Canterbury Conservancy News

December 2002 - January 2003

Featured in this edition of @DOC:

* DOC fire fighters head to the Victoria hills

* Lake Pearson / Moana Rua declared wildlife refuge

* Pest fish survey covers Canterbury

* Chasing the purple peril

* Mackenzie District Plan

* Godley Head workday

* Fire on Quail Island

* Visitor assets updates

* Mueller Hut

* Mt Somers to become loop track

* Proposed Motukarara Rail Trail

* Sooty shearwater surprise

* Is that coral in your carry-on?

* Canterbury Conservation Day

* Planting to protect against fire

* Aoraki summertime speakers

* Coming up

DOC fire-fighters head to Victoria hills

DOC fire fighters have been in high demand to help battle bush fires in the alpine areas of northeast Victoria, Australia over January.

The first team made up of nine Canterbury DOC staff and two from the West Coast left early in the morning of Sunday 19 January.

A second crew left a week later on Sunday 26 January and was made up of one DOC ranger from Canterbury, two rangers from Waikato, two from the Bay of Plenty and four from East Coast/Hawkes Bay. Christchurch City Council Port Hills ranger Paul Devlin also joins the DOC team.

Another ten rural fire fighters from forestry companies also left on 26 January, five from the Nelson region, four from East Coast of the North Island, and one from Omarama.

In total, 33 New Zealanders are now fighting fires in the northeast of Victoria. The fires were started by lightning strikes earlier this month.

Each team will be away for up to 20 days. The request from Australia was for personnel who were hill and high country trained for fire fighting purposes.

Wildlife refuge declared over Lake Pearson / Moana Rua

Canterbury's Lake Pearson/Moana Rua has been gazetted a wildlife refuge, thus ensuring the protection of the southern crested grebe/kämana, announced the Department of Conservation. "Wildlife refuge status is one of New Zealand's highest forms of legal protection for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitats. The designation recognises the value of Moana Rua as a significant habitat for the southern crested grebe and other native waterfowl," said Mike Cuddihy, Conservator Canterbury.

"We are pleased to make known this achievement in time to celebrate World Wetlands Day on 2 February," he said.

"This year is also Unesco's International Year of Freshwater 2003. It's an opportunity to reflect on the importance of water resources in our lives and wellbeing, and to focus our attention on protecting and valuing our freshwater."

Lake Pearson / Moana Rua is one of the scenic highlights for travellers along state highway 73 between Christchurch and Arthur's Pass.

The lake is a key breeding site for kämana in Canterbury. With a New Zealand population of approximately 250, grebes are threatened and fully protected. Ngäi Tahu regards kämana as a taonga (treasure).

A 'Women in Conservation' volunteer project run at the lake in November last year discovered eight grebe pairs on nests with eggs. The women set stoat traps around each nest to protect the grebes during this vulnerable time.

Project leader Leslie Jensen said that the traps had caught seven stoats since being set and she was watching the progress of the nests with great interest.

"Three of the pairs have successfully hatched a chick, and the traps will stay and be checked until the remaining chicks have fledged," she said.

Conservator Mike Cuddihy congratulated the women on their efforts and said that community involvement was an essential ingredient in establishing the refuge.

"Lake Pearson/Moana Rua holds a special place in the hearts of Canterbury people, and it is their contribution that has made the wildlife refuge possible."

The Department of Conservation (DOC) worked closely with interest groups such as Forest and Bird, Ngäi Tahu, district councils and members of the public to gazette Lake Pearson as a wildlife refuge.

Pest fish survey covers Canterbury

Wearing waders and hanging out at ponds may not be everyone's dream job, but two women have taken on the task, to survey Canterbury's waterways for pest fish.

Canterbury DOC employed Jane Goodman and Lizzie Dowling this summer, to survey the region for rudd, Gambusia, koi carp and catfish.

Technical Support Officer Sjaan Charteris said the survey team were looking at the big picture.

