RWP Collective Annual Hui 9-11 August 2024
There was (again) a really good turnout at the annual RWP hui held at the lovely River Valley Lodge, Taihape. Brian, Janey, and the team are very welcoming and the food superb - thanks to Miranda and her team - much appreciated by all. There were whio ducklings on the adjacent Rangitikei River last season, the first time in many years and knowing this made our stay feel even more special.
Thanks to everyone who came along and either presented updates on their projects or were there to learn. There were representatives from all our volunteer led trapping groups and from the Jobs for Nature teams . Others present included representatives from Save the Kiwi, Horizons, Good Nature, and DOC. Thanks to everyone who supported this event. Special thanks to those volunteers who paid their own expenses and to River Valley for discounting the accommodation costs.
Thanks to everyone who came along and either presented updates on their projects or were there to learn. There were representatives from all our volunteer led trapping groups and from the Jobs for Nature teams . Others present included representatives from Save the Kiwi, Horizons, Good Nature, and DOC. Thanks to everyone who supported this event. Special thanks to those volunteers who paid their own expenses and to River Valley for discounting the accommodation costs.
Spreading the Word - Ruahine Whio Protection Trust
Volunteers have been out and about selling our annual fund raising calendar - for the first time we have tried selling at our local Feilding Friday Farmers Market. We braved rather wintery conditions the first time out and enjoyed a better day the next time. It was a good opportunity to talk to those interested, educate and spread the love of Whio. Thanks to the market organizers for allowing us to attend in their free slot for charitable organizations..
A week or so later we had another opportunity at the Horizons Totara Reserve open day which is right beside the Pohangina River. Thanks to Richard and Warren for volunteering on that day.
A week or so later we had another opportunity at the Horizons Totara Reserve open day which is right beside the Pohangina River. Thanks to Richard and Warren for volunteering on that day.
We were also invited to attend the Pukaha open day on the 26th October where we set up amongst other stall holders. Not a lot of sales but good to have the opportunity to raise awareness of our $10 duck.
Trust members are very pleased that we have funding from Horizons and the Allan Rossaman Trust for this season to support the Te Potae and Oroua/ Pohangina River projects.
Oroua Valley, Pohangina River and the Rangi/Deadmans Loop - Janet W
We had a nice bit of publicity recently in a local Manawatu Farming Lifestyles newspaper - you can see the article and nice photos by going to
https://issuu.com/nsmm/docs/mfl_oct_2024
We had a nice bit of publicity recently in a local Manawatu Farming Lifestyles newspaper - you can see the article and nice photos by going to
https://issuu.com/nsmm/docs/mfl_oct_2024
Trap checks in to Iron Gate Hut, the Tunupo track and the area around Alice Nash Hut were carried out monthly over the winter. The Iron Gate Hut whio pair were seen regularly. Thanks to those who have helped out, including Massey students and regulars Kate and mum Helen. Kate is now doing the trap line checks as part of her Gold Duke Of Edinburgh Award - photo taken by Helen on the top of Tunupo.
The main track to Iron Gate Hut is still officially closed by the big slip - DOC plan to reroute a section - (still) hoping this will happen soon.
Stoat numbers caught near Iron Gate Hut have been quite high which is disappointing and this season we will try to focus more on the traps on the ridge above Iron Gate Hut. There were lots of old mustelid skulls present on a recent, well overdue check of these traps. Things are settling down now post cyclone Gabrielle and once the track is again officially open I hope to encourage some new volunteers to help with this project. I have also started an idea called "social trappers" which is working on the traps in a more social way with a bigger group/longer trips eg overnight or 2 nights to Iron Gate Hut rather than a rushed 1 day trip.
Steve Bielski recently completed the first spring rebait of the Rangi//Deadmans loop and reported quite a low catch. Unusual as there hasn't been much snow up on the tops this year - it will be interesting to see what happens over summer.
The Pohangina River line is due to be serviced any time from now and we hope to get in around the same time as the team who are finishing off the work on Leon Kinvig Hut. We have some funding for flying this season thanks to the Allan Rossaman Trust and I am looking for volunteers keen to help in early December.
The Longview Line is a bit of a problem this summer . Access is difficult for the next few months with the logging happening up Kashmir Rd. Thanks to Liz Nicholson and Dave Bashford who have helped on that line for some years now but feel it is time to pull out. If you would like to help out up there in the future please get in touch.
The main track to Iron Gate Hut is still officially closed by the big slip - DOC plan to reroute a section - (still) hoping this will happen soon.
