KererūThe newsletter for members of Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience

Dear Members

The independent review, the interim board’s response and the Council official’s recommendations have now been forwarded to the Councillors for consideration by the Strategy & Policy Committee to be held on 13 December. The interim board response, the independent report and the Council’s recommendations can be accessed via our website: www.visitzealandia.com/news

In summary, the review concluded that Karori Sanctuary Trust (KST) has been very successful in many of its objectives, but there is room to improve in various areas including the challenge of securing adequate financial resources. The report also acknowledges Zealandia plays a significant role in Wellington’s 2040 vision, and provides 19 recommendations.

The major recommendations include a change in governance structure to allow for more community involvement; increase operating revenue; strengthen partnerships and three financial options (moderate assistance from WCC, more substantial assistance from WCC recognising Zealandia has been operating with a very tight budget, or becoming a Council Controlled Organisation).

The interim board also notes that during the review, KST’s financial forecasts were reviewed by WCC officials and concluded that they are robust.

In the main the interim board has accepted the independent review’s recommendations. Some recommendations will be referred to the new board for consideration as appropriate. With regards to the level of financial support from WCC, the interim board also acknowledges that the amount of funding required by KST will depend on the success of its various strategies (for example, the fundraising strategy) over the next few years.

To this end, the interim board recommends, and endorsed

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Spring photo competition winners from Chris Halliwell (Käkä mating) & Janice McKenna (Portrait of a tüï).

by Council officials, that WCC:

In relation to the proposed governance structure, the interim board fully supports giving members more say, and we have been working with the guardians and WCC officials in defining this, including better clarity on the roles of the guardians. The Trust board will remain as the primary board responsible for the governance and overall running of KST.

The next steps from here are:

On behalf of the interim board, I would like to thank Dawn Ferguson for her report, the many interviewees and staff for their time, and the members for your support and patience during the last few months as we worked through the independent review. We would also like to acknowledge the support of WCC officials in this process. The interim board looks forward to a positive outcome from WCC.

Regards

Kevin BradyInterim Board Chair

Results of the independent review of Karori Sanctuary Trust

provides KST with its original funding request of a total of $2.1m for the three years 2012-13 to 2014-15. That is: $350,000 more than what Council has allowed for in the 2012-22 Long Term Plan.

agrees KST will require an ongoing level of funding beyond 2014-15, and that the level will be reviewed and included in the 2014/15 Long Term Plan and the relevant annual plans.

the papers will be considered by the Strategy & Policy Committee on 13 December.

the recommendations from the Strategy & Policy Committee will be considered by full Council on 19 December.

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MORE FOR KIDS AT ZEALANDIAWe’re really excited to offer our new Junior Rangers School Holiday Programme for kids 5 - 12 years. Over the last few holidays this programme has been very popular and we can now offer different activities each day. January dates can now be booked (24, 25, 28, 29 January).See www.visitzealandia.com/juniorrangers for more information.

Also for education, Rotary International and Zealandia officially opened the Zealandia Rotary Education House (39 Waiapu Road). The building has been kitted out to provide a location for delivery of lessons and Junior Ranger programmes, as well as being available for hire.

Rotary district governor Graeme Blick, speaking at the dedication, said it was a pleasure for his association to contribute to children’s education. Karori Rotary also donated $2,000 for planting around the building and a symbolic tree was planted by Mr Blick and Karori Rotary Club president Bill Joyce.

Rotary are also sponsoring our new sleepover operation which will take place in the Visitor Centre after hours. From next year school children will be able to access the valley at night and enjoy the sanctuary at first light - an experience we have long looked to provide.

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NATURE ROUNDUPOn 21 November we banded our 400th käkä since they were introduced in 2002. There are around 200 – 250 in the population today. The chick is a grandson of Alfie – our oldest käkä (along with his sister) who turned 12 in October and has his own Facebook and Twitter feeds, run by a volunteer.

Hihi began nesting late this season, with most pairs laying their first eggs in November compared to October in previous years. Late nesting for hihi was also observed at Maungatautari in Waikato and for käkäriki at Zealandia so it may be an environmental effect.

