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.
Breed For Release Proposal - Community discussion/consultation
Luke Easton (DOC Whio Recovery Group NI rep) and Peter Russell (Captive Breeding Coordinator) spoke at the hui about a proposal to include Ruahine Whio in the Breed4Release programme. This is a well established programme that has seen many whio bred and raised in captivity and then released to the wild rivers. The whio on Mt Taranaki have been reintroduced using this programme. You may have visited the "hardening" facility at the Tongariro Trout centre, where young birds are given access to rapids to get them used to "real life".
If you are interested in or have questions about this idea, have a read of Lukes's document below and please get in touch with me, Janet Wilson [email protected]. Pass this info on to other members of your organizations.
Please reply by 4th November.
If you are interested in or have questions about this idea, have a read of Lukes's document below and please get in touch with me, Janet Wilson [email protected]. Pass this info on to other members of your organizations.
Please reply by 4th November.
Draft Proposal for Whio Breed for Release within the Ruahine - Luke Easton
Context
This idea to establish a Breed for Release (B4R) programme for whio in the Ruahine has been around for several years now. Currently, B4R in the North Island is essentially on hold as the captive pairs (from Tongariro mainly) are now too old to produce young. These pairs are being retired. Meanwhile, the South Island B4R programme continues to progress well (their birds must be on steroids haha).
The idea of B4R at Ruahine was tested again at the Ruahine Protectors Collective Hui on the 20th-21st August 2022. Not everyone was present ( Te Kauru Hapu Collective, Rangitane ki Manawatu, Ngati Kauwhata, Rangitane K TNAR, Kahungunu ki TNAR, and Ngati Apa, for instance), thus the idea was parked for another time, but multiple questions were raised which provided a good opportunity to do some homework and address as many questions as possible. There are still questions to be resolved, hence the purpose of this Proposal, where all partners can contribute their thoughts, findings, potential solutions, or other questions that have not been captured already.
One of the key messages is that this Proposal is a joint project among the Ruahine Whio Protectors Collective, tangata whenua, and the Department of Conservation. The role of Department of Conservation staff for this process of exploring the ins and outs of this Proposal is advisory only (not decision-making). Together we are just wanting to weigh up and discuss this idea, and if we are comfortable with giving B4R a shot, then a Proposal can be finalised and presented to local Department of Conservation Managers for the decision-making process (under the Wildlife Act and Conservation Act legislations)
Context
This idea to establish a Breed for Release (B4R) programme for whio in the Ruahine has been around for several years now. Currently, B4R in the North Island is essentially on hold as the captive pairs (from Tongariro mainly) are now too old to produce young. These pairs are being retired. Meanwhile, the South Island B4R programme continues to progress well (their birds must be on steroids haha).
The idea of B4R at Ruahine was tested again at the Ruahine Protectors Collective Hui on the 20th-21st August 2022. Not everyone was present ( Te Kauru Hapu Collective, Rangitane ki Manawatu, Ngati Kauwhata, Rangitane K TNAR, Kahungunu ki TNAR, and Ngati Apa, for instance), thus the idea was parked for another time, but multiple questions were raised which provided a good opportunity to do some homework and address as many questions as possible. There are still questions to be resolved, hence the purpose of this Proposal, where all partners can contribute their thoughts, findings, potential solutions, or other questions that have not been captured already.
One of the key messages is that this Proposal is a joint project among the Ruahine Whio Protectors Collective, tangata whenua, and the Department of Conservation. The role of Department of Conservation staff for this process of exploring the ins and outs of this Proposal is advisory only (not decision-making). Together we are just wanting to weigh up and discuss this idea, and if we are comfortable with giving B4R a shot, then a Proposal can be finalised and presented to local Department of Conservation Managers for the decision-making process (under the Wildlife Act and Conservation Act legislations)
The Ruahine is considered a high priority site for species persistence under the new (and developing) Department of Conservation prioritisation system. Especially for whio. Data collected from annual reporting of pest control effort and whio observations indicate a steady increase in the number of whio pairs around the Oroua/Pohangina and Te Potae o Awarua areas as a result of increased trapping effort (see below). During the last few seasons, pair density appears to have decreased but this is an artefact of being unable to service traps (Covid!), and therefore spot whio, as well as installing additional trap lines without being able to count whio in those areas. The last two seasons are therefore an underrepresentation of actual whio pair numbers. Moreover, these data are only a snapshot and not of the Ruahine as a whole, which are based on the whio data provided each year for reporting.
