| Who are we? | ||||
| The Penguins | ||||
| Our Work | ||||
| Supporting the Trust | ||||
| Join Now! | ||||
News &
Events
|
||||
| YEPT Conference | ||||
| Resources | ||||
| Links | ||||
| Donate Online |
YEPT News
« back to topLong point update - June 2008After the many months of long protracted negotiations the Long Pont project has finally taken off with a hiss and a roar. Firstly was the Clutha District Council granting us the necessary resource consent in very quick time. Then we've had a succession of distinguished visitors to the reserve since it was opened by the Minister of Conservation Steve Chadwick back in November. In March some of the Department of Conservation's senior management team based in Dunedin were given a tour. These included Coastal Otago Area staff Robin Thomas (Area Manager), David Mules (Programme Manager Community Relations) and David Agnew (Programme Manager Biodiversity Assets) and Otago Conservancy's Marian van de Goes (Community Relations Manager). Then in April the Dunedin branch of the Forest and Bird committee also inspected the reserve. Prof Alan Mark when walking the headland had to admit that the "scenery wasn't too bad". In spite of a lack of his beloved tussock he thought that the Dunedin Forest and Bird Branch had made a great investment by financially supporting the purchase. This was followed by a visit from the board of the Community Trust of Otago, our other major financial supporter. In other developments, a very successful "Restoration Brainstorming Day" was held in February. Participants came from as far afield as Lincoln University and Invercargill to give their ideas and visions for the restoration potential of the new reserve. Lots of exciting ideas were floated for both yellow-eyed penguin management and also the conservation of other species - with several people identifying the tremendous potential for restoration of a range of seabirds, possibly including Bullers albatross and titi as well as the smaller storm and diving petrels. So where to from here? Planning will continue through out autumn and winter and we hope to have our first meeting of a new Long Point Advisory Group in the next couple of months. Donations towards this project are now being sought, and can be
made online through the 'Donate Online' button, and type in "Long
Point" in the message box.
Pictured above. (left to right) Marian van der Goes, Sue Murray, Robin Thomas, David Agnew
Photo above. (left to right) Forest & Bird Committee members near Cosgrove Creek with Long Point in the background. (left to right) Scott Dunavan, Mark Hanger, Ken Mason, Bill Wilson, Alan Mark. Photo below. Community Trust of Otago board members near the site of the proposed carpark
YEPT and World Environmental Day - 5 June 2008A group of dedicated volunteers joined the YEPT staff to help us
celebrate World Environmental Day as well as Arbour Day. We were
happy to see them as Turned out a group of our "Wednesday Nursery volunteers" were there with smiles on their faces and spades in their hands. Many of whom were with us the day before. And as usual, the weather predictions were wrong and we had a lovely day planting over 250 native trees and shrubs at Okia Reserve* on the Otago Peninsula. *Okia Reserve is a reserve open to the public owned jointly by the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust and the Dunedin City Council. For more information on the reserve please see our Okia North End Guided Walk.
