gills reserve - Forest and Bird

NORTH SHORE BRANCH AUGUST – DECEMBER 2011
WORKING TOGETHER WITH
A COMMON VISION
How does a
community group
work well together,
harmoniously,
progressively and
robustly? It requires
a mix of skills
and talents of the
members; a common
vision; specific goals;
projects that are seen
to have value in the community; intrinsic
motivation; and a willingness to discuss issues
respectfully, plus a benevolent, approachable
and competent leader who motivates his or
her team with good humour.
We have been fortunate. The combined
skills and goodwill of the committee, and
MORE THAN JUST A TRACK
On 10th April this year,
Centennial Park Bush
Society (CPBS) opened a
track from Park Rise to
Kowhai Road in Campbells
Bay, with about 80 people
turning out to celebrate.
It was the brainchild of
its chairman, Richard
Hursthouse, who is also now
Forest & Bird’s North Shore
branch chair.
Four years ago, Park Rise
Bush was a neglected,
weed-infested, impassable
corner of land on the
northern edge of the
Pupuke Golf Course. It was a repository of
garden waste and rubbish. But there were
sufficient native species like mingimingi,
mahoe pigeonwood, karo, kanuka, manuka,
five-finger, hangehange and houpara, some
now up to 6m high.
The concept was approved by the golf
many other members who are involved in
our branch activities, have been put to
very good use, as can be seen in the report
of outgoing chairman Alan Emmerson.
Moreover, the branch provides ongoing
worthwhile opportunities for members
and the wider community to be involved:
restoration projects, meeting attendance,
trips and behind-the-scenes work. We enjoy
an atmosphere of good humour, acceptance
and a sense of belonging in our community.
The North Shore branch of Forest & Bird
has, in the last few years, capitalised on
the availability of funding. There is no
doubt that the restoration of Te Kopua o
Matakamokamo (Tuff Crater Reserve) could
not have come so far without the significant
funds that have been received, as well as the
course committee,
Takapuna
Community Board,
North Shore
Parks Department
and most of the
residents of the
adjacent private
road Tree Fern Trail.
A rough route was
carved through the
tangled mess of
almost every type of
invasive pest plant
and tree. Joy was
felt on finding a
piped ‘causeway’
across the major stream. This saved the major
expense of constructing a bridge.
Thousands of hours of voluntary labour went
into the project. A massive clearance of
weeds and track construction was sometimes
assisted by Milford Rotary. Takapuna
Community Board provided $6,500 from
Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chairperson
Julia Parfitt does the honours on April 10
as Centennial Park Bush Society chair Richard
Hursthouse reassures her the scissors are sharp
enough to cut through the foliage as well.
FROM
THE EDITOR
efforts of all the hard-working people on the
ground and behind the scenes.
Conservation needs funding, sound
management and many willing practical
helpers. DoC and councils cannot cope
with the huge amount of work that needs
to be done. A business-like approach to
conservation means our projects are highly
progressive and well managed so we can
keep going with the support and goodwill
of those who involve themselves with us. So
if you would like a role in conservation on
the North Shore, please contact a committee
member – see details on the back of What‘s
On. All assistance is gratefully received. All
retained and new memberships are valued.
its remaining discretionary funds just before
the advent of the ‘Super City’. This enabled
CPBS to pay Te Ngahere to build a zigzag
track on a difficult section near the top of
Park Rise. A similar amount was spent on
professional spraying/weed/pest tree control
from the Bush Society’s own funds obtained
from DOC and environmental grants.
This 800m track is an extension of CPBS’s
activities, leading it to form Campbells Bay
Urban Sanctuary with the idea of urging local
residents to eradicate pest plants, including
monkey apple and tree privet, from their
own properties and encouraging replacement
bird-friendly native plantings.
The track has opened up a five-hectare area
for native restoration and regeneration that,
with continuing volunteer assistance, cannot
revert back. Strong volunteer support is key
to maintaining control over weeds.
