Department of Conservation

Explore the outdoors during Conservation Week

September 15, 2016 by Sharyn Smart

Mt Egmont / Mt Taranaki peeking out from cloud with DOC Ranger Denise Goodman and Tasman Toyota Customer Relationship Manager in New Plymouth Vanessa Sumpter.

Taranaki was privileged to host two great Toyota Kiwi Guardians Adventures as part of Conservation Week.

The programme is a joint venture with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Toyota New Zealand designed to get children off the couch and out into nature.

DOC Ranger Denise Goodman explained there are four Toyota Kiwi Guardians sites around Taranaki for kids to earn medals at. The other two places are Dawson falls and Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve.

“The Kiwi Guardians programme is designed to encourage families with kids to get out and explore nature. DOC is working with Toyota to make this programme a success in Taranaki,” said Denise.

Injured Little Blue Penguin returned fit and healthy to Nga Motu Marine Reserve

March 12, 2016July 22, 2016 by Sharyn Smart

A small group of supporters of the Nga Motu Marine Reserve Society gathered to release 'Little Blue Penguin Taranaki' back into the wild. — A small group of supporters of the Nga Motu Marine Reserve Society gathered to release ‘Little Blue Penguin Taranaki’ back into the wild. Photo by : Smart shots by Sharyn

‘Little blue penguin Taranaki’ was reunited with her rescuer at Port Taranaki.

“It’s awesome to see her again! When I got the phone call this morning to come back down and be a part of her release there was no way I was turning that down,” said Ayla Adlam.

“To see her where she is meant to be is just awesome. Everyone’s efforts and time has all paid off.

“She is really cute and quite chubby now.”

Ayla spotted the little blue penguin as she neared the boat ramp after a day of fishing with her partner and another friend on January 6.

“As we were coming back into the boat ramp I noticed a little penguin just kind of swimming around in circles just looking distressed and really close to the boats.

“My partner suggested that we ring DOC as I was a little bit upset about seeing an injured penguin out there.”

Ayla got out her smart phone, googled DOC’s website and gave them a call. Her call was answered by Gemma Green who located the penguin and organised for her to be sent to Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital in Palmerston North.

Sparky the kiwi visits Taranaki

October 6, 2015October 24, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

Recently I got to share an amazing experience with my children.

We got to meet Sparky a very special North Island brown kiwi.

Sparky arrived at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre in 2002 after losing his leg in an illegal gin trap.

Founders Robert and Robyn Webb started the Centre in 1992 and now rescue then care for and rehabilitate over 1,200 birds each year. They also spend many hours on education and community projects.

Sparky was three and a half months old when he arrived from a forest up in Keri Keri after being caught in a gin trap or possum trap. When it catches the kiwi the trap jaws are so powerful they will either break the leg or cut it nearly right off. The result of that is the kiwi would normally have to be put down.