Taiko Chat Autumn 2012

For the first time in over 500 years a Chatham Island

Petrel chick has hatched on Main Chatham. The chick is

from the first pair of petrels to return and breed within

the predator proof area at Sweetwater.

“This is a hugely exciting time for the Trust, and is a

credit to all the hard work put in by so many people

over such a long time” said Taiko Trust Chairperson Liz

Tuanui.

A total of 200 chicks were transferred from South East

Island/ Rangatira each May between 2008—2011. They

were put into foster burrow boxes built by Rodger

Wasley and put together by the Te One School childern.

For the following three weeks the chicks were feed daily

by staff and volunteers until they fledged. The chicks

should then spend 3-5 years out at sea before returning

to breed themselves.

Last May the first pair were found back at Sweetwater. They began to occupy a

burrow and built a beautiful nest lined with tarahinau leaves. Hopes were high that

they would return in December to breed.

The week old chick was found in March, and is a major milestone for the conserva-

tion of this endangered species. The chick grew well with the parents visiting it every

3-5 nights. In mid May it started to come out of its burrow each night and exercise

its wings, and fledged on the morning of June 2. In addition to the chick, a further

four burrows are being actively visited by birds, so next year could see even more

breeding pairs in Sweetwater.

Chatham Island Petrel formally breed in vast

colonies on Main Chatham, with some esti-

mates of millions of pairs breeding here. So

although this single chick is only a small

beginning, it provides great hope heading into

the future.

For more information about exciting

developments at Sweetwater, and to find

out about any other Taiko Trust projects go

to www.taiko.org.nz for updates.

First Chatham Island Petrel chick in Sweetwater

A night vision image of the first petrel chick on the morning it left its burrow, the first fledged Chatham Island petrel chick in over 500 years from Main Chatham.

CHAIPERSONS COL-

UMN

2

TAIKO ACTIVE AT SWEETWATER

3

TAIKO CAMP GETS MAKEOVER

4

TAIKO HISTORY RE-

VEALED

6

TOMTIT UPDATE 7

SKINKS 7

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE

8

Inside this issue:

Autumn 2012 Issue 3

Newsletter of the Chatham Islands Taiko Trust

Taiko Chat

Kia Ora

Welcome to our third issue of “Taiko Chat”, where we can give our community and interested persons an insight to

the Trusts work, goals and news since our last issue in Autumn 2011.

I would like to acknowledge and thank all who have sponsored the Trust and helped with logistics over the last 12

months. During this time we have been fortunate to have the skills of some qualified builders, who along with the

help of other volunteers, have done an immense amount of work upgrading the facilities at Taiko Camp. Without

the dedication and the belief these volunteers bring to the Trust, this work would not have been done. As you will

read Taiko Camp is hugely improved.

Prior to Telemetry taking place the huts at camp were completed with enclosed verandas. Those working on that

project found that they were a great place to dry off wet and damp clothing- a result of their nightly excursions

spotlighting for taiko. These birds love it wet windy –something the Chatham’s has in abundance! - so the work

continues despite the rough weather. Work is ongoing in the main building and I hope to be able to update the

progress in the next “Taiko Chat” issue.

As you can see in this issue there has been some exciting activity happening in Sweetwater. It has taken a lot of

work and a massive amount of volunteer hours by many to get to what we hope is the start of re-establishing sea-

birds into this protected area. It will also give an opportunity for members of the community to see species they

may otherwise not see.

Finally I would like to acknowledge and thank Downers for the upgrade in the Tuku Gully, this has come about by

funding sourced by the Chatham Island Council and a contribution from the Department of Conservation. This

enables the Trust to access Taiko Camp and Sweetwater in a safe and efficient manner; Thank you.

Liz Tuanui; Chairperson

From the South Coast—Chairpersons column

Page 2

New burrow scope assists taiko monitoring

Thanks to a grant from the Mazda Foundation monitoring taiko and other

seabirds in Sweetwater has been made a whole lot easier.

