Liz November 2nd, 2017
Above is a summary from a Council presentation outlining the pest management approach. Two volunteers resigned and were replaced so we still have a total of four. A training session (July 2016) was held at RCT in order to fill the gap in the volunteer numbers.
Results from the last two trapping sessions (August to mid December 2016 and March to June 2017) are shown below. The numbers may be a slight underestimate as there’s no guarantee that volunteers always record all their catches.
| Rats |
Hedgehogs |
Mice |
| 16 |
0 |
4 |
The latest animal pest monitoring results showed a drop in tracking indices. Notwithstanding that it’s difficult to obtain accurate monitoring data in small urban reserves such as RCT, it’s still encouraging to see such results.
Sarah Peters | Community Park Ranger (Wha)
Parks Services Community Services
Auckland Council
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Liz October 18th, 2017
Saturday 14 October was a sunny day and we had a good turnout for the Weona Walkway.
The location is on the harbour in Waiateao Motions Creek estuary looking directly across to Te Tokaroa Meola Reef – another ecological gem which Auckland Council and Waitemata Local Board should restore. Many birds live at this beautiful place. See Map of Weona-Westmere coastal walkway.
Vounteers Yoshi and Helen turned up to help Jeanette and Sandra, and STEPS Members Mac, Pat, Dennis, Liz and Sel all had an enjoyable morning. 
We tackled an area full of privet with some honeysuckle, ginger, montbretia and other problem plants. We also gathered some woolly nightshade fruit further north along the track. Jeanette meanwhile picked up 8-9 bags of rubbish further south towards the scout den on Meola road.
Thanks to all volunteers and to Sarah and Council for their support. Special thanks to Jeanette, Mac, Sel and Sarah for helping organise our day.
We trust that the vision shown by the Waitemata Local Board in restoring this harbour fringe will be reflected in the upcoming ecological restoration of Te Tokaroa where there is further potential for birds and ecological habitat which future generations of Aucklanders will appreciate. Nearby Waiorea Western Springs with 9.6 million cubic meters per year of available spring water is the largest aquifer under Auckland Council’s protection; it too is under consideration by Waitemata Local Board and Auckland Council for enhancement soon.
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Liz June 15th, 2017
A new kohekohe was planted at Roy Clements Treeway today, on the lawn near Alberton Avenue. The tree was provided by Watercare Services to replace a tree removed from the Treeway to allow geotechnical drilling for the Central Interceptor.
Kohekohe is a distinctive species which grows in the warmer parts of NZ. Tiritiri Matangi usually has many kohekohe trees in flower in April/ May. We are hoping it will grow to provide food for birds such as kereru.
Thanks to Bojan, Stephen, David and the Watercare team for the consultation and care taken. We trust it will grow well and provide enjoyment for many people.
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