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    • Matariki – Māori New Year
      • Matariki, the start of the Māori New Year, is signalled by the appearance of seven stars low on the north-eastern horizon at dawn. Also known as Pleiades, the stars arrive any time from late May to mid June. This year the stars arrived on 6 June. Different tribes celebrated Matariki at different times. In the 21st century, the New Year starts with the first new moon following the rising of Matariki. Māori have different names for the seven stars – Mata Riki, meaning little eyes and Mata Ariki, meaning eyes of god. The stars are also known as Subaru (in Japan) and Messier 45. There are many legends associated with Matariki. Some say that Matariki is a mother surrounded by her six daughters (Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-rangi and Ururangi), while others say that Matariki may be a male star. There is a cautionary tale for children associated with Matariki, the story of seven little fish who swam away from the rocks and were caught in a fisherman’s net. Tāne took them up to the sky and turned them into the seven stars. Ranginui/ The Sky Father is also referred to in the star formation, Ranginui’s Cloak. Another star formation is named Waka/canoe. Waka are used to catch ika/fish during their migrations in deep water, such as in moana/sea and what are now reservoirs at Zealandia. Ika, e.g., moki and korokoro, were sundried or smoked during Matariki. Tuna (longfin eel). Photo Credit: Alton Perrie Matariki was associated with the end of harvesting, a time to lay down stores of kai (food) like kūmara for winter. It was a time of bountiful catches of moki and korokoro as they migrated. Tuna (eels) were caught in streams like Kaiwharawhara stream in ZEALANDIA, then smoked and dried before storing. One proverb associated with Matariki is: ‘ Ka kitea a Matariki, ka maoka te hinu. ’ ‘ When Matariki is seen, the fat is cooked. ’ This proverb refers to kererū that were plucked, cooked and then preserved in fat. Kererū. Photo Credit: Brendon Doran Matariki was also a time to lay down weapons of war. The tōhunga (priests) used ceremonial kō (digging sticks) to turn the earth, making it ready for the next harvest. It was a time to plan for the future – if the Matariki stars were dim, the harvest would be poor, but if the Matariki stars were bright, the future would be bright too, with a plentiful harvest. Matariki is a time for whānau (families) to remember the past and those who have come before us, and to learn more about whakapapa (geneaology). It is a time to learn from the past, and plan for the future. Written by Rosemary Cole, Sanctuary Storyteller

    • Fungi at ZEALANDIA
      • Recently, the ZEALANDIA Walking Group enjoyed not only the beautiful, still Autumnal Valley/Turbine Track, but also an unexpected on-site talk by Volunteer/Guide, Chris Moore, about Fungi. Fly Amanita. Photo Credit: Janice McKenna  He explained the most easily identifiable Fungi is Amanita muscaria aka Fly Amanita. This North American native fungi was, unfortunately, imported with exotic trees, so now it is often found under ZEALANDIA`s pine trees. It is readily identified with a curved, bright red cap and white spots. Chris told us that the immature fungi is covered with a white veil, which splits as the Fly Amanita grows. These form the white, flaky looking spots. As the Amanita muscaria ages, the cap flattens, lightens to an orangey-red and those white spots flake off. As a Brownie, Junior Girl Guide/Scout, my daughter and other Brownies used to innocently dance around a replica of this fungi. I was shocked to learn it`s hallucinogenic! Amanita muscaria is also used a lot in stylised illustrations of toadstools in children`s books and jigsaws. I was horrified to learn it`s poisonous! It`s toxic to flies too when milk and this fungi are mixed, hence its name Fly Amanita. However, a fascinating fact Chris told us was that there`s no scientific difference between toadstools and mushrooms. Toadstools are not just mushrooms you shouldn`t eat. You definitely shouldn`t eat the Death Cap Mushroom. Like it`s name, it`s deadly if you eat it!!! Nevertheless, there are many fungi that are safe to eat and to learn which they are, I wholeheartedly suggest you join a Fungi Walk at ZEALANDIA. Bon Appetit, Rosemary Cole, Sanctuary Storyteller. Many Thanks to Chris Moore for his very well informed, yet informal en route talk.

