I recently returned from a day looking at some coastal rivers and wetlands in Hawke’s Bay with Regional Council staff. On this occasion the focus was not birds but whitebait, and in particular inanga. Inanga are one of five species of native fish that make up the national whitebait catch. In my region inanga make up about 90 percent of the catch.
So what is the connection with DUNZ?
Inanga spawn amongst the bank side vegetation of the lower reaches of rivers like the Tukituki, Ngaruroro and Tutaekuri at the top of the spring tides, normally during April to June. During the next sequence of high tides the eggs, about the size of a pin head, hatch and wash out to sea and then return to the rivers six months later as the whitebait most of us love eating. Those that avoid capture spend the next year in the river and adjacent wetlands before returning to these very small and critical spawning sites. Like waterfowl habitat, these sites are under threat from many directions and without protection the inanga could locally become extinct.
Habitat protection is the key whether you are a duck or native fish. Our wetland work normally benefits much more than birds.
Keep up the good work. See you at the AGM in Palmerston North 1-2 August.
John Cheyne
So what is the connection with DUNZ?
Inanga spawn amongst the bank side vegetation of the lower reaches of rivers like the Tukituki, Ngaruroro and Tutaekuri at the top of the spring tides, normally during April to June. During the next sequence of high tides the eggs, about the size of a pin head, hatch and wash out to sea and then return to the rivers six months later as the whitebait most of us love eating. Those that avoid capture spend the next year in the river and adjacent wetlands before returning to these very small and critical spawning sites. Like waterfowl habitat, these sites are under threat from many directions and without protection the inanga could locally become extinct.
Habitat protection is the key whether you are a duck or native fish. Our wetland work normally benefits much more than birds.
Keep up the good work. See you at the AGM in Palmerston North 1-2 August.
John Cheyne
Are you ready for the Ducks Unlimited 41st AGM 2015, Conference and Dinner, July 31 to August 2.
The Distinction hotel in Palmerston North is the venue. The rooms are comfortable, and the food is excellent. Yip – I have eaten there.
A bus trip to view the lovely Rangiwahia Wetlands is a scenic ride there and back, and Mike Bourke’s Wetlands have been a true labour of love. I hear there are even a few trout swimming around there.
Lunch at the refurbished Apiti Country Pub, (now called a bar and grill). Apiti still seems to have that slightly “wild-west” flavour. Soak up the atmosphere.
Back in town in time for a drink or two before dinner and time to browse around the silent auction goods. Dinner followed by what is often the highlight – the real action auction.
Sunday morning 9am – hopefully no hangovers – Emma Williams can bring us up to speed on her research into bittern at Lake Whatuma.
So – as they used to say when many of us were younger – “See you there or be square!”
If you have not received the Conference flyer, please contact DU's efficient secretary Jan Abel. Email: info@ducks.org.nz. Or as a last resort you can contact me. My email and phone number are at the bottom left of page 2.
Liz Brook
The Distinction hotel in Palmerston North is the venue. The rooms are comfortable, and the food is excellent. Yip – I have eaten there.
A bus trip to view the lovely Rangiwahia Wetlands is a scenic ride there and back, and Mike Bourke’s Wetlands have been a true labour of love. I hear there are even a few trout swimming around there.
Lunch at the refurbished Apiti Country Pub, (now called a bar and grill). Apiti still seems to have that slightly “wild-west” flavour. Soak up the atmosphere.
Back in town in time for a drink or two before dinner and time to browse around the silent auction goods. Dinner followed by what is often the highlight – the real action auction.
Sunday morning 9am – hopefully no hangovers – Emma Williams can bring us up to speed on her research into bittern at Lake Whatuma.
So – as they used to say when many of us were younger – “See you there or be square!”
If you have not received the Conference flyer, please contact DU's efficient secretary Jan Abel. Email: info@ducks.org.nz. Or as a last resort you can contact me. My email and phone number are at the bottom left of page 2.
Liz Brook
Ducks Unlimited New Zealand
40th Annual General Meeting 2 August 2014
9am at Brackenbridge Conference Centre, Martinborough.
Welcome:
The President John Cheyne, welcomed members to the 40th Annual General Meeting.
