Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society
Tauranga Branch
Mauao Pest
Control
Three teams of vol-
unteers (the Breeze,
Ware team and the
Burningham Team)
have volunteered to
stock the new bait
station lines on the
Mount. Ship rats are
the target pest. The
rat baits are still going
like ice cream in sum-
mer. There are obvi-
ously many more rats
than we anticipated.
Rat control will bene-
fit the birds
(especially the pet-
rels), the lizards and
the invertebrates on
Mauao.
Marlene Ware and
Ann Graeme are ap-
proaching the Mauao
steering committee
with an idea for a
predator-proof fence
to make Mauao a safe
haven where we can
re-introduce some of
the species lost from
our forests. This is a
longer term goal.
Inside this Issue
Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Page 2
Bird Recovery
Kaituna Coastal Park
AGM
Pohutukawa
Thursday Walks Page 3
Guideline for Safe Walking
Conservation Clues
Saturday Walks Page 4
Overnight/Weekend Trips
Page 1
Editor: Neil Everett
Phone: 570-1227
Email: nhe@xtra.co.nz
Newsletters
We have decided to post
our newsletters because so
many members have diffi-
culty downloading images
and attachments. However
we will still e-mail members
with brief items of unex-
Meet David Dowrick
New committee
Member
David has worked on two of
the most splendid buildings
in the world, the Sydney
Opera House and the resto-
ration of York Minster. Spe-
cialized in earthquake re-
search, he has written over
70 publications including two
books on earthquake engi-
neering. He has been the
recipient of many honours
including a Doctorate of
Engineering in 2003.
Always a nature lover, David
has long been a supporter of
Forest and Bird, writing let-
ters to Ministers about
Help Needed
Aongatete Project: con-
tact Basil 576 5593 for more
information. Next work days
are the 6th and 20th Septem-
ber.
North Island Gathering
This year’s November
council meeting for North
island branches will be
held at Aongatete Lodge
in the Kaimai from Friday
October 31st to Sunday
November 2nd . It will be
Tauranga Branch Forest & Bird Newsletter No. 67
NEWSLETTER
August 2008
pected news, events and
requests.
The Kaimai Campaign news-
letter will be e-mailed, so, if
you have an e-mail address,
please e-mail Liz at
elizabethcole@xtra.co.nz to
register on our list. The list
is confidential.
Dr David Dowrick
Tauranga Committee
volunteers: contact Liz 577
6412. We need a volunteer
to keep the minutes of the
meeting, and someone to
hosted by Tauranga
Branch and examine Na-
tional Issues including the
Kaimai campaign. Tauranga
members are invited to
attend the sessions.
Vote for the
Environment!
Public Meeting
at the Bongard Centre
7.30pm Wednesday,
1st October
Five conservation issues will be
presented to aspiring local
candidates, and, following the
prepared questions, time will
be available for questions from
the floor.
conservation causes. Since
being on the Tauranga
Branch Committee, he and
his wife Goulie have helped
the Aongatete Forest Resto-
ration project, tramping
through the forest putting
out rat and poison bait.
They generously funded the
construction of the deer
exclosure fence, an educa-
tional tool to show the ef-
fects of browsing on the
forest floor and one which
will provide evidence for the
Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Cam-
paign.
maintain the membership
list. Many hands do make
light work. Perhaps you’d
like to join the committee?
August 2008
 Kaimai Mamaku
Restoration
Campaign
Representatives from six
surrounding F&B branches
and Central Office make up
the campaign committee to
foster this Tauranga initia-
tive. They have produced a
colourful brochure and the
first Newsletter should be in
your e-mail box soon. Eila
Lawton has produced the
newsletter and helped draft
the brochure.
The most immediate event
will be a public meeting to
canvas this and other con-
servation issues with the
political parties. This will be
held in Tauranga late Sep-
tember- early October.
The campaign targets the
loss of biodiversity, the dis-
charge of green house gases
and the loss of catchment
protection and water pro-
duction from the Kaimai
Mamaku native forests.