    • An Apprentice’s Journey
      • Ashley Joy started volunteering at ZEALANDIA through the Gateway program back in 2012. Without a clear direction for his future career, Ash learnt about New Zealand’s natural world. Very quickly Ash had decided on a path and that path was in conservation. Ash was awarded an apprenticeship position in January 2014. Over the next two years he’s worked alongside the rangers at ZEALANDIA, learning new core skills involved with the operational upkeep of the sanctuary. Along with very hands on tasks, Ash has learnt to manage groups, lead tours, and assist with preparations for larger scale projects. Another part of his apprenticeship was gaining Level 4 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture through Primary ITO and he is currently putting the finishing touches on his last few assignments. Factor in working with EcoGecko on lizard surveys at Barring Point, and capturing Spotted Skink on Matiu/Somes for the recent translocation, Ash has, in his own words, had an amazing time working at ZEALANDIA. Thankful for the opportunity he was given, he’s proud to say that his confidence and knowledge have grown significantly during this time. The skills, training, and contacts Ash has gained from the apprenticeship have put him in a position where he can pursue a positive career in New Zealand conservation. We are proud of Ash and are now delighted to have offered him a full time Ranger position in the Sanctuary Care team at ZEALANDIA, which he has accepted. As Ash transitions into the full time Ranger position, we look forward to finding a new apprentice to fill his boots. We would like to take this opportunity to ask all members and volunteers to spread the word, to anyone that may be interested, that we are looking for a new apprentice. Ask them to please send a short cover letter and CV to adam.groenewegen@visitzealandia.com. Applications closing 22nd May 2016. By Adam Groenewegen Photos by ZEALANDIA

    • Wherefore art thou Spotted Skinks?
      • Photo Credit: Judi Lapsley Miller On Thursday 28th January, 2016, 45 rare Spotted skinks were released onto the slope above Tui Terrace. This was the first time in 5 years that a new species was introduced into Zealandia. The Spotted skinks were given a formal welcome both in Māori and English. There was a ceremony attended by representatives of the local iwi, dignitories, ZEALANDIA staff and volunteers, also the public. Speeches about conservation and the importance of protecting this rare species were given by the Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown and Wellington City Councillor, Andy Foster. ZEALANDIA Conservation Manager, Raewyn Empson, explained this was the sanctuary’s 18th species translocation, but it was the first time that lizards had been released here. Photo Credit: Judi Lapsley Miller Although misty and cool, it was too exciting to notice the weather! Seeing these pretty, camouflage coloured newcomers in their plastic containers was amazing! Getting ‘up-close and personal’ was possible, as the containers were carried very carefully by children from ZEALANDIA’s School Holiday Programme. Children held the clear containers up high as they moved slowly amongst the big crowd. This made it also possible to marvel at the golden markings and have eye contact with the placid, patient Spotted skinks. Later that week, 50 more skinks from Matiu/Somes Island were released into the Tuatara Enclosure. Many of the skinks were female and gravid (pregnant). Hopefully, there will soon be the patter of 3-4 babies per Spotted skink. However, I’ve not ‘seen hide nor hair’ of them! Every Monday fortnight for the last three walks, I’ve sneaked ahead of the Walk Group for a look and it’s been all quiet on the Nursery Front! Other Walk Group members have seen them, whereas I’ve not even been third lucky!!! Wherefore art thou Spotted Skinks? Rosemary Cole, Sanctuary Storyteller

    • 20 Years of Conservation in the Capital
      • It’s the artists, writers and visionaries who have always tried to articulate just how important wild spaces are for nurturing the human soul. Artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, who with brush, canvas and a sense of wonder, rendered an upward-soaring, moonlit-bathed tree trunk against a backdrop of stars. Naturalists and writers, like UK academic Robert Macfarlane, who said “We are fallen mostly into pieces, but the wild returns us to ourselves.” And one of France’s favourite sons, author Gaston Bachelard, who wrote, simply, “In the forest, I am my entire self. Everything is possible in my heart, just as it is in ravines.” Then there are the visionaries, no less poetic, who understand a beckoning wilderness – people like Wellington resident Jim Lynch, QSM, who from 1990 – 1995, managed to sell his dream of a fenced, urban sanctuary, and see it evolve into Zealandia, Wellington’s pride. Jim, now retired and living in Waekanae, remains humble about his achievement. He’s adamant that he was just a small cog within a much larger group effort. “ I feel so lucky to have been a part of this project. There was a lot of worry in the first few years, and it’s only in the last 5 years that it’s started to feel safe. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.” Jim and Eve Lynch. Photo courtesy of Dominion Post   He has many personal highlights, including the determination of Zealandia’s many volunteers to see the project succeed. “You have to understand that it wasn’t all luck. We did a lot of research, and there was a solid, sound plan behind it all.” Jim would have found a kindred spirit in naturalist Henry David Thoreau, who thought nothing of walking 8 miles to visit his favourite trees. Jim too has his favourite Zealandia trees, and he checks up on their growth and progress when he has time to visit the sanctuary. “The two major aspects of Zealandia have always been, for me, the healing of the valley, restoring it as best we can. There are other valleys in the Wellington area without birds, and you can sense the lack of something. Those are not healthy places.” He’s particularly fond of the tuis, and he loves the profound enjoyment that visitors get out of visiting the sanctuary. “Secondly, thousands of people who would not otherwise have been involved in conservation have come here and been inspired towards it – either here, or in some other way, in their own parks and towns.” “There are other valleys in the Wellington area without birds, and you can sense the lack of something. Those are not healthy places.” Twenty years ago, there wasn’t much to delight the senses in the Karori Valley. Much of the original forest had been burned and turned into agricultural land. There was also a short-lived gold rush near the Karori tunnel, in 1869, before the area was set aside as the catchment for Wellington’s water supply. There were few birds, if any. When Jim took prospective funders to the valley, to show them what could be, they were often puzzled. Twenty years later, the abundance of birdlife has exceeded all his expectations. Pam Fuller, a foundation member of the sanctuary since 1993, and a Zealandia volunteer since the early phases of eradication, clearing and planting, agrees that what has been achieved in two short decades is nothing short of miraculous. “During the first phase of eradication, we had to be at the sanctuary at 5am. There were such special occasions where people went the extra mile. We formed strong friendships along the way, and we all have memories of hard times. Nobody got paid – it was all done for love.” According to Pam, many of her fellow volunteers see Zealandia as a place of solace. “A friend of mine feeds the birds once a month, and she says it’s like feeding her soul.” Volunteers lending a helping hand in 1996   Zealandia today is an urban oasis, a place for bird lovers, families, brisk walkers, tourists, stressed city dwellers and amateur botanists. Children from 2 to 102 are charmed by coos, warbles, squawks, the occasional flash of an iridescent wing, dappled forest light and winding trails that hold promises of secrets yet to unfold. Ongoing challenges include fence maintenance and pest control, particularly of mice. The rodents continue to exploit flaws in the fence mesh, but their population has been maintained since 2004 at levels 80-90% lower than previous levels by an annual ground-based poison operation in order to minimise impacts on native fauna. ZEALANDIA from above. Photo Credit Rob Suisted   According to Ian Phillips, Zealandia’s commercial development manager, the future looks rosy, but there’s still a lot of work to be done, and there’s little room for complacency. “We’re dedicated to making Zealandia run efficiently as a business, and we’re continuously developing different channels of business through the cafe, functions and tours. Most of our revenue comes from visitation.” He says the Zealandia team is currently exploring seasonal interest themes for visitors. “We’re keen on things that will encourage people to return, to see changes and growth. We’re also looking at projects to develop facilities. It’s all about learning to love what we have here. It belongs to the people of New Zealand, and the work being done here is internationally significant. Zealandia is internationally significant. We want people to realise what they’ve got, and to embrace the asset.” So what conservation milestones have been achieved with the love, dedication and energy of the Karori Sanctuary Trust and the Zealandia volunteers, from 1995 to 2015? Check out the timeline here. Written by Pamela Kimberg

    • Matariki
