Navigation for Afternoons

Afternoons for Thursday 9 August 2012

  • Best Song Ever Written - So Long, Marianne

    1:08 PM.Robert Donovan from Auckland has chosen "So Long, Marianne" by Leonard Cohen. Audio

  • Your Place - Mangonui

    1:21 PM.This is the northern most centre in New Zealand with a population of more than a 1000. It's name means Great Shark. The largest of the four towns, it sits on the shores of a sheltered harbour, 150… Read more Audio

  • Nazi hunters

    2:07 PM.In 1992, former Wellington Police detective Wayne Stringer was asked to lead an investigation into the possibility that war criminals associated with mass murder and genocide, came to New Zealand as… Read more Audio

  • The Timaru Mars connection

    2:22 PM.When the Mars Rover Curiosity landed safely on the Red Planet this week, one man from Timaru had a reason to celebrate. He's got his name onto another planet. George Boorer's name is encoded on a chip… Read more Audio

  • Southern Story for 9 August 2012 - Marlborough Falcons

    3:19 PM.Sage Forest with a story about the karearea, or New Zealand falcon, that are threatened by predators and habitat loss. There are thought to be only 4000 pairs left in the wild, making them rarer than… Read more Audio

  • Our Changing World - Thiols

    3:31 PM.If you're a Sauvignon Blanc fan, it's probably the characteristic gooseberry, tropical and passionfruit aromas that you like. However the molecules that give the wine these pleasant aromas, can also… Read more Audio

  • The Panel Pre-Show for 9 August 2012

    3:44 PM.Your feedback, and a preview of the guests and topics on The Panel. Audio

  • The Panel with John Barnett and Jordan Williams (Part 1)

    4:07 PM.Topics - The mayor of Wanganui says the serial sex offender dubbed the Beast of Blenheim will "not be part of our community". Supporters of Christies' Law have addressed a select committee, urging… Read more Audio

  • The Panel with John Barnett and Jordan Williams (Part 2)

    4:34 PM.Topics - Is syncronised swimming a sport? Thousands of Auckland homeowners have been surprised by rates rises far in excess of a promised 10% transition cap. Is not joining Facebook a sign you're a… Read more Audio

1:10 Best Song Ever Written

1:15 Your Place

2:10 Feature stories

2:30 Reading

2:45 Feature Album

3:12 Arts Report

3:33 Southern story: Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust

On the flipside of the Queen on our $20 bill is the image of a rare bird – the karearea, or New Zealand falcon. It's our only remaining endemic, day-hunting (or diurnal) bird of prey, and although they're spread through most of the country, they've been severely impacted by predation and habitat loss. It's estimated there are only about 4000 breeding pairs remaining, making them rarer than kiwis.

In 2005 international wildlife consultant Dr Nick Fox founded the Falcons for Grapes programme, aiming to re-establish the little raptors on the Wairau Plains. He reasoned these aerial hunters would benefit grape-growers by reducing the numbers of introduced birds feeding on the crops.

Late last year (2011) the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust (MFCT) assimilated the Falcons for Grapes programme, continuing the breeding, rehabilitation, release and monitoring of the birds, and education of the public.

Dr Sara Kross, programme manager for the Trust, has been studying the tiny raptors since 2008. She observed a 70% reduction in damage to grapes in vineyards with a resident falcon, meaning huge savings to growers. About 93% of their diet is introduced species such as finches.

Diana Dobson is a passionate falcon handler, and the aviary manager at a secret location near Blenheim. Here injured birds are nursed to health and released, or contribute to the breeding of karearea for release. MFCT is one of only a few organisations permitted to keep the birds captive. She's going to share her falconry skills with volunteers in Marlborough.

Visit MFCT website or email falconconservation@gmail.com if you'd like to be involved with fundraising or volunteering.

Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust
Left: Diana Dobson with Fern. Right: Diana and Fern or a school visit. Images courtesy of Dr Sara Kross, MFCT.

3:40 Our Changing World

4:06 The Panel