Did you know that 84% of
New Zealand’s carbon sink
is tied up by native vegeta-
tion? Native forests that
used to store approximately
600 tonnes of carbon now
store about 200 tonnes.
How can this loss be re-
versed?
How do we restore the
numbers and bird song to
the Kaimai?
How can we prepare for
more extreme floods and
droughts if catchment
forests are being eaten to
death?
Pest control gives a lot of
bang for one buck!
If you see the opportunity
to write a letter to publicise
the problems then please do
so. Do you have stories of
how the WBOP forests and
wildlife used to be? If so,
then please ring Eila on
549-3646 who would like to
record them.
Page 2
Bird Recovery at Aongatete
The Aongatete project is
beginning to show the
effects of sustained con-
trol of ship rats and pos-
Kaituna Coastal Park Proposal
Richard Hart has mapped
the natural resources at the
Kaituna River mouth. He has
been taking a concept plan
around our local councils
suggesting that we should be
planning to establish a Re-
gional Coastal Reserve there
Annual General Meeting
Kevin Hackwell spoke at
our AGM in June. He gave
an illustrated talk about the
special species that still live
in our Kaimai Mamaku Con-
servation Park. Kevin spoke
strongly of the need for the
Department of Conservation
to begin sustained and inte-
grated pest control over our
37 000 ha park. At present
their pest control is limited
to the 1100 ha of Opuiaki
Ecological Area where it
assists the last kokako popu-
lation surviving in our area.
Pohutukawa
The name Pohutukawa
comes from the Maori word
‘hutukawa’, a headdress of
red feathers.
The Pohutukawa belongs to
the Myrtle family
(Myrtaceae) and is related to
Eucalyptus, Feijoa, cloves,
guavas and bottlebrushes.
There are two forms of na-
tive Pohutukawa, one which
Tauranga Branch Forest & Bird Newsletter No. 67
sums. Here are the results
of monitoring of the na-
tivebirds after two years
of pest control. The birds
while it is still undeveloped.
With the rare stands of rem-
nant kaihikatea, the dunes,
river and beach, the Wildlife
Reserve, and most impor-
tantly, the open space, this is
a last opportunity for a sig-
nificant coastal reserve near
If widespread and integrated
pest control doesn’t start
soon, Kevin predicted that
we would lose more species.
Pest control would not only
benefit the species that are
just hanging on, it would also
provide the opportunity for
species re-introductions and
biodiversity restoration.
Too often conservation
goals are set too low, aimed
at just ‘maintaining’ the de-
pleted resources that we are
left with.
is found on the mainland of
New Zealand, Metrosideros
excelsa and Metrosideros ker-
madecensis which is endemic
to the Kermadec group and
Raoul Island.
Rata and Pohutakawa are so
closely related that they
hybridise in some areas such
as around the shores of Lake
Okataina and the Tarawera
are being monitored by
listing three times for five
minutes at designated lis-
tening stations.
The percentage of listen-
ing stations where birds
were heard within the rat
and possum controlled
area is shown in BLUE.
This can be compared
with birds heard at sta-
tions in the neighbouring
forest, outside the pest-
controlled area, which are
in ORANGE.
our city.
Richard is very good at pro-
active planning for the fu-
ture. When opportunities
arise, supportive letters to
the editor would be wel-
come.
A brief AGM elected the
following to the committee:
Basil Graeme (chair), Liz
Cole (Secretary), Gary
Ware (treasurer), Kea Lip-
piatt, and David Dowrick.
We also celebrated 40 years
of service from our retiring
treasurer, Ruth Mander.
Besides her treasurer re-
sponsibilities, Ruth has been
an active committee mem-
ber and has organised our
monthly walks. We wel-
come Gary and say “Thank
you, Ruth. Well done x40!”
River. The growing buds are
favourite tucker for possums
and repeated browsing even-
tually kills the tree. While
their ancestors were Austra-
lian, these species are no
longer found in Australia.
August 2008
 Forest and Bird Thursday Walks
These are on the FIRST and THIRD Thursdays of the month, meeting at the Bethlehem Hall at 9:15am unless otherwise
specified, and usually returning by 3:00pm, Bring all own food and gear as for Sat walks. Walks do occasionally change,
so if going to alternative meeting points check with leader, preferably before 7.30pm, the night before.
