Dawn Chorus. Smorgasbord for birds. Tiritiri's luscious fruit crop Welcoming back the planters Two weddings and a funeral

Transcription

1 Dawn Chorus Bulletin 98 ISSN August 2014 Smorgasbord for birds Tiritiri's luscious fruit crop Welcoming back the planters Two weddings and a funeral

2 Tiritiri snippets Storm cancellations give Wednesday guides Tiritiri-withdrawal pangs By the time the mid-winter gales finally eased for a few days the Wednesday guides were suffering from withdrawal symptoms because the ferry was cancelled five Wednesdays in a row. The weeks of ferocious weather - a gust of 170kph was recorded at the top of the lighthouse - not only brought down trees on the Island but also played havoc with the ferries. 360 Discovery manager Jimbo (aka Jim Bailey) said, 'Last week was the worst we've had. The ferries to the Outer Gulf, not just Tiri, were cancelled every day from Monday to Saturday. We hate cancelling any ferry but the bad weather and poor bookings - when Jim Hickey says the weather's going to be rotten people don't book to go to Tiri anyway - left us no choice.' Guiding and shop manager Mary-Ann Rowland reckons it may be the worst winter she can remember for the Island. Commenting just before she went away on holiday, after which there were more cancellations, she said, 'In six weeks, of 30 possible trips the ferry was cancelled 12 times. The last time it was this bad was 2008 when 11 trips out of 25 were cancelled at the same time of year.' Still, she added, 'We all survived. After the big blow Ranger Dave was out the next day with the chainsaw clearing the tracks. And as soon as the ferry was going again a wonderful band of guides came out to rake and sweep all the debris away. We may discover more trees downed once spring hits and the bird tracks are being used again.' The heavy rain that also hit the gulf has left tracks muddy in places but, on the positive side, the dams are full and, Mary-Ann said, 'the pateke are smiling.' Weather station Still on the weather front, Niwa is going to instal a flash new automatic weather station (at right) on Cover: Geoff Beals' photo of a whitehead chick being fed won the Fauna section of this year's Tiritiri Matangi Photo Competition. Other winners are on pages 8-9. Tiritiri to record such events. Originally they hoped to put it near the site of the old weather square but it would have been too intrusive. Instead it is to be installed at the trig in the middle of the Island. However, the weather square will be retained. The celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the turning on of the Tiritiri lighthouse, on 1 January 2015, look like being a colourful occasion in more ways than one. Carl Hayson says an application has been lodged for a night ferry, leaving at 10.30pm, 'which I think will fill very quickly.' An exciting programme of festivities is being investigated. Efforts are being made to find a bagpiper to herald the turning on of the light. And the lighthouse will be lit up in red to show how it would have looked in its original colour. The same thing was done two years ago for the Castlepoint lighthouse (see photo above) with spectacular results. Tops with tourists Tiritiri's charms are being recognised by tourists. When the website experienceoz.com - which despite its name covers New Zealand as well - asked its members to rate the best things to do in Auckland, Tiritiri made number one on the list! See for yourself at: www. experienceoz.com.au/top-10-things-to-doauckland. Tiritiri on Facebook That piece of good news is one of many items to be found on the Tiritiri Facebook page which is maintained by Maria Galbraith and is proving extremely popular. Maria recently posted what she describes as 'a very unassuming video of a kakariki feeding in rewarewa and it went a bit viral. It was viewed by over 18,000 people and was shared almost 100 times! To put this in perspective, we have a fan base of 1700 people on Facebook. Most posts get viewed by between 600 and 1000 people and a few shares if we re lucky.' If you'd like to see the kakariki video it's at: Altogether there are 19 videos on the Facebook page, including bird behaviour, Greg being weighed, walking the steps of the lighthouse, foghorn blasting, etc. As Maria says, 'They re a really neat insight into some of the stuff that people may not normally experience on the Island.' There are also photos showing Tiritiri from offshore, from the recent Planters' Day trip round the Island, which give another perspective of the place. Maria's page is at TiritiriMatangiIsland. TUI Beneath a brushstroke sky two fans flutter; geisha-like in black, green, blue and white - sun-glistened bodies in flight. For the flick of a second they pause, suspended, then plummet from height - in an iridescent feathered dogfight. Diana Dombroski Tiritiri Matangi s Poet Lorikeet Diana Dombroski will turn 90 on 27 September Old codgers At what age does someone become an old codger? It's a question doubtless being pondered by Ray Walter and Mel Galbraith following a report on Fairfax Media about the Westpac Rescue Helicopter being called to the Island to rescue a kayaker with an injured leg. It wasn't much of a drama, but what greatly impressed paramedic Chris Deacon 'was the ages. The man needing help was in his 60s and he was with three women in their 70s kayaking the Hauraki Gulf. They were out there doing it, having adventures, while the nation's young people, sitting on the couch, are not. They're playing game-boys and things like that.' But he was even more impressed when the helicopter landed near the lighthouse, where the Planters' Day celebrations were in full 2 Dawn Chorus 98 August 2014