Manaaki Ruahine News
- Anthony Behrens
It's been a tricky winter for Manaaki Ruahine but it has come with some wins.
Our northern line that runs from Kashmir Road and nearly all the way to Happy Daze Hut is having mouse problems. We didn't calibrate the first batch of traps and they keep catching mice who love our new fat bait. Our downstream double set 150s are having a different kind of mouse problem - the traps have been calibrated, which means the mice eat all the bait without setting off the traps! But...the bait is so good, we're catching plenty of stoats anyway.
Our new data dashboard is up and running and our Data Wrangler and trapper extraordinaire Karen McNichol is all over it. Most of our data is gathered in notebooks in the field, then entered into a website called Trello, where Karen picks it up and inputs it. She also tallies up our work and travel efforts into a thing we call our Mahi Tracker. Thanks have to go to Kaz Smith and Eagle Technology for making the Manaaki Ruahine Dashboard happen.
- Anthony Behrens
It's been a tricky winter for Manaaki Ruahine but it has come with some wins.
Our northern line that runs from Kashmir Road and nearly all the way to Happy Daze Hut is having mouse problems. We didn't calibrate the first batch of traps and they keep catching mice who love our new fat bait. Our downstream double set 150s are having a different kind of mouse problem - the traps have been calibrated, which means the mice eat all the bait without setting off the traps! But...the bait is so good, we're catching plenty of stoats anyway.
Our new data dashboard is up and running and our Data Wrangler and trapper extraordinaire Karen McNichol is all over it. Most of our data is gathered in notebooks in the field, then entered into a website called Trello, where Karen picks it up and inputs it. She also tallies up our work and travel efforts into a thing we call our Mahi Tracker. Thanks have to go to Kaz Smith and Eagle Technology for making the Manaaki Ruahine Dashboard happen.
Our Apiti Track Community/Hapu line was installed in July. Kill numbers were initially very low, but they seem to be improving as the traps settle in.
Further up the Apiti Track, we have installed the last of the GoodNature A24s Horizons funded us for. Possums have really proven to be a problem with them however and we're skeptical of any data we get from strike counters on traps without a nearby A12. Last weekend we found one A24 ripped off its mount. A nearby A12 had had its lid removed and the bait pottle stolen.
In the pipeline:
We have taken delivery of 4 nice new AT220 traps (thanks Horizons!) and will be deploying them with Te Kauru in the valley at the source of the Manawatū River - when we get time to organise it! There are 17 double set DOC 200 and 150 traps ready to go into the river near Happy Daze Hut. We should have the whole river covered from Kashmir Road to Mākāretu Hut...when we get time to organise it!
Manaaki Ruahine Roster Facebook Group:
We will be launching this shortly. Keep an eye out for info.
Awesome News:
There is a male whio living near Awatere Hut recently and an onto local is sure he heard it's mate there too.
Further up the Apiti Track, we have installed the last of the GoodNature A24s Horizons funded us for. Possums have really proven to be a problem with them however and we're skeptical of any data we get from strike counters on traps without a nearby A12. Last weekend we found one A24 ripped off its mount. A nearby A12 had had its lid removed and the bait pottle stolen.
In the pipeline:
We have taken delivery of 4 nice new AT220 traps (thanks Horizons!) and will be deploying them with Te Kauru in the valley at the source of the Manawatū River - when we get time to organise it! There are 17 double set DOC 200 and 150 traps ready to go into the river near Happy Daze Hut. We should have the whole river covered from Kashmir Road to Mākāretu Hut...when we get time to organise it!
Manaaki Ruahine Roster Facebook Group:
We will be launching this shortly. Keep an eye out for info.
Awesome News:
There is a male whio living near Awatere Hut recently and an onto local is sure he heard it's mate there too.
A WONDERFUL XMAS PRESENT IDEA - you can help support the volunteer effort by purchasing our lovely "Wild Ruahine" calendar for 2023.
