June 2004 Centeral Aucland, Royal Forest and Bird Protecton Society Newsletter

8/8/2019 June 2004 Centeral Aucland, Royal Forest and Bird Protecton Society Newsletter

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FOREST AND BIRD - CENTRAL AUCKLAND ISSUE NUMBER 78 - JUNE 2004

www.forestandbird.org.nzpage 1

NEWSLETTER DELIVERIES

Many thanks to those who continue to assist with deliveries of the Newsletter. There are some areas where we are inneed of help (about an hour 3 times/year): Parnell, Remuera, Ellerslie, Mt Albert/Sandringham. If you can help please

call Arthur Vivian on 630-0533 (before 9am).

In This Issue

Chair s Report p2

AGM 2004 p2

Van Dammes Lagoonp3

Panmure Basin p3

KCC Calendar ofEvents p5

F&B Field TripsCalendar p6

Notices p6

Noteable Trees ofAuckland p7

Bioblitz p7

MEETINGS - WINTER 2004Meetings are held in the Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road(formerly the Blind Institute). There is plenty of parking behind the Centre.Meetings are on Sunday afternoons in the Hobson Room, upstairs, at2.30pm. A donation of a gold coin to help defray costs would be appreciated.

THE WORLD OF A LANDCARE RESEARCHERSunday 18 July 2004, 2.30pm - Grace HallGrace will give us a fascinating talk about her research workat Landcare. Come and learn more about the role of Landcare.

NEW ZEALANDS FIRST ART GALLERIESSunday 15 August 2004, 2.30 - Pam and Peter RussellPam and Peter will give an illustrated talk on Maori Rock Art.This is a fascinating subject, not to be missed.

NATIVE PLANTS FOR YOUR GARDENSunday 19 September 2004, 2.30pm - Jan VelvinJan is a plant propogator with 25 years experience. She will speakabout the propagation of native plants and native plants suitablefor your garden.

MOTUORA ISLAND INVERTEBRATESSunday 17 October 2004, 2.30pm - Robyn Gardner-GeeCome along and find out the results of a study of invertebrates on Motuora Island conducted byRobyn early this year.

TRANSLOCATION OF TOMTITS TO TIRITIRI MATANGISunday 21 November, 2.30pm - Barbara Hughes

Barbara will speak about the time she spent in the Hunua Ranges preparing for this translocation.

This will be the final talk for the year.

ERRATA: The caption to the photograph of Princess Te Puea Herangi on page 7 of the February 2004 issue incorrectlyreferred to ...Arbour Day 1840. This should have read Arbor Day and the year was 1940! Well spotted Ros Nicholson,and thank you.


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www.forestandbird.org.nz page 2

CHAIRS REPORT

Members may be interested to know about someprogrammes which their membership anddonations help out with locally. These include:-Motutapu Restoration Trust (eg upkeep of thenative plant nursery on the island);

-Tiritiri Matangi Island (KCC competition prize fora class to visit the sanctuary; donation for theproposed information centre);-KCC (contribution towards production of aspecial newsletter for new members; setting upof an annual KCC competition and prize);-Auckland University (donation to annual prizefor students involved with biological research);-Bushy Park (Friends of);-Pollen Island Care Group (for weed control,clean-ups, pest tracking, etc).

Hopefully this list may give you some idea aboutthe types of things we help out with. Of course,keeping an eye on the branchs finances is quitea job, and we would like to take this opportunityto warmly thank Ken Lake for his long andgenerous role as Treasurer for our branch formany years. Ken retired from the committee atthe recent AGM, and we invite members to joinwith us in thanking Ken very much for all his work.Similarly, we thank Gordon Nicholson, who alsoretired from the committee at this AGM, for hiscontribution over the years.

It is that time of the year when planting forrestoration projects begins again in earnest. Asalways, there are many sites where volunteerscan get involved in planting and maintenance.These are advertised extensively, and weencourage members to take part. See page 6of this issue for notices of some events and checkout the Forest & Bird website,www.forestandbird.org.nz . Joining with

organised trips is a great way to see differentplaces and meet people.

