Waiheke Island Ecological Services Contract - Summary of Works Undertaken November 2017 - January 2018 - Auckland Council
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Environmental
Waiheke Island Ecological Services Contract – Summary of Works Undertaken
November 2017 – January 2018
1 Works to Date
1.1 Weed Control
The Waiheke plant pest control program commenced in late November 2017, targeting General
Sites. High Value Site (HVS) plant pest control commenced on December 12, with works in Onetangi
Sports Park (Rangihoua). All plant pest control has been limited to the species and methodologies
outlined in the September 2017 Herbicide Dispensation.
The objective of the plant pest control work is to enhance the biodiversity values of the eco reserves
through active habitat management, control of threats to the native flora and, to improve the
quantity, quality and viability of indigenous vegetation habitats.
As anticipated, the required plant pest control effort has been intense across most of the sites
visited to date. Work has combined hand weeding, cut stump herbicide application and some
spraying, in order to reduce competition pressure on existing native vegetation and encourage
natural regeneration. It is likely this intensive weed control program will continue for several years.
It is important to note this is not so for all sites. Some sites, such as the Onetangi Cemetery Reserve,
will see a rapid reduction of pest plants in the early stages of the work programme. Pest plant levels
on such sites will have quick and dramatic reductions of pest plant levels, due to a number of factors
including reserve size, access, levels of infestations and the species of pest plants present. In areas
such as Onetangi Cemetery reserve, the ongoing weed control program will require a more sensitive
approach in each successive season of the program, for which future works will be guided by success
and/or failure of works up to that point in time.
As of the February 2018, 19 of the 27 General Reserves and 5 of the 10 High Value Sites have had
plant pest control carried out (Tables 1 and 2). 21% of the pest plant work programme for the first
contract year has been carried out, which compares to a planned 26% for the same period (as
identified in the work programme previously provided to the board on the 28th of September 2017).
This shortfall can be attributed to the late start of the program, and difficulty with acquiring Island
based staff (as outlined in the staffing section below). It is anticipated that with the recent
employment of further staff, this shortfall will be made up and all first-year targets will be met under
the contract.
As of 7th of February 2018, all pest plant control conducted within all sites to date has been limited
to hand pulling/releasing and the direct application (e.g. stump and paint) of Cut n’ Paste with the
exception of Mawhitipana Reserve where foliar spraying of moth plant has been conducted and
Onetangi Sports Park (Rangihoua), with climbing asparagus being the target species.
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As the crew become more familiar with sites additional site specific target species had been
controlled (within the dispensation program if herbicides utilised), during initial rapid assessments
not all target species were apparent at some sites. Additionally a number of new species not in any
target list within the dispensation report were identified. The recommendations towards the end of
this report outlines additional target species. This is expected in any adaptive management program
and continual improvements will increase any ecological restoration program.
Image 1. Cut and paint control of Kahili Ginger at Goodwin South Reserve
Image 2. Hand release of climbing asparagus prior to spraying in Image 3. Sam and Nicola undertaking control of climbing asparagus
Rangihoua and follow up in Rangihoua
1.2 Mustelid Control
The control program commenced on December 27 2017, with traps being positioned across eight of
the island’s HVS; all but two of the sites where stoat control was identified in the original work
programme. The two exceptions were the Te Matuku reserve complex and Owhanake Matiatia
Walkway (Table 2). The Te Matuku complex has an existing mustelid control program being
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managed by community groups, with the Owhanake Matiatia Walkway awaiting approval of
program from the Department of Conservation.
The mustelid program comprises 42 DOC200 stainless steel traps, each held within a ‘Trapinator’
weka proof box (more details of this trap station can be found in the innovation section). Weekly
checks and replacement of fresh bait are currently being conducted, and will cease in the first week
of May, when monthly checks and long-life lures being used until next summer.
The network layout has taken into consideration the Department of Conservation Animal Pests Best
Practice 2010. The standard methodology described in the DOC best practice guidelines (1km line
spacings and traps at 200m) is not considered suitable for the Waiheke Island Eco Contract setting,
because most of the reserves are relatively small areas spread amongst a mix of wider urban and
primary production areas void of stoat control programs.
