A highly infectious strain of bird flu has been spreading since 2014 and has been disastrous for both poultry and other birds in the US and Europe during 2022. It has now reached pelicans in Peru and penguins in Africa. It could reach NZ via migratory birds. Biosecurity NZ will work closely with the Department […]
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, […]
Tawaki monitoring has revealed steady breeding during seasons 2019-2021. This is despite a major mast event with massive seedfall in autumn 2019. Mast events with abundant seeds available support mouse plagues, followed by rat plagues feeding on mice, followed by stoat plagues feeding on rats. As seeds gradually rot or germinate, rodent numbers fall and […]
Kerry-Jayne Wilson, conservationist, seabird ecologist, adventurer, scientist and all round extraordinary human being, has died. She leaves a gaping hole but a superb legacy. Kerry-Jayne was a founding Trustee of the West Coast Penguin Trust in 2006 and Chair for most of the years since then. She has been our inspiration, scientist, guide and leader. […]
I was sending some Christmas cards to family and friends in England and wanted to add a gift – something flat, light, useful… Then I thought about Oxfam Unwrapped and the Tear Fund who offer gift cards with a purpose, a chicken, a goat, clean water etc where they are most needed. Then I thought […]
Black Friday lands on us in late November with a deluge of advertising in every possible medium, enticing us to buy now and apparently offering once in a lifetime deals. If you’d rather have a calm approach to some ethical retail therapy, have a look at our newsletter published this morning for some ideas, with […]
From many excellent applications for the 20 hours a week Trust Ranger role, the Trust has recently appointed Linden Brown and he takes on the role from 26th October. The Trust is sad to be farewelling Ranger Matt Charteris, who is leaving to focus on other conservation projects and build a new home, but we […]
Outgoing Trust Chair, Reuben Lane, introduces the Annual Report and shares some highlights from the 2020-21 year. Having been involved in blue penguin monitoring over many years, I was particularly pleased to see the progress on tracking blue penguins supported by the New Zealand Penguin Initiative. We have learned a great deal about the threats […]
After two years as Trust Chair, Reuben Lane has stepped down as both Chair and Trustee for the next year to focus on other projects and, at the recent AGM, Robin Long was elected as Chair. The Trust is very fortunate to have Robin taking on this role, bringing a great deal of field experience […]
We are looking for a part-time ranger, predominantly working in the Buller, mainly in the Charleston area. 20 hours pw on average. Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 8th September. Are you passionate about conservation and want to help protect penguins on the West Coast? We are seeking a dedicated, part-time ranger with backcountry fieldwork experience to […]