3 The man who saved Tiritiri Matangi John Darcy O'Brien, who died on 15 July aged 96, was without doubt one of the key figures in the establishment of the Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary we enjoy today. Darcy, as he was known, was Commissioner of Crown Lands in Auckland for much of the 1960s and 70s, and used his position to ensure that huge areas of coastline were placed in public ownership. In 1970, when the Marine Department decided it no longer needed the whole of Tiritiri as a lighthouse reserve, it was Darcy who had it gazetted for recreational purposes and handed over to the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park Board, which he happened to chair. Subsequently he decided not to renew the farming lease of the Island, opening the way for it to be replanted. John Craig, co-author of the planting programme, said, 'Darcy was the person in the background who helped the winning team. He was forever supportive of what was then a hairbrained idea and he smoothed waters that allowed the Tiritiri project to proceed and succeed.' Neil Mitchell, the other co-author, added, ' In his own quiet way he just made sure things happened and that ideas didn't get buried under bureaucratic procrastination. He also had a deep perception of what made New Zealand special and did his best to ensure it survived.' Ray Walter said he first met Darcy while lighthouse keeper on Mokohinau and later on Tiritiri Matangi. 'He was a true gentleman, easy to talk to and interested in what was being said. Most contact with him was through Crown Lands and the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park Board in the operation of the Tiritiri project. A far-sighted man who will be sadly missed.' The photo above shows the Park Poard inspecting part of its estate with Darcy O"Brien in the centre in white shirt and shorts. Photo / Ted Lees swing, and he was greeted by an 80-year-old volunteer who drove them to the patient. 'He was as fit as a buck rat.' Then Deacon recognised 'another old codger who was helping' as someone the helicopter recently air-lifted off Great Barrier, where he had been planting trees. It was further evidence, he told reporters afterwards, that 'the older people are out there doing it and having a great time.' Relief map The relief map of the Island which sat in pride of place in the Visitor Centre is still missing. After going to the mainland for repairs to damage caused by years of inquisitive fingers plus some updating of tracks, it did return briefly. But unfortunately the repair work wasn't satisfactory so it has had to leave again. Watchtower As part of the on-going work to preserve the Island's remarkable lighthouse history Ray Walter and Ian Higgins have finished restoring the edge of the watchtower, which now looks better than ever. From the chair AGM a time for changes It s almost AGM time again and you ll find elsewhere in this edition some proposed changes to our Rules of the Society. The changes are proposed in order to bring our rules up to date with current practice, to remove interim rules needed a couple of years ago when we changed our financial year, and to add a little more flexibility to the ways your committee can operate. We will need you to accept these changes at the AGM before we can implement them. The AGM is also an opportunity for hard-working committee members to take a break if they so wish. This time around Kay Milton and Alison Bray are stepping down and Linda Worth has decided to give up the secretary position, though she will continue as an ordinary member of the committee if re-elected. At the time of writing, we have no nomination for a replacement secretary. If you might be in a position to take on this important role, please get in touch with me to discuss what is involved. Once again, our loyal Supporters have responded to appeals for financial help for important projects and I m delighted to report that two donations have been received which will cover the costs of identifying the invertebrates collected as part of our pohutukawa project. Work is continuing to broaden our sources of income and give us greater financial security. Later this year we will contact Supporters about making a bequest in their will. This is a highly effective means of support for those who are in a position to donate a part of their estate. You will have noticed that the Supporters' renewal notifications came out a little late this year. We had planned a change of supplier for our credit card processing, but tests made immediately after the change-over day turned up some difficulties and we were forced to delay until these had been resolved. In recent years Zhea Warden has been our membership secretary and I d like to recognise and thank her for the enormous contribution that she has made. Zhea has now retired from that role and I welcome Annette and Malcolm de Raat who have taken it on. It s been a poor winter weather-wise, with many boat trips cancelled due to rough seas or low bookings. However, spring is almost here and the Island has come through the winter looking in superb condition. I encouage you to make a visit see you there. John Stewart 3

4 Fauna Notes Takahe romance ends in tragedy Anatori will shortly move with her new partner to join the growing takahe colony on Motutapu but Mahuika's new mate has been found dead. Winter is generally a quiet time for fauna notes, if not for the fauna itself. In fact, late June and early July have been anything but quiet, with the Island repeatedly buffeted by fierce gales and lashing rain. In such conditions, we inevitably think of our smaller birds like rifleman and whitehead, and wonder how they cope. Fortunately, the wet weather tends to bring out the invertebrates, especially on the ground. Whitehead, in particular, have been feeding openly on the mown grass around the buildings and on the grassy tracks. With most research and monitoring activities on hold until the spring, there is little information coming in, and with the weather causing frequent ferry cancellations, even casual observations have been sparse. The main news is about significant changes taking place in our takahe and wetapunga populations. Takahe The annual visit from Phil Marsh, of DOC s Takahe Recovery Team, usually heralds interesting events, and this year was no exception. Phil visited Tiritiri on 6 June, along with Tanya Shennan of Auckland Zoo, who is being trained to work with takahe. The purpose of the visit was to band and vaccinate Te Mingi and Cheesecake s chick, and collect faecal samples from each family group for disease screening. The chick is a male, which is excellent news since males are in short supply in the national breeding population. He has been named Pukekohe in recognition of the support Pukekohe High School students have given us. His bands are yellow and black on the left and orange and metal on the right (YK-OM). One purpose of Phil s visit was to pave the way for a new arrival. Mahuika had been alone since Blackwatch disappeared nearly a year ago, and the Recovery Team had managed to find a partner for her, a male of about the same age (12 years) called The Captain. On 18 June, Dave Jenkins collected the now familiar takahe carrying box from Auckland Airport and brought The Captain to Tiritiri. A special enclosure had been prepared, with an internal division so that he and Mahuika could begin to get used to each other without physical contact. All went well, the internal fence was removed and three weeks later they were released. Over the following weeks they were seen, sometimes apart, sometimes together, as The Captain explored his new home. However, our hopes for the relationship turned to sadness and disappointment when, on 16 August, The Captain was found dead near the Wattle Track. We now await an autopsy at the Auckland Zoo to reveal the cause. Meanwhile, plans Photo: have Ian been Southey made for the future of Anatori, Mungo and Edge s chick from A two-year-old male called Turutu, from Maungatautari, has been identified as her potential mate. In order to encourage them to pair up, they are being enclosed together for a few weeks on Tiritiri before being moved to Motutapu to join the relatively new population there, which already includes several of our birds. Kokako Some of the guides have commented favourably on how easy it is for visitors to see kokako at the moment, with around 40 birds present. Members of the kokako monitoring team know that sightings are always a matter of luck. So we were especially delighted when five of our birds obligingly showed up for a day s filming at the end of June. Keith Finnerty, of Cat and Mouse Television, has been commissioned by Puke Ariki Museum in New Plymouth to make a film promoting the Parininihi Project (see article opposite) which will bring kokako back to Taranaki. FAMILY AFFAIR (above): The takahe family of (from left) Te Mingi, Cheesecake and their newly named chick, Pukekohe, share a meal; (below) wetapunga can now often be seen around their bamboo shelters on the Wattle Track. Photos / Kay Milton, Karin Gouldstone 4 Dawn Chorus 98 August 2014

