Diary Page

July 2001

7 July 2001
Little Spotted Kiwi - There will be another release of little spotted Kiwi on 19th July. This will be dependant on the weather being suitable the day before for the release team to capture and transport the birds on Kapiti Island.

Valley development - Hides have been constructed. Track and landscaping work will be complete when the weather permits.

North Island Robins - There have been confirmed sighting of 25 birds still within the Sanctuary. This is a very good strike rate from the initial release.

Fantails - Fantails are still abundant.

Bellbirds and Whiteheads - Plans are progressing well for the capture and release of bellbirds and whiteheads.

15 July 2001
Wetlands - The wetlands at the south end of the lower dam have been planted by volunteers, (risking exposure on a cold wet day). The area looks very professional with a spillway and fish ladder leading down to the dam.

Falcons - A pair of falcons have been recently seen flying around the bottom lake.

18 July 2001
Kiwi Release - Twenty rare and endangered Little Spotted Kiwi were relocated from Kapiti Island. The release completes a two-year programme to establish a foundation breeding population of 40 kiwi in the sanctuary. A team of Sanctuary volunteers, Iwi and the Department of Conservation kiwi recovery team captured the kiwis in a daytime operation on Kapiti Island. The Wellington Tenths Trust, Te Atiawa and Ngati Toa supported the transfer. It went well, and again, was a moving experience for those at the ceremony.

28 July 2001
Education programme and Website - launched today. A time capsule (to be opened in 500 years, when our new podocarps are mature) was lowered into the valve shaft and will be permanently fixed there to mark the occasion. Local schoolchildren chose the material. Keep an eye on the Education section of the website for Education resources for teachers to use in support of the curriculum. An exhibition of children's work opened in the boatshed.

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