North Shore Environmental Programmes

Fiona Martin, environmental coordinator for Pupuke Birdsong project.

Restoring the birdsong Restoring the birdsong Environmental initiatives thrive

Restoring Takarunga Hauraki and the Pupuke Birdsong Project are leading the way in ecological care and restoration of the Devonport-Takapuna areas of the North Shore. Supported by the Devonport Takapuna Local Board, Auckland Council and other funders, as well as by numerous volunteers, the two organisations work to eliminate plant and animal pests in the area, and to restore the ecology of the area.

Restoring Takarunga Hauraki (RTH) was formed in 2018, building on efforts by the Devonport Environmental Network and a Forest and Bird initiative to protect the shorebirds of Ngātaringa Bay, says its programme coordinator Lance Cablk. “Our programme aims to be strongly bicultural – our network of volunteers and professional includes mana whenua and three local marae, other iwi and whanau, and we all aim to learn from tikanga and mātauranga Māori [Māori procedure/ custom and knowledge]. We have pest plant and pest animal control and eradication strategies and teams of volunteers working in reserves. We also promote backyard biodiversity by promoting backyard rat trapping, weed removal, and planting trees, and we promote and support eco-literacy and outdoor learning at our nine local schools and two public kindergartens.”

Channel Magazine met with Lance and Gordon Brodie, chair of the RTH steering group, at one of the organisation’s most recent initiatives. They were hard at work on the Takararo Native Plant nursery, which will augment the already thriving native plant nursery at the Devonport Community gardens in Mt Cambria. Three weeks ago this was overgrown with noxious weeds and trees, unrecognisable as either the heritage coal bunker it is, or the plant nursery it is to become. It is now ready to welcome volunteers to plant (and tend) locally collected seeds for eventual planting in local reserves.

By adding such projects, Restoring Takarunga Hauraki has grown substantially. Its 2021 work plan portrays a maze of activities and interlocking relationships with other local organisations. The four work streams encompass overlapping teams that work towards pest-free Devonport and Bayswater peninsulas, an ecology bike trail and a Fort Takapuna memorial forest, a weed hit squad, a zero stoat team, a possum defence team, biodiversity monitoring teams, water quality teams, a green neighbourhood collaboration, and a climate action group, among many others. In all these activities, Restoring Takarunga Hauraki (RTH) is umbrellaed and supported administratively by Devonport Peninsula Trust and works alongside the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, the Kaipatiki Project, Devonport Recycling Centre and Zero Waste Belmont, various parts of Auckland Council’s biodiversity, environmental education, pest-free and parks teams, local schools, and Depot Artspace as well as other regional partners. It’s little wonder that Lance has recently used a coach to help “integrate and streamline my programme coordination and management roles” and is starting to use on online planning and task-management process.

The Pupuke Birdsong Project (originally named the North Shore Birdsong Project but renamed to better reflect the area it covers) is a more recent initiative. Run on a part-time basis by environmental coordinator Fiona Martin, it developed out of a July 2019 pest eradication and environmental restoration plan for Takapuna North, which was completed by representatives from local volunteer groups alongside Takapuna North Community Trust and Auckland Council representatives. The project’s main aim is to coordinate a local pest-free and restoration plan in line with the goals of Pest Free Auckland 2050. Like Restoring Takarunga Hauraki, it is supported by the DevonportTakapuna Local Board, as well as by Auckland Council. At present, its main activities are encouraging households to use pest eradication techniques such as traps on their property, providing advice on the eradication of invasive plants and facilitating a quarterly Takapuna North Environmental Network Meeting, an informal gathering with

attendees discussing and sharing issues and ideas with people, and I get a lot of joy out of people’s eyes around environmental protection and pest free lighting up…. We work, hang out, sing songs, learn programmes. Pupuke Birdsong has traps about te reo; it’s the whole journey, connecting available to householders free of charge with people and community building. You see to assist with the efforts of individuals and the results, and the support of Gordon [Brodie, communities to eradicate rats. Fiona notes chair of the RTH steering group – see sidebar] that to have any significant effect, at least and others keeps you coming back.” one in five householders need to be actively Fiona likewise is inspired by “the army of trapping, with that number increased to one passionate volunteers that seems to grow at an in three houses around bush reserves. increasingly rapid rate which is becoming really