5 Keith was guided by Morag Fordham and Kay Milton, who hoped they d be able to find some birds for him. They needn t have worried. Te Koha Waiata and Cloudsley Shovell were singing their hearts out in Wattle Valley, Discovery (Crown and Pureora s chick from last season) was exploring the area at the bottom of the fire break, and Puoho and Terewai, who both have Taranaki descent, were feeding peacefully at the end of Graham s Road. If only it were always this easy! Saddleback Some of the colour-banded birds from John Stewart s study are beginning to be seen in different parts of the Island. Two young birds banded in Stagnant Dam Bush (just north of Fisherman s Bay Track) have been seen one in Bush 3, the other at the Visitor Centre. Young birds are banded yellow metal (YM) or orange metal (OM) on the left leg, with no bands on the right leg. Adults have more complex combinations. If you see any colour-banded saddleback on the Island, and can record the band combination (a photo, even a very bad one, is a good way to do this) John is very keen to know about them (johnreastewart@gmail.com). Wetapunga We thought 1 May was a momentous day when 150 wetapunga arrived from Auckland Zoo. Little did we realise that 27 June would bring another 235 of these impressive insects, most from the Zoo, but also 15 from Butterfly Creek. Once again, Chris Green arrived with Zoo staff, plus Paul Barrett from Butterfly Creek and some keen volunteers. Most of the wetapunga were transported in their bamboo shelters, which were fixed to trees in Wattle Valley. Unlike the earlier translocations, this latest arrival included a lot of younger animals, so the bamboo shelters came in a variety of sizes. Most wetapunga leave their shelters during the first few weeks and find more natural refuges in the bush. Volunteer Karin Gouldstone has been monitoring them and removing any shelters that are no longer in use. By 16 July, 47 shelters (about 20%) remained from the latest release. What surprised Karin is that a few of the larger, older wetapunga from the 1 May release were still occupying their shelters in mid-july. The arrival of wetapunga in Wattle Valley gives overnight visitors the chance of seeing these magnificent insects. Karin has already found them in unusual places, such as the hihi feeder cage! Compiled by Kay Milton; information provided by Phil Marsh, Dave Jenkins, Jason Campbell, Morag Fordham and Karin Gouldstone. NEW HOME: Conrad O'Carroll shows members of the kokako team around Parininihi. Photo / Sandra Whyte Taranaki prepares a home for its kokako Kokako have lived on Tiritiri Matangi for 17 years, and since 2007 the Island has provided sanctuary for the last remaining birds of Taranaki descent. DOC has promised that these birds will eventually return to their ancestral home, and the area being prepared for them is Parininihi, owned by Ngati Tama, on the coast of North Taranaki. In the middle of May members of the Tiritiri kokako monitoring team set off on a field trip to Taranaki, taking up an invitation from the Parininihi Project team and Pukearuhe Marae to see just how enthusiastic they are to have their kokako back. Conrad, Kirsten, Vanessa and family greeted us at the Marae with a heart-warming welcome. Conrad is hands-on with the project, working hard to eradicate pests, along with all the other duties that go with working for a trust of this nature. Kirsten is his right-hand woman, juggling a young family while working as the project s administrator. Vanessa gave us a wonderful insight into the history behind the project which would make their ancestors proud. Together they made us comfortable and kept us fed to the brim with good wholesome food. Over the course of the weekend we met Greg, Anna, Carla, Keith, Jenny, Dennis, Regan, Tahana, Alice, Alex and Frances who all showed us the passion they have to keep their project moving forward. Anna works for Puke Ariki, a museum and information centre in New Plymouth, and is putting together a display highlighting the Parininihi Project. At the centre of this display is Tamanui, the last kokako to be removed from North Taranaki and taken to Mt Bruce for a breeding programme that will eventually see his progeny returned to the forest of their ancestors. The display will include a short film documenting the removal and return of Taranaki kokako. It will surely be a wonderful sight to see the first kokako skipping through the branches again, adding a final clip to complete this film in the future. Anna played us a Taranaki kokako call that had us amazed at the distinctiveness of the dialect; it was very different from the song we are used to hearing on Tiritiri. Conrad, Jenny, Anna, our team and Keith, with video camera in hand ready for filming, headed into the hills for a closer look at the regenerating bush that leads down to the white cliffs of the Taranaki coastline. Here we hope the kokako from Tiritiri will smell the ocean and settle with ease. This was once a thriving forest full of all the necessary food and shelter the kokako relish. It soon became apparent that it is now badly in need of help to restore it to its former glory. Every trap along our path was checked, Conrad not missing a moment to remove pests and reset for the next hungry critter kill. The spots of beautiful bush showed how it will look in years to come. The walkways open to the public will provide not only the sound of the kokako, but also more of the alreadyresident bellbird, fantail, tomtit, robin, kiwi and more. We d like to express a huge thank you to Conrad, Kirsten and everyone else who made such a wonderful effort to welcome us on their turf. It was a great reminder of why the Tiritiri Matangi kokako monitoring team puts in the hard yards ensuring that our beloved birds get a good start in life. If you would like to help the Parininihi Project, through a donation or as a volunteer, contact Conrad and Kirsten O Carroll at parininihi@gmail.com Sandra Whyte 5

