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Hoiho, hoiho, it’s off to work we go . . .
. . . on projects that protect our region’s environment. Plus, we check in with the Smiths Creek Revegetation Project and local government elections are this year. Care about here? Now’s the time to think about standing for Otago.
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D is for … diphtheritic stomatitis.
Diphtheritic stomatitis, or Respiratory Distress Syndrome, is a disease which causes high mortality in hoiho chicks. Read the article below to find out how the vets at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital work to treat it.
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Hoiho / yellow-eyed penguin.
PHOTO: YELLOW-EYED PENGUIN TRUST
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Dunedin Wildlife Hospital manager Jordana Whyte talks us through the hoiho vet checks funded by last year’s ECO Fund, and it’s a LOT of work.
Hoiho face a number of threats and pressures on the mainland, including diseases that can cause high mortality in very young chicks. Treating chicks in the field has proven to be ineffective and very difficult logistically, given their huge range in coastal Otago.
The current standard practice is that all hoiho chicks hatched on the mainland are uplifted by various field teams (Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust, Department of Conservation, The OPERA [Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance], Penguin Rescue) and brought to the Wildlife Hospital around 3 days of age. This is regardless of whether or not they are showing signs of disease such as diphtheritic stomatitis; we know from experience even if they are healthy one day, they may have symptoms the next day and deteriorate quickly.
At the hospital, chicks are weighed and given a full exam by our wildlife veterinarians. They are looking for any signs of diphtheria lesions, which appear in the mouth and throat. If left untreated, these can block up their mouths, throats, and airways. It's also quite painful. The chicks will be given a mouth score and monitored throughout their hospital stay.
This particular disease can be treated with antibiotics, but chicks require daily mouth cleaning and a lot of support. The penguins will be grouped with their siblings and other chicks of the same size/age, in tubs lined with soft towels, and placed in incubator units that are set to the temperature and humidity of their nests in the wild.
Chicks are fed up to five times per day with a nutritious fish smoothie that includes extra oils, electrolytes and minerals to help replicate what their parents would be feeding them. They are weighed and given a thorough vet check each day. The paperwork is massive! Once they are cleared of disease, deemed in good health, and weighing at least 300 grams — this seems to be the threshold where they do better once returned — they are sent back out with the field team to their natal nest or a suitable foster nest, where their parents have been dutifully sitting on a dummy egg provided by rangers. Field teams monitor the chicks after return to ensure they have been accepted back by the parents or accepted by the foster parents and have been fed shortly after their return.
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Hoiho / yellow-eyed penguin chicks get some TLC from the Wildlife Hospital team
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If you need a bit of help getting your environmental project idea off the ground, or help with an existing project, small or large, you’ve still time to apply for this year’s ECO Fund at orc.govt.nz/ecofund — applications close end of Monday, 31 March.
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Help shape Otago’s future — have your say
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Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) work remains focused on building a stronger future for Otago.
In developing our Annual Plan — the work for the year ahead — we’ve focused on value for money while still doing important work for our communities and the environment.
There are some changes to planned work, including Queenstown bus services; transport proposals for Dunedin, Ōamaru, Balclutha, Central Otago and Wānaka; and river management and flood protection work. A new environmental fund is set to support communities from this year.
To do the work we do, an overall rates increase of 7.8% is planned — less than the 13.8% previously forecast.
What rates look like for each property is different — influenced by things such as location and the services provided. Changes to fees and charges are also proposed.
A rates estimator on the ORC website can be used to see the forecast rates for individual properties.
We value your voice — tell us what you think to help shape Otago’s future and find out more at orc.govt.nz/ap2025.
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Congratulations to the four winners in our wood moisture meter giveaway.
We’ve notified the winners by email, so make sure you check your inbox! Thank you for burning dry wood so we can all breathe easy.
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What’s your view on public transport in our region?
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The Draft Otago Regional Public Transport Plan is now open for consultation.
The plan guides how ORC will invest time and money into public transport for the next 10 years.
The plan aims to provide public transport solutions that are easy to understand and meet communities’ diverse needs. In other words, public transport people want to use – more often.
