Dawn Chorus - Tiritiri Matangi

Dawn Chorus
New Zealand Pigeon - Photo: John Stewart
Bulletin 83
ISSN 1171-8595
November 2010
Volunteer Opportunities * A New Takahe * Three New Kokako
The Big Picture: Maungatautari * Hobbs Beach Track Upgrade
Supporters’ Events * Presenting Pittosporum
Information
Upcoming Events 2010/11
School Visits
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
www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz
Getting to Tiritiri Matangi
Schools wishing to visit Tiritiri Matangi
should first visit our website:
December 6th Tiri Talk
How to Choose Binoculars
29th - 31st January
Supporters’ Working Weekend
Sunday 6th February
Waitangi Day Picnic
www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/
schoolvisits.htm
Advance bookings are essential
Overnight Visits
19th - 20th February
Supporters’ Weekend
Sunday 6th March
Historical Day
(Lighthouse Open - $10 entry)
9th - 13th March
Hihi Week
Although camping is not permitted on
the island, there is limited bunkhouse
accommodation available.
Saturday 12th March
Hihi Week Concert
For information on booking overnight
visits, go to:
Monday 21st March
EGM & Social
Guest Speaker - Keith Woodley
www.doc.govt.nz/tiritiribunkhouse
16th - 17th April
Supporters’ Weekend
360 Discovery operates daily services
every Wednesday through Sunday
from Downtown Auckland and Gulf
Harbour Marina.
Bookings can also be made by phoning
the Warkworth Area Office on 09 425
7812, although an additional booking
fee will apply.
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL!
Phone 0800 360 347
or visit
www.360discovery.co.nz
Volunteers who are undertaking official
SoTM work can obtain accommodation
at no charge but this must be booked
through the Guiding & Shop Manager
(contact details below).
Weather Cancellations: Please call
0800 FANTAIL (0800 326 824) after
7.00 AM on the day to confirm if vessel
is running.
SoTM members who wish to visit in a
private capacity can get a discounted
rate by booking through the Warkworth
Area Office 09 425 7812.
Contacts
22nd - 25th April (Easter)
Supporters’ Working Weekend
Further details of Historical Day & Hihi
Week can be found on page 12.
Bookings for blue events can only
be made with the Guiding & Shop
Manager
(contact details below)
360 Discovery kindly offers a discount
to SoTM members for special weekends
and events and complimentary fares
for working weekends.
Phone
Email
Chairperson
Peter Lee
418 1332
chairperson@tiritirimatangi.org.nz
Secretary
Helen Cain
634 3375
secretary@tiritirimatangi.org.nz
Treasurer
Kevin Vaughan
817 9262
treasurer@tiritirimatangi.org.nz
Committee
Hester Cooper
473 5695
hester@cybernet.co.nz
Maria Galbraith
820 7342
mariag@summerland.school.nz
Melinda Rixon
521 9504
m_habgood@hotmail.com
Carl Hayson
479 4217
cgpartners@clear.net.nz
John Stewart & Kay Milton
833 7059
johnreastewart@gmail.com
kaymiltonnz@gmail.com
Ray & Barbara Walter
535 6941
rayandbarbarawalter@xtra.co.nz
Guiding & Shop
Mary-Ann Rowland
476 0010
manager@tiritirimatangi.org.nz
Membership
Zhea Warden
940 6739
membership@tiritirimatangi.org.nz
Bookkeeper
David Meldrum
446 1361
davidmeldrum@xtra.co.nz
Dawn Chorus Editor
Simon Fordham
274 1828
editor@tiritirimatangi.org.nz
Island Rangers
Dave Jenkins & Daryl Stephens
476 0920
tiritirimatangifb@doc.govt.nz
2
Dawn Chorus 83 November 2010
From the Chair
No project exists in isolation. Each influences and in turn is
influenced by others, a virtual circle of mutual reinforcement.
The end result can only be positive, not only for our native
flora and fauna but also for the people who inhabit New
Zealand.
Recently I had the opportunity to visit “The Sanctuary
Formerly Known as Karori Wildlife Sanctuary” (now marketed
as Zealandia). It’s difficult not to reflect on the similarities,
and differences, between Karori and Tiritiri Matangi. Both
started with lofty goals, but both are taking very different
trajectories.
There’s much to admire in Karori. They have a huge vision,
a 500-year one. They have ambitious plans for attracting
many more visitors than we could ever dream of – or want.
And their new visitor centre is magnificent, full of learning
and inspiration.
Peter Lee
Other projects, too, have their own flavours and dimensions
and trajectories - Maungatautari, Ark in the Park and Motuora.
Literally and metaphorically, they are indeed “taking flight”.
We tread a different path and that is great. Over the years
we’ve been used as a model, but there are limitations. The
same is true in reverse, in that we can learn from others, but
it would be folly to slavishly imitate. We have no desire to
emulate Zealandia, nor Maungatautari, and nor should we we will never have 150,000 visitors per annum.