6 Flora notes Birds grow plump on Tiritiri's tasty fruit crop The wide range of fruits produced by the Island's flowering trees are a crucial source of food for birds and, in the past, for humans as well, writes Warren Brewer. PURIRI PIGEONWOOD MAHOE NGAIO PIRITA KARAMU The fruit produced by the flowering trees on Tiritiri Matangi is an important food source for birds. Some trees also have fruit edible for humans. Karaka fruit ripens to a bright orange in late summer. It is eaten mainly by kereru. The orange flesh is edible and very nutritious, containing sucrose, glucose, fatty acids and six of the eight essential amino acids. Fresh kernels are highly toxic if eaten by humans. Maori learnt to treat them with heat and long soaking to remove the toxin karakin. Treated kernels have a food value similar to oatmeal and were an important stored food for Maori. Pirita, our recently discovered green mistletoe, has yellow berries. They are described as being sweet and juicy and were eaten by Maori. Birds eat them also and help to spread the mistletoe to new host trees when sticky seeds attach to their beaks. Mahoe trees are dioecious (separate male and female). The fruit which forms on female trees ripens in late summer. The small deep violet berries are draped along fine branches and twigs, making a pleasing display. They are sought after by many birds. The large plum-like fruit of taraire ripens to a dark purple in autumn. Kereru and kokako seek them out. Maori also ate the flesh of the fruit after a long treatment by boiling. Ngaio fruit ripens to a deep pink in late autumn. It is not palatable for humans but is eaten by birds. Karamu is dioecious and its tiny flowers are wind pollinated. This is a process which seems fraught with many variables but the results often produce exceptional crops. The small, reddish-orange ripe berries appeal to many birds. They were also gathered by Maori children to snack on. Kawakawa belongs in the pepper family. It is another dioecious plant; the bright yellow spikes on female trees are composed of tiny fruitlets pressed closely together. The fruit is harvested by many birds, especially saddlebacks. The flesh of the fruitlet is quite sweet, but if the seeds inside are crushed the flavour becomes pungent and peppery. Puriri relies on birds for pollination and seed dispersal. It is renowned for its almost year round display of flowers and fruit. Its peak flowering is in winter. The fleshy deep red fruits are often present in large numbers. Pigeonwood has the Maori name porokaiwhiri, meaning 'pigeon food tree'. This says it all, for it is a favourite of kereru. The berries ripen to a bright orange in autumn. 6 Dawn Chorus 98 August 2014

7 TARAIRE KARAKA KAWAKAWA BACK HOME: Members of the Spade Brigade return to Tiritiri for the first of two Planters' Days. Photos / Helen Bucksey Spade Brigade stalwarts return to see how their Island is flourishing Sunday 15 June dawned calm and clear for the return of the Tiritiri Spade Brigade to the Island. This was the first of two Planters Days organised as part of the SoTM 25 th Anniversary celebration events taking place this year. After the usual ranger s talk on arrival, everyone turned around to see Ray and Barbara Walter ready to welcome visitors from their familiar spot up on the rock bank beside the Wharf Road, and the clock wound back 25 years. Current volunteer guides mingled with spade brigade veterans, swapping tales as they wandered up the Wattle Track, through the bush that they helped to create. Along the way they watched hihi sipping nectar from the kohekohe flowers, whiteheads and robins searching for insects and kokako striding along the branches overhead, all beneficiaries of the volunteer labour that the planters donated. The distant sound of rotor blades approaching announced the unexpected arrival of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter which landed beside the lighthouse. The helicopter had been called out to assist an injured kayaker, one of a group that had arrived at the Island earlier in the day. This sparked off memories for some who had required the services of the helicopter on other occasions. Nearby in the watchtower Anne Rimmer was on hand to chat to people about the Island s history, with a keen interest being shown in the historical lighthouse precinct work. Many of the spade brigade fondly remembered being able to go up the lighthouse in the past, so the restoration and future installation of the original Cuvier light on Tiritiri was a popular discussion point. SoTM s first chairman, Jim Battersby, enjoyed reminiscing with old friends at the Visitor Centre, along with veteran shop ladies Nan Rothwell, Sally Hally and Isobel Still. Late in the afternoon everyone assembled at the wharf shelter for a group photo, before boarding the ferry for a special trip around the Island, with commentary and anecdotes from Ray. From the vantage point of the ferry it was rewarding to see how much had been achieved on the Island, all started by the work of the pioneering planters during the mid-1980s. The final Planters' Day takes place on Sunday 7 September. There are special discounted ferry fares offered by 360 Discovery, so if you d like to join the voyage please book through shop@tiritirimatangi.org.nz or Helen Bucksey IN POSITION: Ray and Barbara Walter welcome the planters from their traditional spot. 7