Therefore, a locally specific methodology has been derived, (which builds on the locally specific work
done by the Hauraki Gulf Conservation Trust in their recent stoat control trial on the Waiheke Island)
This employs a relatively high density of traps to ensure that stoats entering the reserves where
control is being undertaken are more likely to come into contact with a trap. In this way, the
reserves can be considered a control “hotspot”. Having a control hotspot creates the opportunity to
capture several individuals in a small area over a short period of time (such as families of kittens first
emerging from nests), whereas few traps may not be likely to do this.
As of January 20 2018, no mustelids have been caught, however, a number of off-target pest species
have been caught including rats and hedgehogs.
Image 4. Stoat control point showing a caught and killed hedgehog
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Image 5. Stoat control point showing a caught and killed rat
1.3 Rat Control and monitoring
Rat control programs were established for three High Value Sites (Te Uri Karaka Te Waera Reserve,
Owhanake Reserve, and Waiheke Island Reserve). The remainder of the High Value Sites were not
included in the program because they have existing control programs conducted by community
groups. The number of rat control bait stations meets contract specifications and have been laid out
to optimise both coverage of the reserve, and the accessibility to stations to rats.
Tracking tunnels have been placed in the reserves that are receiving control, as well as Hunterville
Reserve. The tunnel layout has been designed to contract specs, while taking into account the size,
shape and habitat of the reserve. The first of the 6 monthly monitoring programs was completed in
December 2018, prior to the commencement of the rat control program.
Image 6. Rat station check being conducted at Owhanake Reserve
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1.4 Revegetation
As of January 21 2018, no revegetation been undertaken under the ERC on Waiheke island. Currently
three sites have been identified for a revegetation program. It is anticipated that planting will occur
once a weed control program has lowered competitive weed species to acceptable levels and
increase planting success. The first of the revegetation programs has been programmed during the
2018 planting season (winter) for Owhanake Reserve. Figure 1 indicates the programmed
revegetation area.
Figure 1: Vegetation map of Owhanake Reserve indicating programmed 2018 revegetation area
2 Staffing
Treescape is committed to employing locals on Waiheke Island. This approach has mutual benefits
for us as the contractor, Auckland Council as the principal, the island’s ecosystems and the social
welfare of Waiheke Island.
One of the greatest challenges of mobilising this contract on island has been sourcing staff with the
necessary experience who are capable and willing to commit to full time work. This has led to a
uniquely different staff resourcing approach with varying working hours to suit team members. The
current team come from varying backgrounds, levels of experience and skills. While it is a diverse
team, everyone has one thing in common - the drive and passion for our native flora and fauna and
to do something to fix the issues the island faces.
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The team has been steadily expanding, with one new full-time member commencing employment in
late January 2018. This has bolstered our capacity to meet the work programme and built on the
team’s skill set.
Image 7. Natasha, Sam and Nicola showing off the rubbish collected at Kennedy Reserve. Going beyond the weed
control call of duty
3 Community Group Involvement
We have had a very positive response from community groups on Waiheke. They have provided
information and experience and have also allowed us to expand our programme as a result of work
they are already doing. The following provides a summary of partnering arrangements established to
date.
Forest and Bird
Forest and Bird are leading and conducting the first annual bird census on Waiheke. This will utilise
the experience and knowledge of locals in both bird recognition and census methodology. During
this first years census several Treescape staff will be trained and given vital skills to conduct this
monitoring into the future.
Forest and Bird conduct animal (rat and mustelid) and weed pest control programs along the
southern boundary of Waiheke island Reserve. The rat and stoat control program for Waiheke Island
Reserve has taken this into account to maximise efforts of both groups. Knowledge sharing of
monitoring programs etc. has also been discussed.
Friends of Newton Reserve
Friends of Newton Reserve and Treescape have had discussions and will integrate works into the
future. The Friends group has identified two areas that require weed control prior to planned
plantings and Treescape have agreed to conduct this control.
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Treescape also identify areas of weed control that may be suitable for infill planting and/or
revegetation so that the Friends group can plan this into their winter planting programs.
Waiheke Rat Busters (WRB)
WRB conduct rat control and monitoring programs across many sites on Waiheke Island with seven
of the ten High Value Sites under this contract being covered by WRB. Treescape have altered the
works program to reflect this and only conduct rat control and monitoring in the remaining three.
Treescape plan in future to time monitoring programs with WRB annually to get a better
understanding of control programs level of success.
Orapiu Rat Busters
As with the WRB, the Orapiu Rat Busters are undertaking rat control at Hunterville Reserve.