Apologies:
Ian, Dawn and Paul Pirani, Nancy Payne, James and Di Martin, Dan Steele, Anne Russell, Chris Bindon, Clare Worth
Motion:
That the apologies tendered are accepted.
Moved: Di Pritt
Seconded: Ian Jensen
Carried
Minutes of the last AGM:
(Copies available at the AGM.)
Motion: That the minutes of the last AGM be accepted as a true and complete record.
Moved: John Bishop.
Seconded: Jim Campbell.
Carried.
Matters arising from the 2013 minutes:
No matters arising.
President’s Report:
John Cheyne (Circulated in Flight #164, copies available at the AGM.) -
John thanked the Board for their contribution.
- Talked about Bittern research which the Board is supporting to $2.5K
Motion: The President’s report is accepted.
Moved: John Bishop, Seconded: Jim Campbell.
Carried.
Matters arising from the President’s 2013 Report:
No matters arising.
Financial Report:
John Bishop
John presented the Financial Report which is subject to review Income $61K Expenses $68K - Our membership is waxing and waning. -
The President John Cheyne, welcomed members to the 40th Annual General Meeting.
Apologies:
Ian, Dawn and Paul Pirani, Nancy Payne, James and Di Martin, Dan Steele, Anne Russell, Chris Bindon, Clare Worth
Motion:
That the apologies tendered are accepted.
Moved: Di Pritt
Seconded: Ian Jensen
Carried
Minutes of the last AGM:
(Copies available at the AGM.)
Motion: That the minutes of the last AGM be accepted as a true and complete record.
Moved: John Bishop.
Seconded: Jim Campbell.
Carried.
Matters arising from the 2013 minutes:
No matters arising.
President’s Report:
John Cheyne (Circulated in Flight #164, copies available at the AGM.) -
John thanked the Board for their contribution.
- Talked about Bittern research which the Board is supporting to $2.5K
Motion: The President’s report is accepted.
Moved: John Bishop, Seconded: Jim Campbell.
Carried.
Matters arising from the President’s 2013 Report:
No matters arising.
Financial Report:
John Bishop
John presented the Financial Report which is subject to review Income $61K Expenses $68K - Our membership is waxing and waning. -
Change in AGM receipts due to way accommodation was charged.
- Chapter donations are half.
- Still a deficit of $7K.
Motion: That the 2014 financial report be accepted.
Moved: John Bishop, Seconded: Jim Campbell.
Carried.
Waterfowl and Wetlands Trust Report:
David Smith.
A/Cs completed and reviewed.
The Financial Year ends 31 December.
Funds were up from $415K to $437K, an improvement of our position by 8.4%.
As always subject to $$ fluctuations however fund is in good shape.
Moved: Di Pritt,
Seconded: K Barnes.
Carried.
Election of Officers:
Board Election: The President read out the following Statement:
The Constitution states that the Board should consist of not less than six, of which half, but not more than two thirds shall be permanently appointed Directors. As of right, the permanent appointments are the Chairman, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Other permanent appointments are Neil Candy and William Abel.
Nominations for the Board:
As there are no new nominations the existing board members, Jim Law and John Dermer, be re-elected.
Moved: David Smith,
Seconded: Glenys Hansen.
Carried.
Reports:
Wetland Care: William Abel (tabled).
Royal Swan Report: William Abel (tabled).
Website Report (tabled).
Michelle Cooper (webmaster) covered off her report.
- Chapter donations are half.
- Still a deficit of $7K.
Motion: That the 2014 financial report be accepted.
Moved: John Bishop, Seconded: Jim Campbell.
Carried.
Waterfowl and Wetlands Trust Report:
David Smith.
A/Cs completed and reviewed.
The Financial Year ends 31 December.
Funds were up from $415K to $437K, an improvement of our position by 8.4%.
As always subject to $$ fluctuations however fund is in good shape.
Moved: Di Pritt,
Seconded: K Barnes.
Carried.
Election of Officers:
Board Election: The President read out the following Statement:
The Constitution states that the Board should consist of not less than six, of which half, but not more than two thirds shall be permanently appointed Directors. As of right, the permanent appointments are the Chairman, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Other permanent appointments are Neil Candy and William Abel.