"While the team are focusing on these pest fish species they are also recording general habitat, weeds and other fish present," said Ms Charteris.

The team aims to survey 60 sites December to February, filling in any gaps from last year's survey and to focus around known rudd populations to find out how far they have spread. Canterbury's survey is part of a South Island-wide search for pest fish.

The survey will target slow moving streams, recreational ponds, wetlands, lakes, farm ponds, as well as sites of high conservation value, and will follow up any public reports.

The team began their survey on 6 December concentrating around Christchurch and into North Canterbury. They surveyed areas north of Christchurch up to Hanmer in the first weeks after the Christmas break. They did not find any new pest fish sites, however have been recording all weeds, frogs, birds and other fish present.

While in the Hanmer area, the Woodland Walk ponds were re-surveyed. Like last year, they caught low numbers of rudd, but Canadian pondweed (Elodea candensis) was also common. These ponds are used as sources of water for fires in the area. This has highlighted a potential issue that both pest fish and weeds could be transferred to other areas via monsoon buckets and other fire related activities.

The team are now working in South Canterbury and will spend the next ten days in and around the Raukapuka Area, which includes Geraldine and Timaru.

"If anyone thinks they have seen any of these pest fish, we would really love to hear from them so please don't hesitate to call your local DOC office or the DOC hotline 0800 362 468," said Ms Charteris.

Chasing purple peril

New infestations of purple peril in Canterbury have been reported, thanks to the vigilance of landowners and members of the public.

DOC ranger Jason Holland has been following up on these reports, to get a better picture on the spread of the nasty weed purple loosestrife and the hold it has on Canterbury.

"Once we know exactly how widespread it is, we can decide on the best action to take," said Ranger Holland.

The Department of Conservation, Ngäi Tahu, Environment Canterbury and the Christchurch City Council have joined forces to eradicate purple loosestrife from Canterbury. Calling themselves the Purple Peril Team, they are seeking help from members of the public to report any new sightings of purple loosestrife.

Purple loosestrife has long been a sought after plant for cottage-style gardens. Its showy spikes of pink-purple flowers can grow up to three metres high on tall stems. "Because purple loosestrife produces lots of seeds, it spreads rapidly to form dense stands. It takes over shallow lakes and river margins, and clogs drains and irrigation ditches. It crowds out native plants, and changes habitat for wetland birds and fish. If we do nothing, this species may spread out of control," said Ranger Holland.

Existing"Keep up the good work and please if you see purple loosestrife, give us a call on 03 371 3751, or email purpleperil@doc.govt.nz."

Mackenzie District Plan

The Department of Conservation is required to promote the conservation of natural and historic resources, both on and off conservation land. While DOC manages approximately one third of mainland New Zealand, some ecosystems are under-represented. One of the most important ways to achieve protection of the natural and historic values on private land is through statutory planning processes.

DOC does this by making submissions on regional policy statements, regional and district plans, and resource consents, to advise on the protection of natural and historic values and the sustainable management of natural and historic resources. It is an area of DOC's work that often goes on un-noticed in the background.

Conservancy botanist Nick Head and planner Steve Baker have recently been working through a submission to the Mackenzie District Plan. They have been negotiating with Forest and Bird, the Mackenzie District Council and the Federated Farmers to have a rule included in the plan which limits the amount of indigenous vegetation that can be cleared before a resource consent is needed.

Three intense days of negotiation for a solution paid off. The result is an agreement to include rules relating to shrublands, short tussock grasslands and mat and cushion vegetation.

"A general indigenous vegetation clearance rule was the last issue to be resolved within DOC's appeal to the Environment Court on the Mackenzie District Plan," said DOC planner Steve Baker.

"Reaching this agreement means we do not have to go to court and it clears the way for the Mackenzie District Plan to now become operative."

"One of the best outcomes of dealing with this remaining issue was both sides have come away with a better understanding of each parties positions. The relationship between DOC and the local farming community has improved because of this."