Summary of Membership Survey Results - May 2008We love yellow-eyed penguins!Feedback from the recently completed membership survey shows that members support the trust because, "you love yellow-eyed penguins" and genuinely want to save them from extinction and contribute to their survival. Thank you for your valued support! A big thank-you to members who recently completed the membership survey. The Trust received nearly 700 completed surveys, which was far more than expected! The survey was sent out to a sample of the membership base including overseas members. The information received has given the Trust an opportunity to gain a better understanding of who you are, why you belong to the Trust, how long you have been members and how you like to receive information from the Trust, along with a number of other questions asked. A high percentage of members (72%) who responded to the survey indicated that they have belonged to the Trust for five or more years. The Trust is very fortunate to have such a loyal group of supporters and values the contribution that every member makes to the Trust. We asked members how they found out about the Trust and 56% of members who responded to the survey, indicated that they found out about the Trust through the Mainland bar code redemption scheme. A total of 57% of members who completed the survey participate in the Mainland bar code redemption scheme, with Auckland respondents indicating that they participate the most (70% of the Auckland respondents said that they support the scheme). We would like to thank all of our members who support the Mainland bar code redemption scheme, as this provides the Trust with vital support for on going projects. For those members who indicated that they did not know what the scheme is, it is an opportunity for New Zealand residents to contribute to saving yellow-eyed penguins by buying Mainland cheese or butter products. You collect ten bar codes, stick them onto a chart (which you can obtain by ringing 0800 CHEESE (243 373) and return your completed chart to "Save the Yellow-eyed Penguin, P O Box 411, Dunedin". Mainland Cheese supports the Trust with funds from the bar code scheme, up to a limit of $50,000 per year by donating $10 to the Trust for each completed chart. We know cheese has become more expensive in recent times so your support is truly appreciated, and it is going to a good cause. Many members who responded to the survey indicated that they would like to continue receiving information from the Trust by post. However, some would like to receive information by email as a way of saving money and reducing print costs. We have recently sent a newsletter to members by post. We would like to introduce sending the next edition of the newsletter to those members who have provided an email address, by sending a pdf document or an html email newsletter. Many members also indicated that they would like to see more colourful pictures of penguins in the newsletter. However, some members really do not want the Trust to spend more money on information/newsletters but rather on directly related conservation activities. We are looking into how we can best meet all of your needs. You may find that we are able to put more information up on the website for those of you with internet access, or continue to produce two main newsletters, with one being a colourful newsletter once a year, with the second newsletter as it normally appears. Along with other feedback you provided, we are looking into how
we can make information more interesting for children and you also
mentioned that you would like to have items or gifts that you can
buy for friends or family or overseas visitors. Once again thank you for your valued support and your feedback has been invaluable. We will continue to keep you up to date with any news on the Trust through our newsletters and the website and in the near future by email. If you are interested in receiving information from the Trust via email and did not receive a membership survey to complete, please send us your email address to: yeptrust@gmail.com Below are some of the comments which members who completed the survey provided, thank you again for your feedback.
2007/08 Season on Stewart Island - May 2008
However, it is even more obvious that all is not well for the birds
along the Anglem coast. Firstly, only 16 nests were located, compared
to 32 nests which were found along the same stretch of coast during
the Trust's comprehensive survey of Stewart Island in 1999. That
is a very disturbing statistic showing a considerable reduction
in the number of breeding pairs over 9 breeding seasons. Secondly, of the 25 chicks that hatched from those 16 nests, 19 died and only six survived to fledge. All of the chick deaths occurred before Christmas, during the Guard Phase, and most chicks died within three weeks of hatching. No predation was recorded, but starvation and disease were once again evident as causes of chick death. Some very detailed examination of chick carcasses was carried out by veterinarians from the Department of Conservation and Biosecurity NZ in an attempt to determine which is the primary cause of death. Provisional results from 15 chicks examined point to starvation as the most widespread cause of death this season. No evidence of disease was found in 12 chicks, but all 12 of these chicks were small and malnourished. The blood parasite Leucocytozoon killed two large chicks which had survived the first three weeks and appeared healthy until a few days prior to death. Only one chick tested positive for diphtheritic stomatitis, although this is not necessarily what killed it as it also appeared to be starving. Other work carried out included the examination of nest material and collection of insects, especially sandflies and mosquitoes, from nest areas to see whether insect vectors may be responsible for the spread of disease. The final report from this investigation had not been completed at the time of preparing this article, and we expect to learn more soon about what the investigation uncovered. 