MIRO Inc.

This year MIRO took steps to incorporate and to seek charitable status which it has now received. Charitable status will be most useful when MIRO seeks funding for projects; indeed for many funders it is now mandatory.

Restoration Plantings: Parangarahu (Lakes Block)

Plentiful rain early this winter allowed an early start to planting at the Lakes. In June, Plot 3 on the western shore of Lake Kohangatera was planted up with 800 trees by volunteers and Greater Wellington staff. Extra trees to replace losses from the first two years of planting were also planted in Plots 1 and 2. It was gratifying to see an improved success rate in Plot 2 after just one year, a much more sheltered site. However possum traps have had to be added to all the plots to prevent further browsing of the new vegetation.  MIRO website - Planting project

Planting in plot 3

New MIRO Nursery Site

We are fortunate to have been invited by GNS to relocate our Nursery to its grounds adjoining the northern end of the Park. This is centrally located with great long term potential. MIRO has been seeking funds to develop the site and a start has been made; the plant storage area has been fenced and metalled and a shed is now underway.

Laying the foundations for the shed

Robins

After discussion with DoC it has been decided not to collect the remaining 12 birds on the existing permit.  Instead another SOP will be prepared ready for 2010.  Due to the degree of dispersal in the first year it is critical to get a large number in together next time in the hope that they will stay together in the release area.  Other sources of birds will be explored with DoC.  MIRO website - Robins

Juvenile unbanded robin born in the Park

Possum Monitoring

In May Greater Wellington commissioned a possum monitor in the Park and it was pleasing to see a result of 2.7% (2-3 possums per 100 traps) which confirms the success of our trapping efforts. Total possum catches for the year are down again at 256 and give a total of just over 2000 since 2004/5. Another two new lines have been added this year in Lowry Bay which have been making big catches. MIRO website - Possum control

Setting a possum trap

Rat Monitoring

As you might expect, rats have proved a more difficult proposition to control. The last two monitors have revealed increases in levels of rats fuelled by a high beech seeding. Fortunately the levels are lower inside the Mainland Island but MIRO will discuss with Greater Wellington options to lower levels in this area.  MIRO website - Rodent monitoring

Checking a rat bait station

Conservation Week 13-20 September

MIRO is planning a display in Westfield Lower Hutt on Thursday 17 September along with Lower Hutt Forest & Bird. We are looking for volunteers to help out on the day. If you can offer any help drop an email to info@miro.org.nz.

End of year BBQ and Special General Meeting in November

We will hold our usual end of year BBQ in November. This year we will combine it with a brief Special General Meeting to elect a new committee. More details will follow later.

 

Thanks to our major sponsors this year:

Greater Wellington
Lower Hutt Forest & Bird
Spiral Web Solutions
Pub Charity