The 2021/22 year has been one of change and loss for the trust, but also of productivity and hope for the future.
Trust Chair, Robin Long, introduces the annual report and explained:
“Overshadowing all of our work throughout the year, our inspiration, guide, scientist, and Chair for most of the Trust’s existence, Kerry-Jayne Wilson MNZM, battled cancer and sadly died at the end of March. She had bounced back remarkably well to attend our February meeting, and achieved her long held ambition to write and publish the acclaimed New Zealand Seabirds: A Natural History in October, also managing to do interviews as it was launched.
“The loss to the trust and to seabird conservation in Australasia is immense.
“But Kerry-Jayne has left a powerful legacy. Thanks to her guidance, the trust’s work has always been solidly grounded in scientific knowledge and not assumption. Our vision is that threatened seabirds and their habitats thrive and we will continue to strive towards achieving that in her memory.”
Follow the link below to read the full report, including summaries of the trust’s various projects and programmes of work and our appreciation for all those who help and support us.
2022 West Coast Penguin Trust Annual Report
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!