Anne Fenn

AGM 2004

This years AGM was held at the ParnellCommunity Centre on 15 May at 2.30pm. AnneFenn presented the Chairs annual report,focusing on the quiet but persistent approachthe Branch takes to promoting conservation

issues in the Auckland urban environment.

Over the year the Committee has progressedwith getting Te Karere into an accessibleelectronic form, and is now working ondeveloping a website for the branch. KCCmembership in the region has grown to 490members. Anne gave special thanks to SallyHally for her major committment to KCC.

Two members of the committee are steppingdown this year. Ken Lake has been Treasurerfor more years than anyone can remember (oris prepared to admit). He has kept the branch onthe straight and narrow all these years. GordonNicholson has contributed significantly over theyears particularly in the area of pest control inthe Auckland region. The Committee is verythankful for Kens and Gordons input to thebranchs work.

Anne also gave special mention to Nancy whocompleted her many years of trip planning forthe branch early this year, and to Karen Hally forher many contributions to branch activities.

The Treasurers report was tabled (Ken beingabsent) fully audited by Jolly Duncan & Wells,who have agreed to continue as auditors.

Jon Monk gave a brief report about TK,welcoming the new participation of MoniqueLens, both for her writing skills and her ITexpertise. The branch website should be up andrunning in the near future. TK production is ateam effort and Jon thanked all contributors andvolunteers who help to make it work.

KCC had another busy year of successful events,and Sally Hally reported the highlights andthanked all the contributors. Our branch helpedto fund a new KCC publication entitledBeginners Guide What is special about ourcountry. The Green Schools progrmme is

working on an Annual Conservation Award forschools, to start next year. Sally concluded witha plea for more helpers for KCC.

Nancy Payne gave her final report in poetic form.A part of this is reproduced on page 4 in tribute.

Election of Officers:Chairperson Anne FennVice-Chairs Sally Hally & Jon MonkSecretary Isabel StillTreasurer John Hally

Others Peter Riddick, ArthurVivian, Monique Lens.


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UNDER THE VOLCANO:AN AFTERNOON IN MT WELLINGTON

Van Dammes Lagoon Nature Reserve

It is easy to overlook the narrow green Van

Dammes Lagoon signpost on the Mt WellingtonHighway just before the Panmure District PrimarySchool when driving towards Mt Wellington.

Van Dammes Lagoon is a body of flowing waterdammed to form a lagoon and bounded by abroad path following the waters edge.Historically the lagoon provided a constant sourceof water for the steam engines and boilers of theIreland brothers tannery, established in the mid1800s between the Panmure Basin and thelagoon. In the early 1870s the tannery produced

90% of the Auckland Provinces total leather,which was sold to both local and export markets.

The property was bought by a Mr Van Damme inthe 1930s. He transformed the area into a beautyspot by landscaping and planting the banks ofthe lagoon, stocking the ponds with goldfish andcarp and attracting ducks and other water birds.Water lillies were grown in the lagoon andharvested for market. The property was laterpurchased by a large industrial corporation and

over the years was neglected and used as arubbish dump. In 1975 the site was bought bythe local council with the aim of restoring the areaas a nature reserve.

View of Van Dammes Lagoon

The outlet of the lagoon is crossed by a smallfoot bridge. Vegetation consists of a mixture ofmature native trees, exotics, tree ferns andunderstorey growth. Auckland City is carrying outa weed eradication programme in preparation forplanting and rehabilitation of the reserve andwhile the banks of the lagoon look rather bare atpresent it should not be long before plantings of

native species take hold and natural streamsidevegetation is restored.

A vigorous colony of water lillies remain growingin the open water lending an air of tranquillity tothe lagoon, which forms a quiet oasis betweenthe busy thoroughfares of the Mt WellingtonHighway and Ireland Road, and provides a hometo a flock of mallard ducks.

Access:Mt Wellington Highway about oppositePanmure District School, or via Triangle Road.Parking:Off-street parking at main carpark, orstreet parking on Triangle Road.Duration:30 minutes for a leisurely circuit.

