Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust
The little blue penguins/kororā of Tasman Bay have a new level of support with the formation of the
Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust in April 2022.
The purpose of the Trust is to continue to develop the conservation work undertaken by the Love Our Little Blues community group which has been actively involved in predator trapping and other conservation work in the bays north and south of Kaiteriteri since 2018.
The Trust undertakes projects to identify and help alleviate threats to little blues and foster a safer habitat for them through:
provisioning nest boxes for improved safety against predators
predator trapping of mustelids, rats etc in the bays north and south of Kaiteriteri
provisioning awareness signage in strategic locations to encourage dog owners to keep their dogs on lead at all times
identifying and delivering educational opportunities to schools and the wider community
commissioning regular penguin population and distribution surveys
penguin advocacy with local and central government for improved wildlife legislation and planning strategies
collaboration with the scientific community to develop the overall knowledge base of little blues and the eco system they live in
working with approved wildlife services to provide rescue and rehabilitation for injured or sick penguins
liaison with other penguin conservation groups around New Zealand.
The Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust comprises:
Foundation Trustees:
Larry Lumsden and Linda Jenkins have been actively involved in penguin conservation activities since moving to the Kaiteriteri area in 2018. Becoming aware of the struggles encountered by little blues as residential development encroaches on their traditional habitat, Linda and Larry created an informal “call to action” with Love Our Little Blues. They encouraged locals to engage in predator trapping, beach clean ups and general advocacy to raise awareness of little blues with locals and visitors alike.
Patron:
Professor John Cockrem of Massey University, is a pre-eminent and distinguished expert in the realm of penguin conservation and advocacy throughout New Zealand. He has worked with Adelie and Emperor penguins in Antarctica and hoiho (yellow eyed) penguins and kororā (little blue) penguins in New Zealand. kororā/little blues is now his main study species. The Trust is truly grateful that it will have the support of John’s vast experience as we move forward with penguin conservation projects.
Honorary Vet
Mana Stratton (BVSc, BPhil) has caring for little blues in her DNA. Whether it’s sick, injured or just lost, Mana will apply her vast experience and expertise to help it on the road to recovery. Caring for little blues is one of her passions and she has been involved with other penguins such as Fiordland Crested and Yellow Eyed penguins while doing NZ fur seal and NZ sea lion field work on remote southern islands.
Mana is a DOC-permitted native wildlife rehabilitator in the Tasman Bay area. She has facilities specially set up for our native wildlife including an animal room, outdoor aviaries and swimming pool for rehabilitation before releasing. Caring for little blues is a 24/7 commitment, so having the support of Frances is vital to making the rehab system work. Every little blue in Mana’s care receives the best of her experience and a whole lot of loving to see it on its way. Thank you for your awesome work Mana!