Treescape are conducting a rat monitoring program only.
Orapiu Neighbourhood Group
Initial discussions in aligning rat and weed control programs
Waiheke Resources Trust (WRT)
WRT are conducting weed control activities within Te Matuku Esplanade Reserve, Treescape will
work alongside WRT to conduct further moth plant work. Within Rnagihoua WRT conduct weed
control and revegetation projects along the riparian margins of the wetland complex located at the
northern extent of the reserve. Treescape will primarily focus on areas away from above to
maximise area covered under restoration programs and to maximise efforts.
Waiheke Go Moth Plant Group (WAIGOMP)
WAIGOMP conduct control of moth plant (under the banner of WRT) focusing on the infestations
located on the Pa site. Treescape have discussed with WAIGOMP that the majority of effort will
focus on areas away from above with a small portion of days going to moth plant control integrating
into WAIGOMP’s program in the first year. It is anticipated in coming years that this work will be
expanded as other areas have reduced weed control programs.
Friends of Te Toki Reserve
Friends of Te Toki Reserve undertake weed control, planting and revegetation primarily within the
Te Toki Reserve boundary. Treescape has identified areas within Wharf Reserve (Amalgamated with
Te Toki Reserve under the contract program) that will be targeted with the initial years of the
contract with the Friends Group continuing the majority of work with Te Toki Reserve. Treescape has
also identified opportunity for using the dispensation when necessary to conduct weed control that
is unable to be done by the Friends group such as climbing asparagus spraying.
Waiheke Mountain Bike Club
Initial discussions have led to the acceptance that the majority of Treescape’s work is not within the
track maintenance program, however Treescape has noted the exceptional weed control that the
club conducts along its tracks and adjacent vegetation and will integrate where possible weed
control programs and or follow up of works.
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The Giant Kokopu Protection Project
The Giant Kokopu Protection Project will be re-vegetating areas of the Awaawaroa wetland, as well
as carrying out rat and mouse control. Treescape will carry out weed control and stoat control to
compliment future planned works of the Protection Project.
4 Innovations to date
4.1 Fulcrum App
Fulcrum app is a mobile app that utilises GIS technology to capture field data. Treescape utilises
Fulcrum for a number of contracts, including the Waiheke ecological restoration contract works.
Fulcrum is utilised for a range of purposes including weed mapping, animal control and monitoring
data collection and photo points (fulcrum has the capability to create a photo field and assign it to a
location record). The field crews also utilise Fulcrum to identify properties that require notification
prior to conducting any herbicide works such as Wineries or Vineyards.
Fulcrum has given field crews the ability to log all data immediately when in the field, and also
provides an immediate record of important information relating to a particular site (e.g. herbicide
notifications). Below are two screen shots of the stoat control app as utilised by field staff showing
map, which the team uses to find the stoat trap locations and record trap catch data.
Image 8. Screen shots of the in-field form and map as used by the field crew showing the stoat control application
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4.2 Electric chainsaws
Treescape will be introducing electric chainsaws to the ecological restoration works to reduce both
noise pollution and carbon emissions. Reduction in noise will also minimise the impact on operator’s
hearing and inhalation of fumes.
4.3 Trapinator Stoat Boxes
Treescape has purchased a new product as part of the stoat control program. The Trapinator trap
box designed, developed and produced by CMI springs is a new weka proof plastic trap housing box.
This box has a range of features to reduce time and effort and ultimately increase the ease of use for
operators. It allows easier access around the trap creating a safer working area for operators. The
lightweight and stackable feature reduces fatigue and likelihood of injury when carrying multiple
boxes into reserves and has increased the efficiency of the program setup. These features have also
greatly reduced the requirement of multiple trips or larger vehicles to carry and ultimately resulted
in fewer trips, less miles and fuel consumption.
Image 9. Stoat control point showing the Trapinator weka proof box with DOC200 trap inside
5 Herbicide tracking, notifications and use to date
5.1 Public Notification and Herbicide notification register
Monthly notification of our intention to undertake weed control within council reserves is placed in
the local Gulf News and Waiheke Weekender newspapers. To date three notifications have been
placed covering the following dates;
- November to December 10th
- 11th December 2017 to 11th January 2018
- 15th January 2017 to 15th February 2017
The notice provides our contact details to landowners or land occupiers adjoining above reserves
who would like to be notified in advance of work being undertaken. To date only three community
members have registered their details. These community members have been contacted via email
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prior to works being undertaken that involve the use of herbicide including spraying and direct
application methods.