8 Winners in the 2014 Tiritiri Photographic Co PEOPLE; 1 Martin Sanders (below); 2 Malcolm de Raat 3Julie Cotterill. FAUNA: 1 Geoff Beals, Whitehead (see cover); 2 Miriam Godfrey, Pied Shag (above); 3 Miriam Godfrey, Korimako (right). 8 Dawn Chorus 98 August 2014

9 mpetition UNDER 16; 1 Kalib Patterson, Wetapunga (right); 2 Oscar Thomas, Korora (below); 3 Henry Palmer, Kereru. FLORA: 1 Bernadette Fastnedge, Flame Tree (right); 2 Martin Sanders, Rewarewa; 3 Geoff Beals, Five-finger. LANDSCAPE: 1 Martin Sanders (right); 2 Geoff Beals; 3 Kai Lehnberg 9

10 Election required for SoTM Committee An election will be required to finalise the make-up of the new committee for the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi as there have been more nominations than there are seats. When nominations closed on 31 July there was only one candidate for chairperson, that of John Stewart, who said he was happy to stand for 'one further (and final)' year in the job, to which he will be re-elected unopposed. Similarly, there was only one nomination for treasurer, that of the long-serving Kevin Vaughan, who will also be re-elected unopposed. Linda Worth has stepped down as secretary but she is standing for the committee. When nominations closed no-one had come forward to fill the position of secretary. All of the existing committee members are standing again apart from Kay Milton and Alison Bray, both of whom have decided to step down. In addition, two other nominations have been put forward, As there are 10 nominations and the constitution provides for up to nine STEPPING DOWN (from left): Kay Milton and Alison Bray. seats on the committee a ballot will be needed. The nominations received are: Chairperson John Stewart (nominated by Ray Walter/seconded by Carl Hayson) My second year as chairperson seems to have flown by in a flurry of meetings, negotiations and many, many hours responding to s. I m happy to say that we have made good progress on fund-raising and on our education work, that much has been achieved by our various sub-committees and that we have had some fun celebrating our 25th anniversary. However, slow progress on our new accommodation and on advances in membership servicing has been frustrating. I continue to be delighted and inspired by the obvious enthusiasm and commitment that all our Supporters show for the Island. I am happy to stand for one further (and final) year for the position of chairperson. Secretary No nominations received Treasurer Kevin Vaughan (John Stewart/Hester Cooper) I am the current treasurer and have a background in accounting and management. I have spent many years overseas before returning to retire in New Zealand. Committee (maximum of nine seats) Roger Bray (Simon Fordham/Ray Walter) I have served on the Tiritiri main and Infrastructure committees for the past three years. I feel that my regular involvement with multiple projects on the Island provides me with a detailed understanding of the needs of SoTM. I still consider that all aspects of volunteering on Tiritiri are a privilege which enriches both the environment and our mental wellbeing, as does the vibrant family community of supporters. I am more fortunate than most by being involved with kokako, saddleback, lizard and kiwi work for six years, and guiding for seven. I have also participated in several translocations. These frequent visits and multiple activities mean that I am very familiar with most aspects of the Island and its on-the-ground management. Tiritiri days are a much welcomed escape from the city where I run my own information technology business. 10 Dawn Chorus 98 August 2014

