2019/20 YEAR IN REVIEW - Central North Island Sika ...
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019/20
Cover: Sika stag photographed by Gerald Fluerty. Contents: Sika hind photographed by Nik Maxwell. CONTENTS Message from our President 3 Code of Conduct 4 DOC Community Agreement 5 Sika Management Hunts 6/7/8/9 Southern Kaimanawa Deer Survey 10/11 REZ Camera Trial 12/13 Protecting Whio 14/15 Bat Monitoring Project 16 Hut and Track Maintenance 17/18 Waipakihi Valley Beech Dieback 19 Spreading the Word 20 Hind-Sight Competition 21 Partners, Sponsors and Supporters 22 Committee/Support Us 23 | 2 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATION
MESSAGE FROM
OUR PRESIDENT
As I sit down the write this year’s always encouraging. The show is a
report, we are into our 5th week of great platform to promote who we
Covid-19 lockdown. are, and a great way to present to
you the hunter what inroads we are
2020 roar will go down in history making to improve the Sika herd and
as being one of the quietest. We their environment.
understand the frustration of every
hunter having to stay at home over
“Our committee is
this the most exciting time to be in
the hills, but like a lot of things we working tirelessly
must think of the big picture for the to ensure the
future. We will be back hunting soon Sika herd thrives
and there will be plenty of animals
waiting for us.
in a sustainable
environment, making
First up I would like to thank our it a win/win situation
members, sponsors and supporters This year we have welcomed Fiona
for the hunter; the
for their belief and faith in what the Duley to the committee, who is keen
Sika Foundation does. Without your hunted; as well as to help better represent the interests
membership subs and sponsorship the forests and and aspirations of the increasing
funding, we could not achieve what mountain lands in number of women Sika hunters. The
we are doing today. passion and enthusiasm from this
which they live.” team makes me proud to work with
“A healthy Sika hunting them in aiming to achieve the goals
resource, thriving in resilient It is an opportunity for our we have set.
natural habitats, valued by organisation to show first-hand the
stakeholders.” projects we have on the go and Thanks,
explain the underlying philosophies
This is the Sika Foundations vision, that drive these. It’s also a great
and we strive through all we do way to get your opinion and ideas
to reach this goal, from our Whio where you would like to see things
Recovery Project to our Management heading to make your hunting more
Hunts and all other projects. You will sustainable for the future.
read about it in detail in this year’s John Cook
report, and find out about the many Our committee is working tirelessly CNISF President 2019
projects we have on the go: to ensure the Sika herd thrives in a
sustainable environment, making it
Whio Recovery Programme a win/win situation for the hunter;
Kaimanawa Bat Project the hunted; as well as the forests and
Rangitikei REZ Trail camera survey mountain lands in which they live.
Management Hunts programme
Hut & Track maintenance The committee is made up of people
Southern Kaimanawa deer survey of all ages and walks of life and it
is a completely voluntary group
The 2019 Sika Show was a huge of people – hunters, trampers,
success for the Sika Foundation, with wildlife photographers, fishermen,
new members signing up which is researchers, and Iwi representatives.
ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 | 3 |
Sika stag photographed by Gerald Fleurty. SIKA FOUNDATION CODE OF CONDUCT The Central North Island Foundation promotes a Hunting Code of Conduct to ensure all hunters respect these important forests. The following key messages have been developed by the Foundation to help with ongoing education and advocacy, and to encourage compliant hunter behaviour. The Sika Foundation seeks your support in abiding by the following Hunter Code of Conduct: Plan and prepare. Wear contrasting clothing. Follow the Arms Code. Always get a permit and abide by its conditions. Respect the rights of private landowners. Never spotlight on public land. Take care to protect native plants and animals. Remove all your rubbish. Bury your toilet waste carefully. Keep streams and waterways clean. Consider others who may be present or follow after you. Kill animals as humanely as possible. Wherever possible, take a jaw and always carefully complete the jaw data card. Submit your hunting data forms with accurate data. Join the Sika Foundation and support sustainable hunting (sikafoundation.co.nz). The hunting culture that this Code is designed to uphold is one of Sika hunters as Guardians or Kaitiaki of these forest and mountain lands – who hold a strong sense of respect, obligation and responsibility. For too long, many kiwi hunters have been simply end-use consumers of our forests and mountain land – consumers that hold a strong sense of entitlement based on a lifetime of just doing whatever they want, wherever and however they want. The Sika Foundation seeks to de-emphasise this historic sense of entitlement and rights; and re-emphasise a sense responsibility and obligation in Sika hunters. The future of this cherished hunting resource depends on that culture shift. | 4 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATION
“We believe that with education,
promotion and incentivisation,
we could significantly increase the
hunting pressure in Kaweka Forest
Park and in doing so, greatly increase
the hind harvest both during and
outside the roar period.”