      • Matariki, the start of the Māori New Year, is signalled by the appearance of seven stars low on the north-eastern horizon at dawn. Also known as Pleiades, the stars arrive any time from late May to mid June. This year the stars arrived on 18 June. Different tribes celebrated Matariki at different times. In the 21st century, the New Year starts with the first new moon following the rising of Matariki. Māori have different names for the seven stars – Mata Riki, meaning little eyes and Mata Ariki, meaning eyes of god. The stars are also known as Subaru (in Japan) and Messier 45. There are many legends associated with Matariki. Some say that Matariki is a mother surrounded by her six daughters (Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-rangi and Ururangi), while others say that Matariki may be a male star. There is a cautionary tale for children associated with Matariki, the story of seven little fish who swam away from the rocks and were caught in a fisherman’s net. Tāne (God of the Forest) took them up to the sky and turned them into the seven stars. Ranginui (The Sky Father) is also referred to in the star formation, Ranginui’s Cloak. Another star formation is named Waka/canoe. Waka are used to catch ika (fish) during their migrations across moana (sea). Ika, e.g., moki and korokoro, were sundried or smoked during Matariki. Matariki was associated with the end of harvesting, a time to lay down stores of kai (food) like kūmara for winter. It was a time of bountiful catches of moki and korokoro as they migrated. Tuna (eels) were caught in streams like Kaiwharawhara stream in Zealandia, then smoked and dried before storing. One proverb associated with Matariki is: ‘Ka kitea a Matariki, ka maoka te hinu.’ ‘When Matariki is seen, the fat is cooked.’ This proverb refers to kererū that were plucked, cooked and then preserved in fat. [Picture of a kererū please. Cam –see attached – photo credit Judi Miller] Matariki was also a time to lay down weapons of war. The tōhunga (priests) used ceremonial kō (digging sticks) to turn the earth, making it ready for the next harvest. It was a time to plan for the future – if the Matariki stars were dim, the harvest would be poor, but if the Matariki stars were bright, the future would be bright too, with a plentiful harvest. Matariki is a time for whānau (families) to remember the past and those who have come before us, and to learn more about whakapapa (geneaology). It is a time to learn from the past, and plan for the future.

    • ZEALANDIA Walking Group
      • Photo Credit: Chris Moore   This week veteran volunteer and resident wordsmith Rosemary Cole talks to Trustee Pam Fuller about ZEALANDIA’s famous Monday Walk Group! R) How long has this group been going? P) The idea arose from a discussion at a Members Evening at the VC in October 2013 between Shirley, Rosemary, Hilary and myself, when Rosemary and Shirley both expressed disappointment in not being able to walk in the valley as much as they would like. They were also both interested in learning more about the plants etc. We decided in the beginning that we wanted to explore the upper valley because, as Doug says, ‘that’s where the Sanctuary starts”. We also wanted to go at a pace that allowed time to ‘stop and smell the daisies’. R) Who set it up? P) We settled on alternate Mondays because that suited both Shirley and Rosemary, and I took on the task of getting things going -organising the advertising etc. and collecting names and contact details. We’ve advertised it from time to time in the Member and Volunteer Newsletters and it’s grown from there, with many new people joining via word of mouth. R)Was it always intended to be just a fortnightly walking group all year or has it had/will it have a break over late Autumn and Winter? P) We also agreed that we would meet all year round and that in keeping with Sanctuary policy we would have a no-cancellation policy leaving it for people to decide if / when they would come and how far or fast they would walk. Last winter we decided to restrict the walks to the Lower Valley since we couldn’t always be sure of the weather and to provide variety and interest and in keeping with our original aim to learn more about the valley we had a guide lead one walk a month. These walk and talks included an Introduction of Native Plants with Gil Roper, one on Ferns with Barbara Mitcalfe and Chris Horne, Chris Moore on Native Nasties, Kaka Monitoring with Linton Miller, a Historical Walk with Ian Archer, and The Sanctuary Blueprint/Landscape Plan with Hilary and Russ Drewry.   