Created by volunteer Anthony Behrens (Swampthing) with stunning photos donated by local volunteers and photographers. It is even printed locally. All funds go to the Ruahine Whio Protection Trust.
Only$20 (+P&P)
Email Janet [email protected].
Also available at Bivouac in Wellington and P Nth (best to check availability)
Created by volunteer Anthony Behrens (Swampthing) with stunning photos donated by local volunteers and photographers. It is even printed locally. All funds go to the Ruahine Whio Protection Trust.
Only$20 (+P&P)
Email Janet [email protected].
Also available at Bivouac in Wellington and P Nth (best to check availability)
Oroua/Pohangina Blue Duck Protection Project - Janet Wilson
As we make a start on the summer trapping programme I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who has helped out throughout the winter in the Oroua Valley. We use 180 eggs per month (donated by Zeagolds/supplied to me by our very helpful local DOC ranger Abi Whiteman). The Massey University Student Wildlife and Conservation Club (pictured below) have turned out regularly with a group size of up to 15! Well done to Markian Plawiuk who has been organizing the group this year. They finished off the year with an overnight trip to Iron Gate Hut at Labour weekend.
As we make a start on the summer trapping programme I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who has helped out throughout the winter in the Oroua Valley. We use 180 eggs per month (donated by Zeagolds/supplied to me by our very helpful local DOC ranger Abi Whiteman). The Massey University Student Wildlife and Conservation Club (pictured below) have turned out regularly with a group size of up to 15! Well done to Markian Plawiuk who has been organizing the group this year. They finished off the year with an overnight trip to Iron Gate Hut at Labour weekend.
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Regular volunteers Helen and Kate Proctor have moved to on helping with the Tunupo Line and Kate (pictured here with Janet last summer) were happy to reach the snow in July. They also helped out my taking new volunteer Mikaela with them on the September trip, freeing me up to take a Conservation Week walk down to the river.
Thanks to regular volunteers Duncan Foord and Malcolm and Dianne Thomas, Joe Faisandier and Ernie Cook and of course, Graham Peters.
Weather permitting we hope to get in to do the more remote traps and the rivers - there have already been some false starts .......hopefully the weather will settle down soon.
Thanks to regular volunteers Duncan Foord and Malcolm and Dianne Thomas, Joe Faisandier and Ernie Cook and of course, Graham Peters.
Weather permitting we hope to get in to do the more remote traps and the rivers - there have already been some false starts .......hopefully the weather will settle down soon.
The Rangi/Deadmans loop has had two recent rebaits - thanks to Roy Rolston and friends (late August) and to Steve Bielski who I accompanied in October. Roy (pictured in the snow) reported -
" It was pretty cold up on top not so bad down lower. Foggy and misty most of time but no sign of any snow anywhere we could see. The three of us stayed at Rangi last night with 5 others. It was warm inside the hut with a good fire going but outside it snowed overnight. This morning everything was lightly covered and still lightly snowing when we left.......
" It was pretty cold up on top not so bad down lower. Foggy and misty most of time but no sign of any snow anywhere we could see. The three of us stayed at Rangi last night with 5 others. It was warm inside the hut with a good fire going but outside it snowed overnight. This morning everything was lightly covered and still lightly snowing when we left.......
The other team found another "Ermine" - a white stoat. This makes a total of ~ 4 found over the years.
Steve Bielski is the lead on the Rangi Loop line - he sometimes appreciates a hand to go around the 108 traps so if you need a good excuse for a lovely day tramp with an extra purpose please get in touch with Steve .
Catch numbers have been low this year - the graph below shows catch numbers since the Rangi loop line was established. this also reflects the general catch numbers in the southern Ruahines.
Steve Bielski is the lead on the Rangi Loop line - he sometimes appreciates a hand to go around the 108 traps so if you need a good excuse for a lovely day tramp with an extra purpose please get in touch with Steve .
Catch numbers have been low this year - the graph below shows catch numbers since the Rangi loop line was established. this also reflects the general catch numbers in the southern Ruahines.