11 Helen Bucksey (Kay Milton/Ray Walter) I started my Tiritiri guiding career just before the SoTM 21st birthday dinner, when David Bellamy gave his 'Wow!' speech. Little did I know that four years later my involvement with Tiritiri would have led to interviewing Lucy Lawless, learning to weave a flax kete, seeing releases of kiwi (on Motuora) and wetapunga, compiling a recipe book and helping to organise two unique concerts. All set to the unique Tiritiri soundtrack. 'Wow' indeed! To the SoTM committee I would bring an enquiring and analytical mind, complemented by an organised, pragmatic and good-humoured approach which is invaluable for working in a team. I have useful IT skills and a passion for all that SoTM aims to achieve, but my most important contribution may just be a roll-your-sleeves-up attitude to getting the job done, whatever the job may be. Brian Chandler (Ian Higgins/Kevin Parker) As a Tiritiri Matangi supporter, guide and regular volunteer of many years I am keen to see SoTM continue to grow and flourish as a critical part of the NZ conservation effort, a centre of conservation advocacy and a place where people can learn about the flora and fauna of NZ while having a fun experience. I visit the Island often as a guide and volunteer and have spent many working weekends and other periods on the Island working on infrastructure and biodiversity projects. I am sure that my new Bionic hips will allow me to do even more work in the future! Like many volunteers, I am involved in several other conservation projects such as Ark in the Park and Motuihe and believe that this helps to provide additional perspective in conservation matters. There are many changes currently affecting Tiritiri. Some have been initiated by SoTM, such as the myriad new initiatives in biodiversity, education and advocacy, visitor and member management and historical infrastructure. Others are being brought about as a result of new approaches to managing conservation in New Zealand, financial constraints, etc, which impact on SoTM and will continue to do so. I have been involved with many changes during my two years on the committee and hope to draw on my experience in business, project and change management to continue to add value in managing change in the future. Hester Cooper (Simon Fordham/John Stewart) I have been involved with Tiritiri Matangi since the early 1990s, first as a guide and later as a research advisor and member of the Biodiversity and Research Sub-committee. I m heavily involved with the biodiversity of the Island and was one of the main organisers of the Pohutukawa Project which is looking for ways to create more diversity within some of our bush to encourage more bird and animal life. I look forward to contributing to the enhancement programmes which will come from the Biodiversity Plan and future management of Tiritiri. Jill Courteaud (Linda Worth/Simon Fordham) I have been involved in Tiritiri Matangi for the last 10 years and am one of the volunteers who fills in for Mary-Ann when she is away. I have spent the last 10 years in senior management in a secondary school and am now in semi-retirement having returned to the classroom this year. Simon Fordham (John Stewart/Roger Bray) Along with my wife, Morag, I have been involved with the Tiritiri project for over 21 years. For 14 of those years, I have been a member of the main committee, four of those as chairperson. Even when not on the committee I have maintained an active role with SoTM, including membership of four sub-committees, coordination of the rifleman translocation, a period as membership secretary and, until earlier last year, editor of Dawn Chorus. As always, it is a privilege to work with a committed team as we face unprecedented challenges in our efforts to preserve what has been created and to take the project forward. Carl Hayson (Roger Bray/Ray Walter) I joined the Supporters in 1989 and have had over 20 years experience on the committee, including taking on the roles of treasurer, secretary and chairperson. I now head the Infrastructure Sub-committee. I retain a strong interest in all aspects of the Island, currently with a particular interest in restoring the lighthouse precinct. 11

12 Peter Lee (Linda Worth/Jill Courteaud) The Supporters is in great heart, but in an era of cuts to DOC funding it's facing even bigger issues and challenges. I'd like to bring my expertise and knowledge back to help. Having twice been chairperson of SoTM, I have a wide knowledge of the Supporters, its challenges and opportunities. Amongst other things, in my previous time I drove the Strategic Plan, still the guiding document for the Supporters. I'm a regular working weekend volunteer and occasional guide. Currently I'm also deputy chair of the Northcote College Board of Trustees, and I'm also on the Lifeline NZ Endowment Trust, meaning I can bring new and different perspectives. In my work life I'm a senior manager at ANZ Bank's Wealth division, and previously ran an industry professional body. I have a wealth of marketing, sponsorship and communications experience, areas of increasing importance to the Supporters. Ray Walter (Carl Hayson/John Stewart) I wish to stand again for a position on the committee. I have been a committee member since the inception of SoTM and still hold strong feelings for the Island. I have been a member of the Infrastructure Sub-committee for a number of years and would like to continue my work as such. I have been involved with the plans to carry out the maintenance of the track network, the repair and rebuilding of some of the dams, and the development of the historical and nautical history of Tiritiri Matangi. Linda Worth (Glen Cooper/John Stewart) I ve been secretary for two years and have participated in the more strategic activities associated with the Island s management. Starting out, I believed my background in health/disability sector management and stakeholder liaison would be of value within the committee and I hope that has proved to be the case. I ve certainly enjoyed working with the committee and my passion for Tiritiri is as strong as ever. I believe you need to stay in close touch with the Island to be an effective committee member, so I continue to be an active Wednesday guide and deliver Tiri Talks to community groups in the northern part of Auckland. During the next year I wish to focus on marketing and the visitor experience areas vital to Tiritiri s ability to compete for funding and visitors. I believe these deserve full attention and, accordingly, I will change from the secretary role to an ordinary position. The remarkable legacy of New Zealand's Lizard King GUEST SPEAKER at the SoTM AGM is filmmaker, photographer and naturalist Rod Morris who will talk on 'The Lizard King's Legacy: Tony Whitaker's Life of Exploration and Discovery.' The late Tony Whitaker was an ecologist whose passion for the study of New Zealand's lizards made him one of the great pioneers of herpetology in this country, says Rod. 'He had the mind of a scientist and the energy of an adventurer explorer and he was also in a sense a treasure hunter. Reptiles became his treasure. 'He was extremely good at finding lizards, he devised highly innovative methods for locating them and is responsible for a great deal of our knowledge today about the importance of lizards. 'His interest began in a time when the ecological importance of reptiles was largely ignored in effect he brought our lizards out into the limelight, giving us all a better appreciation of the need for their protection. ' Throughout his career Tony played a vital role in reptile research and conserva- SCIENTIFIC ADVENTURER: Film-maker Rod Morris (left) will speak on the life and achievements of herpetologist Tony Whitaker (right) at the AGM. Photos / Rod Morris, DOC tion, and he was responsible for the discovery (and sometimes re-discovery) of many species mostly reptiles but there was also the odd plant and one or two giant weta along the way. Rod says he regards his talk as a personal tribute, following Tony's untimely death at the age of 69, on 20 February this year. Rod first worked with Tony on the early Wildlife Service island surveys back in 1970 and, like so many others who knew him, considered Tony a friend. The talk will be illustrated with many of Tony's own slides. 12 Dawn Chorus 98 August 2014

