Tangatapu sign WWF redIt is exciting to see that the 4000 natives planted in June have flourished over the rainy winter months, apart from a few losses when the wetland flooded in July and during the spring drought. Weed control has been the main job throughout spring and will continue during summer, requiring many volunteer hours to make sure the plants don't get crowded out.

A restoration planning meeting was held in early December to finalised details for the development of the Tangatapu Management plan, focussing on pond formation and creating the ideal Pateke habitat to attract these endangered birds back.

The plan for 2014 is to dig several shallow ponds in early autumn, and prepare for the next round of planting in early May. Monitoring of plants, birds, fish and invertebrates will also be carried out over the summer months.

Pest control is sailing ahead with 20 new trap stations placed around Tangatapu, in conjunction with the "noose and necklace" trap-lines which encircle the base of Cape Brett from Parekura Bay to Whangamumu. Another two trap-lines have been set along Elliot's farm (from Parekura Bay to Elliots Bay) which are now the first line of defence for the Cape Brett Peninsula.

If you would like to help with monitoring, weed control or pond building in the new year, please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..