Dawn ChorusDawn ChorusBulletin 87

ISSN 1171-8595 November 2011

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Salmonella Salmonella * * Waikato Natural History SocietyWaikato Natural History SocietyWetapunga are Coming * Wetapunga are Coming * The Big Picture: MoturoaThe Big Picture: Moturoa

Two New Rangers * Kumarahou and TauhinuTwo New Rangers * Kumarahou and Tauhinu

2 Dawn Chorus 87 November 2011

InformationSchool VisitsSchools wishing to visit Tiritiri Matangi should fi rst visit our website:

www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/schoolvisits.htm

Advance bookings are essential

Overnight VisitsAlthough camping is not permitted on the Island, there is limited bunkhouse accommodation available.

For information on booking overnight visits, go to:

www.doc.govt.nz/tiritiribunkhouse

Bookings can also be made by phoning the Warkworth Area Offi ce on 09 425 7812, although an additional booking fee will apply.

Volunteers who are undertaking offi cial SoTM work can obtain accommodation at no charge but this must be booked through the Guiding and Shop Manager (contact details below).

SoTM members who wish to visit in a private capacity can get a discounted rate by booking through the Warkworth Area Offi ce 09 425 7812.

Supporters of Tiritiri MatangiDawn Chorus is the quarterly newsletter of the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi (SoTM). We are a volunteer incorporated society working closely with the Department of Conservation to make the most of the wonderful conservation restoration project that is Tiritiri Matangi. Every year volunteers put thousands of hours into the project and raise funds through membership, guiding and also through our island-based gift shop.

For further information, visit www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Getting to Tiritiri Matangi360 Discovery operates daily services every Wednesday through Sunday from Downtown Auckland and Gulf Harbour Marina.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL!

Phone 0800 360 347 or visit

www.360discovery.co.nz

Weather Cancellations: Please call 0800 FANTAIL (0800 326 824) after 7.00 AM on the day to confi rm if vessel is running.

Upcoming Events 2011/12

Saturday 10 DecemberWetapunga Release (details - page 6)

Monday 12 DecemberTalk: Ray Walter and Carl Hayson

All Things Old on Tiri(plus takahe Greg’s birthday bash)

(details - page 3)

28 - 30 JanuaryAnniversary Working Weekend

Monday 6 FebruaryWaitangi Day Picnic(details - page 8)

18 - 19 FebruaryHosted Supporters’ Weekend

Monday 19 MarchSoTM Social Evening

6 - 9 AprilEaster Working Weekend

14 - 15 AprilHosted Supporters’ Weekend

Bookings for blue events can only be made with the Guiding and

Shop Manager(contact details below)

360 Discovery kindly offers a discount to SoTM members for special weekends and events and complimentary fares for working weekends.

Contacts Phone Email

Chairperson Peter Lee 418 1332 chairperson@tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Secretary Trish Wells 578 1011 secretary@tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Guiding and Shop Mary-Ann Rowland 476 0010 shop@tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Membership Zhea Warden 940 6739 membership@tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Dawn Chorus Editor Simon Fordham 274 1828 editor@tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Island Rangers Dave Jenkins, Jess Clark and Nicola Brady 476 0920 tiritirimatangifb@doc.govt.nz

SoTM CommitteeChairpersonSecretaryTreasurer

Committee

Peter LeeTrish WellsKevin Vaughan

Alison BrayRoger BrayHester CooperMike DyeCarl Hayson

Kay Milton Andrew NelsonJohn StewartRay Walter

The opinions of contributors expressed in Dawn Chorus do not

necessarily represent the views of the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc.

Unless otherwise indicated, photos in Dawn Chorus articles are attributed to

the author.

3www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz 3

Guides’ Talks Guides’ talks are now open for all SoTM members to attend.

The topics for the remainder of the year are:

• December 12th: All Things Old on Tiri (Ray Walter and Carl Hayson)

These meetings are held in Red Lecture Theatre, Unitec, Mt Albert at 7.30 PM.

A map of the Unitec campus, showing the Red Lecture Theatre, is available from their website:

www.unitec.ac.nz

Hot drinks available afterwards. In the interests of the environment, please bring your own cup.

This is a great opportunity to meet other Supporters and learn more about Tiritiri Matangi.

With the current national elections under way, and before that a minor sporting event, it seems a while since we had our own elections – back in September. At the AGM we farewelled three committee stalwarts – Maria Galbraith, Melinda Rixon and Barbara Walter. Maria and Melinda had both been on the committee since 2007, Maria also being on the Visitor Experience subcommittee and Melinda on the Biodiversity subcommittee. Both were able and enthusiastic contributors. But for sheer commitment to our special Island over a long period, I doubt anyone apart from Ray would ever be able to top Barbara’s involvement. First as a ranger on the Island, more latterly as an indefatigable volunteer in the shop, Barbara has given so much of herself. As I mentioned at the AGM, Barbara, along with Ray and with Jim Battersby, has been to me the epitome of the Island’s passion and success, and a major reason for my own personal involvement. I want again to pass on my personal thanks and gratitude. For the fi rst time ever in our history, we had an election for the committee! It was great to see such willingness to step up and volunteer. I’d like to congratulate the winning candidates - Carl Hayson, Hester Cooper, Kay Milton, John Stewart, Ray Walter, Alison Bray, Roger Bray, Andrew Nelson and Mike Dye – and look forward to your contributions. My commiserations, too, to Renny Hayes, who was unsuccessful. Thanks, also, to those Offi cers who have stayed on - Trish Wells, our secretary and Kevin Vaughan, our treasurer -