Difficulty GUIDELINES FOR
Date Location Description Car donation SAFE WALKING ON
FOREST AND BIRD
Delightful waterfalls just behind Moderate climb TRIPS
Welcome Bay. If wet &/or if time but not
Yatton Park and estuary boardwalk long –loop $5
Aug 21 Kaiete Falls (easy/ moderate) optional picnic in Walking groups need to
carpark. Meet Countdown car park keep together. Walk-
(Cameron Rd / 12th Ave) ers who cannot keep
Leader Kea 552 6338 within sight and hearing
Ainsworth Easy/ Moderate of the leader need to
Enjoy the quarry gardens and the native bush re-
Reserve optional make special provision
serves. Ainsworth first, then
Te Puna $3 for their own safety. Do
Sep 4 on to the Quarry, then I’Anson. Leader Wallace 579
Quarry / not drop behind or go
3956
I’Anson
ahead by yourself.
Otane- Moderate &/or
Take in the 360° views from the top of this moderate
wainuku Easy
climb and/or enjoy an Slow walkers need to
Sep 18 Mtn $7
easy walk in the forest. Meet Fruit shop Oropi Rd. arrange beforehand to
& Rimu
Leader Cheryl 576 2689 have a companion who is
Walk
Climb this extinct volcano to the lake at the top fol- Moderate fit, capable and inde-
Mt lows 4WD track. $15 pendent and carries a
Oct 2
Edgecumbe Bring togs for swim in hot pools after. Enid 575 6146 cell phone, whistle and
Eddie 576 1849 first aid kit.
Enjoy this lovely private garden in Quarry Rd, Pa- Easy/Moderate
Looking pamoa Hills. $5 All walkers should have
Oct 16 Glass Gar- Meet Countdown carpark (Cameron Rd / 12th Ave)
in their pack a whistle
dens $5 donation for entry. Joy 572 5432 June 575
8027 and personal medication.
Walk this historic tram track with old railway bogeys, Moderate Take heed of the
Woods Mill, through regenerating manuka scrub, past an old mill $15 "hazards / difficulty" de-
Nov 6 scribed in the Walks
Mamaku site, to the lunch spot beside a waterfall. Eddie 576
1849 Programme.
Easy if just walk
See the largest Kauri trees in the Kaimais. 2 river the We are a conservation
Bluff Stream
Nov 20 crossings, short climb. Bring togs for swim in river. tram track Mod- focused group rather
Kauri
Leader Kea 552 6338 erate than trampers, stopping
$10
frequently to observe.
Follow Monday evening’s presentation with a walk Moderate
around the park led by $15
TECT All
Dec 4 resident ranger Rick Balfour. 1400 ha to be used for
Terrain Park
outdoor recreationon
Contact Kea Lippiatt 552 6338
Kopurererua Stream Valley: explore the new paths Easy
Kopurere- and native plantings. Return to Fahey’s for a social
Dec 18 rua stream lunch (seniors$15.90). Meet Fahey’s Motor Inn car-
Valley park (Cameron Rd Greerton)
Leader: Cheryl 576 2689
Jan 1 No Walk
Summer- Our first exploration of this private bush track. Dona- Easy/Moderate
Jan 15 hills Park, tion for entry $5
Papamoa Leader Cheryl 576 2689
Conservation Clues
Ferns can tell you at a glance a lot about the health of a native forest ecosystem. What do you recognise when you see lots of As-
plenium ferns such as’ hen and chicken’, or see lots of silver tree fern and Crown fern? This means that there are few deer, goats or walla-
bies in the forest. Spleenwort ferns such as ‘hen and chicken’ or ‘shining spleenwort ’are very tasty and would be quickly eaten out. Silver tree fern is quite
toxic and is not eaten, so lots of silver fern means that there are also damaging browsers there too. Crown fern is another unpalatable fern which replaces
more palatable vegetation.
