No images? Click here An update from Lou SansonTēnā koutou, I’m pleased to share this month’s conservation stories and news from Te Papa Atawhai with you. Jobs for NatureIt is a pleasure seeing the successes continue for Jobs for Nature. We have now approved close to $120 million to projects that are forecasting the creation of 1200 jobs. Our Jobs for Nature unit has reached the end of its first 90 days. Much hard work has been done to get projects assessed and approved. The team is working at pace to get people into jobs as fast as possible, while ensuring that the conservation outcomes are what are needed to help Papatūānuku thrive. Recent highlights from the programme include: $19 million for Kaimai-Mamaku forest restorationThis project will run over four years, as a partnership between Te Papa Atawhai, iwi/hapū, the Bay of Plenty and Waikato Regional Councils, community conservation groups and organisations such as Forest and Bird. It is expected to create 60 jobs. Read more on the Kaimai-Mamaku forest restoration $19.7 million for kiwi conservationThis funding will be invested in kiwi conservation projects, including predator control, kiwi avoidance training for dogs and Operation Nest Egg. The funding will be managed by Kiwis for Kiwi, together with Te Papa Atawhai. The funding covers five years and at its peak it is likely to create up to 100 jobs. Read more on the kiwi conservation funding $7.6 million for Predator Free WellingtonIt was great to see Minister Sage announce $7.6 million of Jobs for Nature funding towards Predator Free Wellington. This project has been funded by Greater Wellington Regional Council, Predator Free 2050 Ltd and NEXT Foundation. The new Jobs for Nature funding will enable 42 full time jobs across Wellington, all contributing to Wellington becoming the first city in the world to be Predator Free. Check out this video of one of the stars of Predator Free Wellington, Daryl the Rat Man. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJmX2CKBa2Q $800,000 for Partnering to PlantThe Sustainable Business Network is collaborating with seven community-based conservation organisations to create at least 36 new temporary nature-based roles, in partnership with Te Papa Atawhai. The Partnering to Plant initiative has been made possible by an $800,000 grant from the Government’s Jobs for Nature Kaimahi for Nature funding. The Partnering to Plant project has enabled employment for 19 people so far, through working with the Whangawehi Catchment Management Group in Hawke’s Bay and Wai Wānaka in Otago. Recruitment is underway for further positions supporting community groups in Auckland, Waikato, Canterbury and Otago. Read the Sustainable Business Network media release here: https://sustainable.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Media-release-New-temporary-nature-jobs-boost-NZs-green-recovery.pdf Upgrading tracks at Fox GlacierIt was great to visit the Fox Glacier guides Jobs for Nature team, who are working on upgrading the moraine walk to Fox Glacier. Jobs for Nature has enabled tourism operators to continue operating and retain a significant number of their staff. Caption: Fox Glacier Guides Jobs for Nature crew in the Fox Valley with Wayne Costello. The Jobs for Nature programme will soon have 50 employed from Fox and Franz Josef tourism businesses, thereby helping them survive the COVID-19 economic crisis. Photo: Lou Sanson Tackling wilding pines in the Mackenzie BasinBetween MPI, Environment Canterbury and Te Papa Atawhai, we now have more than 150 people working to remove wilding pines in Queenstown, Mackenzie Basin and Craigieburn Basin. It is so pleasing to see the progress they are making. Caption: Mackenzie Country Contracting Crew – Kim Preston (in black) and his team. Photo: DOC Minister of Conservation and Land Information Eugenie Sage launches Tū Te Rakiwhānoa DrylandsIt was a great pleasure to see the establishment of Tū Te Rakiwhānoa Drylands in Te Manahuna/Mackenzie Basin. This is a landmark conservation project giving landscape-scale protection to one of Aotearoa’s most iconic areas and better recognises the area’s significance to Ngāi Tahu. Tū Te Rakiwhānoa Drylands was formed through a combination of land purchases, donations and tenure review. 