Herbicide notification signs are placed at least one day prior to works commencing at each site, and
are left in situ for at least 7 days post works. These signs are located in areas of public access such as
tracks and walkways to increase visibility. They are tracked on a sign tracking data sheet and details
date of herbicide works commencing and ceasing, date of sign being placed prior to work and date
of sign being removed post work. To date the signs have been placed 1days prior to work and taken
down 14 days post work. During any works conducted by our team a secondary temporary sign is
also placed in areas to notify public, see Image 6.
Image 10. Example of signage layout for all herbicide works including cut and paint methodology as shown.
Image 11. Example of signage layout within the reserve as the team moves.
5.2 Risk of herbicide effects to vineyards
Mapping of all registered wineries on Waiheke indicated that the majority of sites are not directly
adjacent to sites under the contract. Two exceptions, Jurassic Ridge and Mudbrick are bordering Te
Uri Karaka Te Waera Reserve. These wineries were not informed of the minor weed control work
conducted as the portion of the reserve on the opposite side of the road was worked on and only cut
and paste was used. Crew did have conversations with the vineyard manager of Mudbrick and
informed him of all works to be carried out in future dates. He and was not concerned about our use
of herbicides, in fact the need for stoat control was his primary concern.
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Figure 2: Waiheke Wineries in relation to High Value and General Sites
5.3 Herbicide tracking and recording
5.3.1 Track Logs
All team leaders have been assigned a hand-held GPS to carry when on site, whether using
herbicides or not. The track log function is turned on and takes a log point every 10 minutes which is
time stamped. These tracks are collated and archived weekly, for future reference. This information
remains available for further analysis, and use in following up any future questions that may arise
over program works. Figure 3 shows an example of track logs for Onetangi Sports Park from
December 2017 to January 2018.
5.3.2 Daily Herbicide Diaries
Field crews enter all herbicide use daily during and upon completion of works. This is entered into
Treescape’s cloud-based field form application, Coresuite. Utilising this system limits the need for re-
entering data for auditing or monitoring purposes and increases accuracy in collection of relevant
data. As with all herbicide use diaries there are a number of fields to be recorded from
environmental conditions, target species, area covered and amounts. The full list of recorded fields
can be viewed in Table 4.
5.3.3 Daily Works Sheet
In addition to the daily herbicide diary, further information relating to works and opportunities are
recorded in the daily works sheet. As with the herbicide diary this utilises Coresuite and records a
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range of information not generally covered in the diary (Table 4). The daily works sheet creates an
overview of works completed, enables future management of sites and identifies opportunities to
work with community not already identified.
Figure 3: Track logs of field crew at Rangihoua Sports Park (Rangihoua) from December
5.4 Herbicide used to date
As mentioned previously the majority of weed control to date has been conducted by hand
releasing, hand pulling or direct herbicide gel application (e.g. cut and paint stump) with foliar
spraying only being undertaken at only two sites to date. Furthermore to the standard methodology
changes, in relation to herbicide minimisation, the selection of herbicides is restricted to three active
ingredients, Glyphosate, Picloram and Metsulfuron.
This approach has seen a minimal amount of glyphosate used as an active constituent with this
mostly attributable to the restriction of foliar spraying to only six species only after other methods
have been considered and in conjunction with hand releasing. This approach has significantly
reduced the amount of glyphosate used. This same approach with Metsulfuron has seen similar
trends in usage. To date one site has had foliar spraying has been conducted with majority being
applied by direct
The overall herbicide reduction methods has led to a higher proportional use of Picloram in direct
application methods such as cut and paint, drill and fill and ringbarking and a reduced application
under foliar spraying methods. Whilst Picloram had the highest application rates the control
methodologies have an overall gross reduction of herbicide used. The use of Picloram is balanced by
the extremely low amount of foliar spraying with other herbicides.
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Table 1. Totals of herbicides (active constituent) used in November and December of the contract
Herbicide (Active Constituent) Amount used to date
Glyphosate 0.19 Litres
Metsulfuron 0.002 Kilograms
Picloram 0.4 Litres
6 Works Monitoring
A specific monitoring programme has been developed to monitor the progress of contract works,
and the progress toward the planned ecological outcomes. This has taken existing ecological
monitoring methodologies, and applied them to the locally specific parks and reserves that eco
contract works are being carried out in.