Nominations for the Board:
As there are no new nominations the existing board members, Jim Law and John Dermer, be re-elected.
Moved: David Smith,
Seconded: Glenys Hansen.
Carried.
Reports:
Wetland Care: William Abel (tabled).
Royal Swan Report: William Abel (tabled).
Website Report (tabled).
Michelle Cooper (webmaster) covered off her report.
Have had good hits on the website. If anyone has anything for website please let us know
Wairio Wetland: Jim Law (Full report tabled).
Jim firstly recognised the involvement of Ross Cottle, Jim Campbell, Howard Egan and John Cheyne on the Wairio project. He showed some photos of the project.
Summary: This project lead by DU, is strongly supported and seen as a success. It is a forerunner for the collaborative process with DOC.
Pateke:
Mike Camm (Full report tabled).
Whio:
Peter Russell (Full report tabled).
Peter talked to his report. Young pairs going well, using wild birds and flock mating. Bringing in South Island eggs. Survival rates are pretty good. Releasing at Egmont, think the tides have turned.
Membership Report:
Jan Abel.
- 75% renewal rate for membership to date – about same as last year.
- How would people feel with emailing out membership renewals? With another increase coming up in postage would this be a good opportunity?
General Business:
Liz Brook Flight Editor spoke to the meeting – she would like more photos or material from members.
John Bishop talked to the AGM.
-looking for guidance from members as to where DUNZ goes in the future. Mentioned that DU Canada has their AGM every two years, also mentioned letter from Whangarei Forest & Bird. Maybe put money in a Trust?
Closure:
The meeting closed at 10.05am
John Bishop talked to the AGM.
-looking for guidance from members as to where DUNZ goes in the future. Mentioned that DU Canada has their AGM every two years, also mentioned letter from Whangarei Forest & Bird. Maybe put money in a Trust?
Closure:
The meeting closed at 10.05am
It gives me great pleasure in presenting my annual report for 2014-15. As you will read we are not short on challenges.
Over the last 12 months we have had a number of highs and the odd low. Starting with the low, we have the same problem faced by DU Canada, DU USA and many other New Zealand based organisations in trying to maintain the number of members. Our membership is aging and few younger people are joining.
The DU Board have over the last four years sought advice on our future direction and increasing membership. This included aligning ourselves more closely with other similar organisations which are experiencing similar problems. Unfortunately people appear to have a greater array of demands on their time and this seems to reduce their desire to be members of organisations like DU. Declining membership naturally impacts on income. Any DU member with a magic wand and a few pearls of wisdom on the issue please let me know.
Over the last 12 months we have had a number of highs and the odd low. Starting with the low, we have the same problem faced by DU Canada, DU USA and many other New Zealand based organisations in trying to maintain the number of members. Our membership is aging and few younger people are joining.
The DU Board have over the last four years sought advice on our future direction and increasing membership. This included aligning ourselves more closely with other similar organisations which are experiencing similar problems. Unfortunately people appear to have a greater array of demands on their time and this seems to reduce their desire to be members of organisations like DU. Declining membership naturally impacts on income. Any DU member with a magic wand and a few pearls of wisdom on the issue please let me know.
In spite of this problem DUNZ and its wetland conservation arm, Wetland Care NZ still punch well above their weight in terms of what they are achieving. The Wairio wetland project in the Wairarapa continues to be our major wetland restoration project. The recent construction of the long bund to better retain water in Stages 1-3, highlights what can be achieved when collaborating with others. This $30,000 project received magnificent financial support from the Clean Up Wairarapa Moana Fund (Greater Wellington Regional Council), NZ Game Bird Habitat Trust, South Wairarapa Rotary Club, Nikau Trust and Pharazyn Trust. While DU’s finances are limited, we are on the lookout for other worthwhile projects where DU seed funding can leverage contributions from other organisations.
Fund raising is important for DU and the Manawatu and Wairarapa Chapters do an excellent job in organising the pre waterfowl hunting season clay target field shoot which results in a welcome donation towards our wetland projects. Our AGM weekend also generates valuable income.