Godley Head workday

A group of 15 volunteers from the Godley Head Heritage Trust attended a working bee at the historic Godley Head Coastal Defence Battery site last Sunday. The work was organised by DOC's conservancy historic officer Ian Hill, and Gnome Hannah-Brown the area representative on the trust.

The Godley Head Battery is one of the most complete WWII coastal defence battery sites left in New Zealand, with many of its original structures still intact. The trust is a dedicated group of volunteers who have taken on a guardianship role to maintain and improve this wonderful historic site.

The trust did an excellent job of lime-washing the interior of the Miniature Range. This building has recently been re-roofed. The interior was swept out, and the first coat of lime-wash went on. The old drains were cleaned out while others worked on removing rubble from the steps and cleaning the years' accumulation of grease and muck from the cable channels in the engine room.

It is hoped to organise regular working bees to bring the historic buildings up to a reasonable standard. It was also an excellent opportunity to talk with the many visitors who walked past. Feedback from visitors reinforced the need for interpretation on-site.

Ötamahua/Quail Island

A group of volunteers working with the Ötamahua/Quail Island Trust averted a potential disaster on the island on Tuesday.

The group were returning to base for lunch after a hard morning grubbing thistles, when they spotted smoke on the north-eastern tip of the island. Running to investigate, they saw a dead tree on fire. With high easterly winds fanning the flames, wayward sparks were setting small tussock areas alight. As the fire had burnt the base of the tree, they were able to knock it over and wielding their grubbers, quickly piled dirt over the flames. One volunteer ran to the DOC bach and dialled 111. Assisted by DOC ranger Anita Spencer, the team smothered the flames with dirt, and ferried up seawater to douse the hotspots. By the time the heli attack crew arrived, the fire was well under control.

"It was thanks to the quick thinking of the volunteers," said Ranger Spencer, "without them it would have been history for the island."

Visitor assets updates

Waimakariri Area

The Binser Saddle Track in Arthur's Pass National Park has been cleared of 200 windfalls (some up to 60 cm in diameter), making tramping a lot easier. Wasps are in abundance in the area, which hampered work efforts.

Locke Stream Hut has had minor maintenance carried out and its exterior painted scoria red. The track from Locke Stream Hut to Harpers Pass, which was very overgrown, has been cut.

Repairs to a culvert on the Greyneys Old Coach Road have doubled its capacity and this now prevents water spillage and scouring.

Prior to Christmas, a whole week was spent clearing the popular Cass-Lagoon Saddle Track in Craigieburn Forest Park. Over 120 windfalls; some up to a metre in diameter; were cleared from the track. Maintenance has been carried out at the halfway point of Hamilton Hut and everything is looking rather smart, ready for the influx of trampers as the better weather becomes more evident.

The deferred maintenance hut programme has so far been completed on Pinchgut, Youngman Stream, Black Hill, Anti Crow, Lochinvar, Otehake and Koropuku.

The Youngman's Stream and Tarn Hut routes in the foothills forests have been cut and marked. A substantial section of the route has been diverted to improve the track line. An additional route has been marked between Lillburn Hill and the Ashley River to discourage use of De Bourbles Station tracks; hopefully this will remedy a long running problem with access.

North Canterbury Area

The St Jacobs Hut has had its piles replaced and a new bench installed. Three-Mile-Stream Hut was re-clad and painted, with a new roof and flue. Ongoing hut inspections are being carried out on the St James, Hurunui, No. 3, Hope Kiwi, Magdalen, Jolliebrook, Cold Stream and St Jacobs huts. The huts on the St James Walkway have had their toilets emptied ready for a busy season. A hut warden / track worker has been employed and will be on the St James until March 2003.

The following tracks in the North Canterbury area have received maintenance this summer so far; Banks Peninsula tracks, Hanmer Forest, Cold Stream route, Lyttelton and Godley Head tracks.

