August - September 2010 Upprer Hutt, Royal Forest and Bird Protecton Society Newsletter

8/8/2019 August - September 2010 Upprer Hutt, Royal Forest and Bird Protecton Society Newsletter

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Upper Hutt Branch NewsletterAugust/September 2010 PO Box 40 875 Upper Hutt

August Meeting

Topic: Come and listen to a forum by ourMayoral candidates and what they have to sayabout Upper Hutt. We would like members tocontribute to these discussions so please thinkof some questions that you might like to askthe candidates at the meeting.

Speakers: Wayne Guppy, Hellen Swales andAdrian Sparrow

Date: Wednesday 25th AugustTime: 7.30 pmPlace: Heretaunga College Staffroom

Bring:

A gold coin donation for the hire of theCollege Staffroom

$1 for the raffle A friend who hasnt been to one of our

meetings before

To Get There: Heretaunga College, Ward St,Wallaceville, Upper Hutt. The staffroom isopposite the main entrance to the college andwill be sign-posted. There is parking in thecollege grounds or on Ward Street.

September Meeting

Topic: Forest & Bird - Past Present andFuture

Speaker: Barry WardsDate: Wednesday 22nd SeptemberTime: 7.30 pmPlace: Heretaunga College Staffroom

We deliberately didnt include the speakers for

the latter part of this year into the SpeakerProgramme because its often difficult to pin

people down so far in advance and we also havethe ability to notify members fairly quickly of

upcoming events, using the technology availableto us. However, we havent been able to

confirm the intended September speaker atthe time of sending this newsletter to print sowere falling to the backup.

And the backup is Barry Wards, Chair of

the Branch and National President. The topicof the talk will be, Forest and Bird Past,Present and Future. At a time when the

organisation as a whole is identifying and

weighing up the considerable range of local andnational issues confronting it, both from aconservation and from an organisationalperspective, its important that all members,

and supporters of the Society, are keptinformed of what this may mean for theSociety in terms of it being more effective inachieving its objectives and aims.

The Executive of the Society is activelyleading the development of the Strategic Planto incorporate those future aspects. While

the Branch committee has already had a chance


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Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society Upper Hutt Branch August/September 2010

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to discuss some of the issues, the Septemberpresentation will try and put the overallthinking of the Strategic Plan development intocontext particularly taking into account thelocal work that Branches, such as Upper Hutt,

do so well and is deemed to be critical for bothidentifying who we are, as well as contributingto the environmental wellbeing of Upper Huttand its environs. Please come along and beprepared to contribute to the discussion thisis Your Society after all and You are the Voicefor Nature.

From The Chair

The Voice for Nature Has Been Heard

What a month! What a year! Its a greatfeeling to be able to start off a newsletterwith good news the Governments decision notto progress plans to mine schedule 4 land is thevery success the Society was after. Allmembers who lodged submissions, marcheddown Queen St, signed petitions and wrote toministers and MPs should feel proud that the

Voice for Nature has been heard Loud andClear!

I encourage all members to now write to thePrime Minister and the National Government,showing your appreciation and thanks forlistening to that Voice and making a decisionthat means something for conservation thatProtection in not conditional. There are noButs! Our predecessors and forebears madethe decision to preserve and protect in

perpetuity those lands and places that arevalued for their intrinsic value, something thatrises above their value as an economic, trade orcommercial resource. The Governmentdeserves to be thanked.

The mining issue has highlighted to me thepotential exposure of other valued places toactivities that do not always have suitableregulatory protection; where decision-makingon the loss of intrinsic value and biodiversity

rests with a narrow band of decision-makersand where the public consultation process isvirtually non-existent. A case in point is the

potential commercial ventures currently beingconsidered for deep-sea mining , as well asexisting harvesting of mineral resources on seabeds in the closer New Zealand coastalenvironment. We have the technology to dig

deep, kilometres below the sea surface - Chinais already considering doing so around deep seafumaroles in the Indian Ocean. These uniqueenvironments are virtually unexplored; we havelittle idea of the nature and ecology of theirunique biodiversity, yet here we are toying withthe idea of destroying them to haul outprecious metals to put in our cell phones andswanky flat screen TVs!

So, while celebrating our success, rememberthat, while the battle may have been won, the

war certainly hasnt been.

Barry Wards, Chairperson & National Preside

AGM & Conference Report

Forest & Bird held its Annual General Meeting& Annual Conference on the weekend of 25 27th June in Wellington.