Stoat numbers caught near Iron Gate Hut have been quite high which is disappointing and this season we will try to focus more on the traps on the ridge above Iron Gate Hut. There were lots of old mustelid skulls present on a recent, well overdue check of these traps. Things are settling down now post cyclone Gabrielle and once the track is again officially open I hope to encourage some new volunteers to help with this project. I have also started an idea called "social trappers" which is working on the traps in a more social way with a bigger group/longer trips eg overnight or 2 nights to Iron Gate Hut rather than a rushed 1 day trip.
Steve Bielski recently completed the first spring rebait of the Rangi//Deadmans loop and reported quite a low catch. Unusual as there hasn't been much snow up on the tops this year - it will be interesting to see what happens over summer.
The Pohangina River line is due to be serviced any time from now and we hope to get in around the same time as the team who are finishing off the work on Leon Kinvig Hut. We have some funding for flying this season thanks to the Allan Rossaman Trust and I am looking for volunteers keen to help in early December.
The Longview Line is a bit of a problem this summer . Access is difficult for the next few months with the logging happening up Kashmir Rd. Thanks to Liz Nicholson and Dave Bashford who have helped on that line for some years now but feel it is time to pull out. If you would like to help out up there in the future please get in touch.
Manaaki Ruahine Makeretu Valley Restoration Project
Anthony Behrens reports that trap maintenance has been carried out regularly over the winter but there is frustration on the slow progress with access issues.
Anthony Behrens reports that trap maintenance has been carried out regularly over the winter but there is frustration on the slow progress with access issues.
Leon Kinvig Hut Rescue and Relocation - (a modern miracle ed.)
On behalf of everyone involved with whio protection in the Pohangina River (and all the other users - trampers and hunters that appreciate this very strategically positioned hut) - a very big THANKYOU. It was a big combined effort to secure the funding and to get the work done. The biggest thanks must go to BCT for persisting with this project and making it happen. If you havn't already, check out their facebook page - below are excerpts from the post Megan Demazantis put up. Photos are by Anthony Behrens. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1683830791842019
On behalf of everyone involved with whio protection in the Pohangina River (and all the other users - trampers and hunters that appreciate this very strategically positioned hut) - a very big THANKYOU. It was a big combined effort to secure the funding and to get the work done. The biggest thanks must go to BCT for persisting with this project and making it happen. If you havn't already, check out their facebook page - below are excerpts from the post Megan Demazantis put up. Photos are by Anthony Behrens. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1683830791842019
In late August, a hardy Backcountry Trust crew of six headed into to Leon Kinvig Hut in the frigid cold of Winter. We'd gotten word from Kahu Heli that their Black Hawk (affectionately named "Rose") was finally available with a rare winter weather window in the Ruahine to match........
We heard the Black Hawk well before we saw it. As it came in to land, about 100m away from us, the downdraft sprayed water from the river all over us. The noise and the wind was incredible. The prep to sling the hut at the old site was done while the crew at the new site received loads for the work we were going to do over the next 4 days. When the hut was ready to lift, we moved some crew from the old site to the new site and anxiously waited for the hut to arrive at its new home.
.
The process to lower it onto its new foundations took about 10 minutes. The hut was on quite a long line to allow it to be lowered below the trees, and also to keep the strength of the rotor wash manageable (it was still very strong, very loud, and cold!) The hut dangled from side to side a bit as it came in. Mark's piloting skills were magnificent considering that even the slightest movement in the heli was going to be amplified down the whole line to the hut, which was swinging side to side, like a 3 tonne pendulum connected to Rose, who was hovering 500 feet above us.
When Rose and the Kahu crew left, it was eerily quiet......,
We heard the Black Hawk well before we saw it. As it came in to land, about 100m away from us, the downdraft sprayed water from the river all over us. The noise and the wind was incredible. The prep to sling the hut at the old site was done while the crew at the new site received loads for the work we were going to do over the next 4 days. When the hut was ready to lift, we moved some crew from the old site to the new site and anxiously waited for the hut to arrive at its new home.
.
The process to lower it onto its new foundations took about 10 minutes. The hut was on quite a long line to allow it to be lowered below the trees, and also to keep the strength of the rotor wash manageable (it was still very strong, very loud, and cold!) The hut dangled from side to side a bit as it came in. Mark's piloting skills were magnificent considering that even the slightest movement in the heli was going to be amplified down the whole line to the hut, which was swinging side to side, like a 3 tonne pendulum connected to Rose, who was hovering 500 feet above us.
When Rose and the Kahu crew left, it was eerily quiet......,
The next day, the crew set up the block and tackle and pulled the hut across into the correct position on the new foundations. It was a pretty arduous task which required little bits of patience interspersed with fits of swearing. They got there in the end!