5-year project fundingIf the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust had not undertaken a census of the yellow-eyed penguins on Stewart Island and the adjoining islands in 1999 and 2002, there would have been only anecdotal evidence of their continuing decline. If the Trust had not then embarked on a five year monitoring of the breeding success of yellow-eyeds in selected areas, (2003-2008) the decline on Stewart Island, when it was next measured would have been attributed to feral cat predation, which was our original hypothesis. After the first year, when it became apparent that we needed to make visits more often during the Guard Stage if we were to be able to get the carcases soon enough to be autopsied, the role of starvation and disease began becoming paramount, with no sign of predation, especially in the area where cats had been eliminated with a 1080 application. (This was demonstrated by recovery of radio collared cats in the area.) Such labour intensive monitoring in a remote area does not come cheap and would not have been undertaken by DOC. The cost per day of staff and overheads during the season amounts to $175.61. This excludes the not inconsiderable DOC contribution. Since the beginning we have had difficulty raising enough money from grant sources and donations to fully cover the costs and have had to dip into Trust capital funds, to the tune of $63,000, thus foregoing the interest that would have been otherwise used for our general operational costs. Thank you to those of you who have made extra donations and ticked the box indicating that you wished it to go to the Stewart Island Project. $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Sir Edmund Hillary
The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust has very fond memories of our association with him through our own iconic species - the yellow-eyed penguin. Founding trustees remember his and Lady June Hillary's visit to Dunedin when the new $5 note was first launched, followed by a luncheon and a visit to a local penguin beach. We all sat on a rather large log and soaked up the conversation and vista on a lovely afternoon. In those early days of our formation, we were a totally voluntary trust. Now 20 years on we are in the privileged position to employ 7 people (5 full time equivalents). This growth in part is due to the publicity from promotions such as that of the $5 note, highlighting both of these NZ treasures. Sir Edmund will be remembered by the Trust for his generosity in
lending his support to our appeal for donations to commemorate the
issue of the $5 note. 
Stewart Island Update - Phase 1 nest search resultsThe first phase of field work for the fifth and final season of the Trust's Stewart Island project was completed by early November, with searches for nests on the Bravo group, Codfish Island and the Anglem coast of Stewart Island having been carried out by Trust staff, DOC staff, and volunteers. Only 13 nests were found along the Anglem coast, a decrease from 20 nests found along the same stretch of coastline last season. There was evidence at some sites that "extra" birds were around, and it is possible that a nest or two was missed on the initial search, but we can expect to pick these up over the next few weeks. We've managed to miss one or two nests during the initial search each year, but not as many as seven, so it does seem that breeding numbers are down this season. There was a small decrease in nest numbers on the Bravo group; 17 nests this season where there were 20 last season. Once again there was evidence of there being "extra" birds about, so this decrease in nest numbers found may not necessarily indicate a decline in numbers. 36 nests were located in Sealers Bay on Codfish Island. This is a few more than we have found to monitor in the past, but not because of an increase in numbers. In past seasons nest searchers have kept looking until they found a sample of 25-30 conveniently located nests, whereas this year we had more time and did our best to find the majority of nests. Even so, it is likely that there are more still as searchers ran out of time to thoroughly search the last remaining site. The monitoring phase of the field work begins mid-November, and is expected to continue until chicks fledge in late February or early March 2008. Trust Nursery wins Supreme Award
WWF-NZ Chooses Trust as example of community-led programmeThe Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust was chosen to be part of a WWF-New Zealand report on the social and economic benefits of community conservation projects, released 6 August to mark the start of Conservation Week. Findings from three community-led programmes showed that the simple act of planting a tree or trapping a possum creates a virtuous circle in local economies. In the South Island, the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust is reversing the flagging fortunes of the world's rarest penguin by replanting its shore habitat and protecting birds from dogs and other predators in specially-purchased sanctuaries. But they've also helped create a thriving eco-tourism opportunity, boosting the Dunedin economy by some $2m a year. The Trust's nursery turns out 12,000 native plants every year, nurtured in part by the large team of willing volunteers including young people from at risk youth groups and rehabilitation schemes, as well as older volunteer groups. At Raglan, the once-devastated Whaingaroa Harbour barely supported three commercial fishers. Today, after a 12-year replanting and water care programme, eight fishers report healthy catches and local farmers are saving big money after fencing stock out of waterways and retiring riparian land, while milk production shot up by 20 per cent. Meanwhile, in the East Cape, the Te Rangatahi o te Whenua Trust has offered more than 200 at risk young people an alternative education. It provides them with the skills and support they need for self-employment as possum trappers, or fencers or nursery managers, reconnecting them with their tikanga at the same time. "The impact of such projects is far greater than the direct environmental, social and economic benefits," says WWF-New Zealand executive director Chris Howe. Through its Habitat Protection Fund, WWF-New Zealand part funded the three projects the report focuses on. "They are the first critical step towards a lifestyle shift that will ultimately determine whether New Zealand achieves its goal of becoming the world's first truly sustainable nation." Howe hopes the report - entitled Not Just Trees in the Ground - will encourage more corporate and local government support for community conservation. "I believe a quantum increase in support for community groups will deliver far more than the trees they plant or the weeds they pull out." If you would like to apply for HPF funding for a local conservation
project, go to www.wwf.org.nz/HPF
to find out more.