Pohangina River - Janet Wilson
Since the last newsletter in April we have serviced this line once in May - a team of 4 (Jean Garman, Yvette Cottam, Malcolm Thomas, Janet W) flew in to Leon Kinvig Hut, worked upstream and then carried on down river to Ngamoko Hut. The Top Gorge area was serviced by Chris Tuffley and the lower part in the Mid Pohangina area by members of PNTMC, combining this with a annual check and clean of their club huts
The next rebait is due as soon as river levels allow
The best news for the Pohangina River volunteers is that Leon Kinvig hut had a new woodburner installed to replace the useless smoky old open fire. What a difference this makes to the hut. I tramped in in June just to try it out. Thanks to the Back Country Trust team who completed the job in a very short weather window and to DOC for supporting this job.
If you are experienced in river travel and would like to help with the harder trap lines like the Pohangina please get in touch with Janet.
Since the last newsletter in April we have serviced this line once in May - a team of 4 (Jean Garman, Yvette Cottam, Malcolm Thomas, Janet W) flew in to Leon Kinvig Hut, worked upstream and then carried on down river to Ngamoko Hut. The Top Gorge area was serviced by Chris Tuffley and the lower part in the Mid Pohangina area by members of PNTMC, combining this with a annual check and clean of their club huts
The next rebait is due as soon as river levels allow
The best news for the Pohangina River volunteers is that Leon Kinvig hut had a new woodburner installed to replace the useless smoky old open fire. What a difference this makes to the hut. I tramped in in June just to try it out. Thanks to the Back Country Trust team who completed the job in a very short weather window and to DOC for supporting this job.
If you are experienced in river travel and would like to help with the harder trap lines like the Pohangina please get in touch with Janet.
Te Potae O Awarua
Sadly the first planned trip of the season could not go due to low cloud preventing the team from flying in. We are looking forward to November.
Sadly the first planned trip of the season could not go due to low cloud preventing the team from flying in. We are looking forward to November.
Ruahine Whio Protection Trust Chair's Report 10 August 2022
This Chair's report marks the 8th Annual Meeting of the Ruahine Whio Protection Trust. It covers the year to 31 March 2022.
Trustees
Once again I would like to thank our trustees Colin Leigh, Sue Moore, Ian Rasmussen for all the work they have put in over the year. We have 4 trustees which is our minimum number. As I said last year I feel it would be beneficial to enlist another 1 or 2 interested people as trustees to spread the work and add a degree of resilience.
Secretary
Over the past year I have been both of Secretary and Chair. While this means that I am well connected with all that goes on, it would be healthy for the Trust to find an interested and engaged Secretary, willing to share the work load.
Meetings
The trust has met semi regularly throughout the year. Thanks to Colin for hosting many of these meetings.
In September 2021 we convened another annual meeting of the Ruahine Whio Protectors Collective, beside the Rangitikei River at River Valley Lodge, Taihape The meeting was delayed by a month with Covid restrictions and the turnout was slightly smaller than in the past. However, it was still a very worthwhile gathering. Thanks to Brian Megaw and family for making us so welcome.
Website
Graham Peters continues to manage the RWP website and keeps adding new information and newsletters. Thanks to Anthony Behrens for his technical support.
Facebook
Nancy Braithwaite still looks after the Ruahine Whio Protectors Facebook page. At last count there were 831 followers up from 548 last year, an increase of 283.
Grant Applications
I am disappointed to have to note that this year there has been no further rounds of the DOC Community Conservation Fund. We are doing our best to extend the resources we have as far a possible and hope that there will be another round sometime soon. Unless some other funding source can be found, the future maintenance of the Te Potae trap lines relies on further funding from this fund. This year we have made 1 funding applications.
Horizons Regional Council
Horizons Regional Council announced a new contestable biodiversity fund - the Horizons Regional Council Kanorau Koiora Taketake - Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant. I am pleased to say that our application to this fund was successful and we were granted $12000.00 per year for 3 years. This is a great outcome and provides some certainty to our funding. This replaces the grant we have had from Horizons for a number of years. Thanks to Horizons for continuing to support the volunteer work, particularly the Te Potae trap lines that are in the Ruahine Forest Park.
Application of funds
This year we have funded:
All flights to service the Te Potae O Awarua trap lines on PCL.
The purchase of Erayz ,gas, auto lure pumps, egg boxes etc.
