National Wetland Trust: Wetland Walk and Talk 31st August AGM

We'd like to invite you to join the National Wetland Trust at lovely Lake Rotopiko, 15 minutes south of Hamilton, to see the latest developments at the site of the planned National Wetland Centre.

Stroll along our new lakeside boardwalk, try out the interactive discovery trail, and hear plans for a floating pontoon and other visitor facilities.

Then head to Te Awamutu Waipa DC offices for a warm cuppa and a presentation by bird expert and NWT founder, David Lawrie, on the amazing journeys our native shorebirds make.

We look forward to seeing you there!

PS Please send nominations for Trust Board members to: Mitch.Collins@mercury.co.nz

AGM invite 2019.pdf

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Waikato Regional Council’s Pre-Election Report

Waikato Regional Council’s Chief Executive Vaughan Payne has released his pre-election report ahead of the local government elections.

The report aims to inform voters and candidates of some of the big issues we face and give an indication of the matters on which the new council will need to make decisions. It also includes a summary of our finances

We hope you find it an interesting read, and encourage you to pass it on to your networks.

You can find a copy online at http://waikatoregion.govt.nz/council/elections/pre-election-report/

pre-election-report.pdf

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Landcare Networking Field Day 2019 - Tuesday Novemeber 19th

Waikato Landcare Networking Day_final.pdf

Waikato Biodiversity Forum Annual Report  

Annual Report from the Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2019.pdf

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Coastcare Waikato annual Nukuhakari planting bee

Coastcare Waikato are doing our annual Nukuhakari planting bee on the weekend of 24th August 2019. There are only ten places available so get in quick if you want to join us. There will be on-site accommodation at the shearers quarters and gourmet catered food. A great opportunity to see a remote part of the wild west coast. Great company, great food, great scenery. RSVP to Stacey Hill, Coastcare Coordinator West Coast: stacehill@gmail.com 022 324 3858. 

The Hector's & Māui dolphins Threat Management Plan (TMP)

The Hector's & Māui dolphins Threat Management Plan (TMP) is used by DOC and MPI to guide management of human-related threats impacting our endemic dolphins. This plan is currently under review, so we now have a chance to ask for serious protection for Hector's & Māui dolphins and our marine environment.  Measures such as a ban on net fishing, oil exploration, drilling and seabed mining out to 100m depth contour within the dolphin habitat would provide the high level of protection necessary for Māui dolphins to survive now and in the future as the marine habitat comes under more pressure.The best way you can stand up for our native taonga is to write a submission calling for the strongest protections possible.
To make sure your voice is heard, we recommend emailing submissions directly to dolphintmp@doc.govt.nz. Submissions close 10am 19th August. I've attached a poster and here's a link to a video that can be shared - it'd be amazing if you could spread this message and raise awareness of this issue throughout your networks.Together we can save the world's rarest dolphins!

Stacey Hill

Coastcare Coordinator - Waikato West Coastphone 022 324 3858

Copy of ACT NOW TO SAVE maui dolphins.pdf

Conservation Week this year is a celebration of 50 years of Conservation Weeks!

And more importantly a celebration of the work already done in conservation, the people and groups who have achieved big and little conservation gains over the years.

It is a great opportunity  to engage people with our biodiversity and inspire them to take action to conserve it.

If any forum members are considering holding an event in the near future, it would add to the impact of Conservation Week if the events can be arranged during conservation week.

There are resources available to publicise the events and link them into the wider national Conservation Week.

If you are keen to help spread the message during Conservation Week, the attached document has ideas and resources, as well as access to some beautiful artwork!

Conservation Week 2019 - Community Partners .pdf

Operation Tidy Fox is gaining momentum with more and more volunteers enrolling.

At the last count they had gone from 6-7 a day to 90 a day, which is fantastic.

They can use more though as there is a race against the weather, to get it cleaned up before the rains come.

If anyone would like to know more and how to volunteer, this article is very helpful, and includes a link to register.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/issues/fox-landfill-riverbed-cleanup/

Thank you to all those that contributed to the Biodiversity Forum Winter 2019 Newsletter attached below. Enjoy the read!

waikato biodiversity forum newsletter Autumn 2019 number 62.pdf

Connecting the Waitoa planting Days this coming Sunday the 14th and next Sunday the 21st of July - Check out the flyer for below details

Waitoa Community Planting Days_14 & 21 July 2019-2.pdf

Hamilton Biodiversity Strategy Drop-in Evening  - 17th of July 3pm until 6pm, See flyer below for details!

Small Scale Community Initiatives Fund

The Small Scale Community Initiatives Fund (SSCIF) supports volunteer community groups and individual landowners undertaking ecological restoration through animal and plant pest control. 

Open/close dates

Applications open: 1 July 2019, 9:00 am
Applications close: 26 July 2019, 5:00 pm

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW(external link)

How much is available?

$150,000 per year. The SSCIF is funded through the uniform annual general charge rate.

How much can you apply for?

Up to $5,000.

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List of available Plants from Puniu River Care Trust

Thanks for the support.

Contact is Sean Wanden, sean@puniuinc.org

The New Zealand Biosecurity Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to protecting our country. It's our way of celebrating people and organisations across the country who are contributing to New Zealand's biosecurity – in our communities, businesses, iwi and hapÅ«, universities, government agencies, in the bush, and in our backyards.

If you or someone you know is doing great work to protect New Zealand against pests and diseases, it’s time to shine a light on their achievements.Entries for this year's awards are open until 5pm on 24 July 2019.

Information about the award categories, criteria, and how to enter are on the 'Ko Tātou This Is Us' website.

*If you are unable to nominate a group due to a conflict of interest, please pass on the nomination with all the relevent information to meet award criteria by July 14th (see entry details on the 'Ko Tātou This Is Us' website) to the forum and we may be able to submit on your behalf.