The Waiheke monitoring programme includes forest composition and structure measurements at
designated plots, photo point monitoring and an annual bird census.
6.1 Photopoints
Both General and High Value sites have permanent photopoints randomly selected across the sites
with initial photos taken prior to commencement of weed control work. These points are to be
visited annually to give a visual representation over the contractual time period changes in habitat
composition as well as native and weed species cover.
These points are logged into the Fulcrum app and all records are taken in the field via ipads detailing
photo location and notes.
6.2 Vegetation structure and composition plots
The Monitoring Protocol attempts to address multi-species native vegetation responses to weed
invasion, management and other drivers of ecosystem change. A system of randomly placed
quadrats within management areas will form the basis of the monitoring technique with data
describing changes in native plants, weeds and habitat values in a spatial and temporal context.
- Randomly placed circular quadrats of 5m radius placed within areas of ecological
management
- Quadrats will not be permanently established to reduce restoration contractor bias
- The presence of all vascular plants will be recorded in the quadrat with cover estimates
using the Braun-Blaunquet cover abundance scale
- All canopy species recruits will be counted
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Vegetation structure measurement guidelines
- Structure pole measurements are to be undertaken at every monitoring point. These
pointswill be located at the quadrat centre. It is important to undertake these
measurements before any trampling occurs and the structure of the site is compromised.
- To measure vegetation structure, place the structure pole vertical to the ground in centre of
quadrat.
- The substrate upon which the structure pole rests is to be recorded as is the presence of
canopy overhead.
- In the height intervals of 0-50cm/51-100cm/101-150cm/151-200cm, record the number of
contacts each species makes with each height interval on the structure pole
- If an individual plant makes contact with the structure pole multiple times within the same
height interval only count it once. If an individual plant makes contact with the structure
pole multiple times but in different height intervals count it once for each height interval it
makes contact with.
- If the number of contacts for a species exceed 10 within a height interval, record the value
as >10.
- Record dead matter as a separate life form category to living material.
6.3 Bird Census
The monitoring protocol aims to determine the presence and abundance of birds within
management areas. A yearly rolling bird survey method will be implemented. Observers stop at a
series of survey points for a set time. During the stops, birds seen or heard are recorded. The timing
of the survey will be conducted annually in summer whilst fledgling numbers are at the highest. This
year’s census was undertaken during the week of 29th of January.
- Survey points are placed in a transect (or as near as straight as possible depending on site) at
200m distances
- Environmental conditions to be recorded e.g. wind direction
- Surveyor will spend 5 minutes at each survey point
- The number and species of all birds seen or heard are to be counted and recorded on a
standardised record sheet.
- Within the 5 minute survey time no bird is to be knowingly counted more than once
- Surveyor must have good ornithological skills, using the same surveyor/s each year if
possible is advisable to allow comparison of results.
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As previously mentioned The Hauraki Gulf of Forest and Bird conducted training of Treescape staff
during this year’s census. This passing on of this skill set is seen as not only an important part of
developing the teams and individuals capacity but increasing the island’s skill set.
7 Additional Works
The Council’s Regional Arboriculture and Ecological Specialist was approached by Auckland
Council Biosecurity to undertake additional weed control along Church Bay Esplanade
Reserve. This work was as a result of community members requesting all Rhamnus on cliff
faces along the stretch of the reserve from Matiatia headland to beyond Church Bay be
undertaken before the next Sculpture on the Gulf commencing in 2019. Treescape have the
capacity and capability to undertake this specialised work and will commence the control
program in mid March 2018. This project is a good example of how different divisions of
council and contractors are working together to achieve the best ecological outcomes and
reach common goals.
8 Brief Examples of Weed Control Work Undertaken
8.1 Trig Hill Farm Reserve – General Site – weed control
Trig Hill Farm Reserve is located at the top of Trig Hill road, Onetangi. It is approximately 0.8ha in
size and borders Council land managed as part of the Full Facilities contract as well as private land
including EcoZip. Vegetation is dominated by native forest with a large infestation of Japanese
honeysuckle encroaching from the fence line over native species along with woolly nightshade and
gorse as dominant weed species (Image 8). Climbing asparagus is also present in areas of the
understorey. The works program had identified the target weed species as climbing asparagus,
woolly nightshade, Japanese honeysuckle and gorse. Targets for the above species by the end of
year one are control of woolly nightshade and reductions in cover of climbing asparagus and
Japanese honeysuckle. Eight one-person days (OPD) were allocated for year 1 of works, to date 6
OPDs have been used with 2 remaining for follow up.