13 Proposed changes to the SoTM Constitution SoTM, as an Incorporated Society and Registered Charity, is obliged to submit its Constitution or Compiled Rules to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies and those rules must meet certain conditions in order for us to remain registered. Your committee wishes to modify the existing rules in ways aimed at improving the organisation and management of the Supporters and you will be asked for a vote of support for these changes at the AGM on 22 September. Current rule 3b To construct build alter improve enlarge pull down remove or replace any buildings or other improvements which may be to upon or about any of the real or leasehold property of the Society or over which it may have any licence or right of occupancy. 4 There will be two classes of members ( Members ): 4aii This is a new clause. 4b This new clause is inserted as 4b. 4c 4 c) This clause is renumbered from 4 b) and all references to Life Membership in this clause will be replaced by references to Honorary Life Membership. 6c The Officers and the Ordinary Committee Members shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. Nominations for Committee members must be received in writing by the Secretary no later than 31 January prior to the Annual General Meeting. In the event of no nomination for Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer, these may be appointed by the Committee in accordance with Rule 6a. However, from and after 2011, nominations must be received by no later than 31 July prior to the Annual General Meeting. 6d This is a new clause inserted before the previous 6d, later clauses are renumbered. 6e The Committee shall keep minutes of its meetings and proceedings and of all General Meetings of Members, and shall keep a record of all receipts Proposed new rule To construct build alter improve enlarge pull down remove or replace any buildings or other improvements which may be upon or about any of the real or leasehold property of the Society or over which it may have any licence or right of occupancy. There will be three classes of members ( Members ): Membership shall commence with the payment of the appropriate annual subscription and will extend for twelve months from that date. Lifetime Membership i. Any person may apply to the Society for Lifetime membership, and on such application being approved by the Committee, and the Lifetime subscription being paid, the applicant shall become a member of the Society. ii. Lifetime memberships are restricted to individuals and are not available for families, groups, bodies corporate or others. Membership rights and benefits are restricted to the individual and do not extend to families or other entities. The Officers and the Ordinary Committee Members shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. Nominations for Committee members must be received in writing by the Secretary no later than 31 July prior to the Annual General Meeting. In the event of no nomination for Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer, these may be appointed by the Committee in accordance with Rule 6a. The Committee may co-opt up to two additional members (Ordinary Committee Members) who will hold office until the next Annual General Meeting. Co-opted Ordinary Committee Members may be in addition to the elected Ordinary Committee Members. The Committee shall keep minutes of its meetings and proceedings, including decisions taken by telephone or electronic communications which Current rule and expenditure, which accounts, together with the Society s yearly balance sheet, shall be open for inspection by Members not less than one week before each Annual General Meeting. 6h i Consistent with the Management Plan for Tiritiri Matangi for the time being laid down, or adopted by the authority having jurisdiction ( the Authority ); and 6i i The current financial year of the Society shall end on the 31 December ii There shall then be a transitional financial period of 18 months from 1 January 2010 to 30 June From and after 1 July 2011, the financial year of the Society shall commence on 1 July in each year and terminate on 30 June in the following year. 7a i The next Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Society shall be held on such date in March, April or May 2010 as the Committee determines. Thereafter, the Annual General Meeting of Members shall be held on such date in September or October in each year as the Committee determines, commencing with a meeting in September or October d All accounts in excess of $500 must be submitted to the Committee for approval prior to payment. 10e The Treasurer has authority to pay accounts not exceeding $500 but particulars of all such payments must be provided to the Committee at its next meeting. 10f All cheques must be signed by any two of the Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer or other Ordinary Committee Members. 11b Unless the Committee otherwise determines in any particular case, membership of the Society shall cease immediately where a member fails to pay the subscription due within six months of the commencement of the Society s financial year. 15 The subscription for the transitional financial period from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2011 shall be set at the Annual General Meeting held in March, April or May Proposed new rule shall be recorded in subsequent Committee minutes, and of all General Meetings of Members, and shall keep a record of all receipts and expenditure, which accounts, together with the Society s yearly balance sheet, shall be open for inspection by Members not less than one week before each Annual General Meeting. Consistent with any Business or Management Plans for Tiritiri Matangi for the time being laid down, approved or adopted by the authority having jurisdiction ( the Authority ); and The financial year of the Society shall commence on 1 July in each year and terminate on 30 June in the following year. The Annual General Meeting of Members shall be held on such date in September or October in each year as the Committee determines. All expenditure in excess of $1,000 must be approved by the Committee prior to commitment. The Treasurer has authority to pay accounts not exceeding $1,000, but particulars of all such payments must be provided to the Committee at its next meeting. All cheques or other payments, including electronic bank transfers, must be signed or authorised by any two of the Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer or other Ordinary Committee Members. Unless the Committee otherwise determines in any particular case, membership of the Society shall cease immediately where a member fails to pay the subscription due within three months of their renewal date. This clause is deleted. 13