One of the biggest problems faced when trying to monitoring breeding

behavior of seabirds is that they nest at the end of long burrows. In the

case of taiko these can be up to three metres long., and finding out what

is going on at the end of these burrows can be tough. One widely used

method is a burrow scope. A burrow scope is a small infrared camera on

the end of a flexible tube, which transmits an image back to a monitor.

The tube is slowly maneuvered down the burrow, allowing the re-

searcher to see the nest and its contents.

The Mazda Foundation donated funds to enable a new wireless burrow

scope to be purchased for monitoring taiko burrows in Sweetwater. The

camera has had plenty of use this year as taiko activity increases and

checks were made on burrows. The Taiko Trust is very grateful to the

Mazda Foundation for this new piece of equipment which is vital to keep

track of potential breeding as the number of returning taiko increase.

Chairperson Liz Tuanui using the new bur-row scope at Sweetwater to check progress at one of the newly dug burrows. Photo: Kathy Ombler.

Page 3

Taiko activity in Sweetwater increases

For the second season in a row sub adult taiko have been returning

to Sweetwater in the build up to breeding. The Taiko Trust main-

tains a hands off monitoring programme in Sweetwater to avoid any

disturbance of returning birds. We follow progress using infrared

night vision cameras and automatic data recorders at burrows to

monitor activity at burrows. This allows birds the best chance to

return and settle into Sweetwater to hopefully start breeding.

This equipment has shown us that two male taiko returned to oc-

cupy burrows they first visited last season (burrows 13 and 27).

These two birds returned in late September, and continued to visit

their burrow until the end of February. Each night when ashore the

males spend up to 3-4 hours on the surface around their burrow

entrance. They walk around the vicinity of their burrow, call from

the burrow entrance and carried nesting material into the burrow.

All activity aimed at enticing a mate....

In addition, two new freshly dug burrows have been found in

Sweetwater. It appears that the returning taiko are preferring to dig

their own burrows, than use the artificial burrows used during the

transfers. By the end of January these burrows were over 1.5 me-

tres long, and it is highly likely that these will be used again next

season.

Four further burrows also showed brief periods of activity in late

October/ early November. The identity of the birds using these

burrows was not confirmed, and it is impossible to say if these visits

were by one bird, or several. However it does highlight that taiko

activity in Sweetwater is starting to increase.

Excitement built in January when infrared cameras captured images

of the burrow 27 male interacting with a second taiko. As yet we

are unsure if this is another male taiko from one of the new bur-

rows, or if he has been successful in attracting a mate. Fingers

crossed we may have our first pairing.

Although no breeding has started yet, the future is looking bright.

So far 8 of the chicks transferred to Sweetwater have been re-

corded back. Either from within Sweetwater, or captured during

the telemetry programme last October. All of these chicks are

from the first two years of transfers (2007 and 2008), with others

too young to be arriving back yet.

Hopes are high for breeding next season, but given the young age

of the returning birds it may still be 2-3 years before any breeding

occurs within Sweetwater. However the level of taiko activity is

very encouraging and highlights the success of the transfers and

how suitable the site is for taiko. The hill was a former taiko breed-

ing ground, and hopefully in the next couple of years it will again be

a taiko breeding site.

Infra red night images captured of taiko at burrows in Sweetwater during January 2012. Cameras installed at burrows are used to moni-tor activity, this hands off monitoring is aimed at reducing disturbance and giving the birds the chance to settle into burrows, find mates and hopefully start breeding. This season four burrows were regularly being visited, and hopes are high that the first breeding attempt may be this coming spring.

It has been over forty years since the first people camped at

the site which came to be known as Taiko Camp. After previ-

ously camping at a number of other sites, it was during his

1971 expedition that David Crockett and team were directed

to a clearing in the forest by Manual Tuanui. Every expedition

since this time has used this camp site, and Taiko Camp was

born.

Initially everything was under canvas. Volunteers slept in tents

and there was a large fly camp used as a kitchen area. Much of

each expedition was taken up with simply living. “Around 80%

of our time was spent setting up and running camp, and only

20% on trying to catch taiko” says David Crockett of his ear-

lier trips. Erecting fly camps, tents, carting water and keeping

things clean took up so much of the expeditions time.

