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Bulletin 135 ISSN 1175-706X November 2023

Dawn Chorus Chorus

SoTM turns thirty-five whilst mourning the loss of Ray Walter and Mel Galbraith

sponsor MinterEllisonRuddWatts for providing the breakfast for this event. • Our retail team led by Ashlea Lawson has introduced the new shop point of sale system and we are looking forward to the efficiencies this will bring. • The new staffing structure is taking shape, and we have recently made an announcement on the appointment of Gail Reichert to the Volunteer and Guiding Manager position.

Chairchat

The first one from Ian This is my first communication to you all as the new Chairperson of Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi! The dedication and efforts of our past Chairperson Carl and Secretary Gloria need to be recorded. They have provided the leadership and foundation that enable the new committee to continue the development of our society. We thank them for their service. Congratulations to Yvonne Vaneveld on being awarded life membership. Yvonne has contributed numerous years of service, including as a relief guiding manager. Much has been happening on the Island: • Thanks to Carl and his infrastructure team, the gleaming tall new mast has now been erected on the Island and adds to the developing historic precinct. • A successful ‘Dawn Chorus’ morning was held at the beginning of October, and we acknowledge and thank our

• New Code of Conduct and Complaints policies have been completed and are now on our website. Members need to familiarise themselves with these documents. Members have been sent a skills survey to update our records. Please take time to complete it as you could be just the person who could help us on a future project! Explore group have announced a change to the ferry schedule for weekend and public holidays with the ferry leaving the Island at 4pm from 21 October. SoTM is celebrating 35 years. Much has been accomplished by so many over that time and the society we have today is a testament to the huge contribution by those who have led and been part of the organisation for the past 35 years. As your new Chairperson, I find it opportune not only to reflect on the past but also to look ahead to the next decade. My vision is to take our committee to a higher level of governance, so that we can effectively support both our employees and the subcommittees to carry on their important work on Tiritiri Matangi Island. The previous committee had commenced the process of strengthening the organisation by appointing staff to key positions to

allow the various operating roles to be undertaken. That process is substantially complete. What I envisage is: 1. The committee as an effective voice and decision maker for the society. 2. A review of the committee to be carried out regarding its membership size, skill set and mode of operation. 3. Succession planning as part of the structure review. 4. A much greater emphasis on planning, both short and long term. This includes not only financial planning but also planning for regular maintenance, long term maintenance, asset renewal, capital projects and the forward planning of requirements for each of the activities undertaken by subcommittees. 5. The current focus on increasing the amount of accommodation for researchers and volunteers to be pursued, to ensure the best solution for the continuation of research and other necessary volunteer activities and to relieve pressure on the existing bunkhouse. 6. For our work programme to be advanced, we need to make the best possible use of our volunteers and recruit more people through our current skills survey. The support of all members and volunteers is appreciated, as collectively we choose to be part of and enjoy this amazing island conservation project, and I look forward to interacting with you in the coming year. -Ian Alexander

Earlier this year, Dr Lyn Barnes, editor of Dawn Chorus, stepped down from her role. Lyn took over as editor after Jim Eagles’ untimely death at the end of 2021, completing bulletins 129-133 before a new job left her with no time to continue. SoTM would like to thank Lyn for the tremendous work that she did during her time as editor.

Front cover compiled by Stacey Balich from archived photographs. Thanks to all contributing photographers.

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SoTM suffers the loss of two of our most beloved friends, who were also inspiring leaders It has been a double blow to the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi to lose first Mel Galbraith and then Ray Walter, in quick succession. Mel Galbraith

Ray Walter

Our dear friend, colleague, mentor and trainer, Mel Galbraith was a man who contributed much of his life to the Tiritiri Matangi conservation project. Mel served on the Main Committee for 14 years, and during his tenure as Chair, from 1996 to 1999, he made significant contributions to the project. Mel continued to support the project as a valued member of the Biodiversity Subcommittee until his death.

As we were about to go to print, news was received of the passing of Ray Walter, who served as lighthouse keeper, ranger, supervisor of the Island conservation project, committee member of SoTM, and a leader of many of the infrastructure projects including, most recently, the lighthouse museum.

Mel was one of the founding members of SoTM. He was the first secretary, helped shape SoTM’s structure and protocols, introduced the SoTM logo and was editor of our newsletter, now Dawn Chorus. He was also instrumental in creating our member computer databases. While Chair, Mel successfully invited David Bellamy to the SoTM 10th year anniversary, and later Chris Baines to the SoTM 25th anniversary celebration. As a result, SoTM has received highprofile support for the project from overseas. We remember Mel’s considerable input to the Island and express our condolences to Sonya and her family at their sad loss.

Ray arrived as lighthouse keeper in 1980 at a time when automation of lighthouses in NZ was in progress. By 1984 he was out of a job. However, the commencement of the Island conservation project provided an opportunity to work as a supervisor for the Lands and Survey Department (which later became the Department of Conservation) as a ranger and he took over management of the project in 1985. His legacy can be seen in the rich diversity of forest which now covers much of Tiritiri Matangi and the many endangered bird species whose unique calls today resound across the Island, especially at dawn. Ray and his wife Barbara were DOC rangers until they both retired from

day-to-day operations on the Island in 2006, a period of 26 years. During this time boardwalks were built, tracks constructed, and other important infrastructure was put in place. Another significant undertaking was their introduction of guided walks for planting volunteers and visitors, which commenced in the late 1980s and continue today as a major attraction for both local and international visitors. Ray Walter contributed so much to Tiritiri Matangi Island. He played a pivotal role in helping make the Tiritiri conservation project a success story of international significance. Our condolences to Barbara and her family at this sad time as we remember an extraordinary man whose incredible achievements will forever be part of the Island’s story. Pages 4-9 of this bulletin contain a photographic tribute and memories of Ray. -Ian Alexander

Photo: Tiritiri archives

Peter Lee looks back at Mel’s contribution to SoTM and the Tiritiri Matangi conservation project on pages 10-11 of this bulletin.

Ray Walter and Mel Galbraith at the opening of the Kawerau Track, 1994

www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Ray Walter QSM (1936-2023) Ray Walter was a legend in his own lifetime. How do you summarise the life of a legend? It’s impossible to put into words what Ray meant to so many people. He was a loving husband and father, father-figure and mentor, friend, and delightful jokester. The last lighthouse keeper, the guardian of Tiritiri Matangi. Words cannot do justice to the man, to the hole that his passing has left in the hearts of so many. So instead of trying the impossible, to summarise his life, Dawn Chorus brings you memories of Ray. In pictures and words, these are just a tiny fraction of what Ray Walter meant to his Tiritiri family. For photo credits see page 13.