DU is still involved with conservation programmes with blue duck (whio), brown teal (pateke) and white swan.
Fund raising is important for DU and the Manawatu and Wairarapa Chapters do an excellent job in organising the pre waterfowl hunting season clay target field shoot which results in a welcome donation towards our wetland projects. Our AGM weekend also generates valuable income.
DU is still involved with conservation programmes with blue duck (whio), brown teal (pateke) and white swan.
A new project DU is supporting is the doctorate study on the endangered bittern at Lake Whatuma in Hawke’s Bay being undertaken by Emma Williams, Massey University. Her findings will assist the conservation of this flagship species, which in turn will lead to improved wetland outcomes nationally.
Our organisation is like an extended family with many members looking forward to the AGM to renew friendships. This is important, but could not happen without the excellent work of our Secretary Jan Able, Flight Editor Liz Brook and Web Site Manager Michelle Cooper. Your Board of Directors also work hard to achieve positive outcomes for DU. Being a Director is fun and involves working alongside a group of similar minded people. If you are interested in becoming a Director please talk to one of us.
Thank you for your on-going support. Wetlands are always going to need a helping hand.
John Cheyne, President
]]>Our organisation is like an extended family with many members looking forward to the AGM to renew friendships. This is important, but could not happen without the excellent work of our Secretary Jan Able, Flight Editor Liz Brook and Web Site Manager Michelle Cooper. Your Board of Directors also work hard to achieve positive outcomes for DU. Being a Director is fun and involves working alongside a group of similar minded people. If you are interested in becoming a Director please talk to one of us.
Thank you for your on-going support. Wetlands are always going to need a helping hand.
John Cheyne, President
The Wairio Wetland Restoration has taken another step forward with the completion of the 1.7 km Bund Wall linking Stage 1 and Stage 4. If it is as successful as the Bund in Stage 4 we will have another 15 to 20 hectares of shallow open water with low islands scattered throughout.
This type of habitat is an ideal breeding and feeding area for a wide variety waterfowl such as swan, geese, bittern, royal spoonbill and of course ducks.
The Bund has been fenced to keep stock out as well as protect planting.
A planting day, held on April 21 was attended by about 40 people including students from a local school and Taratahi Agricultural College, members of the South Wairarapa Rotary and a variety of people from DU, Greater Wellington Council and the local district.
We received $2500 worth of plants from the Honda Fund, as well as three people from Southey Honda in Masterton to help with the planting.
Start time was 10am and 2000 plants were in the ground by 12 noon, just in time for lunch provided by Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Special thanks go to The Game Bird Habitat Trust, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Nikau Foundation, Pharazyn Trust and South Wairarapa Rotary Club for their generous sponsorship.
It was an excellent day my thanks to all involved.
We now await rain to see just how successful we have been.
Ross Cottle
]]>This type of habitat is an ideal breeding and feeding area for a wide variety waterfowl such as swan, geese, bittern, royal spoonbill and of course ducks.
The Bund has been fenced to keep stock out as well as protect planting.
A planting day, held on April 21 was attended by about 40 people including students from a local school and Taratahi Agricultural College, members of the South Wairarapa Rotary and a variety of people from DU, Greater Wellington Council and the local district.
We received $2500 worth of plants from the Honda Fund, as well as three people from Southey Honda in Masterton to help with the planting.
Start time was 10am and 2000 plants were in the ground by 12 noon, just in time for lunch provided by Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Special thanks go to The Game Bird Habitat Trust, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Nikau Foundation, Pharazyn Trust and South Wairarapa Rotary Club for their generous sponsorship.
It was an excellent day my thanks to all involved.
We now await rain to see just how successful we have been.
Ross Cottle
At a fairly recent DU Manawatu Chapter dinner, our president John Cheyne successfully bid for a weekend at Jim Campbell’s (one of DU’s patrons), lodge near Mount Bruce in northern Wairarapa.
“I last visited Jims property in 1982,” John said. “It was soon after the pond had been constructed and was unfenced and not planted. What a difference 33 years makes!!!”