In September two unexpected visitors came by from Mana Island; after bellbirds were translocated there from Kapiti Island some flew over to the mainland and two females were observed in our sanctuary valley - one of which has attempted to nest. Another bellbird made the news in October, labelled ‘transgender’ an adult bellbird that had genetically tested as female displayed mixed male and female plumage and behaviour – very intriguing.

This spring also saw the brief return of beautiful royal spoonbills (pictured right) and black swans on the lower lake, in higher numbers than previously observed.

Once again our ‘retired’ takahë have made a nest and are taking turns to incubate an egg (or eggs). Check out the live nest-cam

at the wetlands to see Puffin on her sheltered grassy nest. You can also see an example of takahë and other nests on display in our Visitor Centre’s ground floor.

We welcomed 100 more of the nocturnal Maud Island frog this month, as part of research by Victoria University’s Dr Ben Bell and Tanya Karst.

Locally-rare plant species are now being given unique identification tags, and we’re recording information such as location, height, and a health rating to help us monitor their progress and inform future decisions.

Grow From Here is a local business with an organic and native focus. Kaye and her team support the restoration work of Zealandia by improving natural habitat outside the sanctuary fence. Your garden could be next with these great offers for Zealandia members.

EXTRA BENEFITS FOR ZEALANDIA MEMBERSWeed clearing: Free up room for your natives. $20 per hour. Up to 4 hrs. (Usual rate: $30).

Garden consult: Kick start your garden overhaul with a consult for $50. (Usual rate: $80).

www.growfromhere.co.nz

Valid to 31/12/2013. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

Nancy McIntosh-Ward steps down as Chief Executive at the end of December. We thank Nancy for eighteen years with the Trust - ten as CEO - and wish her well.

NANCY SAYS FAREWELL “It is an appropriate time for me to step down to pursue new challenges. I would like to thank my staff, trustees, the volunteers and other key stakeholders and funders for all their support.” - Nancy McIntosh-Ward, CEO.Read more at www.visitzealandia.com/news

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VOLUNTEER AWARDSA big well done to all those volunteers who were recognised at our annual volunteer night. Zealandia relies heavily on over 400 volunteers and we think they all deserve awards as we simply couldn’t do what we do without their generous donations of time and effort.

For the full list of winners go to www.visitzealandia.com/news

Anti-clockwise from left: Judy Briggs, Facilities Manager Russ Drewry, award winner Bronwen Shepherd, Karen Koopu, Judi Lapsley Miller, Lynn Freeman, Steve Cosgrove, Linton Miller, and Conservation Manager Raewyn Empson.

LOCAL SCHOOLS LEND PLANTING POWER

This winter saw a very busy outreach planting season. Over August and September 1,093 kids planted over 2,750 trees around Wellington with support from Zealandia, WWF/Kereru Discovery and Living Legends. Plants were supplied by Wellington City Council.

Zealandia Educator Brian Ireland said the first session with Brooklyn school senior pupils (picured right) was “perhaps the muddiest planting day I have ever hosted!”

VOLUNTEER DES IS A LOCAL HERODes Smith, one of our Zealandia volunteers, received a well-deserved Local Hero award as part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards in November.

Des is a gay rights advocate and dedicated conservationist, he co-ordinated the native forest restoration of Bell’s Track in Ngaio and has been volunteering as a guide here at the sanctuary for many years. Congratulations to Des.

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A Zealandia gift membership or voucher is the perfect gift for the nature lover you know. You can also support our conservation and restoration work by picking up a last minute book, cuddly toy, jewellery item or cool kid’s craft from the range at our Store.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

RATA CAFÉ: EVEN MORE ECO, EVEN MORE TASTY!There’s so much new at Rata Café: a tasty summer menu – complete with vegan-friendly options, delicious Kaimira carboNZero certified organic wine, fair trade and organic People’s Coffee and a new range of take-home Rata Relish – perfect for Christmas gifts.

Rata Relish - only $15 for two jars during DecemberTamarillo Chutney, Tomato Relish, Chilli Lime Pickle.

Rata’s scones recently got the vote of approval from stars of The Hobbit; Andy Serkis, who plays Gollum, complimented our staff on the treats. As with everything we do, all revenue goes toward supporting our conservation and restoration work – a fully booked wedding season helps with funds too.

