Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
2 days ago
A final-year Environmental Studies student at EIT is mapping North Island robin territories in Mōhi Bush as part of her negotiated research project, complementing a predator control programme run by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) and Department of Conservation (DOC).
Tiana Gillett’s research involves identifying male and female robins and noting their territories in Mōhi bush. Her findings are helping DOC and HBRC assess how the population has established since birds were translocated to the area in 2016 and 2017.
EIT Environmental Studies student Tiana Gillett records data while Department of Conservation Senior Ranger Kahori Nakagawa weighs a Robin at Mōhi Bush.
The project has brought Tiana’s studies full circle. In her first year, she took part in fieldwork at Mōhi Bush, setting tracking tunnels and bait stations for rats and possums. Now she is using those same skills to study the very birds those early efforts aimed to protect.
So far, Tiana has identified at least 17 robins across five transect lines, including seven confirmed pairs. Early estimates suggested there might be only seven or eight birds in the area, making the current numbers a positive indication that the population is establishing well.
“The robins hadn’t been monitored since 2018” Tiana said. “We didn’t know if the population was increasing and what impact predator control had on the robins. My research in estimating the robin population helps establish baseline data for future studies into breeding success and assessing whether the population can be sustained.”
The research gained further momentum when DOC carried out bird banding in Mōhi Bush and Hundred Acre Bush, supporting the monitoring work. Tiana assisted DOC staff with the banding, learning to set up mist nets and clap traps, record data, and safely band birds.
“It was an amazing experience; we banded 9 robins. I fed the robins mealworms before the banding project, and one robin even tried to steal the mealworms from my container,” she said.
The collaboration has helped Tiana confirm her earlier field observations and will guide the next phase of her research.
Tiana, who grew up in Hawke’s Bay, hopes to work with DOC or HBRC after graduating and is considering postgraduate study.
“I would love to keep working in biodiversity and conservation. This project has really solidified my passion.”
She said the practical fieldwork and support from lecturers had been a highlight of her degree.
“The lecturers are so supportive and hands-on, and the chance to get outside and do real conservation work has been so beneficial. Not all students at other universities get that opportunity. Being part of a close-knit group has been really special.”
HBRC Senior Biodiversity Advisor Natalie de Burgh said the project highlights the value of practical conservation experience.
“From HBRC’s perspective, we are really pleased to support a new cohort of conservation professionals, and to see the enthusiasm from students who have come through the Mōhi Bush rodent control project. We are seeing the value in enabling this practical hands-on experience to shape students future study and work.”
EIT Environmental Studies student Tiana Gillett is mapping North Island robin territories in Mōhi Bush as part of her Negotiated research project.
EIT Environmental Studies Lecturer Dr Amelia McQueen said Tiana had shown outstanding progress.
“Tiana has progressed so well as a student. Her knowledge and skill base are amazing. She has such a great can-do attitude and has been incredibly focused and passionate about her North Island robin research project.”
“I am so pleased that the Department of Conservation banding opportunity came about and that she was invited to be a part of this. She now has some very special skills and experiences that not many people in New Zealand get to have.”
Assistant Head of School Lisa Turnbull said Tiana’s journey reflects the programme’s focus on applied learning.
“It has been fantastic to see her develop from a first-year student into an emerging researcher. Her dedication to the North Island robin project demonstrates both her growing expertise and her passion for protecting our native species.”