Our trajectory lies in a still-growing richness of biodiversity,
in unparalleled accessible research opportunities, in our
apartness as an island refuge that is yet more accessible
than most, in our accumulated knowledge and wisdom, in
the inspiration we provide so widely. And most of all it lies in
our people and the opportunities we provide to participate,
to preserve, to know and to share.
Volunteer Opportunities
Keeping an island like Tiri in good shape requires a lot of work and, from time to time, we need additional
help. Some of the types of tasks we may need help with are:
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pruning vegetation on tracks to DOC standards
weed spraying
track maintenance and repair work
weed surveying and monitoring
construction and carpentry (eg making nesting boxes or constructing small structures to plan)
brush cutting and mowing
spring cleaning the bunkhouse
The degree of knowledge and fitness required is variable. You may be working alone or as part of a
team, and the tasks may be one-off, project orientated or ongoing such as weed monitoring. Where
applicable, DOC can provide training, for example, in pruning and safe spraying techniques.
If you are interested in getting more involved with Tiri and helping with any of these tasks, or you have
other skills, experience or talents you would like to offer on a voluntary basis, please send your name,
address and contact details to Helen Cain:
secretary@tiritirimatangi.org.nz or write to
Secretary, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, PO Box 90-814, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142
Guiding and Shop
We are always keen to have new guides and additional help in our lovely gift shop. You don’t have
to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of birds and plants as training will be given. If you would like to
receive further information, please contact our Shop and Guiding Manager, Mary-Ann Rowland:
manager@tiritirimatangi.org.nz or phone 476 0010 between 11am and 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday
www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz
3
Transporting a takahe
Maria Galbraith
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special passenger travelling with us today in seat 23A …”
As heads swivelled around expecting to see a celebrity or dignitary, the captain continued
“… a takahe called Te Mingi, flying to a new home in Auckland”. I gave a little wave to all
the perplexed faces staring at me, the only visible occupant of row 23. Te Mingi, safely
ensconced in his transfer box and in the window seat, could only be seen from the aisle.
After a boat ride from Kapiti Island to
the mainland and a drive to Wellington
Airport, Te Mingi was now winging his way
to Auckland, and for the first time in his
four years was experiencing the thrill (or
otherwise) of flying. As the plane roared off
down the runway, the poor fella tried as hard
as he could to get out of the box, hitting the
sides of it with such force I worried how I
would explain delivering damaged goods!
Thankfully he calmed down and was quite
settled for the rest of the flight.
With a boat waiting at Gulf Harbour for the
final leg of the transfer, timing was of the
essence. No fear, said the Air New Zealand
cabin crew, we’ll disembark you before the
rest of the passengers. Throughout the
flight, the purser asked many questions on
takahe, Tiritiri and Te Mingi, then shortly
before preparing for landing she took over
the PA.
Photo: Wendy Bryce
“Ladies and gentlemen, as you know, we have a takahe called
Te Mingi travelling with us today … he has been waiting for
almost four years for a mate and today his chance has finally
On Arrival at Tiri
arrived. But we need your help to get him to his new home
and his blind date, Ella, so please stay seated when we land
so we can get him off first. Thank you for helping his quest
to find true love.”
In a plane full of passengers, no one moved. Using her
newly-gleaned knowledge, the purser had given a five
minute speech on takahe history and conservation in New
Zealand and eyes were eagerly fixated on the transfer box
(which has fantastic signage), curious to see this ‘thing’ that
had been given so much extra attention.
Another car trip later, Te Mingi received a blessing from Ringi
Brown of Ngati Manuhiri at Gulf Harbour, before Colin and
the 360 Discovery crew carried him on the final leg of his
journey to his new island home. A small but excited group of
guides and visitors greeted Te Mingi on the wharf and later
Dave released him into an enclosure down at Fisherman’s
Bay.
An almost-perfect transfer was finally complete and all
involved gave congratulations and imaginary ‘high-fives’ …
until the next morning when Te Mingi met Ella and the inlaws. But that’s a whole ‘nother story!!
Photo: Maria Galbraith
Te Mingi in Transit
4
Dawn Chorus 83 November 2010
Fauna notes
Compiled by Morag & Simon Fordham
With spring past and summer underway, the hectic activities of the breeding season are
evident throughout the island.
Takahe
Te Mingi, a 3 year old male from Kapiti
Island, arrived in August. (Thank you
to Air New Zealand and 360 Discovery
for assistance with transport). It was
hoped that he would pair up with
Ella, Greg & Cheesecake’s daughter,
but Cheesecake had other ideas.
Unfortunately, when Te Mingi was
released, Greg, Cheesecake & Ella
were nearby. Cheesecake took one
look at Te Mingi and fell for him so
Greg & Ella came home alone. Next
day, Cheesecake brought her new
beau to the Visitor Centre & the battle
commenced. Although Greg won
the first round, he was badly hurt
afterwards and was sent to
Auckland Zoo to be patched up.
