News

2024 SERN Autumn Field Day

Another great day of networking was enjoyed by the 28 people attending, with eight different restoration projects represented. Check out the day and photos under Events.

Posted on: Friday, 12 April 2024

Aparima Pest Busters – Kakariki Nest Boxes

In the spring of 2022 red crowned kakariki were seen several times in Mores Reserve, Riverton. This caused great excitement for the team at Aparima Pest Busters as they had not been seen in the reserve for a long time.

While a lot of effort has been put into managing pests in the reserve, it was felt the birds would have better chances of breeding successfully if we could provide them with predator proof nest boxes. During the winter of 2023, funding was obtained to enable the construction of 20 nest boxes. These were based on a design used by a group in Nelson. Whereas they used a flat roof, we opted for a sloping roof which would make it harder for pests to access the entrance to the nest box.

The boxes were installed in late September. One is monitored with a trail camera. While we have not yet seen any birds in residence, we remain hopeful.

We are currently looking for people to look after a few bait lines in Mores Reserve. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please encourage them to get in touch at this email address.
For more information contact Aparima Pest Busters at: [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]

(Kakariki photo curtesy of Bush Haven)

Posted on: Monday, 12 February 2024

Interesting Finds at Oreti Totara Dune Forest

The latest OTDF report from Ranger, Maurice Rodway is attached here (DOCX, 4.40 MB). The group has been fortunate to have a student working on their project over summer, studying invertebrate and lizard presence in the area, along with helping with weed control and planting maintenance. You’ll see in the report that the first recording of a copper butterfly in the area was made, along with the presence of a ground weta in the pitfall traps. Cave wetas are the ones generally seen in Southland, so interesting to hear we also have a ground weta down here.

Posted on: Thursday, 8 February 2024

Oreti Totara Dune Forest - November 2023 news

To read the November news from the Oreti Totara Dune Forest click here (DOCX, 3.65 MB). The November edition of the QEII National Trust magazine also features the OTDF project. Check it out here.

Posted on: Thursday, 7 December 2023