14 Hand this to your kids or pass it on to someone else s kids to enjoy a range of activities about Tiritiri Matangi Island Hi guys, Here are a couple of activities to welcome in the spring. Have fun, Jo FLOWER SUDOKU PUZZLES Fill in each grid using the 4 flower symbols. Only one of each symbol can be used per row, and one of each per column. Similarly, in each small 2 x 2 square, within the large squares, each symbol is used once. Can you work out which 2 flax flowers are exactly the same? a b c g d f e Answers (no peeking!): 2 matching flax flowers a, f 14 Dawn Chorus 98 August 2014

15 Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Dawn 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 or contact P O Box Victoria St West, Auckland SoTM Committee Chairperson: John Stewart chairperson@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Secretary: Linda Worth secretary@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Treasurer: Kevin Vaughan Committee: Alison Bray, Roger Bray, Brian Chandler, Hester Cooper, Jill Courteaud, Simon Fordham, Carl Hayson, Kay Milton, Ray Walter Guiding and shop manager: Mary-Ann Rowland guiding@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Membership: Annette and Malcolm de Raat membership@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Educator: Barbara Hughes-Cleland educator@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Fundraiser: Vincent Maire fundraiser@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Dawn Chorus editor: Jim Eagles editor@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Island rangers: Dave Jenkins and Jason Campbell tiritirimatangi@doc.govt.nz Coming Events 6-7 September Supporters Weekend 7 September Planters Day trip around the Island 14 September Guided Ornithological Walk 22 September Annual General Meeting 7.30pm at Kohia Education Centre, Guest speaker: Rod Morris, 'The Lizard King's Legacy' 4-5 October Supporters Weekend 5 and 12 October Dawn Chorus trip. A chance to hear what ancient Aotearoa sounded like. Ferry leaves Gulf Harbour (ie not from the city) at 5am. Book with 360 Discovery 12 October Guided Photographic Walk 21 October Tiri Talk - Chris Green on his 21 years of entomology on Tiritiri Matangi October Labour Working Weekend 9 November Guided Ornithological Walk 14 December Guided Photographic Walk Supporters' Weekends are led by guides who will show off the Island's special places. Reduced price on the ferry and half price in the bunkhouse. Children welcome. Working weekends are your chance to give the Island a hand. Travel is free, as is accommodation in the bunkhouse. Supporters Weekends and Working Weekends must be booked through guiding@tiritirimatangi.org.nz The Guided walks are for small groups and are led by experts. They cost $25 and must be booked via guiding@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Day trips: 360 Discovery runs a return ferry service every Wednesday through Sunday from Downtown Auckland and the Gulf Harbour Marina. Bookings are essential. Phone or visit Call after 7am on the day to confirm the vessel is running. School and tertiary institution visits: The Tiritiri education programme covers from level 1 (5-year-olds), to level 13 (17-18-year-olds), to tertiary students. The focus in the primary and secondary areas is on delivering the required Nature of Science and Living World objectives from the NZ Science Curriculum. At the senior biology level there are a number of NCEA Achievement Standards where support material and presentations are available. An exciting development in 2013 for senior students was the implementation of the Draft Education for Sustainability (EFS) Achievement Standards that relate directly to Tiritiri. There is huge potential here in that these standards are cross-curricular and they may be used in various subject areas: science, economics, tourism, geography, religious education, marketing, health and physical education. The Island also provides a superb environment for creative writing and art Visiting Tiritiri Matangi workshops. For tertiary students there is an opportunity for a generalised presentation on the Island or to look at population genetics. Groups wishing to visit Tiritiri Matangi should go to or contact schoolbooking@tiritirimatangi.org.nz. Bookings are essential. Overnight visits: Although camping is not permitted on the Island, there is limited bunkhouse accommodation available. Bookings are essential. For information on booking overnight visits, go to: Bookings can also be made by phoning the Department of Conservation's Warkworth Area Office on , though an additional booking fee will apply. Volunteers who are undertaking official SoTM work can obtain accommodation at no charge but this must be booked through the Guiding and Shop Manager at guiding@tiritirimatangi. org.nz or Supporters' discount: SoTM members who wish to stay in a private capacity can get a discounted rate by booking through the Department of Conservation's Warkworth Area Office

16 Don't miss the 2015 Tiritiri Matangi calendar It's time to start thinking about Christmas presents for family and friends overseas. Top of the list has to be the latest Tiritiri Matangi calendar. At just $18 it's the perfect way to remind everyone what a beautiful place this is. Our shop has lots more gift ideas. How about wooden Christmas decorations made in NZ that come flat as a card but can be assembled into lovely 3D designs. Or washable cotton travel slippers, ideal for plane travel and perfect for slipping into your suitcase or under the bed at the bach We also have nature books, ceramics, bags, puzzles, jewellery, soft toys, works of art, natural beauty products and so much more TIRITIRI MATANGI OPEN SANCTUARY 2015 CALENDAR Come and spend a day on Tiritiri Matangi Island, see the wonderful birdlife and the unspoiled forest, enjoy free tea and coffee, buy treasures for yourself and gifts for loved ones, and support an amazing conservation project Eftpos and credit cards accepted By purchasing this calendar, you are supporting the conservation and education programmes on Tiritiri Matangi Island. Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc PO Box 90814, Victoria Street West Auckland 1142, New Zealand Printed in New Zealand by Safari Print using vegetable-based ink on paper sourced from sustainable forest. For more information see ring or shop@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi PO Box Victoria Street West Auckland 1142 New Zealand Permit No