In the immediate future, Fiona says it hard to keep up with! I'm really excited about is likely that Pupuke Birdsong will focus on Restoring Takarunga Hauraki reports of the bellbird, kaka and other natives “growing our trapping and pest plant initiatives in the form of halos around reserves first, then steering group chair Gordon Brodie and project coordinator Lance Cablk. coming back to our area and I'm keen for this area to be safe for them and that there is a chance that rippling out into the community. We need to find new our children can still grow up in a world where our rarer and adventurous ways to get more native trees planted in species still exist”. the community, and find ways to educate residents about restoration She notes that Pupuke Birdsong has in just two years grown to 15 opportunities in their backyards. restoration teams across the area, and is starting a ‘Love Lake Pupuke’

“Our first pilot attempt at contacting neighbours around the working group and collaborating with RTH on a shorebird working Patuone reserve has been really encouraging so we would like to group project. do more letterbox drops and possibly door knocking too, which Both programmes welcome (and need) volunteers, but equally has been really successful in other areas. I'm also looking forward to important are actions individuals and households can take in their own incorporating more water-related education initiatives to allow us to backyards. Pupuke Birdsong suggests that in addition or joining or approach environmental restoration more holistically. I'm hopeful about starting a local group, you can become an environmental champion in the project receiving more resources for teammates to facilitate and your street, involve your business or local school, or simply access traps, support our growing army of amazing volunteers.” weeding or monitoring tools or herbicides for your own garden. Lance Cablk reiterates that people can start in their own backyards.

The project’s main aim is to Pets, especially cats, are a threat to native birds. He urges “responsible cat ownership”, including keeping cats indoors at night. “Plant natives,” coordinate a local pest-free and he adds. “It’s important for our native birds. Come to events and restoration plan in line with the workshops and learn more. And support young climate activists.” What has been achieved so far is impressive: rat numbers are goals of Pest Free Auckland 2050. down, and groups are making noticeable differences to reserve areas across Devonport, Hauraki and Takapuna. But as Gordon Brodie says, environmental work must be sustained – rats swim and there will be

It is from such seemingly small beginnings, and the leadership of incursions of pests into areas thought to be pest-free unless we all environmental enthusiasts like Lance and Fiona, that substantial gains continue to play our part. can be made. Just as important is the work of volunteers. “Restoring Takarunga Hauraki’s network of volunteer leaders and key partners Restoring Takarunga Hauraki are building momentum with our programme and current projects,” Facebook: Restoring Takarunga Hauraki reports Lance. “We have hundreds of volunteers of all ages and levels of https://www.facebook.com/restoringtakarungahauraki/ commitment to working in the field. They have contributed thousands Website www.devonportpeninsulatrust.nz/ecological-restoration of volunteer hours and we have numerous well-established teams, Email: pestfreedevonport@gmail.com growing momentum, enthusiasm and community support.”

Both Lance and Fiona are passionate about the programmes Pupuke Birdsong they lead. Website: www.pupukebirdsong.org.nz

“It’s a hearts and minds project,” says Lance. “I love interacting Email: enviro@takapunatrust.org.nz

The project leaders

Fiona Martin has a post grad qualification in Natural Resource Management and a Bachelor of Business Studies (Agribusiness) and has worked in environmental management and resource consent roles in New South Wales, at Horizons, Greater Wellington and Auckland Regional Councils. Appointed as the project began in 2019, Fiona was inspired to join Pupuke Birdsong by an innate love of native wildlife and visits to the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary in Wellington and later the Brook-Waimamara Sanctuary, the South Island's largest predatorfree reserve, “where you could really see the results that the predator eradication was having”. That trip “really triggered a passion in me and inspired me to look for a community-based role in environmental protection myself…. It worries me when birds and wildlife come second to human progress and development so I am always looking for ways to help wildlife co-exist together safely. Forty-one of NZ endemic forest birds are extinct already, I want to be part of stopping that trend. Lance Cablk grew up in the middle of a national forest in northern Michigan, and has lived in Devonport for 15 years. As a student he studied biology and then completed a post-graduate programme in Landscape Ecology and Conservation. He worked for Greenpeace and campaigned as a volunteer with the Rainforest Action Network, and followed this up with field studies in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California and rainforests of Costa Rica. Working with a steering group, Lance has built the RTH programme and the coordinator role and funding, and recently added tikanga Māori coordinator and pest animal field coordinator roles. He anticipates that the coordinator role will be full time “sometime this year, with increased support from the Local Board”.