Donations
We have received donations this year totalling $2180.00, a significant increase on previous years. Larger donations are noted below. A number of smaller donations were associated with calendar sales.
R. Keedwell $700.00 J Calleson $100.00
UNCO T-shirts - $150.00 B Philpott $150.00
L & G Whittle $140.00 ENM - $500.00
S Knowles $300.00
Fundraising
Following on for the success of our 2021 calendar, we went ahead and produced a calendar for 2022. Without the support and design skills of Anthony Behrens who donates his time to this project, this would not be possible and we are very grateful for his support. Many thanks go to the photographers who donated the photos and everyone who bought one We produced 300 calendars, sold them all and raised approx $4000.00. It is a great way to raise the profile of the Ruahines.
At last year's RWPT hui, Anthony also introduced a Ruahine Whio Protectors range of t-shirts, to be sold through his online t-shirt business Unco. While sales have not been huge, mostly discounted to those who get out in the field, $150 has been donated from sales. Thanks again for the support.
Publicity/Awareness Raising
Newsletters -only 1 Ruahine Whio News was produced on behalf of the Collective (November 2021). It has been harder to keep up the momentum for such things during the strange "Covid" times.
Janet took a walk to the Oroua trap lines for Whio Awarenss month in September 2021. This was well supported by members of the Massey University Wildlife Club, who have since returned as volunteers.
As I seem to say most years, running a trust is not always easy. Funding applications can be frustratingly time consuming and drawn out . We should be very pleased about the success of our grant applications, the projects they fund and the raised awareness of the Ruahine Whio that results from our work.
I would also like to thank everyone else who has helped out during the year and to acknowledge the many hours of field work put in by many of us involved with Ruahine Whio Protection.
Janet Wilson
Chair Ruahine Whio Protection Trust
This Chair's report marks the 8th Annual Meeting of the Ruahine Whio Protection Trust. It covers the year to 31 March 2022.
Trustees
Once again I would like to thank our trustees Colin Leigh, Sue Moore, Ian Rasmussen for all the work they have put in over the year. We have 4 trustees which is our minimum number. As I said last year I feel it would be beneficial to enlist another 1 or 2 interested people as trustees to spread the work and add a degree of resilience.
Secretary
Over the past year I have been both of Secretary and Chair. While this means that I am well connected with all that goes on, it would be healthy for the Trust to find an interested and engaged Secretary, willing to share the work load.
Meetings
The trust has met semi regularly throughout the year. Thanks to Colin for hosting many of these meetings.
In September 2021 we convened another annual meeting of the Ruahine Whio Protectors Collective, beside the Rangitikei River at River Valley Lodge, Taihape The meeting was delayed by a month with Covid restrictions and the turnout was slightly smaller than in the past. However, it was still a very worthwhile gathering. Thanks to Brian Megaw and family for making us so welcome.
Website
Graham Peters continues to manage the RWP website and keeps adding new information and newsletters. Thanks to Anthony Behrens for his technical support.
Nancy Braithwaite still looks after the Ruahine Whio Protectors Facebook page. At last count there were 831 followers up from 548 last year, an increase of 283.
Grant Applications
I am disappointed to have to note that this year there has been no further rounds of the DOC Community Conservation Fund. We are doing our best to extend the resources we have as far a possible and hope that there will be another round sometime soon. Unless some other funding source can be found, the future maintenance of the Te Potae trap lines relies on further funding from this fund. This year we have made 1 funding applications.
Horizons Regional Council
Horizons Regional Council announced a new contestable biodiversity fund - the Horizons Regional Council Kanorau Koiora Taketake - Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant. I am pleased to say that our application to this fund was successful and we were granted $12000.00 per year for 3 years. This is a great outcome and provides some certainty to our funding. This replaces the grant we have had from Horizons for a number of years. Thanks to Horizons for continuing to support the volunteer work, particularly the Te Potae trap lines that are in the Ruahine Forest Park.
Application of funds
This year we have funded:
All flights to service the Te Potae O Awarua trap lines on PCL.
The purchase of Erayz ,gas, auto lure pumps, egg boxes etc.
Donations
We have received donations this year totalling $2180.00, a significant increase on previous years. Larger donations are noted below. A number of smaller donations were associated with calendar sales.