To protect and save our native ecosystems we need to promote sustained and integrated pest control. What does this mean?
Integrated pest control is targeting a suite of predator and browser pests and focusing on the ecological problem that they cause. In the Kaimai over $10m
has been spent by the Forest Service and DoC on goat control. Deer, possums and rats have been ignored. The forest has continued to collapse as canopy,
seeds and seedlings are devoured.
Sustained pest control prevents numbers rebounding between control operations. Integrated control must include ship rats. Because of their rapid breed-
ing, ship rats can recover from relatively low numbers within 6 months so to be sustained as well it usually requires at least 2-3 cycles of rat control each
year. The nearest to sustained and integrated control is done by DoC in the Opuiaki Ecological Area (Behind Ngatahoa Lodge) with one 1080 operation per
year. The Aongatete project has ‘sustained’ but not ‘integrated’ pest control; targeting possum - but not deer and pigs; rats - but not stoats).
Page 3 Tauranga Branch Forest & Bird Newsletter No. 67 August 2008
 Forest and Bird Saturday Walks
These are held on the Second Saturday of the month. Unless otherwise specified, all trips meet at 8:15am at the 12th Ave / Cam-
eron Road corner. Bring stout walking shoes or preferably boots, lunch, drinks, personal medication, warm clothing and wet weather
gear. The dollar amount show is the recommended donation to the drivers for petrol. Ring the leader beforehand for information or
changes.

Difficulty
Date Location Description
Car donation
Matata White Experience the magnificent white pine trees. Walk this new board- Easy/Moderate some
Pine & walk and Climbing
Sept 13
Hilda Latham lookout over Awakere to white Island. Swim in Awakere pool $5 $12
Walk Leader: Enid 575 6146
City Walk: Waikareao Estuary, then Kopurererua Stream Valley Easy
Waikareao Estu-
Oct 11 and the 17th
ary
Avenue Boardwalk via Faulkner Park. Leader Cheryl 576 2689
Lowland bush walk to Aongatete River clay underfoot and could be Moderate
very $5
Nov 8 Upland Rd
slippery. If wet alternative walk Omokoroa. Leader Cheryl 576
2689
Horseshoe Wet- Inspect the restoration of the Horseshoe lake wetland and have a Easy
Dec 13 land fun time at $20
& Hamilton Zoo the zoo. Group discount entry $9. Leader: Enid 575 6146

Forest and Bird Weekend / Overnight Trip / Week

Bring stout walking shoes or preferably boots, snacks & personal food & drinks, personal medication, warm clothing and wet weather
gear. The dollar amount for Te Rereatukahia covers the food (Breakfast & dinner only) and accommodation. Ring the leader before-
hand for information or changes.

Difficulty
Date Location Description Car dona-
tion
Walk the crossing of Maungatautari on the new “tourist” grade track $125 plus $15 travel
(5 ½ - 6 ½ hr), taking in the lookout at Pukeatua peak. Soak in the spa, donation
eat a Limit 20 people Steep
October
delicious 4 course meal and stay the night in ensuite accommodation /Moderate. Take
22/23
Maungatautari (backpacker option now full). Next morning have sumptuous buffet lunch and snacks for
Wed/Thur
breakfast the crossing.
then walk the loops in the southern enclosure and climb the treetop Dinner & Breakfast
viewing supplied
tower (2 hour). Contact: Kea 07 552 6338 / 027 512 0077 /Leader Liz
Walk the loop from Hot Springs rd. (3 ½ - 4 ½ hr) Stay overnight in a $30 Limit 16 people.
Dec bush hut. Each person to carry
Te Rereatuka-
10th/11th Walk up Baldy next morning for 360º views across the Waikato & Bay of their own gear & a
hia
Wed/Thur Plenty (1 hr return).Walk out through the Kauri Grove (2 ½ -3 hr). portion of the food &
Leader: Kea 07 552 6338 / 027 512 0077 cooking equipment.

Return to:
Tauranga Forest & Bird
PO Box 487
TAURANGA

Page 4 Tauranga Branch Forest & Bird Newsletter No. 67 August 2008