BIODIVERSITY ACTIVITY

1. Overview 1.1.1 The purpose of this report is to update Council on the progress of programmes giving effect to the

2018-19 Biodiversity Operational Plan during the period 1 February to 31 March 2019. The report

is presented in four sections:

Priority site protection

Biodiversity partnerships

Tōtara Reserve Regional Park management; and

Collaboration projects with the Department of Conservation (DOC)

1.1.2 Activity during the reporting period was once again dominated by the stocktake and maintenance

of priority sites, along with additional reporting to inform future involvement with and

management of these sites. Activity also included work on many of the 34 biodiversity partnership

projects. Other work included management of Totara Reserve Regional Park. A summary of the

Long-term Plan targets and progress to date is provided in the table below.

Table 1 Progress reporting for the Biodiversity Activity Long -term Plan targets for 2018 -19.

Long-term Plan Target Target Allocated Completed % of target completed

Protect/enhance priority habitat remnants

Additional top 100 wetlands actively managed 4 4 0 0%

Additional top 200 bush remnants actively managed 7 n/a 13 186%

Support community involvement in biodiversity protection Support existing community-based biodiversity improvement projects

12 34 5 42%

Tōtara Reserve Regional park

Annual report on the management of Tōtara Reserve Regional Park for biodiversity and recreational values, including managing the camping facility.

1 1 0 0%

2 Priority Sites Programme

2.1 Activity Overview

This programme was initiated to deliver on a One Plan method to have 100 of the Region’s priority

wetlands and 200 of its best bush remnants under active management by 2028-29. At the end of the

2017- 18 year, the programme reported 65 priority wetlands and 131 priority bush remnants to be under

active management. The priority sites programme was reviewed in 2017-18 and the Operational Plan has

introduced some changes to the way sites are assessed and managed; much of this reporting period has

been dedicated to work to implement that system. The Long-term Plan targets and year-to-date progress

on these are provided in the table below.

The review of the biodiversity programme has introduced changes to the way sites are assessed and

managed. These changes include the introduction of a new classification of the level of management that

sites are receiving. This adds more detail to the previous reporting on sites, whether or not they are being

actively managed. The management level rating (see Box 1 on the following page) incorporates

assessments of the level of knowledge of the biodiversity at a site through a Rapid Ecological Assessment

(REA) and whether Horizons has completed some restoration work at the site, which was previously the

mechanism the programme used to indicate whether a site was actively managed. The programme review

also introduced the requirement for site management plans, and these, along with frequency of visits, are

key factors for achieving management level 3. The level of priority works in the site management plan that

are being implemented are also part of the management level index with level 4 indicating all priority works

are being completed. Levels 5 and 6 reflect sites receiving a greater level of management. Reporting will

now cover only the new management level index for sites that have been worked on during the reporting

period and the original prioritisation category (e.g., A, B, C, D) will no longer be reported on. Please note

the management level index framework is continuing to be refined as we gain more experience with its

implementation.

Table 2 Progress reporting for the priority sites programme Long-term Plan targets for 2018-19.

Long-term Plan Target Target Allocated Completed % of target completed

Protect/enhance priority habitat remnants

Additional top 100 wetlands actively managed 4 4 0 0%

Additional top 200 bush remnants actively managed 7 n/a 13 186%

Management Level Descriptions

To achieve consistency in reporting over the coming 18 months the site list has been reconciled and the

number of sites at each management level will be reported. Draft management levels have been outlined

below.

Management Level Zero: Sites that we know exist but have not visited yet, which will not be reported.

Management Level 0.5: A holding level for sites that have received a contribution toward management

from Horizons but have not yet received an REA, or the REA has expired (i.e., is greater than 10 years old).

Many of these sites existed in the Whanganui and Ruapehu districts. The Biodiversity team has visited

most of the sites previously listed at this level and completed REAs, moving them to level 2.

Management Level 1: Sites at management level 1 will have been assessed using the REA process. Sites,

including the GIS layer, will be included in our inventory. This management level is valid for 10 years, when

a new REA must be completed or the site returns to level 0.5. Sites (and GIS layer) that were a level 1 and

are returned to a level 0.5 will still exist in our inventory, but the level reflects the dated, and possibly now

incorrect, data that we have on that site.