For more info on this project, see www.
centennialparkbushsociety.org.nz
The printed version of Habitat is
kindly brought to you by Actionmail
(www.actionmail.co.nz)
– Margi Keys, Editor
– Joe Greig

FROM THE CHAIR
OUTGOING CHAIRMAN’S REPORT, MAY 2011 (ABRIDGED)
North Shore branch had another
outstanding year, being the local “Voice
for Nature” and fighting for conservation on
a number of fronts.
Our monthly meetings average 50 attendees.
Among the many who make our meetings
a success, Karen Wealleans ensures a high
standard of speakers, Margi Keys greets
arrivals, and Lynette Jolicoeur manages the
supper roster.
Habitat is our link to the community and
is now publicly available on the website.
It has been wonderfully edited by Victor
Meyer for the past six years. Linda Johnson
coordinates paper distribution and new
volunteer Mona-Lynn Courteau ensures
electronic distribution.
In May 2010, we had 715
members, up 20 from 2009
due to the street canvassing
programme Face to Face.
Helene Willis, our membership
coordinator, contacts all new
members with a greeting and
questionnaire designed to alert
us to special talents.
Kiwi Conservation Club membership is steady
at 336 and is run by a dedicated group
of seven: Christine Ball, Muriel Fanselow,
Ute Friedrich, Brian Gannon, Margi Keys,
Jocelyn Sanders and Rhonda Woodruff. KCC
participated in branch planting days, visited
Motuihe Island and Auckland Zoo, and had
a winter camp for three nights between
Horopito and National Park. They observed
birds on the Long Bay cliff top and at
Chelsea Heritage Park They learned about the
fossil forest between Milford and Takapuna
from geologist Rodney Hutchinson. In March
2010, Christine, Ute and Margi attended the
I would like to
aknowledge all the
help and support
I've had during my
three-year tenure
Claire Stevens and Jim Lewis
annual coordinators’ training weekend in
Whakapapa Village.
For many years Jim Lewis, a former chair of
the branch, monitored planning decisions
and development proposals threatening the
natural features, flora and fauna of the Shore.
The Resource Management Act
(RMA) provides a mechanism
to challenge inappropriate
developments and Jim was the
branch champion in this work.
His successor, Peter Hassell, has
begun the arduous work of
making submissions to the new
council.
Liz Anstey organises meeting notices in the
North Shore Times and files stories on our
conservation work with both the NST and
the Herald. She is also our new webmaster.
Ray Simpson succeeded Lauren Power in
the position of treasurer. Jocelyn Sanders, in
addition to her KCC involvement, has been
branch secretary for about 20 years and is the
rock of the branch.
Our trips were well attended. Committee
members share the organisation and leading
of events which feature bush walks, bird
watching, overnight stays on Tiritiri Matangi
and conservation work at Tuff and other
locations like Motuora Island.
The restoration of Tuff Crater Reserve is
our flagship project, superbly directed by
Richard Hursthouse and Anne Denny. Our
members put in over 1,200 volunteer hours
per year. This project has seen numerous
achievements: phoenix palms on the reserve
have been eliminated, pampas grass is now
mostly controlled, 3,000 native plants have
been put in, and a track started on the
northern half of the reserve. The spraying
of weeds is ongoing, by both contractors
and volunteers, and pest control has begun
with volunteers maintaining bait stations,
traps, and 20 monitoring tunnels that record
predator footprints. Three signs designed by
Kate Hursthouse have been installed, and
Interntional Print fully sponsored the design
and printing of 5,000 brochures.
Sarah Noble ensures the steady stream of
funding our Tuff project requires. Funding
over the last year has come from F&B Central
Branch $2,000; The Coastal Enhancement
Fund $14,609; Birkenhead Northcote
Community Board $36,000; DoC $9,500; and
ARC $3,150. Our own branch contributed
$2,450 from the sale of calendars and diaries.
Margaret Breakspear had a tremendous first
year in this job, selling 700 calendars and 165
diaries, and raising $4,000.
During my three-year tenure as Branch chair
I have been lucky to be able to count on
the support of all the committee members,
without whom little progress would have
been made. I gratefully acknowledge the
support and encouragement of the branch’s
membership and particularly recognise those
named above. The future of the branch looks
bright indeed.