When we think about Ray's long and varied life, it is amazing that, at about the age of 50, he had the courage and drive to pivot his life quite dramatically and become one of the key people who project-managed Tiritiri's restoration. We are so very fortunate – Yvonne Vaneveld and Mike Siddens.

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Ray had a fervent desire to preserve and rebuild the lighthouse precinct on Tiritiri Matangi as a testament to NZ's lighthouse history and his part in it. He inspired many of us to join him on this journey, as only Ray could, and he totally succeeded in achieving his vision. Ian Higgins and I will continue to build on his legacy as he would have wanted - Carl Hayson

Conversations with Ray about lighthouses and items in the lighthouse museum were incredibly interesting. He shared his knowledge and experience with such enthusiasm; you felt you had stepped into a lighthouse keeper’s shoes - Ian Alexander

www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Ray was a place maker. He made a place, not just for people, but for birds and other animals. He was an inspiration for other projects, both environmental and historical. They were inspired by Ray’s example. Finally, he was an integrator - both the birds and the lighthouse became part of the same experience – Graeme Campbell

Ray was there, he was the first. He showed us how to do it. That’s Ray’s legacy – Neil Mitchell

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From the time Ray encountered dozens of tree wētā when re-roofing the wharf toilets they were not his favourite insect group, but the first giant wētāpunga release in December 2011 won him over! – Chris Green

Even into his eighties, Ray was as fit as a fiddle, wielding a sledgehammer or a crowbar like someone half his age – Peter Lee

www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Ray was a man of many skills and a master of pretty much all of them. He always gave you an opportunity to try something, but was then always there to help you learn the skills needed to do the job - Simon Fordham

…which would meander its way towards another story, with a diversion in the middle to relate a particularly scurrilous tale! - Anne Rimmer

He was always there and was always the same, I never saw him in a bad mood - Nan

Before Barbara was halfway up the hill, Ray had had another scoop of ice-cream and perhaps another tot of rum – Ian Higgins

I loved that I could send him a picture of a cloud formation, then give him a ring and get a wonderful description of how it was formed and what it meant weather-wise. And he always had time for all of us - MaryAnn Rowland

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Ray, you made history. You are history – Neil Mitchell

When Ray was in hospital, he just wanted Barbara to arrive, so that he could tell her he loved her. That is what he was waiting for -Shaun Dunning

I enjoyed his company, his humour, his energy, his ethics, his enthusiasm, his perception, his knowledge, and his friendship. I can honestly say that I never met anyone like him and probably never will again – Brian Chandler

www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Mel Galbraith (1953 – 2023) A tribute by Peter Lee Inspiring teacher, lecturer, mentor, family man, founding committee member of SoTM – Mel’s connections with the Tiritiri Matangi project over 40 years were rich and varied. He made an immense contribution to the project in general and to the Supporters in particular. Mel first encountered the Island in 1983 when, as a young Glenfield College biology teacher, he visited the Island to attend a symposium run by John Craig and Neil Mitchell who created the Island’s first ever restoration plan. While excited by John and Neil’s vision, Mel could see the challenges ahead in making the vision become reality. Not the least of these challenges was gaining the acceptance by government authorities that the general public could participate in the restoration of a scientific reserve.

Photos: Tiritiri archives

Fortunately, this period coincided with the release in 1983 of tīeke (NI saddleback) on the Island – the project’s first planned release, and a bird that was one of Mel’s favourites. The following year saw the construction of the Island’s nursery and the commencement of the replanting programme, an immediate hit with everyone. Over the next 15

years, Mel built links between Glenfield College and the Island, alongside fellow teachers and long-term friends Graham Jones and Neil Davies, bringing large numbers of students over on field trips to observe conservation in action, not just in theory. Looking beyond the obvious benefit of involving the biology students, early on Mel recognised the cross-disciplinary potential of the project in engaging other departments at the college. “Mel’s pupils at Glenfield College helped with the hihi translocation to Tiritiri, writing the official translocation project, building and installing special nest boxes and feeding stations, researching food sources and then planting 100 extra gloxinia plants. They even designed the project’s logo. Some of these students went on to have careers in conservation.” (Anne Rimmer, Tiritiri Matangi: A Model Of Conservation). Other students were also co-opted into design posters and brochures. It was an early sign of Mel’s holistic approach to education and participation. The early enthusiasm that followed the creation of the Department of Conservation in 1987 soon dimmed as financial constraints started to bite.

In August 1988 keen volunteer Jim Battersby gathered a small group of like-minded volunteers together to try to help the project in whatever way they could. Thus was born the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi. At that first meeting, Mel offered to become Secretary, even though he and Jim had never actually met. Mel certainly impressed Jim, who commented, “he was the best thing that ever happened to us.” High praise indeed. Among Mel’s many hitherto unknown talents, he was also responsible for what is now the Supporters’ logo, which included an outline of, what else but a tīeke? While continuing to bring students over, Mel also brought his young family for extended volunteering holidays, ensuring they absorbed the many lessons and experiences Tiritiri had to offer. The ‘bach’, now home to one of the two DOC rangers, was available as accommodation for volunteers until the late ‘90s, and the Galbraith family certainly made the most of that. Perhaps not surprisingly, his commitment to conservation was also embraced by his wife Sonya and their daughters, carving out their own careers in the natural world. The family has continued to contribute in numerous

Mel holding a little spotted kiwi c.1995

Mel holding a male hihi (stitchbird), 1996

David Bellamy with Mel, 1998

Mel with the Loder Cup, 1998

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Photo: Tiritiri archives

Photo: Simon Fordham

Mel holding an oī (grey-faced petrel) during a banding evening, 2007

Graham Jones, Mel Galbraith, Ray Walter, takahē egg arrival 1992

ways, including guiding, committee and subcommittee membership, writers of the Tirikids page in Dawn Chorus, and scientific studies and translocations on the Island.

DOC’s prestigious Loder Cup in 1998, one of the country’s oldest conservation awards.