Management Level 2: Sites at management level 2 will fulfil the requirements on level 1 and have had a

previous contribution to their management by Horizons. This contribution may have been a ‘one-off’, such

as fencing or other management contribution. This would include sites that were previously managed but

where support has been withdrawn for any reason. These sites will have brief site summaries which detail

why management is not continuing but for historical sites this will only be possible where this information

is available.

Management Level 3: Sites at management level 3 will fulfil the requirements of level 1 and have site visits

to assess works required at least biannually. These sites will have a site summary and management plan.

Identified works required will be prioritised. Some work may be deferred if appropriate. Landowners will be

supported and encouraged to contribute to the management of these sites.

Management Level 4: Sites at management level 4 will fulfil the requirements of level 3 and have all high

priority works carried out as required. Landowners will be supported and encouraged to contribute to the

management of these sites. Tōtara Reserve is an example of a site at this management level.

Management Level 5: Sites at management level 5 will fulfil the requirements of level 4 management and

have true management partnerships established. Alternatively, they may be managed by the landowner,

iwi or community group with only surveillance and advice from Horizons. Manawatū Gorge and Cape

Turnagain are examples of sites at this management level.

Management Level 6: Sites at management level 6 will meet at least management level 4 and be receiving

control for all animal pests. Bushy Park is the only site that meets the criteria for this level.

Box 1 Management level descriptions

2.2 Activity Highlights

General

2.2.1 Included below is a summary of the management level index for all sites on the managed list.

Please note the management level index framework is continuing to be refined as we gain more

experience with its implementation.

Table 3 Priority Sites Management Level Index

Management Level

Bush sites Wetland sites All sites

6 1 0 1

5 1 2 3

4 7 3 10

3 36 12 48

2 100 49 149

Sub-total for Level 2+ 145 66 211

1 231 58 289

0.5 4 6 10

Total 380 188 568

2.2.2 The aim during 2018-19 was to complete 70 REAs on sites that have previously been under

management by Horizons, along with sites that are new to the programme and had previously not

had an REA carried out. REAs and site summaries were to be prepared for each site for which

Horizons has provided some management input through the bush remnants and wetlands

programme. The REA visits are planned to gather data that will inform the prioritisation of sites

for future management.

2.2.3 During February and March the Biodiversity team completed a further 5 REAs. This takes the total

for this year to 91 REAs (87 bush remnants and 4 wetlands).

High priority wetlands

2.2.4 Four new high priority wetland sites are scheduled to be added to the managed list. One of these,

McDowall’s Wetland, has been fenced and planted this year, and requires an updated REA to

finalise its inclusion on the list. Fencing of the remaining three is underway.

2.2.5 Seven wetland sites were visited for pest plant control, audits, monitoring or REAs during this

period. During site audits, staff check for evidence and impact of stock or pest animals, new pest

plant infestations, fence integrity and any other damage.

Table 4 Wetland sites.

Wetland Site Management

Level* Pest Plants Treated Audit

Assessment/ Monitoring

Broadlands Wetland (Man12W)

3 - Yes Fish barrier assessment

Tree Daisy Wetland (Tara6W)

3 - Yes -

Kohinui Road Oxbow (Tara14W)

3 Old man’s beard OMB

- -

Cape Turnagain (Tara45W) 5 - - Vegetation and moth survey

Ferry Reserve (Tara33W) 4 OMB - -

Fault Fen (Tara32W) 3 Broom - -

Waitatapia Wetland 1 - - REA * Please see Box 1 – Management Level Descriptions

High priority bush remnants

2.2.6 Eleven new high priority bush remnants were added to the managed list during this period,

following workshops with the Biodiversity and Science teams. Along with several new sites, there

were sites identified that we were working on but which had not been included in the list. The

sites added were on Otawhao Station (Tara83, Tara85B, Tara85C), Dandy Pond Bush (Tara317A),

True Kelly’s Bush (Rua66), Reu Reu No.1 Forest (Man221), Highden Property (Man206), Cousins’

Bush (Man219), Priest’s Bush (Man125), QEII Davis Bush (Horo100) and Williams’ Bush (Rang12).