Over the next ten years a more permanent structure took

shape. By the early 1980’s the kitchen fly camp had been re-

placed with a corrugated iron roof lined with punga walls. The

roof enabled water to be collected into an old Para swimming

pool used as a water tank. Four tin garden sheds were built

and used as sleeping huts to replace tents. Most of the materi-

als used to build up camp was begged, borrowed or gifted to

David Crockett and team, as most of the funding was directed

towards searching for taiko and their breeding burrows.

For the next 30 years operations at Taiko Camp were run

from this set up, and the base proved its worth. With more

time devoted to the birds the first taiko was captured in 1978,

and the first breeding burrow in 1987.

However over time the use of second hand building materials

and the harsh Chatham’s climate took there toll. Roofs started

leaking, water storage again became an issue, and the sleeping

huts needed tarpaulins to keep occupants dry. It become obvi-

ous that for Taiko Camp to remain as a good base for future

projects it needed some serious TLC.

As such the Taiko Trust decided to undertake a major up-

grade of faculties at Taiko Camp. This project began in 2009

when the roof of the main building was replaced and ex-

tended. David secured funding from the Northland Forest and

Bird Society which meant that both the timber framework and

roofing was replaced providing a single solid roof over the

kitchen and workshop area. In addition this provide a large

water catchment were recently a new 25,000L tank has been

hooked up.

The next phase was replacing the old sleeping huts which took

place during 2011. These have been replaced with larger tim-

ber built huts with covered in verandas. Each hut is lined, insu-

lated and has 12V LED lighting providing simple but comfort-

able sleeping accommodation for staff and volunteers.

Taiko Camp upgrade progresses

Page 4

The original fly camp kitchen in 1980, on the site of the

main building today.

Photo: Reg Cotter.

The upgrade of Taiko Camp has been supported by

The “dining room” of the original fly camp in 1980,

Photo: Reg Cotter.

Taiko Camp in 1982, when an iron roof relaced the fly

camp, and swimming pool was used to collect drinking

water.

Photo: Reg Cotter.

Those or us who spent time in the old leaky tin sheds cer-

tainly understand how great the new accommodation is!

This year the effort has been back in the main building. Dur-

ing March and April volunteers travelled in to work on the

southern end of the building. The old original internal sheds

and rooms were cleared out from under the new roof, and a

new workshop and storage area built in its place.

The final stage due for completion by January next year is a

shower/ laundry and pantry.

The upgrade of Taiko Camp now means that we have a safe,

warm and comfortable base to use for all future projects.

Staff and volunteers are able to focus on the conservation

work they have come down for. The benefits of all this work

paid off in October last year when during the taiko telemetry

programme more taiko were caught than any previous trip.

Staff working there put this down to the fact that after a long

cold night out catching birds, they were able to get a good

comfortable sleep to recharge before the next nights work.

Once all the building work is completed the Taiko Trust

want to give school and community groups the chance to

come out and stay at camp. This will provide more opportu-

nity for people to take part in the projects and learn first

hand about the work of the Trust. Camp will be able to be

used as a education facility enabling people to learn about

birds, habitats and conservation methods.

The upgrading of Taiko Camp over the past three years

could not have been possible without the help and support of

a wide range of people and organisations. For all of this help

the Taiko Trust is extremely grateful—literally we couldn’t

have done it without you.

The Taiko Trust is very grateful for the ongoing support of

Downers, 44 South Shipping and Air Chatham’s for their

contribution towards the upgrading Taiko Camp and the

work of the Taiko Trust. Special thanks to the Greenwood

Environmental Trust and the Canterbury Community Trust

who provided a grant towards the construction of the new

sleeping huts. The Chatham Island’s Enterprise Trust and

Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri donated some of the materials

used. Many individuals gave donations towards this work, and

we are extremely grateful for their generous contribution.

The Taiko Trust is especially thankful to all the volunteers

who have helped with this work over the past three years, it

has been a long project, but Taiko Camp is now in better

shape than ever and will provide a great base for the next 50

years of conservation efforts—Thank you.

Page 5

Each new hut comfortable sleeps up to three people, and with covered in porches there is plenty of space for wet weather gear.