Panmure Basin

The oldest volcanic feature in the Mt Wellingtonarea is the Panmure Basin, an explosion craterformed about 13,000 years ago, whose further

explosions and eruptions created first a low hillto the north of the mountain (now quarried away)and then the complicated volcanic cone of MtWellington itself.

Auckland Citys Recreation & CommunityServices Department is currently undertakingweed control and revegetation work on portionsof the southern margin of the Basin. The aim isto establish colonising species to reduce coastalerosion and weed growth, and to plant variousforest species beneath existing mature

pohutukawas. Already a variety of weeds havebeen eliminated, including wattle seedlings,nasturtium, wandering jew, moth plant, casteroil plant, woolly nightshade, kikuyu, boxthorn,privet and spindle tree.

In place of the weeds, plantings of natives havebeen established, including mahoe and houpara(in more sheltered sites), flax (on the lowerbanks) kawakawa, karo, karamu, manuka, titoki,rangiora, karaka, toetoe, kowharawhara, withkaraka and pohutukawa planted in groups.Plantings of ngaio will provide rapid cover,reducing weed germination and providing anursery environment for native species.Existing young native plantings have beenrescued from being smothered by weeds. In thevicinity of the Jubilee Bridge, which spans theinlet of the lagoon, thick jungles of jasmine,bamboo and cape ivy have been eliminated.

The tidal Panmure Basin attracts a variety of seabirds to its waters, mangrove banks and

mudflats. Local iwi have encouraged AucklandCitys planting programme around the Basin in


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the hope that revegetation and maturing nativetrees will provide increased roosting and nestingsites for white-faced heron, which can often beseen stalking the Basins shallow waters andmudflats. In Maori tradition herons (kotuku) have

long been associated with the Basin, and a heronin flight foretells good fortune.

Colonies of pied shags roost and nest in the treesoverhanging the steep banks either side of thetidal inlet at the southern end of the Basin. Inthe breeding season (autumn and spring) youngbirds and feeding activity can be seen from thepath leading south from the Jubilee Bridge.

A fitness trail and a childrens playground makethe Basin an enjoyable family walk, a round trip

taking approximately 50 minutes.

Auckland Citys Recreation Precinct Strategy(1999) identifies Panmure Basin as a recreationarea, that is, an area to be developed as a focalpoint for the local community, offering a widevariety of recreational activities for a diverserange of people. A design for the futuredevelopment and enhancement of the PanmureBasin and surrounding park has been developedfollowing community consultation and will beimplemented over the next 5-10 years. In

response to feedback, the top priorities areimproving Peterson Reserve and maintainingand enhancing the natural beauty of the area,especially the shag colony.

Access:Lagoon Drive, Panmure.Parking:Some at Lagoon Drive, and beside theStadium opposite.Amenities: Picnic areas, seats, fitness trail,childrens playground, toilets.

Monique Lens

[Thanks to Dawn Bardsley of Auckland City and

photographer Max McRae for their kind assistance.

Sources:Auckland City - Mt Wellington Domain ManagementPlan; R A Baker, Tamaki City Council, 1987 - FromBush to Borough An illustrated history of the Mount

Wellington area.]

NANCYS SWANSONG

Each New Year a little ditty has regularly been written byNancy

So for this last report to put it in verse I thought Id quitefancy.

In May we went to Te Aroha past trees changing hueWe walked and swam in the hot pool, and no-one felt blue.

June to Crystal Mountain to view pretty rocks

A lift to the grotto no problem for all the old crocks.

July in a beautiful coach we toured around Mercer to start.The lunch at Cooks Landing warmed everyones heart.

In August the weather was kinder at Te Poro this timeLots of driftwood and jandals and jokes that didnt rhyme.

******So that has been the trips for 2003But thanks to Isabel, Sally and MaryKaren and Joy for bookings kept wellAnd to Ken for paying the bills with no assets to sellAnd to our drivers on who we all depend

Steve and Christine have taken us round many a bend.