New government expectations mean that we have some tough choices to make.
We value access, transport options and the economic, health and environmental benefits that a convenient, reliable and efficient public transport system delivers for our communities. However, we now need to recover a greater share of public transport operating costs from private sources.
This means we need to increase things like passenger fares and advertising OR decrease our spending on services. This would mean fewer buses or removing some routes.
This is your chance to have your say on public transport topics including:
Come talk to ORC staff in person at one of our drop-ins throughout Otago. You can also go to orc.govt.nz/rptp to find out more and give your feedback by 2 May 2025.
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Repainting and renovations to the Steele Creek Hut 2014, Greenstone Conservation Area
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Will is ORC’s Project Delivery Specialist — Biosecurity Programmes.
His career path is like an epic tramp that takes in the Routeburn, the Greenstone and Caples — he’s spent decades looking after our back country huts, and now he’s tackling Otago’s wilding pine problem.
Will started with the Department of Conservation (DOC) straight out of high school, completing the National Certificate in Conservation (Trainee Ranger), based out of Nelson. It was a programme designed to create Jacks and Jills of all trades, with training in heli safety, how to use a chainsaw, invasive pest control, predator trapping, environmental studies, motorbike riding, and getting your boat master ticket — if it was necessary for getting into and taking care of conservation areas, then they did it.
His first work placement was in Glenorchy — a place he’d never even heard of, and where he still lives to this day. Will spent the next 20 years in and out of the back country — looking after visitors, doing hut maintenance, organising heli resupplies, fixing hut infrastructure, controlling pests, being a hut warden, clearing fallen trees and carrying out track maintenance. He has been bitten by sandflies more than most people have had hot dinners.
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Wilding Conifer spread below Ben Lomond Peak, Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve (McGazza’s table)
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In 2020 he moved into the wilding pine scene, working as DOC’s wilding conifer control project manager, a service provided for the Whakatipu Wilding Control Group; five years later he’s joined ORC, leading our conifer pest programme, amongst other things. Will is also a volunteer firefighter, which makes his role seem even more apt, as wildings can intensify the risk of forest fires.
As a DOC ranger, firefighting was a big part of the role back in the day, and Will has since fought fires in Canada, Australia and here in Aotearoa NZ as recently as last month, fighting a huge blaze in Tiwai. If the siren sounds in Glenorchy, he’ll get on the truck there, too.
As well as a Pulaski (fire axe), it’s safe to say Will has been on the end of a chainsaw a fair amount, gaining a ‘New Zealand Certificate in Tree Felling and Clearing (Non-Production)’ through years of clearing trails, pines, and hazardous trees.
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Back burning for fire suppression, 2023 fire deployment to Emerald, Queensland, Australia
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Although he can now spot the differences between pine species like it’s black and white, he recalls his first aerial pine surveys and how difficult it can be for newcomers to see the difference between different conifer threats, like Pinus radiata, a common commercial Forestry pine, and Pinus contorta, a horrific spreader considered a noxious pest and unwanted organism. Not all conifers are the same, and not all conifers are a threat to our environment. Helping our communities recognise the pests amongst the forests and to see the wolf in sheep’s clothing is an important part of our work.
A good way of telling the difference is often through the length of the needles, the size of the pine cones, and the texture of the bark. It can be challenging, but we have identification guides to help and are happy to give advice.
Where’s the wilding problem at right now?
"While there have been significant gains in recent years, the recent reduction in funding has made things more challenging. Each time a project is deferred, costs escalate due to delays. Wilding pines are a sly adversary — the speed of their spread and the urgency to act are too often underestimated.
“History has shown that one of the biggest drivers of wilding conifer infestations is a failure to act early. The longer they are left uncontrolled, the more expensive and difficult they become to manage. You’ve got to keep your foot down.
“Across Otago, wilding pines can grow a metre a year — ignoring a seedling for just five years means dealing with a fully grown tree. And big trees make the job much harder. The key is early action.
“Success will require an 'all hands, all lands' approach. We all have a role to play, and only by working together can we get this under control."