DOC COMMUNITY
AGREEMENT
The Foundation has been working participate in reducing Sika hind
with DOC Taupo since January 2019 density across the Kaweka Range,
on a new Community Agreement via expanding Management Hunts.
to replace an MOU that was put in We believe that with education,
place with the Kaimanawa Hunter promotion and incentivisation,
Liaison Group in 2009. This new we could significantly increase the
Agreement is complex but is hunting pressure in Kaweka Forest
slowly advancing. Park and in doing so, greatly increase
the hind harvest both during and
More recently, with the Foundation’s outside the roar period.
desire to increase predator trapping
across this wider landscape, we have One option which we are
been exploring how a DOC/Sika exploring is trying to get DOC to
Foundation Community Agreement waive the helicopter landing fee
could be expanded to enhance a ($48 per hunter, per trip) imposed
wider working relationship between on concessionaires, for all Sika
our membership, Sika hunters and Foundation coordinated
DOC at both Taupo and Napier, hunting effort. supportive and science-based
as the Napier Office are the lead way if we are to see a vibrant and
management agency on the The Foundation would undertake healthy Kaimanawa/Kaweka high
Kaweka side. to lead the hunter education and country. We seek to develop a
coordination aspects of any extended mutually acceptable management
The current Eastern Kaweka trapping Kaweka programme, to target hinds, regime with DOC across the whole
effort (see map) is mostly managed collect herd and other management Kaimanawa/Kaweka area, as a single
by hunters, and Foundation data and further educate hunters management unit.
members, and there are aspirations about the need to reduce hind
to extend this to make it more density. We have also offered to A comprehensive Community
effective at protecting Whio, kiwi and support both habitat and deer index Agreement that facilitates Sika hunter
other vulnerable native species. data collection. participation in as wide a range of
conservation management activities
The Foundation also wishes to The Foundation must operate as possible, across both Forest Parks
explore how Sika hunters can better in a respectful, collaborative, is a win-win outcome for all.
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019/20 | 5 |
2020 MANAGEMENT HUNTS
Most Kaimanawa & Kaweka Forest Management hunts are designed to This is because the forests provide
hunting blocks get plenty of increase overall hunting effort and less quality nutrition.
hunting pressure during the roar. help improve both conservation and
Many Sika stags are harvested hunting outcomes in areas where Often, the average age of females
between late March and early June access is more difficult, where deer in these areas is also high due to the
every year – in fact, data shows condition may be identified as poor, chronic under-harvest of females,
over half of the annual Sika stag and/or where forest condition may which is a major contributor to the
harvest occurs in the month of be identified as declining. These negative outcomes outlined above.
April, alone. areas do not necessarily have high
deer density. Targeting breeding hinds helps
A whole lot more get harvested in reduce overall deer numbers and
velvet during December and January It is the relationship between change the herd structure to a more
– approximately a further third of the current deer density and the balanced herd sex ratio. This has
annual Sika stag harvest occurs at this ‘carrying capacity’ of the habitat that benefits for habitat quality, animal
time. Most areas do not need more influences the condition of both the quality and hunting outcomes
Sika stags shot – they need more Sika habitat and the deer. Areas where through more intense rutting
hinds shot. Many Sika hunting areas deer density is near the capacity behaviours in Autumn, from fewer
have far more females than males – of the forest to support them, have but more productive females, living
2:1 or more – reflecting consistently much lower reproductive rates (ie., in more sustainable habitat.
low hind harvests. less females have fawns each year).
| 6 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATION
Hunter choices are a cornerstone
to the successful implementation
of Management Hunts. What deer
hunters choose to shoot is entirely
their call, but the Foundation
encourages participants in
Management Hunts to shoot
breeding hinds whenever possible.
Clearly there are ethical issues with
shooting hinds with young fawns
at foot, which is why these hunts
are timed for outside of the main
fawning period (late-November
through mid-March). Where they
can be identified, yearling hinds are
ideal to shoot year-round since this
has a significant positive impact on
the longer-term Sika population by “Hunter choices
reducing the reproductive potential Herd Data (eg., sex ratios and
of the herd. We do not need more
are a cornerstone age structure of harvested
Sika in many areas, we need to to the successful deer, deer condition scores,
better look after the Sika that are implementation of reproductive status of breeding
already present – by looking after females) from deer jaws collected
Management Hunts.
their habitat. at post-hunt de-briefings;
What deer hunters
Measuring Success choose to shoot is Sightings of any threatened species
The Foundation needs to measure its entirely their call, recorded on hunting data forms;
success in operating Management
Hunts and report these outcomes to
but the Foundation Observations of weeds (Pinus
DOC. This is achieved through: encourages contorta, ling heather, etc) and
participants in pests from hunting data forms.