2.2.7 Twenty-two high priority bush sites were visited for pest plant control, audits or REAs. During a

site audit, staff check for evidence and impact of stock or pest animals, new pest plant

infestations, fence integrity and any other damage.

Table 5 Bush Remnant sites.

Bush Remnant Site Management

Level* Pest Plants Treated Audit

Assessment/ Monitoring

Smith 2 Bush (Rang142) 2 Karaka, elderberry, holly Yes Bat monitoring

Priest’s Bush (Man125) 3 Cathedral bells, elderberry,

banana passionfruit - -

Clausen’s Bush (Man213) 3 Tradescantia, ivy - -

Hikawai Bush (Man165) 1 - - REA update

Stafford’s Bush (Rang210) 2 - Yes -

QEII Davis Bush (Horo100) 3 Ivy, gorse Yes -

Nitschke Bush (Man227) 3 OMB, gunnera Yes REA

Manderson Bush (Man212) 3 OMB, ivy, elderberry, Prunus spp

Yes -

Williams’ Bush (Rang12) 3 OMB - -

Sutherland’s Puriri (Rang116) 4 OMB - -

Sutherland’s Mangahoe (Rang117) 4 OMB - -

The Falls QEII (Tara30) 3 OMB - -

Tōtara Reserve (ManX1) 4 OMB, tutsan, Japanese - -

Bush Remnant Site Management

Level* Pest Plants Treated Audit

Assessment/ Monitoring

honeysuckle, karaka

Scout Camp Bush (Tara09) 3 Gunnera, yellow passionfruit, climbing

spindleberry

- -

Barrell’s Rd Bush (Tara18) 3 OMB - -

Rangedale Bluffs (TaraX2) 2 - - REA

Laird’s Bush (Rang129) 4 - Yes -

Nevill’s Back Bush (Man230) 3 Climbing asparagus, stinking

iris - -

Cousins’ Bush (Man219) 3 Pampas Yes -

Pryce’s Rahui Bush (Rang149) 4 Karaka - -

Pouwhakaura Bush (Rang96) 2 - - REA update

Coles’ Bush (Man234) 3 Ivy, pampas, gorse - - * Please see Box 1 – Management Level Descriptions

Photo 1 Kingfisher burrows in a tree fern at a bush site that two of the Biodiversity team visited

with the Whanganui Botanical Society.

3 Biodiversity Partnerships

3.1 Activity Overview

3.1.1 The Biodiversity Partnerships activity encompasses work completed in collaboration with others

to deliver biodiversity and recreational benefits to the Region via projects such as the Manawatū

Gorge and Pukaha Mount Bruce, and projects to support community-led initiatives such as the

Rangitīkei Environment Group’s (REG) efforts to control old man’s beard. The Long-term Plan

target and year-to-date progress against this are reported in the table below.

Table 6 Progress reporting for the Biosecurity Partnerships programmes Long-term Plan targets.

Target Allocated

Completed % of target completed

Support community involvement in biodiversity protection Support existing community-based biodiversity improvement projects*4

12 34 1 3%

3.1.2 The 34 projects approved in 2018-19 include seven Biodiversity Collaborations, 13 Community

Biodiversity projects and 14 Community Grant projects. Progress updates on these projects are

provided in the sections below.

Biodiversity Collaborations

3.1.3 Progress against the seven Biodiversity Collaborations is overviewed in the table below.

Table 7 Progress against Biodiversity Collaborations.

Project Update Status Estimated %

Complete 1 Rangitikei Environment Group

(REG) Weed control almost complete for this season.

On track 95%

2 Kia Wharite See Section 5 Collaboration Projects. On track 75%

3 Weedbusters Palmerston North Weed control ongoing. On track 60%

4 Tawata Mainland Island No pest control has started on this project and it appears unlikely to go ahead this year, in which case the budget will be re-allocated to other projects.

