Conservation

Special Late Night

Zealandia — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 01:07:00 GMT

During these four days ZEALANDIA is open 8am - 7pm for you to enjoy the sounds of the birds. Take a stroll through the well maintained tracks listening for the calls of the rare species of birds and ...

Students visit Manawa Karioi

Manawa Karioi Ecological Restoration Project — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 03:04:52 GMT

Our chairman Chris Livesey had a busy time with groups visiting Manawa Karioi lately.

Recycling myths – busted!

Wellington City Council — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:12:00 GMT

We’re taking the guess work out of recycling by debunking some of our most common recycling myths and mistakes.

New era for Council rubbish and recycling service

Hutt City Council — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 20:29:41 GMT

Wellington gets a pass mark in recycling survey

Wellington City Council — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 20:38:46 GMT

In a recent survey, Wellington city residents got a good report card on their recycling knowledge – but we could all do a bit better.

New rare species planted at ZEALANDIA

Zealandia — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:05:00 GMT

The rare, parasitic plant pua o te Rēinga/ dactylanthus taylorii has now officially been planted in the sanctuary. This project was a historic first with selected representatives from across all ...

Manawa Karioi Society Inc. - Chairperson’s Report 2019-20

Manawa Karioi Ecological Restoration Project — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 09:38:17 GMT

(The on-site aspects of this report cover the period 1 September 2019 – 31 August 2020 so that all the 2020 planting activity is covered; the financial aspects cover the Society’s financial year, 1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020.

Rare parasitic plant coming to the capital - Media Release

Zealandia — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 03:15:00 GMT

Wellington City Council, ZEALANDIA and local iwi are proud to be part of a mission to bring a very rare parasitic plant back to the capital. Pua o te Rēinga/ Dactylanthus taylorii is New ...

September 2020 Residents’ Association meeting minutes

Pukerua Bay Residents Association — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 20:32:18 GMT