Hunting data (effort,
Management Hunts to
sightings, deer shot) from the Over time, the Foundation
mandatory forms provided at shoot breeding hinds expects to see:
pre-hunt briefings; whenever possible.”
decreases in the average
age of female Sika deer
increases in overall deer
condition scores
increases in the proportion of
females breeding (this will reflect
lower overall deer density and
better habitat health)
increasing populations
and/or distribution of
threatened species.
2019/20 Data
The data collected from the
2019/20 management hunts is
reported on Page 9.
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019/20 | 7 |
Sika hind and fawn photographed
Hunts were undertaken on: including an increased number of by Mike Penn.
women Sika hunters. These hunters
14 – 17 June 2019 removed 78 deer – 60 (76.9%) of
25 – 28 October 2019 which were female.
15 – 18 November 2019
“The hunters
6 – 9 March 2020 Hunting data by landing site is shown involved in
on Table 1 on page 9, while the age Management Hunts
A total of 44 parties made up of distribution and reproductive status
134 individual hunters participated of a sample of the female harvest
demonstrated sound
in this year’s Management Hunts, (for which useable jaw data was understanding and
visiting 20 different sites. Many obtained) is shown on Figure 1. support of what
repeat hunters participated again the Foundation is
this year, but it was also good to see The average age of the useable
new hunters also getting involved, female sample (n = 33) was quite
attempting to do via
the programme and
again showed very
Age Structure of Female Harvest No. high levels of respect
and Reproductive Rates Breeding
in terms of managing
6–
their impact at
5– landings sites.”
4–
No. in Sample
high again this year at 6.9 years old
3–
(cf. 5.7 years in 2019), with only
36% of them breeding at the time of
2–
harvest. None of the rising 2-year-
1– old females were pregnant. In very
healthy wild Sika herds, up to 90%
0– of yearlings will go to the stag and
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 R11 R12 R13 R14 R15
breed for the first time as two year
Age Class
olds; and more than 90% of females
Figure 1: Female Jaw Data 2019/20 Management Hunts three years and older will breed.
| 8 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATION
Sika shot Red Deer shot Misc.
TABLE.1 No. of parties Adult Adult Juvenile Juvenile
LANDING SITE: using site Stag Hind Stag Hind Stag Hind Pig
Pox Clearing 1
Ruatahuna/ Waipakihi 2 2
Thunderbolt Tops 2 2 4 2 5 1
Ecology 2 2 1
Whitikau 4 1 3 2
Waiotaka 1 1
Waimarino Valley 1 1
Waimarino Ridge 1 1 1 1 1
Te Tiringa 4 1 2 1
Upper Tiraki 3 1 3
Pukehuia 3 1 5 1 4 1
Jap (Ruatea Str.) Creek 3 1 2
Upper Kaipo* 3 3 1
Paemahi* 4 1 9 1 1
Otorehinaiti Saddle 2 2
Te Pukeohikarua Hut 1 1
Te Pukeohikarua Exclosure 1 1
Harkness Saddle 1
Harkness Hut 1 5 1
Mangatainoka Hut 3
Waimatai 1 1
TOTALS 44 10 37 6 16 2 6 3
While the sample size is very small,
the 2019/20 data here does suggest
that Sika deer density relative to
habitat carrying capacity is still high
at many sites. A good example
is at Paemahi in the headwaters
of the Oamaru River south of
Maungaorangi, where none of the
nine hinds taken during Management
Hunts this year were pregnant and all
deer were reported as skinny.
Two parties who shot 5 deer each (10
deer) at this site reported binging out Photo: Nik Maxwell.
no meat, as the condition of the deer
was so bad. Such situations are simply The hunters involved in Management ongoing support and willingness
not sustainable – neither from a habitat Hunts demonstrated sound to work so collaboratively on such
nor hunting perspective. At the other understanding and support of what a project. Management hunts are
end of the scale is Pukehuia in the the Foundation is attempting to about Sika management in action.
lower altitude northern Kaimanawa do via the programme and again If you want to get involved, go
forests where all of the five adult showed very high levels of respect to sikafoundation.co.nz or our
hinds shot were pregnant/in milk and in terms of managing their impact at Facebook Page for details.
all deer were fat, reflecting habitat landings sites.
currently in far better condition than Become a Sika Manager, don’t just
the higher altitude/more remote The Sika Foundation are grateful to be a Sika Consumer.
mountain beech forest sites. local DOC staff and Helisika for their
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019/20 | 9 |
SOUTHERN KAIMANAWA DEER
SURVEY PROJECT 2017 – 2019
In 2017 OSPRI contracted Manaaki
Whenua – Landcare Research to
carry out a TB deer survey over a
three-year period in the southern
Kaimanawa Range as part of
helping confirm TB freedom in
this area.