In the meantime, Te Mingi &
Ella were placed in an enclosure
and, upon his return, Greg &
Cheesecake were then placed
in another enclosure, to repair
their relationship. However,
Greg was clearly unhappy so
both were released.
Cheesecake
then
decided
to flutter her eyelashes at
Blackwatch & took on his
mate,
Mahuika.
Greg
&
Blackwatch also took on one another
so a new, larger enclosure was built
for Blackwatch & Mahuika so that Greg
could safely wander around the Visitor
Centre. Cheesecake did not wish to
have anything more to do with Greg so
she was placed in the enclosure with Te
Mingi and Ella was released to be with
Dad (Greg), who will be celebrating his
18th birthday on 11th December.
Peace has now been restored.
Blackwatch & Mahuika have two
chicks, Te Mingi & Cheesecake one,
whilst Montague & Ahikaea have two.
Once again, Mungo & Edge’s nest
has failed. At the end of the breeding
season, all birds will be released from
their respective enclosures.
Kokako
In October, three new males (Tawa,
Rimu & Slingshot) were released,
having been caught at Waipapa in the
Pureora Forest. It is hoped that these
will pair up with any of the single
females on the Island.
www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz
A number of established pairs have
begun breeding. Cloudsley Shovell (&
Te Koha Waiata) & Te Rae (& Chatters)
are incubating. Koha (& Paraninihi), a
first time breeder, has laid an egg and
should begin incubation shortly.
Phantom (& Te Hari) and Rehu (& Noel)
are still nest-building. Poor Pukaha is
still calling for a mate so perhaps one
of the new Waipapa males will pair up
with her.
From the Hunua Ranges comes news
that ex-Tiri birds Te Karanga & Keisha
have been seen together inside the
predator-controlled area.
birds were released. However, in early
November, a lone male (one of last
season’s Tiri-hatched birds), appeared
in the vicinity of the bunkhouse
and implement shed. He has been
delighting onlookers, particulary when
checking out the engine of the tractor
or hopping around the courtyard of the
bunkhouse. Because of his adventurous
spirit and urge to travel long distances
in search of new territory, he has been
nicknamed “Kupe”.
Stitchbird
In September, a pre-season survey
identified 176 individuals (102♂
& 74♀). Of the twenty new birds
translocated from Little Barrier
Island last April, seven (5♂ &
2♀) were recorded.
Other
In August, a North Island robin
was observed nesting, the
earliest robin nest ever recorded
on Tiri. By mid-November, forty
robin pairs had been identified,
some on their second clutch.
Rifleman
Birds are being seen regularly and, by
mid-October, seven nesting attempts
had been identified, including four
in nesting boxes (compared to only
one box last season). Although three
further nests were discovered, not all
attempts were fruitful. One box nest
was abandoned, despite being almost
complete. One nest in a punga has
yet to be used and another active box
nest was abandoned when the male
disappeared. It is likely that he was
predated by a nearby morepork.
The most visible nest, behind the
Bandstand along the Kawerau Track,
was progressing nicely until this
male disappeared. Again, a nearby
morepork is the likely culprit. The
female is continuing to feed her hungry
chicks but has an uphill battle to catch
enough food for all of them.
Up until recently, all confirmed
sightings of riflemen have been in the
mature bush areas near where the
The first little penguin chicks
hatched in early September
and, by November, 59 had been
recorded, some having fledged. One
clutch contained three eggs which is
most unusual. It is possible that the
eggs were from more than one parent.
A pair of variable oystercatchers have
decided to nest in the middle of Hobbs
Beach. The nest has two eggs. Because
of the prominent location the area has
been taped off.
A reef heron was seen nest-building on
a small “island” near North East Bay.
A pair of paradise shelducks produced
seven chicks which quickly reduced to
three. They seemed to be doing well
until mid-November when all three
disappeared on the same day. There
is no record of successful breeding on
Tiri, possibly due to the high number
of pukeko present.
In October, penguin researchers added
a new species to the Tiri list when an
Australian Coot was discovered in a
penguin burrow.
5
To catch a kokako
...... or three
Kay Milton
It was drizzling in Pureora Forest at 5.00am on 16 October. We felt cheated – the forecasters
had promised a fine day – but not enough to dampen our enthusiasm.
After a bumpy drive and a march along a
track fringed with glow worms, we arrived at
the catching site, already strung with ropes
and pulleys, and set to work. A mist net,
12 metres long by seven metres deep, was
hoisted high into the canopy. A sound system
was assembled, speakers hauled up into the
trees. Pet carriers were lined with moss and
leaf litter. By dawn, with long-tailed cuckoos
calling around us, we were ready.