11,800 hectares of new conservation land will come under the korowai or cloak of Tū Te Rakiwhānoa Drylands, adding to the approximately 19,500 of existing conservation land and private covenants, to make the total area of legally protected land 31,300 hectares on the Basin floor. It aims to foster active protection and management of significant lower altitude areas in the Mackenzie and Waitaki Basins to protect the area’s stunning landscape values and ensure native plants and wildlife can thrive. Tū Te Rakiwhānoa Drylands includes, for example, a 138-hectare scientific reserve protecting one of the last remaining outwash plains in Omarama. This protected area will help Papatūānuku thrive in Te Manahuna, which is home to many threatened species and unique habitats. Species that will benefit from the protected areas include the dryland cress, maniototo peppercress, kakī/black stilt and the threatened robust grasshopper. Caption: Night sky above the Mackenzie Basin. Photo: DOC One of the most impressive aspects of this project is that it has been driven and delivered through partnerships. The area will be managed together with our Treaty Partner, other agencies and with the communities of Te Manahuna. It truly shows the power of what we can achieve for conservation when we join together. This is a very significant announcement for the future of one of the country’s most unique areas. New Casey Hut opensI’m thrilled to share with you the “virtual” opening for the new Casey Hut in Arthur’s Pass National Park. This new Casey Hut was made possible by the generous donations of Robert Birks and Sharon English. The original 1969 hut was the first Lockwood hut to be built within the Arthur’s Pass National Park. Unfortunately, in 2015 a group of trampers found this popular hut burnt to the ground. With options for a replacement being considered, Robert and Sharon came forward to give back to the hut network and future generations. I met them both personally to thank them and we worked closely with New Zealand Nature fund, Federated Mountain Clubs and DOC to see this new Casey Hut built. It is a great example of how multiple groups can work together to achieve one outcome for all to enjoy. Caption: Left: Robert Birks at the new Casey Hut. Photo: DOC. Middle: Sharon English. Image supplied. Right: Casey Hut plaque. Photo: DOC Pukaki Downs fireI want to sincerely thank the DOC staff who responded so quickly to the Lake Pukaki wilding pines fire. This fire, fanned by strong nor’westers, was over 1,000 hectares larger than New Zealand’s catastrophic Pigeon Valley fire near Nelson in February 2019, and one of the hottest fires we have ever responded to. More than 2,900 hectares of land was burnt. The heat literally exploded through some of the denser wilding pines. At its peak we had 18 helicopters and aircraft. Fortunately, a spring snowfall greatly enhanced the job of the aircraft in suppressing the fire. Caption: Aircraft response to the Pukaki fire: Photo: Rupert Yates Everyone is disappointed at the fire’s impacts on the Pukaki Scientific Reserve. The 36-hectare reserve is home to relatively intact grey shrubland with a variety of rare plants and a Nationally Endangered endemic moth Izatha psychra. This moth is only known from two locations, Porters Pass (where it hasn’t been seen since the nineteenth century) and Pukaki Scientific Reserve, where it was last seen in 2006. Caption: Pukaki Scientific Reserve after the fire. Photo: DOC Te Manahuna /Twizel Caption: Pukaki fire. Photo: Scott Bowie At the same time, a further fire broke out on the Rock and Pillar Range, near Middlemarch, appearing to be an identical situation – reportedly from a camp stove accident. We will be joining FENZ this summer in a campaign to increase the public’s awareness of the risks of fire in our conservation lands. Our newest Ramsar site: Wairarapa MoanaCongratulations to everyone involved with the designation of Wairarapa Moana as a Ramsar site – New Zealand’s first new Ramsar wetland in the last decade. Ramsar wetlands are sites of international importance, the equivalent of national parks. Caption: Wairarapa Moana. Photo: DOC The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 with 164 counties. In 1976, New Zealand designated Awarua Wetland – Waituna Lagoon near Invercargill as our first Ramsar site. There are now 2000 sites worldwide, with seven in New Zealand (Firth of Thames, Whangamarino, Farewell Spit, Manawatū River estuary, Kopuatai Peat Dome). Minister Sage’s announcement follows substantial investment in