Taiko Chat

Newsletter of the Chatham Islands Taiko Trust

Issue 3 Autumn 2012

First Chatham Island Petrel chick in Sweetwater

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 20082011. 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 conservation 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 estimates 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 A night vision image of the first petrel out about any other Taiko Trust projects go chick on the morning it left its burrow, the first fledged Chatham Island petrel chick in to www.taiko.org.nz for updates.
over 500 years from Main Chatham.

Inside this issue:

CHAIPERSONS COLUMN

2 3 4 6 7 7 8

TAIKO ACTIVE AT
SWEETWATER

TAIKO CAMP GETS

MAKEOVER

TAIKO HISTORY REVEALED

TOMTIT UPDATE SKINKS LOOKING TOWARD

THE FUTURE

From the South CoastChairpersons column

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 Chathams 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 seabirds 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

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 researcher 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 burrow scope at Sweetwater to check progress at one of the newly dug burrows. Photo: Kathy Ombler.

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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 maintains 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 occupy 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 metres 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 burrows, 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 recorded 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 breeding 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 monitor 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.

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Taiko Camp upgrade progresses

It has been over forty years since the first people camped at the site which came to be known as Taiko Camp. After previously 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 earlier 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 1980s the kitchen fly camp had been replaced 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 materials 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 Chathams 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 obvious 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 upgrade of faculties at Taiko Camp. This project began in 2009 when the roof of the main building was replaced and extended. 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 timber built huts with covered in verandas. Each hut is lined, insulated and has 12V LED lighting providing simple but comfortable sleeping accommodation for staff and volunteers.

The original fly camp kitchen in 1980, on the site of the main building today. Photo: Reg Cotter.

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.

The upgrade of Taiko Camp has been supported by

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Those or us who spent time in the old leaky tin sheds certainly understand how great the new accommodation is! This year the effort has been back in the main building. During 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 opportunity 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 gratefulliterally we couldnt have done it without you. The Taiko Trust is very grateful for the ongoing support of Downers, 44 South Shipping and Air Chathams 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 Islands 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 effortsThank you.
Taiko Camp today, the main living/ workshop building surrounded by sleeping huts nestled into the bush.

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

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Trustee and Treasurer retire after decades of service Ron Seymour retires from the Taiko Trust
Ron Seymour first got involved with taiko in 1970 when David Crockett undertook his first expedition to the Island. It started what has become a lifelong 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. Ron and Ollie Seymour at the release of Thanks Ron.
tomtits in the Awatotara. One of dozens of Trust projects Ron has supported as his time as Trustee.

Russell Thomas retires as Treasurer

In birding and conservation circles, Russell Thomass 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. Russells photos 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 Davids expeditions and help fundraise for future 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 Sweetwater, to transfer taiko and Chatham Island petrel chicks and upgrade Taiko Camp. The Taiko Trust is in indebted to Russell for his outstanding contribution over some many years, he has been behind every Trust project and we are very grateful for his efforts. Thank you Russell.

The first taiko in the hand, Russells 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

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Tomtit transfer fails

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 volunteers 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 disappear. It is not known why the birds survived for three months and then suddenly 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 periods 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 conditions allow for another attempt to get this charismatic species back on Main Chatham.
After a promising start, Chatham Island tomtits failed to establish in the Awatotara following the transfer.

Skinks returning to Main Chatham

On the Chatham Islands there is only one species of reptilethe Chatham Island 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 Chathams, 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 project. Prior to release skink refuges need to be built and installed within Sweetwater 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 reptile present in the Chathams, although abundant on the predator free offshore islands it is absent from Main Chatham. Plans are underway to see this species translocated back onto the Main Chatham.

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Looking ahead ... some future projects

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 Chathams. In the next few months we have some exciting projects planned to expand on these achievements. Skink translocation Chatham Island skink disappeared from Main Chathams 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, become 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 featuring our beautiful endemic birds and plants. All proceeds go to supporting our grass roots conservation projects. Tee shirt (uni-sex) Polo Shirt (men's and women's) Tea towel $35 $55 $15

Transferring skinks back onto Main Chatham will be happening this summer.

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

On the Chathams 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 The Taiko Trust tee shirt design featuring unique Chatham Island flora fundraising project.

and fauna such as taiko, black robin, and forget-me-not.

C H AT H A M I S L A N D S TA I KO T RU S T
Taiko Trust PO Box 2 Chatham Islands 8942 www.taiko.org.nz TaikoTrust@yahoo.co.nz The Taiko Trusts 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