as well as to the other returning committee members. So much work goes on behind the scenes by people who also deserve our thanks: our bookkeeper, David Meldrum, who has so effi ciently managed our accounts and payments for many years now, our membership secretary Zhea Warden, Simon Fordham for his ongoing contributions across so many areas, including not only Dawn Chorus but also a number of translocation projects, and of course our wonderful Mary-Ann Rowland. But of course there are many, many more volunteers across so many levels – in the shop, as guides, on translocations – thanks to you all. Our newest initiative is the appointment of Jan Ellis to a short-term contract role as our Educator. One of our four key strategies is ‘Inspiration’, and our children are our future and our potential. We want to expand more into the education space, developing and providing resources and access to schools, and Jan’s role will be to test out whether or not we should make a permanent commitment to this area. As a former educator herself, Jan brings much to the role. Finally, in my next column I’ll talk a little more about the real engine rooms of the Supporters – the three subcommittees of Biodiversity, Visitor Experience and Infrastructure.

Happy Christmas spending in the shop!

From the Chair Peter Lee

mittee

DonationsThank You!

Lorna Mills, Doone Trust$3,000 for kokako

Mr and Mrs Cowan, Otorohanga $500

Smith & Caughey $475

Landcare Research $700

Friends on Foot $100

Queen Street Backpackers$50 each month

4 Dawn Chorus 87 November 201144444 DaDDD wn Choruuus 87 NNNoovovvememememmeembebebebbebb r rrr 2022020011111111

Mary Mallon – recognise the name? Perhaps not, as she was born in 1869. But maybe you know her from her unfortunate nickname, Typhoid Mary? Mary was an asymptomatic carrier of Salmonella typhi, a bacteria which can cause typhoid fever. During her career as a cook she infected large numbers of people; most got sick and some died. She was forcibly isolated for nearly 30 years by the health authorities.

So, Salmonella can be nasty when it causes the disease salmonellosis. Worse, it is zoonotic, an infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Salmonella bacteria can cause considerable health problems to humans, domestic and non-domestic animals. For example, it is a leading bacterial cause of gastroenteritis in people in the USA. So why is this relevant to Tiritiri Matangi Island and the hihi?

On the 30th September this year, an adult hihi was found dead in a nest box in Wattle Valley. This bird had previously been looking unwell at the Wattle Valley feeding station on the 27th September. The body was sent to Massey University for necropsy. This hihi died from salmonellosis caused by a different strain, Salmonella serotype Saintpaul.

Alarm bells started to ring. Salmonella can be a highly infectious pathogen and had previously caused disease in the hihi population on Tiritiri Matangi. In February 2006 about 26% of the adult hihi population (estimated at 170 in September 2005) died as a result of salmonellosis, caused by yet another strain, this time Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium DT195. No cases of any Salmonella sp. infection have been reported between these events in this population. The 2006 outbreak was a major event, although the hihi population continued to grow in size (showing its resilience). A planned translocation was cancelled in 2006 and there is now heightened awareness of this disease in hihi.

Throughout October 2011 the ongoing monitoring effort was increased, with close attention being paid to any sick-looking or fresh dead animals (not just hihi, as Salmonella sp. are often not fussy). Good hygiene practice was re-emphasised. Subsequently, two dead bellbirds, a masked lapwing, a pukeko and a tuatara were found. The lapwing and tuatara have tested positive to Salmonella sp. infection. We are now waiting for the strain type to be identifi ed. It remains unknown if the cases are linked.

As part of the response, contingency plans were initiated (led in the fi eld by hihi researchers Leila Walker and Michelle Goh). If an outbreak was occurring we needed to try to minimise it. Feeding stations are an obvious place where faeco-oral transmission can occur, so the fi rst step was to ensure these stations were thoroughly disinfected daily with anti-bacterial cleaners. While it was recognised that the feeders provide important supplementary food for hihi, we were ready to shut these temporarily if an outbreak should occur. Luckily, and touch wood, no more salmonellosis has been seen in hihi, so feeders remain open.

In New Zealand, Salmonella typhimurium DT195 had never been recorded in animals prior to the hihi outbreak in 2006, and there had been only very few human cases, making this

an unusual disease emergence. This latest strain seen on Tiritiri, S. Saintpaul, is also unusual, as it is usually seen in wild reptiles and only occasionally in wild birds. However, S. Saintpaul is relatively common in people, with one or two cases per month in New Zealand throughout 2011. Where these Salmonella serotypes normally reside and how they were transmitted to hihi and caused disease is not well understood. It doesn’t seem that hihi carry Salmonella (like Typhoid Mary), as we have not found it during regular health screening. During the 2006 outbreak all hihi researchers were also tested for Salmonella. Maybe one of us was inadvertently spreading disease (again, like Typhoid Mary). It was not the case.

