Quarry site to become bird haven

EXCITED: Department of Conservation partnerships ranger Mark Anderson and Larry O'neil of Te Whakakaha Conservation Trust are looking forward to transforming the Te Puke Quarry into a conservation sanctuary for native wildlife, such as the kiwi.PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK

A Western Bay of Plenty quarry site is set to be transformed into a conservation sanctuary aimed at becoming home for more of New Zealand's native wildlife.

The Department of Conservation has reclaimed the 400 hectares of land at the top of No3 Rd, Te Puke, after permitting it out for quarry use in recent years.

It was now calling for public submissions on the proposal to change the land designation from a stewardship area to sanctuary area.

Partnerships ranger Mark Anderson said DoC hoped to bring the land back to an area of ecological integrity fit for habitat for New Zealand's native wildlife, flora and fauna.

Mr Anderson said the land bordered with a Western Bay catchment area already hosting kiwi. It was hoped that, by bringing the land into a lush conservation area, it would increase the living area for the endangered bird.

"We are hopeful, if this population expands, we can have habitation in this area for kiwi to expand into. Kokako as well."

Mr Anderson said achieving sanctuary status for the land would be a significant milestone, given its history as a quarry site. By transforming it into a sanctuary, it would help link the Otanewainuku and the Otawa native forest cover.

The proposed new name of the site will be the Otawa Sanctuary Area, as recommended by Te Kapu o Waitaha. The name reflects that the land is in the shadow of Otawa maunga (mountain) and is therefore under its care and protection, the same as Otawa Scenic Reserve to the north.

Mr Anderson said he hoped that eventually the area would become a conservation haven but would be focusing on pest control to begin with.

"The biggest challenge really is going to be getting a comprehensive pest control up there. Rats, stoats and possums, they can cause quite a lot of damage"

The Department of Conservation was working with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, community and iwi groups to help make that happen, he said.

"It's exciting," Mr Anderson said. "The passion our partners have already shown to enhance this area is phenomenal and I would like to thank them all for helping us get to this pivotal moment.

"I encourage people to make a submission in support of this proposal to ensure all the animals living there are given the protection they deserve."

-Submissions are due by November 23 and should be sent to: Dinah Wakelin, Department of Conservation, PO Box 5244, Dunedin 9058 or djwakelin@doc.govt.nz.