Volunteers Rodney Woodcock and Brian Pearson (being watched by Jess and Tui Bell) building the floor of the new workshop end of the main building at Taiko

Camp.

The upgrade of Taiko Camp has been supported by

44 South Shipping Co. Limited

Taiko Camp today, the main living/ workshop building sur-

rounded by sleeping huts nestled into the bush.

Ron Seymour first got involved with taiko in 1970 when David Crockett un-

dertook his first expedition to the Island. It started what has become a life-

long friendship and interest in this unique bird.

David had previously corresponded with Harry Blyth and had learnt that

taiko colonies had occurred in the Tuku area until as late as 1950. With his

long connection to the southern part on the island Ron provided David with

valuable information. He helped David narrow down his search effort and

ensured he knew the best way to access these bush areas. On everyone of

his following expeditions Ron played an important role; he provided advice,

accommodation, transport and even the odd mutton or wild pork roast! All

of this was vital in helping to re-discover taiko, and then in the search for the

burrow grounds.

When the Taiko Trust was formalised in 1998, Ron was an obvious person

to become a Trustee, a role he has continued until November last year. The

Trust is extremely grateful for the huge amount of time and effort that Ron

has put into taiko conservation and the Taiko Trust over the past 40 years.

Thanks Ron.

Trustee and Treasurer retire after decades of service

Page 6

Ron and Ollie Seymour at the release of tomtits in the Awatotara. One of dozens of Trust projects Ron has supported as his time as Trustee.

The first taiko in the hand, Russell’s photo showing the birds distinctive dark under wing went around the world when news of the rediscovery broke. Photo: Russell Thomas

The Taiko Trust is grateful for the ongoing support of

Ron Seymour retires from the Taiko Trust

Russell Thomas retires as Treasurer

In birding and conservation circles, Russell Thomas’s photos of taiko are

world famous. Russell has worked behind the scenes for taiko conservation

and the Taiko Trust for over 50 years.

He has accompanied David on numerous expeditions and was present during

the famous 1977/78 expedition when the first two birds were captured on

the 1st January. Russell’s photo’s of these birds circulated the globe following

that historical day, and are now an integral part of the taiko story.

However in addition to helping in the field, throughout all of this time Russell

also managed “the books” for David’s expeditions and help fundraise for fu-

ture trips. When the Taiko Trust was formed in 1998 he became Treasurer,

a role he has continued to fill, until stepping down this May. During this time

Russell helped secure funding to build the predator proof fence at Sweet-

water, to transfer taiko and Chatham Island petrel chicks and upgrade Taiko

Camp. The Taiko Trust is in indebted to Russell for his outstanding contri-

bution over some many years, he has been behind every Trust project and

we are very grateful for his efforts.

Thank you Russell.

As reported in the last issue of “Taiko Chat” 35 tomtit were transferred into

the Awatoara in February 2011. Initially following their release the birds did

well, with 15 birds regularly being sighted in the valley. These birds appeared to

be developing territories and could regularly be found in the same area.

This remained the case for over two months, with the birds starting to develop

territories and things looked very promising. However since May 2011 volun-

teers monitoring the birds have been unable to locate any of them. Further

searches in Spring and Summer using tapes of tomtit calls to attract birds have

also failed to locate any birds and it seems the introduction has failed.

After such a promising start it was very disappointing to have the birds disap-

pear. It is not known why the birds survived for three months and then sud-

denly disappeared, but it appears tomtit are difficult birds to move. Tomtit

transfers in New Zealand have also had limited success, with only one of four

translocations being successful.

Although the translocation failed to re-establish tomtits on Main Chatham we

did learn many important things. This project has highlighted that tomtit can be

caught, transported for 3-5 hours, held in holding aviaries over extended peri-

ods of time and that transferring birds did not have any long term effects on

numbers at the source locations on Pitt and South East Island/ Rangitira. This is

all valuable information which will be important information for when condi-

tions allow for another attempt to get this charismatic species back on Main

Chatham.

Page 7

After a promising start, Chatham Is-land tomtits failed to establish in the Awatotara following the transfer.