While this latest appearance of Salmonella appears to be a less serious threat, it reminds us of the care required when manipulating natural systems (like providing food). When we do, we have a responsibility to maintain high hygiene levels and be aware of the risks to wild animals and people from interactions between the two. We would also encourage visitors to report any birds looking ‘sick’, or fi nding of dead birds, to Island staff. Preferably don’t pick them up, as it’s important we keep safety measures in place for the humans as well as the birds.

This incident reminds us how diseases have the potential to be a major threat to wildlife on the Island. Good biosecurity and hygiene practices like keeping clothing, gear and footwear clean and free of soil are one way people can assist in minimising the risk of diseases getting to this precious place.

For more information please email:

Dr John Ewen (john.ewen@ioz.ac.uk)

and / or read more about the 2006 salmonellosis outbreak in hihi by downloading our article:

Ewen, J.G., Thorogood, R., Nicol, C., Armstrong, D.P. and Alley, M. (2007). Salmonella typhimurium in hihi, New Zealand. Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases 13: 788-790.

www.hihiconservation.com

Zoonotic disease, salmonellosis and hihiZoonotic disease, salmonellosis and hihi John Ewen

5www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

In early 2011 a group of University of Waikato students started the Waikato Natural History Society. Highlight of our fi rst year was that a group of 15 of us stayed on the Island of Tiritiri Matangi on the 8th and 9th of October.

This was the third trip in the inaugural year and the fi rst overnighter. As a former Auckland resident and Island guide I was eager to show Hamiltonians the wonder that is Tiri. I promised an amazing two days, and the Island did not disappoint; in fact, it over-delivered as always. An early drive from Hamilton and an easy trip to the Island started the journey, continuing with a showery walk through Wattle Valley to the lighthouse. I have often seen kokako at the top end of Wattle Track just past the big rocks and, sure enough, the group were treated to a great sighting of a pair. Few in the group had ever seen a kokako before, much less heard its haunting call; so that made for a great start. We settled into the bunkhouse and set about exploring the Island for the afternoon. I visited the shop and noted that every time I come to the Island the Visitor Centre is ever more wonderful. The team was also impressed by it, and did their bit to contribute to the bottom line with purchases. After the traditional BBQ dinner, we ‘cellophaned up’ and headed out into the night. Shortly down Wattle Track we were treated to a sighting of a somewhat obscured kiwi, which was amazing. Most had never seen one in the wild. But little could have prepared me for the sighting that was to come. A little further along from the fi rst kiwi I heard a distinctive rustling in the undergrowth and motioned for the group to stop. A bold little kiwi then appeared in the middle of the track and came around the corner toward us. The entire group got a full view of it as it stood stock-still for about twenty seconds. Just unbelievable! After we stopped being paralysed with glee, we continued down the path to the wharf, marvelling at the clear and warm moonlit night. A little way along the track to Hobbs Beach we spied a few little blues trudging up the shore after a long day in the sea. We made our way up Kawerau Track and along the road toward the lighthouse. Shortly before the Graham’s Road / Wharf Road intersection we were delighted to encounter two ruru engaged in a conversation. One was not visible, but the other was nestled in the crook of a cabbage tree right next to the path. The next morning started with many of the group’s fi rst experience of the dawn chorus - how New Zealand forest is meant to sound.

For a lucky few in the group, this included another sighting of kokako nearer to the bunkhouse. We gobbled breakfast, did the cleaning and stacked our gear, before dashing to the implement shed to pick up our tools. We’d asked the ranger if there were any jobs we could do, so we busied ourselves for an hour or two collecting leaves for the compost, slashing fl ax and digging drains. After that we were free to wander, and some of us checked out the coastline beyond Hobbs Beach, including the penguins snuggled in the caves, while others wandered, botanised or relaxed on the beach. We boarded the ferry and drove home having had a stunning weekend. Showing our precious Island to the members of the Society made me very proud to be a Supporter, and we thank all of those that work for, guide on and visit the Island for their efforts to protect a national treasure.

Waikato Natural History Group on Tiri Marie Brown

L-R (Back) Kristi, Kara, Daniel, Deniz, Britta, Missy, Rebecca and Jackson (Front) Sarah, Andy, Bella and Marie Absent: Emma, Matthew and Viljami

Articles and photosAr t icles and photosfor Dawn Chorusfor Dawn Chorus

Contributions are always welcome: articles, photos, interesting snippets, poetry, artwork, etc.

Please send photos and other material to:

editor@tiritirimatangi.org.nzDeadline February Bulletin - 20 January

6 Dawn Chorus 87 November 2011

The Little Barrier giant weta – wetapunga – are fi nally ready for release on Tiritiri with the big day being 10th December.

Paul Barrett at Butterfl y Creek has been doing a fantastic job rearing these wetapunga from the time their parents were mated in 2009 through egg hatch in 2010 and now fi nally

through to adult or near adult stage. Very unusually, this species has 11 growth stages, or instars, one

more than normal for weta, before reaching adulthood. This has meant that the

r e a r i n g took longer than fi rst anticipated. Some of the later instars have taken over six months to get through, which was also slower than expected. Paul is not sure whether this is what would happen in the wild, but there are some parallels with our visit to Little Barrier Island in December 2008 to collect the fi rst adults for breeding stock. During that trip we found a lot of freshly moulted adults and, give or take a few months, timing for these reared wetapunga looks similar.