Raukapuka Area

Routine pre-summer season work is well under way, with most tracks in and around Geraldine cleared and maintained. Upgrades to bridges are planned for Scots Saddle Track and Sanders Falls.

Twizel Area

A contractor has cleared and maintained all tracks in the North and South Temple Valleys. The North Huxley Track should be cleared by end of January. A new entrance way for the Freehold Creek Bush Walk has been completed, including new signage.

Nine new log burners have been bought to install in the high-use huts within the Ohau Conservation Area. DOC staff are working with the Mackenzie Alpine Trust on the replacement of Red Stag Hut in the Godley Valley. Monument, Dasler and Erceg Huts have had upgrade work done.

Aoraki / Mt Cook Area

It has been a busy couple of months for the visitor assets team in Aoraki Mt Cook. Annual hut inspection and maintenance trips have been carried out to Kelman, Plateau, Barron Saddle, Empress and Gardiner Huts. Deferred maintenance work, outstanding from last year, has been completed at De La Beche and Haast huts. Tender documents have been issued for the replacement of the Tasman Saddle Hut toilet.

Seasonal and permanent staff have also been busy on the tracks. Vegetation trimming has been completed on all Aoraki Area tracks, including the popular Kea Point Track.

It's now onto the annual maintenance tasks - clearing drains, water tables, and repairing steps. The team have just spent a week working on the Sealy Tarns Track. Hooker Bluff had another dose of rock scaling work and the rock-fall protection netting was inspected in December. The remaining track baselines and lifecycle modelling for tracks have also been completed by contractor Pete Braggins.

Mueller Hut

The new Mueller Hut has been pre-fabricated in the contractor's yard in Gore, and is now ready to be moved to the site. The snow conditions which have hung around well into summer this year have caused delays in getting the hut onto location. But the waiting is over - staff have decided to take matters into their own hands and physically clear what snow remains on site, so the building can start.

The first load of materials for the new Mueller Hut has arrived in the village and the contractors are expected to make their first visit to the site in the last week of January.

The existing hut will be closed from Monday 17 February. Construction is expected to take up to ten weeks, with a provisional opening date for the new hut of April 30, 03. Contact the Aoraki Mt Cook Visitor Centre for more information; (03) 435 1186 email mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz

Mt Somers to become loop track

The Mt Somers Walkway Society has made progress towards realising their vision of a loop track around Mt Somers. Work has begun on creating a return route across the south face of the mountain.

The popular 17 km long Mt Somers Walkway links the popular picnic stops of Woolshed Creek and Sharplin Falls in South Canterbury. It traverses through spectacular sub-alpine country, and features include historic coal mines, impressive volcanic formations, tussock grasslands, and a deep river canyon. The new south face route extends the experience by taking trampers through beech forest, sub-alpine scrub and fantastic views to the plains and adjacent hill country.

The Society is a dedicated group of locals who were responsible for the creation of the walkway, which was opened in 1987. They administer and maintain the Mt Somers Hut, as well as the many short walks and other tracks that lead off the main walkway.

The Department of Conservation administers the walkway, which sees about 4000 walkers each year, with the continued support of the Mount Somers Walkway Society.

"The society's original idea was for an 'around the mountain' loop track," said Maurie Bootherstone, DOC. "That is still their vision and they have recently started work to complete the project on the south-east slopes with volunteers. They have the support of local clubs for people and funding, as well as contributions from local businesses."

A site for a new Mt Somers Hut, adjacent to the old hut has also been agreed to with the Society, and this project could start next year, dependent on departmental funding.

Proposed Motukarara Rail Trail

DOC staff are working with members of the community to look into developing a walk and cycle "Rail Trail" along the old Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere railway line.

Conservation awareness ranger Alison Mason has taken on the role of DOC representative on the proposed Rail Trail Trust, and organised a site inspection for 24 January. Richard Suggate (North Canterbury Area Manager) and Ian Hill (Conservancy historic officer) got together with prospective trust members, local adjoining landowners/lessees and local Rþnanga to look at various points along the proposed route from Motukarara to Birdlings Flat.