For Mel as a biologist, translocation releases were undoubtedly a highlight. They were not just important in the restoration of the Island’s ecology, but in showing how various communities – mana whenua, DOC, volunteers, the Supporters, and funders – could work together to make vision reality. His commitment to conservation was sorely tested in 1995. While he was banding oī (grey-faced petrels) one night with his teenage daughter, Maria, the ground gave way beneath him. Mel fell down the cliffs above Hobbs Beach, landing on the rocks below and sustaining severe injuries. Maria was reluctant to leave her father to go for help but, fortunately for Mel, a couple who were staying at the bunkhouse were out on a night walk and raised the alarm. Mel spent 10 days in hospital after being airlifted off the Island by helicopter. Needless to say, he was back on the Island as soon as he was able. Mel was the natural choice to become chairperson in 1996, when Dell Hood stepped down. Under his watch, the Supporters continued to grow and develop, gaining national and then international recognition. This culminated in the Supporters winning

www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

When the Biodiversity Subcommittee was established in the early 2000s to coordinate research on the Island, Mel was soon recruited to join. He remained a hugely respected and contributing member until his death. In 2005 Mel was awarded life membership of the Supporters, joining Jim Battersby, and Ray and Barbara Walter – recognition of his outstanding contribution. But Tiritiri wasn’t the sole beneficiary of his conservation knowledge and action. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Pukorokoro Miranda Naturalists' Trust even before his Tiritiri involvement, the Motu Kaikōura Trust and restoration project, and the Birkenhead-based CHERPA project much closer to home. He was a life-long, active member of Birds New Zealand (Ornithological Society of New Zealand), serving as a council member and Auckland Regional Representative for many years, contributing to society research schemes, publishing a number of papers in their scientific journal, and leading regular birding beach patrols at Muriwai. Professionally, Mel’s career continued to diversify when he became a lecturer at Unitec. Anyone who has heard Mel speak will know that, while avian fauna

were a crucial part of the conservation message, it was even more important to relate to them through the lens of their connections to wider ecological and environmental systems. His new role allowed him to take that wider perspective, developing learning programmes that helped educate and inspire new waves of students, many of whom have gone on to forge their own successful careers in conservation and the environment. His love of sharing his knowledge, and his skill at conveying complex concepts in a down-to-earth and easy to understand way, saw him become a regular and popular contributor to the Tiritiri Matangi talks, guide training, and the annual Guides’ Days Out. Mel’s love and curiosity of nature inspired so many people. Through his passion and dedication, he made many contributions to conservation science. But more than that, his lasting legacy will be his advocacy for Citizen Science and the belief that anyone can contribute to the understanding and protection of the natural world. It was a privilege to have known Mel for over 30 years and to write this tribute. Acknowledgements to Anne Rimmer’s two Tiritiri books. Special thanks to Anne, Sonya and Josie Galbraith, Graham Jones and Neil Davies for their critique and invaluable suggestions.

SoTM at thirty-five

He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata A personal perspective by Peter Lee Thirty-five years is not typically seen as a significant milestone. It lacks the enthusiasm of 21, has not the majesty of 50 but, for an organisation such as SoTM, in a year and a time that has seen both success and sadness, somehow it seems fitting. Much has been written over the years about the success of the Tiritiri project and SoTM’s vital role in that success. No Dawn Chorus article could ever do that justice. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading Anne Rimmer’s two great histories of the Island (both still available at the shop). Anne has done a terrific job noting the various milestones for both SoTM and for the project. Re-reading these books reveals fresh delights and recalls many memories. Our humble beginnings are well-known: founded by Jim and Barbie Battersby in late 1988 at a time when government money and support for conservation was under threat. That initial band of 20 members has since grown to nearly 1,400. Along the way, we have funded buildings, purchased vehicles, and both initiated and supported translocations. But above all, we have participated. This, more than good fortune and being a magical island, is why we have become what we have, achieved what we have. To me, this Māori proverb sums it up:

Need a specialist in an area? SoTM has always had a policy of going to its members first, before looking outside, because we have some skilled and experienced members. In a membership of 1,400, there’s bound to be someone with the expertise needed. Take Debbie Marshall, our ever-efficient Operations Manager, who was already a guide when the role came up, and who outshone external candidates. If I had to say why our members are so involved and committed, it wouldn’t be the obvious. After all, you can see all the Island’s rare species in other parts of New Zealand. Instead, Tiritiri is above all a ‘passion project’ – something that’s bigger than us, something we can throw ourselves into without ego, sharing the passion and vision of our founders with ‘like-minded souls’. Over the years, deep bonds have been formed. People talk of the ‘Thursday guides’ or the ‘Friday shop people’ for instance, groups who may have started working together by accident but have formed close and treasured friendships. The Tiritiri family feels even more like a family when the death of a well-known figure happens. Sadly, the past month has seen two: Mel Galbraith and Ray Walter; two mighty tōtara.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata he tāngata he tāngata! What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people!

No one really knows just how many of our members have volunteered over the years. Of our 1,400 current members, nearly a quarter actively participate. Many are the obvious ones we see on any visit to the Island – our guides, shop workers, biodiversity researchers, working weekenders. But behind the scenes are the many others who so willingly give of their time to train our guides, put together Dawn Chorus and our website, participate in various committees, and the other things needed to keep this magical and vibrant project going. A few years ago, we attempted to put a number on the annual hours given so freely by our members, and it was well over 60,000. Many have been volunteering for years, if not decades.

Photo: Neil Davies

We're all used to the physical ecosystem that we see on the Island – its flora, its fauna, the landscape it sits within. There is another Tiritiri ecosystem, though: its members, volunteers, funders, DOC, suppliers. You could call it our ‘people ecosystem’, one that has grown in richness and diversity over the past 35 years. Like all ecosystems, this one has its wellknown ‘mighty tōtara’, such as Mel and Ray, but it also has its many who contribute in their own way and make the project possible.

Some of the ‘Tiritiri family’ at the opening of the Ray and Barbara Walter Visitor Centre in 2005. L-R Jim Battersby, Mel Galbraith, Peter Lee, Ray and Barbara Walter, Carl Hayson, Dell Hood, and Simon Fordham.

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Over the years both have touched so many of us, with a mix of generosity of spirit, knowledge and humility that shows SoTM’s volunteers at their finest. Perhaps no activity showcases this better than our working weekends. Each of the four long weekends (Anniversary, Easter, King’s Birthday and Labour) will see a party of up to 20 descend on the Island. Some have been before, but there are always some for whom it’s their first time.

Ray. He took us under his wing in his down-to-earth way that typified SoTM’s egalitarian ethos. So, in the week that saw us lose Ray, it’s both the most poignant and the most appropriate way to conclude this look back at the most vital ingredient of all. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata!