During the rearing process Paul has had to move the weta into progressively larger .

con ta ine rs to facilitate growth.

During each moult the weta require enough space to hang roughly twice their length, including antennae, so all legs and antennae can harden without being confi ned or bent. Moulting is when all weta are at their most vulnerable to injury, as there are signifi cant changes occurring, and it is essential they are not disturbed during the period, which may last most of the night.

This is the fi rst of at least four releases on Tiritiri to build numbers and genetic diversity in the new population. There will be a further collection of 12 adults from Little Barrier Island next year to be used as breeding stock and produce the next generation for release in 2014. Following that release, the programme allows for two further releases of small numbers direct from Little Barrier, aimed at building genetic diversity. Adults apparently live for around six to nine months so are unlikely to span between one breeding season

and the next. The period between egg hatch and maturity as an adult appears to be between 18 and 24 months. With such a lengthy period between generations we will need to keep a careful watch on when each generation is expected to produce adults. There is a need to plan releases so that all will mature as adults at a similar time to synchronise mating and thus allow genetic mixing of the various releases. There will be little point in the short term if one release produces adults during one season but another release has adults in an alternate season.

Transfers of relatively small numbers of invertebrates are typically very diffi cult to monitor post-release. With only 25 being released this time it is quite likely they will disappear into the habitat and be very diffi cult to detect. However, tracking tunnels have recently been used successfully to detect

relatively low numbers of adult Mercury Island tusked weta following translocation

to a new island. Thus it is intended to set up a grid of tracking tunnels in the

wetapunga release area to test the method

on Tiritiri.

Adult weta head to the forest fl oor to lay their eggs in soft, friable soil, and can be attracted to baited tunnels. Giant weta can be identifi ed by their characteristic footprints on the inked tracking cards inside the tunnels. Timing for this will be autumn 2012.

Meanwhile, if you hear pounding noises and feel the ground shaking while out on Tiritiri night walks you will know the giants are on the move!

Wetapunga ReleaseWetapunga Release Chris Green

Wetapunga ReleaseSaturday 10th December

This will be a public event.Members will be advised of booking details by email and

these will also be posted on the website.Photo: Simon Fordham

through to adult or near adult stage. Very unusually, this species has 11 growth stages, or instars, one

more than normal for weta, before reaching adulthood. This has meant that the

r e a r i n g took longer than fi rst anticipated. Some of the later instars have taken over six months to get through, which was also slower than expected. Paul is not sure whether this is what would happen in the wild, but there are some parallels with our visit to Little Barrier Island in December 2008 to collect the fi rst adults for breeding stock. During that trip we found a lot of freshly moulted adults and, give or take a few months, timing for these reared wetapunga looks similar.

During the rearing process Paul has had to move the weta into progressively larger .

con ta ine rs to facilitate growth.

During each moult the weta require enough space to hang roughly twice their length, including antennae, so all legs and antennae can harden without beingconfi ned or bent. Moulting is when all weta are at their most vulnerable to injury, as there are signifi cant changes occurring, and it is essential they are not disturbed during the period, which may last most of the night.

This is the fi rst of at least four releases on Tiritiri to build numbers and genetic diversity in the new population. There will be a further collection of 12 adults from Little Barrier Island next year to be used as breeding stock and produce

keep a careful watch on when each generation is expected to produce adults. There is a need to plan releases so that all will mature as adults at a similar time to synchronise mating and thus allow genetic mixing of the various releases. There will be little point in the short term if one release produces adults during one season but another release has adults in an alternate season.

Transfers of relatively small numbers of invertebrates are typically very diffi cult to monitor post-release. With only 25 being released this time it is quite likely they will disappear into the habitat and be very diffi cult to detect. However, tracking tunnels have recently been used successfully to detect

relatively low numbers of adult Mercury Island tusked weta following translocation

to a new island. Thus it is intended to set up a grid of tracking tunnels in the

wetapunga release area to test the method

on Tiritiri.

Adult weta head to the forest fl oor to lay their eggs in soft, friable soil, and can be attracted to baited tunnels. Giant weta can be identifi ed by their characteristic footprints on the inked tracking cards inside

7www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz 7www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

TakaheGreg has had a new transmitter attached with a stronger signal. He is keeping well clear of Te Mingi who chases him if he gets too close.

Linda Kilduff from DOC in Te Anau came out in September to check on Greg and discovered that he has ‘bumblefoot’ (ulcerative pododermatitis). This is a bacterial infection and infl ammatory reaction on the feet. His foot has improved slightly, the swelling has gone down and he has put on 100 grams in weight. His condition is being checked regularly. Recently he was found sitting on a wee nest. He chased off Raumati, who is Montague and Ahikaea’s chick from last season and the only eligible female on the Island.

After many years of trying, Edge and Mungo at North East Bay have at last produced one chick (their other two eggs were infertile).

Te Mingi, who is Greg’s usurper and Cheesecake’s present partner, has been seen chasing off his son, Wal. However, now that they have two chicks, Wal is being allowed to help.

Montague and Ahikaea now have one chick. Their two other eggs were infertile.

Mahuika and Blackwatch have at least one chick from their two eggs.

Ella (Greg and Cheesecake’s daughter) is settling down well on Motutapu after going off on an exploratory tour of her new home.

