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Issue 11 - August 2007 |
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Click here to download a PDF format version of The Kiwi Advocate - Issue 11 - August 2007, or read the on-line version below.
ISSUE 11 - August 2007
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Hapu Makes History
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Kiwi’s role in drawing together the aroha and passion of skilled and talented people was celebrated at Lake Waikaremoana last month.
On 26 July, about 150 people gathered at Te Kuha Marae to witness history in the making as the Department of Conservation (DOC) signed over full responsibility for the Waikaremoana Kiwi Recovery Project to the Lake Waikaremoana Hapu Restoration Trust. It’s a New Zealand first.
Brown kiwi numbers at Lake Waikaremoana are estimated to have declined by 90 per cent since 1920. |
It was here that kiwi researcher, Dr John McLennan, tested his theory that the main cause of kiwi deaths is predation, in particular, stoats killing chicks. With help from other researchers, tangata whenua and DOC, his nine-year study proved the theory and the findings had a huge and immediate influence on the work being done to save kiwi all around New Zealand.
Since 2002, the local hapu has developed a close working partnership with DOC, centred around the ‘mainland island’ created on Maori land on Puketukutuku Peninsula. Trapping predators, particularly stoats, is at the core of the Waikaremoana Kiwi Recovery Project and the Trust has a four-person team on the job. When not luring stoats into Fenn traps, the team built the kiwi enclosure and a 1.7-kilometre fence that stops birds leaving the peninsula’s predator-free safety, and now maintain the worm farm and take part in research projects.
July’s ceremony took the relationship to its next level and Trust chairman, James Waiwai, says the milestone was a very significant day for his people and reinforces the hapu’s kaitiakitanga. The hapu is now responsible for not only predator control, but also monitoring the kiwi population. James says the immediate target is to have 200 kiwi thriving on the peninsula; in the long-term, the hapu aims to make the whole area surrounding the lake predator-free. The next big project is to trap and fence adjacent Whareama Peninsula.
“The role of Kaitiaki is inherited and it is our destiny to fulfill – we descend from great conservationists. As governments and policy come and go, we will be here for generations to come,” James says.
“Many opportunities have been created for our whanau in Waikaremoana - we now have the confidence to move into the next stage of the journey.” The project’s success is in large part thanks to the support of a great many people, government agencies and companies, including Bank of New Zealand, Genesis Energy and Sirtrack, he says.
‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa taki tini ke.’
‘The achievements are not attributed to the individual, but to the many who have helped.’
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Bank of New Zealand Keeps Backing Kiwi
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Bank of New Zealand has renewed its sponsorship of Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust for another three years. “We’ve been involved in kiwi recovery for 16 years now, saving kiwi is integrated into who we are - from staff checking traps in the Coromandel and attending kiwi releases to customers using their Kiwi EFTPOS cards and cheque books." says Head of Corporate Relations, Fiona Cooper Clarke. “This is a strong partnership between private enterprise, the Department of Conservation and New Zealanders, a partnership that is making a real difference for kiwi.” |
Since 1991, the Trust, Bank of New Zealand and its staff and customers have contributed more than $7million to kiwi conservation in New Zealand, and now provides about 15 per cent of all money spent on kiwi conservation nationally each year.
“Managers and staff of Bank of New Zealand share a deep concern for New Zealand’s national bird and take real pride in their role in kiwi conservation,” says Fiona Cooper Clarke, Head of Corporate Relations.
As a founding partner, Bank of New Zealand makes significant annual sponsorship contributions to the Trust’s work.
It also covers all the Trust’s administration and promotion costs – which means every cent donated by Kiwis and corporate sponsors goes directly to kiwi conservation.
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Kiwi Helping to Save Kiwi – Avi Holzapfel
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In mid-July, Dr Avi Holzapfel took up the role of Kiwi Recovery Group leader. One of the first things he plans to do is take a fresh look at the group’s membership and how it works. “Recovery planning brings together a mix of experts and people who have good links with on-the-ground technical expertise and management, to make decisions based on good understanding of all issues. |
The kiwi recovery group has always been really well served by a strong mix of skills and expertise from within the Department of Conservation, communities and other places, and this is vital when faced with such a big complex project as kiwi – there’s simply too much for a single person or organisation to deal with and we rely on a broad range of skills and links. My arrival in this job is a chance to look again at how the recovery group works, how it wants (and needs) to work” Avi says.
