September 2025
The first trial penguin protection fence was installed just south of Punakaiki in 2013 and the main one for the Coast Road was constructed north of Punakaiki in 2014. A smaller one was added near Seal Island in 2015, the newest penguin protection fence was installed on the northern outskirts of Hokitika in 2021 and two new sections were added north of Punakaiki in 2023 and 2024.
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!
Recently, volunteer Karen Hitchcock joined trust manager, Inger Perkins, for weeding along a section of the Hokitika fence and continued alone the following weekend. Karen is host at the Fitzherbert Court Motel in Hokitika, just a mile or so away. With Conservation Week in the news, ‘naturing‘ on the agenda and Qualmark Bronze Accreditation, Karen decided to combine the three and offer time to help with penguin conservation. A Bronze business must meet all Qualmark’s expected standards in the Sustainable Tourism Business criteria. It identifies a business with high professionalism, an awareness of its impact on the environment and a customer-centric approach.
Gorse, grass and montbretia were the main culprits, and a good start was made clearing them from the fence. Fast-growing gorse at a strainer post had snapped the top fence wire, which will need fixing but at least the fencer will be able to get to the fence. A big thank you to Karen!!
The Hokitika penguin protection fence was kindly paid for by Westland Milk Products and they generously continue to support penguin conservation efforts. The fence follows the Westland District Council’s fence on the coastal side of the sewage ponds and then follows fencing along the railway line. We are fortunate that both WDC and Kiwirail maintain their own fences and weed control helps keep the penguin fence clear.
More volunteer opportunities will be coming soon!
