Message from Devon
As the year draws to a close it is a good time to thank all who have contributed ideas, energy, hard work, enthusiasm and goodwill to the Project.
A major milestone this year was completing a trap network over 70% of the Park. That combined with the completion of the beech mast induced aerial 1080 operation in August, has made the Park a much more secure habitat for birds, animals and plants.
To me it is really special to know the environment is already changing enough to bring back birds. While it is too early to tell how the 12 kakariki we released at Wainui in May are doing, it was encouraging to hear that ornithologist Pete Gaze actually saw four in one tree when he was monitoring the area recently.
Next year will see the release of more kakariki, being bred for us at three aviaries in the Marlborough Sounds. We also hope to return kaka in the next while although the debate continues over where we should source these birds from. I am told it is taxing the best minds of conservation geneticist’s minds all over the country and hope to hear some good news on this front soon.
It was also wonderful to witness the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust releasing saddleback onto Adele Island in September. We enjoy an excellent relationship with the ATBT and their wilding pine eradication programme is making a real difference. We are also supporting their broader programme to address other ecologically damaging weeds in the Park.
Our “Adopt a Section” education pilot is an important part of future proofing our work in the Park. Not only are the students enjoying a great learning environment but they are building a love of the Park. This year, 12 Motueka High School geography students earned NCEA level 2 credits for their “Adopt a Section” work which shows what can be achieved.
We now have 12 Wi Fi hotspots across the Park from Marahau to Totaranui. Thanks to Groundtruth and DOC for their work with this. Content for the free smart phone app has also been extended through to Totaranui and I would encourage everyone to promote the smart phone app to visitors as it is a great resource and acts as a virtual visitor guide to the Park. Details on how to download it are on the homepage of our website www.janszoon.org
My thanks must go to DOC staff and management for all their advice and help over the year. We have also maintained a regular and fruitful dialogue with iwi through the Te Awhina and Manawhenua Ki Mohua marae and appreciate their close interest and helpful contributions to the work.
Finally to the concessionaires, adjoining land owners and the Janszoon team thanks for all your support and I look forward to an exciting 2015.