Nancy Payne

WAIPAPA STREAM

Some good news for the Waipapa stream, andsome compensation for the loss of those treesreported removed by developers in our last issueof TK. Auckland Citys heritage division hasnegotiated with the owners of properties adjacentthe stream to ensure that the stream and publicaccess to it are protected. The project was givena boost by the grant to the council of 510 m2 ofland adjacent the stream as a reserve from aland owner (Dr Lawrie Knight) in return forconsent to develop 19 residential units.

Jubillee Bridge, Panmure Basin


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www.kcc.org.nzpage 5

K.C.C. NEWSLETTER JUNE TO DECEMBER 2004

Your coordinators are: SALLY on 528 7506, NANCY on 630 1527 and SIOBHAN on 622 0959Try www.manawa.org.nzfor environmental information, including this newsletter.

Thank you to all those members and their families who have joined in our activities in the last fewmonths. Your support has been much appreciated. If you have ideas for future trips or would liketo organize one yourself - do let us know.

SUNDAY 13 JUNE MOTUIHE CHALLENGEMotuihe is being cleared of pests and weeds and replanted with native trees. Boat leaves ferrybuilding at 9.30am. Check in time is 9.00am. Cost:$10.20 per person. Bring lunch, snacks, drinks,sensible footwear, raincoat and old, warm clothes. Departure from island at 5.15pm. Phone 0800MOTUIHE after 7.00am on day of trip to check ferry is sailing. Book with SALLY on 528 7506.

SUNDAY 08 AUGUST NATIVE ARTS AND CRAFTSMeet at 2.00pm for an afternoon of fun with native materials - flax weaving, sand mirrors, shellmobiles and more. List of raw materials needed provided on booking with Nancy on 630 1527.Cost:$2.00 per child to cover hall hire. Venue: St Barnabas Scout Hall, corner Clive andNormanby Roads, Mt Eden.

SUNDAY O5 SEPTEMBER TIRITIRI MATANGI ISLANDJoin us on our annual day trip to this magical conservation island in the Hauraki Gulf. Ferryleaves Auckland at 9.00am, or drive to Gulf Harbour Marina for 9.45am sailing. Free guided walkon arrival. Information pack sent on booking with Sally on 528 7506. Cost for family (2 adults, 2children) ex Auckland - $114 , ex Gulf Harbour - $65 - other fare information on booking.

SUNDAY 10 OCTOBER GANNETS AT MURIWAIMeet at 10.00am at A.R.C. Ranger station at Muriwai Beach for a talk from the Ranger about thegannet colony before walking the track beside the colony. Cost:$1.00 per child. Book with Sallyon 528 7506.

SUNDAY 07 NOVEMBER BIRD RESCUE - ROTHESAY BAYVisit Sylvia Durrants bird rescue centre at 13 Montgomery Avenue, Rothesay Bay. Meet at10.00am when Sylvia will show us how she cares for injured and orphaned birds. Please bringalong some fresh minced meat, old linen or a cash donation. Book with Nancy on 630 1527 asnumbers are limited.

SUNDAY 05 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS RAVEJoin us for our end of year adventure and celebration at Eden Garden, Omana Avenue, Mt Eden.Meet in the caf area at 2.00pm. Nature trail and native bird discovery walk. Make NZ birddecorations to take home. Suitable for all ages. Book with Siobhan on 622 0959 or email:[email protected]

Children to be accompanied by an adult on all trips.


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PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES: June - December 2004

BUS TRIPS AND VISITS

FIELD TRIPS BY BUS: Unless otherwise stated the bus will leave from the lower Albert Street busstop at 9am. All trips also pick up at the Takapuna Rose Gardens. Trips heading south also pick upat Harp of Erin, whilst those heading north also pick up at Point Chevalier. Please advise where youwill board the bus when booking with the person named for your trip of choice. You should be suitablyclad and shod for the area and conditions expected.BOOKINGS: please forward a cheque payable to FOREST & BIRD SOCIETY to the booking officerimmediately after booking. Refunds will not be given (except for sudden illness or urgent reasons, atthe discretion of the committee) unless cancellation is notified by the Wednesday prior to the trip.

