News

We are grateful to have Luisa Salis-Soglio on the team this year. Luisa has been volunteering as our Ranger at Charleston while writing up our blue penguin monitoring data for her Masters. She has provided a report for the season to date.

We are grateful to have Luisa Salis-Soglio on the team this year. Luisa has been volunteering as our Ranger at Charleston while writing up our blue penguin monitoring data for her Masters. She has provided a report for the season to date.

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I feel very blessed and excited to be 2019’s Penguin Ranger and volunteer for the West Coast Penguin Trust. On holiday with my partner from Napier, I bumped into the right people, Manager Inger Perkins and Chair and Scientist Kerry-Jayne Wilson, at last year’s Community Conservation Symposium in Shantytown, presented by the Trust. Kerry-Jayne knew a couple of my lecturers at my German University (Georg August Universität in Göttingen) and so the plan was made that I would come over in August 2019 to perform the monitoring at the Charleston colonies and analyse some of their breeding data for my Master Thesis. I have been a penguin lover from the age of three so this really is a dream come true. For the past three months I have been checking the burrows and nest boxes of the Blue Penguin colonies in Charleston, first determining the active burrows by looking for the presence of these birds (guano, feathers and fly accumulation) and later documenting their breeding progress. Unfortunately, it seems that the Charleston penguins are having a rough breeding season this year. We found several dead chicks that had died of starvation and dehydration – as a post mortem report from Massey determined. Also, at two colonies, a number of birds deserted their eggs, a behaviour that occurs when their partner stays at sea for several days and longer than usual. If this happens at the beginning of the egg guarding stage, it may not impact the eggs at all and the returning adult may still be able to successfully incubate its eggs. In our cases, all deserted eggs failed except for one. On a positive note, 17 chicks have already fledged at the Nile River colony with a few more to come, and two penguin couples, whose first breeding attempts failed, are currently guarding chicks. At Joyce Bay and Rahui colonies, a couple of birds have returned for their annual moult. I was fortunate to also experience the penguins or kororā coming ashore at night. I love sitting on a rock and melting into the darkness and wait and sometimes wait and wait and wait longer for the ‘keck, keck, keck’ as the penguins return from a day of fishing, shooting through the water like little jet boats and soon breaking into their squeaky rowing-boat chants. I have heard the chicks standing outside the burrow screaming for a feed with an urgency in their call like that of a hungry (human) baby. If you are out on your local beach listening for penguins, be mindful not to sit in their way and to use a torch sparingly, as it can damage the penguins’ eyes. Often the moonlight and the stars will give enough light to see what’s going on. Give them time to let them go where they need to go if you share the same way from your hiding spot to your car. And as you drive away, watch out for clumsy penguins, leaping out of the high grass onto the road. My time in Charleston has nearly come to an end and I will relocate to Hawkes Bay at Christmas. I will continue the data analysis and continue writing my thesis from there. While I have a lot of things to look forward to in Napier, I dread my departure a little. I will miss the peaceful remoteness and the kindness of the West Coasters. Climbing around in the mud, I was in my true element. It will be an interesting change of scenery – going from a wildlife-rich off grid-lifestyle to suburbia. But there will be penguins in Napier too. I have already sniffed them out (one of the skills I have acquired on the job). I would like to thank the West Coast Penguin Trust from the bottom of my heart for this amazing experience, their trust, ongoing guidance and support! Thanks for teaching me and helping me to become a scientist.  

Don't get caught up in Christmas sales, you can help penguins instead!

Don't get caught up in Christmas sales, you can help penguins instead! Friday 29th November is Black Friday but you can donate here.

Westland petrel chicks are leaving the nest for the first time between November and January and can be disorientated by lights and poor weather at the very start of their long journey to South America.

Westland petrel chicks are leaving the nest for the first time between November and January and can be disorientated by lights and poor weather at the very start of their long journey to South America. 90% of petrels found downed due to disorientation by lights are fledglings.  Tragically, many are disorientated by vehicle or street lights and come down on roads.  Black birds on a black road at night are highly likely to be involved in a collision and are often killed.  They also need height to launch themselves, so if they come down and are not killed on the road or rescued, they are likely to be stranded and die. But you can help. If you are on coast roads, particularly around Punakaiki, during November, December and/or January, but also again in March/April, and especially at night, please keep your eyes out for these large black seabirds. The Department of Conservation has produced some guidance so that you can help. First of all, if you live in the Punakaiki/Barrytown area, avoid leaving outdoor lights on and close curtains and blinds at night.  For the benefit of these and other birds such as penguins, keep dogs secure at home. Secondly, if you find a stranded petrel:

• If possible, move them away from danger - off the road in particular if safe to do so.  Take care as they have a nasty bite, so gently put a towel over them or use gloves - or phone the 0800 DOC Hot line, 0800 362 468 for assistance.
• Place the bird in large cardboard box or similar with air holes and...
• If you're in the Punakaiki area, take to the petrel drop off boxes at DOC's Punakaiki Visitor Centre, and call 03 7311 895 if after hours and leave a message noting where and when found etc.
• If further away, phone 0800 DOCHot so that DOC can arrange collection.
• Do not attempt to release the bird yourself.  Birds need to be checked by a DOC ranger to ensure they are in good health prior to release.

Thank you for helping these wonderful birds - birds that only breed in this area on the West Coast. For the DOC information flyer, click here: 2024 11 Westland petrel flyer PDF. For more detailed information, find reports and papers via our research page.

DOC Community Fund grants have just been announced and the West Coast Penguin Trust is delighted to have been granted funds to support three years of work.

DOC Community Fund grants have just been announced and the West Coast Penguin Trust is delighted to have been granted funds to support three years of work. Trust Manager, Inger Perkins, said the almost full approval of the Trust's application demonstrates DOC's confidence in the Trust. "We are thrilled with this outcome.  The confidence shown in the Trust from those involved in the decision-making process is hugely encouraging.  We can now plan for the future without having to worry about further applications to DOC, and the huge amount of work that goes into them, for three years. "We work closely with DOC staff across the West Coast and place huge value on those working relationships as well as on the superb support provided through the Community Fund.  Our projects contribute to conservation for penguins, other threatened seabirds and their habitat in this region and even beyond and we do what we can to support the broader picture of community conservation here." The Trust will be continuing and expanding its projects, especially working to align its penguin research with the recommendations of the NZ Penguin Initiative to help improve knowledge and the consistency of that knowledge across the country. Ms Perkins continued: "We will now be able to recruit a ranger in the new year, increasing ranger hours from casual and predominantly through the breeding season, to 0.5 full time equivalent and working throughout the year to continue and advance our existing projects, develop new ones and write up research projects.  It's an exciting time for consolidation and progress. "The DOC Community Fund grant will also be supporting the growth of our Education Programme.  Education Ranger, Lucy Waller, has developed strong and lasting connections with 14 of the possible 35 schools in the region, delivering classroom sessions, field trips and support for class projects as classes work through the Trust's education resource Blue penguins and other seabirds - activities for exploration and action for schools and community groups." The grant covers around half of the Trust's budgeted expenditure for three years and the Trust will continue to seek grants, donations and sponsorship for the other half. "The beauty of the Community Fund is that it supports far more conservation than the actual dollar value of the grant.  We will need to raise an equivalent amount or more to complete our planned projects and possible new projects, and then when you add in all the volunteer time and in-kind contributions, DOC's investment is returned around three-fold. "We're also really pleased to see other penguin projects supported by the fund, especially the yellow-eyed penguin that is in dire and urgent need of a helping hand." News about the grants. Summary of all 2019 DOC Community Fund grants.

For the first time in a long time, the West Coast Penguin Trust will be in Westport this Friday to deliver an update on our projects and Kerry-Jayne Wilson will present a not to be missed talk for all penguin lovers "The World of Penguins".

For the first time in a long time, the West Coast Penguin Trust will be in Westport this Friday to deliver an update on our projects and Kerry-Jayne Wilson will present a not to be missed talk for all penguin lovers "The World of Penguins". Talks start at 7.00pm, Friday 15th November at REAP Hall, Henley Street in Westport and you are invited to join us from 6.45pm for a cuppa. Come along and find out what we've been working on and how West Coast penguins are faring and then enjoy a wonderful illustrated talk about the world of penguins - penguins from New Zealand mainland and sub antarctic islands, from Antarctica and from South America. The evening is free but of course donations are always welcome!

Get involved, discover your beach and share your observations! We want to know where blue penguins are up and down the coast so as to best advocate for their protection and you can help.