Tuesday, September 8, 2020Pukerua Bay RSA, 5-7 Wairaka Road Present: Paul FitzGerald (Chair), Nikky Winchester (Secretary), Iain MacLean, Kate Dreaver, Pauline Morum, Jonathan Harker, Margaret Blair, Mel Galletly, Bill Jackson, Nathan Waddle (PCC), Josh Trlin (PCC)Community: Glenda Robb, Whetu Bennett ( WREMO), Moira Lawler, Sara Thomson, Pat Hanley, Alan Clarke, Gillian CandlerApologies: June Penhey, Jenny Brash (GWRC)Approval of previous minutes: moved Iain MacLean, seconded Kate Dreaver, none opposed, carried. Penguin survey Glenda Robb from the Kapiti Coast Biodiversity Project explained that they have received funding to do surveys on little blue penguins in Pukerua Bay. September to December is their nesting time. They use two methods: on sandy beaches, they look for footprints in the sand early in the morning; or they use a specially-trained dog to sniff them out (this is particularly good on non-sandy beaches). Leaflets will be circulated along Ocean Parade, Beach Road and Hanui Road in the next week. There is also a trapping programme along the beach to remove predators such as rats and stoats. The hope is that a large enough population will be found that a programme can be put in place to protect them and ideally increase their numbers over time. The survey will take place in the next few weeks (weather dependent). There are groups elsewhere in the country doing similar work to protect their local korora populations. Gillian pointed out that the dog walking area on the beach is right by where there are penguin nests. Glenda suggested it may be worth lobbying PCC to make it a dog-free area, though it is difficult to get such a status. It was noted that there is still an ongoing problem of enforcement, which is not helped by the fact that there are no signs on the beach asking people to keep dogs on the leash. Action: Iain to contact Brent Tandy at DOC re signage.Action: Glenda to circulate link to a webcam in a nesting box in Paekakariki.Action: Committee to circulate flyers to other parts of the village in October with the AGM notices. Porirua City Council update Nathan explained that the District Plan was activated and is now available for people to feed back on by 20 November. PCC is approaching each Residents Association in the city to invite responses. Josh is on the Climate Change working group, which is looking at updating their terms of reference. The group currently has representatives from each of the GWRC councils plus Mana Whenua. Two big changes are being proposed: bringing in an accountability mechanism to ensure action and follow through; and providing capacity to have Mana Whenua representatives from all six iwi in the region. He noted that PCC is also starting to organise workshops for consultation on the Long Term Plan. Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) Whetu Bennett is the WREMO community resilience adviser in Porirua. He congratulated Pukerua Bay for our village’s response to the Covid-19 lockdown. Whetu focuses on high priority areas in the city (Whitby and Waitangirua) but is available to answer questions and provide support. He can run workshops on planning and preparing for emergencies, as well as earthquake drills. He helps PCC identify areas that they can assist with, and currently he is looking to find a location in Pukerua Bay for a new 25,000 litre water tank. There are already community water tanks at the school and the library. In case of a civil emergency, the local WREMO operations centre is in Elsdon. Emergency Assistance Centres provide support such as a nurse and social worker. However, it is likely to take at least eight days to get those set up. In the meantime, Pukerua Bay would need to be self-sufficient. Kate explained that there is a need to refresh the Civil Defence plan for the village. Whetu is happy to work with a local team to update it and also to help run a workshop to introduce residents to the updated plan. WebsiteAction: Kate/Iain/Paul/Jon to discuss edit requirements for Covid-19 page.Action: Paul to put a tshirt in the noticeboard to encourage sales.Action: Iain to talk to Archway Books about selling tote bags. Financial 00 AccountExpenses: $164.06 Surfers’ Seat $159.28 Muzzy – T-shirtsIncome: $76.70 Teas, cakes, plants at Community Garden Open Day $0.64 Interest 25 AccountIncome: $0.14 Interest Correspondence A message was received from Annette on 27 August regarding composting at the community garden. Paul has since talked to her. Progress on action items Action: Bill/Jon to discuss options for cloud storage.Action: Jon to add the information about the 25 memorials around the village to the RA website once Margaret has collected the information.Action:Pauline/Iain/Kate to continue investigating options for organising an art auction in November/December.Action: Margaret to remove Brian Sullivan and Pauline Morse as signatories from the PKBRA bank account as they are no longer committee members.Action: Margaret/Nikky to discuss the process for adding Nikky to the list of signatories.Action: Iain/Paul to ask PCC to send their monthly updates to secretary@ and chair@ and remove all other names from their mailing list.Action: Jon to ask Dave Pepperell about posting information on the website about the Surfers Seat event.Action: Margaret to organise the seat plaque for Ernie Amey and Kath Fowler.Action: Iain to look for name of DOC contact person re the installation of new signage about keeping dogs on a lead at the beach.Action: Bill to investigate possibility of recycling computer equipment. E-Waste Services have recently moved to 1 Prosser Street, 04 564 5464. They accept anything with a plug that is electronic. You can drop off or they will pick up. They also recycle polystyrene. Projects update Muri Platform building The updated lease is sitting in the Kiwirail office in Wellington Station and can’t be accessed until we move into Level 1 lockdown. The opening went well. However, some work is still required to fit the panels accurately. The event was led by representatives from Ngāti Toa who did a significant blessing of the community garden as well as the building. Thanks to Jane Comben for the design work and to Ted Coates for mowing and tidying up along the platform. The community garden group offered hot drinks and sausages, and there was also storytelling. Action: Margaret to provide appropriate details on the event to Jon for website. Village Plan review Kate met with Justine from PCC. While PCC are keen to help with our village planning review; however, with the pause on capital funding and the pause on the village planning programme, it may be difficult to get financial support from them. The Village Plan team need to write a brief explanation of the purpose of the village plan, and how we intend to engage with the community in an ongoing way over the coming decades. The hope is to still get some funding from PCC for the survey, but the timing for launching the survey will be delayed. Community centre Action: Iain to talk to the Diocese about their intentions for St Mark’s building. Annual General Meeting Date: Thursday 22 October, 7.30-9pm at the Community and School Hall. The School Newsletter is going out on 24 September. Action: Paul to ask school to include AGM notice and kororā survey leaflet in newsletter. Programme Glenda – penguin surveyGillian – litter surveyPlimmerton Farm developer?Friends of Taupo Swamp?Village Planning survey There was some discussion about whether to organise a supper. This depends on the Lockdown level at the time, so a decision will need to be made nearer to the date of the meeting. Proposed amendments to Rules There was some discussion about whether the RA should actively be advocating for local businesses. It was suggested that the Village Planning survey include a question, and that the Rules may be reconsidered after the survey has been completed. The other proposed changes were discussed. Action: Paul/Nikky to rewrite and present via email for approval by the Committee so the amendments can be circulated to the community at least 14 days before the AGM. Other business Action: Committee to read through the draft Committee handbook and discuss in more detail at the October meeting. Meeting ended: 9.54pmNext meeting: 13 October 2020 Appendix: Village Planning update from PCC He Are Pukerua The uncovering of the latest heritage panels last Saturday at the former Muri Station Southbound was a great time for celebrating and sharing the history of railways in Pukerua Bay. The research and writing the team has undertaken (especially Ashley and Margaret Blair) is an outstanding commitment to bring this heritage to the community. The final installation within the available remaining village planning budget for this project will be the wide format heritage station along Centennial Highway, celebrating the construction of the road. The structure is now in place and just needs the panels fixed to the frame later in the year. Ara Harakeke shared pathway extension After the success of widening the footpath from the shops to the overbridge, NZTA have asked if PCC could consider widening the section from Haunui Road to SH1 near Ted Coates’ house with 100% funding. PCC’s construction partner Mills & Albert are currently costing the proposal. When the costed proposal has been received, it has to be submitted to NZTA for their internal processes to evaluate and decide if it is a suitable project for funding. PCC will let us know when the costing is submitted. Community food forest It was great to see the renovations now underway again following the COVID 19 lockdown on the former northbound Muri Station building. Please keep all receipts for the materials, as they need to be submitted to Council before 31December for accounting purposes. Pukerua Bay community hub initiatives This project – which focuses on creating opportunities for community connections – has an operational budget allocation of $4,750 to support initial research and a local programme of activities. PCC are looking forward to working on this initiative in a way that aligns with broader village planning objectives.