– Alan Emmerson
Chairman's Report – Making a Difference
My sincere thanks goes to outgoing treasurer
Lauren Power and chairman Alan Emmerson.
They have worked for our Branch with focus
and dedication. As a result I have inherited a
well-run branch, a keen committee and an
exciting key restoration project. The Branch
now hosts vibrant, well-attended monthly
meetings, regular weekend trips, an active
KCC section, and our membership is growing.
Now, however, is no time for complacency.
While we must have an eye on the national
and global issues, I believe that North Shore
Forest & Bird should have a strong focus on
our patch. It faces significant environmental
issues – the degradation of our harbour by
pollution and erosion; weeds, pests, and kauri
die back in our bush; development eroding
bush and green space. The national executive
of Forest & Bird has revised its strategic
plan to cover five broad conservation goals:
securing nature beyond protected areas;
“The smallest deed is better
than the greatest intention.”
– John Burroughs,
US conservation pioneer
supporting and expanding protected areas;
conservation in urban areas; climate change
and an ecologically sustainable economy.
Our challenge is to put these goals into
action locally. We need your help to make a
difference.
We acknowledge the passing of two mighty
totara of conservation. Professor John Morton
passed away in March. Founding professor
of zoology at the University of Auckland,
Prof Morton was a highly respected scientist
whose unique teaching style touched the
lives of many. His 1969 election to the Royal
Society of New Zealand was a measure of his
scientific standing. He was an accomplished
author and illustrator, who created many
beautiful drawings of plants and creatures.
He was a past executive member of Forest
& Bird who helped save Whirinaki and the
West Coast beech forests. Sadly, his wife Pat
survived him by only two weeks. Pat was the
driver behind Centennial Park Bush Society
for 25 years from 1977. She led a team of
volunteers who helped transform this area of
“just scrub” into a fabulous community asset.
Do come to our election debate on Monday
September 5th. We have invited members
of the National, Labour, Green, NZ First and
Maori parties to help inform your vote this
election year. We will be challenging them to
tell us how they will stop the environmental
degradation of NZ and take action on climate
change. The time for action is now.
– Richard Hursthouse

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Welcome to these new members, and thank you to
those listed who have renewed their sub. We hope to
see you soon at one of our branch activities.
Christina, Joel and Kyle Anderson, Diana Bakkerus,
Paul Barton, Michael Bell, Thomas, Fiona and Zach
Bendall, Colin and Vivienne Bishop, Linda Blincko,
Matt Bowden, Christ Bonham, Stephanie Bristol,
Andrew Brookie, John Brown, Nikola Byrne, Alison
and Howard Buxton, Wendy Cain, Frances Cannon,
V F Carlisle, Joanna Crawford, Greg Dearsly, Dorothy
25 Hours on Matiu/Somes Island
Every March, Kiwi Conservation Club
coordinators from all over NZ are invited
to a training weekend. It’s an invaluable
opportunity to learn new and effective
ways of presenting conservation messages
to youngsters, and to link in with other
coordinators plus staff at Head Office.
Forest & Bird branches support their KCC
coordinators by reimbursing travel costs;
Head Office pays for accommodation and
food. Last year three of us drove to Mt
Ruapehu from North Shore. In 2011, I flew to Wellington.
Matiu Island, in Wellington Harbour, was named by Kupe, after
one of his daughters. Maori occupied the island for generations.
By 1839, it had become Somes Island after Joseph Somes,
deputy governor (and financier) of the New Zealand Company.
In 1997, the NZ Geographic Board assigned the official bilingual
name of Matiu/Somes Island. From the early 1870s until 1920,
the 24.8 hectare island was used as a human quarantine
station. Immigrant ships carrying sick passengers with infectious
diseases had to fly a yellow quarantine flag and pass the sick
over. Many died and were buried on the island.
Matiu/Somes also served as an animal quarantine station for
more than 100 years, beginning in the early 1880s. Dogs, cattle,
sheep, red deer, llama and other livestock were kept until given
a clean bill of health. Visitors to the island can now inspect the
empty buildings.
