Latest news with #MountainstoSea
Scoop
27-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Rare Native Fish Found In Karori's Waipāhihi Stream Through EDNA Testing
The Shortjaw Kōkopu is considered a threatened species of fish in gradual decline. It is also known to be secretive and hard to find. Recent eDNA testing by Friends of Waipāhihi Karori Stream has revealed that it is one of several native fish species living in the catchment. 'For the last few years, our Friends group has been undertaking quarterly monitoring of the health of the stream at three sites in the upper catchment with the support of Mountains to Sea Wellington Trust', says Friends Group coordinator Joanne Davidson. 'We had done some initial eDNA testing which told us both species of Tuna (shortfin eels and longfin eels), a couple of species of Bully and Kōaro were in the catchment. We also knew from earlier Greater Wellington Regional Council testing that Banded Kōkopu were there too.' The Friends group was formed when Andrea Skews, Chairperson of Karori Residents Association saw an opportunity to get community involved in the care of the stream. 'Reports on water quality were a 'D" and I felt having our community involved in the care and condition of our stream would empower us to do more than just moaning about the bad news stories online" said Skews. 'we are so lucky to have local leaders with the credentials they hold, volunteering to drive this group, not to mention the support of Wellington City Council, Mountains to Sea and local land owners". Over the summer, the Friends Group undertook testing outside of their normal operating area to get a picture of what was happening in other areas. This included additional eDNA testing, undertaken with financial support from Lyon Marine Research Limited and Terawhiti Charitable Trust, to get a better sense of what species were living across the catchment. The Group also received support from Kinnoull Station and local resident Roger Askin to access different parts of the catchment and get the most out of the investment in eDNA testing. Greater Wellington and Mountains to Sea staff also helped on the additional testing days. 'Waipāhihi Karori Stream is relatively unusual in that the urban area is in the upper part of the catchment and there is a large downstream catchment with a lot of regenerating bush. This means the Stream is most polluted in the upper catchment, whereas the more common pattern is for urban streams to become more polluted as you move downstream', says Ms Davidson. 'Our water quality testing had indicated that the Silver Stream tributary (which runs through Long Gully Bush Reserve) was in pretty good health, and when we got the eDNA test results back from Wilderlab it was easy to see the positive impact of this for biodiversity. Several sensitive macroinvertebrate species that need good water quality were present along with five species of fish, including the Shortjaw Kōkopu'. The more polluted areas of the catchment still support a range of biodiversity and fish species. Kaharore Bully, Common Bully and Tuna/Eels are all living in the suburban area. 'We often have Tuna visit when we are doing our testing, and we know they are well-loved by residents. Even in the Cambell/Donald Street part of the catchment, which has very few open areas remaining, the eDNA testing showed that both species of Tuna there,' says Ms Davidson. The Friends Group hopes to secure financial support do some more eDNA investigation in the future to better understand the distribution of the Shortjaw Kōkopu across the catchment. The Group, which operates under the umbrella of Karori Residents Association, has a Memorandum of Understanding with Wellington City Council and is also progressing a restoration project in the stream area by the path between the swimming pool and RSA. 'The site of our restoration project is a particularly yucky and often smelly part of the stream. Given its accessibility to the public, we think there's a real opportunity to show the difference we can make for te mana o te wai (the wellbeing of the water itself) through community action and care', says Ms Davidson. People who want to support or join the Group's efforts can connect with them via their Facebook group at: Notes: eDNA stands for 'environmental DNA'. Environmental DNA is genetic material that is shed by organisms as they move in, through and around their environment. The Group used eDNA freshwater sampling kits and sequencing services provided by Wilderlab. More information about their services is available here: Results from the Group's eDNA testing (and other publicly available testing results) can be viewed on the Wilderlab website here: The presence or lack of macroinvertebrates such as insects, worms and snails gives a biological indicator for the ecological health of a waterway, based on the sensitivity of each species to pollution.