For almost all that time, Ray was our guiding light, dishing out projects, ensuring we had the tools. He was a master at giving us just enough knowledge to take on a project, not too much, no matter what our experience was, so even the most nervous new volunteer would walk away just that little bit taller and just that little bit more confident. Young or old, male or female, doctor or labourer, we were all the same to

Ray Walter – Photo Credits Page Four Ray Walter – The guardian of Tiritiri – Margaret Chappell SoTM founders, 2018: Barbara Walter, John Craig, Mel Galbraith, Neil Mitchell, Ray Walter – Geoff Beals David Bellamy with Ray and Barbara Walter, 1998 – Mel Galbraith Page Five Ray with red-lit lighthouse – 150-year anniversary, 2015 – Geoff Beals Ray with the current Tiritiri light, 2021 – Martin Sanders Ray with the Tiritiri light, c.1984 – Tiritiri archives Ray on lighthouse stairs – Carl Hayson Ray in the Tiritiri lantern, 2015 – Martin Sanders Ray at the lighthouse door – Ian Higgins Page Six Mike Cole and Ray Walter in the new greenhouse, 1984 – Tiritiri archives The Tenth Anniversary planting day, 1994. Ray Walter, Jason Boobyer, George Thew, Neil Mitchell, and John Craig – Neil Mitchell

www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Photo: Emma Gray

I have been involved in many working weekends since my very first back in 1991. While the projects have changed, and the people certainly have, what has not changed is the camaraderie and the commitment, the joy of working in one of the most special places on earth with people you know without asking are like you. The communal, shared potluck dinner we all have of an evening may be convenient, but is also deeply symbolic of a much older way of working and being with others. Long may it continue.

Communal dinner during 2023 Labour Working Weekend L-R volunteers, Michael, Scott, Bethny, Malcolm (obscured), Rhiannon, Meredith, Julie, Tim, Tejo, Kathryn, and Peter.

Supporters’ 1989 planting trip. Ray giving demo – top of Fishermans Bay track – Neil Davies Ray holding up a plant, 1989 – Neil Davies

Working weekend. Ian Higgins, Malcolm de Raat, Dimple Tuteja, Astrid Deresch, Michael Deresch, Dani Hefer, Aaron de Raat, Ray Walter – Ian Higgins Page Eight

Visit of Duke of Edinburgh, WWF, 1 March 1992 – Tiritiri archives

Ray riding the wharf trolley – Martin Sanders

Ray planting demo, 1983 – R. Mossman

Ray receiving a massage in the bunkhouse after a hard day (working weekend) – Simon Fordham

Page Seven Fertile takahē egg being transferred en route from Maud Island, 1992 – Tiritiri archives

Ray Walter standing in the doorway to the Tiritiri lighthouse during a 2022 working weekend – Luca Kornélia Kósa

Ray and Barbara Walter at Mr Blue’s grave – O. Brochner

Ray enjoying a tipple, 2019 – Martin Sanders

Ray confronted by wētāpunga – Simon Fordham

Ray socialising in the bunkhouse – Simon Fordham

JJ bites Ray, 1992 – Tiritiri archives

Ray studying chart, 2021 – Martin Sanders

Gecko cage gang. Ray Walter, John Turner, Ian Higgins, Brian Chandler – Ian Higgins Ray Walter in the tractor, Cyclone Gabrielle cleanup, 2023 – Jonathan Mower When the tractor blew up in 1994 the only transportation on the Island was wheelbarrows – Ray Walter Fixing penguin display boxes, 2021 – Martin Sanders

Ray cleaning the inside of the Cuvier light – Kay Milton Page Nine Ray backlit portrait with the Tiritiri light – Martin Sanders Ray inside the Cuvier light – Brian Chandler Ray with rainbow behind – Jo McCarthy Ray and Barbara – Julie Cotterill

Island History

Tiritiri Matangi Island Signal Mast reconstruction project

Montage compiled by Sheldon Bevan of Forged Fabrications.

In September 2023, after a project that was 20 years in the making, the restoration of the signal station was completed with the erection of a replica signal mast.

Left: The original signal mast; Centre: A Ministry of Transport drawing from 1913; Right: the replica signal mast.

Its original function was to provide shipping information to the Ports of Auckland in the days before wireless transmitters were available. Signalling was conducted with a combination of flags and woven baskets which were seen by a station on Mt Victoria in Auckland. At 25m tall, the mast is slightly higher than the lighthouse and can easily be seen from the sea. To work out the original dimensions of the mast, measurements were

carefully taken of the surviving piece of the old stay foundations. A Ministry of Transport sketch from 1913 was unearthed, and this assisted with the draft drawings for a new mast by the Flagpole Company, who were engaged to design the new mast to the exact dimension of the original one. John Haycock, the director and planner, spent many hours bringing the drawings up to the required specifications.

mast. Then Forged Fabrications from East Tamaki, who had recently acquired the Flagpole Company, contacted us about making the structure in aluminium, a much lighter and stronger material. It would look just like the

However, the biggest hurdle was to raise funds for this special project (cost estimated at $180,000), as most funding organisations do not fund this kind of restoration. Additionally, the original mast was constructed of kauri and jarrah hardwood, weighed 2.5 tons, and would have been very difficult to build and erect. The project looked like it would not proceed, until our very capable Fundraising Manager, Juliet Hawkeswood, managed to obtain $40,000 from the Stout Trust and a further $5,000 from the Christopher Mace Trust. Quite a few Supporters had also made donations, but this was still not enough to proceed with the wooden

Photo: Gaye Hayson

The replica mast has been rebuilt to the exact specifications of the original structure which was erected in the late 19th century. It last existed in the 1940s but, along with all the other signal masts on lighthouse stations around the country, was taken down when manual signalling was no longer required. In the early 2000s, SoTM restored the 1908 watchtower which had fallen into disrepair, and this is now a popular attraction for visitors. The mast was an integral part of the original signal station, and when Ray Walter and Carl Hayson discovered a small section of the old mast in 2003, a plan was conceived to rebuild it.

Ray and Carl with the old section of the mast 2003.

Dawn Chorus 135 November 2023

Photos: Gaye Hayson

The mast is secured to the tabernacle.

Preparing for the lift by the Skyworks helicopter.

Ian Higgins and Carl Hayson celebrate the erection of the new mast.

original and the funds that had been raised would be sufficient to cover the cost. This was accepted and, over the next 12 months, the mast took shape in their factory in Auckland. It was the largest mast they had ever constructed, and it took several attempts to get it right, which included bringing in specialist parts from Australia. In the interim, drilling equipment was brought to the Island to install new stays, a plinth was dug out by SoTM, and Coast Concrete were engaged to put in the concrete base for the tabernacle, which holds the mast in position.

Matt Maitland from Auckland Council allowed it to be stored in Shakespear Regional Park. A helicopter from Skyworks was engaged to lift the mast to Tiritiri Matangi, where it was assembled, ready for placement.

include interpretation to show how flags and baskets were used for signalling, and displayed on special occasions.