As this project has been mooted for a number of years, but has so far not succeeded to get off the ground before, the landowners had several issues. Peter Glasson, a local planner with a keen interest in the project and acting chair of the group, welcomed the opportunity for consultation and encouraged the local landowners to have a representative on the trust. Christopher Gray, the local Federated Farmers representative, will take on that role.

Sooty shearwater surprise

The only known sooty shearwater colony on mainland Banks Peninsula is doing well, thanks to local landowners who have taken on a role as kaitiaki (guardians).

DOC rangers Phil Crutchley and Anita Spencer met Kerry-Jayne Wilson from Lincoln University in mid December to visit and monitor the colony. The colony is located on private property at Stony Bay. Monitoring was last done two years ago, and at that time four birds on eggs were counted in burrows. This has been the average over the past years.

This recent trip just prior to Christmas revealed 16 burrows with birds present, with most of them sitting on eggs. There was also activity at several other burrows, which is likely to be young birds coming back, who potentially may lay eggs in the following years.

This fantastic result is directly attributed to the landowner building a predator fence and maintaining traps around the colony. DOC will be investigating sources of extra funding to help with repairing the predator fence, as it stands in the path of strong southerlies and requires constant maintenance.

Something that may significantly add to the importance of this colony is the sighting of what may have been a spotted skink Oligosoma lineocellatum. This skink is now absent from Banks Peninsula, but would once have been numerous around seabird colonies. DOC rangers aim to put out some pitfall traps later this summer to try and confirm the sighting.

Is that coral in your carry-on?

The Department of Conservation would like to remind those returning home from holidays overseas, that gifts containing animal or plant products might require a CITES permit.

CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is an international agreement between governments which aims to make sure that the trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

It provides protection to more than 30,000 species of animals and plants, whether they are traded live or stuffed, as fur coats or dried herbs.

DOC CITES officer Bob Powell said that he is constantly amazed by the sorts of things that people bring home with them from overseas.

"Chinese medicines are fairly common, so are shells and corals that people have either bought at stalls or collected off beaches," said Mr Powell.

"But one recent import was a little more unusual. I guess you could call it a sculpture - a mongoose entwined between two stuffed cobras, forming a heart shape above its head. A bit creepy for on the mantle if you ask me!"

CITES uses a system of permits to document these sorts of items. A permit shows that the item has not been collected illegally, and is from a sustainable source that will not put at risk the survival of the species in the wild.

"If people don't have the permit when they bring it in over the border, then it will be confiscated," said Mr Powell.

"Unregulated trade is the second greatest threat to wildlife populations, second only to habitat destruction. Illegal wildlife trade is the second biggest revenue earner for the international black market- second only to drugs! It's a serious business!" said Mr Powell.

"But CITES works - not one species protected by CITES has become extinct as a result of trade since the Convention came into force," he said.

For advice about whether your holiday souvenir might require a CITES permit, contact the Department of Conservation, Customs, or the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Down by the sea - Canterbury Conservation Day

'On a blanket with my baby that's where I'll be' for Canterbury Conservation Day Sunday 13 April 2003.

Motukarara Conservation Nursery is the venue for this day which celebrates the unique biodiversity of Canterbury's native plants and communities. There are talks, guided nursery tours and workshops throughout the day, and stalls and displays by various organisations and community groups.

This year's theme is "Down by the sea", focusing on the special features of Canterbury's coastal areas. Wade Doak is the keynote speaker talking about marine reserves, and David Bergin from the Coastal Dune Vegetation Network will also give a presentation. Other talks and workshops throughout the day will cover a range of topics such as marine mammal rescue, tsunami, and cultural use of coastal plants.