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Scoop
Great Ride Te Hangāruru Opens: ‘A Gift To The Community For Matariki'
The opening of a long-awaited cycle and walking trail connecting Horopito to Waimarino (National Park village) has been heralded as a major milestone for the Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. "This is our gift to the community for Matariki," trail champion Lynley Twyman said at the Horopito trail head in the central North Island. Twyman said Te Hangāruru, the new section of the Great Ride, was a vital piece of the vision to complete a 320km journey from Ruapehu maunga to the Tasman Sea. "The trail honours the stories and abundance of this land, and builds a legacy for future generations." The rising of the nine stars of Matariki (Pleiades) marks the beginning of the Māori new year. This year's national observance day ceremony, being broadcast from the foot of Ruapehu maunga at dawn on Friday, recognises both Matariki and Puanga (Rigel), one of the most important stars for Māori in the Ruapehu and Whanganui regions. Twyman said the region had come through a difficult period, including ski industry troubles and the closure of major employers like the Chateau Tongariro and WPI Mills. The trail would help build regional resilience and act as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and community wellbeing. Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton said Te Hangāruru had been delivered despite enormous challenges, including funding hurdles and environmental consents. "This trail is the product of sheer determination, long-term vision and real community mahi," Kirton said. "Te Hangāruru represents not just connection on a map, but a pathway for locals and visitors to explore, reflect and rediscover the beauty of this place." Twyman said the Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono trail was one of New Zealand's most diverse cycle trails, traversing dual World Heritage landscapes, native bush, alpine streams, the volcanic plateau, historic viaducts and the Whanganui River. The 9km southern section of Te Hangāruru, from Horopito to Pōkākā Road, features two new suspension bridges, including a 30 metre bridge over the Mangaturuturu River, a dramatic waterfall and a heritage tramway. The 9km northern section follows part of the restored Marton Sash & Door tramway. The final section of the trail - awaiting funding for construction - includes a 225m suspension bridge over the Makatote River. 'A tangible expression of partnership' Te Hangāruru was due to open at Horopito on Thursday morning with a community celebration bringing together iwi, council representatives and the wider community, including students from National Park School and Raetihi Primary. The Mountains to Sea initiative is a collaboration between iwi, local government and the community. A charitable trust that leads and supports work on the trail includes representatives from Ngāti Rangi, iwi collective Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, Ruapehu and Whanganui district councils, the Whanganui Māori regional tourism organisation, trail users and community leaders. "Te Hangāruru is a tangible expression of partnership," Te Korowai o Wainuiārua chair Aiden Gilbert said. The name Te Hangāruru was gifted to the trail by Uenuku, one of three iwi represented by Te Korowai o Wainuiārua. It refers to the native forest - traditionally a place of abundance for local Māori. "The name Te Hangāruru recalls a time when the skies of the Waimarino forest were dark with birds such as kākā," Gilbert said. "It was a place where tangata whenua gathered kai and lived in harmony with the taiao (earth)." Gilbert said the trail winds through regenerating ngahere, past waterfalls and toward the proposed iwi-led Pōkākā alpine ecosanctuary. "Through this trail, our people have opportunities to care for the land and to welcome visitors through manaakitanga. It's part of a bigger journey, one where we walk together." Whanganui mayor Andrew Tripe, who chairs Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust, described the Great Ride as "a true regional treasure". He said the Mountains to Sea ride literally connects the Ruapehu and Whanganui districts and strengthens their shared future. "This project brings economic opportunity, supports healthy communities and invites manuhiri from all over to experience something unique to Aotearoa."