R) How are the trips and leaders planned? P) I develop a three monthly matrix and invite members to nominate a date and walk they would like to do and I organised the Walk and Talks. It has been agreed we alternate between a long walk (e.g Western Firebreak) and short or medium walk (e.g. Round the Lakes) each month. This year decided that the long walks would start at 9.30am and the short at 10am. I’m actually just about to put the June – August matrix out. Photo Credit: Chris Moore R) When did the weeding on alternate Mondays begin? P) In April Raewyn suggested we might like to do some weeding so that’s quite recent Though we’ve tended to do a bit of weeding and track clearing as we walk, we’ve scheduled the weeding for non-walk days and have done just two so far, with one more planned. Then its up to the group whether they want to keep going or take a break. R) How many people usually join in walking and/or weeding? P) We have 44 on our email list. The largest number we’ve had walking was 18 with 10 on our first weed day. R) Is there an End-Of-Year Xmas walk and Lunch? P) As you know we end each session with coffee or lunch at Rata, last December we had a short walk and made our lunch break a bit more of an occasion with tablecloths and crackers! If you’d like to join the walking group, send an email through to news@visitzealandia.com

    • Growing up with ZEALANDIA
      • When my husband, 2 primary aged children and I moved into our Ponsonby Rd house in 1991, we were absolutely delighted! There was a harbour view plus bush and birds – instead of Newlands` windswept suburban sprawl… There also was a small orchard with a variety of fruit trees, such as apples and damson plums. Unfortunately, there were hungry possums in the nearby bush, which was in the valley with Wellington`s water reservoirs!! At Harvest Time, those possums and I had a Right, Royal Battle of Wills. I was determined our fruit was to be tree ripened and for my family to eat raw, stewed or preserved. Those pesky, persistent possums were equally determined that our orchard was their free fruit bowl!!! I used to listen for their distinctive snuffle and be out in my backyard orchard in a flash armed with a strong torch and hefty yard broom. Eventually, that fruit was ready enough to be ripened on windowsills, in the safe or spread out on newspapers in the diningroom. I`d won that round and the house smelled delicious, but still some fruit had to be discarded due to possum bites and bird pecks. How I hated those thrush and blackbirds, which could quickly reach fruit on high branches out of my easy reach…. ZEALANDIA had not been developed yet, but once proposed, we supported it wholeheartedly. When donations for the predator free fence were requested, we were out like a shot with a cheque books and a credit card. I used to stand by our South facing windows watching ZEALANDIA grow with the busy helicopters droning away like busy bumblebees delivering poles and fencing wire. ZEALANDIA also grew with buildings, membership and species. It evolved through a variety of names, but the winning card for us was that predator free fence. No possums = Bliss, so we promptly became family members. The final straw came when I was busy picking damsons and an angry possum was hissing and glaring from a nearby branch above me. I felt such relief when ZEALANDIA grew into being predator free. Immediately, I became a publicity volunteer and also stuffed membership envelopes. As ZEALANDIA grew, e.g., with more species, a wonderful Visitors` Centre and electronic gates, my family grew smaller. Our children became secondary and tertiary students, then independent adults. My son used to run around the fenceline to train for triathlons, e.g., several Coast-To-Coasts. Since then, he visits ZEALANDIA with our mokopuna in a buggy. My daughter visits ZEALANDIA with her New York husband. We have felt such pride in how well ZEALANDIA has grown when we take national and international visitors there. Long may ZEALANDIA continue to grow from strength to strength. Cheers, Rosemary Cole, Volunteer Veteran

    • Membership Survey Snapshot
      • We had a total of 1039 people complete our recent membership survey, answering questions on their interests, engagement, what they think we’re doing well and what we need to do better. The results will help us to understand our members and ensure they’re getting all they can out of their visits. Thank you to all those who participated and congratulations to Marion Sanson, who won a ZEALANDIA by Night Tour for two! Below is a snapshot of the results. We’re so pleased to see that nearly all of our members feel their membership is good value for money and that you support conservation, nature, and our 500 year vision. Another interesting trend was that many of our members want to see more self guided tours and talks as well as seminars. Our upcoming schedule will see more seminars with wonderful topics including wetlands, invertebrates, and botany. We’ve also got a self-guided nature journal and work-sheets for children over the school holidays as well as our usual range of tours and talks. Do come along and find out what’s happening at ZEALANDIA over the summer period – and make the most of your summer with our early opening hours.  