Blood parasite kills last yellow-eyed penguin chick, Trust devastatedA blood parasite has claimed the life of Big Fluffy, the sole survivor of 32 yellow-eyed penguin chicks hatched in the monitoring area on the north-west coast of Stewart Island. The 109 day old chick was found dead on February 28 just metres from his nest site by Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust southern islands projects officer Sandy King. “This is devastating. Big Fluffy was just days away from venturing out to sea and to find him dead was a complete bombshell,” Ms King said.
The carcass was rushed to Massey University where a post mortem examination confirmed that Big Fluffy was killed by a blood parasite. This is the worst season since the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust began the five year study to investigate the reasons for Stewart Island’s declining yellow-eyed penguin population.
Massey University is looking at the role of disease and results so far suggest that the blood parasite is present within the adult population but has not been associated with adult mortality, adding to the puzzle surrounding Stewart Island’s declining population. Massey is now working to understand how it causes mortality and interacts with the other known threats such as diphtheritic stomatitis (also known as avian diphtheria) and starvation. University of Otago researchers are presently examining the penguins’ foraging patterns and diet to determine whether a nutritional deficiency may be making the chicks more likely to die from disease. Ms King said the chicks in other areas of Stewart Island had not been affected to the same extent as those along the Anglem coast where the number of nests present had fallen from 27 to 20 over the last four years. “While there are no definite answers, the possibilities are being narrowed down, but in order to fully understand what is happening to these penguins, ongoing research is required. We would not have uncovered this problem if we hadn’t been monitoring.” The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust’s current study on Stewart Island has one more year to run. Lone survivor – researchers waiting to hear cause of shocking death rate(Press release 12 December 2006) Stewart Island’s yellow-eyed penguin population faces an uncertain future after a devastating breeding season in which just one chick of 32 survived. The less than 3 percent breeding success rate is the worst since monitoring began four years ago when the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust started its five year research programme into the island’s declining penguin population. Trust executive officer Sue Murray said the shocking death rate was a blow to the trust who had hoped to uncover the mystery surrounding the plight of one of the world’s rarest penguins. “We still have more questions than answers as to why the chicks are dying. This disastrous season highlights the need for more research, but with funding set to cease next year the programme’s future and that of the island’s penguin population hangs in the balance.” Earlier this year the trust publicised its own plight, having to dip into its capital reserves for last year’s project. A combination of funding grants secured the support needed for this monitoring season with assistance from the Community Trust of Southland, Dancing Star Foundation, WWF-NZ and some local Stewart Island businesses. Ms Murray said it was frustrating to have come this far, but not yet be able to know why the island’s penguin chicks were dying of starvation or disease. It was hoped samples sent to Massey University would be able to determine whether it was starvation or disease that was the main contributing factor in the chicks’ deaths. Researchers were also considering the impact recent extreme weather conditions brought on by the El Nino year might have had on the breeding season. “To be able to have another couple of years monitoring the situation, comparing research and variables might give us the information needed to halt the decline,” Ms Murray said. This season’s monitoring along Stewart Island’s Anglem coast found 20 nests - down from 21 in 2005 and 27 in 2003. Of the 40 eggs laid, only 32 hatched and just one chick survived. Mainland Help Our Sea Friends PromotionIn October, Mainland launched the "Help Our Sea Friends" promotion featuring the Trust's new patron, Anton Oliver. The promotion ran for 8 weeks and included on-pack stickers, in store displays, and a weekly segment on TV2's Saturday morning kids show, Squirt TV - ensuring high visibility for the campaign and the Trust. To enter, consumers were asked to send in two barcodes from Mainland processed cheese products. Every entry received an individually numbered "Help Our Sea Friends" educational poster featuring 8 interesting and endangered animals from around New Zealand's coastline. The poster put consumers into the draw to win one of ten Sea Horse Fund accounts worth $1,000 each. Squirt viewers were also asked a question each week that would enable them to win one of ten great prizes of their choice: Rebel Sports vouchers; Sounds music voucher; and more. For every entry received Mainland was able to donate an extra $1 to the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust, over and above the $50,000 it currently donates every year! We hope that you will continue to support such consumer promotions.