Avi is no newcomer to recovery groups (he led the dactylanthus (wood rose) and native frog recovery groups for several years), but he is new to kiwi, and it’s a steep learning curve. “The first wee while will be focused on learning and understanding the technical issues facing kiwi, as well as the networks involved. Kiwi recovery is varied and large and multi-faceted, and achieved by so many projects happening in so many places, done by the Department and communities and zoos and others – so to get my head around all of that will be a challenge.”
Other priority jobs on the list are finalising the Kiwi Recovery Plan, and making sure the recovery group understands recent changes to Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust’s funding strategy which now gives priority to threatened species. “I also want to look at some of the very large projects that are underway, for example, the five kiwi sanctuaries, so that we can be confident they are ready for the next five to ten years.”
Before he took on his new role, Avi worked in the Department of Conservation’s Waikato Conservancy as its advisory scientist and supervising other staff working on biodiversity. A German migrant, he has lived in New Zealand for 13 years, an ambition that arose after his first visit here as a young graduate. “I met good friends and fell in love with the country.” Three trips later, with a wife and family in tow, Avi settled down in Hamilton and began working toward his doctorate on dactylanthus. “We put down small roots, made friends, found schools etc. and haven’t moved since.”
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Trust News - Kiwi Funding Hits New High
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Funding for community-based kiwi projects has hit an all-time high – $766,000 has been allocated for 2007-2008 – $100,000 more than last year. Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust announced the grants in mid-July. Executive officer, Michelle Impey, says the record high brings the total for Trust grants since 2003 to more than $2.8 million. |
“It feels very good to be part of something so positive,” she says. “Most of the money, about 75 per cent, comes from Bank of New Zealand, its staff and customers. Donations, schools and other Trust sponsors provide the rest. It’s very clear that the Trust’s kiwi work has captured the hearts of New Zealanders and their generosity is outstanding; it allows us to put their money into some amazing projects that are making a real difference to the future of kiwi.”
This year’s $766,000 has gone to 41 projects, including work targeting the most endangered kiwi species – rowi and Haast tokoeka on the West Coast of the South Island, which have estimated populations of 250 and 300 respectively.
Michelle says community-based initiatives and university research received 65% of the total allocations, via 23 projects, with the rest going to support Department of Conservation kiwi work (including two kiwi sanctuaries).
Successful bids include:
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Research to develop a near-natural diet that can be fed to captive kiwi
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Development and maintenance of kiwi crèches – both fenced sites on the mainland and island sites
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Developing time-saving monitoring technology – such as the ‘egg timer chick transmitter’ used for rowi
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Funding for education and advocacy work, including a part-time national mentor for advocacy, kiwi egg candling course for BNZ Operation Nest Egg™, and the Kiwi Forever scholarship programme for secondary students
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Funding for many groups using BNZ Operation Nest Egg™ to boost their kiwi population.
While the funding this year is the most ever allocated, Michelle says the demand is also growing. “The bids we received totalled about $1.2million, which shows how much New Zealanders are doing for kiwi conservation – and efforts to save kiwi are growing all the time. There are about 60 community groups protecting about 50,000 hectare of kiwi habitat over and above the 70,000 hectares managed by the Department of Conservation.”
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Trust News - Farewelling a Dedicated Kiwi Supporter
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It’s with sadness that we note the death of Matt Sherrard, secretary of the Mahinepua-Radar Hill Landcare Group which operates near Kaeo, in the far north. Matt’s enthusiasm, dedication and experience will be greatly missed, and Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends. |
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Trust News - Welcoming a new Trust Chairman
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The Trust would like to welcome Cameron Clyne as its new chairman. Cameron took up the role of Chief Executive Officer for Bank of New Zealand in March, leading a team of 6000 staff. His career spans 18 years in financial services. |
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What’s New on the Web?
Time to go Shopping at the eKiwiShop
Every time you shop online in eKiwiShop you’re helping raise funds to support Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi initiatives – 100% of profits heading straight for the Trust’s coffers.
To order your cycling set, and to check out the other items on sale, visit ekiwishop.co.nz.