On Friday night we were addressed by HonKate Wilkinson (Minister of Conservation) whospoke about NZ being blessed with iconic

landscape, fauna and birdlife. She said we

would not always agree on all issues but sheencouraged the conservation to keep connectedand to meet regularly to discuss issues. Thecommunity has a duty of stewardship. She

raised the question of whether New Zealandersshould have an informed say in what happens ontheir land. It is critical that we continue thediscussions. She pointed out that business andconservation are compatible, but businessshould not be at the expense of conservation.

Mike Britton (F&B General Manager) thenintroduced the management team who spokeabout their areas of business and what thesociety has been involved in over the last year

and particularly the current advocacy mattersregarding mining, water and MacKenzie Basin.


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On Saturday morning the Annual GeneralMeeting was held and Barry Wards spoke ofthe contribution the Society has made to NZconservation over the past 9 decades and howit has earned the respect among New

Zealanders as a fearless advocate for nature.F&B has lead the drive to protect nationalparks with the recent advocacy to stop miningon our Schedule 4 protected land forcing theGovernment to backtrack on its original

proposal. We have continued to focus on pestcontrol to help protect native birds and otherspecies and forests. Natural New Zealandneeds F&B now more than ever and we havebeen proud to be The Voice of Nature. He

pointed out that our grass root members arekey to the society and we do need to increaseour network of supporters and donors.

The Council meeting started after morning teaand the following were elected as theexecutive: Barry Wards (President), AndrewCutler - Wellington (Deputy President), GrahamBellamy (National Treasurer), Lindsay Britton (South Auckland), Mark Hanger (Dunedin),Alan Hemmings (Australia), Peter Maddison

(Waitakere), Craig Potton (Nelson), InesStager (South Cantebury), Jon Wenham (Waikato).

Hon Phil Goff (Leader of the Opposition) spokeon Labour Parties perspective of conservationin NZ and the need for responsibleenvironmental decisions and need to have goodscientific support to any such decisions. Thiswas followed by an address by Russel Norman(Co-Leader of Greens) also speaking about

their issues relating to NZ conservation andthe need to live within our resources.

We had a very interesting address from DrHazell Thompson (Asst Director of NetworkDevelopment, Birdlife International) and thevalue that F&B can make to this world wideorganisation. Our General Manger is a memberof their governing body and they value hiscontribution. The international protection of

migratory birds is important and global networkis key to this.

Andrew Cutler then presented on the work thatthe executive have been doing on the societysstrategic plan which will lead us forward in astructured and planned manner. With thechanges in Government policies and the issues

facing conservation, we need to structure theorganisation to face the challenges ahead andplan our resources to effectively handle thesechallenges.

In the evening we had a dinner and theSanderson Memorial address by DavidMcDowell (Former Director-General of UICN)who spoke about his international experience asa spokes person for international conservation.

On the Sunday we had a series of paneldiscussions on the new membership database,website, mining, freshwater and running events.

The weekend was packed with all sorts ofissues facing the society, but it does show thatthe society is in a good shape with a verysuccessful year on a number of major advocacyissues. The staff are working extremely hardand also the branch members are achieving a

lot in their own areas.

However the time has come to seriouslyconsider how we move forward in a verydifferent society and political climate to thelast 9 decades. Graham Bellamy

Working Bees at Hulls Creek

Dates for the working Bees at Hulls Creek are

as follows:-

Saturday 28th August 9am to 12pmSaturday 25th September 9am to 12pmThursday 28th October 5pm to 7pmThursday 25th November 5pm to 7pmPlease Note Dinner will be provided on thetwo Thursday Evenings

Please contact Sue Miller on 526 7440 if you would like any further

information.


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Planting at Moehau

Last month two groups of Weltec students and

their tutor along with 6 Forest and Birdmembers and Richard from the Regional Councilplanted 1,480 plants at Moehau. ThirteenHorticultural students and 10 Landscape andDesign students got stuck in planting over aperiod of two fine days.

There are now two species of carex, giantumbrella sedges, two varieties of flax, toe toeand cabbage trees half way down the stream.Hopefully one more working bee should see thewhole area planted.

Twenty bags of rubbish were also picked up.However more downpours have since broughtmore rubbish down. The idea is that once thestream is confined to its bed the rubbishshould pass through quickly and gather on thegrill under the stop bank. This is kept clear bythe council.