Unique plant coming to the valley

Zealandia — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 02:51:00 GMT

What plant has no leaves or stems? Pua o te Rēinga/ Dactylanthus taylorii ! Pua o te Rēinga is New Zealand’s only endemic (unique to NZ) plant that is fully parasitic. Unlike most plants that ...

Karori Sanctuary Trust Annual General Meeting Thursday 29 October 2020, 5:00pm

Zealandia — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 21:28:00 GMT

Notice of AGM Annual report (available in October) RSVP To help us with planning and logistics for the AGM, please let us know if you plan to attend using the RSVP ...

FOMI work trip – 4-6 September 2020 – seabird, flax weevil and lizard monitoring, plus planting and weeding

Friends of Mana Island — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 03:26:49 GMT

Under COVID Level 2 our numbers were restricted to 10 volunteers. High winds and unfavourable tides on the Friday brought our trip forward to midday. Only 1 person had to drop out, leaving a party of 9. DOC ranger Nick told us about successful takahe transfers onto and off of Mana in preceding days. He […]

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Nga Uruora - Kapiti Project — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 10:02:21 GMT

Paul Callister September 2020 We are proud of the work Ngā Uruora has carried out on the Paekākāriki-Pukerua Bay escarpment and surrounding areas.

Annual General Meeting - Manawa Karioi

Manawa Karioi Ecological Restoration Project — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 09:21:03 GMT

Our Annual General Meeting will be held at 155 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, on Sunday 27th September at 1.30 pm. All Welcome. AGM Agenda AGM Minutes 2019

Joint efforts see native birds flock to city

Wellington City Council — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Rewind five years and filming a rare kārearea (NZ falcon) gorging on a pigeon in central Wellington would have been out of the question.