Tony and I were on rope duty, ready to wind
down the net if a bird flew into it. John and
Morag were poised to extract the bird and
Tertia took control of the sound system that
played the recorded calls of the local kokako
pair we hoped to attract. Hazel and Kate
operated the ‘shaker trees’ that added to
the deception. For some, this was our first
experience of catching in high forest. The
basics were familiar from sessions on Tiri,
but some things were very different, not
least the huge net which, instead of being a few steps away,
hovered 25 metres above us.
The local song was also unfamiliar and, hearing it in full
for the first time, I could understand why Mawhero and
Waipapa, two female kokako on Tiri who came from this
area, had refused to pair up with the Tiri males: they just
don’t speak the same language. The purpose of this trip
was to catch potential mates for these two, or perhaps a
pair to bring new genes into the Tiri population. Morag had
warned us not to be optimistic. To catch just one kokako this
weekend would be a triumph. Her previous trip to Pureora
Photo: Alison Bray
Kate, Kay, Morag & John at the aviary
had yielded just two birds in ten icy cold days.
Catching kokako in high forest requires a huge effort. Five
of us had driven down two days before to assemble two
aviaries and furnish them with freshly cut branches, leaf
litter and food trays, for birds that might have to be held
overnight. Tertia, with others based at Pureora, had prepared
the catching site. Hester, Roger and Alison joined us on the
second day, bringing wonderful food and extra man (and
woman) power to prepare a second net site should it be
needed. Dave on Tiri, and 360 Discovery, would also play
their part.
An hour after we arrived at the catching
site the first kokako was in the net. It was
quickly extracted and placed in a pet carrier.
We could now relax a little; the trip was a
success. It was decided that any birds caught
early would be taken to Tiri by Hazel and
released the same day, so she, Morag and
John took the bird back to Pureora village,
where it was banded, fed, named (Tawa),
placed back in the pet carrier and taken on
its way.
Photo: Kay Milton
Slingshot shortly before release
6
At the net, things had been quiet for an hour,
so we took a break and had a snack. Tertia
decided to try for another 20 minutes before
giving up. Gradually, the distant calls drew
nearer and soon I could hear movement in
the branches above. Suddenly there were four
kokako chasing through the trees around us.
A bird flew into the net, was safely lowered,
extracted and boxed. That left us with one
Dawn Chorus 83 November 2010
empty pet carrier. Another half-hour of
waiting before two kokako flew across the
clearing. The first hit the net but bounced
and flew off, the second followed and was
caught. With the bird safely boxed, we took
a moment to reflect on our success and on
what might have been. Who had suggested
three pet carriers would be enough?
Back at Pureora village, the birds, named
Rimu and Slingshot, were fed, banded and
released into the aviaries. Rimu showed signs
of stress, so we kept handling to a minimum
and banded one leg only. Fortunately, he or
she (we don’t yet know which) recovered
quickly in the aviary. The two could be heard
calling to each other during the afternoon.
We hoped they found this as comforting as
we did.
With the aviaries occupied and time short the
following day, we decided that three birds
were enough, so a team went to dismantle the catching site
while we remained behind to mind the aviaries. The evening
brought mixed news: relief to hear that Hazel had released
Tawa safely in Bush 21, but concern at the forecast of 40knot winds for the following day.
The 17th dawned calm and overcast, and an early phone call
to Dave confirmed that the ferry would run as normal. Not
only that, it would return to Gulf Harbour after leaving the
day visitors and await our arrival. So the birds were fed and
boxed once more – not in the humble pet carriers this time
but in a plush, purpose-built carrying box borrowed from
the Kaharoa Kokako Trust. While the others stayed behind
to dismantle the aviaries and tidy up, Morag, John and I
completed an uneventful drive to Gulf Harbour and, after a
slightly bumpy crossing, Dave drove us to the top of Bush 4
for the release.
Now came the really tense part of the whole operation. We
www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz
Photo: Dave Jenkins
Morag & John feeding Slingshot
held our breath as Morag cautiously inserted her hand into
the box, and grinned with relief at the sound of movement
from within, and at Morag’s pained expression as sharp
claws found their mark. Yet another snack of banana and
jam water, and Rimu and Slingshot were released into their
new home. We hope that they and Tawa will enhance the
diversity of the Tiri population, and their song will enrich our
dawn chorus for years to come.
Team members: Morag Fordham, Tertia Thurley, Hazel
Speed, John Stewart, Kay Milton, Tony Woodroofe, Hester
Cooper, Roger Bray, Alison Bray, Kate McKenzie, Harvey
Steeds, Dave Jenkins.
Thanks to Tertia for her expert guidance, to 360 Discovery
for ferrying the birds across to Tiri free of charge, to the
Kaharoa Kokako Trust for the loan of the carrying box, and
to Tim Lovegrove and the Auckland Regional Council for the
loan of the aviaries and a vehicle.
7
Hobbs Beach T
Ian Higgins an
As the Mainland cheese ad says “good things take time” and this is certainly true of the newly up
followed and this inevitably takes time. Nonetheless agreement was reached, a contractor appointed
this initial rock was harder than anticipated but, undaunted, the boys chipped away at it.