SUNDAY 11 JULY 2004MOTUTAPU ISLANDAnne Fenn will lead a volunteer trip for plantingsand to see how the restoration is progressing.Bring lunch and water; spades provided.Cost: $10.20 adult, $5.10 children.Bookings: Anne Fenn 629 2271.

SATURDAY 17 JULY 2004MANGERE MOUNTAIN & IHUMATAOFOSSIL FORESTCost: $15.Bookings: Karen Hally 528 7506.

SATURDAY 21 AUGUST 2004PUHOI & WENDERHOLMCost: $23 (includes morning tea).Bookings: Joy Lake 623 0177.

SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2004LEIGH MARINE RESERVE & TI POINTLIZARD PARKCost: $28 (includes morning tea and entry fee).

Bookings: Sally Hally 528 7506.

SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 2004MIRANDA SHOREBIRD CENTRECost: $25 (Kaiaua fish and chips will be availableif you wish to purchase them for lunch).Bookings: Isabel Still 528 3986.N.B. Departure time will be 8.30am.

SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2004MURIWAI GANNET COLONY

Cost: $18.Bookings: Karen Hally 528 7506.

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCILVOLUNTEER TREE PLANTING

PROGRAMME:www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/

parks/volunteertreeplanting.asp

CALENDARS & DIARIESWill be available in August at a cost of $13 and$22, respectively. Contact Isabel - 528 3986.

FUNGI FOR FITNESS & FUNDr Peter Buchanan, Landcare Research.25 August 2004, 7.30pm, Manaia Room,

Auckland Museum

MOTUORA ISLAND TREE PLANTINGDates: 25/07, 29/08, 26/09, 31/10, 28/11Ferry from Sandspit 8am, return 4pm.

Costs and Bookings: Phone Eileen (09)4278911, Ray (09) 4227111, Sharen 8175537.

MOTUTAPU RESTORATION TRUSTRequire help collecting seeds from the western partof Waiheke Island (up to the western end of

Onetangi) particularly: miro, matai, rimu, kahikatea,kauri, nikau, pate, titoki. Phone Russell Greenwood

on 524 0322, email [email protected].

CHIEF COORDINATOR

CENTRAL AUCKLAND KCCThis position is still open to the right applicant. Afun job working with children and their families andwith wonderful support from several motherhelpers. One lady phoned me in connection withthe post but failed to leave her correct phone

number - do phone again! If you are interestedplease contact Sally on 528 7506.


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Useful/Interesting Websites

Auckland City Council www.aucklandcity.govt.nz

Auckland Regional Council www.arc.govt.nz

Department of Conservation www.doc.govt.nzwww.manawa.org.nz

Forest & Bird www.forestandbird.org.nzMinistry for the Environment www.mfe.govt.nzNZ Native Forests Restoration Trust

www.nznfrt.org.nz

NZ Trust for Conservation Volunteerswww.conservationvolunteers.org.nz

BIOBLITZ

For those of you who missed it, BioBlitz was aLandcare Research project to search for asmany different species as possible in a 24-hourperiod in two separate bush reserve areas ofAuckland: Dingle Dell and Meadowbank Primary

School reserve. It is a great shame that the eventwas not better promoted and that the weatherwas so miserable on the 30 April/1 May.

There were biologists galore collecting, trapping,recording and identifying flora and fauna at thetwo sites, and bringing material and data backto a public display area at St Heliers. This was agreat opportunity to involve Aucklanders in a funand educational exercise. The scientists werebrimming with information and enthusiasm, andthe displays were enjoyed by children as well as

being educational for all.

It would be great if this turned into an annualevent. Not only would it raise public awarenessof biology in the urban environment and closethe gap between scientists and the public, butalso it would be a useful monitor of biodiversityin the city.

For the record there were 925 species found atDingle Dell and 631 at Meadowbank Primary.

HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Forest & Bird has recently released a 2nd edition of thisbook, edited by Rob Harris. It is a complete rewrite of the1992 version and is a comprehensive reference book onenvironmental legislation and case law in New Zealand.It is a valuable and practical resource for communitygroups and landowners, as much as for students andpractitioners in a range of disciplines.Cost for F&B members: NZ$45.95 all inclusive (normalrecommended retail price NZ$75.95).To order: phone 0800 106060; fax 04 4962796; postFreepost Brookers, PO Box 43, Wellington.

