DEVELOPMENT OF THE TE ARAI ECOLOGICAL SANCTUARY
The Shorebirds Trust has teamed up with the Tara Iti Golf Club to create an unique NZ sanctuary in our back yard! Our long-term vision for the Te Arai Sanctuary is to improve the coastal biodiversity of the area and restore native vegetation for endangered species.
We are fortunate (or maybe that is unfortunate) to have so many nationally threatened species in such a condensed area! Our first stage in creating this sanctuary has been protecting what is currently here! (Refer to Exhibit 1 below). We’ve initiated extensive predator control operations, habitat enhancement efforts (including exploration of wetland expansion) and research studies with Massey University. These plans have been successfully moving forward with in partnership with Auckland Council, Rodney Local Board, DOC, Te Uri o Hau, Boffa Miskell, Massey University, Tara Iti Conservation Manager Alex Flavell-Johnson and Residential Association Manager Rob Channing. Here’s a quick summary: (More detailed information of each individual project is listed on the Project page of this website.)
We’re pleased to announce the Shorebirds Trust received grant funding from Auckland Council, Rodney Local Board and Northland Foundation to develop and implement a comprehensive management plan and work with landowners to establish a Predator-free Buffer Zone from Managawhai to Pakiri North. With completion of Stage 1 (Black Swamp) and initiation of Stage 2 (adjacent to Tara Iti golf club down to Te Arai), we are closely working with Auckland Council and DOC to secure additional funding to complete the remaining stage (area behind Te Arai Links new development to Pakiri).. (Refer to www.conservationcoast.org)
The Trust is working with Te Uri o Hau to develop a vision and long-term plan for predator control efforts across their rohe The Trust has also worked closely with Tara Iti Conservation Manager Alex Flavell-Johnson and Residential Association Manager and Ranger Rob Channing to initiate a pilot education and training predator control program for Te Uri o Hau students in the initial stage of building capacity for their predator control operations.
With membership support and the launching of a long-term partnership with Massey University, first year biodiversity monitoring data for habitat mapping, vegetative survey and bird count survey has been completed. This database will be continuously updated through the years, help identify trends, inform future management decisions and measure the success of our conservation efforts.