Get involved, discover your beach and share your observations!  We want to know where blue penguins are up and down the coast so as to best advocate for their protection and you can help. An early morning beach walk between 14th and 20th October looking for penguin tracks will remind you how wonderful our coastline is and help us gain a clearer picture of where blue penguins are and, over time, possibly an indication of trends in populations.  Penguins are a little like canaries in coal mines - they are indicators of the health of their environment, both on land and at sea, so any more knowledge we have can help. You can do as many counts as you like during the count over seven days, in the same area or in different areas, as short or long a stretch of beach as you wish. Please think about your safety when you do your count. We have picked a time when tides are low in the early morning, when it will be easiest to spot the straight lines of penguin tracks, but consider the tides, the waves, the weather and even marine mammals (give seals plenty of space) as you go for your walk, and let someone know where you are going and when you'll be back. It's tough to get up early and get out onto the beach but it is so worthwhile.  The penguin count is a great incentive to help you and you'll feel so glad you did!  We recommend that you get familiar with the iNaturalist app a day or so before you head out and then it's a breeze to collect reports of any penguin tracks on your smart phone. Have fun and stay safe - we look forward to your observations. Find out more here.  

Another penguin has been killed by a dog at Karoro on the cycle trail.

Another penguin has been killed by a dog at Karoro. In January last year, a blue penguin was killed by a dog in the same area and the call went out – through the Grey Star and Stuff news and on social media - for greater awareness about the risk posed by loose dogs to penguins at or close to our beaches. West Coast Penguin Trust Manager, Inger Perkins, said “Dogs can’t help themselves. If they are loose and they come across a penguin, their instinct will be to pick it up. Whether to play or to attack, the outcome will the same – a dead penguin. “It’s likely that the penguin was paired up and sitting on two eggs or even chicks. Eggs need two penguins to ensure their survival, so this death not only means the loss of a breeding adult, but also two fewer blue penguin chicks.” Department of Conservation Senior Biodiversity Ranger in Greymouth, Darrell Haworth added: “The wounds are most definitely that of a dog attack. Attacks like this are most likely at night when penguins will be crossing between the sea and their burrows but could happen at any time.” During the breeding season, roughly June to December, blue penguins spend their days at sea and return to nests after dark, leaving again before dawn. The penguin killed in this area last year was seen during daylight the day before and was probably sick or injured. This time it appears that the dog had gone into the scrub next to the cycle trail and killed a healthy penguin. Ms Perkins explained what dog owners can do to help: “The most important thing you can do as a dog owner is to keep your dogs safe and secure at home. If your dog can roam, not only is it at risk itself – from traffic for example – but it could kill penguins or other wildlife. Keeping dogs on a lead through vegetated coastal areas where penguins may be nesting is also important and that includes the cycle trail. “If you see a penguin during daylight hours, they may be sick or injured, or going through their moult. You can help by phoning the DOC hotline and ensuring dogs can’t get to the penguin in the meantime.

Pancake Rocks Café in Punakaiki is getting behind blue penguins and other coastal wildlife with some stunning artwork and new donation collection points to support the West Coast Penguin Trust and Predator Free Punakaiki.

Pancake Rocks Café in Punakaiki is getting behind blue penguins and other coastal wildlife with some stunning artwork and new donation collection points to support the West Coast Penguin Trust and Predator Free Punakaiki. Café Manager, Patrick Volk, sees the café as an integral part of Punakaiki – both the village and the wild setting. When he arrived in Punakaiki, he fell in love with the place and its wildlife and has been a supporter of the West Coast Penguin Trust for several years. However, with growing support for wildlife locally and lots of interest from visitors, he wanted to do more, and he brought in Greymouth artist, Mark Haldane, to add stunning outdoor art to the café. Mr Volk explained: “It’s an investment in our wonderful wildlife. Mark has created these striking murals and, out of the goodness of his heart, refreshed our limestone penguins, which now look superb. Visitors love to find out more about the local penguins and wildlife and now, when they’re taking selfies with our penguin art or purchasing pancakes, coffees and pizzas, they can make a donation and support the protection and conservation of penguins and other local native birds.” West Coast Penguin Trust Trustee and Coast Road neighbour, Leon Dalziel, is a fan of Mark Haldane’s work and of this progressive step by Pancake Rocks café. He said: “Hundreds of thousands of visitors and thousands of locals will pass the Pancake Rocks Café every year and they will now get to enjoy this fantastic artwork. Many will stop at this café for its delicious pancakes and pizzas and be prompted to find out more about local wildlife and, with donation boxes and the opportunity to donate through smart payWave gadgets coming soon, they’ll be able to support local conservation on the spot. “The Trust’s partnership with the café has been growing each year and this is a huge and very generous step up from them. Donations will be split 50:50 with Predator Free Punakaiki and it’s great news to have this local and very active business support in our community.” Mr Volk added that native birdsong had almost disappeared from areas like Bullock Creek just to the north of Punakaiki. “The silence where before there were tui, bellbirds, fantails and more is so sad. But the Predator Free Punakaiki group are expanding their trapping project and birds are starting to return to this area. We need to raise funds for more traps and we’re always keen to support the West Coast Penguin Trust – we’re doing our bit and we invite other Coast businesses to follow our lead.”

