​Finding ways to help the environment has never been easier thanks to the collaboration of three local environmental groups, Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, Envirohub Marlborough and Picton Dawn Chorus.   

“Along with the Department of Conservation, Port Marlborough is a ‘Foundation Partner’ of the Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary. We’re delighted to take that partnership to the next level by now providing fully sponsored long-term accommodation to the Kaipupu Sanctuary team, along with similarly focused community environmental groups Picton Dawn Chorus and Envirohub.” Rose Prendeville, Capabilities Manager at Port Marlborough continues “these groups will collectively occupy retail premises at the Auckland Street frontage of the main Port Marlborough administration building, which we already share with DOC – making the co-location a natural fit. On behalf of the groups, we acknowledge Marlborough District Council councillors and staff for their support of this collaboration.”  

 “The support from Port Marlborough and the Marlborough District Council in creating this wonderful new space is hugely appreciated by all of us. It will be a great working environment for our coordinators as well as a chance for us to connect with the public, to share knowledge about traps and trapping, and to continue our efforts towards getting a trap in every fourth garden in Picton” says James Wilson, Chairman of Picton Dawn Chorus.  

The space at 14 Auckland Street, previously a self-service laundromat, has been fitted out to include a shop and information area out the front, and a back office to accommodate the coordinators from the three environmental groups.  The front space will also double as a space for talks, workshops and events.     

“We are looking forward to the opportunities that working under one roof will bring” says Rachel Russell, Project Coordinator for Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary.  “With similar goals we hope to collaborate on more projects that will inform our community and benefit the environment in and around Picton”. 

For all the groups the words ‘mahi tahi’ or working together sum up nicely what the groups are trying to achieve in this space.  Andrea Askin Mills, Envirohub Marlborough coordinator explains “we are excited to be working alongside two fantastic organisations and looking forward to running and promoting more environmental events for our community from a wonderful new shared space.” 

Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, Picton Dawn Chorus and Envirohub Marlborough will be ready to welcome visitors to 14 Auckland Street (next to Picton Laundromat) from Monday 25th February.  An official opening will be held later in March.

In the world of Little Blue Penguins, males arrive at nest sites first. Nests are prepared and territories formed with displays used to attract mates and deter the competition. Once established, the penguin pair continue to embellish their nest with leaves, twigs and even the odd ponga frond. This is the second year that we have filmed the penguins in this box and they are currently working all night long to complete their nest. Can you spot the third penguin entering the nest box (maybe last years chick or perhaps a friendly neighbour?)

​We know that Vespex will be extremely effective on the Sanctuary but we want to aim bigger… we want to get rid of wasps from the whole of Picton and Waikawa.  By targeting a larger area, it will reduce reinvasion of wasps onto the Sanctuary but it will also benefit the wildlife around Picton and Waikawa, and it will make fish and chips on the foreshore much more enjoyable.
To achieve large-scale wasp control, we need help.  Once testing shows the right level of wasp numbers, 520 bait stations will need to be placed across Picton and Waikawa including The Wedge, Victoria Domain, Essons Valley and urban areas.  We are looking for people who are keen to help with this process but we are also looking for people who would like to host a bait station in their own backyard.  The map below gives an indication of where bait stations are likely to be placed, if you would like to help please give us a call.
The total cost of this control programme will be around $3,500 and we believe that this is an achievable figure.  We have already received a donation from The Veronica Trust but every little bit helps.  If you would like to donate funds to help us achieve a wasp free Picton/Waikawa then please contact us.
For more information about Vespex visit their website.

​You know that feeling...when you've just got home and you know you have to look after the kids but you really don't want to (not just yet anyway) so you delay walking in the door...until you are sprung...and then you settle in for the night and a late night visitor pops in.