This item on RNZ checkpoint about ducks found in an area they haven't been seen before

"The big news is that we have a Whio pair with six ducklings on the Rangitikei River. I have never seen ducklings on the Rangitikei River in my almost 40 years of rafting. We have been viewing them for a couple of weeks now. No ducklings have been lost in that time. Very exciting stuff! A line of A24 traps protects this particular section of the river. The mahi is paying off!"

A good number of early season sightings reported from all over the Ruahines but so far these are the only ducklings. Still early days.....

Due to popular demand, the RWP Trust has produced another calendar.  The photos were taken and donated by volunteers with the calendar printed locally.  The cost is the same as last year at $20 plus any postage.  They are available at Turners Sports in Feilding or by contacting Janet Wilson [email protected]

                        Ruahine Whio Protectors Collective Annual Hui -                                                                        River Valley Lodge 20-21 August 2022

There was an excellent turnout for the annual RWP Collective's hui held in August at the lovely River Valley Lodge, right beside the Rangitikei River. For the first time we extended the invitation to those involved with Kiwi Conservation in the Ruahines. Groups represented included Aorangi O Awarua Trust, volunteer led trapping projects, Save the Kiwi, Cape Sanctuary, DOC, Good Nature and two Jobs for Nature projects. Thanks to everyone who attended and made the meeting successful - it was great to see some new faces and feel the passion for the Whio and Kiwi. Special thanks to the team at River Valley for making us so welcome and for the fabulous food, accommodation and the new meeting room.. Thanks also to the volunteers who came at their own expense and to DOC for providing a subsidy that offset some of the volunteers meal expenses.

Whio in the Manawatu Gorge Local kayaker Harley Betts recently spotted a lone WHIO in the river below the Manawatu Gorge (yes - that is the road between Manawatu and Hawkes Bay) in the vicinity of the large slip (yes the one that closed the road!) Where has it come from and where is it going to? Maybe another lone bird heading for the Tararuas?

WHIO AT CENTRE CREEK POHANGINA
Hunters recently spotted a pair of whio near Centre Creek - well down the Pohangina River and getting closer to the park Boundary. I am not aware of a sighting that far down the river for many years now.
A24s DAMAGED BY POSSUMS
Slightly old news now as this one made it to TV3. Clever possums have worked out how to get the new "chirp" caps off the A24's to get to the lure! Read more in Anthony Behrens project update.
SKINK SIGHTINGS OVER SUMMER
Peter Bird (DOC) and some hunters have reported seeing skinks over the summer - maybe the very hot weather brought them out more. Read on to see more from Pete.