Not started 0%

5 Waitarere Beach Community Project

Weed control ongoing. On track 80%

6 Pukaha Mt Bruce See Section 5 Collaboration projects. On track 80%

7 Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge Enhancement

See Section 5 Collaboration projects. On track 75%

Community Biodiversity projects

3.1.4 Progress against the 13 Community Biodiversity projects is shown in Table below.

Table 8 Progress against Community Biodiversity projects.

Community Biodiversity projects

Update Status Estimated %

Complete 8 Te Potae o Awarua

Predator Project See Section 5 Collaboration projects (see Northern Ruahine Battle for our Birds).

On track 90%

9 Massey Hill Weed control is almost complete for the year. Nearing completion

95%

10 Turitea Reserve Pest animal control ongoing. On track 80%

11 Bushy Park Pest animal control ongoing. On track 80%

12 Kahuterawa Stream Biodiversity project

Regular hare control is achieving good results. Weed control in preparation for the upcoming planting of the Palmerston North to Linton walkway/cycleway, which passes through the Kahuterawa project, is underway.

On track 75%

13 Foxton River Loop Save our River Trust (SoRT) are organising a planting job that will use all the budget for this project.

Started 5%

14 Manawatū Estuary & Predator project

See Section 5 Collaboration projects. On track 75%

15 Awahuri Forest - Kitchener Park

Streambank protection works have been completed on a section of the Makino Stream (see photo at the end of this section). New solar-powered lights have been installed in the car park. As part of the Tū Te Manawa project, Ngāti Kauwhata will be erecting one of the eight educational whare in the Park.

Nearing completion for the year

85%

16 Ahimate Reserve (previously Waitoetoe Park)

Horizons’ share of the weed control maintenance and planting of the greater park area has been spent and any additional costs will be paid by Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) as previously agreed. About 3,000 plants will go into the area in May-June.

On track 80%

17 Gate Pa Bush Restoration Weed control work has been delayed due to contractor availability but indications are that the budget will be spent this year.

Started 5%

18 Ōhau Beach Walkway Horowhenua District Council (HDC) has confirmed this project will not proceed in the current financial year. Savings will be redirected to the Cape Turnagain project.

Project not proceeding

0%

19 Cape Turnagain Horizons’ stakeholder contribution has been paid for this year.

On track 90%

20 Genesis Moawhango River Restoration

Willow removal begins in early April. Started 5%

3.1.5 The majority of the projects are on track or have been completed (9/13), two have just started,

one will start with planting in late autumn, and one isn’t proceeding with its resources being re-

allocated to the Cape Turnagain project. Staff are liaising with all project groups to ensure

completion if possible.

Photo 2 Streambank protection works on the Makino Stream at Awahuri Forest - Kitchener Park.

Community Grant projects

3.1.6 Community Grant projects were funded through a grants process run in April-May 2018, with 12

projects successful. A further two projects from the previous year were extended into the current

year to enable their completion. Applications for the following financial year open in April and

close in May.

3.1.7 Progress against the 14 Community Grant projects is shown in the table below, and staff

contacted each of the groups early in 2019.

Table 9 Progress against Community Grant projects.

Community Grant projects Update Status Estimated % Complete

21 Bulls River Users Group Weed control completed and planting is planned for May.

On track 40%

22 Kaitieke School Planting completed. Nearing completion

95%

23 Te One Bush Restoration Project

Almost completed. Nearing completion

95%

24 Kimbolton School Project completed. Completed 100%

25 Mount Biggs School Project completed. Completed 100%

26 Progress Castlecliff, Whanganui No updates received from applicant. Unknown 0%

27 Kai Iwi School Planting completed. Nearing completion

95%

28 Puddleducks Montessori Plants have been ordered and fencing is about to begin.

Started 10%

29 Milson Scout Troup Project completed. Completed 100%

30 Timona Park Orchard Trust Most of the grant has been spent. Nearing completion

95%

31 Matipo Community Development Charitable Trust

Project completed. Completed 100%

32 South Makirikiri School No updates received from applicant. Unknown 0%

33 Kairanga School (carried forward from last year)

Wetland project completed and grant claimed.