‘Enemy alien internees’ were Italian and German migrants and
their NZ-born children, who were considered a security threat
to NZ in war time. They had to live on the island during both
world wars. Relics of war include gun emplacements built in
1942, but never used. The Wrens operated a degaussing unit,
demagnetising ships’ hulls so they would not be blown up by
mines placed in the harbour by the Russians.
Numerous groups, including Forest & Bird’s Lower Hutt branch,
have revegetated the island, planting taupata, ngaio, hebe
species, tauhinu (cottonwood) and harakeke, since 1981. The
Cook Strait weta.
Debenham, Matthew Diesch, Karen Donald, Diana
Douglas, Kylie Ann Dunlop, Janice Dunn, Regina Dunn,
Jinni Easterday, Kim Marie Evans, Roly Ferkins, Raewyn
Ferkins, Brenda Finer, Belvia Frasmus, Andrew Fry, Bill
and Noeline Gibson, Dhiyaa Habib, Emma Hawcridge,
Samantha Heazlewood, Carol Hosking, Elizabeth
House, Katherine Instrall, Lindie Jacobs, Shirley Jukic,
Chris Kelly, Hubert Korybut-Woroniecki, Norlin Kuluka,
Sally Laidlaw, H.A Lange, Elizabeth Lorimer, Israel
Machado-Macdonald, Steven Matthews, Daniel
McSweeney, Bryan and Marion Merriman, Mrs A Minaar,
Philip Moll, Emily Molloy, B.A Morris, Taianhalo Nati,
Leigh Paine, Belinda Parsons, Lieuarne Ponoho, Davor
Popaditch, Isobel Pope, Sharon Race, Judith Robins,
Natasha Rmandic, Sally Rowan, Carol Russell, Gillian
Ross, Maki Sakamato, Ray Sly, Barbara Smith, Haddon
Smith, Michelle Smith, Jennifer Sol, Joanne Stanford,
Jo Steffen, Vicky Swanson, Kathryn Tarrant, Angela and
Marc Tinsel, Merissa Rachel Walker, Christina Webb,
Tony White, Teresa M Williams, Keith Wilson.
restored forest now forms a canopy
up to 5m high in places.
The island was opened to the public
in 1995. It was returned to iwi in
2008 but is still administered by DoC.
East by West Ferries run several trips
each day.
Everyone who visits Matiu/Somes
Island must first go to the Whare
Kiore. With its doors shut, we were
welcomed and given an introduction to the island’s history and
rules. A serious self-check exercise of our bags and footwear
followed. We had to search every pocket for rats, mice, seeds
and even ants. Nobody wants an invasion of Argentine ants like
up north.
Ann Graeme, who has been involved with KCC since the
beginning, and KCC officer Jenny Lynch are our leaders. On
this trip we were accompanied by a number of Wellington KCC
coordinators, plus Tim Galloway, illustrator of the much-loved
KCC magazine Wild Things.
We hunted for bugs. A handful of leaf litter from beneath an
old macrocarpa revealed vastly different wildlife from beneath
native tree species. The emphasis was on putting the creatures
into broad categories: beetles; insects without wings (springtails);
arachnids (spiders); arthropods (millipedes and centipedes). KCC
coordinators become like children on bug hunts.
On the circuit track, skinks and kakariki were everywhere, and
it didn’t take long to spot a tuatara (Brothers Island species).
Pohutukawa have been poisoned (now deemed inappropriate in
that location) to make way for other species which would once
have flourished on the island.
At dusk we split into small groups to search for korora (little blue
penguin), tuatara and Cook Strait giant weta. The sound of korora
filled the night. Their burrows are all over the island.
Our sharing of ideas and feedback on the new design of the KCC
mag was followed by some new ecological games. One of the
most effective ways of making a conservationist is by having fun in
the wild, while at the same time contributing to its enhancement
in some way.
– Margi Keys
PROVERB
Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, no - na te ngahere.
Ko te manu e kai ana i te ma - tauranga, no - na te ao.
The bird that feeds on the miro berry has the forest.
The bird that feeds on knowledge has access to the world.