Ray Walter had found a 1931 admiralty book that listed the identification flags specific to Tiritiri and these had been made and were flown on the newly erected replica. Plans for the future

-Carl Hayson

Photo: Geoff Beals

When completed, the mast was trucked up to Whangaparāoa Peninsula where

Finally, the Skyworks helicopter lifted the whole mast, an impressive sight, and slotted it into position. The team from Forged Fabrications then set up the rigging and the mast was once again standing near the lighthouse station.

Many thanks to Sheldon Bevan and Ryan Gouldstone from Forged Fabrications for the construction of the mast, Ian Higgins from SoTM for his organisation skills, Sarah McCready from Clough & Associates for the Heritage and Iwi consultation and planning, the Stout Trust for supplying the bulk of the funding, the Christopher Mace Trust, and John Haycock for the technical drawing work.

The replica signal mast, watchtower, lighthouse, and temporary museum on Tiritiri Matangi Island. The flag combination once used to identify the Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse, AQEQ (Alpha, Quebec, Echo, Quebec), flies from the signal mast.

www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Tiritiri Matangi Guest Guides Where did you both grow up? Jenny – I grew up in Rotorua and moved to Auckland to attend a secretarial course in the late 1960s at Auckland Technical Institute (now AUT). After graduation I became a legal secretary. In the late 1970s I spent three years working as a secretary for Shell UK in London. It was a great experience.

joy to see the excitement and wonder on visitors’ faces as they discover something new.

Ian – I grew up in South Canterbury and it was my home for most of my life. Unfortunately, I was made redundant from my job as Company Secretary at Port of Timaru in 1997. I moved to Auckland to find work.

Ian – I love to share my knowledge with others, especially with young people. They are the future and I believe it’s important to empower them with information so they can make a difference. The birds are truly remarkable, each with their own unique qualities that make them special. I’m proud to share with visitors the Tiritiri Matangi conservation project that has been a great success thanks to the huge number of volunteers working together.

Please will you share with our readers how you met each other?

What was your favourite experience guiding?

We both have Scottish heritage and met through a love of Scottish country dancing 25 years ago. Ian began dancing in 1972 in South Canterbury and Jenny started dancing in 1997 in Auckland, where we met a year later.

Jenny – I recently approached the nīkau grove, having just told my group about the courtship behaviour of the kōkako, where one bird will pick a ripe juicy nīkau berry and feed it to their partner. Then it happened right before our eyes! The visitors were amazed and most impressed that I could conjure up what I had just described!

What were the circumstances that prompted you to become involved with Tiritiri Matangi? Jenny – From the mid-1990s I used to take my homestay Japanese students out to Tiritiri. After meeting Ian in 1998 I also introduced him to the Island, knowing he would love such a special place, and we regularly visited the Island over the next few years, as Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi. Ian – In 2010 Petal, a former work colleague of Jenny’s, had a chat with us on the ferry and she motivated us to become guides. Whilst living in Timaru I had been a scout leader, so I had the experience of leading groups, which I absolutely loved. What do you enjoy most about being a guide? Jenny – I love being able to share my passion for the environment and my love for the Island with others. It’s especially fulfilling to guide overseas visitors and show them all the beauty that the Island has to offer. There are so many amazing stories to tell and experiences to share, and it’s always a

Ian – As I was walking up the path by the Wharf Dam, I was telling the visitors about how the mātātā like roosting in the muehlenbeckia. Just as I finished my story, a mātātā suddenly poked its head up out of the bush! Do you have a favourite story that you would like to share about Tiritiri? Ian – Over the years I have had the privilege to guide overseas groups and actors. A few years ago, I guided the actors from the popular NZ TV series ‘800 Words’. I noticed their eyes drawn to my hat. Later, when I popped into the shop, one of the volunteers shared that two of the actors had complimented my large, brimmed sun hat and bought one each! One of my most memorable moments as a guide was when I led a group of Americans on a walk. As we wrapped up, they approached me and expressed their gratitude. They told me that the tour was incredibly interesting and that I had done a fantastic job. Even though

Photo: John Sibley

This edition’s guest volunteers are Ian Alexander and Jenny Gosse.

they only had $5 cash left, they said that I was worth ten times that amount and were sorry that it was only $5 to put in the till. It’s always heartwarming to hear visitors praise the guided walk. Jenny – I love to identify the various rare bird calls, not heard anywhere else in the world. For instance, I love the unique sounds made by the tīeke, especially when they are in their family groups. Their mewing calls fascinate me and immediately I know there will be chicks interacting with their parents in the nearby forest. The tīeke is my favourite bird – it is so distinctive and captures the essence of NZ. Is there anything else you would like to share about guiding? Ian – I believe that looking to the future is important, as the action we take today can have a lasting impact on the planet. Preserving the natural habitats of birds and trees is crucial, as they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. I am concerned for the marine environment, as rising water temperatures can have a significant impact on the delicate balance of marine life, which in turn affects the birds on Tiritiri. It’s important that we continue to educate ourselves and seek out information about conservation efforts, so that we can all do our part to protect our planet for generations to come. Jenny – I personally feel it is important to constantly strive to improve my knowledge of the Island, a great resource being our GuideLines. Our guided walks should adapt to the changing seasons, ensuring we are informed about which plants are flowering or fruiting and recognising changes in bird behaviour, e.g. courtship displays or gathering nesting material in the spring. Visitors are always impressed when guides can identify the various bird calls in the forest. In most cases it will assist in locating the birds, thereby enhancing the visitor experience.

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SoTM’s ongoing research activities

Annual Titipounamu Survey Janet Petricevich shares an update, with input from Simon Fordham.

Many research and monitoring activities take place on the Island on a regular basis, e.g. the kiwi call survey, kōkako monitoring, the tuatara survey, the bird transect survey, kororā, kākāriki and reptile monitoring. Another of these activities is the titipounamu (rifleman) survey which begins in late August or early September and continues to around the end of January. The purpose of this survey is the long-term collection of data about the titipounamu population on the Island. Through this survey Simon Fordham, with help from his wife Morag and other volunteers, has been collecting data about the longevity and dispersal of these birds.