TUATARA MONTHAll through FebruaryWarm summer days are ideal for tuatara spotting. Meet Spike the tuatara on Sunday 3 and 24 February 2pm - 3.30pm. Take a self-guided Turbine Track walk to a tuatara hotspot deep in the valley and learn more about these unique reptiles from Ranger Guides and a free info sheet.

UPCOMING EVENTS SUMMER/AUTUMN 2012-13

KIDS GO FREE1 - 24 DecemberUp to 3 kids (5 - 14) with a paying adult.

A FREE GLASS OF WINE AT RATA CAFÉ Eat. Drink. Support our wildlife.

Order any main and receive a FREE glass of Kaimira Estate wine - carboNZero and certified organic - when you present this voucher at Rata Café. A wonderful excuse for a relaxed afternoon rest overlooking the lake.

REGULAR ACTIVITIESFREE with admission

TELL YOUR FRIENDS...

www.visitzealandia.com/events for the latest news and events.Or email us to sign up for free monthly e-newsletters.

Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience 31 Waiapu Road, Karori, PO Box 9267, Wellington.Tel: 04 920 9200

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20% OFF FOR FAMILIESJanuary, February, MarchFor families purchasing full General Admission.

Meet new mums and dads, Wednesdays 10:30am. Members: Free. Non-members: $10.

BUGGIES GO BUSH

• “Walk & Talk” tours with our Ranger Guides. Leaving from the pontoon: Weekdays: 11:15 & 1:15. Weekends: 11:15, 12:15, 1:15 & 2:15.

• Feeding talks: 12:15 käkäriki, 1:15 takahë, 2:15 käkä, 3:15 tuna (eels).• Boat rides across the lower lake, weekends (subject to availability, gold coin donation).• Morning Star mine and cave weta, weekends (subject to availability).

INVASION OF THE WASPS - MEMBERS’ SEMINAR7.30pm. Thursday 14th March It’s not all about mammals - Professor Phil Lester shares some shocking and intriguing finds from studies on exotic wasps in New Zealand’s beech forests.Free for members. Gold goin donation for guests.

SUNDAY STORYTELLING11am. 20 January – 24 February. Weather dependent.Not your average storytelling! Just Giraffe incorporate puppets and props to regale children 3 - 8 years with an eclectic collection of tales from near and far, old and new. Free with admission.

EXTENDED WEEKEND HOURS - 6PM CLOSING5 January – 31 MarchEnjoy an extra hour of weekend magic at Zealandia with our special summer opening hours 10am to 6pm.

CREEPY CRAWLIES WEEKEND23 & 24 MarchWëtä, spiders and other creepy crawlies will be on show. Find out why these creatures are so vital to our native forest life - they’re friendlier than you may think.

OUR FASCINATING FROGSSunday 21 AprilCome and learn about our special native frogs. Presentations and activites through the day. Free with admission.

APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS20 April - 5 MayJunior Rangers and Kids’ Night Adventures.See www.visitzealandia.com/events nearer the date.

VOLUNTEER AWARENESS WEEKMid JuneInteresting behind the scenes stories from our volunteers and the crucial roles they play in our 500-year vision. See www.visitzealandia.com/events nearer the date.

Offer valid until 23 December 2012, not redeemable with any other offer. One voucher redeemable per visit, per person aged 18 and over.

Book now to enjoy our fascinating and fun Junior Rangers school holiday programme. Themed full-day and half-day options will leave your adventurous 5-12 year olds buzzing about our amazing ecosystems.$30 - $65. Booking essential (04) 920 9200. 10% off for members. 10% off when you book all four days.www.visitzealandia.com/juniorrangers

24, 25, 28, 29 JanuaryNow varies each day so join one day or the whole four!

JUNIOR RANGERS - SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

WILD WORKSHOPSKeep an eye on our website, or monthly eNews, for more on these upcoming workshops, dates and details to be confirmed. Booking essential.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP WITH SIMON WOOLFMarch. Date to be confirmedBy popular demand - we hope to run these workshops again. Booking essential.

April: Beginner tree spotting workshopMay: Fungi spotting workshopJune: Fern spotting workshop