KokakoRehu (partner Noel) is incubating, Cloudsley Shovell (partner Te Koha Waiata) and Phantom (partner Te Hari) are busy completing their nests. The other four pairs are still thinking about it!

Slingshot (one of our ‘Waipapa’ boys) was seen calling softly near Parininihi and Koha’s territory. He was then given the ‘heave ho’ by a very irritated Parininihi (calling very loudly) who thought he was far too close for

comfort to his Koha. She eventually came ambling over to see what all the fuss was about.

Recently Waipapa was seen still on her own, despite having a choice of three males from her home area of Waipapa.

Poutama, as usual, is seen here, there and everywhere.

Our two chicks from last season, Aria and Lucky, are often seen together wandering around.

Rifl emanIn early September a pre-season survey identifi ed 14 pairs of rifl emen. Twelve of these pairs were caught, comprising birds from each of the three translocations from Hauturu / Little Barrier Island as well as a number of unbanded (Tiri-hatched) birds. Those birds are now banded. A 15th pair has subsequently been discovered, nesting in Bush 3 at the back of Hobbs Beach. This is the fi rst record of rifl emen in this valley.

By mid-November seven nests have been discovered, fi ve of those in nesting boxes. It is likely that most, if not all, of the other pairs have nests by now.

Reports of rifl emen in previously unrecorded areas, as well as nesting over a larger area, are indicative of population growth and consequential dispersal.

After nearly a year spent around the implement shed and nearby areas, Kupe has seemingly disappeared,

perhaps having left in search of a partner.

SaddlebackThe fi rst few chicks of the season have now been banded.

Many of the translocated birds have been sighted on Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands and they have started breeding. Four nests have been found on Motutapu and fi ve chicks banded. Two nests have also been found on Rangitoto and two chicks banded.

Brown Teal / PatekeIt has been a very good breeding season with lots of ducklings. Bella and Bruce (Wharf Dam) have six, the Bunkhouse Dam pair has four, and there are three (originally fi ve) left on the Lower Wetlands Dam. There is one left on the Upper Wetlands Dam.

In November Jenny Rickett and James McLaughlin from DOC,

along with Tui, their specially trained duck-dog, visited the Island and managed to catch and band 20 birds (six adults and 14 juveniles). This is in addition to the existing three banded adult birds. One adult, Bruce, from the Wharf Dam managed to escape, so he is still unbanded. So we have at least 24 birds on Tiri at present (fi ve adult pairs and 14 juveniles). There might be more, as the team did fi nd a teal feather at the Bush Three dam site, but no birds. An adult bird was also seen near the Kawerau Track at night but it could not be determined whether or not this bird was banded.

faunanotes

compiled by Morag Fordham

For the wildlife on Tiri, spring is the busy season as nests are built, eggs are laid, hatched and offspring fed.

→

As usual, Greg was the star of the show at the recent SoTM Hosted Supporters’ Weekend. Pictured with Greg are (L-R) William, Hannah, Peter, Lucy and James Hadden.

Photo: Bruce Hadden

8 Dawn Chorus 87 November 20118 Dawn Chorus 87 November 2011

Stitchbird / HihiThe pre-breeding survey identifi ed 172 birds. Twenty chicks from the fi rst burst of egg-laying activity have hatched and some chicks have been banded. After a lull, the birds have now started to lay eggs again and there are another fourteen nests with eggs. North Island RobinThere are 39 pairs on the Island and ten single adults. Every pair has either an active nest or fl edged chicks. Fifteen pairs are on their second nests and sixty chicks have been banded.

Red-crowned Parakeet / KakarikiBethany Jackson, Resident Veterinarian from the NZ Centre for Conservation Medicine, has confi rmed that PBFD (Beak and Feather disease) is present on Tiri. Bethany will continue to collect samples in 2012.

Little PenguinIt is interesting to look at the breeding success of our birds over the past few years – 2005 10.50%, 2006 33.30%, 2009 3.50%, 2010 88.30%. Fiona McKenzie (penguin researcher) has noted that in 2005 there were roughly 80,000 tons of commercial pilchard caught in the Hauraki Gulf, in 2006 about 60,000 tons and in 2009 no commercial catch. Penguins may have starved that year due to a lack of pilchards.

KakaThe fi rst two kaka of the season were seen on 9 November.

Paradise Shelduck Although one of the pairs of paradise shelducks produced six, and the other fi ve, ducklings, within weeks they had all

disappeared.

Morepork versus Kiwi Mary-Ann (Shop and Guiding Manager)recently observed a morepork stalking a kiwi. The morepork did several low swoops over the kiwi’s head, landing each time in a branch nearby, spinning around (head fi rst, body after) and then swooping down yet again. She wondered if the bird was just investigating the noise the kiwi was making or was it planning a full scale attack with the prospect of a banquet for all of its mates.

SeabirdsIn September, a giant petrel, presumably the northern species, was observed

following a recreside of Tiri. Giantand are uncommthe inner gulf.

The remains of adiscovered in Buspecies now breecliffs of the Islan

Other FaunaIn August bat deinstalled around No bat sounds wrather wet which

Wetapunga (Littexpected to be rpage 6 for more

This all-white whitehead the 4th and 5th of Septemappeared to be in good gesome lesions on the feet commonly known as avian

Photo: Tamzin Dunn

Cameron, Ariel (age 4) and Briar learn the fi ne art of bird photography at the Blackmores Seat in Wattle Valley.