The work conducted by the team so far is on a trajectory to exceed the targets with control of gorse
likely to be achieved on top of woolly nightshade and significant reductions in climbing asparagus
and Japanese honeysuckle (Images 9 and 10).
The control methods employed have been limited to hand releasing, hand pulling and direct
herbicide gel application. It is anticipated that future works will require foliar spraying to completely
control both climbing asparagus and Japanese honeysuckle.
Initial monitoring of the site has identified a number of native recruits such as Mahoe and it is hoped
with weed follow up work into the next year these will rapidly increase in both number and cover.
Infill planting will be considered if needed however utilising natural recruits and regeneration where
possible generally leads to a more robust plant and vegetation type.
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Image 14: Infestation of Japanese honeysuckle and woolly nightshade at Trig Hill Farm Reserve prior to works commencing.
Image 15: Post weed control works of Japanese honeysuckle, woolly nightshade and gorse including cut and paint of
stumps with juvenile natives within control area
Image 16: Post weed control works of hand release of Japanese honeysuckle on native trees
8.2 Onetangi Sports Park (Rangihoua) – High Value Site - weed control
Rangihoua (Onetangi Sports Park), is one of the largest native forest vegetation areas within council
reserves on Waiheke Island. The large area, relatively intact vegetation and close proximity to both
Whakanewha Regional Reserve and Kuakarau Bay Forest Reserve makes it an important component
of a large area of contiguous native forest vegetation on the island.
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The reserve also borders a significant saline and freshwater wetland area, which is important for a
number of native species. Rangihoua also holds important cultural heritage values, with a prominent
Pa site centrally located within the reserve. A more detailed site description is available in the High
Value Site Plan.
The initial focus of pest plant control in Rangihoua Reserve is in areas that are not currently receiving
restoration works by Waiheke Resources Trust and Waiheke Go Moth Plant Group. Much of the
initial weed control has been targeting areas of dense climbing asparagus and woolly nightshade
infestations as identified in Figure 4. The justification for this is that climbing asparagus is having an
immediate detrimental effect on intact native ecosystems within the reserve that will result in the
loss of recruitment cohorts and eventually ecosystem structural integrity if left unchecked. Woolly
nightshade is also identified as a major competitive pest plant that is currently not targeted within
the areas relating to this report. Alongside the control of these species, a range of incidental woody
weed and climbers are being controlled.
Figure 4: Indicative mapping of major infestations of woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum) and climbing asparagus
(Asparagus scandens) at Rangihoua.
The works program allocated 220 OPDs to weed control, as of the 23 January 2018 25 OPDs were
used on Rangihoua. At present the work program is well on trajectory to meet the first-year targets
as outlined in Table 5 and in the High Value Site Plan. To date the smaller north eastern infestation
(approximately 2.5ha in size) of climbing asparagus (see Figure 2) has been controlled with initial
hand release of approximately 3ha of climbing asparagus in the larger infestation area to the south
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west has also been completed. Initial control of woolly nightshade and other woody weed species as
identified in Table 5 has also been undertaken. It is anticipated that both the larger infestations to
be controlled by the end of year one surpassing the 20% reduction target.
The control program of all weeds is dictated by the weed control methodologies permitted in the
dispensation. The control consists of hand releasing prior to spraying to minimise herbicide use and
impact on native vegetation. Continual monitoring of both control efficacy and impact on native
vegetation is conducted and to date the works program has successfully controlled areas of climbing
asparagus and woolly nightshade with minimal to no impact on native vegetation, both understorey
and canopy species. Images 11 to 14 give an indication of the control success and minimal off target
effect on native species.
Image 17: Infestation of climbing asparagus over native vegetation Image 18: Senescence of asparagus post hand releasing prior to
spraying.
Image 19: Senescence of climbing asparagus approximately one- Image 20: Mortality of climbing asparagus approximately three
week post spraying. Note native ferns in foreground unaffected by weeks post spraying. Note minimal impact on native vegetation by
control program. control program.