Completed 100%

34 Bushy Park community project (carried forward from last year)

No updates received from applicant. Unknown 0%

4 Regional Park Management

4.1 Activity Overview

4.1.1 The work at Tōtara Reserve Regional Park is focused on remediation of the June 2018 flood

damage and enhancing flood protection, some works around safety in the park including

management of trees and upgrades to the area around the effluent treatment system, additional

signage and reviewing pest management.

4.1.2 The Long-term Plan target and year-to-date progress against this are reported in the table below.

Table 10 Progress update for the Regional Park Long-term Plan target.

LTP Performance Measure Target Completed % of target completed

Annual report on the management of Tōtara Reserve Regional Park for biodiversity and recreational values, including managing the camping facility.

1 0 0%

Photo 3 Most of the group that participated in the Manawat ū Walking Festival event at

Tōtara Reserve Regional Park ’s Fern Walk .

4.2 Totara Reserve Regional Park Annual Report for 2018-19

Introduction

4.2.1 Totara Reserve Regional Park was vested in Horizons’ management at the beginning of the 2011-

12 financial year. For several years prior, it was managed in partnership with Manawatū District

Council.

4.2.2 An Advisory Group is in place to handle the strategic management of the Regional Park and it

meets twice a year. The Advisory Group consists of two Councilors, two staff representatives (ex

officio), two iwi representatives, two representatives from the local community and the Chair of

Camp Rangi Woods Trust.

4.2.3 This project has a targeted uniform annual charge (UAC) rate and 90% of the rate funding is

generated by a UAC on Manawatū District and Palmerston North City ratepayers. Further income

is generated by camping fees, rental from the caretaker’s house and the Camp Rangi Woods Trust

lease.

Activity in 2018-19

4.2.4 The budget for 2018-19 provides a similar quantum of overall rate funding to the previous year

and includes an even higher estimate of revenue. Last year, revenue was lower than budgeted

and we need to be mindful of this.

4.2.5 A significant flood event on 12 June 2018 sent a great deal of water through the Kahikatea

campground and deposited silt over much of the camping area and in the ablution block. The

flows were so strong that the water crossed Churchill Drive into the forest and exited right behind

the ablution block in the Kereru campground, resulting in further water damage and silt

deposition there and in the adjacent playground.

4.2.6 The first few months of this financial year were dedicated to repairing the damaged assets and

returning the campgrounds to a fit state in time for camping season. It included replacing all the

“softfall” bark mulch under and around the playground equipment and replacement of carpet and

GIB® board in the Kereru ablution block. Just over $20,000 of the clean-up and repair costs were

able to be claimed back on insurance but some items, such as repairing scoured tracks and re-

grassing the deposited silt, had to be taken out of the operational budget.

4.2.7 The budget for flood protection works was prioritised to upgrade the flood protection levels in

the Kahikatea campground. Other areas of the Regional Park that required bank protection works

could not be addressed with available budget and the river took away another section of walking

track on the Gilchrist Loop. A new track has been created in that area, routed well away from the

current river course and bypassing the former poplar nursery – a site that our staff and contractor

agreed was becoming increasingly dangerous due to the age and instability of those trees.

4.2.8 Several trees and branches that posed a threat to visitors in the campground and around Camp

Rangi Woods were removed.

4.2.9 Campground fees were raised this year with powered sites going from $20/night to $35/night and

unpowered sites from $12/night to $15/night. Despite the expected minor drop in patronage,

campground income exceeded $35,000 – up by more than $2,000 on the previous financial year.

Campground numbers were 453 camper nights in February and 869 camper nights in March.

4.2.10 The weed control programme continued to make good progress against the highest priority

weeds in and around the Regional Park. Of special note, the biological control agents for

Tradescantia are showing plenty of promise. A leaf spot fungus will be added to the programme

next year to go along with the three species of beetle currently in the establishment phase.

4.2.11 Animal pest control was primarily targeted at possums, and staff will be looking to increase the

number of bait stations through the interior of the forested areas. Wasp control was also

undertaken in response to higher wasp numbers around the campgrounds later in the camping

season. Our track maintenance contractor and one of our Biodiversity Team are certified to use

the latest poison for wasps (Vespex®).

