Kia ora,
Spring is on the way! Our birds are making their summer plans, looking for a mate and the perfect nest location – find out about our new kākāriki nest pipes further down this email.
 There’s a lot coming up in early September including a very interesting seminar from Colin Miskelly and a nature photography workshop with Simon Woolf. Plus don’t forget to bring dad on Father’s Day and he’ll get in free!
This month we’re still running our Toddler Tuesday Storytimes at Rata cafe and our $10 Exhibition deal.
If you enjoy a good scientific seminar do check out the Glean list. Gareth Morgan talks about Our Far South, 7 August.
Earlier this month the new interim Trust had its first board meeting. Here is an update from the Chair, Kevin Brady.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Nāku noa,
Lauren and the Zealandia team
P.S Those of you interested in our AGM please note the date has changed to Sunday 18 November. We apologise for any inconvenience.
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 Nature notes
There’s been a fair bit of talk about cats over the last month. While we exclude mammalian pests from the sanctuary we recently welcomed two dogs through our gates - to have a sniff around for little spotted kiwi! Check out the photos and story of these kiwi dogs and PhD research by Victoria University’s Helen Taylor.
Hihi made the IUCN Red List’s “ Amazing Species” page – a great resource to spark your interest in rare and unusual species all over the world.
We welcome Erin Jeneway back this month to monitor korimako (bellbird) for a second season. Many thanks for grants from the Lottery Environment and Heritage Committee.
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 Dads go FREE
Father’s Day, Sunday 2 September
Bring your dad for a bird-watching day in the bush and a bite to eat at scenic Rata café and he'll get in FREE.
How about a trip to the far end of the fence with a plant guide in hand, or perhaps a leisurely walk to the Upper Dam? We’ve got some great gifts at the Store too! |
 Seminar: 150 years of bird translocations in New Zealand
Tuesday 4 September. 7.30pm - 8.30pm
Victoria University's Karori Campus, THKLT4.
Te Papa's curator of terrestrial vertebrates Dr Colin Miskelly (a Zealandia Guardian and former Trustee) has recently reviewed the history of conservation bird translocations in New Zealand. Among the gems he will divulge are the first successful translocation of a New Zealand bird, and the four species that exist only as translocated populations (one of which is found in the valley). More…
Members: free. Guests: gold coin donation.
Light refreshments after.
Please confirm attendance: info@visitzealandia.com putting "Miskelly Seminar" in the subject line plus the number of people attending - to help us gauge numbers.
Photo: Kate McAlpine
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 Nature photography workshop
Sunday 9 September, 9am- 3pm
Join professional Wellington photographer Simon Woolf for a day of nature photography in the beautiful sanctuary valley at Zealandia! Lunch included. Ideal for beginner/ intermediate/ serious photographers wanting to meet like-minded people and pick up new tips on outdoor photography. More on our website…
Members: $75
Non-members: $95
Booking essential:
Call (04) 920 9200 (option 3), or book in person at our admissions desk, or email visitors@visitzealandia.com
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 Kākāriki nest pipes
Our birds are getting their game on for the upcoming breeding season and Conservation officer Richard Gray is ready for it! After juvenile kākā were seen to interfere with and damage wooden kākāriki nest boxes Richard designed a new style of ‘pipe’ nest box -250mm diameter, in case you were wondering.
The pipes were trialled last season and two pairs used them. There are now 80 of these nest pipes out in the sanctuary valley, partially lined with untreated pine. While some kākāriki prefer the crevices of old tree fuchsia the new nest pipes offer more opportunities for nesting birds, and certainly make it easier for staff to monitor them and band the chicks.
A new supplementary feeder for the kākāriki has been established on the upper Jim & Eve Lynch track where we are trialling different types of supplementary food. A video camera is in place to monitor which foods are eaten by the kākāriki. If we can find an additional supplement that is attractive to kākāriki we will provide it through the breeding season to see if we can improve chick survival during spring.
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