Good progress has been made by staff and volunteers on our weed management plan in preparation for the 3,000 plants ready for planting this season. Fern birds, common geckos and glow worms have been seen in the sanctuary for the first time this month.

The Kiwi Recovery Group is still keen for Orokonui Ecosanctuary to provide safe habitat for the Haast tokoeka, (only 500 individuals of this species remain) for breeding pairs and/or a crèche to raise young kiwi to 6 months old. A kiwi expert from the Department of Conservation will check that our soil and invertebrate supply (kiwi tucker) is suitable.

Mouse prints appeared in a number of tracking tunnels on eastern inner perimeter track this month. 140 mouse traps have caught three mice and no new sightings noted. We will continue to monitor these areas intensively. Sporadic hare scat has been seen on several areas of the perimeter and a hunter will eradicate these. No hedgehog signs have been seen recently

We are delighted to welcome local teacher Sue Hensley who has been approved for Royal Society of NZ teaching fellowship at the Ecosanctuary. Her initial focus will be on terrestrial (and aquatic) invertebrates in 3 different vegetation types comparing outside and inside the fence.

Welcome too to our new volunteers who are assisting with pest monitoring and habitat restoration.

We should hear soon about the result of our Resource Consent Hearing for the Visitor and Education Centre. Our case was presented well and some concerns of locals have been addressed since the hearing. The Building Consent application is also being processed by the Dunedin City Council.

We continue to keep our operating costs to a minimum while fundraising for these and for funds to complete our capital works programme. An invitation for bequests to the Ecosanctuary is now being distributed around Dunedin.

In response to the strong interest from people wanting to visit the Ecosanctuary we will soon open for ‘sneak preview’ tours to show people what we’ve achieved to date and the changes to flora and fauna that are already evident. Tours will be advertised in our next newsletter and to Dunedin clubs and groups. See you here!

Regards

Chris