Seeking Taranaki’s biodiversity gems
Is there a special piece of native bush on your property? A place where the tūı¯ and kererū hang out or a home to distinctive plants, fungi, flowers or insects?
If there is, keep reading. Because it might be even more special than you think.
Taranaki Regional Council has identified more than 300 key native ecosystems (KNEs) throughout Taranaki, ranging from one to 800-plus hectares. Frankley, Woodleigh and mata schools have KNEs on or adjacent to their grounds, an incredible way for students to learn about and contribute to biodiversity. There are well-known KNEs such as Pukekura Park, Waipu Lagoons and Stratford’s King Edward Park, as well as more hidden gems.
KNEs are sites with significant biodiversity values for our region. In assessing a potential KNE, council officers look at factors such as the presence of threatened or distinctive indigenous flora and fauna, ecosystem type and representativeness, presence of threatened land environments, ecological context of the area and sustainability of the area.
It can be a real thrill to discover and report what we find to the landowners. We have discovered kiwi, long-tailed bats (pekapeka-tou-roa), North Island robin (totowai), fernbird (mātātā), swamp maire, jointed fern – the list goes on.
The council prioritises 20 KNEs per year to prepare a biodiversity plan that helps the owner protect and further enhance their habitat. It includes funding towards work such as predator trapping, planting and fencing.
A plan could cover anything from freshwater fish passage to predator control to wetland ecology to riparian management. It’s a great opportunity for landowners and we are constantly amazed by the incredible results we see.
Go to trc.govt.nz/key-native-ecosystems and if you think your piece of paradise might fit the bill, get in touch.
To see KNEs near you, go to tinyurl. com/keynativeecosystems. KNEs are shown in yellow; click on one for details.
❚ Steve Ellis is the environment services manager at the Taranaki Regional Council.
Our local St John is looking to increase its volunteer numbers within this team.
What is this team?
The St John MIST’s purpose is to support St John in providing a world-leading response to major incidents and large events.
The St John MIST requires non-clinical people to deploy, assist the wider operations, and event health services teams at both planned and unplanned major events/ incidents in times of crisis and high workload. This can range from concerts and festivals to unplanned large-scale major incidents, such as a disaster and the following emergency response.
What does St John MIST do?
The role of the MIST is to enable the deployment of purpose-built command units and other specialist major incident vehicles to support frontline ambulance officers during major incidents, or at large planned events. This is not a role that deploys often, but there will be training exercises on a monthly basis.
St John has MIST volunteers throughout New Zealand. In Taranaki, the team is based in Inglewood and its volunteers need to be able to respond within 30 minutes to a call out.
There are four key areas where you can be involved (but may not be required at each event):
1. Administration – Tracking patients, staff and vehicles, completing all the required paperwork
2. Communications -–Specialist communications within a command unit at an incident and between the incident and an emergency operations centre or ambulance communications centre.
3. Welfare – Supporting St John staff, keeping them fed, watered and mentally well.
4. Logistics – Moving and setting up infrastructure. This can include moving vehicles, driving between sites, setting up tents.
You will receive training, including:
■ An internationally recognised qualification
■ Internal St John risk management
■ Driver training
■ MIST-specific training.
What personal attributes are required?
■ Positive outlook, flexible and a willingness to complete requirements
■ Can-do attitude and self-motivation together with a strong team member focus
■ Demonstrate personal commitment to and promote St John core values.
■ Being physically fit, in good health, a team player, and able to work well under pressure are all vital to completing your training with St John.
What sort of time commitment is involved?
■ You will need to be available for regular training in Inglewood on a Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm (two weekly – options to enable individuals to achieve their required monthly training).
■ There are also three scenarios per year (no specific dates yet) and a two-day base course and two-day driver training course.
Once on board, you will receive ongoing support in your role and continue to develop and learn new skills with regular training sessions.
How do I find out more?
If becoming a St John MIST volunteer sounds like something you might be interested in but not sure and would like to learn more, without obligation, then please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06) 758 8986, or phone or text 022 571 4228 or email admin@ volunteeringnewplymouth.nz so that she can register your interest to attend the information session.