Tomtit transfer fails

Skinks returning to Main Chatham

On the Chatham Islands there is only one species of reptile—the Chatham Is-

land skink. These are found in huge numbers on the predator free off shore

islands and are still in reasonable numbers on Pitt Island. The Chatham Island

skink comes in a range of colours from pale brown to black, grow up to 10cm

long and feed on fruit and insects.

Although there has never been any confirmed records of skink from Main

Chatham it is likely that prior to the introduction of rats skink were present

here. With Sweetwater being pest free the Taiko Trust has been successful in

getting a permit to translocate skink from South East Island/ Rangitira into

Sweetwater. This would be the first time skink have been moved into a new

habitat in the Chatham’s, and would see another species returned to the Main

Island.

Late summer is the best time to transfer skink, and the Taiko Trust is aiming to

team up with local school children to get them involved in this exciting pro-

ject. Prior to release skink refuges need to be built and installed within Sweet-

water to assist monitoring; this along with helping to catch and release skinks

would be a great project to involve the school children.

Returning skinks to Main Chatham would see a missing species returned to the

main island and provide a great opportunity for community involvement, for

your chance to take part get in touch with us at www.taiko.org.nz

Chatham Island skink is the only rep-tile present in the Chatham’s, although abundant on the predator free off-shore islands it is absent from Main Chatham. Plans are underway to see this species translocated back onto the Main Chatham.

With over a decade of major conservation achievements under its belt, the Taiko

Trust is continuing to advance community driven conservation out here in the Chat-

ham’s. In the next few months we have some exciting projects planned to expand

on these achievements.

Skink translocation Chatham Island skink disappeared from Main Chatham’s when rats arrived with the

first colonists on the island. A new project to see them back on the Main Island is

underway, to get involved with this project visit www.taiko.org.nz

Taiko monitoring Next season is a exciting one for the Taiko Trust, the number of taiko returning to

Sweetwater is very encouraging and there is a real chance that the first breeding

attempt may be this season. Monitoring activity and following progress at burrows

will be a major Trust project over the next year. To keep up to date with progress

visit www.taiko.org.nz

Returning Parea to Pitt Island Working with the Pitt Island community the Taiko Trust is aiming to re-establish

Chatham Island pigeon/ parea back to Pitt Island. Parea disappeared off Pitt Island

over 100 years ago and the community there is keen to see them returned. We are

actively researching transfer methodology and exploring funding options to look at

moving pigeon back in 2012/2013 subject to funding. For your chance to help this

ground breaking project visit www.taiko.org.nz

Remember we are on Facebook The Taiko Trust is now on Facebook, with over 600 friends this is a great way to

keep in touch with the most up to date news and developments. Look us up, be-

come a friend and keep up to date with the goings on of the Taiko Trust.

Taiko Trust tee shirts You can support the work of the Taiko Trust by

buying a Taiko Trust tee shirt or tea towel fea-

turing our beautiful endemic birds and plants. All

proceeds go to supporting our grass roots

conservation projects.

Tee shirt (uni-sex) $35

Polo Shirt (men's and women's) $55

Tea towel $15

On the Chatham’s these are available at

Eva Cherie Gallery, Waitangi Cafe, Jades

and Chatham Cottage Crafts.

Thanks to these outlets and Judeen Whaitiri for

her ongoing efforts in organising this important

fundraising project.

Looking ahead ... some future projects

Taiko Trust

PO Box 2

Chatham Islands 8942

www.taiko.org.nz

[email protected]

The Taiko Trust’s aim is to help provide local Chatham Islanders with the skills and resources needed to protect the unique natural heritage of the these amazing Islands, conserving and restoring natural habitats and species for future generations to enjoy. For further information visit www.taiko.org.nz

C H A T H A M I S L A N D S T A I K O T R U S T

Transferring skinks back onto Main Chatham will be happen-ing this summer.

Parea disappeared from Pitt Island over 100 years ago, plans are underfoot to see them returned to the Island in 2012.

The Taiko Trust tee shirt design fea-turing unique Chatham Island flora and fauna such as taiko, black robin, and forget-me-not.