KĀPITI UPDATE

17 February 2016

Bringing back the birdsMost of us live in Kāpiti because we love it here. The environment suits us. It’s no different for the birds, animals and plants that make Kāpiti their home. The more we can do to create habitats that suit them, the more native species will flourish. The Council, with the support of dedicated community groups, is working hard to restore the natural environment to encourage the return of native birds, lizards, fish and insects.As well as dune restoration and extensive planting, particularly around waterways and rivers, efforts are being stepped up to control animal pests that prey on native species. In this feature we look at how some of these efforts are benefiting our district and bringing the bush alive.

Pharazyn Reserve – a bird-watcher’s paradiseIf you want to get up close and personal with some of the district’s rarest and most fascinating birds, you can do so at Pharazyn Reserve, on the coastal link road between Waikanae Beach and Peka Peka. Council has built a spacious hide at the edge of the southern pond from which you can see a variety of species revelling in a transformed environment. These include a colony of rare pied shags, grey teal, shovelers and royal spoonbills. It is also home to enchanting little birds called dabchicks whose population numbers only around 2000 nationwide.The former wetland section of the reserve is being progressively rehabilitated. The two ponds, now teeming with birdlife, were once old sewage ponds. They’ve been cleaned up, and the margins extensively planted, mainly by local school children. On wide grassy areas a playground and flying fox have been installed. Walkways have been developed and, on the seaward side, a lookout point from where you can view the whole area and out to Kāpiti Island. Wetlands nestled in the sand dunes are also home to more native birds.Rehabilitation of Pharazyn Reserve is a joint project between the Council and Waikanae Community Board and has been underway for nine years. Waikanae Ward Councillor Michael Scott says a

comprehensive development plan for the reserve was commissioned and is progressing well. “This is a long-term project that will occupy the Board and Council for years to come but I believe the result for our community will be well worth it.” Jocelyn Prvanov, chair of the focus group guiding the development, says the district should be proud of what has been created.“We are so fortunate that we have begun to create an environment that such a range of rare birds are already calling home. This transformed area, along with the other areas of the reserve, is a truly amazing asset for our district.”The focus group is keen to form a ‘Friends of the Pharazyn Reserve’ group to operate along the same lines as other ‘Friends’ conservation groups. If you are interested in being involved, please call Jocelyn Prvanov at 04 293 2677 or 021 111 0825.

Photo: Roger Smith

A shady hide for year-round bird watching.

Photo: Roger Smith

Photo: Roger Smith

KĀPITI UPDATE

17 February 2016

The power of people

Kaitawa Reserve

John McLachlan with one of the 60 rat bait stations in Kaitawa Reserve, Paraparaumu.

Getting rid of pests is key

Celebrating Kāpiti parks

Controlling introduced species such as rats, stoats, weasels and possums is key to protecting local biodiversity, says Rob Cross, Council’s Programme Manager Biodiversity.

Kaitawa Reserve is just a short distance from SH1 and Paraparaumu town centre yet it could be worlds away. This previously neglected, weed-infested site, once ear-marked for housing, is now alive with bird song. Tuis are very much in residence, as are wood pigeons, kingfishers and kākā. Bellbirds have also made a comeback.

Council has planned a number of events to celebrate Parks Week, which runs from Saturday 5 March to Sunday 13 March.

Bellbirds are becoming common in parts of the district following increased pest animal control and habitat restoration.

“Council has ramped up control district-wide by supporting landowners and community groups, and by partnering with Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Key Native Ecosystem and Possum Control programmes.

“Landowners with ecological sites receive free advice and can apply for grants from the Heritage Fund. Community groups are funded and assisted directly by Council or linked to help from Greater Wellington or the Department of Conservation.”

Rob says fostering community efforts is paying off and private landowners and community groups are using the information and funding to develop control programmes for biodiversity hot-spots.

Whether it’s walking your dog, exploring a playground, getting your daily fitness kick, playing sport or simply taking some time out, our parks can provide plenty of benefits to you and your family.Did you know Council maintains more than 500 hectares of parks and sports grounds, cares for a growing network of more than 80 kilometres of cycleways, walkways and bridleways and has a team of 30-plus people looking after our local parks and reserves? Parks play an integral role in the wellbeing of our community and Parks Week is the perfect way to celebrate this.Mayor Ross Church will be hosting a guided walk around Haruatai Park in Ōtaki at 6.30pm on Monday 7th to kick Parks Week off. A series of other exciting events will be taking place throughout the rest of the week. To find out more visit kapiticoast.govt.nz/parksweek

A bellbird nest was recently discovered in a garden near the beach in Te Hapua Road, something that would have been unheard of a decade ago.Council Programme Manager Biodiversity Rob Cross says it is no coincidence that the previous owners of the property had been restoring their wetland with Council support for ten years or more.“The return of this important and attractive songbird is a sign that collective efforts to arrest biodiversity decline, including controlling animal pests, are paying off. Ten years ago bellbirds were rarely seen outside the foothills of the Tararua Ranges.”As well as their beautiful peeling song, bellbirds also play a key role in native ecosystems by pollinating flowers and distributing seeds.

The return of rare birds to this urban oasis is attributable to a 20-year restoration programme by Kapiti-Mana Forest & Bird and community volunteers. More than 43,000 native trees, shrubs, flaxes and grasses have been planted and wetlands restored.The Council is funding and assisting with increased efforts to control pests in the reserve, something long-term volunteer John McLachlan says is having a positive impact.“We have 60 rat bait stations in the reserve and 15 targeting

possums. We’ve noticed a big uptake of baits and believe the bird population is benefiting hugely by the elimination of these predators.”John has been a member of Forest & Bird for more than 30 years and a founder member of Friends of the Kaitawa

Reserve. He has given hours of his time to transform the site.“We set out to create an environment close to town where families without transport could go and enjoy abundant bird life. It has been so rewarding to have achieved that.”

The long-term Councillor is an avid environmentalist and founder and active member of two stream protection groups. She is also chair of Keep Paraparaumu-Raumati Beautiful and a strong believer in the power of ordinary people to make a difference in their communities.“Our environment is the only one we have and if we don’t care for it we leave the planet a worse place for future generations to inherit.The Council does much to reduce its own waste and carbon emissions and supports community efforts to live more sustainably but we can’t do it all. We are lucky to have more than 20 groups

in Kāpiti that have become the unpaid caretakers of various natural beauty spots and the community owes them a great deal. These friends of the rivers and reserves meet regularly to plant, weed and mulch and to lay baits for rats and possums. The restoration of these natural environments and habitats in turn attracts native birds and other flora and fauna, providing tranquil, beautiful places for us all to enjoy.”There is much you can do in your own community to contribute to environmental conservation and restoration. To find out more and a list of the groups you could join check out kapiticoast.govt.nz/local-restoration-groups

Councillor Diane Ammundsen is just as at home in a pair of gummies as heels and is no stranger to a shovel.

Bellbirds come calling