Tauranga Branch Newsletter

April 2010
Issue No 73

With an international background in marine science

Life beneath the waves
A fascinating presentation of the wonderful
variety of life beneath our waves. From the
small and humble to the large and loud.
Guest speaker: Kirstie Knowles
National Marine Conservation Advocate
Forest and Bird, Wellington
St John’s Anglican Church
94 Bureta Road, Otumoetai, Tauranga
on Thursday 13th May at 7.30pm
All welcome !
and community coastal management, Kirstie will give
an overview of all the amazingly unique but
increasingly under threat marine life that we have in
NZ. This is also an opportunity to focus on some of
the threats to our marine life, which include
overfishing, bad fishing methods, marine mining and
exploration, ocean acidification and pollution.
Kirstie has developed an outlandish passion for our
marine life. In this special talk she will share some of
her insights and address many of the concerns being
tackled by Forest & Bird.
This presentation will be followed by the AGM.
Tea, coffee and juice will be served.
Gold coin donation for room hire please.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Help us give nature a voice!

Have you ever considered taking a more active role in your local branch? Do you have ideas for activities,
events, publicity or marketing? Do you feel passionate about conservation? Believe in speaking out? Do
you have a project you would like to see the branch undertake? Don‟t be shy! We are looking for people
who may like to become more active and we are always open to new ideas. If you are interested, or want to
nominate someone (or be nominated) for the local branch committee, phone Liz on 577 6412 or email the
branch secretary at tauranga.branch@forestandbird.org.nz. Please consider joining the team. Help your
branch make a difference!