Planting to protect against fire

Many householders living in rural areas, or on the rural/urban fringe, face a real threat from the dangers of wildfires.

Jorge Santos, manager of Motukarara Conservation Nursery advises there are several things you can do in your garden, to reduce the fire risk to your home.

"A combination of well-kept lawns and gardens that use less flammable species helps create a buffer zone. This can lessen the intensity of a fire if it approaches," said Mr Santos.

"Remove all flammable material such as dry or dead scrub, wood piles, leaves and twigs from around your house. Keep lawns short and avoid letting grass in hard-to-reach corners grow long and rank," he said.

"Avoid planting highly flammable species such as känuka and mänuka close to the house," said Mr Santos.

"Choose fire resistant plants to create a green buffer zone. There are a number of native shrubs and trees that are less flammable than others."

Some suggestions include;

* Lancewood / horoekea; a small round headed tree, with different foliage at juvenile and adult stages of growth.

* Fuchsia / kotukutuku; a deciduous spreading tree with peeling bark and purplish/red flowers, hardy in almost any situation.

* Five finger / whauwhaupaku; has small, handsome foliage, scented flowers and purplish fruit.

* Karamþ; fast growing (3m) competes favourably with gorse, and is laden with bright orange berries.

* Marble leaf / putaputäweta; a small to medium sized tree (4-9m) dark green leaves with a light marbling surface, masses of white flowers.

* Karaka; medium-sized tree (9-15m) with large glossy dark green leaves and bright orange fruit.

* Broadleaf / päpäuma; round-headed branching tree (9-15m,) with glossy green leaves, tolerant of almost any soil or situation.

* Koromiko; fast growing shrub, (5m) good shelter with showy white flowers.

Jorge Santos and the staff at Motukarara Conservation Nursery are always happy to help and can provide further advice on what and how to plant under dry conditions.

A brochure called 'Flammability of Native Plant Species', produced by Forest Research's rural fire research programme has more useful tips. For a copy of this brochure, or for further information on protecting your property from fire, contact your local fire authority.

Summertime speakers at Aoraki

A series of invited guest speakers have been delivering evening lectures and slide shows in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park this summer. The programme of talks was launched on 17 January with a talk by mountaineer Gottlieb Braun-Elwert on his 'Traverse of Denali'. Visitor Centre Manager Shirley Slatter said the talks had been well received, with over 60 people attending each night. "We have one speaker booked in to present at the visitor centre each week until 28 February," said Ms Slatter. "If the interest of the visiting public demands it, we may extend into March if more speakers can be found." "Highlights coming up include a lecture on historic earth buildings, a slide show on village aid work in Pakistan and a presentation on kea research conducted in the park by Gyula Gajdon of the University of Vienna." For more information on what talks are being held when, contact the Aoraki Mt Cook Visitor Centre 03 435 1186.

Coming up

NGO Liaison Meeting

Wednesday 12 February 2003, 5.30pm, 5th floor conference room, DOC, 133 Victoria Street. This meeting's topic is "Hurunui Mainland Island - a presentation and update from the staff in the field". For more information contact Gnome Hannah-Brown, (03) 371 3706 or ghannah-brown@doc.govt.nz .

Summertime Speakers at Aoraki 17 January - 18 February, Aoraki Mt Cook Visitor Centre, 03 435 1186.

Recreation Users Group Meeting

Wednesday 5 March 2003, 7.30pm, third floor tea-rooms, DOC, 133 Victoria Street.

Held on the first Wednesday of every third month, a get together to talk over what's happening in the world of recreation and visitor assets. For more information contact John Bos, Department of Conservation (03) 379 9758 or jbos@doc.govt.nz

Canterbury Conservation Day "Down by the Sea"

Sunday 13 April 2003, 10am-4pm at Motukarara Conservation Nursery, Te Waihora Domain, off state highway 75. For more information, contact Annette Hamblett, Department of Conservation (03) 379 9758 or ahamblett@doc.govt.nz .

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