4.2.12 The Totara Reserve Advisory Group had a strategic planning workshop in February and will follow

that up with another one later in 2019. The draft strategic plan is being based on the successful

Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge Governance model of 4 pillars – Biodiversity, Cultural, Recreation and

Education.

4.2.13 A tender process has begun for the Totara Reserve Regional Park campground maintenance

contract and will be posted on the Tenderlink website before the end of May. The new contract

will be for a three year period.

4.2.14 The necessary safety upgrade to the effluent treatment area has been scheduled for the 2019-20

financial year, along with several other CAPEX items, including sealing roads.

4.2.15 Additional boardwalks and steps planned for the Fern Walk this year were delayed due to the

flood repair costs that weren’t able to be claimed on our insurance.

Aaron Madden ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR – BIODIVERSITY

Rod Smillie BIODIVERSITY, BIOSECURITY & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Jon Roygard GROUP MANAGER NATURAL RESOURCES AND PARTNERSHIPS

5 Collaboration Projects – Horizons / Department of Conservation (DOC)

5.1 Activity Overview

This report captures some Horizons and DOC collaborative projects that are not covered elsewhere in

Environment Committee reports.

5.2 Activity Highlights

Kia Wharite

Mangapurua – Whitianga Aerial Pest Operation

5.2.1 Post-operation monitoring for rats and possums has been completed. Rat monitoring showed

tracking rates had fallen from 67% tracking pre-operation to 0% tracking after the operation.

Waxtag monitoring for possums showed a decrease from 27% to 15%. The Ministry of Health

operation audit report has been received with no concerns.

Whanganui National Park (part of Kaukore Reserve) pest control

5.2.2 This operation is being run by Ngā Whenua Rāhui to reduce possum numbers in part of the

Whanganui National Park in and around Pipiriki.

Air New Zealand Biodiversity

5.2.3 Whanganui Journey campsite trapping – using self-resetting traps at hut and campsites on the

route, continues to be maintained and checked monthly.

5.2.4 Whanganui River trench weed control – between Whakahoro and Pipiriki and concentrating on

three priority pest species. Three-quarters of the contract has been completed, with the last work

scheduled for the second week of April, weather permitting.

5.2.5 Whanganui River goat control – completed before the Whanganui Journey season. Additional

work scheduled for June.

Whio

5.2.6 Surveys of whio in the Manganui-o-te-Ao River Retaruke security site have been completed.

Results for the season will be updated in the next report. Maintenance and checks on the

predator network continue.

Captive-breed whio release - Kaiwhakauka

5.2.7 On 23 January, 12 captive-bred whio (blue ducks) were released on the Kaiwhakauka Stream. This

was to ensure the best chance of survival for these birds, to boost whio within the Retaruke

Catchment. It was thought best to keep this release low key to enable it to go ahead without

holding the birds for too long. Members of Te Rōpū Mana Whenua (TRMW) supported the day.

The adjoining landowner, Dan Steele, was involved with the release.

Photos from the whio releases

Captive-breed whio release - Manganui o te Ao

5.2.8 On 6 March, 12 whio were released on the Manganui-o-te-Ao River. Rangi Bristol and Aiden

Gilbert (members of TRMW) were present along with DOC staff, Horizons councillors and staff

and tamariki from Orautoha kura, Raetihi and Ohakune school.

5.2.9 We especially acknowledge the assistance of Peter Russel and Rufus Bristol (known by the

tamariki as Koro Rufus) for their whio knowledge and expertise. An education programme was

held with the tamariki following lunch. This event was well attended by the community.

5.2.10 Present were tamariki from Orautoha kura, Raetihi and Ohakune school. A special

acknowledgment was made by Aiden Gilbert to Koro Rufus Bristol for his whio expertise.

Bruce Rollinson Koro Rufus & Lorrie Iwi Leader Aiden and tamariki

5.2.11 Kiwi

5.2.12 The long-term monitoring programme on the kiwi population in the Whanganui National Park will

be continued during May-June 2019.

5.2.13 Michelle Impey (K4K) has applied for additional source sites for western brown kiwi. Iwi

consultation is still to be confirmed. DOC Whanganui continues to advise K4K on the importance

of maintaining relationships with Te Rōpū Mana Whenua (the DOC & iwi mandated relationship

group).