Photo: Julie Cotterill

Early on Sunday 6th November, this New Zealand fur seal was spotted on the shoreline between the wharf and Little Hobbs Beach.

Photo: Christine Sagmeister

Waitangi Day PicnicWaitangi Day PMonday 6 February 2012Monday 6 February 20

A wonderful opportunity to reconne

Special ferry fares for SuFrom the City $38 (adult) / $2

From Gulf Harbour $22 (adult) /

*** plus a free guided walk for Su

Book with Mary-An09 476 0010

guiding@tiritirimatangi.or

9www.tiritirimatangi.org.nzwww.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

eational fi shing boat on the eastern t petrels have a distinctively large bill mon in the Hauraki Gulf, particularly

a common diving petrel were recently ush 22, not far from the ridge. This eds around the northern and eastern

nd, as well as on Wooded Island.

etector gear, with ten recorders, was the Island for fi ve consecutive nights. were recorded but the weather was h wasn’t ideal.

tle Barrier Island giant weta) are released on Tiri on 10 December. See details.

was caught at North East Bay on mber, both times in the morning. It eneral condition although it did have

consistent with the viral infection n pox.

TIRITIRI MATANGI OPEN SANCTUARY

2012 CALENDAR

By purchasing this calendar, you are suppor ng the conserva on and educa on programmes on Tiri ri Matangi Island.

Supporters of Tiri ri Matangi IncPO Box 90814, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

www. ri rimatangi.org.nz Printed in New Zealand by Safari Print using vegetable inks on recycled paper

Now Available2012

Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Calendar

$15

A wonderful gift for everyoneonly $1.80 to post within NZ, $3.40 overseas (Australia $2.90)

either ring or email your order

shop@tiritirimatangi.org.nz09 476 0010

pay by credit card or cheque

Waitangi Day PicnicPicnicMonday 6 February 2012012

ct with the Island

pporters:20 (child) $15 (child)

upporters ***

n

rg.nz

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The total area of Moturoa is 145 hectares, of which around 45 hectares are now fenced off as regenerating bush. The remaining area is used to farm sheep, and at the western end there are a number of houses, mainly holiday residences.

The Island is run as a company and it has been in the private ownership of a single group of 20 shareholders since 1967. In 1960 it was ‘gazetted’ as a ‘Wildlife Refuge’ under the Wildlife Act through the efforts of the owner at that time and it remains identifi ed as such.

From the start, the objectives of the company have been very environmentally focussed, and they were delighted when their efforts were recognised, being the recipient of a DOC Northland Conservation Award in 1995.

The company has progressively developed and improved the Island over the last 40 years, including the fencing of low quality, but regenerating, bush areas. In the larger watercourses and on the cliff faces there are mature stands

of pohutukawa, taraire, kohekohe, puriri, coastal maire and tawapou and the regeneration process has been assisted by the planting of over 54,000 trees and shrubs, the majority of which have been raised in the Island’s shadehouse from island-sourced seeds, seedlings and cuttings.

Since 1993, four pond / wetland areas have been established with stock-proof fencing and planting. These are located mainly along the central gully of the Island.

In 2009 a further small wetland development was started at the eastern end of the Island in an area of boggy paddock, thus meeting one of the objectives of returning poor pasture to wildlife territory.

In order for all this to be successful it was essential to develop some long term sets of regular protocols for,

• native species cultivation and planting• predator monitoring and control• weed management and control

Many of the earlier native plantings that concentrated on providing food sources for birds are now mature and the overall improved environment has resulted in a thriving native bird population as well as a number of species of fl ora that are not common on the mainland. As in many other places, tui numbers have exploded from just two pairs in 1979 to several hundred pairs and they are stunning to see when the pohutukawa, puriri and kokekohe are fl owering.

Since 1984 the following bird species have been translocated:

• North Island brown kiwi • Brown teal and grey teal• Red-crowned parakeet• Banded rail• North Island robin• North Island saddleback• Whitehead

Moturoa Island (Long Island) is located in the ‘inner’ Bay of Islands to the north of Waitangi and has the well known Black Rocks area immediately off the eastern end.

Moturoa Island Paul Asquith

One of the most exciting things in conservation today is the sheer number

of emerging volunteer projects, both local and nationwide, many having been inspired by what has happened on Tiri. Each serves as a reminder that, whilst our project is a leader in many ways, we are but one piece of the jigsaw that forms the Big Picture of conservation in New Zealand.

This time we head north to the Bay of Islands to Moturoa, a privately-owned island that has already been the recipient of two bird species from Tiritiri Matangi.

THE BIG PICTURE

Planting the wetlands

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Whilst the saddlebacks thrived and numbers increased signifi cantly for around three years, unexpectedly, over a three month period, they disappeared, probably due to the impact of a virus infection and/or a very determined visiting stoat. There is known to be a good population of kiwi (50+) on the Island and banded rail are everywhere. New Zealand pigeon and North Island tomtit are self-introduced and regularly seen, but have yet to be confi rmed to be nesting, and kaka have visited recently. It is hoped that, with the recent reported natural moves of bellbirds north towards the Bay, they will establish themselves, without assistance, in the next few years.