Forest and Bird's Smol Work Holiday in Vanuatu

Help nature and have fun in Vanuatu by joining
Forest & Bird Field Officer Sue Maturin‟s trip to the
Vatthe Conservation Area on the island of Espiritu
Santo and visit the live volcano on Tanna Island.
You will have opportunities to work in the bush
alongside local teams to control a rampant
convolvulus vine, known as big leaf (Merremia
peltata), which is threatening Vatthe's native forest.
During the tour you will have time to explore Vatthe
tropical forest and marine life on the shores of
Matantas, help control big leaf; stay in a remote
village and get to know local families; snorkel over
many different vibrant coral reefs; see Tanna‟s
active volcano; experience cultural events, relax on
tropical beaches and eat fresh pawpaw and much
more. The trip departs 18 July 2010. Party limited to
12 people. For more information or to book
contact: Sue Maturin phone 03 477 9677 or
email <s.maturin@forestandbird.org.nz>
Small but deadly
The true impact of wasps as pests was brought
home to me today when I saw a common wasp
feeding on something I finally realised was a live
green cicada – only the head, wings and tiny part of
the thorax were still there. A wasp can eat about 6
insects a day, in addition to nectar, in season – do
the math yourself and wonder what is left for our
birds to eat. (Eila)
Random thought for this issue – Why mine
gold anyhow? – What is it actually used for? Kept
in vaults to prove wealth? Why not just store it in
the earth where it is and stop building vaults?
(editor)
Kaimai Mamaku Campaign Report
(by Eila Lawton)
Recent activities
Several members have attended workshops
relevant to the Campaign. Tane‟s Tree Trust is
concerned with growing native tree species for farm
forestry - one possibility for buffering the edge of the
narrow Forest Park. The Wetland Symposium run by
the National Wetlands Trust in Rotorua had many
ideas for restoration of a habitat type that is under
especial pressure in our area. The Campaign made a
strong presentation at a Waikato Biodiversity Forum.
These meetings have also allowed us to raise
awareness of the Campaign and Forest & Bird‟s
determination to work effectively with other groups to
improve biodiversity in the area, from the Waihou
River to the Tauranga Harbour.
Our set of 6 excellent posters highlighting local
biodiversity and how it is at risk have been on display
at all these venues. A set of these posters is
available for each branch to use whenever possible.
Several posters could be used individually, also.
Please contact Al Fleming if you think you have
somewhere the posters could usefully be displayed.
There are brochures and leaflets as well.
The 5 peaks walks series attracted good numbers,
with 5 people receiving certificates for making it to all
5 promontories. Thanks to Al Fleming and the walk
leaders for this initiative, which we hope introduced
many people to the wildlife of the Forest Park.
Our KMC T-shirts with the
new F&B logo are a real hit,
we get orders whenever
they are seen! These come
in: white, yellow and blue
with the 2-colour green
logo, and in black with the
logo in white. Sizes are S,
M, L, XL, and XXL
To order, contact Cynthia at
552 0220 or email
kaimai.project@gmail.com
– but hurry, some sizes are
already sold out!
(kindly modeled by a recent
Polish visiting adventurer)
State of the Environment Assessment Report
The long-awaited State of the Environment report for
the catchments of the Kaimai Mamaku area from
DoC, Environment BOP and Environment Waikato is
finally published. (See the Environment BOP website to
view the document online or request a CD). Forest &
Bird‟s initiative at Aongatete Forest has been at least
one of the seeds leading to the tripartite initiative of
which this publication is the first flower. It was several
years ago that we shared a picnic tea with the CEO
of Environment BOP (Bill Bayfield) amongst the
shattered tawa of Aongatete, and heard him declare
he had never seen forest in such bad state ...
.
It is good to see that the authors of the report share
many of our approaches (our contributions of some
data and other comments is acknowledged). They
have identified the same areas, recognising the
integrity of natural ecosystems.
The report underlines the value of the remaining
forested areas, with their high biodiversity due to
geology, landform, altitude changes and distribution
limits. It describes the northern Kaimai area as
unique in its diverse assemblage of plants and
animals, and a bridge to the forests of the
Coromandel. This area is the more diverse, but the
greater concentration of remaining threatened
species is in the south, the less damaged, less
accessed Mamaku Plateau.
Of the 89,000 ha of indigenous habitat remaining,
some 70% is formally protected, with some 26,000
ha in private or Maori hands. One must question the
value of this protection, with virtually no pest control
now throughout the DoC estate, and the proliferation
of pest animals and plants. It is good to see that deer
are acknowledged as part of the browsing animal
problem, though I found the comment that the
northern area had „limited vulnerability to browse
impacts‟ puzzling. I could only interpret this as
meaning that the composition of the forest was
already so changed by pests that there wasn‟t that
much more that goats and deer would choose to eat.
So where to from here?
The more we know of the local authority/DoC plans,
the better we can determine our most effective role.
Directions must be decided in discussion and
agreement with others in the community, but how
best do we become the true voice of nature in this
campaign?
The report identifies the need for better monitoring.
We have already taken a lead here with the bird
surveys initiated last November, and training people
in monitoring other species groups may be one way
we can raise awareness of the need for action. It
would also be an opportunity to increase recognition
and awareness of native species, a skill not high
amongst kiwis. (Can you identify the two species
pictured on the next page?)
One idea being floated is of a belt of protection from
the BOP to the Waikato, at a selected point, with
groups gradually working from either side to link at
the top of the range. If Waitakere can make an Ark in
the Park, so can we – quote Barack Obama, not the
beer ad!
It is clearly important to give DoC all encouragement
to resume pest control in Opuiaki, the kokako refuge
and centre of biodiversity in the Mamaku.
We‟d like your ideas – contact Al Fleming or me at 07
549 3646 or our email kaimai.project@gmail.com
Can you identify these species?

Answers on
Saturday walks
page

Too Precious to Mine this cannot be accepted as a trade off.