The Great Kererū Count takes flight this Friday

Wellington City Council — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Wellington City Council is a proud partner of the Great Kererū Count, which is about to take-off this Friday.

Lower Hutt’s rubbish and recycling services to get big upgrade

Hutt City Council — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 08:07:09 GMT

This evening Hutt City Council met and agreed to upgrade the city’s kerbside rubbish and recycling services – the biggest changes in over 20 years.

Predator Free Wellington to get fast tracked with $7.6 million funding boost

Predator Free Wellington — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Predator Free Wellington has been given a $7.6 million funding boost today from Predator Free 2050 Limited as part of the Government’s Jobs for Nature programme. Speaking at the launch, James Willcocks, Predator Free Wellington Project Director said the new funding will generate 42 full time jobs across Wellington…

August 2020 Residents Association meeting minutes

Pukerua Bay Residents Association — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 22:11:14 GMT

Tuesday, August 11, 2020Pukerua Bay RSA, 5-7 Wairaka Road Present: Paul FitzGerald (Chair), Nikky Winchester (Secretary), Iain McLean, Kate Dreaver, June Penhey, Margaret Blair, Mel Galletly, Bill Jackson, Nathan Waddle (PCC)Community: Pat Hanley, Moira LawlerApologies: Pauline Morum, Jonathan Harker, Jenny Brash (GWRC)Approval of previous minutes: moved Iain McLean, seconded Bill Jackson, none opposed, carried. Porirua City Council update Nathan explained that the District Plan has been approved, and PCC is now taking feedback and submissions on it; it will go into action in early 2021. PCC is about to start running workshops on the Long Term Plan. A workshop is being held tomorrow with NZTA regarding the plans for revocation of SH1 and SH58 post-Transmission Gully. Matters arising Iain, Kate and Nikky met to discuss the Village Planning survey. Kate has since talked to PCC about whether they will pay for design, advertising and printing. The hope is to get the survey circulated soon, and to organise a drop-in session one Saturday at St Mark’s. The intention is to present the results at this year’s AGM. Financial $0.14 interest has been received this month. Correspondence No correspondence has been received. Progress on action items Action: Bill/Jon to discuss options for cloud storage. The Committee confirmed a strong preference to use a free public service, rather than a paid service. Action: Jon to add the information about the 25 memorials around the village to the RA website once Margaret has collected the information.Action:Jon and Pauline will meet as the new Fundraising committee, and present proposals to the Committee.Action:Pauline/Iain/Kate to continue investigating options for organising a silent art auction in November/December.Action:Margaret to remove Brian Sullivan and Pauline Morse as signatories from the PKBRA bank account as they are no longer committee members.Action: Margaret/Nikky to discuss the process for adding Nikky to the list of signatories.Action: Paul to write a proposal about amendments to the RA Constitution.Action: Iain/Paul to ask PCC to send their monthly updates to secretary@ and chair@ and remove all other names from their mailing list.Action: Jon to ask Dave Pepperell about posting information on the website about the Surfers Seat event.Action: Jon to create a page for He Ara Pukerua on the RA website.Action: Margaret to organise the seat plaque for Ernie Amey and Kath Fowler. Projects update Muri Platform building The signed lease papers have not yet been received back from Kiwirail confirming the lease. This should be in hand before the official launch event on 5 September. Action: Iain/Paul to follow up with Kiwirail. Food forest/community garden and He Ara Pukerua The Muri Station platform building and panels will be formally opened by the Mayor on Saturday 5 September at a launch commencing at 10.30am, followed up with tours around the food forest, where entertainment and refreshments will be available. Paul has asked PCC if the trees around the platform can be trimmed in advance of the event. Action: Jon to create a page on the RA website. Penguin survey Pauline Morum forwarded an email from Glenda Robb at the Kapiti Coast Biodiversity Project. A survey will be carried out in late September with a penguin dog, to track the local little blue penguins. Glenda has offered to do a brief talk at the September Committee meeting. Action: Paul to respond to Glenda and invite her to talk at the Committee meeting on 8 September.Action: Jon/Nikky to promote meeting/talk online.Action: Iain to look for name of DOC contact person re the installation of new signage about keeping dogs on a lead at the beach. Waste Free PKB Waste Free PKB’s collections have been extended to include metal beer bottle caps and wine bottle tops, metal jar lids, metal and plastic drink bottle tops, milk bottle caps, bread tags, can tabs, eyeglasses, facial skincare product packaging (plastic and glass containers plus lids, droppers and other complex closures), and writing instruments (including pens, felt tip pens, highlighters, markers, mechanical pencils and correction fluid – but not wooden pencils and chalk). This is in addition to the collections that have been in place since January 2019, which includes oral health products (toothbrushes, clean and empty toothpaste tubes and dental floss containers), AA and AAA batteries, and a number of different brands of coffee capsules. Action: Bill to investigate possibility of recycling computer equipment. AGM The AGM needs to be held in October, probably after the October committee meeting (scheduled for 13 October). It was suggested that Glenda Robb be asked to present the results of the penguin survey. Action: Paul to investigate a suitable date for using the School and Community Hall. Other business NZTA are keen to further extend Ara Harakeke; the next stage is from Pukerua Beach Road along SH1. A surveyor will be considering a possible route so as to avoid the slope and zigzag. Meeting ended: 8.25pmNext meeting: 8 September 2020