If weather conditions allow, mistnetting may also take place. This generally targets unbanded pairs. Any birds caught are banded with a metal band, which contains a unique identification number, and up to three coloured bands, which allow for visual identification of the individual bird. The birds are also weighed, and their gender recorded, along with the location where they were caught. Soon after, Simon will enter this information into the Department of Conservation bird banding system, FALCON. After the initial survey, nest boxes are then monitored for activity. This gives insight to titipounamu nesting habits. Although nest building can begin in August, the first eggs are not usually laid until early October. The first fledglings emerge around the third week of November. Soon after this, Simon begins catching birds again. By catching and banding juveniles, birds of known age can be identified. On the Island, Simon

A female titipounamu, extracted from a mist-net

knows of three birds, two male and a female, who have exceeded ten years of age. Titipounamu were first introduced to Tiritiri Matangi in 2009 (31 birds), with additional birds translocated in 2010 (14) and 2011 (15). Simon estimates the current population to be in the midhundreds. December and January are excellent months to visit Tiritiri Matangi if you want to see titipounamu. As a family group, titipounamu move more slowly through the bush as the parents forage for food to bring to their offspring. The calls that the young make to their parents are more easily heard than adult calls, making it easier to spot these beautiful wee birds.

Photo: Martin Sanders

Two Photos: Erin O’Neill

During the initial survey, a team of volunteers walk both the public and research tracks over the Island, listening for the titipounamu’s high-pitched calls. All sightings of the birds are recorded, along with any information about the sighting, e.g. location, number of birds seen and their gender(s), whether they were banded, and any band

combinations identified. In more recent years, smartphone GPS technology has greatly aided accurate recording of location. Identifying gender and band combinations on these tiny, fastmoving birds can be challenging. Some members of the team are proficient at using binoculars to do this, whilst others rely on cameras to capture this information.

Photo: Janet Petricevich

Tiritiri Matangi Island is a scientific reserve as defined in the Reserves Act 1977. Section 21 of the Act states that ‘The principal purpose of these reserves is the protection and preservation in perpetuity of areas for scientific study, research, education, and the benefit of the country.’

Morag Fordham banding a male titipounamu, assisted by Janet Petricevich

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A female titipounamu is weighed after banding

Simon Fordham using a magnifying glass to read the band of a re-captured bird

Fauna Notes The spring dawn chorus has been ringing across the Island, signalling that the breeding season is underway. Hihi Coming back to the Island for the first time at the start of the breeding season is always a much-needed breath of fresh Tiritiri Matangi air. The pre-breeding survey was successfully completed before all the wild weather rolled in. The survey allows the team to record which adults and juveniles from last season have survived the winter and where they may be thinking of setting up their territory for the season. While we normally spend survey time watching the feeders, with the abundance of natural food available during this year’s survey fewer birds were visiting the feeding stations. This meant more time bush-bashing, mudskating, and chasing down birds, all in the name of identification. While hihi are usually very curious, they seem to know when you want to see who they are and take delight in turning themselves around and flying away, making it difficult to read leg bands! This year Emma Gray (returning hihi contractor) has seen 130 hihi, including numerous individuals that managed to miss being recorded in the survey. These birds will be added as additional sightings as they were undoubtedly alive during survey time, they just managed to remain elusive. Normally September is a relatively quiet month for the hihi team to complete the pre-breeding survey and clean out 200+ nesting boxes. This year the hihi

all seemed to get the same message to start breeding early. During September, we’d expect some females to start slowly building their nests, getting ready to lay their first eggs between mid-October and December. This year, we had a whopping 14 nests with eggs already laid by early October, with more than 50 eggs in various stages of incubation, some due to hatch as early as October 10th. In addition, there were a further 13 nests lined with moss, feathers, and insulating material ready for eggs to be laid. Maybe the birds know that the season ahead will be long and dry and are taking advantage of the abundance of natural food available. Here’s hoping for a good season with females potentially raising three clutches.

Kōkako On most mornings the pairs are now (early October) singing, which lets their neighbours know that they are still around. Some of our more enthusiastic pairs have been seen courtship feeding and some males have started displaying to their partners. It is looking like Honesty and Joy, who paired up last season, have split up, as he has been seen with Miro and Joy has been seen with Aweawe (a bit of partner swapping as the two females have moved into the respective males’

territories). Seven of our eight fledglings from last season have been seen over the winter months. At the end of last season, we had 23 known pairs so it will be interesting to see how many pairs we end up with this season. This will depend on the ability of any new pairing to squeeze into an area and establish a territory of their own.

Tīeke By the beginning of October, the tīeke season was well underway. Eight nests were found with eggs and one in Bush 22 already had two chicks about 10 days old. Three boxes had titipounamu building nests and 16 contained one or more wētāpunga.

Kororā/ little penguin Now that most of the kororā using our nest boxes have been fitted with PIT tags we can keep a closer check on who is doing what and when. After a mixed season last year, the kororā started well with eleven pairs occupying nest boxes, each laying two eggs. Two pairs failed to hatch their eggs, while the others produced 15 chicks between them. Sadly, all but three had died by 13th October. Two more died between 18th and 23rd October, with just one remaining alive on that day. It was a similar story on Motuora where 12 pairs produced at least 15 chicks, and all had died by 22nd October. It seems likely that the parents were unable to find enough food and abandoned their nestlings. This is a common strategy among long-lived seabirds.

Photos: Emma Gray and John Sibley

Cook’s Petrels After five years of nighttime broadcasting sound recordings of a Cook’s petrel colony we haven’t recorded any birds visiting the chosen site on the Tōtara Track, either on trail cameras or using the nest boxes.

The first two hihi chicks of the season

Male kōkako displaying (Hemi RM-WR)

It seems that the species is not easy to attract to a new site. We were about to give up, when we heard that a pair of Cook’s petrels had been attracted

Dawn Chorus 135 November 2023

Encouraged by this event, we have decided to try again, and this time have moved the loudspeakers and nest boxes to a promontory on the east coast just north of Emergency Landing. We’re hoping the birds will find the new coastal site more attractive.

Ruru Several of our regular visitors have noted a lack of ruru sightings over the winter and early spring and it’s possible some of the Island’s population have succumbed during the wet and windy weather. John Stewart would welcome details of any sightings from Island visitors.

Unusual Sightings A pair of pūtangitangi (paradise shelducks) has bred on the Island, after numerous years, with the parents and four ducklings being seen on the Wharf Dam. A pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo) was heard calling in early October.

Bird feeding records A new project to record the year-round feeding habits of some of our resident birds is under way.

Ruru

Paradise shelduck ducklings

Guides and other regulars can use a phone app to record their sightings. We hope to discover seasonal variations in diet and to identify any crucial periods when lack of nutritional food may be impacting on bird welfare.

Edge and Turutu’s chick (RM-RK) is also female and has been named Poutiriao by Ngāti Paoa. This name is in relation to Tiritiri Matangi being the eleventh heaven and the word Poutiriao refers to the spiritual guardian for the welfare of all things.

