November 2021 - Pinus Radiata (re-growth) aerial spray control
Prior to the Ecosanctuary being established, re-growth of pinus radiata trees left over from a former area planted in Pinus Radiata required to be either felled or sprayed off. Area planted in exotic forestry required to be either felled or sprayed off. Be aerial spraying the pines die in situ providing a perch for birds and (hopefully) a natural native seed spreader. Terrain was difficult to tackle by conventional contractor spraying means. An aerial spray program to tackle some 2,000 pine wildings within the Ecosanctuary was undertaken in October/November 2021 by an engaged
specialist contractor. Agri-drone Solutions Continuation of this aerial spray project to be continued in Nov/Dec 2022.
Volunteer Group working bee in the Ecosanctuary
Company staff from a Timaru based office spent a half day on a working bee’ session taking out pest plants in the Ecosanctuary.
June - July 2021 E-CAN Pest Predator Bait programme
A fully funded Feratox Bait pest predator programme was conducted by contractors through Environment Canterbury (E-CAN); resulting in 155 wallaby and 60 possum successful strike. Further night shoots with thermal imaging have since been conducted with a further bait programme planned for winter 2023. There is now a much reduced wallaby and possum population within the fenced
area. The aim is to achieve a total Wallaby and possum free fenced zone.
Funding through E-CAN
June 2021 - Pest Predator Fence completed
Completed 4.5 Klm of pest predator fencing comprising 1.8m deer fence with galvanized steel mesh reinforced section on lower half and skirt. External fence hot wire. 4 x custom designed metal self-closing access gates and 3 x vehicle access gates. The fence is designed to restrict incursions of
Wallaby, possum and mustelids. A trapping and bait program has been Initiated to monitor and eliminate pest predators within the sanctuary. Local Contractors: Wratt Fencing Contractors, Leathwick Contracting Ltd. Rollinson Engineering
Grant Funders: National Lottery, The Community Trust of Mid & South
Canterbury, Alpine Energy, Aoraki Foundation, RSM Law, private donors
January 2021 - Predator Pest trapping commenced
Department of Conservation (DOC) held predator trapping training sessions for volunteers. The Trust purchased a number of DOC traps and set out trapping lines of some 60 traps with mouse/rat bait stations within the Ecosanctuary. The Trust established a trapping data base - TRAPNZ
Volunteers commenced assisting with trapping and pest plant control recording and monitoring data.
Grant funding for purchase of traps and trail cameras through Waimate District Council
