Jamie McAulay talking about Kiwi
Last night’s guest speaker was Jamie McAulay, son of President-elect Bill, who Zoomed in from his home in Te Anau.
Jamie works for DoC as a Biodiversity ranger, a job that he thoroughly enjoys. It involves a lot of fieldwork in remote parts of Fiordland, in rugged bush country. The mission is to ‘save the iconic kiwi’ and the target is a 2% annual growth in the kiwi population.
This is proving difficult because of predation, mainly by the dreaded stoat. In fact, over the last three years, none of the kiwi chicks hatched in Jamie’s area of study have survived.
Jamie’s team uses tiny radio transmitters and trail cameras to keep track of adult and young kiwis, and the stoats, possums, and keas that harass them.
Chicks hatch around August after 80 days incubation, but can’t defend themselves until they are 20 weeks old.
The solution is predator control. Trapping is not viable in such steep country, but 1080 poison drops are effective when the weather allows. These are done by helicopters using GPS for targeting.
Poll: How are you feeling about the role of AI in business and everyday life? 🤖💻
The Post reports that nearly two-thirds of business leaders are feeling optimistic about 2026 ... with much of that confidence driven by the rollout of AI.
We want to know: How are you feeling about the growing role of AI in business and everyday life?
-
6.4% Excited
-
72.4% Cautious
-
21.2% Somewhere in between
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Take a village tour and enjoy a $50 cafe voucher!*
See what everyday life at a Ryman village is really like - from a range of living options to premium amenities on your doorstep.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Loading…