The following few weeks saw the track regraded and prepared for the arrival of the barge and th
hitch and by the end of the day the track was transformed into a much more user-friendly path. As a
a damaged water tank with the helicopter. All in all a successful outcome for one of those Tiri proje
A special thanks to Sarah Macready (archaeologist), Chris Green (entomologist) & Frame Group (su
from Skywork Helicopters for their precision flying and Bill and the Outdoor Construction crew for
8
Dawn Chorus 83 November 2010
Track Upgrade
nd Ray Walter
pgraded Hobbs Beach track. As with most things on Tiri there is a certain process which must be
d and on 16th August the contractors arrived and began to excavate some rocky outcrops. Naturally
he helicopter to unload metal and deposit it on the track. This part of the operation went without a
a bonus DOC also had the wharf shortcut track regraded and metalled and we were able to exchange
ects that has been a long time coming.
urveyors and designers) for their professional & scientific input. Thanks also to Roger and his crew
a great job.
www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz
9
THE BIG PICTURE
One of the most exciting things
in conservation today is the
sheer number of emerging volunteer projects, both local and nationwide, many having
been inspired by what has happened on Tiri. Each serves as a reminder that, whilst our
project is a leader in many ways, we are but one piece of the jigsaw that forms the Big
Picture of conservation in New Zealand.
This month we visit Maungatautari, 3,400 hectares of fenced Waikato mountain forest
surrounded by pasture.
Repairing a mountain:
Chris Smuts-Kennedy
Maungatautari’s ecological makeover
The Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust was formed in 2002 to undertake the ecological
restoration of the 3,400-hectare Maungatautari native forest block in the central Waikato.
One hundred hectares of that, in 2 separate blocks (the northern and the southern enclosures)
was enclosed by the Xcluder® predator-proof fencing, and pest mammal eradication in
those areas was commenced in 2004.
The whole mountain was then fenced with more than 40 km
of fenceline and pest eradication commenced there in 2006.
The eradication of all pest mammals from both enclosures
was successful, but small numbers of mice, and a very few
rabbits and hares, still remain in the large main mountain
block. Deer, goats, pigs, possums, hedgehogs, mustelids,
cats, and rats have all been successfully removed from the
mountain and the battle continues to eradicate the remaining
species, primarily mice.
A revised Pest Management Plan, which will aim to have
the rabbits and hares eradicated by next year, is currently
being developed. It will prescribe how the ongoing pest
management will be done in a way that will not be a
significant risk to any native species populations. The plan
will acknowledge that mice are unlikely to be eradicated
from Maungatautari in the near future, but eradication will
still be the ultimate aim. The immediate aim will be to keep
mice at ecologically insignificant densities, and ‘research by
management’ will inform on how that might be achieved.
The first kiwi were released in 2005, takahe in 2006, kaka
in 2007, hihi and whiteheads in 2009 and yellow-crowned
kakariki early this year. Banded and giant kokopu have also
been reintroduced. The released kiwi began breeding on
the mountain in 2007 and in the 2009/10 breeding season
the released takahe, kaka, hihi and whiteheads all bred
for the first time. None of those species’ reintroduction
programmes have been completed yet, and many other new
ones are yet to begin.
North Island Brown Kiwi
So far Kiwi have been reintroduced only into the two ‘subenclosures’ to enable open traps and dog teams to be used
on the main mountain to get the last rabbits and hares.
Only 26 mostly-young founder birds have been introduced to
date as 10-13 pairs are considered enough at this stage for
the 100 hectares available in the 2 enclosures.
In their first 3 breeding seasons they have produced 11
chicks. This 2010/11 season, with more birds reaching
breeding age, they have already produced another 9 as at
7 November and this season’s production could well be up
to 20 chicks.
Photo: Phil Brown
The Predator-proof Fence
10
For potential inbreeding and overcrowding reasons, some
young Maungatautari-bred kiwi are already being exported
back to sites in Tongariro and Taranaki where the founder
birds came from, once they reach stoat-proof size. That will
continue to happen until the main mountain is ready and the
remaining founder birds that are still needed can be brought
Dawn Chorus 83 November 2010
in. Intensive management will continue to be required until
then as every nest in the enclosures needs to be monitored,
and every chick needs to be caught and radio-tagged.
Takahe
The first pair of takahe arrived, from Maud and Mana
Islands, in winter 2006 and those birds are now 6 years
old. After several attempts resulting in infertile eggs, they
produced a female chick last season, have just hatched 2
chicks this season and their yearling chick from last season
is now helping with ‘Auntie’ duties. Those birds are kept in
the pest-free ‘Tautari Wetland’ sub-enclosure, which is about
3 hectares of mosaic grassland/scrub with a half-hectare
pond/wetland. They are supplementary-fed with small
amounts of takahe pellets, mainly to enable a weighbridge
to be used to monitor their weights.