Most of the above translocations have been achieved from Island resources on an ‘as and when it could be afforded’ basis, but there have been some grants from Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council for particular projects plus, of course, a great deal of shareholder ‘volunteer sweated labour’.

Predator EradicationThe Island is thought to have always been free of possums, rabbits and hedgehogs and for some 10 years prior to 1993 there was a limited predator trapping and bait station regime

aimed primarily at mustelids and rats.

In 1993 the shareholders carried out by hand-delivery two whole-island grid-based bait drops which took place over a six-week period to eliminate all the mustelids, rats and a high proportion of the mice. It was deemed to be successful, with an immediately noticeable increase in the bird and invertebrate populations and a ‘burst’ of native fl ora seedling regeneration. However, with the Island being only 400m from the nearest point on the mainland, the threat of reinvasion is ever present. Following that elimination, a more intensive monitoring and prevention programme was put in place to ensure that any reinvasion from the mainland or from boats was detected as swiftly as possible and then removed. This included increasing the number of trap and bait stations as well as periodic monitoring through the deployment of tracking tunnels.

Subsequent monitoring has indicated that predators had dropped to very low levels immediately following the bait drops and since that time the rat and stoat numbers have been maintained at minimal numbers with nearly all the trapping being at the western end of the Island, indicating that the invaders had most likely swum from the nearby Day’s Point promontory.

Current Wildlife ActivityWith the continuing and increasing threat of weed and predator reinvasion it is essential to maintain some costly and labour-intensive programmes in order to protect what has already been established, whilst trying to progress other projects.

Predator ThreatWhilst this regular ‘Predator Monitoring and Control Programme’ has a signifi cant annual cost in terms of labour and materials, it remains an essential and major continuing activity in order to protect the signifi cant investment in time

Kiwi release →

Kakariki release

Photo: C J Ralph

Photo: Enid Asquith

12 Dawn Chorus 87 November 2011

and money already made. A recent visit by three DOC predator-dog handlers with their dogs (2 trained in detection of rats and 1 for mustelids) gave a ‘clean bill of health’. It is most reassuring that the efforts involved are not in vain.

Weed MenaceIn recent years, mothplant (Araujia sericifera) has invaded, probably from the nearby Te Pahi or Roberton Islands, and has become well established on parts of the more inaccessible steep cliffs on the north-eastern side of the Island. Management of this invasive threat is now a signifi cant annual task and was being achieved by a twice-per-year intensive and expensive aerial spray (helicopter) control and eradication programme, in conjunction with constant ground-based manual activity where the terrain permits. The specifi c aerial programme has now been terminated and it is back to the hard labour brigade scrambling the cliff and bush areas with trowels, sacks, pruners and ‘Vigilant’ gel. Pampas, mis t f lower, tobacco and alligator weeds all also require regular action.

Eradication of PinesAn old and slowly dying pine plantation, and also quite a number of individual mature as well as wilding pines, are present around the Island, the latter especially on some of the cliff faces. The mature pines are a constant seed source for the continuing spread of wilding pines, as well as becoming a dangerous hazard. As funds permit there is a six to ten year plan to have many of these felled by a contractor and replaced with island-raised native species.

Gannet Colony Restoration on Alcatraz IslandThis projects aims to attract back gannets to Alcatraz Island, a tidal promontory on the north side of Moturoa, where they were present up to the mid-1960s. Sixteen fi breglass decoys

and a DOC-assembled, automated solar-powered sound vocalisation system have been deployed.

The acoustic system plays a range of gannet calls at intervals by day and grey-faced petrel calls by night. There are several small grey-faced petrel colonies on the southern side of the Island. The project went live in mid-June 2011 so it is too early to evaluate its success.

The FutureConservation should, and can be, both fun and satisfying but, as with many other similar projects, the Moturoa Island work is never-ending and at times arduous, tedious and costly. Success is usually in direct proportion to the input and one of the more challenging tasks from now on is how to retain the interest and involvement of the younger generations and hand on the expertise amassed during the years.

Gannet decoys

Welcome New Rangers!

In September Tiri farewelled ranger Daryl Stephens who followed his heart to the UK. In his time on the Island, Daryl left his mark as a hard-working and welcoming character.

With this, we welcome two rangers to the Island. Jess Clark is Daryl’s replacement. Jess has been involved with a number of conservation projects, most recently on Raoul Island.

Nicola Brady (pictured) fi lls the new role of Summer Ranger to assist Dave and Jess over the busy period. Nicola is well known to SoTM, having been a guide and regular participant on Working Weekends since 2005.

Welcome to you both!

Photo: Martin Sanders

13www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz 13www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

The notes for this quarter cover from early spring and then on into the last days of October. At the beginning of September puawhananga (Clematis paniculata) began to display its vivid white blossom. Puawhananga has male and female fl owers on separate vine plants. Male fl owers are larger and more showy than female. Puawhananga means ‘sacred fl ower’ and Maori legend refers to the fl owers as being progeny of the stars.

Karo (Pittosporum crassifolium) was also fl owering. Its small dark red fl owers supply a copious fl ow of nectar and were soon enticing tui away from the last of the kowhai fl owers.