Above, an example of the wildlife currentlyfound at Moehau. Also found were rollerblades, boots, shoes, $5, balls, pencils, and of

course fast food wrappers, plastic and bottlesof all descriptions.

Lynne McLellan


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New Ruapehu Lodge Open for

Bookings

On the weekend of 31 July, Rosemary and I hadthe pleasure of testing out the new Forest

and Bird lodge at Whakapapa Village, Ruapehu,built to replace the previous lodge destroyedby fire several years ago. We stayed in theWardens Room, happily dubbed The

Presidential Suite, complete with inner sprung

mattresses and ensuite theres nothing likeroughing it I tell you!

Bunkrooms

The new lodge is a class apart from the old one warm, spacious, cosy and multifunctional. Ithas a variety of bunk sleeping-room sizes,suitable for couples, families and larger groups.There are 3 breakout areas for lounging,

relaxing and simple blobbing-out but these canalso be used for formal meetings, presentationsand so forth. The kitchen area is large, airyand spacious and has a good flow into the dining

areas as well. In terms of structure, thebuilding is very low maintenance, extremely wellinsulated (the walls and ceiling are about 300-

400mm thick) and windows are double-glazedthroughout. Heating is supplied by heat pumpsand energy-efficient wall panels.

Simply put, however, the new lodge is a very

peaceful and enjoyable place to stay. Postcardscenery of Ruapehu, forest and Whakapapachallenge that offered by Chateau Tongariro ata fraction of the cost. Previous patrons of theold lodge will see a price increase (the Societywebsite has all the details) but this isreflective of the improved facilities andcomparable to other accommodation in thearea. The price structure also recognises thebenefits of being a member of the Society.

Kitchen

Dining & Lounge

We encourage you to book a weekend or severalnights away to enjoy the new lodge you wontregret it. We have to finish paying for it nowso, if you like what you see, I encourage you todip into your pocket and help us clear the$200,000 left to clear the debt.

Barry & Rosemary Wards


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KCC Report

KCC Report to Upper Hutt Forest and BirdSociety

At present KCC Upper Hutt has combined withthe Wellington Kapiti Mana Club and also LowerHutt. Although the district is quite large itmeans the coordinators of this area are able toget together and share ideas, trips, talks andplan two or three outings, per month. Thenumber of active members pool is also larger

with a chance of having the trips booked with a

decent amount attending.On Saturday 31st of July Juliet Cooke took agroup to the botanical gardens in search ofglow-worms.

Saturday 24th of July was very successful witha trip to the Carter Observatory. Bookingswere essential for this and 84 were confirmedand the Observatory

very kindly put on anextra show for us at theearlier time of 5pm. Alas

just 48 came so it was somewhatdisappointing and fortunate at thesame time as it would have been very busy. Theshow was terrific and a little overwhelming forsome of the smaller members; but with theskies clearing we were also able to observe thesetting up of the telescope and a view of theplanet Venus in the western sky. Perhaps this

will trigger life choices for budding astronautsand astronomers.

The next trip I am involved with is a hugebeach clean up on the South Makara CoastSaturday 18th September, this is part of KeepNew Zealand Beautiful Week.

As access is across private farm land I havesought permission to cross the farm tracks tothe beach with a loop track return. The Cross

Country Vehicle Club (CCVC) will be helping usout with transport; this trip is limited to 60KCC people and will be an all day affair.

This area of the coast acts as a collection forflotsam as the currents swirl down the NewPlymouth/Kapiti Blight. Previously this areaproduced over 5 tons of rubbish when lastcleaned up. Two hire companies are donating

the use of duel axle trailers and the HappyValley Landfill are not charging for rubbishcollected.

Please feel free to come on any of these tripsfirst in first served and we hope to see you.Bye for now -

Georgie Dobson 5265119

Natural Resources in theWellington Region

Have Your Say

What are your views on our region's naturalresources - our air, waterways, soils, coasts,and native plants and animals?

The Greater Wellington Regional Council isholding workshops around the region to developa regional plan for our natural resources. Joinus at Pipitea Marae on Tuesday 17 August for adiscussion on their use, development andprotection.

Please note there will be a public meeting heldon Tuesday 17 August from 7pm - 9.30pm atPipitea Marae - nau mai haere mai!

