Predator Fence Management

Steve Sawyer at Ecoworks NZ has managed two predator proof fencing projects so far in the Gisborne-East Coast Region.

    During 2004 a 550 metre long predator fence was constructed across Nick's Head Peninsula, protecting a total of 35 hectares. In July 2005 aerial and ground based pest eradication was undertaken.  The enclosure now contains 42,000 native trees which have begun to form coastal canopy forest. Australasian gannets have established in large numbers, breeding grey-faced petrel fledged their first chicks during December 2008, fluttering shearwater are also present as well as copper, common and speckled skinks and grey gecko which are now abundant.  Green tree and forest gecko are being bred for re-introduction, tree and cave weta have been re-introduced and Ecoworks NZ is working with the DOC Tuatara Recovery Group and Ngai Tamanuhiri to re-introduce tuatara to this site which is part of its historic range.

Photos (clockwise): Nicks Head Peninsula, predator fence tie-off, aerial rodent bait drop, enclosure ngaio forest within Nikau Valley, James Isaac and Patsy Matthews releasing tree weta, Kim Dodgshun and Breck Gastinger with a grey-faced petrel, Patsy Matthews checking traps, tied on and baiting outside the enclosure.

Motu Kiwi Chick Crèche:

The Motu kiwi crèche' is 1.4 hectares in area. Construction was completed during 2006.  Mice, rats, hares and rabbits were eradicated during 2007, over 700 native trees have been planted and the first two kiwi chicks were placed inside the enclosure during late 2007 and were successfully raised to 1100 g and released into Whinray Scenic Reserve. This project has been successful due to the help from many sponsors local landowners, DOC, the biodiversity fund and the Gisborne Community.  Since the 2007 5 chicks have been raised inside the enclosure and released into the Motu Forest.