the restoration of Wairarapa Moana. $6 million has been allocated from Jobs for Nature and $4 million from the Greater Wellington Regional Council to help Wairarapa iwi and community groups restore the mauri of Lake Wairarapa and its surrounding wetlands. This mahi is part of our wider Pukaha to Palliser Landscape Restoration Programme and Ruamāhanga Catchment restoration programme. Caption: Minister Sage and fellow Minister Ron Mark joined by Wairarapa Moana stakeholders. Photo: Jim Flack, DOC Ngā Kaimahi Whenua o Ngāti IraSupporting Town ProudTū ana au i te waharoa o Waioweka, Hāngai te titiro ki Moanui ki ngā maungatapu. Ko te toka i a Parirau, Ko te karoro a Tamatea Matangi. Titiro ki ngā puke tapu o Maraetahi, Te nohoanga tapu o āku tīpuna. Au au aue ha South of the Waioweka pā is the whenua, ngahere, awa and pātaka kai of Ngāti Ira hapū, Te Whakatōhea. Over the years, this pātaka, located along and inland of state highway 2, has become a haven for hunters passing through. Unfortunately, they have taken more pride in the tusks of poaka, back steaks and legs of tia, leaving the rest as an invitation for pests to feast and not to mention just moumou kai (wasting food). Not what most would call sustainable hunting practice. They gather regularly to feed back, update and plan next steps. These hui are sometimes combined with a road and river clean up through Waioweka gorge (they've done five already), followed by activities and kai to make it more of a whānau occasion. Tamariki are important in the mahi as kaitiaki mo apōpō. Involving them is key to growing and maintaining mana whenua knowledge and mahi in this kaupapa. Caption: A group photo completes an amazing day's mahi. Photo: Te Ataahua Kingi On 13 September, as part of their own commitment and in support of ‘The Ōpōtiki Town Proud Clean Up’, Ngā Kaimahi Whenua gathered to lend a hand to the kaupapa. Te Ataahua Kingi (Tawa), kaupapa coordinator, estimated a turnout of around 45 whānau members, based solely on those who had shown interest. Caption: Vehicles begin gathering at the sorting site in Waioweka gorge. Photo: Sarah Kingi Exceeding all expectations and showing their commitment, 80 hapū members of all ages arrived to Ōpeke marae. After a quick regroup, gathering of extra safety gear and other provisions, matua Hau Rēwiri opened the journey and mahi with karakia. The roopu was then briefed on health and safety before they went on their way. The hapū pākeke kept an eye on everything during the day to ensure smooth running of the kaupapa. They collected rubbish from Tautara, Ōpōtiki all the way to Ōpato at the base of Traffords hill in the Waioweka gorge. An astonishing 55 kilometres one way. In total, their collection filled five caged tandem trailers, plus a few 4x4 truck decks. They even sorted the rubbish after collection. Caption: Sorting the array of rubbish makes the job easier at the recycle centre. Photo: Te Ataahua Kingi An amazing mission completed and an astounding amount of para (rubbish) collected. Caption: Tamariki are always included in hapū activities, rubbish collecting included. Photo: Te Ataahua Kingi Historic Ruapekapeka Pā gets $8.5m funding for restorationI welcome the announcement of $8.5 million Provincial Growth Funding to Te Ruapekapeka Pa Trust for the restoration of one of our leading heritage sites, Ruapekapeka Pā. This money will enable the pā site to be improved and access to the pā sealed, ahead of the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Te Ruapekapeka in February 2021. Caption: Remains of sophisticated Māori anti-artillery trenches and fortifications at the pā of Ruapekapeka. Photo: DOC We are thrilled to see some of our important heritage work getting national recognition and funding. Caption: Ruapekapeka Pā. Photo: Claudia Babirat Whenua and whioWe were welcomed into the warmth of the River Valley Lodge in the heart of Rangitikei, for the annual general meeting of the Ruahine Whio Protectors. In attendance were representatives from the Aorangi Awarua Trust, Te Koau A Trust, neighbouring hapū and landowners, Ngā Whenua Rāhui, Sentinel a Nuku and Te Papa Atawhai. The hui provided an opportunity to connect a range of funding streams with the good work being done across a large and important land area, highlighting the importance of working together to achieve a great result. Aorangi Awarua Trust has a kawenata with Ngā Whenua Rāhui to