Supplied by Christine Ball

Emailing of newsletter
From the November issue all those who have an
email recorded with F&B will receive Habitat by
email instead of post. This will save considerably on
resources, post and delivery. If you are on the email
list and still wish to receive Habitat by post please
contact membership@forestandbird.org.nz
AUGUST – DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER OF THE ROYAL FOREST AND BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY TIAKI TAIAO, NORTH SHORE BRANCH
GILLS RESERVE
On February 27, eleven of us explored Gills Reserve, Albany.
It has been my practice to teach the correct Maori pronunciation of
our native plants, after 50 years of hearing kauri mispronounced
cowree, tawa with long vowels sounds instead of short ones
and totara called toetra. So when someone on this trip wanted
to know what hangehange was, I said, ‘The first syllable is short
and pronounced like hung; the second and last syllables are
pronounced e as in egg, and of course the g is soft.’
For those who don’t know, a in Maori is pronounced ‘uh’ as in
cup; i is pronounced ‘ee’ as in sleep; o is ‘or’ as in more; u is ‘oo’
as in soon. So totara is pronounced ‘tor-tuh-ruh’ with slightly
more stress on the first syllable.
Our exploration began
by crossing the Gills Rd
one-way bridge, then
strolling down the true
right of Waikahikatea
Stream. We admired the
waterfall downstream
which was flowing well
for late February. Flattened
vegetation was observed
Hangehange
about 2m higher than the
current water level on the
banks: evidence of flooding from Cyclone Wilma a month
before.
Jasmine, Japanese honeysuckle, phoenix palm and woolly
nightshade were noted. There were many hawthorn trees in fruit.
Hawthorn is a surveillance pest plant in the Auckland region.
We climbed up a fairly steep west-facing grassy slope to re-enter
the bush which includes mature rewarewa, puriri, karaka,
tanekaha and taraire, with smaller tawa, kauri, miro and white
maire. Higher up we found kanuka, common tree daisy, mapou,
hangehange, kumerahou, toru and toropapa (Alseuosmia
macrophylla)). A single large totara is worth checking out.
Richard identified a large-leaved whiteywood (Melicytus
macrophyllus) about 2.5m high. This species grows up to 6m.
Its leaves are more robust than mahoe/whiteywood (Melicytus
ramiflorus). The former is found between North Auckland and
the Waikato, as well as locally near Dunedin. Auckland Botanical
Society members call this species ‘Melly mac – the widest part
of the leaf is distal to the half way point with coarser serrations
than Melicytus ramiflorus, minimal teeth near stem, and the
leaves tends to be waxier.
– Margi Keys
THANKS
We sincerely thank:
Don Turner of Takana Nursery, for donating 12 large-grade
native trees to the Tuff Crater project. www.takana.co.nz
OUR NOLA
Milford resident Nola Ovens, a keen Forest & Bird member since
2000 and an amateur photographer since the 1960s, was a star
in May's Nature for Action (Nola captures North Shore nature,
on page 6), for recording 80 local bush walks of various lengths
she has done since June 2007. Her work consists of seven large
folders of photos and trip reports, complete with the names of
exotic and native plants she has seen on the walks. Thank you for
creating such a wonderful record, Nola!
MILLENNIUM FOREST UPDATE
It was a good summer. The 2010 plantings, beside the grassy path
going up to the Canon walkway, have survived well and grown a
lot. Occasionally we have been through the area weeding gorse,
eleagnus regrowth and the odd moth plant, but the heavy layer of
mulch that was put down has helped to keep the area free of weeds.
Some plants have needed staking.
Visitors to the area will have noticed that we have been preparing
the area just below the pond for infill planting. Over the years, some
plants have died and this winter will be a good time to replant the
gaps. Workers have been through weeding out moth plant and
privet seedlings and the edges have all been sprayed to control
kikuyu grass.
Our next big push is weeding out privet seedlings in other parts of
the forest as well. They are certainly very hardy and keep popping up
everywhere. They are easier to remove when small.