For a full list of workshop locations and dates

go to www.gw.govt.nz/valuing-our-environmentand click on "Community workshops"

Forest and Bird Local Branches

F&B Lower Hutt Branch meeting:Meets 1stThursday of the month

F&B Wellington Branch MeetingMeets 3rdThursday of the month

Kapiti Branch Meeting

Meets 4thWednesday of the month
http://outbind//89-00000000C15560BB4DE7594EBE4E96E897C562540700053E55FAE791C844AA268E4E7D24C2EC000002F50BAB0000053E55FAE791C844AA268E4E7D24C2EC000003C4538B0000/www.gw.govt.nz/valuing-our-environmenthttp://outbind//89-00000000C15560BB4DE7594EBE4E96E897C562540700053E55FAE791C844AA268E4E7D24C2EC000002F50BAB0000053E55FAE791C844AA268E4E7D24C2EC000003C4538B0000/www.gw.govt.nz/valuing-our-environmenthttp://outbind//89-00000000C15560BB4DE7594EBE4E96E897C562540700053E55FAE791C844AA268E4E7D24C2EC000002F50BAB0000053E55FAE791C844AA268E4E7D24C2EC000003C4538B0000/www.gw.govt.nz/valuing-our-environment


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Other Groups

Wellington Botanical SocietyMeets 3rd Monday of the month 7.30 pmwww.wellingtonbotsoc.wellington.net.nz

Web Watch

Forest and Bird has a great website with heapsof interesting information. It now includespast copies of our newsletter.www.forestandbird.org.nz

Also check out:

Kiwi Conservation Club www.kcc.org.nz

NZ Ecological Restoration Networkwww.bush.org.nz

NZ Plant Conservation Networkwww.nzpcn.org.nz

Newsletter DeadlineThe deadline for the next newsletter is:1 October 2010.

Please send any items to Penny or Marion,preferably by email (so we dont have to wear

our fingers out typing!) Thanks

Frosty morning, Hutt River

Frosted spider web, Hutt River

Editors Note

Many thanks to our contributors this month,Barry Wards, Graham Bellamy, Lynne McLellan,and Georgie Dobson. Many thanks also to AllanSheppard for the great photos taken atMoehau Park and Marion Callus for the lovelyphotos of the frosty morning and spider webtaken at the Hutt River.

The views expressed in this newsletter are notnecessarily those of Forest and Bird as a whole.

Every effort has been made to ensure

accuracy. Any errors or omissions are

regretted. Correspondence should be

addressed to PO Box 40 875 Upper Hutt.
http://www.wellingtonbotsoc.wellington.net.nz/http://www.wellingtonbotsoc.wellington.net.nz/http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/http://www.kcc.org.nz/http://www.kcc.org.nz/http://www.bush.org.nz/http://www.bush.org.nz/http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/http://www.bush.org.nz/http://www.kcc.org.nz/http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/http://www.wellingtonbotsoc.wellington.net.nz/


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Calendar of Events

Month Date Time Event Contact

August Wed 25th 7.30 Upper Hutt BranchMeeting

Barry Wards04 970 4266

September Wed 22nd 7.30 Upper Hutt BranchMeeting


October Wed 27th 7.30 Upper Hutt BranchMeeting


November Wed 24th 7.30 Upper Hutt BranchMeeting


Monthly

The lastSaturday

of eachmonth.

9am to 12pmWorking Bee, HullsCreek,

Sue Millar

04 526 7440

On holdover winter

Potting up, Upper HuttDepot

Sue Millar04 526 7440

2009 Branch CommitteePhone Email

Barry Wards 04 970 4266 (hm)04 894 0475 (wk)

Chairperson [email protected]

Graham Bellamy 04 526 3053 Treasurer [email protected] Fowler 04 569 7187 Secretary [email protected] CallusPenny Madsen

04 527 869204 528 5303

Newsletter/committeeNewsletter

[email protected]@ihug.co.nz

Lynne McLellan 04 526 7775 Newsletter Distributor [email protected] Millar 04 526 7440 Horticulture [email protected] Brown 04 526 7573 Committee/Submissions [email protected] Murgatroyd 04 970 3042 CommitteeRichard Northmore 04 526 2572 CommitteeStella Watson 04 971 5076 Membership [email protected] Langford 04 973 7302 CommitteeHeather Blissett 04 526 3668 CommitteeGeorgie Dobson 04 526 5119 KCC [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Documents

August - September 2010 Upprer Hutt, Royal Forest and Bird Protecton Society Newsletter