TOSSI column
The Tawharanui Open Sanctuary is a comprehensive ecological restoration programme underway to transform Tawharanui Regional Park into New Zealand's first integrated open sanctuary (a 'mainland island') where farming, public recreation and conservation of native species combine. It is hoped that TOS will become a place free of plant and animal pests, where native plants and animals can breed successfully.
2012
Since Tawharanui Open Sanctuary was established, six bird species have been reintroduced. Although it is too soon to talk about long-term success, some initial results are available.
The 10th anniversary of TOSSI is an opportune time to review the progress of the bird population that has arrived at the park, either as a result of a translocation or simply self-introduction since the establishment of the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary.
In Hollywood, it is Oscar time, but in Tawharanui, it is saddleback time. This native bird, the tieke, is a rare endemic species which, although once wide spread, was restricted to Hen Island early last century.
Translocations are expensive and TOSSI helps with funding in many ways, and next month is no exception. TOSSI’s largest fundraising event, Art in the Woolshed, will take place from March 10 to 18.
2011
TOSSI celebrated the opening of the Thompson Track at our November Sunday in the Park. The new track meanders through the Mangatawhiri wetlands, upstream from the lagoon amidst plantings that TOSSI instigated in 2007.
It is hard to believe, but TOSSI held its 10th annual meeting last month. Looking back over the last year, TOSSI has made significant contributions to the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary.
Loss of wetland habitat has occurred throughout NZ and Rodney district is no exception, with only occasional small wetland remnants being present such as at Omaha and Pakiri.
Under the efficient supervision of TOSSI volunteer project manager Roger Williams, the Lagoon and Mangatawhiri boardwalks are now complete.
For a number of years there has been an active revegetation plan at Tawharanui Regional Park. The results of this planting clearly are of benefit to native birds and other wildlife but this is by no means the only benefit.
The Open Sanctuary Project at Tawharanui Regional Park has been a remarkable success. The project was conceived in 2000 with three main goals – erect a predator proof fence, control introduced pests inside the sanctuary and then re-introduce native fauna.
March proved to be a busy time at Tawharanui Open Sanctuary, with the fledging of nine NZ dotterel, 13 variable oystercatchers, 51 North Island robins, and one grey-faced petrel chick, as well as numerous young whiteheads, several kiwi and a kaka.
Cyclone Wilma had a destructive effect on Tawharanui Open Sanctuary as it passed over northern New Zealand last month.
Have you ever thought about being a bird watcher or a “birder” as some are called? All it takes is a good pair of binoculars, a field guide, a keen interest and patience. Tawharanui is wonderful place for bird watching.
Summer is here and I hope that you will take the opportunity to visit Tawharanui, to walk in the hills, listen to the birds, admire the bush and swim in the ocean.
2010
Work and play mix - December
Volunteers at a recent working day at Tawharanui directed their efforts to the sand dunes of Anchor Bay.
Harnessing new volunteers - November
In the effort to increase local habitat for bird and reptile species being translocated into the Tawharanui Regional Park, TOSSI operates a nursery program to replant and expand areas of native plant species.
Changing the guard - October
The 9th annual general meeting was well attended and started with volunteers planting the last 3000 trees to reach their goal of 20,000 for the season.
Unwanted invaders - September
Many people are not aware that besides mammalian pests there are also unwanted plant pests. Climbing asparagus (asparagus scandens) is a killer weed.
Involving the next generation - August
Any conservation project needs to involve young people to ensure its future success.
Kiwi calls at Tawharanui - July
Volunteers spent two hours on three consecutive nights recording kiwi calls at Tawharanui last month, as part of a scheme to gather information about the status of kiwi nationwide.
High risk for high returns - June
Wildlife translocations is a high-risk, high-return conservation management intervention.
Out on the owl prowl - May
A group of 17 explorers went on an owl prowl to Anchor Bay lagoon where we saw two pateke and four NZ dotterel recently.
Research Symposium, Matakana
Abstracts from presentations made at the symposium covered research in and around the park on crayfish, tui, patake, Eastern rosella and more.
Planting volunteers wanted - April
We hope to begin planning for a saddleback release in the next 18 months. The success of the bird programme depends on maintaining a pest free environment and enhancing the habitat with further plantings.
Patake release completed breeding population - March
In February 40 pateke – the rare native duck also known as brown teal – were released into the wetlands at Tawharanui Regional Park.
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