references
Photo: Helen Schofield
LeT Ter from The Chair
injuries were too severe, or released back into the wild after surgery and rehabilitation. The frequency with which these serious injuries are occurring is of considerable concern but is hopefully more a reflection of heightened public awareness of kea issues rather than an unusual spike in incidence. We continue to work with local communities to raise awareness of the unique suite of threats impacting on kea, particularly at sites of high human visitation, and continue to develop targeted education and information resources in high risk areas. In regards progress with captive management, the first round of facility audits were conducted by DOC in 2012 and the move to increased captive standards initiated. We are now looking forward to the next round of DOC audits to ensure that the initial outcomes are actioned and that holders are supported in their efforts to increase captive standards long term. The coming year’s calendar is filling up fast. With research extending into new locations and mitigation measures a focus for the Trust, we are looking forward to working even more closely with communities to ensure kea flourish in the wilds of our southern mountains. As in past years we would not have been able to carry out the level of work that we have without the support of our funders, DOC, local communities and our volunteers who together bring a wealth of expertise, energy and funds to continue our conservation efforts for kea.
2012 and early 2013 also saw an increase in notified kea injuries and deaths in Arthur’s Pass. A number of kea required veterinary care as a result and were either euthanased if
David Attenborough
Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet
Martyn and Louise Myer have always had a passion for the mountains. “They provide us with both a physical and an emotional renewal from the stresses of a hectic urban life that no other environment can. This renewal is drawn from a multitude of sources. They include the beauty of the alpine environment, the thrill of the climate’s four seasons, the physical challenge of outdoor activities, the mental challenge of mastering sports like mountaineering, and the satisfaction of successfully planning and executing a trip. Just as important to us is the pleasure of sharing these experiences with good friends, particularly those who have never enjoyed them before. Whether standing on some spectacular peak or in the bottom of an exquisite gorge we have a saying that, in a quirky way, sums it all up: we are ‘gathering the energy of the universe’. The weather, the lake and the mountains provide a constantly changing visual feast. We named the lodge Whare Kea Lodge, after the kea, the cheeky and intelligent native mountain parrot. We understand that the kea were considered guardians of the mountains for the Waitaha Maori during their search for pounamu (greenstone). We are fascinated by the alpine parrots who often share their mountains with us on our journeys of exploration”. (quoted from their recent book, Wanaka: Earth to Heaven at Whare Kea) 4 Martyn Myer explains their support for the Kea Conservation Trust as being part of their commitment to conservation. We have been seeking opportunities to support projects in New Zealand. To be part of the Kea Conservation Trust is a perfect fit with our lodge, Whare Kea Lodge, located on the shores of Lake Wanaka and the Whare Kea Chalet based in the Albert Saddle at 1750 metres. In 2010 the Myers added a web camera to the mountain chalet. This operates by solar power and plays live image via the Lodge and Chalet website www.wharekealodge.com. Through the webcam we can monitor kea and bird activity at the chalet in the Albert Burn saddle.
Photo: Corey Mosen