Gail (John’s wife), and I had a magnificent weekend that involved a guided tour of the farm and all Jim’s wetlands. The hospitality and company was magnificent, the venison tender and the whiskey smooth. A big thank you to Jim.”
John Cheyne
]]>“I last visited Jims property in 1982,” John said. “It was soon after the pond had been constructed and was unfenced and not planted. What a difference 33 years makes!!!”
Gail (John’s wife), and I had a magnificent weekend that involved a guided tour of the farm and all Jim’s wetlands. The hospitality and company was magnificent, the venison tender and the whiskey smooth. A big thank you to Jim.”
John Cheyne
Did You Know?
Ducks Unlimited was incorporated by Joseph Knapp, EH Low and Robert Winthrop in January 29, 1937, in Washington, DC, USA as a result of their concerns (and those of other sportsmen), about the loss of wetlands as habitat for waterfowl and the impact this would have on waterfowl hunting.
Ducks Unlimited Canada was incorporated in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in March, 1937. Other chapters have since become operation in Latin America, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.
Anti-hunting lobbyists have consequently had an historically difficult relationship with DU and accuse DU of simply breeding ducks to be shot.
It was waterfowl hunters intent on preserving their recreational interests who founded DU USA, and it remains a pro-hunting organisation. Supporters counter the anti-hunting lobby by pointing out that many species besides waterfowl live in the habitat restored and protected by DU. Wetlands improve the overall health of the environment by recharging and purifying groundwater, moderating floods and reducing soil erosion.
DU has become a leader in waterfowl habitat conservation and has conserved more than 12.8 million acres (46,900km²) of waterfowl habitat in North America.
DU USA partners with a wide range of corporations, governments, non-governmental organisations, landowners, and private citizens to restore and manage areas that have been degraded and to prevent further degradation of wetlands.
DU USA, in keeping with its founders’ intentions, also promotes the continuation of safe and regulated waterfowl hunting.
The majority of financial contributors and members are waterfowl hunters, and over 90 percent of those who read DU’s magazine are hunters.
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Ian Pirani received a Queens Service Medal (QSM) in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours for services to conservation.
In 1974 Ian was a co-founder of Ducks Unlimited and was the first president of DUNZ through to 1980. During this time he and his wife Dawn initiated a Pateke breeding programme and nesting boxes for Grey Teal throughout New Zealand.
A former goat farmer who has given voluntary service to wetland preservation and other farm environment initiatives, Ian has contributed to conservation and the environment.
Early in his farming career Ian suggested to his employer to fence rather than drain a wetland. Later he and his wife established the largest water fowl collection in Australasia and were the first people to privately breed whio in captivity. He joined the Wellington Acclimatisation Society as a councillor in 1964, serving until 1972 and was a Councillor on the National Acclimatisation for three years.
He is a strong advocate for the profitable live harvest of feral goats from indigenous forests for environmental reasons and for use as a meat export. Ian has served on a variety of environmental and farming boards including the Meat and Wool Board as a member of the Goat Advisory Group, on the Eastern Fish and Game Board, Bay of Plenty Goat Farmers Association, the Department of Conservation East Coast Board, and the National Trust of Balance Farm Environment Board.
Ian was a senior assessor and on the management committee for the BoP Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Ian has not been in the best of health lately, and DUNZ members wish him well.
Fine weather was ideal for a ‘planting’ day at Ruffit Lodge (east of Woodville) mid May, with a few neighbours, friends and family mucking in to help.
160 trees were planted, with most getting the Don Bell ‘Growtector’ treatment. “This is the last section of our waterway to be fenced and planted. Just a few more flaxes and trees to go.” To encourage helpers Julie Candy offered soup and buns for lunch.
]]>Rickie Cameron 10, Omamari, Kaipara.
“He has been out previously (not shooting), but never opening weekend.”
Rickie is David Cameron’s son. They live in Silverdale. “This was his first opening weekend and he was shooting with a Optima 410 single barrel shotgun and his trusty Ridgeline gear.
It was on private land, thanks to the local Omamari farmer.
Rickie loves to shoot clay birds, although with the 410 it isn’t that easy. Will move him up to a 20ga soon.”
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