The hut isn't quite ready for visiting yet, so please be patient! We have a crew planned to go in during December, but if the weather bumps us back, it could be February... We'll let you know as soon as it's ready, but at least she's safe for the time being!
Well done to this crew, and to Kahu heli, for their part in saving Leon Kinvig Hut! Definitely one for the history books!
The hut isn't quite ready for visiting yet, so please be patient! We have a crew planned to go in during December, but if the weather bumps us back, it could be February... We'll let you know as soon as it's ready, but at least she's safe for the time being!
Well done to this crew, and to Kahu heli, for their part in saving Leon Kinvig Hut! Definitely one for the history books!
Te Potae trap check October 19/20
Phillip Hansen left before the photo was taken. Thanks to Chris Tuffley and Dave Eaton for the photos.
We struck it lucky with the weather this year and got the first check of the season away on time. Thanks as usual to everyone concerned - to Aimee from DOC who wrangled the team and liaised with the helicopter and to those who filled in near the time when others had to pull out. The extension to the Remutupo Stream line got its first check.
 |  |
Mokai Patea Range (thanks Tama for the update)
On the Sunday of the Te Potae check a team of 2 took advantage of the back flight to land up on the Mokai Patea range. They bivvied out the night and had a recce at the terrain, the fadges of traps and the (rather mysterious ed.) rabbiters hut, where they looked for snails. They also took some nice photos of the area.
 |  |
Eastern Ruahine Trapping Report - Lisa Whittle
Jobs for Nature funding for Mauri Oho has come to an end. Going forward presents challenges, but also opportunities. One focus will be to seek paid jobs such as riparian planting, fencing and monitoring. Income from this will be used to support maintaining our trap lines. Based on our previously successful model we also plan to continue with a rangatahi development program in conjunction with UCOL. The goal will be to provide a field-based course targeted primarily at at-risk youth. We are actively seeking funding from other sources to support the maintenance of our trap lines. There are no guarantees, but overall we are optimistic about the future.
Users of the Golden Crown track will be pleased to note that Mauri Oho was recently contracted to build a new fence line along the DOC easement into Masters Shelter. The locked gate is a thing of the past. Psychology is a curious thing. I’ll happily spend all day walking up hill and down dale, and do it in a stoic uncomplaining way. But all bets are off if you tell me that I have to walk 400m extra along the flat just because of a locked gate!
Users of the Golden Crown track will be pleased to note that Mauri Oho was recently contracted to build a new fence line along the DOC easement into Masters Shelter. The locked gate is a thing of the past. Psychology is a curious thing. I’ll happily spend all day walking up hill and down dale, and do it in a stoic uncomplaining way. But all bets are off if you tell me that I have to walk 400m extra along the flat just because of a locked gate!
In October the team took two trips into the upper Makaroro area to deploy and retrieve 15 acoustic recorders to detect kiwi presence. This mahi was part of an agreement with Save the Kiwi associated with the recent translocation of kiwi at Lake Kokopunui (Colenso). Raniera, Erana, Jayeden, Bruno and Lisa based themselves at Upper Makaroro and Parks Peak Hut. The recorders were deployed along the Totara Spur track as well as along the A24 line that ascends a ridge beginning about two kilometres upstream from Upper Makaroro Hut and arrives at the tops about one kilometre west of Aranga Hut.
It will be interesting to see what we get from the acoustic recorder, but things are looking promising. Kiwi poo was found on the Sentry Box track about 900m from the start and was sighted at regular intervals along the track toward Parks Peak. Kiwi poo was also found on the ridge towards Aranga in pretty much same spot as a kiwi feather and poo was found in 2017 when the A24 line was being installed. Erana and Lisa also heard a kiwi from Parks Peak Hut.
It will be interesting to see what we get from the acoustic recorder, but things are looking promising. Kiwi poo was found on the Sentry Box track about 900m from the start and was sighted at regular intervals along the track toward Parks Peak. Kiwi poo was also found on the ridge towards Aranga in pretty much same spot as a kiwi feather and poo was found in 2017 when the A24 line was being installed. Erana and Lisa also heard a kiwi from Parks Peak Hut.
As part of the Mauri Oho trips discussed above all traps in the Upper Makaroro area were serviced. This includes the line along the Main Range between Aranga and Parks Peak Hut. The whio news from this area is also good. As well as the usual pair at Upper Makaroro Hut there was a lone male and another pair in the two kilometre section upstream from the hut. Things take time. When the tramping club serviced these lines, they consistently reported a lone male at the hut and it was great been seen news when he finally got a mate. More recently that whio have upstream of the hut. Whio sign was also found in the stream just below Sentry Box Hut. It’s now over a year that we have had consistent evidence of whio occupying a site no more than 200 metres from farmland.