A second pair arrived in August last year, again from Maud
and Mana. The female is now 8 years old, and the male
is 4. They have recently been seen mating, but are not
known to have nested yet. They are kept in the 65-hectare
southern enclosure, where they are supplementary fed for
the same reason as above. Their habitat there is mainly tall
forest with some edge grass/scrub around the perimeter.
Their use of the supplementary food varies and observations
suggest that their use of natural foods might be increasing,
perhaps even including in the forest interior.
Kaka
Twenty-one kaka have been released on the mountain (10
males and 11 females). All have been captive-bred birds
obtained from Auckland and Wellington Zoos, and have
come from a total of 3 breeding pairs. All the females
are radio-tagged. They were sent to Maungatautari a few
weeks/months after fledging, where they were held in an
on-site aviary for soft-release (not directly into the wild).
When released, the first cohort of 7 dispersed beyond the
mountain, and most have not been recorded since except
for one female who has returned and stayed, and another
female who was found dead. That outcome was unexpected
and unlike the outcomes of previous similar reintroduction
programmes at Karori & Mt Bruce. To address that, a
captive breeding pair was borrowed from Auckland Zoo and
then held in part of the on-site aviary to act as an ‘anchor’
to help limit dispersal of subsequently released young birds.
That, together with the supplementary food that has been
provided from the outset, seems to have worked.
There was significant breeding last season, and a flock
of 17 was recently recorded, including several unbanded
birds. There are chicks in nests already this season. We are
hoping that wild birds from elsewhere (e.g. Pureora) will join
our population to help address any potential genetic issues
with our small founder population. Wild ‘outsourced’ birds
certainly visit Maungatautari each winter.
Hihi
One hundred and fifteen birds have now been translocated
from Tiritiri Matangi and Little Barrier Islands. Survival seems
to have been good, and considerable successful breeding
seems to have occurred last season. Eight young birds were
caught and colour-banded, and others have been seen. No
artificial nest boxes were provided but 6 feeding stations
were installed to help facilitate post-release monitoring.
www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz
Photo: Phil Brown
The Canopy Platform
Breeding has commenced this season. Kate Richardson
from Massey University estimates that there is currently a
minimum of 40 hihi in the southern enclosure area and there
have been many other observations of birds over the whole
of the mountain, including young unbanded birds from last
breeding season. Kate is planning to translocate another
40 birds from Tiritiri Matangi to Maungatautari next March/
April, as part of her PhD research.
Whiteheads
Because a large bycatch of whiteheads on Little Barrier
was expected when catching hihi there, a translocation of
that species was added to the hihi expedition. Sixty birds
were duly translocated in 2009. There have been quite a
few post-release sightings, including young unbanded birds
following the 2009/10 breeding season. No specific outcome
monitoring of this translocation is being done, but success is
likely. Genetic issues will be looked at in years to come, and
top-up translocations from other sites (e.g. Pureora) can
then be looked at if necessary.
Yellow-crowned Kakariki
A few captive-bred birds from pure Marlborough Sounds
stock have been released already via the on-site aviary
and more releases are planned from the same source this
summer. We expect them to breed on the mountain this
season. A wild-to-wild translocation is planned for the near
future.
→
11
Kakapo
This month a prototype ‘kakapo barrier’ will be tested, for
potentially fitting to the inside of the Xcluder® fence, if that
seems to be necessary to prevent kakapo from climbing out.
Sirocco, the country’s most famous kakapo, will be the test
bird for that. With the good kakapo breeding season that
occurred on Codfish Island in 2009, only the second good one
since their intensive management began in the late 1970s,
and with another being predicted for this coming season
on both Codfish and Anchor Islands, the kakapo managers
are looking for additional large blocks of high-quality, pestfree habitat. Maungatautari is ‘on their radar‘. Monitoring
for rimu mast fruiting, which triggers and enables kakapo
breeding, is commencing on the mountain.
Other species
A Duvaucel’s gecko was caught in a mousetrap on the
mountain earlier this year. This was surprising as they were
thought to have been extinct on the mainland since the very
early 1900s. DNA work is being done at Massey University
Supporters‛ Weekends,
Picnic Days & more
Supporters’ Weekends and Picnic Days are a wonderful way
to get to know the island better and to also be part of what
is happening on Tiritiri Matangi. Supporters’ Weekends are
to be hosted from 2011 onwards by two of our wonderful
guides. This will include a night walk, dawn chorus (if you
are so inclined), great advice on where to go for that special
bird you haven’t yet seen and the chance to help with the
feeders and water troughs in the morning.
Supporters, families and also your friends (if they are happy
to join up) are all welcome. As a Supporter you get half
price in the bunkhouse - $12 adult and $9 for children.
360 Discovery very kindly offer us a special rate on these
Supporters’ Weekends and Picnic Days (Waitangi Day and
Kowhai Day Picnic): ex Auckland, adult $38, child $20; ex
Gulf Harbour, adult $22, child $14.