Kumarahou (Pomaderris kumeraho) joined the fl oral display at the end of September (see article on page 14). By early October hangehange (Geniostoma ligustrifolium) was fl owering along our walking tracks. The air became redolent with the heavy, spicy scent of masses of small greenish white fl owers clustered on stems and small branches.

Whau (Entelea arborescens) was, by mid-October, showing clusters of its comparatively large fl owers. Their slightly crumpled white petals and yellow centres give them a distinctive appearance.

By late October fl ax (Phormium tenax) and cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) were developing fl ower stalks. Their fl owers should contribute to much of November’s fl oral display.

Also making an appearance were the fi rst fl owers on renga lilies (Arthropodium cirratum) and horokaka (Disphyma australe), our native ice plant.

fl oranotes

compiled by Warren Brewer

WhauEntelea arborescens

Puawhananga (male fl owers)Clematis paniculata

Karo (male fl owers)Pittosporum crassifolium

Photo: Simon Fordham

14 Dawn Chorus 87 November 2011

Kumarahou (Pomaderris kumeraho) is an endemic species which occurs naturally in the upper North Island as far south as Bay of Plenty. It is commonly called gum diggers’ soap as a slight lather can be formed when its fl owers and leaves are rubbed in water. The fl owers and leaves contain saponin, a substance which is used in detergents and foaming agents. Another early name was ‘poverty weed’ as these small trees often grow in poor clay soil. The Maori name kumarahou is said to mean ‘kumara planting time’, which was decided by when the fl owers appear. Kumarahou fl ower buds develop in early May and remain tightly closed until mid to late September on Tiritiri Matangi. The fl owers appear as attractive soft masses of golden yellow blossom. They are followed by small seed capsules from November to January. Maori used fresh leaves of kumarahou to dress wounds. Wounds were also bathed with water collected from boiling the leaves. There is a labelled kumarahou tree opposite the aviary at the rear of the Visitor Centre. Tauhinu (Pomaderris amoena), our second species, can be seen on the upper Wattle Track beside the short, curved

boardwalk, as well as on the hillside near Pohutukawa Cove.

Also endemic, tauhinu is a short-lived, small shrub and an early colonizer of disturbed areas. It is widespread in the North Island but less common in the South Island. It becomes smothered in tiny, creamy yellow fl owers in mid-September. Tauhinu develops very strong roots and Maori

sometimes fashioned fi sh hooks out of dried root material. Pomaderris means ‘membranous lid’, describing a covering of the seed capsule. Amoena means ‘charming’. Pomaderris belong in the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae. This is a large, widespread family found especially in the tropics and warm temperate regions. A familiar member is the popular ornamental Californian lilac (Ceanothus). There are also a couple of important fruiting trees; one is the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) which has an edible, sweet-tasting fl eshy fruit stalk. The other is Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), which has small oval fruits. These ripen to a wrinkled brownish black, looking like a small date. They are widely used in Asian cuisine.

Pomaderris on Tiritiri Matangi Warren Brewer

Pomaderris is a mainly Australian genus of about 70 species of small trees and shrubs. Eight species occur in New Zealand, six of which are endemic. Two species are present on Tiritiri Matangi, kumarahou and tauhinu.

KumarahouPomaderris kumeraho

Tauhinu blossomPomaderris amoena

15www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Hey everyone! Here’s a beachy spot-the-difference to kick off summer. There are 12 differences to find. Look out for the variable oystercatchers with their bright orange beaks next time you are on the island. Have fun! Jo

Hand this to your kids – or pass it on to someone else’s kids – to enjoy a range of activities about Tiritiri Matangi Island.

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Blue Earth Products

Dreading the thought of Christmas shopping? No problem!Come and spend a day on Tiritiri Matangi Island, get all your shopping done, have a free relaxing guided walk (when you spend more than $50) and know that you have also supported an amazing conservation project.

Plenty of choices (mostly made in NZ) at great prices. For more info: visit www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/shop or email shop@tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Of course if you would like us to do your shopping for you, just give us a ring Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 2:45pm, (09) 476 0010 - we will be more than happy to help and can do your gift wrapping for you too.

Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc. PO Box 90 814, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142

Dawn Chorus

We also have stock of nearly everything mentioned in previous copies of Dawn Chorus

If you’ve ever stood in the soap and shampoo aisle of the supermarket trying to fi nd anything palm oil and paraben free and given up in disgust – we can help you. Blue Earth make natural, plant-based skin-care products and we have them for sale in the Tiritiri shop. The perfect gift for the environmentally aware.

Hand-made soaps $5 (just ask for a list of the types) * SPF30 sunscreen $29.50 * Avocado and Rosemary Shampoo $24 *

Conditioner $25.50; Body moisturiser – tube 100mls $17, 300mls $28 * Hand crème 100mls $22 * Essential Repair Balm $25.50 * Rosehip and Rosewater Moisturiser 50ml $22 * Gentle Cream Cleanser $16.50 * Gentle Facial Exfoliant $22 * Lime Lip Balm $9 * Mother and Baby box $27 (includes Baby’s Natural Soap, Calming Massage Oil, Post

Natal Massage oil and is packed with dried rose petals).

Christmas Shopping in the Tiri Shop

New ZealandBird Calls

Book and CD byLynette Moon, Geoff Moon,

John Kendrick and Karen Baird

$29