18Bios of Key Personnel
Natasha Beletzky
My name is Natasha Beletzky, I have been living on Waiheke Island since 2012. My passion for
Conservation and the Environment started from my childhood as I grew up in one of the biggest
National Parks in Argentina. After my completion of a Biology Degree I worked in Argentina as a
biologist. My experience in New Zealand includes involvement on conservation projects,
volunteering at Whakanewha Regional Park and Forest and Bird (where currently I am part of the
permanent staff on Waiheke). Now, I am happy to be working with Treescape where I’m using my
skills and learning new ones, and happy to belong to the Waiheke Community with commitment.
David Baigent
David’s work at Treescape brings him full circle from his rural roots.
The son of a Hauraki Plains dairy farmer, David’s decision to seek casual employment with us was
motivated by a wish to “get back out onto the land”. “I was the son who didn’t take over the farm
but the land still had something of hold on me.” says the former Gulf News journalist and
international management trainer. His working life has taken him from journalism in Tauranga and
Thames to a 27-year stint living in Austria – a place where he had to totally re-invent himself
professionally. Not being able to write German, he says he still can’t, he began a career as an English
trainer. This later morphed into specialised work in media and management communication skills
training – work that took him all over Europe.
A job offer with Waiheke’s Gulf News brought him and his Austrian wife Ildiko to the island in
Dec.2012. The 6-month stint at GN has been followed by various customer care workshops in
Auckland. Along the way, David saw that Waiheke’s vineyards and environmental organisations
offered jobs so he decided to “test the waters” with outdoor work. He found himself up to the
physical requirements of the work and enjoyed being outside. The result – a casual contract with
Treescape starting Dec.2017. David and Ildiko live in Onetangi where he serves his community as
president of the Onetangi Residents Assn.
Nicola Bowman
I have lived on Waiheke for 12 years and was a visitor here for many years before this as my Mum
has lived here for many moons. I have three young children, who were born on Waiheke and go to
primary school here. I have worked with the Waiheke Resources Trust in pest plant and rat control
and do volunteering rat baiting at Kuakarau reserve I have previously been the co-ordinator of Kiwi
Conservation Club on the Island. I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my family and I am
pleased to be working with Treescape.
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Sam Dyson
Kia ora, my name is Sam and I've been living on Waiheke Island full time since late 2016 following
the completion of my Bachelor of Science in Geography at Victoria University. Waiheke is blessed
with a diversity of individuals, communities and organisations working to achieve ambitious
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Environmental
www.treescape.co.nz ▪ environment@treescape.co.nzrestoration goals and I try to support various initiatives by contributing my time and energy to them
while gaining knowledge and experience of native ecology and restoration. Over the past six years
I've worked sporadically on my family's land on Waiheke eliminating invasive plants and animals and
growing and planting native trees. I continue to manage and work with woofers to achieve
sustainable outcomes for that project. Since March last year I've been working with the Waiheke
Resources Trust to further their wetland restoration initiatives in significant ecological areas, along
with volunteers from various backgrounds. In April I learnt about Treescape's new contract on
Waiheke and saw the potential to bring further benefits to the local Waiheke ecology through their
substantial organisational, resources and training capabilities. My experience with Treescape has
revealed a unique approach for a private company, genuinely intent on collaborating with the
community on strategies and tactics to achieve a shared goal of an enhanced biosphere both locally
and further afield. Soon
I hope to complete further study in forest and nature conservation as well as continue my interests
in small-scale organic farming and community development.
Tane Feary
Tane Grew up on Waiheke Island and in the Far North. He feels lucky to have spent much of his life
in the Hauraki Gulf, a place he has come to treasure. Time spent in the Conservation Corps and
volunteering with the Department of Conservation gave him an awareness as to both the beauty and
the fragility of Island ecosystems in the Hauraki Gulf. He is excited to be a new member of the
Treescape team on Waiheke Island.
Paulius Kviecinskas
Newly arrived to Waiheke from Melbourne I have the privilege of working in some of its most iconic
and scenic natural environments. Since 1999 I have been studying and working in ecosystem
restoration and ecological science for private landholders, councils, state and federal government in
Australia, with a short stint as operations manager for a not for profit social enterprise. I have a love
for the outdoors and our natural ecosystems and hope to make a real positive impact here on
Waiheke with the help of our committed employees.
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