protect 4751ha of native forest and tussock covered whenua which adjoins the Ruahine Forest Park. All participants share a common concern about the survival of the whio and other taonga species and agree that pest control is necessary. Māori landowners play a big role in the work and the solution. Caption: Aorangi maunga. Photo: Awarua Aorangi Trust With coordinators like Janet Wilson and other volunteers in the Ruahine Whio Protectors, the approximate 2500 DOC 200 traps on the network of trapping lines along the Ruahine Range presents a well-organised pest control regime. There are plenty of boots on the ground, a community with a wealth of experience, expertise and enthusiasm to make a positive impact. Funding programmes such as Kaimahi for Nature would help Ruahine Whio Protectors continue servicing existing traplines and improve, develop and expand current systems. This gives access to necessary resources to continue the important work they already do. The aspiration is to extend protection across another 35,000 hectares over time. “Leading by example” is an understatement and the Ruahine Whio Protectors are worthy of every financial investment. Whilst whio are a key focus, Paul (Scratch) Jansen shared the aspirations of Kiwis for Kiwi. With the current decline and unstable numbers of Eastern North Island Kiwi populations, intensive monitoring is needed to assess their presence in the Ruahine Ranges. Supporting the efforts of the Ruahine Whio Protectors brings benefits for the variety of taonga species to thrive in this environment. What was evident in attending the hui is the absolute love of the whenua, the passion to ensure the survival of whio and the positive impact on other taonga species to flourish in these lands. Some shared objectives held by Ngā Whenua Rāhui and all involved include an increase in rangatahi involvement, working with and alongside tangata whenua, and being part of initiatives that help people grow and upskill. In the wise words of the collective, what is important is “Action, advocacy and education!” Te Papa Atawhai and Open GovernmentPeter Hughes, the Public Service Commissioner, has released the January to June 2020 Official Information Act (OIA) performance statistics for public services. I am pleased to say that Te Papa Atawhai responded to 98.5% of OIAs on time. Only five departments got more OIAs, and only one of these performed better. This sees us above the average for all agencies for the first time (97.3%). We have been focusing on lifting our timeliness and I am proud of the improvement – but it’s about more than stats and league tables. When the public ask us about a conservation issue, whether as one-off requests about an event like the tragic loss of three takahē on Gouland Downs, or a surge of requests about tahr control, or a sustained campaign from a small interest group – it is so important that we respect that interest. Sometimes it can take time and resources to collate information and make sure we don’t release things that shouldn’t be made public, like personal details. But this is something that is integral to Te Kaupapa o Te Papa Atawhai. Te Kaupapa is all about strong relationships with our partners and communities – relationships that rely on openness. Te Papa Atawhai is committed to more open government and we are increasing the amount of information we release proactively. Results like this are important markers of our progress. New leadership in the hunting sectorBen Reddiex and I hosted Tim Gale, the new General Manager of Game Animal Council, and Gwyn Thurlow, CEO of the NZ Deerstalkers Association, along with the new Game Animal Council chair, Grant Dodson. The new Chair of the NZ Deerstalkers Association is Craig Benbow, who is also chair of the Backcountry Trust. Caption: From left: Ben Reddiex, Gwyn Thurlow, Grant Dobson, Lou Sanson and Tim Gale. Photo: DOC We recognise the outstanding work Don Hammond has done over seven years in establishing the Government Game Animal Council and welcome the new leadership by Grant and Tim. The Game Animal Council is a statutory body established in 2013, and has a range of functions in relation to game animals. Functions of the Council include: providing advice to the Minister, promoting education and safety initiatives for the hunting sector, and improving hunting opportunities. NZ Deerstalkers Association is one of New Zealand’s largest