Kiwi Bike Gear
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The virtual shelves of the eKiwiShop are filling up fast and the latest special offers promise to have you looking very good as you hit the road on your energy-saving sustainable cycle. Stylish purpose-built cycling jerseys and shorts for women and men feature the Trust logo and a picture of a kiwi chick. | These light breathable tops come in a range of sizes and the eye-catching blue and white Trust colours. The gender-specific shorts are hard wearing black nylon lycra, with a white side panel.
Kiwi Zone Signs
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Packets of three durable dog-free signs are yours to own for just $5.00 from the eKiwiShop – ‘Kiwi Zone: No dogs allowed’. In Trust colours, with the Trust logo, these signs clearly let visitors know they are entering kiwi country. |
Kiwi Books
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Learn more about our national icon from our books! |
Sniff™ Products
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Check out our selection of products featuring our kiwi mascot. |
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Anti-spam legislation
In early September, new anti-spam legislation is coming into effect in New Zealand. If you receive the Kiwi Advocate it’s because you signed up for it, and we love keeping you up-to-date with the great kiwi work happening all around the country. If you no longer want to receive the Kiwi Advocate, then go to this link:
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Upcoming Events
What: Volunteer your time to help on a kiwi project in your local area
Why: Community groups are always looking for extra pairs of helpful hands
When: Anytime
Where: About 60 groups are now up and running throughout the country, from Northland to Arthur’s Pass village in the Southern Alps
Contact: This website provides a lot of information about community-based kiwi groups, with contact details for each one. Or you can email savethekiwitrust@bnz.co.nz or DOC’s National Kiwi Recovery Co-ordinator, Avi Holzapfel, at aholzapfel@doc.govt.nz
What: Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 2007
Why: Ride in style in the new Save the Kiwi brand cycling gear
When: 24 November 2007
Where: Order your cycling shirts and shorts from the eKiwiShop on the Trust’s website
Contact: Visit ekiwishop.co.nz to order your cycling kit, or visit www.cyclechallenge.com to find out more about the ride.
What: Provide your input into how kiwi could be best managed in Northland in the next ten years. Taxon planning is underway with Department of Conservation (DOC) for North Island brown kiwi.
Why: Everyone can play a role in saving kiwi and your contribution is vital! You can contribute via writing and/or meetings and comment on drafts of the plan
When: October - dates TBC
Where: Various Northland locations - TBC
Contact: Emma Craig, DOC (09) 437 4576 or ecraig@doc.govt.nz
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Did You Know?
Kiwi can get all the water they need from their food – juicy earthworms are 85% water. This cunning adaptation means they can live in dry places, such as Kapiti Island. Being nocturnal also helps – because most species only come out at night (the exception is the Stewart Island tokoeka), they don’t get hot, bothered and dried out by the sun.
Did you know?
New DNA testing is changing the kiwi landscape as new species are identified, but as of now, we believe there are five kiwi species and several varieties, as follows:
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Brown kiwi (North Island) – 4 varieties – population estimated at 25,000
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Little spotted kiwi – population estimated at 1425
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Great spotted kiwi (raroa) – population estimated at 17,000
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Rowi (Okarito brown kiwi) – the rarest kiwi with a population estimated at just 250
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Tokoeka – includes the Haast tokoeka (population estimated at just 300), two forms in Fiordland and one on Stewart Island – combined populations estimated at 34,500.
That makes a total New Zealand kiwi count of 78,475.
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Win a Kiwi Chicks Rock T-shirt” Terms and Conditions
- The Win a Kiwi Chicks Rock T-shirt contest opens on 1 November 2007 and closes at 5pm, 15 December 2007 (the “Entry Period”). There are three prizes, being three ‘kiwi chicks rock’ t-shirts, to be won
- Three winners will be drawn at random on 18 December 2007, from all new subscribers to the Kiwi Advocate who sign up with a legitimate email address during the Entry Period.
- The prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash.
- The prize draw supervisor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
- The winners will be notified by email using the details held by Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust. If a winner cannot be contacted after reasonable attempts by Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust to arrange collection, the prize will be forfeited and another winner will be drawn.
- Each winner agrees that his/her name and photograph may be used by Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust from time to time for promotional purposes.
- Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust reserves the right to vary, suspend or terminate the prize draw at any time.
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