On Sunday 6th March 2011 we have the Tiritiri Matangi
Historical Day when the Lighthouse will be open for viewing.
There will be limited spaces, so make sure to book early. (A
small entry charge of $10pp will apply).
March the 9th - 13th will be a special “In Celebration of Hihi
Week”, culminating with an evening concert of blues and
jazz on March 12th. Bookings for the evening are limited to
100 so, again, make sure to book early so you don’t miss
out. The price is $20pp. For the entire week there will be
an exhibition by some of New Zealand’s well known artisans
focusing on hihi. Normal ferry prices apply for these two
events.
All enquiries and bookings for the weekends and special
events can be made through Mary-Ann (Shop and Guiding
Manager):
email: manager@tiritirimatangi.org.nz
phone: 09 476 0010
12
to assess whether this animal might represent a surviving
population or perhaps an illegally released captive animal.
Maungatautari does have several species of gecko, including
quite high densities of forest geckos, and the mountain
has now been effectively free from the effects of pest
mammals for about 5 years since the first poison drops. A
small population of Hochstetter’s frogs was also discovered
soon after the restoration programme started. The general
restoration outcome-monitoring programme has shown
that several bird species have significantly increased on the
mountain, as have weta and other terrestrial invertebrates.
Next
Reintroductions of robins, Mahoenui giant weta and kokako
are planned for next year, and saddlebacks for the year after.
Tuatara will be translocated soon, as well as riflemen, large
skink species, and probably red-crowned kakariki. Many
other species will follow.
www.maungatrust.org
Notice of EGM
Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary
General Meeting of the Society will be held as
follows:
21 March 2011 at 7.30 PM
Kohia Centre, Epsom Ave, Epsom
At this meeting, a motion will be presented
proposing an increase in the annual subscription
of the Society.
ARTICLES & PHOTOS FOR
DAWN CHORUS
Contributions are always welcome - both articles
and photos. Articles should normally be up to
1200 words (1 page excluding photos) but longer
articles will be considered. Interesting snippets are
also useful. The main criteria for acceptance is that
content is relevant to Tiritiri Matangi, either directly
or indirectly.
Please send photos and other material to:
Simon Fordham
editor@tiritirimatangi.org.nz
PO Box 64 042, Botany, Auckland, 2163
Deadline
February Issue
20 January 2011
Dawn Chorus 83 November 2010
Flora notes
Warren Brewer
After many weeks of cool, wet, windy weather the traditional floral markers of our spring
began to appear in mid September.
Photo: Simon Fordham
ornithophilous (bird loving) flowers; their size and tubular
shape were especially inviting to visiting hihi.
Another most welcome flowering came from the clumps of
Poor Knights lily (Xeronema callistemon) in the garden at
the rear of the Visitor Centre. They had ignored springtime’s
stimulus for several years. Sixty centimetre long flower
stalks emerged from their fan of sword-like leaves, each
bearing a gently curving bright red flower brush.
The plants were first discovered in the early 1920s on the
Poor Knights Islands. Late in 1933 specimens were also
found on Taranga (Hen Island). Their Maori name is raupo
taranga.
Photo: Warren Brewer
Hangehange Flowers
The brilliant white blossom of puawhananga (Clematis
paniculata) combined with golden yellow kowhai (Sophora
microphylla) to brighten dull, grey days. The tiny green
flowers of hangehange (Geniostoma ligustrifolium) released
their spicy scent, attracting moths and other small insects.
Their scent also alerted hihi to the presence of a new source
of nectar.
Toropapa (Alseuosmia macrophylla) and taurepo / New
Zealand gloxinia (Rhabdothamnus solandri) displayed their
Photo: Simon Fordham
Flowers of the Poor Knights Lily
The genus Xeronema contains just 2 species. The other
known species, Xeronema moorei, is endemic to New
Caledonia. They are the only members of the small family
Xeronemataceae. Xeronema means dry threads, describing
the spindly tepals and stamens which make up the flower.
Taurepo Flower
Callistemon means beautiful stamens and is also the genus
name for the Australian bottlebrush.
10 Years Ago
20 Years Ago
•
Fullers Ferries purchased Gulf Harbour Ferries. A visit
to Tiri by CEO Chris Bradley results in Fullers offering
free passage to all guides as well as waiving the
commission on sales of guided walks.
•
18 months after they were constructed, the “penguin
boxes” by the wharf gained the approval of their
intended tenants when a pair of penguins hatched
their first chicks.
•
DOC approve the construction of a wharf shelter and
give support in principle to the construction of the
Visitor Centre.
•
A number of whitehead nests were observed with at
least 20 chicks expected that season. 15 saddleback
chicks were counted, with another 10 eggs awaiting
hatching.
www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz
13
Presenting pittosporum
Warren Brewer
The genus Pittosporum contains about 150 species, found in Africa, Madagascar, Asia,
Hawaii and other Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand. Their greatest concentration
is in New Caledonia (50 species), New Zealand (26), Australia (20) and Hawaii (11).