The survey involved helicopter
shooting of deer, with a target of 150
to be taken each year (450 total). The
helicopter shooting was carried out in
the Remote Experience Zone (REZ) as
this area doesn’t receive high hunting
pressure because of the difficult
access. However, for more accessible
survey areas outside the REZ such
as the Waipakihi Valley and Desert Whenua supplying photos of any Images and map provided by Manaaki
Road access points, an incentivised cull stags taken. Younger stags, Whenua – Landcare Research.
recreational hunter sampling regime especially those with trophy potential
was used whereby hunters who were left for the recreational hunter. The project was completed in early
could meet the necessary data Manaaki Whenua also collected January 2020 with a total of 473
requirements received a payment of data on animal condition and samples taken – 325 shot from
$150 per sample. breeding status, removed jaws and helicopter and 148 shot by recreational
supplied this information to the Sika hunters (see map). This is the largest
The helicopter shooting targeted Foundation for our data collection and most comprehensive dataset for
older hinds where possible and poor- programme – a valuable tool for the Sika herd analysed from a specific
quality older stags with Manaaki better understanding the herd. location since the 1990’s.
| 10 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATIONPhoto: Dafydd Pettigrew.
successfully complete this project.
“Manaaki Whenua In the words of the Manaaki Whenua
would like to thank Project Manager, Ivor Yockney: “It is
not often that all parties can agree
all of the hunters who to a course of action like this. I wish
helped to successfully more projects STARTED with this
complete this project. kind of consultation. I cannot stress
enough how this established a solid
In the words of the
platform for everyone to engage
The sex ratio of the sample was 341 Manaaki Whenua from and our relationship with both
(72.5%) hinds and 132 (27.5%) stags. Project Manager, Ivor DOC and the Sika Foundation has
Of the 325 deer for which species Yockney: “It is not been one of absolute involvement/
was recorded, 11 were identified partnership from the get-go.”
as hybrids, 65 as red deer and 249
often that all parties
as Sika, although many of the Sika can agree to a course The Sika Foundation team agrees
had (larger than normal) jaw lengths of action like this. I and would also like to acknowledge
more consistent with being hybrids. OSPRI for its willingness to work with
wish more projects
Average age of hinds was 57 months the Foundation on this Project. We
(4.75 years) with a range of 3 months STARTED with this will now look at ways to continue
to 179 months (15 years); and for kind of consultation. ” game animal management in this
stags, 44 months (3.7 years) range 10 area, so the gains made over the past
months to 120 months (10 years). three years are built on.
While no TB was found in any sample,
Not every recreational hunter-shot the large proportion of barren This is especially important in the
hind sample had reproductive status hinds and deer in average to poor REZ, following the recent game
recorded but of all the females in the condition taken out of the survey area camera survey on the following
total sample (341), only 142 showed indicates the habitat in this part of the pages that further highlights poor
signs of breeding (either pregnant Kaimanawa Forest Park (particularly deer condition and low breeding
and/or in milk and/or having a the REZ) is struggling under current rates. Positive environmental
weaner at foot). This suggests deer densities. Removing hinds is the outcomes and a healthier Sika herd
breeding rates remain well below best way to reduce deer densities to for recreational hunters to utilise are a
the >90% expected of a healthy Sika allow habitat recovery and improve win – win for both conservation
herd living is good habitat. Further, deer condition – fewer, but better and hunting.
of the 315 deer for which condition more productive animals.
score was recorded, 246 (78%)
were in average, poor or very poor Manaaki Whenua would like to thank
condition – none were fat. all of the hunters who helped to
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019/20 | 11 |TRAIL CAMERA SURVEY IN
KAIMANAWA REMOTE
EXPERIENCE ZONE
The Sika Foundation is working Landcare also supplied cameras “Now it’s up to
with Manaaki Whenua – Landcare and other equipment to help us set Graham Nugent and
Research on a project designed up the project.
to compare the effectiveness of
one of the modellers at
faecal pellet counting with camera On Tuesday 19 of February two Sika Landcare to see if they
monitoring to assess deer density Foundation volunteers went back in can get a correlation
using a trail camera survey. to the area with the DOC Biodiversity
between the deer
Monitoring team to help pick up the
On Wednesday 11 December and cameras while the DOC team carried photos and pellet
Thursday 12 December 2019, a team out the faecal pellet counting. line indices. ”
of five Central North Island Sika
Foundation volunteers went into Manaaki Whenua – Landcare
the Kaimanawa Rangitikei Remote Research supplied aerial assistance between the deer photos and pellet
Experience Zone (REZ) and set up 80 from their helicopter once again. line indices.
cameras to start the project.
