Chairman’s Report March 2014 – Paul Berry

It has been an active year for the Paparoa Wildlife Trust  with the proposed
AHB 1080 program, which includes 3200ha of the PWT area. DOC has provided
funding for the remaining 400ha of PWT area.
Fortunately Gary Hutchison an experienced local bushman was keen to cut
proposed lines for traps. Unfortunately the heavy snow 2 years ago and wind
from cyclone Ita has made his job very time consuming coping with wind
thrown trees and hang ups. Taking this into consideration he is doing a great
job, and we really appreciate the hard work he is putting in.
Sally Gallant is now the Trust Administrator which we are all grateful for, but
has not yet actually taken full control. Jo Tilson resigned as Administrator and
is now our funding coordinator – I would like to thank Jo for her work as an
administrator and for her continuing role with funding as well as being part of
the expert advice panel which includes Glen Newton from DOC and Jo Halley.
Her passion for the Trust is clear and appreciated.
Brad Edwards from DOC has shifted away, so we would like to thank him for
his valuable input to the Trust.
I would also like to thank Jo Halley, our kiwi expert who, amongst other things,
carries out the day to day care of the kiwi and happily works with visitors to
the crèche. Her hard work and dedication to the Trust is much appreciated.
The Trust has ordered new maps with the trap lines marked, indicating where
traps will be placed. The DOC 200 Stainless traps have been ordered and H4
timber, stainless nails, screws and mesh purchased. Volunteers are currently
building the predator tunnels.
Thanks to the Trustee’s – Trevor Johnston, Lee Keown, Gary Glasson & Alan
Berry for your work and support during the year. We look forward to another
busy year building and placing traps.
The only healthy stoats, rats and possums are dead ones!!
Paul Berry