Predator Free Wellington to get fast tracked with $7.6 million funding boost

Wellington City Council — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Predator Free Wellington has been given a $7.6 million funding boost today from Predator Free 2050 Limited as part of the Government’s Jobs for Nature programme.

Call for nominations: Member Appointed Guardians

Zealandia — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 22:29:00 GMT

The Guardians provide a long term strategic perspective to the Trust’s activities. Julia Bracegirdle, a member appointed Guardian will retire at the AGM this year, having completed her term of ...

Ngaio Gorge lizards on the move

Wellington City Council — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Lizards living along the banks of Ngaio Gorge are to be carefully collected and relocated to safety before slip remediation works get underway.

Election season climate questions

Low Carbon Kapiti — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 23:28:58 GMT

Election season is upon us and it is more important than ever that climate action is on the agenda.

KCDC draft sustainable transport plan

Low Carbon Kapiti — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Our submission on Kāpiti Coast District Council’s draft sustainable transport plan can be downloaded below.

Environmental DNA

Zealandia — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 02:32:00 GMT

How do we monitor wildlife that we can’t always see, particularly in water? The answer is environmental DNA (eDNA). This process works by collecting water samples that get tested for trace elements ...

Fernbirds / mātātā translocation project 2019

Friends of Mana Island — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 02:39:47 GMT

In 2019 FOMI translocated 40 North Island fernbirds/mātātā to the island’s wetland. There were previously none present on Mana Island. We are very grateful for sponsorship from OMV NZ to support this project. Overall aim To establish a breeding population of North Island fernbirds/mātātā on Mana Island. The island provides a range of habitats suitable […]

Major upgrade proposed for rubbish and recycling

Hutt City Council — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 01:07:43 GMT

Hutt City Council is seeking feedback from the community on a major upgrade proposed for the city’s rubbish and recycling services. Following community feedback and Council decisions, new services would come into place next July.

Congrats to the girls named in the U13 2020 team

Basketball Hutt Valley — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 20:26:40 GMT

Fo’i Lemana Leah Ah-ken Brook Tongia Mya Tipene-tagoai Isabel To’ia Millie Forbes Bella Vaaitoa Te Puea Awatere Murray Charli Powell Alyssa Aoina

Capital Football | Waterside Karori shakeup the W-League

Capital Football — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 14:42:49 GMT

Waterside Karori have shaken up the Ultra Football W-League, handing Wellington United their first loss of the season. ...

Dixon St tunnel report reinforces critical importance of condition assessment data

Wellington Water — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Wellington Water has released the results of an independent review that it commissioned into the blockage of a wastewater tunnel beneath Dixon St in December 2019. The purpose of the review was to consider the causes, response and impacts of the incident, and to identify opportunities for improvement.