Several groups from local businesses have volunteered to help out on
their community work day. Long may this initiative last. Workplaces
allocating a day for their staff to get out into the community for a
day’s labour have made a big difference.
We are going to run Thursday morning working bees at Tuff Crater.
See timetable on the What's On page for details.
– Anne Denny
Send newsletter contributions to Margi Keys, PO Box 33873, Takapuna or email makeys@nettel.net.nz
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cument.
RICHARD HURSTHOUSE Chair richard.hursthouse@xtra.co.nz 410 5339
ALAN EMMERSON Immediate past chair emmo66@xtra.co.nz 473 2216
JOCELYN SANDERS Secretary jocsanders@vodafone.co.nz 479 2107
RAY SIMPSON Treasurer ray.simpson@clear.net.nz 486 6875
LIZ ANSTEY Committee - media lizanstey@hotmail.com 480 1545
ANNE DENNY Committee - Tuff Crater annedenny@xtra.co.nz
480 5570
021 121 4610
CEDRIC HAY Committee 410 5977
MARGI KEYS Committee - Habitat editor makeys@nettel.net.nz
443 6919
0274 481 581
SARAH NOBLE Committee - funding Sarah-Noble@hotmail.com 475 6338
CLAIRE STEVENS Committee - history claire.stevens@xtra.co.nz 419 1233
KAREN WEALLEANS Committee - guest speakers karen@changingspaces.co.nz 410 1995
HELENE WILLIS Committee - membership willis24@xtra.co.nz 480 8851
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NEWSLETTER EDITOR
MARGI KEYS, email: makeys@nettel.net.nz
BIRD RESCUE
SYLVIA 478 8819
If you are concerned about conservation issues in your area, please contact Richard or Alan.
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NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH SHORE BRANCH
ROYAL FOREST AND BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY
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TIEKE, OR
NORTH ISLAND
SADDLEBACK,
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SHORE BRANCH
EMBLEM

Kohekohe flowers in Sylvan Park, Milford, June 7. Photos by Philip Moll
AUGUST – DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER OF THE ROYAL FOREST AND BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY TIAKI TAIAO, NORTH SHORE BRANCH
WHAT’S ON
Public meetings take place on the first Monday of every month
(excl January).
VENUE: Takapuna Senior Citizens' Hall,
The Strand (behind Takapuna Library).
TIME: 7.45pm.
ADMISSION: Donation / koha (please
give generously).
We'd like to see you there!
AUGUST – Monday 1st
An informative presentation from Wayne Walker, Chair of the
Environment and Sustainability committee. He will outline his
role, the role of the committee and its focus.
SEPTEMBER – Monday 5th
Saving the Planet with political leadership – election debate
With a general election looming, we are holding another riveting
political debate. We have invited politicians from all the major
parties, and have had acceptances from Charles Chauvel (Labour
spokesperson on the environment); Kevin Hague (Green Party) and
expect politicians from National, NZ First and the Maori Party. We will
be challenging them to tell us how they will stop the environmental
degradation of New Zealand and take action on climate change. The
debate will be chaired by our own Claire Stevens. Not to be missed.
OCTOBER – Monday 3rd
Karen Stockin, lecturer in marine ecology at Massey University's
Institute of Natural Sciences will provide us with an insight into
marine mammals in the Hauraki Gulf. Karen is a very enthusiastic
presenter. Don't miss this!
NOVEMBER – Monday 7th
Researcher Margaret Morley, of the Tamaki Estuary Protection
Society, will talk on the Intertidal life of the Tamaki Estuary, a 50km
stretch of water from St Heliers to Eastern Beach. Her presentation
shows how people’s actions have altered the waterway’s ecosystem
in recent years. Freshwater runoff and increasing amounts of mud
from building subdivisions have been deposited in the estuary.
Margaret will also have information on the introduced Asian date
mussel which forms carpet-like colonies that further increase the
build-up of mud in the estuary.
DECEMBER – Monday 5th
TBA. Contact Karen Weallens on 410 1995
STOP PRESS
A $30,000 grant from ASB Community Trust has just been received
for the Tuff Crater project. We can now maintain momentum by
keeping planted areas under control and growing plants for 2012.
