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Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Repaired Blue Pools bridge reopens
The renowned Makarora and Blue Pools bridges near Wānaka will reopen today, in time for King's Birthday weekend, after comprehensive upgrades. A small group of Makarora residents and conservation groups met to admire the bridges and upgraded Blue Pools Track walkway on Thursday. The track is located 70km north of Wānaka. Department of Conservation operations manager Charlie Sklenar said the occasion warranted a royal celebration after a two-year slog involving engineers, contractors, specialists, geotechnical consultations, unexpected complexities and a lot of hard work. The Blue Pools bridge is set to reopen today. PHOTOS: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION "In May 2023, engineering reports on Blue Pools and Rob Roy bridges showed they needed to be upgraded for public safety, while Makarora's swing bridge had to be completely replaced. "We closed all three to get the work done," he said. "In peak summer season, 550 people a day cross the Blue Pools and Makarora bridges. "At times, 75 people would cross the bridges each hour, and visitors were regularly exceeding the signposted 'safe number of people to cross' advice. "We needed to ensure these structures were safe for the public." The Blue Pools, located near Wānaka. Upgrades included a new longer Makarora swing bridge with higher capacity, a 160m-long elevated boardwalk, and extensive upgrades to the Blue Pools bridge improving experience for visitors. "We are so fortunate to have the stunning clear waters, native forest and dramatic alpine scenery of Tititea Mount Aspiring National Park on our doorstep." "These upgrades mean people can safely experience this special place for years to come and do so in a way that protects nature," Mr Sklenar said. "It's an investment that preserves our natural taonga species and supports our local communities who rely on outdoor recreation and tourism." The Blue Pools and Makarora bridges provide high-water access to the Young Valley and Gillespie Pass Circuit. — APL
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Repaired bridges reopen
The renowned Makarora and Blue Pools bridges near Wānaka will reopen today, in time for King's Birthday weekend, after comprehensive upgrades. A small group of Makarora residents and conservation groups met to admire the bridges and upgraded Blue Pools Track walkway on Thursday. The track is located 70km north of Wānaka. Department of Conservation operations manager Charlie Sklenar said the occasion warranted a royal celebration after a two-year slog involving engineers, contractors, specialists, geotechnical consultations, unexpected complexities and a lot of hard work. The Blue Pools bridge is set to reopen today. PHOTOS: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION "In May 2023, engineering reports on Blue Pools and Rob Roy bridges showed they needed to be upgraded for public safety, while Makarora's swing bridge had to be completely replaced. "We closed all three to get the work done," he said. "In peak summer season, 550 people a day cross the Blue Pools and Makarora bridges. "At times, 75 people would cross the bridges each hour, and visitors were regularly exceeding the signposted 'safe number of people to cross' advice. "We needed to ensure these structures were safe for the public." The Blue Pools, located near Wānaka. Upgrades included a new longer Makarora swing bridge with higher capacity, a 160m-long elevated boardwalk, and extensive upgrades to the Blue Pools bridge improving experience for visitors. "We are so fortunate to have the stunning clear waters, native forest and dramatic alpine scenery of Tititea Mount Aspiring National Park on our doorstep." "These upgrades mean people can safely experience this special place for years to come and do so in a way that protects nature," Mr Sklenar said. "It's an investment that preserves our natural taonga species and supports our local communities who rely on outdoor recreation and tourism." The Blue Pools and Makarora bridges provide high-water access to the Young Valley and Gillespie Pass Circuit. — APL
Otago Daily Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Cause of kākāpō disease identified
Kākāpō Tuarima is in the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital with crusty bum. PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION As if the odds were not already stacked against New Zealand's critically endangered kākāpō population, now Otago researchers are trying to save them from another plight — crusty bum. Also known as exudative cloacitis, the debilitating disease causes inflammation of the lower digestive and reproductive tracts. The disease causes the birds extreme pain and, in severe cases, if left untreated, it can stop reproduction and cause death. Lead author and University of Otago microbiology and immunology postdoctoral fellow Dr Rebecca French said crusty bum had been present in the kākāpō population for about two decades. She said the number of cases had been increasing across their widespread habitats over the past four years. "This is definitely another challenge for kākāpō conservation," she said. University of Otago microbiology and immunology postdoctoral fellow Dr Rebecca French. PHOTO: SUPPLIED "Their cloaca gets really inflamed and they get these really nasty-looking lesions — these big open wounds, open sores. "Eventually, the lesions become crusty." She said the cause had been a mystery, until now. Researchers have used cutting-edge genomic tools to find the culprits — three bacterial species working together cause the condition. The bacteria likely come from external sources, such as soil or water, or cross-species transmission, highlighting the need to investigate the environment on the islands where kākāpō live. "Our main aim at the moment is to try to take this disease off their list of challenges," Dr French said. Senior author and fellow Otago microbiology and immunology researcher Prof Jemma Geoghegan hoped the research would lead to more effective treatments. Prof Geoghegan said such prevention strategies included habitat modification and biosecurity measures and potentially the development of a vaccine or immune-boosting medicine tailored to the bird's unique physiology. "Healthier kākāpō mean better survival and breeding success — a crucial step toward the long-term recovery of this taonga species." Dr French said she was pleased to have been involved in the work. "I've been passionate about kākāpō for many years, including spending time volunteering on the island of Whenua Hou, for the Kākāpō Recovery Team and it's incredibly meaningful to be able to contribute to their conservation ..."