R. Keedwell $700.00 J Calleson $100.00
UNCO T-shirts - $150.00 B Philpott $150.00
L & G Whittle $140.00 ENM - $500.00
S Knowles $300.00
Fundraising
Following on for the success of our 2021 calendar, we went ahead and produced a calendar for 2022. Without the support and design skills of Anthony Behrens who donates his time to this project, this would not be possible and we are very grateful for his support. Many thanks go to the photographers who donated the photos and everyone who bought one We produced 300 calendars, sold them all and raised approx $4000.00. It is a great way to raise the profile of the Ruahines.
At last year's RWPT hui, Anthony also introduced a Ruahine Whio Protectors range of t-shirts, to be sold through his online t-shirt business Unco. While sales have not been huge, mostly discounted to those who get out in the field, $150 has been donated from sales. Thanks again for the support.
Publicity/Awareness Raising
Newsletters -only 1 Ruahine Whio News was produced on behalf of the Collective (November 2021). It has been harder to keep up the momentum for such things during the strange "Covid" times.
Janet took a walk to the Oroua trap lines for Whio Awarenss month in September 2021. This was well supported by members of the Massey University Wildlife Club, who have since returned as volunteers.
As I seem to say most years, running a trust is not always easy. Funding applications can be frustratingly time consuming and drawn out . We should be very pleased about the success of our grant applications, the projects they fund and the raised awareness of the Ruahine Whio that results from our work.
I would also like to thank everyone else who has helped out during the year and to acknowledge the many hours of field work put in by many of us involved with Ruahine Whio Protection.
Janet Wilson
Chair Ruahine Whio Protection Trust
Ruahine Kiwi update – 18 October 2022 - Ian Rasmussen
Good progress is being made out in the field with trap deployment nearing completion. With the weather improving, the more remote spots (Centre Creek, Takapari, Cattle Creek and Apiti Saddle) will be filled in.
On the 17th of September, the local Manawatu 4wd Club transported 80 traps up Takapari Road.
The Airforce are booked in for the 27th of October and the plan is to fly up 120 traps along the Ngamoko alpine area that includes the high points - Tunupo, Toka, Whaingapuna.
Ryman Healthcare and their Menzshed setup at Julia Wallace Rest Home are continuing to build traps. Around 610 traps built to date. Thank you!
An ANZ Grant has allowed us to purchase 20 Timms traps, 21 AT220 traps, 100 A24 traps and six cameras for monitoring.
A local company “The EGG Project” are donating eggs and are using their social media to help raise the Ruahine Kiwi project’s profile.
As the trap numbers build the number of mustelids being caught is tracking along a similar path. It will be interesting to see how large the spike is over December and to see the trend year-on-year
North eastern Ruahine traplines - Lisa Whittle
We're gearing up for our summer trapline checks in from Nomans and down the Apias. So far it's been too wet to get in and service the traps.
Upper Makaroro trapline (previously checked by WTMC, av of 8-10 trips annually) - We mentioned at RWP hui we'd like to hear from folk who are interested in doing a trapline check - the basic check is doable in a weekend - in via Sentry Box spur, Parks Peak, Upper Makaroro hut and Totara spur and return. Fit trampers can do a longer check via PioPio tarn, heading north to Aranga and back along Golden Crown.
Bait is supplied and Lisa Whittle will coordinate interested parties keen to service the traps monthly. Starting from Labour weekend going forward, let me know your preferred month and I will schedule you in. [email protected] / 021 022 75042
Mauri Oho crew service two lines leading into the range - up from Masters shelter, up from Sentry box hut and a new line up from Yeomans to Park Peak. The crew service the Upper Makaroro trapline from time to time.
Some recent whio sightings by Jobs For Nature crews include -
- Waipawa river, lone male, Trap 10, down from Sunrise toward Waipawa forks.
- Kaumatua stream, lone male, by Ruahine station/ Sentry Box reserve.
- Mangatewainui river, whio pair, coming down off Apiti track.
- Poporangi stream, possible whio above Duff's Rd Bridge.
Another Idea for Xmas Presents
https://unco.nz/ruahine-whio-protectors-tees/
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