Mahurangimatters 4 May 2011 | 7
think global Pre-Easter clean-up at beach What’s next?
act local
by James Ross
A pre-Easter clean-up along Snells Beach was organised by the Snells Beach Resident and Ratepayers Association. Three trailer loads of debris, mainly driftwood, was picked up during the two-hour working bee, which was later collected by Auckland Council. Thanks go to Peter Bardsley for the loan of his tractor. Further working bees will be arranged. Volunteers should phone Terry Norris on 425 5580 for dates and locations. Pictured beside a pile of driftwood are Terry Norris (left) and Alan Boniface.
Update on bee health Whangarei beekeeper Simon Peacey will be the guest speaker at the Forest and Bird Mid North winter series talk at the Totara Park Village Hall, in Warkworth, on May 19. He will talk on the topic ‘Colony collapse disorder amongst bees and wider ecological issues’. The talk will cover the worldwide concern over the health of bee colonies and the use of insecticides, as well as issues such as the wider decline of pollinators. The talk starts at 7.30pm. All welcome. Info: Warwick Massey 425 9246.
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. Incredibly, within just 10 years these basic milestones have been largely achieved. The Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society Inc (TOSSI) was formed in 2002 to help the then Auckland Regional Council make the open sanctuary a reality and we have recently been thinking what’s next? What projects do we want to participate in for the next 10 years and what is our vision for the future of the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary? Maintaining Tawharanui as an oasis for native wildlife will remain our highest priority. As before, we will continue to help with fence maintenance, pest eradication and weed control. We also want to help identify better ways of detecting and stopping pest incursions. TOSSI’s nursery continues to produce up to 20,000 plants per year to restore wetlands, forests and coastal vegetation in the park. Over time, these plantings become homes for the ever-increasing numbers of birds within the park. As population numbers increase, it is likely that the Tawharanui will be seen as a potential source of animals for other restoration projects. The announcement that the marine park at Tawharanui is to become a marine reserve will undoubtedly increase the recreational and research interest in this beautiful stretch of coast. TOSSI is keen to develop projects related to the marine reserve and also to link the land to the sea by enhancing seabird nesting on our rugged headlands. Tawharanui Open Sanctuary really is “open”. As well as the ‘import’ of animals from elsewhere, robins, bellbirds, pateke, kakariki, skinks and possibly even kiwi have all left the sanctuary, some through scientific programmes but others of their own accord. Inevitably this exchange with the outside world will continue. We hope that by building relationships and conducting joint projects with adjoining landholders and regional groups, we can help create a network of habitat where animals can disperse and prosper throughout the region. What’s pleasing is that TOSSI and the Auckland Council are already moving along with this next phase of the open sanctuary. Our boardwalk and seabird projects, and the proposal to re-introduce saddleback will all be part of the open sanctuary in 10 more years. And over the next few months we will be planting those 20,000 ‘future homes for birds’ at our monthly workdays. We would love you to help us. Save these dates: 4 & 5 June, 3 July and 7 August. Start time 9.15 and follow signs to the planting sites in the park. All are welcome!
Carl James CABINETMAKERS
With quality workmanship & prompt personal service, we design, build and install to your requirements. Colour consultancy also available. Kitchens Vanities Custom Furniture Laundries Built in Wardrobes Phone/Fax Chris & Sue 09 423 7229 Email: carljames@ihug.co.nz - PO Box 43, Matakana – Covering Puhoi to Mangawhai – MM179