5.2.14 The K4K project has commenced, with sourcing birds more challenging than expected.

5.2.15 Whanganui DOC is considering the option for K4K to source birds from areas under active

protection within Tongariro National Park and surrounding lands to support this project. Locations

would exclude areas where kiwi are monitored so as not to directly affect this monitoring work.

Myrtle Rust Response

5.2.16 Whanganui District staff have not been required to collect seed this year. The Ministry for Primary

Industries continues to run the hotline for myrtle rust for the public to notify any finds. DOC

continues to work with the national DOC myrtle rust team as required.

5.2.17 Manawatū District staff are still collecting seed from some of the less common members of the

myrtle family (myrtaceae) and with iwi consent obtained, seed collection at Paengaroa was

scheduled for April.

Pukaha/Mount Bruce

5.2.18 Aerial 1080 was applied to 943 hectares at this site on 17 December 2018.

5.2.19 Trapping results for the Pukaha Mt Bruce project are shown in the table below for February 2019.

March totals not yet available.

Pukaha Greater Wellington

Regional Council

Horizons Regional Council

Total

Ferrets 2 3 1 6

Stoats 1 0 1 2

Weasels 0 0 0 0

Cats 1 6 2 9

Hedgehogs 3 52 26 81

Rats 37 45 12 94

Manawatū Estuary

5.2.20 Final spartina (sporobolus) survey for the summer was organised on 1 March 2019 for community

and tangata whenua to participate. No spartina was found.

5.2.21 Sporobolus was reported via I-naturalist further south from Waikawa Estuary. Staff visited the

site and treated three small patches of spartina within a week of DOC being notified of these

plants.

5.2.22 DOC staff have also carried out control of the highly invasive silver poplars around the sandspit.

Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge Project

5.2.23 The initial 5-minute bird counts at 30 points across both the north and south sides of the gorge

were completed in late February. These counts will be carried out annually.

5.2.24 Several DOC200 traps along the Manawatu Gorge track were interferred with recently in an act of

vandalism. Most were salvageable, but three were destroyed. DOC Manawatū are purchasing

replacement traps, and the Ashhurst volunteer stoat trappers continue to do a great job checking

the traps. A trap that was thrown down a steep bank is pictured below.

5.2.25 A Te Apiti Manawatū Gorge Governance Group meeting was held in February. The agenda

included a review of the work programme, a gorge road update, a presentation about the

potential for species reintroduction and the terms of reference for the Governance Group. The

terms of reference discussion was deferred until the next meeting as key Governance Group

members were absent. The first phase of the species reintroduction work indicated that there is

potential for species reintroduction in the Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge area. The second phase of

this work will be presented at the May meeting. The Governance Group also discussed the new

gorge road and their submission to the related hearing process.

Northern Ruahine Battle for our Birds aerial 1080 operation

5.2.26 The 2019 beech seed monitoring data have been analysed and confirm that a very heavy mast is

occurring in the Northern Ruahine area and through the South Island forests. The extent of this

beech mast is the greatest since recording began in 1975.

5.2.27 Planning and consultation for a potential aerial 1080 operation in spring 2019 is continuing, but

funding is not yet confirmed as higher priority sites such as those at risk of losing nationally

endangered species like rock wren, may be prioritised over the Northern Ruahine block.

5.2.28 The Ruahine Whio Protection Trust has purchased 200 double-set DOC stoat traps using funds

from the DOC Community Fund. These traps will be placed around the areas where the Trust had

found kiwi outside the previously known range; the survey was funded by the previous year’s DOC

Community Fund grants.

5.2.29 Rat monitoring continues every 3 months in the Northern Ruahine area. Results to date:

Date tracking tunnel papers put in tunnels Rat tracking index Mouse tracking index

8 June 2017 (pre-pest control operation) 11% 3%

7 December 2017 (3 weeks post-operation) 0% 0.6%

27 January 2018 0% 0.6%

7 May 2018 1% 16%

27 August 2018 3% 23%

6 November 2018 15% 38%

13 February 2019 27% 16%