Promotions like "Help Our Sea Friends" not only to raise
the profile of the Trust but also provide additional funds to help
continue the development of habitats, predator control, research,
and education programmes. URGENT APPEAL - WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
September 2006 - Thank you all for your continued patience as negotiations continue to secure this important habitat for penguins and other coastal species. Further visits to the area and meetings have been held and we hope to bring you updates in the very near future. Our own patience is continually inspired as we are reminded that "Good things take time" - the motto of our main sponsor, Mainland Brand. June 2006 - The negotiations are still bubbling away as we try to purchase this important piece of land. A very positive meeting with interested parties was held on June 16th and we hope to bring you good news in the near future. In the meantime, in the words of our main sponsor Mainland Brand “Good things take time”! April 2006 - Our sincere thanks to all our supporters. We have been overwhelmed by your generosity to this urgent appeal. The land purchase is still under negotiation so please be patient. Further donations are welcome. Thanks again for all your help.
This coastal jewel has significant natural values as well as being a prime penguin nesting habitat. It also supports NZ fur seals, NZ sealions, numerous seabird species, rare coastal plant communities, small remnants of native forest, an archaeological site and potential development for a recreational coastal walkway.
Act Now – Time is of the essence and we are seeking major donations to assist with this purchase, although, don’t forget that every dollar counts! Buying this land will ensure that the nesting habitat is protected for our future generations.
Anton Oliver new patron of Yellow-eyed Penguin TrustOur long time friend and Patron Beverley, Lady Reeves decided it was time to hand over her role as patron of the trust, which she had held since 1988, as "age was creeping up" not that you could tell (and since it was made public in the Otago Daily Times) the 72-year old wife of former Governor General Sir Paul Reeves said, "Anton, if I was 20 years younger, you wouldn't be getting a look in."
Yes that's right Anton Oliver is now our Patron. In reply Anton said, "I was really humbled that you thought I could make a contribution." He saw the role as being to promote the yellow-eyed penguin and to educate young people about their environment and its importance. Handing over the spade-of-office ceremony happened at a special planting day on April 22nd at the Margaret Hazel site at Okia Reserve. 50 people turned up to witness the handing over of the 'spade' a bright yellow one which we had inscribed from Beverley to Anton but not before 350 native shrubs were planted. It was a great day, great weather, great people, and great place. After all the planting the speeches and photographs the Broad Bay Community Centre supplied us with lunch and Beverley and Anton cut a huge cake which was shared around. We are all sad to see Beverley go but we know we have a replacement in Anton who will champion our cause. So give Anton a special cheer as he leads the Highlanders onto the field or perhaps even as captain of the All Blacks once again.
|
It
was with sadness we learnt of Sir Edmund's passing (11.01.08) -
he was a true New Zealand icon, although he himself did not like
that designation.
The
chick, last seen alive on February 19, was fully feathered, of a
good weight and had plenty of fat reserves making his chances of
survival during the initial period at sea above average. 
February
2006 - The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust has a once in a lifetime opportunity
to secure a stunning stretch of the Otago Coastline containing over
40 pairs of yellow-eyed penguins. This represents 10% of the
entire population of penguins on mainland New Zealand. 