Former Penguin Ranger, Reuben Lane, is new Penguin Trust Chair, taking over from Kerry_Jayne Wilson, who stepped down after 13 years in the role.
Reuben, West Coast Penguin Trust Ranger for several years until 2016, was elected as Chair last week at the Trust’s AGM.

Reuben Lane, West Coast Penguin Trust Ranger for several years until 2016, was elected as Chair last week at the Trust’s AGM. Despite relinquishing his role as Ranger, he maintained a close relationship with the Trust, attending meetings when he could and providing support and advice over the intervening years. He was then elected as Trustee in January and volunteered his services as Chair, taking over the reins from Kerry-Jayne Wilson. Mr Lane said: “After 13 years at the helm, leading the Trust in both governance and science, Kerry-Jayne gave two years’ notice that she wanted to let someone else take over. She has kept the Trust on a successful path based on scientific evidence for guidance and decision-making and has contributed many thousands of hours to further conservation of penguins and other endangered seabirds here on the Coast. “We are indebted to Kerry-Jayne and I wanted to ensure that she can put time into her next book project by freeing her up from some of the time-consuming duties that come with the Chair role. We’re pleased and relieved that Kerry-Jayne will remain as Trustee and science advisor to the Trust. “I’m looking forward to taking the Trust forward and leading our hugely committed and capable team as we build on the strengths that Kerry-Jayne has developed over the years.” With the penguin breeding season getting underway in recent weeks, the Trust is preparing for some key projects including monitoring Fiordland crested penguins or tawaki in South Westland to better understand the impact of big seed or mast events and tracking blue penguins to learn more about their marine ecology. Master’s student, Luisa von Salis Soglio, will be joining the Trust in September to help with blue penguin monitoring and she will be collating all the blue penguin data the Trust has gathered since it began work in the Charleston area. Mr Lane added: “For several years, I monitored blue penguins in the Charleston and wider Buller area, and we learned that stoat predation was not an issue for these birds but also that colony numbers continued to decline due to deaths on coast roads and due to dog attacks. “Long term data is hugely valuable in any type of scientific study and we’re very fortunate to have Luisa helping us make the most of it. She will gather all our data together and analyse it over the next few months and her findings will help guide us in future practical actions to protect these ‘at risk’ penguins. “In the meantime, we can never say this often enough, when living close to or visiting any coast beach, please keep your dogs on a lead or under very close control when out at the beach, and safe and secure when at home so they cannot roam.”

 

Trust Tawaki Coalition partner, Dr Thomas Mattern/The Tawaki Project, has just released his report following five years of field work studying the Fiordland crested penguin or tawaki.

Trust Tawaki Coalition partner, Dr Thomas Mattern/The Tawaki Project, has just released his report following five years of field work studying the Fiordland crested penguin or tawaki across their range, from Jackson Head in South Westland, via Harrison Cove in Milford Sound to Codfish Island/Whenua Hou. Since 2014, Dr Mattern and his team have been studying the foraging behaviour, reproductive success and population developments of tawaki, adding significantly to the minimal knowledge of this species. For example, the deployment of GPS dive loggers to record the penguins’ at-sea movements painted a clear picture of a species with versatile foraging strategy allowing it to successfully breed in open ocean environments, as well as enclosed fjord systems and shallow coastal habitat to the South of New Zealand’s South Island. Penguins breeding deep within fjords appear to benefit from an ecosystem that seems to be unaffected by large-scale environmental perturbations such as El Niño. The short foraging ranges of tawaki from Whenua Hou suggest similar mechanisms. However, penguins from the West Coast seem to suffer from such occurrences where increased foraging effort goes along with reduced reproductive success (see the 2015 report when breeding failed almost entirely at a monitored South Westland colony). This is surprising given that current population estimates put the exposed West Coast as core breeding area of the species. However, nest surveys conducted during the Tawaki Project and by WCPT Tawaki Ranger, Robin Long, indicate that penguin numbers especially in Fiordland may represent underestimations. Read the full report here.