outdoor associations, established in 1938. Today the NZ Deerstalkers Association has over 8,500 members who have a keen interest in our backcountry and conservation. They are key volunteers in the Backcountry Trust hut restoration and track maintenance programme. The hunting sector actively engaged in Conservation Week social media ‘Hunters for Conservation’, showcasing the conservation work they undertake throughout New Zealand. New Zealand Conservation Authority – Conservation BoardsWe recently hosted our annual meeting of conservation board chairs in Wellington. This followed the first meeting of our new New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) members. At the Authority meeting we farewelled seven outgoing members – Dr Gerry McSweeney and Prof Mick Clout (nine years each), Jan Riddell (seven years), Rauru Kirikiri and David Barnes (six years each), and Mark Brough and Tania Simpson (three years each). At the chairs’ conference we received some really positive feedback from the conservation board chairs for the system improvement work led by the Director Governance. Their work has helped bring more support and consistency to how each conservation board operates with their Operations Director, Statutory Manager and Board Support Officer. Top priorities for board chairs is making quicker progress with our conservation management strategies and national park management plans, and matching the aspirations of our Treaty Partner with Te Papa Atawhai planning processes. The future of nature-based tourism was also seen as a critical strategic focus for conservation boards. Caption: Chairpersons of the conservation boards. Photo: DOC New CEO for Predator Free 2020 LtdPredator Free 2050 Limited has appointed Abbie Reynolds as its new CEO. She begins the new position on 21 September 2020. Abbie is well known to us as Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Council. She helped establish the Climate Leaders Coalition, and was recognised at the 2019 New Zealand Women of Influence Awards. Predator Free 2050 Ltd Chair Jane Taylor says she is delighted by the appointment. “Abbie will bring a dynamic, inclusive leadership style and a deep commitment to the sustainability principles which underpin the predator free movement.” Predator Free 2050 Ltd was set up in 2016 to make a significant contribution to the government’s goal of removing possums, stoats and rats from Aotearoa. It is currently co-funding ten large landscape predator eradication projects and invests in research and technology that supports the predator free mahi. Predator Free 2050 Ltd is an important partner in delivering the Jobs for Nature programme. Abbie will build on the significant achievements of Predator Free 2050 Ltd’s first CEO, Ed Chignell, in investing more than $100 million of Vote Conservation funding on predator free and leveraging a further $100 million from partnerships with others. Congratulations, Abbie – we are looking forward to working with you. Caption: Abbie Reynolds. Photo: Shaun Lee QEII: A changing of the GuardI was honoured to farewell outgoing QEII National Trust Chair James Guild (nine years of service) and QEII Directors Gina Solomon and Sue Yerex at their annual conference in Wellington. We welcomed Bruce Wills as the new chair, who is well known to us for his work on Predator Free in Cape to City, Hawke’s Bay. Bruce is a former President of Federated Farmers. Under James’ leadership, QEII has seen the gradual increase in private land covenanting in New Zealand. There is now over 180,000 ha of land (4,600+ covenants) protected, including the 53,000ha Mahu Whenua covenant in Central Otago. James leaves an outstanding legacy for the New Zealand environment. Kay and I were also able to share with the QEII Directors a new funding opportunity for QEII to play an important role in ensuring the Crown’s Jobs for Nature investment is enduring. Caption: Donna Field (Director), Gina Solomon, Bruce Wills, James Guild, Dan Coup (CE). Photo: Lou Sanson Caption: Lou Sanson, Bruce Wills and James Guild. Photo: Dan Coup If there is anything you wish to discuss, please feel free to contact me directly on Director-General@doc.govt.nz. Also, you can follow updates and DOC news by following me on social media #DOCBoss . Hei konei rā, Lou Sanson DOC onlineBe sure to check out our DOC website and follow us on our Facebook page, on Twitter, Instagram and more. |