www.forestandbird.org.nz/mining-conservation-landhttp://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://www.forestandbird.org.nz/mining-conservation-landhttp://www.forestandbird.org.nz/mining-conservation-land


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Tauranga Forest & Bird - Saturday WalksThese are held on the Second Saturday of the month. Unless otherwise specified, all trips meet at 8:15am at the12

thAve / Cameron Road corner. Bring stout walking shoes or preferably boots, lunch, drinks, personal

medication, warm clothing and wet weather gear. The dollar amount show is the recommended donation to thedrivers for petrol. Ring the leader beforehand for information or changes.

Date Location DescriptionDifficultyCar donation

May 8 Mt KarangahakeWalk up old mining tracks through bush to lookoutat the trig point.

Helen 571 1085

Difficult gradewith some shortsharp inclines.

$12

June 12Whakatane toOhope

Bush, and great beach views at this headland.Barbara 577 1211

Moderate$20

July 10School Hols

Wairongomai

Look for fungi in this area of old gold mining relicsand regenerating bush. Bring warm clothing as itcan be a cold area.

Janet 544 5362

Moderate$15

Aug 14 Eastern Okataina Ancient native trees on this lake walk. At a goodpace we may get to Lake TaraweraRon & Carole 576 5698

Moderate$20

Guidelines for safe walking on Forest and Bird TripsWe are a conservation focused group rather than trampers. We stop frequently to observe.Walking groups need to keep together. Walkers who cannot keep within sight and hearing of theleader need to make special provision for theirown safety. Do not drop behind or go ahead byyourself.Slow walkers need to arrange beforehand to have a companion who is fit, capable and independentand carriesa cell phone, whistle and first aid kit.

All walkers should have in their pack a whistle and personal medication. Take heed of the "hazards /difficulty" described in the Walks Programme.

KCC (Kiwi Conservation Clubthe childrens division of the branch)Hey kids! Check out the new KCC webpage atwww.kcc.org.nz! The current events schedule is also posted underthe "News" panel of the KCC web page. We have an email: [email protected] people are welcome touse to send ideas for trips or activities - which are always welcome.

Newsletter Coordinator Brigit Manning is looking for local stories and also for information about local artists andwriters who have been inspired by the local environment that we can mention to the children. Any information thatF & B members can contribute would be wonderful! Her aim is to encourage children to look at what is around themand find stimulation and inspiration in a very relaxed way. Contact Brigit at 576 3173

Also, we are keen to have people bring their ideas to the next planning meeting which is at 7.30pm Wednesday19th May. Please ring Mandy Fairbairn ph 579 - 1650 if you intend to come, venue to be advised.

Did you get the identification right?

Flowers of the puriri tree, an almost continual source of nectar for birds in lowland forest in our area.Copper skink, our most common native skink, around 60mm long, once common throughout the North Island.
http://www.kcc.org.nz/http://www.kcc.org.nz/http://www.kcc.org.nz/http://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://nz.mc961.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]://www.kcc.org.nz/


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Tauranga Forest & Bird - Thursday WalksThese are on the FIRST and THIRD Thursdays of the month, meeting beside the Bethlehem Countdown buildingOpposite Bethlehem Hall at 9:15am unless otherwise specified, and usually returning by 3:00pm. Bring all ownfood and gear as for Saturday walks.Walks do occasionally change, so if going to alternative meeting points, check with leader - preferably before7.30pm the night before.

Date Location DescriptionDifficulty

Car donationsuggestion

May 6 McLaren Falls

See the various exotic trees with their autumn colourleaves.

Meet Countdown Cameron RdEnid 575 6146

Easy/Moderate$5

May 20Ongare PtTanners PtKauri Pt

Short walks around the headlands on the Taurangaharbour.

Fiona 576 7013

Easy/Moderate$12

June 3Kaimai summit

repeater station

An open walk with views to Mt Ruapehu on a fine day.Meet Countdown Cameron Rd

Helen 571 1085 / Eddie 576 1849

Moderate$8

June 17Mt Maunganui &Hot Pools

Around or up the Mount (or both?) then swim in hotpools for midwinter.

Meet opposite Pilot Bay boat trailer parkat cnr Adams Ave & The Mall

Enid 575 6146

Easy/Moderate/hard options

$0

July 1Rowesdale &Ohauiti Rdsubdivisions

New walk through this interesting tree-clad gully.Meet Countdown Cameron Rd

Fiona 576 7013

Moderate$7

July 15School Hols

Ancient pa site &museum

Bushwalk to an ancient pa site then back toPendergrasts museum of farm history Mangatoi Rd.

Meet Countdown Cameron RdDorothy 576 2726

Easy$10

Aug 5Bowentown &Anthenreewalkways

Ocean & harbour views out through pohutakawa aroundthe headland - and see how many introduced weeds youcan spot!

Cheryl 576 2689

Easy/Moderate$7

Aug 19Papamoa East toFord Cut

Walk along the unpopulated end of the beach looking forseabirds.

Meet Countdown Cameron RdEddie 576 1849

Easy/Moderate$7

Sep 2Little Waihi toMaketu & Ford Rd

Walk around a headland, see seabirds and interestinggeology in the cliffs. Then on to Ford Rd to approach therivermouth from the other side.

Meet Countdown Cameron Rd

Kea 552 6338

Moderateclamber over

boulders aroundheadland

$12

Sep 16Uretara riverWalkwayKatikati

Flower Power walk: Quick visit to orchids at Te PunaQuarry Park then on to Katikati to see daffodils andwaterfowl in returning wetlands.

Enid 575 6146

Easy$10

Guidelines for safe walking on Forest and Bird TripsWe are a conservation focused group rather than trampers. We stop frequently to observe.Walking groups need to keep together. Walkers who cannot keep within sight and hearing of theleader need to make special provision for theirown safety. Do not drop behind or go ahead byyourself.Slow walkers need to arrange beforehand to have a companion who is fit, capable and independent

and carriesa cell phone, whistle and first aid kit.All walkers should have in their pack a whistle and personal medication. Take heed of the "hazards /difficulty" described in the Walks Programme.


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Visit Forest and Bird website:www.forestandbird.org.nz

Visit the Kiwi Conservation Club website:www.kcc.org.nzJoin Forest & Bird - freephone - 0800 200 064

If undeliverable, please return to:

Tauranga Forest and BirdPO Box 15638Tauranga3144
http://www.forestandbird/http://www.forestandbird/http://www.kcc.org.nz/http://www.kcc.org.nz/http://www.kcc.org.nz/http://www.kcc.org.nz/http://www.forestandbird/

Documents

April 2010 Tauranga, Royal Forest and Bird Protecton Society Newsletter