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This beautiful book is a memoir of life through the seasons on a high country sheep station in Otago, complete with a collection of delicious recipes. Life on Otematata Station in Otago is busy and varied. Philippa and Joe (who is the fifth generation to work the farm) care for this 40,000 hectare property along with 30,000 merino sheep and 500 cattle. Told through the eyes of Philippa in her role as station cook, this book tells of mustering in autumn, lambing in spring, the freezing days of winter and the scorching heat of summer. Along with looking after two young daughters, her garden and various animals, Philippa cooks for the teams of workers. In this stunning book she shares a selection of delicious, hearty recipes that are popular with the many musterers who work on the station. A fabulous gift idea for Mother’s Day, available now from Malcolm’s Take Note Mairangi Bay.

A Sky Full of Stars

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This is a beautifully written love story about four strangers whose lives are changed by the death of an astronomer and star-gazer named Lisa. Lisa and Alex and their young son Connor live in their own happy universe, until one day when Lisa dies suddenly. Alex is shattered by the loss and struggles with the difficulties of being a single parent. However when he meets four people whose lives have been changed by Lisa’s death he begins to realise there is still meaning in the world and he can see a future for himself and Connor. Dani Atkins has written a heartfelt and meaningful story with convincing and engaging characters. Available now from Malcolm’s Take Note Mairangi Bay.

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Prestigious award for Forrest Funeral Services

We love celebrating success by businesses in our community. One local North Shore business that has received a prestigious award recently is Forrest Funeral Services in Browns Bay. They have been part of the local community since 1978 – 43 years.

Forrest Funeral Services is part of the InvoCare Group and was one of three Australasianwide business units nominated for the Accountability Award Forrest Funeral Services Manager and Funeral Director Graeme Rodgers in their Glen Road (Browns Bay) premises. in the prestigious ‘One InvoCare Care Awards’ for 2020. Other finalists were from Victoria Forrest Funeral Services in Browns Bay has a chapel that can seat and Queensland in Australia. up to 100 people and also a reception facility. The facilities have been

When Channel Magazine visited Forrest Funeral Services Manager completely refurbished with restful colours to provide a comfortable and Funeral Director Graeme Rodgers at their central Browns Bay feel, with free-flowing space for catering after the funeral. location in April he was proudly displaying the trophy they picked up Forrest Funeral Services has a reputation for when the team attended the awards evening held at the QT Museum caring, and for professional staff and service – Hotel in Wellington. whether it be their funeral directors or support

Members of Forrest Funeral Services Team do important work with staff. They are passionate about giving both the police and the coroner. The award recognised the work of families absolute assurance and team members Bruce and Wayne. peace of mind at what can be a very

“It was the response to one of the call outs from the police and stressful time. As members of the the subsequent handling of a difficult situation and the meaningful Funeral Directors Association of New funeral arrangements that led to the family expressing their utmost Zealand (FDANZ) they are pledged appreciation. The management regarded the high level of support to uphold the highest professional to the family through the entire process as worthy of submitting for standards. consideration for the Care Awards.”

The One InvoCare Care Awards are held annually rewarding in Forrest Funeral Services (24 hour the categories of Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence. Forrest Funeral Services won their award in the service) – 8 Glen Road, Browns Bay, Phone 09 479 5956. The One InvoCare Care Award trophy presented to the Forrest Funeral Services Accountability category. Visit: www.forrests.co.nz team for their win in the accountability category.

East Coast Bays (09) 479 5956 www.forrests.co.nz

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