Grant Morriss from Landcare Hopefully there were enough deer
Manaaki Whenua – Landcare has analysed the 52,287 photos visits to be useful, but time will tell.
Research supplied aerial assistance collected and entered the data in a The deer images do show that the
from their helicopter which was in the spreadsheet, a summary of which deer are small and in light to poor
area carrying out work on the deer can be found on the opposite page. condition. Many of the hinds look old
survey project for OSPRI, to ferry the Now it’s up to Graham Nugent and and there were not that many fawns
team in and out of the REZ to enable one of the modellers at Landcare evident, indicating this part of the
our members to deploy the cameras. to see if they can get a correlation herd is still in a bit of trouble. Further
| 12 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATION“Many of the hinds
look old and there
were not that many
fawns evident,
indicating this part
The breakdown of images is as follows:
of the herd is still
TARGET No. of images % in a bit of trouble.
Deer 17810 34.1 Further reductions in
Possum 7338 14.0
Nil (false triggers or misses) 15719 30.1
hind numbers will be
Staff & hunters 8075 15.4 required to improve
Birds, rodents, hares & stoats 3307 6.3 the habitat and
Unknown 38 0.1
TOTAL 52287 100.0
increase herd quality.”
reductions in hind numbers will be make them available to us Also, a big thank you to Ivor Yockney
required to improve the habitat and when complete. and his team at Manaaki Whenua –
increase herd quality. Landcare Research for their ongoing
A big thanks to Sika Foundation work and support on this project,
Also of note was that kiwi were members Brohn Torckler, Josh Van der another good example of the
photographed at two camera sites Valk, Ron Lenzen, Stu Emmerson and Central North Island Sika Foundation
near Ecology Stream and there were Dafydd Pettigrew for helping to get working collaboratively with
a couple of possible bat sightings, this project up and running, a huge other organisations to support
but the jury is still out on those. couple of days in remote and rugged projects designed to achieve
country. Josh and Ron went back in methods for more scientific game
The results of this project will take February with the DOC Biodiversity animal management.
some time to process but Manaaki Monitoring team to help recover
Whenua – Landcare Research we will the cameras.
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019/20 | 13 |KAIMANAWA WHIO
RECOVERY PROJECT
Whio photographed
by Zavra Bryant.
It is now just over 18 months since and the Oamaru, a total of 703 both the Kaipo and Oamaru Rivers
the first A24 Goodnature traps strikes for a total of 1973 strikes. Our in December last year. 11 Whio were
were installed on stage 1 of this dedicated team of volunteers have found, compared to just four when
project on the Kaipo River and 12 spent 784.5 hours on the Kaipo line, we first started, so this is certainly an
months since we installed traps in and 436 hours on the Oamaru line. encouraging result. We hope to have
stage 2 on the Oamaru River. These This is a total of 1220.5 volunteer Andrew and Beau back each year so
rivers are the two main tributaries hours, which has been spent setting we can keep good track of progress.
at the source of the Mohaka River up the trap lines and going back into
in the North Eastern Kaimanawa the area check the counters, carry None of this would be possible
Forest Park. out maintenance, and counting without our sponsors, who have
Whio sightings in the first 18 donated in excess of $50,000 to
The aim of the project is to protect the months of the project. this project to date. All funds are
struggling Whio populations that are being used to buy traps and the
in this area, with 183 stoat/ rat traps To gauge progress, we had components such as gas canisters
protecting 20km of river. Andrew Glazer, the Department of and lure needed to service the
Conservation Whio Recovery Group existing trap lines. All our volunteers
The Kaipo trap line has recorded a leader, carry out a survey with his also deserve a massive thank you
total of 1270 strikes over that time, trained Whio finding dog Beau, of for giving up their time, with some
| 14 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATIONWhio photographed
by Dafydd Pettigrew.
