At last, summer weather is beginning to show itself. The end of one year and into another means that it is time for some spring-cleaning and adjusting of different things.
One is our regular public meetings. Due to low attendances, sometimes as few as 10 people out of a branch with 1200+ adult and 340 KCC members, the holding of these weekend meetings beyond those already advertised will be reviewed. What happens depends on attendances to these next few meetings, and also availability of people to run future meetings. If anyone wishes to volunteer to help organize meetings, please contact us at centralaucklandbranch@forestandbird.org.nz or telephone the secretary on 528 3986.
Another important issue is the delivery of our branch newsletters. A large number of members receive their newsletters in the mail, by hand-delivery. A big thank you to all the distributors and deliverers who give up their time and energy to both coordinate the system and tramp the streets. Some deliverers who cover large areas actually have to drive to members' homes to get the newsletters out on time. This not only is increasing in costs to them because of fuel hikes, but also raises questions about reducing our branch’s collective carbon footprint. You may not realise that your membership fees do not contribute to newsletter production or delivery and that our local branch receives no funding for providing this service. So please opt to get your newsletter by email if you don't already do so. About 55 % of members already get their newsletters by email and your committee would love to see this percentage increase substantially. It is easy to do if you have email – just update your email contact here http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/contact/update-my-membership-details or email membership@forestandbird.org.nz asking to change to email and give them your membership number or address so they can find you in their records. Please pass this on to members who are not on email already.
Finally, some quick feedback about an active conservation project going on at Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) marine reserve right now. Waitakere branch has joined with us to run a joint project aimed at restoring the ecology of especially the islands, Pollen and Traherne, in this marine reserve near Waterview. We are currently organizing with a group of branch members who have kindly offered to help in a programme to record and trap pests on Traherne Island with Te Ngahere and AMA. Rats, stoats and mice have been tracked on the island. Ridding the island of these pests should safeguard the banded rail seen there, and possibly encourage fernbird to recolonise from neighbouring Pollen Island. Work is also being done with DoC to eradicate the mature weeds on both Traherne and Pollen Islands. Last week we submitted to the Board of Inquiry set up by the Ministers of Conservation and Environment to address resource consent applications made by NZTA (ex Transit) to widen and lift the NW motorway where it passes across this marine reserve. If anyone wishes to register an interest in getting involved with this project, please contact us at forestandbird@gmail.com or ph 302 3901 for information.
Have a wonderful summer, and don’t forget about our reserves and lodges including the newly-opened lodge at Ruapehu if you’re looking for somewhere to visit. Their locations and details are available on our website. Closer to home you or your family may want to check out the KCC website and its games and quizzes. Very educational and lots of fun.
Anne