NOTABLE TREES OF AUCKLAND

Auckland is an apt name for the central citybecause the word means land of oaks, andmany oaks flourish here in the fertile soils andtemperate climate. The recently publishedNotable Trees of Auckland Nga Rakau

Rongonui o Tamaki makau rau, features fivemagnificent species of oak from countries asdiverse as Japan, England, Algeria and the USA.

The name Auckland was a tribute to LordAuckland, Governor Hobsons patron andGovernor-General of India when the fledglingsettlement beside the Waitemata Harbour wasnamed in 1840. The English lord had an estatewith extensive oak forests in the north of Englandnear the town of Bishop Auckland.

The book has full colour photos and locationmaps. Both native and exotic trees are describedin the book. Some are rare, unusual or havehistoric significance, like the totara tree plantedin 1940 by Princess Te Puea, the grand-daughterof the first Maori king, Te Wherowhero, whobrought peace to the Auckland area after theNgapuhi raids from the Bay of Islands. The shapecolour and texture of the trees is shown, and thebook reminds us of our link with the natural worldand its wildlife in our urban forest.

As a result of trial plantings of trees from all overthe world by early settler enthusiasts like JohnLogan Campbell and Judge Gillies, we now havea living legacy of significant trees to enjoy. Theprofitable timber industry, based on the Montereypine, grew out of their pioneering work anddedication.

To-day there is growing pressure on our treesfrom commercial development and the increasein roads and pollution from traffic. Trees make agreat contribution to our urban landscape, so we

hope this book will inspire Aucklanders to givethem the protection they deserve.

Ros Nicholson (The Tree Council)

Notable Trees ofAuckland is available at aprice of $10.00 (TreeCouncil members) or$12.50 (non-members)from: The Tree Council, c/o Secretary, 91 Perry Rd,RD3, Warkworth (Ph 094259246), or RosNicholson, 47 Portadown

Avenue, Pakuranga,Auckland 1706 (Ph5765320).


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Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society of New Zealand (Inc)Central Auckland Branch, P.O.Box 1118, Shortland Street,Auckland 1015

Permit No 3786

KCC NewsletterEnclosed

TE KARERE is your newsletter, if you have any comments on its presentation orthe type of information included please let us know. It is also a vehicle through

which your committee can keep you informed about the local events andmeetings planned, and the local and regional issues which your committee is

involved with. Any feedback you have would be welcomed, and may be directedto the postal address on this page, attention Anne Fenn, or by email to the

editor at [email protected].

Any opinions expressed in feature or guest articles contributedto Te Karere are those of the contibuting authors, societies or

other organisations and are not the opinions or policies of Forest& Bird, and nor are they necessarily endorsed by Forest & Bird.

Members of your committee

Anne Fenn - Chair, 629-2271,[email protected]

Isabel Still - Secretary, 528-3986John Hally - Treasurer, 528-7506Sally Hally - Vice-chair; KCC/Green Schools,

528-7506Jon Monk - Vice-chair; Newsletter editor,

379-2629, [email protected] Riddick - conservation, 524-2229Arthur Vivian - Newsletter delivery, 630-0533Monique Lens - Website and Newsletter;

525-3354

Contact any of us if you are interested incontributing to what Forest & Bird do in the CentralAuckland Region.

Useful Auckland City contacts:

1. Public Transport Information (incl. bus,train, ferry and carpooling), phone rideline on366-6400 or view their website atwww.rideline.co.nz.

2. Information & Services of the AucklandRegional Council, phone enviroline on 0800

80 60 40 (toll free) or view www.arc.govt.nz.The site includes plant and animal pest factsheets.

3. Pollution Hotline 24-hour call free in theAuckland area on 377-3107.

4. North Shore Bird Rescue Centre; contactSylvia Durrant on 478-8819.

Documents

June 2004 Centeral Aucland, Royal Forest and Bird Protecton Society Newsletter