“To gauge progress,
we had Andrew Glazer,
the Department of
Conservation Whio
Recovery Group
leader, carry out
a survey with his
trained Whio finding
dog Beau, of both the
Kaipo and Oamaru
Rivers in December
last year. 11 Whio
were found, compared
travelling considerable distances just river down to around 12km. A big to just four when
to be involved. thanks to DOC also, for allowing us we first started, so
to land at these. this is certainly an
A special mention goes to Poronui,
who allow us vehicle access through The project has now received
encouraging result.”
their property to the Kaimanawa national recognition, being included
Forest Park boundary, saving a seven in the DOC Whio Forever programme
hour walk in and out. Without this as an official Whio Recovery Site. conservation project, not just
vehicle access, this project wouldn’t benefiting Whio but all other native
be practical. The generous support This Sika Foundation project is wild life in the area as well.
of Helisika who fly our teams into the certainly a great example of a whole
top of the trap lines free of charge is lot of people and organisations We will be expanding this project
also gratefully acknowledged. working together to achieve positive over time, but just want to
environmental outcomes in a consolidate this part of the project
All this makes it makes the effort more reasonably remote area, something first then make plans to create more
manageable and enjoyable for our that everyone involved should be safe areas for our native wildlife to
volunteers, cutting a 25km day in the proud of as this is an important thrive in this area.
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019/20 | 15 |Photo: Department of Conservation.
KAIPO RIVER
BAT MONITORING
PROJECT “Both species are in
The exciting news is that native danger of extinction
bats have been found in the
Kaipo. Volunteers from the Sika
in the medium term
Foundation and NZDA Taupo have if nothing is done
been carrying out bat monitoring to reverse their
in the Kaimanawa Forest Park
population declines,
with Becky O’Sullivan from the
Department of Conservation. which makes the work
of the Sika Foundation Photo: Mike Main.
Sika Foundation and NZDA Taupo and NZDA volunteers
members Mike Main, Karen Murray, short-tailed bat and the long-tailed
Brad and McKenzie Russell went into
especially valuable. bat which has relatives in Australia.
the Kaipo River area and set up the 15 We will continue to
recording devices in November and work with Becky to Both species are in danger of
there are definitely bats being picked extinction in the medium term if
identify populations
up on the recordings. nothing is done to reverse their
of bats in the area.” population declines, which makes
Becky has had a quick look at the the work of the Sika Foundation and
data, and she thinks it could be long New Zealand’s two species of bats, NZDA volunteers especially valuable.
tailed bats but she will carry out long-tailed and short-tailed, are We will continue to work with Becky
further analyses and provide us with our only native land mammals. The to identify populations of bats in
another update when ready. endemic (only found in New Zealand) the area.
| 16 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATIONHUT & TRACK
MAINTENANCE
The Sika Foundation, in conjunction with NZDA Taupo branch, run a hut maintenance programme for the four DOC
huts in the Kaimanawa Forest Park, the Waipakihi Hut, Boyd Hut, Oamaru Hut and the Cascade Hut.
Mike Main, NZDA Taupo, is the coordinator of this programme, and works with Murray Cleaver from the Department of
Conservation in Taupo to determine which huts need maintenance carried out and what is required.
DOC supply all materials needed and fly our volunteers and equipment into the huts to carry out the work. This
programme works extremely well, ensuring all four huts are kept to a good standard, not just for hunters, but all of the
other back country users who use them as well, while freeing up DOC staff to carry out other essential duties. Another
good example of hunters and DOC working together to achieve a win/win situation for all parties.
Boyd Hut Maintenance:
17 February 2020
On Monday the 17th of February Alan Jackson and Mike Main flew to the
Boyd Hut with Helisika to carry out general maintenance on the hut.
Here is an outline of the jobs they undertook:
Replaced the tap in the sink, to achieve this they had to remove the
whole sink bench to get the old one out.
Cleaned out the firebox and replaced the pin in the door latch.
Sprayed the deck to kill moss growing on the decking timber.
Secured the two water tanks with wire braid.
Washed down the front of the cupboards and cleaned out the contents.
Removed fire extinguisher.
Cleaned out the candle holders.
Replaced the vents in the hut.
Placed steel plates on front door to prevent rats chewing door to get in.
Cleaned windows and window frames inside and out.
Washed the lino floors.
Cleaned walls that were showing signs of fungal growth
(Mainly in the bedrooms).
Removed 12 empty spirit bottles from the hut.
Cut large branches that were leaning down towards the steps.
The bird life around the hut was prolific and both Alan and Mike were also
able to pick up a couple of deer to take home. Photos: Mike Main.
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019/20 | 17 |Cascade Hut Maintenance:
13 – 14 March 2020
On the 13th of March 2020 Josh Van Der Valk and Mike Main flew into the
Cascade hut with Helisika to carry out some maintenance of the hut. DOC
Taupo provided a list of jobs to carry out over the next couple of days.
