We’re fast approaching the season when young Westland petrels can be disoriented by lights, particularly around Punakaiki but occasionally further away from their nesting areas.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency have recognised this issue and have agreed to trial the switching off of Punakaiki street lights on SH6 for the most critical period, 8th November to 8th January.
They are keen to let the community know in advance and have made themselves available via a drop in session next Tuesday evening, 3rd November, 6-8pm at the Punakaiki Tavern.
Our very own Westland petrel expert, Kerry-Jayne Wilson, will be there too, to answer questions and to explain the threat posed by lights, especially to juvenile petrels.
Please share this with your networks in the area so that as many of the Punakaiki community as possible are aware of the plan, the reasoning behind it, and of the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback and suggestions.
For more about the petrels and the threat posed by lights, what you can do, a DOC information flyer etc – see our earlier news story about Westland petrels.
For more detailed information, find reports and papers via our research page.
While materials were chosen that would stand up to the harsh coastal conditions, those same coastal conditions are conducive to plant growth! Occasional checks of the fences have been carried out by volunteers and rangers so that any maintenance needs can be identified and remedied. The never-ending need for maintenance is managing the vegetation that can grow through the fence, for example gorse, blackberry and hydrangea, pushing it to breaking point in places, or flop over causing damage from the weight of rank grass, rushes and weeds such as montbretia.
Volunteers recently spent a few hours tidying up the main fence along Woodpecker Bay north of Punakaiki so a big shout out to them - thank you Fiona, Jony, Reef, Katrina, Mandy, Marty, Teresa and Deb! Flax had been pressing down on the fence, but now the fence has been freed up by these wonderful volunteers - and they picked up a fair bit of rubbish too.
Volunteer Natassja Savidge has offered to check and help maintain the Hokitika penguin protection fence and joined Ranger Lucy Waller and Manager Inger Perkins in May to inspect the length of the fence. Some minor issues were found but the main finding was the extent of the vegetation growth that was damaging the fence in places. Big thanks to Natassja!