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Scoop
Matariki Celebrated With Opening Of New Te Hangāruru Cycle Trail
Ruapehu has marked Matariki by celebrating the opening of a spectacular new section of its cycle trail network – the first stage of Te Hangāruru, part of the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. Starting near the iconic Smash Palace car wreckers in Horopito, the 9km southern section of Te Hangāruru links with the popular Old Coach Road trail, which in turn connects to the 11.4km Te Ara Mangawhero trail running between Ōhakune and Tūroa skifield. Winding through regenerating native bush, past waterfalls and historic tramways, and toward the site of the future Pōkākā alpine ecosanctuary, Te Hangāruru offers a breathtaking ride that adds to the story-rich Mountains to Sea network. The full trail spans dual World Heritage landscapes, alpine streams, volcanic plateaus, native forest, historic viaducts, and the Whanganui River. Over 50 excited riders of all ages waited patiently for the opening ceremony to conclude before setting off to be the first to experience the new trail section. Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said the opening of Te Hangāruru marked a major milestone in Council's vision for a world-class eco-tourism network of cycling and hiking trails. 'Te Hangāruru is a vital addition to our visitor offering and a boost for the local economy,' said Mayor Kirton. 'It strengthens Ruapehu's growing reputation as a destination for nature-based adventure and cultural experiences. 'While today is a celebration, we're also looking ahead. Completing the full Mountains to Sea journey is essential to unlock the full economic, cultural, and social benefits this network promises. With over 56,000 journeys already being made each year between Ōhakune and Whanganui, we're eager to continue working with Government, Whanganui District Council, our iwi partners, and others to bring the full vision to life.' The development of Te Hangāruru further strengthens Ruapehu's position as a hub for sustainable tourism, offering visitors connected experiences across some of Aotearoa's most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Blobfish, once dubbed 'world's ugliest animal,' named fish of the year in New Zealand
This sea creature may have just experienced the "ugly duckling" glowup of the fish world. Once dubbed the "world's ugliest animal," the blobfish – scientific name Psychrolutes marcidus – has been named New Zealand's Fish of the Year in a competition created by the conservation nonprofit Mountains to Sea. MORE: Fish species thought to be extinct for 85 years rediscovered "The blobfish had been sitting patiently on the ocean floor, mouth open, waiting for the next mollusk to come through to eat," the competition's creators wrote in a press release. "He has been bullied his whole life and we thought, 'stuff this, it's time for the blobfish to have his moment in the sun.'" The campaign was created to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of destructive bottom trawling – a fishing method that involves dragging a large, weighted net along the ocean floor to catch fish and other marine life – and the species it endangers, according to the nonprofit. Blobfish are considered deep-sea species and are often found in cold, dark habitats between 1,970 and 3,940 feet deep in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. They are generally known as a "pale pink gelatinous blob with a droopy, downturned mouth and large, sagging nose," according to National Geographic. MORE: Scientists baffled over hundreds of fish 'spinning and whirling' dead onto South Florida shores But their unusual appearance and physiology may be designed to withstand extreme pressure in the ocean depths, scientists say. In 2013, the blobfish was voted the world's ugliest animal species in a campaign created by the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. The nonprofit aims to raise awareness for threatened species that may not be aesthetically pleasing and therefore potentially less likely to be researched or protected. "Uglier animals are neglected," the mission statement for the Ugly Animal Preservation Society states. MORE: World's Ugliest Dog competition won by Scamp the Tramp The blobfish is considered a vulnerable species due to overfishing and habitat destruction. Blobfish, once dubbed 'world's ugliest animal,' named fish of the year in New Zealand originally appeared on
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Blobfish, once dubbed 'world's ugliest animal,' named fish of the year in New Zealand
This sea creature may have just experienced the "ugly duckling" glowup of the fish world. Once dubbed the "world's ugliest animal," the blobfish – scientific name Psychrolutes marcidus – has been named New Zealand's Fish of the Year in a competition created by the conservation nonprofit Mountains to Sea. MORE: Fish species thought to be extinct for 85 years rediscovered "The blobfish had been sitting patiently on the ocean floor, mouth open, waiting for the next mollusk to come through to eat," the competition's creators wrote in a press release. "He has been bullied his whole life and we thought, 'stuff this, it's time for the blobfish to have his moment in the sun.'" The campaign was created to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of destructive bottom trawling – a fishing method that involves dragging a large, weighted net along the ocean floor to catch fish and other marine life – and the species it endangers, according to the nonprofit. Blobfish are considered deep-sea species and are often found in cold, dark habitats between 1,970 and 3,940 feet deep in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. They are generally known as a "pale pink gelatinous blob with a droopy, downturned mouth and large, sagging nose," according to National Geographic. MORE: Scientists baffled over hundreds of fish 'spinning and whirling' dead onto South Florida shores But their unusual appearance and physiology may be designed to withstand extreme pressure in the ocean depths, scientists say. In 2013, the blobfish was voted the world's ugliest animal species in a campaign created by the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. The nonprofit aims to raise awareness for threatened species that may not be aesthetically pleasing and therefore potentially less likely to be researched or protected. "Uglier animals are neglected," the mission statement for the Ugly Animal Preservation Society states. MORE: World's Ugliest Dog competition won by Scamp the Tramp The blobfish is considered a vulnerable species due to overfishing and habitat destruction. Blobfish, once dubbed 'world's ugliest animal,' named fish of the year in New Zealand originally appeared on