His favourite creature?
The riroriro / grey warbler.
“An unassuming, quite common bird, they have a particular song that brings back memories of sitting around a campfire.”
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What does he love about the role?
”What I am loving at the moment is exploring new areas of Otago and expanding my knowledge beyond the Whakatipu. Since I’ve started with ORC, I’ve been studying maps and landscapes and talking to new communities. As my knowledge of the properties, landscapes and communities expands, I feel closer to Otago as a whole. I am not originally from Otago — I was born and raised on the Kāpiti Coast — but having lived in Otago for the past 25 years, it is well and truly home. I’m proud to be part of the team that helps protect it.”
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Waitaki Enviroschools Secondary Hui
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Making habitats for penguins to rest in while not in the ocean was a practical way ākonga could support the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony
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On 28 February, ākonga from Waitaki Boys’ and Waitaki Girls’ came together for a day packed with environmental action supporting the local Ōamaru Blue Penguin colony.
Together ākonga went penguin spotting (the penguins were moulting, so they were very fluffy looking!), potted seedlings for new penguin habitats, and built new homes for more penguins to join the safe colony away from predators.
Working collectively, ākonga were able to decide on how they can support more of the work done to create safer habitats for the penguins, including what actions they can take in the wider community.
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Waitaki Boys’ and Waitaki Girls’ EnviroLeaders with Waitaki Enviroschools Facilitator, Chantal Barnes
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Enviroschools Secondary Hui are a full day of professional development for senior secondary environmental leaders at schools, equipping them with knowledge and practical skills and highlighting opportunities for the focus of their Envirogroups in their school. Both Waitaki Boys’ and Waitaki Girls’ are already planning a full day EnviroDay at the end of the school year, following on from the incredibly successful EnviroDay held by Waitaki Boys’ in November last year.
Want to get in touch? Contact Leisa.deKlerk@orc.govt.nz
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Do you have your intensive winter grazing (IWG) plan sorted? Need help to get it done?
Come along to a free workshop. Our friendly ORC team can assist you with your IWG management plan and help answer all your questions related to IWG.
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Weston
Thursday, 3 April | 11am–2pm
Weston Hall
Outram
Wednesday, 9 April | 11am–2pm
West Taieri Rugby Club
Ranfurly
Wednesday, 16 April | 11am–2pm
Maniototo Golf Club
Cromwell
Wednesday, 30 April | 11am–2pm
Cromwell and Districts Presbyterian Church
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Why is the freshwater gold clam a pest?
Freshwater gold clams block irrigation and hydro systems and compete with our native freshwater species. It reproduces at a high rate and therefore spreads easily. A fertile clam can produce more than 400 larvae a day!
The freshwater gold clam is still fairly new to Aotearoa New Zealand, discovered along a stretch of the Waikato River in 2023 and so far only found in the North Island.
Equipment such as boats and trailers, fishing gear, paddleboards, kayaks, or jet skis being transported between the North and South islands may inadvertently bring this hitchhiking pest to Otago.
What does it look like?
Freshwater gold clams are quite distinctive and easily identified, as there are no similar looking New Zealand freshwater clam species. The adult clams are 2 to 3 cm long and are typically dirty white, yellow, or tan. They have an obvious ribbed texture on the shell and are found in fresh or brackish water, sitting on top of sandy or muddy surfaces, or buried shallowly within them.
What should I do?
The best way to prevent this pest from reaching Otago is to Check, Clean, Dry! Check, clean, and dry your gear to prevent the spread of freshwater gold clam and other nasty pests like lagarosiphon and didymo.
Think you’ve found freshwater gold clams?
Take a photo and report it: phone us on 0800 474 082, or complete the online reporting form: report.mpi.govt.nz/pest.
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Seven possible futures revealed to meet South Dunedin’s flooding challenges
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An example of one of the potential adaptation futures for South Dunedin
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Options for the future of South Dunedin have been identified to address the serious flooding and climate change impacts expected over the next 75 years and beyond.