The name pittosporum derives from Greek pitta (pitch or tar)
and spora (seed) describing their seeds which are covered
with a sticky resinous pulp. The petroleum nut (Pittosporum
resiniferum), from the Philippines, has orange capsules
which smell of petroleum and are highly flammable.
tui. They also found that these flowers supply a similar
amount of energy through their nectar to the later flowering
pohutukawa blossom. Karo flowers are an important food
source for these birds during the cooler weeks of early
spring.
The fruit of pittosporums is a capsule whose size, shape and
colour varies greatly. Their leaves and bark have a distinctive
smell due to the presence of resinous oils.
Pittosporum flower colours range from white to yellow, pink
and deep red. The colour red is expressed only in New
Zealand species, some of which have flowers that are almost
black in colour e.g. kohuhu, (Pittosporum tenuifolium).
Easily overlooked, these flowers produce a strong scent at
night to attract moths, their main pollinators.
Divarication (tightly branching, small leaved, shrubby
growth) in pittosporums occurs only in New Zealand (4
species). This is thought to be a defensive adaptation to
deter browsing moa. Species having a juvenile phase occur
only in New Zealand and New Caledonia.
On Tiritiri Matangi we have 3 species of pittosporum. They
all flower in early spring. Two of them are naturally restricted
to the upper North Island.
The first is karo (Pittosporum crassifolium) which can become
a small to medium sized tree and was sometimes referred
to as the turpentine tree. It has thick leaves (crassifolium)
with densely hairy white undersides, allowing it to thrive in
coastal conditions.
Photo: Warren Brewer
Ripe karo capsules
Haekaro (Pittosporum umbellatum) is another northern
species found predominantly in coastal forest. It grows
into a small tree with glossy, light green leaves. Its pale to
darker salmon pink flowers are amongst the largest in the
genus and are borne in umbels, making an attractive display.
They are also visited by hihi. Following flowering, green
capsules are formed, also arranged in umbels. A small grove
of haekaro can be seen on Wattle Track.
Tawhirikaro (Pittosporum cornifolium) is the third species on
Tiritiri Matangi. It is found in the North Island and upper
third of the South Island and mostly grows as a shrub
epiphyte. It forms a somewhat spindly shrub with reddish
branchlets. The flowers are pinkish orange and are usually
unisexual. Flowers begin to appear in late winter, arranged
in clusters of 3 – 5 at the end of the branches. Green, oval
shaped capsules are produced on female trees. When ripe
they split open to reveal an orange red interior with black
seeds embedded in a yellow gum. There is a solitary shrub,
which bears male flowers, present on Wattle Track.
Photo: Warren Brewer
Male karo flowers (inset: female karo flower)
Karo has deep crimson flowers which are functionally
unisexual. They appear on separate trees. Female flowers
occur singly or in bunches of up to 5 and have a yellow spot
(ovary) in their centre. Male flowers are in clusters of 5 to
10 and have a ring of 5 yellow dots (anthers) just inside the
petals.
Research by Castro and Robertson “Honeyeaters on small
flowers”, New Zealand Journal of Ecology 1997, showed
that karo flowers have sufficient nectar to provide the
energy requirements of hihi, bellbirds and even the larger
14
Photo: Warren Brewer
Tawhirikaro in flower (inset: male flower)
Dawn Chorus 83 November 2010
Hand this to your kids – or pass it on
to someone else’s kids – to enjoy a
range of activities about Tiritiri
Matangi Island.
Hey everyone!
To welcome the new arrival to Tiri, here’s a join-the-dots activity to keep you busy. You can colour
in the picture once you’ve completed both dot pictures.
Have fun! Jo
www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz
15
Tiri Shop
Dear Supporters, best wishes for Christmas
Thank you so much for all your orders – you are keeping us busy.
Caroline Mitchell
Christmas Decorations
$18
NZ Bird Merino Socks
back at last!!
Adults $17
Embroidery Kits
only $21
fantail, takahe, kiwi, tieke, kereru,
pukeko, kokako & tuatara
Children (kiwi only) $9 - $11
(sizes 0-1 / 1-2 & 3-10)
designs include kereru, tieke,
pukeko, weta, fantail, little blue
penguin, kiwi, tui, takahe, ruru &
pohutukawa
Paua Decorations
large $24, small $16
Beautiful
Christmas Decorations
Tiritiri Matangi
Calendar
$15
Rimu and Paua $16
Mirror $12
Silver-plated, enamelled
pewter $16.50
NZ made / all individually boxed
You can pay by credit card or
cheque
either ring or email your order
NZ made
manager@tiritirimatangi.org.nz
09 476 0010
Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc. PO Box 90 814, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142
Dawn Chorus