Do we really need to have any more conservation
land destroyed by mining? The Government's recent
announcement that there will be a review of
Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act, 1991 has
divided public opinion. The review hopes to evaluate
the economic value of some areas of Crown land,
areas considered to have relatively low conservation
values and high potential mineral resources.
It is proposed that some parts of conservation land
and national parks are to be removed from Schedule
4. The mining industry welcomes a stocktake on the
country's natural resources however, many others
are against any use of these areas for mining
purposes. Areas currently at risk from this review
include, Paparoa National Park for gold and coal,
several areas in the Coromandel (which include
conservation land near Thames), Otahu Ecological
Reserve and Parakawai Geological Reserve for gold,
and silver at Great Barrier Island. This 'stocktake' will
be at a cost of around $4 million of taxpayers money.
Under the Crown Minerals Act, 1991, no prospecting,
exploration, or mining can take place on land
managed by the Department of Conservation without
the Minister of Conservation agreeing to an access
agreement. Under Schedule 4, there are limited
circumstances in which the Minister can grant
access. These include maintenance and construction
of emergency exits or shaft service for an
underground mine, to allow the demonstration of
historic mining and to enable any mining operation
that does not remove vegetation which exceeds an
area of 16m2. The Government has also suggested
that 12,000 hectares considered to be of high
conservation value will be added to schedule 4.
However these areas, such as marine reserves and
Hauraki Gulf islands were previously considered in
the last review of 2008 and still await protection, so
The total annual mineral value from the mining
industry in New Zealand is estimated to be around
$1.6 billion. This is small compared to the economic
value of tourism which is stated to be worth $21
billion. Mining is a short term option for profit which is
potentially going offshore.
The forests in New Zealand have taken many
hundreds of years to grow and mature and cannot be
replaced in a short time. Long lived, slow growing
species of flora and fauna need to be saved and
protected in this special place. This is the time to
have your say and be a part of the protection and
conservation of New Zealand's unique and fragile
heritage.
Do we want to sit by and witness the extinction of
more unique native New Zealand species? We have
to consider what the sustainable options for the
future are. New Zealand is a popular destination for
visitors from all over the world. The attraction is the
opportunity to get out into the wilderness and
experience nature. The world has changed and the
exploitation of the natural environment for short term
profit has to stop. Many other species need
protection, not just humans. If we take these minerals
now, what will be left? Open-cast mines have a
devastating effect on the natural environment. The
removal of vegetation, soil and rock through mining,
means that the native birds, bats, insects and frogs
are left homeless and vulnerable. The toxic run off
from contamination of heavy metals such as
cadmium, arsenic, lead and zinc builds up, and
sediment causes the waterways to be come cloudy,
leading to reduced light and oxygen that kills aquatic
life. And what about the waste product and the piles
of tailings left abandoned when the operation is done
and has moved on? Liz Cole

Be a voice for nature - What You Can Do

1. The Government has called for submissions from the public on its mining proposals. Submissions close at 5pm on
Tuesday, 4 May 2010. Send a submission to Prime Minister John Key, reminding him of the value of the natural area
and the need for future protection. Use our online submission form http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/mining-
conservation-land
2. Contact your local Government representatives and tell them what you think and what you would like them to do.
3. Send a photo of your favourite location to the Prime Minister (john.key@ministers.govt.nz) and tell him why you don‟t
want to see it mined.
4. Becoming a 2precious2mine e-campaigner. Get online (F&B‟s Green Room, Facebook, Bebo, blogs, etc) and invite
your friends and family to become involved too.
5. Signing up to our e-alerts and e-news to take part in our petitions and activities.
6. Donate to our mining campaign.
7. Visit too precious to mine website - and keep up to date on the latest news and events.
8. Consider your own lifestyle and what you can do to reduce the amount of resources you consume and how you can
protect your surrounding environment from pollution damage and waste.
Tauranga Forest & Bird - Saturday Walks
These are held on the Second Saturday of the month. Unless otherwise specified, all trips meet at 8:15am at the
th
12 Ave / Cameron 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
Difficult grade
Walk up old mining tracks through bush to lookout
with some short
May 8 Mt Karangahake at the trig point.
sharp inclines.
Helen 571 1085
$12

Whakatane to Bush, and great beach views at this headland. Moderate

June 12 Barbara 577 1211 $20
Ohope
Look for fungi in this area of old gold mining relics
July 10 and regenerating bush. Bring warm clothing as it Moderate
Wairongomai can be a cold area. $15
School Hols
Janet 544 5362
Ancient native trees on this lake walk. At a good
Moderate
Aug 14 Eastern Okataina pace we may get to Lake Tarawera
$20
Ron & Carole 576 5698

Guidelines for safe walking on Forest and Bird Trips

We are a conservation focused group rather than trampers. We stop frequently to observe.
Walking groups need to keep together. Walkers who cannot keep within sight and hearing of the
leader need to make special provision for their own safety. Do not drop behind or go ahead by
yourself.
Slow walkers need to arrange beforehand to have a companion who is fit, capable and independent
and carries a cell phone, whistle and first aid kit.
All walkers should have in their pack a whistle and personal medication. Take heed of the "hazards /
difficulty" described in the Walks Programme.

KCC (Kiwi Conservation Club – the children‟s “division” of the branch)

Hey kids! Check out the new KCC webpage at www.kcc.org.nz ! The current events schedule is also posted under
the "News" panel of the KCC web page. We have an email: kcctauranga@gmail.com that people are welcome to
use to send ideas for trips or activities - which are always welcome.