We are super excited that the No Mans Rd has finally been repaired. Thank you Scratch (Paul Jansen) for your awesome support in getting that funded. We can now begin our trips into the Apias area from the tops. It added a day to a typical trip having to start from Masters Shelter. It takes three trips for us to cover all of our traps. One trip follows the Apias all the way to Ikawatea Forks Hut and then ascends the ridge back toward No Mans. A second follows the Main Range to Aranga and then descends to Mistake Biv along an A24 line. It then ascends to the Main Range at Ohawai (about 2k south of No Mans Rd) via an A24 line. The third trip follows the Main Range to a high point at PioPio about 2k past Aranga Hut and then follows a ridge to Rockslide Biv. Then it’s a walk upstream to find the exit to Slaughter Ridge and back to No Mans. We plan to do all trips at least once before Christmas and at least two more times before winter.
We are keen and open to anyone joining us or to do one of the trips themselves - we’d be delighted! The travel is consistently interesting and the Apias is a great river for whio sighting. Our plan is to create a group email, somewhat as Te Potae traps are checked.
When there’s a weather window, we’ll do our best to coordinate folk who are keen. Please contact Lisa [email protected] / or 021 022 75042. Next trip, up No Mans Rd to do the full length of Apias is Mon 4 – Wed 6 Nov.
We are super excited that the No Mans Rd has finally been repaired. Thank you Scratch (Paul Jansen) for your awesome support in getting that funded. We can now begin our trips into the Apias area from the tops. It added a day to a typical trip having to start from Masters Shelter. It takes three trips for us to cover all of our traps. One trip follows the Apias all the way to Ikawatea Forks Hut and then ascends the ridge back toward No Mans. A second follows the Main Range to Aranga and then descends to Mistake Biv along an A24 line. It then ascends to the Main Range at Ohawai (about 2k south of No Mans Rd) via an A24 line. The third trip follows the Main Range to a high point at PioPio about 2k past Aranga Hut and then follows a ridge to Rockslide Biv. Then it’s a walk upstream to find the exit to Slaughter Ridge and back to No Mans. We plan to do all trips at least once before Christmas and at least two more times before winter.
We are keen and open to anyone joining us or to do one of the trips themselves - we’d be delighted! The travel is consistently interesting and the Apias is a great river for whio sighting. Our plan is to create a group email, somewhat as Te Potae traps are checked.
When there’s a weather window, we’ll do our best to coordinate folk who are keen. Please contact Lisa [email protected] / or 021 022 75042. Next trip, up No Mans Rd to do the full length of Apias is Mon 4 – Wed 6 Nov.
Northern Ruahine National Predator Control Programme Update - now well overdue, still planned as soon as conditions allow..............
An aerial predator control programme targeting rats, stoats and possums over 37,000 hectares of the Northern Ruahine Forest Park is due to start anytime between now and mid December 2023. This operation was also undertaken in both 2017 and 2019.
The operation will provide protection from predation for some of our precious species found in the park including whio, kiwi, kaka, kakariki, giant powelliphanta land snails and long-tailed bats. It is especially important that this operation goes ahead to protect the local whio population this breeding season as they have already taken a hit this year from Cyclone Gabrielle.
A pre-operational tracking tunnel monitor for rats was undertaken by the DOC Biodiversity Monitoring Team in August 2023 and resulted in a rat tracking tunnel index of 33% TTI. A post operational tracking tunnel index will be undertaken two weeks after the operation to confirm if we have achieved the operational target of <2% TTI for rats.
(Note - TTI = Tracking Tunnel Index - Ed.)
An aerial predator control programme targeting rats, stoats and possums over 37,000 hectares of the Northern Ruahine Forest Park is due to start anytime between now and mid December 2023. This operation was also undertaken in both 2017 and 2019.
The operation will provide protection from predation for some of our precious species found in the park including whio, kiwi, kaka, kakariki, giant powelliphanta land snails and long-tailed bats. It is especially important that this operation goes ahead to protect the local whio population this breeding season as they have already taken a hit this year from Cyclone Gabrielle.
A pre-operational tracking tunnel monitor for rats was undertaken by the DOC Biodiversity Monitoring Team in August 2023 and resulted in a rat tracking tunnel index of 33% TTI. A post operational tracking tunnel index will be undertaken two weeks after the operation to confirm if we have achieved the operational target of <2% TTI for rats.
(Note - TTI = Tracking Tunnel Index - Ed.)
RSS Feed