If you are on the Island regularly then please consider helping with this project. Email John Stewart at johnreastewart@gmail.com for details of how to contribute.

Compiled by Kathryn Jones, with contributions from Morag Fordham, Emma Gray, Karin Gouldstone, John Stewart and Talia Hochwimmer.

Takahē Tiritiri’s takahē chicks from last season have been named. Anatori and Tussie’s chick (KM-GY) is female and has been named Waipuna by Ngāti Manuhiri. The name means ‘sacred water’.

Shop News

Retail Manager Ashlea Lawson shares an update on the new shop system The new shop system is up and running and the shop team is taking to it like a pāteke to water! It is called “Lightspeed” and is a cloud-based point of sale and inventory management system. In other words, it streamlines all our shop processes, from the way stock is priced (everything has its own barcode), to the sales experience in the shop for both volunteers and customers, to our accounting and reporting requirements. A new e-commerce site is part of the package; at time of writing this is in the process of being added to our website. So, take a break from bird watching and

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look out for new products being added weekly, leading up to Christmas. The new system is the result of months of work by Chris and Peter, Debbie, Rachel, Val, Yvonne, our stellar shop volunteers, Anne, Diane, Isabel, Judy, Linda, Yukemi and others, and me. We have been reflecting on the history of the shop that Barbara created and all the people who have contributed to its success over the years. It reminds us how much the Supporters have achieved together, and that this latest improvement is one of many over time.

Photo: John Sibley

Photos: Luca Kornélia Kósa and JP Mower

to Tāwharanui, where they succeeded in fledging a chick in 2021. This was probably the first Cook’s petrel chick to fledge from a mainland site in over a hundred years.

Volunteer Judy Russell and retail manager Ashlea Lawson in the Tiritiri shop

It has been a privilege to be able to work on this project and enable the shop to generate funds more efficiently for SoTM’s work on the Island. See you in store.

Flora Notes

Kohekohe/ NZ Mahogany/ Didymocheton spectabilis For a plant enthusiast, one of the sheer delights of visiting possum-free habitats such as Tiritiri Matangi is the observation of lush undamaged plant foliage in all its glory. The first time I visited the Island was in 1996. The main planting programme had been completed; cover was still low but the old established kohekohe (Didymocheton spectabilis) on the Kawerau Track left a huge impression.

from the trunk or branches of the kohekohe. These could be mistaken for beautiful sprays of orchids. Large green fruit capsules, about the size of a walnut, follow pollination, hanging like figs until ripe some fifteen months later.

I remember being awed by their huge glossy, pinnate (leaflets arranged in pairs on either side of the stem), tropicallooking leaves, a characteristic that links to their membership in the Meliaceae family. Within it, they are New Zealand’s only species of the otherwise tropical genus, Didymocheton.

This low-slung position, known as cauliflory, is another characteristic largely confined to tropical plants. It is thought to have evolved to make access easier for pollinators and seed dispersers that feed below the canopy, such as moths, bats, and frugivorous animals who eat the whole fruit and distribute the seed.

Perhaps kohekohe’s most famous relative is the mahogany tree of the tropical Americas (Swietenia mahagoni), known for its red wood and use in furniture production. It didn’t go unnoticed by New Zealand’s early settlers that kohekohe also had red timber, and so the common name “NZ mahogany” was coined. For Māori, it is thought kohekohe held a resemblance to a tropical bamboo-type plant scattered throughout the Pacific and the associated word roots ‘kofe’ and ‘ohe’ were used in its naming.

Flowers and fruits

When the fruit capsules split open, they reveal three or four cells, each containing two seeds encased in a fleshy orange cover (aril). On Tiritiri Matangi, kererū, kōkako, tūī, hihi and tīeke feast on these delicacies and are subsequently doing a tremendous job of distributing the seed all over the Island. Young kohekohe are coming up in abundance. Until recently it was accepted that kohekohe were dioeceous (separate male and female plants), but that they

The female does not flower in the year that it is holding fruit, so individual trees may flower in alternate years.

Kohekohe habitat Didymocheton spectabilis forms a spreading canopy tree up to 15m tall, with a trunk up to 1m wide. Due to its softness, it can become hollow and full of holes as it grows. This in turn provides valuable habitat for birds, wētā and insects along the way. Often small buttresses form at its base for stability. In sync with its tropical heritage, young kohekohe foliage is frost tender, so naturally the trees grow in the warmer parts of New Zealand. Damp areas of coastal and lowland forest from North Cape to Taranaki and East Cape, along the Kapiti Coast, and into northern Marlborough, suit it perfectly. Unfortunately, land clearance along with possum and rat infestations have seen kohekohe’s prevalence greatly reduced.

Photo: Alison Forbes

In early winter, small waxy white flowers droop in 30cm-long panicles straight

In New Zealand, this has evolved as a role for our endemic nectar-feeding and frugivorous birds and, probably once, bats, prior to their decimation by rats.

also produced a few hermaphroditic males. However, there are a lot of discussion papers around this topic, and I see that the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network lists them as gynodioecious (with fixed female and inconstant males on different trees) on their website. Maybe this is a case of evolution in progress.

Kohekohe flowers

This shows the red wood, likened to mahogany, and holes that form as kohekohe grows.

Flower buds shooting straight out of the trunk (cauliflory).

Dawn Chorus 135 November 2023

Photo: Neil Davies

Kohekohe fruit splitting open

Kohekohe seedling

Kohekohe fruit

Uses

An open sanctuary

Māori used the light wood to build swift river canoes but discovered it rotted quickly and was more suited for carving and ornamentation. They also used the leaves and bark for medicine.

After the storms of 2023, the kohekohe groves on the Kawerau Track have been left standing like ghostly gnarled skeletons, their undergrowth vastly washed clear, and their shredded canopies perched atop dark holey trunks, reaching for the sky. It’s a uniquely magnificent sight.

new cycle of life was beginning on the forest floor.

When Europeans saw the connection to mahogany, seed was sent to tropical places such as India to investigate plantation production. However, its hollow and holey growth revealed it unsuitable for such purposes. The leaves were used to brew beer, but bitter results made it an unpopular choice.

At the time of writing in September ‘23, fresh new spring growth was sprouting in long lush green shoots from their trunks and bases, climbing ferns were actively creeping up their bark and a

AGM '23 Annual General Meeting 2023 The yearly meeting of the members took place at the Fickling Convention Centre in Mount Albert on 18 September 2023. The meeting was also broadcast via Zoom but, due to technical issues, few members were able to access the Zoom call.