The joint Dunedin City Council–ORC South Dunedin Future programme has released two major reports which analyse the risks facing the low-lying area and options for responding to them. The reports are key building blocks for making a long-term climate adaptation plan.
As well as a comprehensive picture of the flood-related challenges facing the area, seven possible futures have been identified and analysed for the area.
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Out and about at the Wānaka show!
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Demonstrating a clarity tube at the Wānaka A&P Show. The tube has a black magnetic slider which is moved through the tube away from the eye until it cannot be seen anymore. The clearer the water, the further away the slider can be seen.
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Cheers to everyone who came to visit our tent at the Wānaka A&P Show!
We had plenty of people coming over for a chat, getting hands-on with science and learning more about water monitoring, natural hazards and pests in Otago.
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Ollie and Georgia ready to talk catchments and compliance
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Our resident stuffed wallaby is always a popular talking point at the show
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Regular Tuesday volunteers having morning tea at the top of the second tributary, 2022
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Save The Otago Peninsula (STOP)!
The Smiths Creek Revegetation Project is an ecological restoration initiative located on the Otago Peninsula. Led by Save The Otago Peninsula (STOP), the project began in 2012 and focuses on replanting native vegetation within the Smiths Creek catchment area.
Over the years, volunteers have planted some 16,000 trees across 27 hectares of land that have been fenced off from stock to protect the regenerating ecosystem. This effort aims to restore natural habitats, enhance biodiversity, and support local wildlife populations. Importantly, the project also addresses critical erosion control by establishing healthy vegetation cover, which stabilises the soil, reduces sediment inflow into Smiths Creek, and maintains water quality, thereby protecting creek habitats and aquatic life from the harmful effects of sediment runoff.
The project owes its success to the dedicated volunteers and contributions from local businesses, student organisations, and other community groups. The ecological benefits of the project are already evident, with an increase in native bird species, such as the fernbird, which is now frequently seen and heard in the area.
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Regular working bees are held on Tuesday and Sunday mornings.
Want to help?
Contact Lala Frazer
Email: stopincsoc@gmail.com
Text to 027 8756 020
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Care about here? Stand for Otago.
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Care about here? Now is a good time to start thinking about standing in this year’s local government elections.
Key dates:
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Consider being a candidate: from now to 3 July 2025
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Candidate nominations open: 4 July 2025
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Candidate nominations close: 1 August 2025 (12 noon)
What does an ORC councillor do?
As an elected member, you will:
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be a part of governing the third-largest region in the South Island
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help decide how funding is allocated
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make decisions that will help define the future for our communities
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decide how to meet the current and future needs for flooding infrastructure, climate change mitigation, transport services, and protecting the health of Otago’s land and water
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make decisions about consents and regulation
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attend council meetings.
On any given day, an ORC councillor may:
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read and prepare for upcoming meetings
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vote in various decision-making meetings and committees
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engage with the public to hear their views
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attend events like public meetings, public consultation drop-in sessions
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represent the council at community events
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take part in community activities, like a working bee for a local stream regeneration project.
On top of this, there will be responsibilities that relate to your specific role. You don’t have to have any particular experience or skill set to be a councillor, just a willingness to do your best for our region. For more info, including how much you’ll get paid, head to orc.govt.nz/vote25.
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Nature-based solutions study
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Wai i te reporepo, wai i te wao: what nature tells us about how to understand and prepare for flooding.
What’s occurring? The Engagement Study report is being put together right now – we’re asking interested landowners to complete a short survey to gauge their level of understanding of nature-based solutions (NbS) and whether they would be happy to consider them on their land and what any barriers might be. If you’re an Otago landowner and interested in this study, you can find out more and complete the survey here.
The Feasibility Report has also been completed. Both reports will go to Council on August 27. A summary of the key findings will be available on our website after this.
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Find out about upcoming community events and Council meetings here.
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Feel free to forward this email to anyone who might like to read it. If you have any story ideas or want to know anything specific about anything in this issue, let us know by emailing onstream@orc.govt.nz
If you have been forwarded this email, you can sign up here.
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