TUFF
WORK
DAYS
ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS
SMITHS BUSH RESERVE, NORTHCOTE, July Saturday 23rd. Meet at Onewa
Domain entrance (off Northcote Rd) at 10am. This lovely 40min nature trail
leads through a cathedral grove of giant puriri trees. Large kahikatea and totara
are an added feature of this reserve. We'll look at the effects of traffic pollution
from the northern motorway, weed invasion, pests and discuss some of the
unusual vegetation. If time allows, we may continue on past Awataha Marae
round to Tuff Crater. Any queries please contact Liz
(480 1545) or Anne (480 5570).
MOTUORA ISLAND PLANTING, August
Sunday 28th. 8am sharp. Join us for
an exciting boat trip to the picturesque,
predator-free Motuora Island. We will be
infill-planting native trees. You will have time to take a walk
around the island, or beachcomb. A sausage sizzle and drinks
are provided for lunch, but you will need to bring morning tea.
Remember to wear sturdy shoes and clothing. Pack a variety of
clothing for the weather. Gloves and spades are provided. Catamaran
departs from Sandspit at 8am and returns at 4pm. Although the cost is $20
an adult and $10 a child, there is often a gold coin donation it being the last
planting trip of the season. Book with Jocelyn on 479 2107, jocsanders@
vodafone.co.nz.
MIRANDA - WELCOME THE BIRDS, September Sunday 18th. Meet at
the Shorebird Centre www.miranda-shorebird.org.nz at 9am. We will walk
the approximately 2km to the hide, ariving at 10.26 for the high tide. On
returning to the centre, a member of staff will talk about the migration of
the godwits. Cost $5 pp. Bring lunch and dress for the weather. It is usually
cooler on the coast. If you have binoculars, bring them. Two telescopes will
be available for closer viewing. Stout shoes are recommended. Please register
with Alan Emmerson on 473 2216 or emmo66@xtra.co.nz
WAIHEKE OVERNIGHT TRIP, October Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th.
Leave Devonport on Saturday at 9am. On arrival we will pick up two minivans
and explore the F&B reserve at Matiatia. In the afternoon we will visit the
F&B reserve at Onetangi. We hope to have Waiheke F&B locals to guide us.
Saturday night we will dine in Onetangi, and Sunday morning we will visit
Te Matuku and Goodwin reserves, returning on the 4pm sailing. We have
booked the Waiheke F&B lodge which sleeps eight. Once booked out you will
need to book your own accommodation in Onetangi either Kina Backpackers
www.kinabackpackers.co.nz, phone 372 8971 or Onetangi Beach apartments
www.waiheke.co.nz. Maximum 21 on trip.
Costs: transport $35; lodge $15 or backpackers $32-40. Pay your own ferry
fare (about $30 return), BYO food/drink plus cost of meal out on Saturday
night. Please book early with Richard Hursthouse on 410 5339 or email
richard.hursthouse@xtra.co.nz
AUCKLAND ZOO, November Sunday 27th. The new $16million
development at Auckland Zoo entitled ‘Te Wao Nui’ opens in September. It
highlights NZ and our iconic species. Come along for a tour, enjoy a picnic or
cafe lunch and then take in the Native Encounter at 2pm. This is a chance to
view endemic species up close with a zookeeper from the zoo’s ‘Native’ team.
A special discounted entry price will apply.
Please phone Helene on 480 8851 or email willis24@xtra.co.nz
Tuff Crater is our key restoration project and we need your help! Work varies from weeding to planting:
Aug 11 (Thu 9.30am), Aug 13 (Sat 9am) | Sep 8 (Thu 9.30am), Sep 10 (Sat 9am) | Oct 13 (Thu 9.30am), Oct 15 (Sat 9am) | Nov 10 (Thu 9.30am), Nov 12 (Sat 9am) | Dec 8 (Thu 9.30) Dec 10 (Sat 9am)
To be on the notification list for Tuff work days please email northshore.branch@forestandbird.org.nz or phone Richard (410 5339)
/ Anne (480 5570).