Newsletter Coordinator Brigit Manning is looking for local stories and also for information about local artists and
writers who have been inspired by the local environment that we can mention to the children. Any information that
F & B members can contribute would be wonderful! Her aim is to encourage children to look at what is around them
and find stimulation and inspiration in a very relaxed way. Contact Brigit at 576 3173

Also, we are keen to have people bring their ideas to the next planning meeting which is at 7.30pm Wednesday
19th May. Please ring Mandy Fairbairn ph 579 - 1650 if you intend to come, venue to be advised.

Did you get the identification right?

Flowers of the puriri tree, an almost continual source of nectar for birds in lowland forest in our area.
Copper skink, our most common native skink, around 60mm long, once common throughout the North Island.
Tauranga Forest & Bird - Thursday Walks
These are on the FIRST and THIRD Thursdays of the month, meeting beside the Bethlehem Countdown building
Opposite Bethlehem Hall at 9:15am unless otherwise specified, and usually returning by 3:00pm. Bring all own
food and gear as for Saturday walks.
Walks do occasionally change, so if going to alternative meeting points, check with leader - preferably before
7.30pm the night before.

Difficulty
Date Location Description Car donation
suggestion
See the various exotic trees with their autumn colour
leaves.
May 6 McLaren Falls Meet Countdown Cameron Rd
Easy/Moderate
$5
Enid 575 6146
Ongare Pt Short walks around the headlands on the Tauranga
Easy/Moderate
May 20 Tanners Pt harbour.
$12
Kauri Pt Fiona 576 7013
An open walk with views to Mt Ruapehu on a fine day.
Kaimai summit Moderate
June 3 Meet Countdown Cameron Rd
repeater station $8
Helen 571 1085 / Eddie 576 1849
Around or up the Mount (or both?) then swim in hot
pools for midwinter. Easy/Moderate/
Mt Maunganui & Meet opposite Pilot Bay boat trailer park
June 17 hard options
Hot Pools at cnr Adams Ave & The Mall $0
Enid 575 6146
Rowesdale & New walk through this interesting tree-clad gully.
Moderate
July 1 Ohauiti Rd Meet Countdown Cameron Rd
$7
subdivisions Fiona 576 7013
Bushwalk to an ancient pa site then back to
July 15 Ancient pa site & Pendergrast‟s museum of farm history Mangatoi Rd. Easy
School Hols museum Meet Countdown Cameron Rd $10
Dorothy 576 2726
Ocean & harbour views out through pohutakawa around
Bowentown &
the headland - and see how many introduced weeds you Easy/Moderate
Aug 5 Anthenree can spot! $7
walkways Cheryl 576 2689
Walk along the unpopulated end of the beach looking for
Papamoa East to seabirds. Easy/Moderate
Aug 19 Meet Countdown Cameron Rd $7
Ford Cut
Eddie 576 1849
Walk around a headland, see seabirds and interesting Moderate –
geology in the cliffs. Then on to Ford Rd to approach the clamber over
Little Waihi to
Sep 2 rivermouth from the other side. boulders around
Maketu & Ford Rd Meet Countdown Cameron Rd headland
Kea 552 6338 $12
Uretara river “Flower Power” walk: Quick visit to orchids at Te Puna
Quarry Park then on to Katikati to see daffodils and Easy
Sep 16 Walkway waterfowl in returning wetlands. $10
Katikati Enid 575 6146

Guidelines for safe walking on Forest and Bird Trips

We are a conservation focused group rather than trampers. We stop frequently to observe.
Walking groups need to keep together. Walkers who cannot keep within sight and hearing of the
leader need to make special provision for their own safety. Do not drop behind or go ahead by
yourself.
Slow walkers need to arrange beforehand to have a companion who is fit, capable and independent
and carries a cell phone, whistle and first aid kit.
All walkers should have in their pack a whistle and personal medication. Take heed of the "hazards /
difficulty" described in the Walks Programme.
 Visit Forest and Bird website: www.forestandbird.org.nz
Visit the Kiwi Conservation Club website: www.kcc.org.nz
Join Forest & Bird - freephone - 0800 200 064

If undeliverable, please return to:

Tauranga Forest and Bird

PO Box 15638
Tauranga
3144