These are the tasks carried out: and the possibility of either staining or
painting the hut in the future.
Moved the water tank 30mm
from the wall to stop water The hunting was hugely successful
running down the cladding with a good load of meat coming out.
and causing damage. The Whio in the river were common
Cleaned the gutters. to see and undisturbed. In general, Photos: Mike Main.
Placed new signs above the bird life around the hut was very
water outlets. pleasing to hear. Mike was also able
Replaced door lock. to recover a jacket he had lost in the “The Whio in the
Buried the old stove which bush 18 months previously. river were common to
was lying outside.
Cleaned hut interior. A big thanks to Mike & Josh for
see and undisturbed.
Placed Z nails on piles. taking the time away from work and In general, the bird life
Placed anti slip on deck. family to carry out this work. Having around the hut was
people available with certain skills
very pleasing to hear.”
They have some plans for an update of for these jobs certainly makes it easier
the meat safe which is getting a bit tired to accomplish.
| 18 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATIONWAIPAKIHI VALLEY
will eat 99% of all the new beech
seedlings & saplings that would
BEECH DIEBACK
eventually form the new canopy – a
process that usually takes about 40
years to close over again.
Those of you who hunt the dieback has been observed in the The Sika Foundation is looking to
Waipakihi Valley in Kaimanawa Rangitikei, as well. work with DOC on how this issue
Forest Park might have noticed might be best managed. We know
the beech dieback this summer, This phenomenon is 100% natural from the Kaweka Mountain Beech
particularly on the eastern (true – caused by drought stress on the Project that Sika deer density would
left) faces in the mid valley. mature – 150 to 200 year old – need to be reduced down toFUNDRAISING
A great way to support the Sika
Foundation, and to help raise
SPREADING THE WORD awareness for the brand, is to
purchase a limited-edition Sika
Foundation T-shirt, bottle opener,
Raising awareness for the In November 2019, Cam Speedy or brazier.
Foundation’s work in the wider travelled to Auckland to present to
hunting community has again the Auckland Branch of NZDA. Cam
been a focus during the year. The covered the Foundation’s Game
Facebook page has been a key tool Management approach for the Sika
for getting our messages out there. herd, as well as talking about wider
With close to 5000 followers, it is conservation management, including
a platform for information sharing the Kaipo Whio protection work.
as well as a place for constructive The 60+ members present soaked
debates about Sika management. up the messages, and the following
day nailed ten game management
The Foundation’s presence at the ‘key-points’ on their resulting
2019 Sika Show in September, where Facebook Page post about the
more than 6,000 hunters come evening, which got thousands of hits
together each year, was another – getting it out there further.
successful way to get engagement
from a captive audience. While In March 2020, Cam and Gary
there, the team spoke with many travelled to Hastings and, together
people including the Minister of with Sika Foundation Executive
Conservation and her entourage. Committee ‘Eastern’ Rep Dustin
Murdock, spoke to some 70 local
Throughout the year, Sika Foundation NZDA members, again covering
members have been involved in a Sika ‘Game Management 101’ and
range of presentations to various Whio Protection. Cam also appeared
organisations and groups about on the Paul Michael’s Revolution
the Foundation’s work. In August podcast, and Gary joined the
2019, Gary Harwood spoke to 100+ Educated Hunter podcast
community pest control volunteers through the year.
at Wairakei about the Kaipo Whio
Protection Project. The event was All these events are hugely valuable
organised by Predator-Free Taupo in getting the Foundation’s
and hosted by Gary Lane’s staff at his philosophies, values and messages
Wairakei Golf Course Sanctuary. across, spreading the word that every
Sika hunter has a role to play in a
It is critically important that the sustainable future for our Sika hunting
wider public see hunters as resource – including the habitat on
conservationists, and Gary made which they, and all the other critters
the point well to that appreciative that also live in those cherished
audience. He repeated the talk to places, depend.
another good crowd at Taupo-nui-
a-tia College during Conservation If your group is interested in a For more information and to
Week in September. Foundation representative speaking order, please email:
to members, get in touch. info@sikafoundation.co.nz
| 20 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATIONPhoto: Nik Maxwell.
HIND-SIGHT COMPETITION
Through winter 2020, the Sika Foundation is running a competition to encourage hunters to learn more about
their hunting locations by studying the Sika hinds they shoot.
Winter is the ideal time (ethically) to harvest Sika hinds, when last year’s young are plenty old enough to survive and
before the new fawns are born.