Both Chairperson Carl Hayson and Secretary Gloria Nash were standing down from their positions at this year’s AGM. Their replacements, Ian Alexander (Chairperson) and Val Lee (Secretary) were elected unopposed. Treasurer Peter Lee was re-elected for his fourth term. There were six candidates standing for ordinary committee membership,

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including Carl Hayson, immediate past president. Presentations were made to Gloria and Carl, and the ordinary committee members who have stepped down this year, Malcolm de Raat, Stacey Balich, Jane Thompson, and Barry Fraser, were thanked for their service. Discussion took place regarding the motion setting subscriptions for 2023/2024 and, after a vote, the motion was passed, with an action noted for the incoming Committee to review the use of the word “organisation” in the subscriptions. The nomination of Yvonne Vaneveld* for

To this day, I think Tiritiri Matangi is one of the best places in New Zealand to see and experience the beauty of kohekohe. How lucky we are to have this open sanctuary for all to enjoy. -Natalie Spyksma All photos are the author’s unless otherwise noted.

an Honorary Life Membership of SoTM was put to the vote and unanimously approved by the meeting. Following the formalities, guest speakers Morag Fordham and Kay Milton entertained those attending with a fascinating glimpse into the lives and loves of some of the Island’s kōkako. For more details, see the minutes of the 2023 AGM by clicking here in the electronic edition SoTM AGM 2023 or go to www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/reports/ and scroll down to Administration/AGM reports. * Yvonne and her husband Mike were Dawn Chorus ’Guest Guides’ in Bulletin 134, August

Tiritiri Matangi Kids,

by Stacey Tracking tunnels are used to identify what is walking around in the ngahere/forest. On Tiritiri Matangi they are used Tracking tunnels tool are for used to identify what predators. is walking around in the ngahere/forest. On Tiritiri they are used as a biosecurity detecting invasive The cards in the tunnel are marked withMatangi ink in the centre and as a biosecurity tool for detecting invasive predators. The cards in the tunnel are marked with ink in the centre and peanut butter is peanut butter is used as a lure. When an animal is attracted into the tunnel as a result of the smell, it walks across the used as a lure. When an animal is attracted into the tunnel as a result of the smell, it walks across the inked area. With ink on their inked area. With ink on their feet, the animals leave footprints as they walk out. There are 65 tracking tunnels on Tiritiri feet, the animals leave footprints as they walk out. There are 65 tracking tunnels on Tiritiri Matangi and these are checked once a Matangi these are checked oncethe a month by with a team volunteers. Match the footprints with the photos. Have fun! month byand a team of volunteers. Match footprints the of photos. Have fun! Draw a line to connect each footprint with the animal that left it

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Dawn Chorus 135 November 2023

Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi The Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi (SoTM) is a volunteer Incorporated Society that works closely with the Department of Conservation to make the most of the wonderful conservationrestoration project that is Tiritiri Matangi. Every year volunteers put thousands of hours into the project and raise funds through donations, guiding and our island-based gift shop. If you'd like to share in this exciting project, membership is just $30 for a single adult or family; $35 if you are overseas; and $15 for children or students. Dawn Chorus, our magazine, is sent out to members every quarter. See www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz or contact PO Box 90-814 Victoria St West, Auckland. SoTM Contacts: Chairperson: Ian Alexander chairperson@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Secretary: Val Lee secretary@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Treasurer: Peter Lee treasurer@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Committee: Hester Cooper, Rachel Goddard, Carl Hayson, Janet Petricevich, Michael Watson Operations manager: Debbie Marshall opsmanager@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Guiding and volunteer manager: Gail Reichert booktoguide@tiritirimatangi.org.nz, 09 476 0010 Retail manager: Ashlea Lawson retail@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Membership: Rose Coveny membership@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Educator: Sara Dean Assistant educator: Liz Maire educator@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Fundraiser: fundraiser@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Social Media: Stacey Balich socialmedia@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Dawn Chorus co-editors: Janet Petricevich and Stacey Balich editor@tiritirimatangi.org.nz Island Rangers: Talia Hochwimmer and Keith Townsend tiritirimatangi@doc.govt.nz, 09 476 0920

Visiting Tiritiri Matangi Island for education or recreation Day trips: Weather permitting, Explore runs a return ferry service from Wednesday to Sunday from Auckland Viaduct and the Gulf Harbour Marina. Bookings are essential. Phone 0800 397 567 or visit the Explore website. Call 09 916 2241 after 7 am on the day of your trip to confirm the vessel is running.

School Education Programme: We offer a full-day learning experience in a pest-free environment for year 1 to 13. Tamariki and rangatahi can get up close to endangered taonga species where they learn about community conservation and how people can work together to provide protected habitat. This then inspires students to take action in their own neighbourhoods.

Overnight visits: Camping is not permitted and there is limited bunkhouse accommodation at $20 a night for Our educators offer a range of education experiences on the Island that are closely tied to the NZ curriculum. At the senior members ($40 for non-members). Bookings are essential. For further information: www.doc.govt.nz/tiritiribunkhouse or biology level, there is support material available for a number of NCEA achievement standards. Tertiary students have the ph: 09 379 6476.

opportunity to learn about the history of the Island and tools of conservation as well as to familiarise themselves with population genetics, evolution and speciation.

Subsidies are available for schools with an EQI 430 or more via our Growing Minds SoTM members visiting privately can get a 50% discount but programme. Information on must first book and pay online. Then email the education programme is at: aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz giving the booking number and https://www.tiritirimatangi.org. SoTM membership number (which is found on the address nz/education-programmes/ label of Dawn Chorus or on the email for your digital copy). Bookings are essential.

Photo: John Sibley

Supporters' discount: Volunteers doing official SoTM work get free accommodation but this must be booked through the Guiding Manager at guiding@tiritirimatangi.org.nz or 09 476 0010.

DOC will refund the discount to your credit card.

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'TIS THE TIRITIRI SEASON! With Christmas approaching and summer visitors scheduled to take flight we have been working on an important translocation project. Our goal, to increase the Island's population of wonderful new gifts for yourselves and your loved ones! We have flocks of goodies arriving weekly and all proceeds from our shop go towards the Supporters’ work on the Island. We still have 2024 calendars in stock, but they are selling fast. These make great Christmas presents, so be quick and don’t miss out.

Take a look at our updated online shop at www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz or email us for order enquiries shop@tiritirimatangi.org.nz.

Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi wishes to acknowledge the generous support of its sponsors

Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi welcomes all types of donations, including bequests, which are used to further our work on the Island. If you are considering making a bequest and would like to find out more, please contact secretary@tiritirimatangi.org.nz