Watch the Facebook Page for details. To enter, simply write a short (or long) story about a Sika hind you shoot this winter
(June to October). Focus on what you learned about your hind and the environment she was living in, by studying the
carcass in detail. Please include the following types of information in your story:
A nice (tasteful) photo of your hind (avoiding bloody, gruesome pics).
Location (not spot X, but approximate area, e.g. Clements Road, Kaweka Eastern faces, Desert Road, etc).
Initial condition assessment (ribs or hips sticking out? Round, fat ass?, etc).
Is she in milk? (indicating a yearling from last season).
What’s your guess at her age? (look at the bottom jaw – and while you’re there, remove it and send to the Sika
Foundation for a full assessment of age, length, etc).
Is she pregnant? Together with her age and milk status this shows if she’s breeding every year (i.e. plenty of food
around) or only every second year (conditions too poor).
Careful observation of her uterus will show dark marks (placental scars) from previous pregnancies. How many of
these are present and how does this compare to her age?
Check her cheek pouches – what has she just been eating?
What’s in her paunch – what’s she been eating lately?
Provide an estimate of her weight (including skin but no offal, hocks or head).
After gutting and skinning do you have any new insight into her condition? Please score on a scale of 1-5 (poor, light,
average, good, fat).
Anything else of note about the hind?
Finally, what does all this data indicate about the “place” – in terms of the Sika herd living in that habitat?
Winners will be drawn every month with a sponsored prize for the best story, and every story goes in the mix for a lucky-
dip prize at the end of October.
Get learning about your Sika hunting spots – look more closely at the hinds you shoot and share your ‘Hind-sight’ with
the hunting community.
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019/20 | 21 |SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS The Sika Foundation has received funding and support from a range of individuals, members, businesses and organisations for which we are hugely grateful. It has helped us to continue our work and achieve some of our goals, and we could not thank you all enough for helping us make a difference. Our initiatives on sponsorship are based on establishing long term relationships with sponsors, who can assist us with: Support the Management Hunt funding requirements Support and promote the HOSI application Promote the jaw and data collection programme Help fund and manage specific CNISF projects Assist with administration and operational costs With special thanks to: Partner Stoney Creek Sponsors Bayleys Westerman Realty Limited Beker Findlay Allan Department of Conservation Fly & Gun – Hunting & Fishing Taupo Fulton Hogan Hamill’s Te Awamutu Hard as Rocks Hunters & Habitats Ingham Motors Malcolm Mounsey Clarke NZDA Taupo N.Z. Forest Managers Safari Club International (NZ Chapter) Taupo Floatplanes Taupo Trampers Club This publication has been made possible thanks to a generous donation from Safari Club International (SCI) New Zealand Chapter. We would like to express our gratitude, as their ongoing support is greatly appreciated. Supporters Helisika Poronui Manaaki Whenua Landcare Reserach Ltd Good Nature | 22 | CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND SIKA FOUNDATION
Photo: Gary Harwood.
OUR 2019/20 COMMITTEE
President John Cook
Secretary Cam Speedy
Treasurer Mike Clinch
Eastern Representative Dustin Murdock
Western Representative Tane Lawless
General Representative Denley Tarplett
General Representative John Davis
Woman Hunter Representative Fiona Duley
NZDA Representative David Hudson
Hunters & Habitats Representative Allan Jackson
Conservation Board Representative Currently vacant
Iwi Liaison Representative Tom Loughlin
Project Coordinator Gary Harwood
Business/Finance/Sponsorship Mike Clinch
Game Management Technical Advisor Dan Herries
Contributors
Marketing and Media Martine Pierhagen
Graphic Design Nik Maxwell
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT US
The work that the Central North Island Sika Foundation does would not be possible without the support of our
valued members and other individuals, plus the businesses and organisations that help us with funding or in-kind
sponsorship. We are incredibly grateful for this, as we need ongoing support and funds to maintain and grow our
projects, as well as for general operational costs.
If you are keen to support us with your skills and time and get involved in our projects or programmes, please contact
Project Coordinator Gary Harwood by phoning 027 487 2304, or email info@sikafoundation.co.nz
To find out more about sponsorship options, please email our sponsorship coordinator Mike Clinch by emailing
mike@sikafoundation.co.nz
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019/20 | 23 |“Whether you hunt for meat, trophy or
both, there is no denying that Sika present
the hunter with challenges and interactions
like no other deer species. Their vocal and
inquisitive nature combined with their
ability to learn quickly from mistakes and
adapt to hunting pressure makes them
one of our most exciting and addictive big
game animals to hunt. It is these traits that
make the Sika one of New Zealand’s iconic
hunting resources.”
Central North Island Sika Foundation
www.sikafoundation.co.nz
info@sikafoundation.co.nz
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