    • One Year of the Members’ Walking Group
      • Some of the regular walkers enjoy a celebration of their one year anniversary at Rata. By Douglas Wood The Members’ Walking Group has just completed its first year of Monday Morning Walks.  The Group was set up by Pam Fuller who saw an opportunity for members to get together regularly and explore the different tracks at ZEALANDIA. The group has met twice each month.  Walks are informal but have been enhanced by guided talks from experts such as Gil Roper and Chris Moore who have entertained and educated the group about the native trees, ferns and birds.  Twelve members take part regularly, expanding to nearly twenty on more popular walks. Walking with the Group is  a great way to get to know other ZEALANDIA members  and to learn about the huge range of wildlife in the Sanctuary. The walks are free  so  a real benefit of membership. We’ve observed seasonal changes  and walked most of the tracks.  A highlight was spotting a kākāriki chick being fed by its mother on a branch just above our heads.” To experience maximum enjoyment; numbers are although members are encouraged to stat other groups. opportunities to start another group. Once you’ve established a core of walkers, it’s easy to keep the momentum going. Says Pam Fuller”  Group learnings over the year: Best exploration of  wildlife lies beyond the upper dam.  Most of the tracks are easy to access in a morning’s walk. The walks have gone ahead regardless of the weather.  Because the Sanctuary is sheltered by the canopy of trees, the changing weather has actually the enhanced experience of exploring the tracks. Members take it in turns to lead the Group.  This spreads the load and gives members a chance to walk along their favourite tracks. The Group has tended to split into two sections according to walking speed, so members can walk at the pace that suits them. The walks always end with lunch and coffee at the Rata Café. If you’d like more information or are keen to set up a new walking group, please contact Pam Fuller (pjfller@gmail.com)

    • Takahē ‘T2’ turns twenty
      • Today I’m flying down to the wetlands on a secret mission – a surprise visit to Takahē ‘T2’ to interview him as part of his 20th birthday celebrations. Takahe “T2″ and “Puffin” celebrate T2′s 20th birthday. (Photo by Alfred Kaka) I glide in to a handy perch and see him foraging in grass close by.  I’m ready for his greeting  “Yo bro! What’s it all about Alfie?” followed by a laugh that comes from deep in his chest and sounds  halfway between a ‘clowp’ and an ‘oomph’. “I’m here to interview you old pal, and get a 20th birthday portrait too”  I say indicating the Nestormatic at the ready and taking out a fresh quill. “Do you mind if I take notes?” “If you like Alf, but my story’s pretty well known around these parts, and further afield too” he says, “just tell the peeps to click on Zealandia, DOC , and of course NZ Birds Online and they can find out all they need to know.” I’m surprised he’s so well informed about what’s ‘out there’ about him.  How does a non-flyer know what’s happening in the cloud? I clear my mind, then my throat, and say… “My readers want to know more about T2 the bird as he celebrates his birthday – to get under your feathers as it were, and find out what it’s like to be a takahē in the 21st century.” Takahe T2 stepping out (photo by Alfred Kaka) This time the noise he makes is a more like a harrumph.  “Oh Alfie, Alfie, what’s all this talk of readers and centuries – we are both birds brother, this has been our home for millions of seasons long before centuries started… Let me level with you Alfie, come down here off that high perch and let’s talk bird to bird. You want to know what it’s like to be a takahē in the 21st century?  I’ll tell you.  We share the same history and it can be written very briefly… There were millions of seasons where time just slid by.  The ancestors’ songs we learned told of being surrounded with abundant food and water, sunlight and bird song.  Nothing threatened us.  An eternal and unbounded paradise that had no beginning or end. Until it ended.  In a moment.  Strange and terrible predators appeared.  They ate our chicks and fledglings.  Our food sources dried up.  We were expelled from paradise, close to forgetting it all, close to being forgotten.  Now we cling to existence in small scattered groups with one aim – to survive  and somehow to grow our numbers.  Gradually, with a lot of help, we are rebuilding our population.” He paused and rubbed his beak on the ground.  “That’s T2’s life in the 21st century Alfie. Some of ‘your readers’ are helping us.  Celebrate my birthday?  Ha!  I’ll tell you how Alfie.”  And then he broke into a broad-beaked grin. “Today I’m celebrating the hatching of my seventh grandchick just a few days ago.” “T2 that’s fantastic news.  Congratulations!”  I’ll bet Puffin is thrilled too.” “Of course.  You see Puffin and I had just the one chick – Matariki, who grew up with us on Mana Island.  After a few years with us, Matariki went up north for a while to Maungatautari where she and her partner have now hatched 7 chicks.” So T2 are you hopeful about the future?” “Of course.  I know that many people care about us and are bringing all their skills to help.  I’m happy to be here.  Look, they’ve even put these on us so that we can’t get lost.“ He swivelled around to show me the aerial fixed to his transmitter harness. “Do you find it a nuisance T2?” “I’m well used to it Alf, but …” he looked around, then put his beak close to mine.  “Secret mission Alf?  Ha! Let me tell you a secret.  I’ve hacked it.” “Hacked it? It looks OK T2, I don’t see any damage.” “Oh Alf, where have you been… hacked it.  It now receives as well as transmits.  I might be flightless, but I’m wired in as well as wired up.  I’m all over the cloud.  How do you think I got those links?” “Twenty-first century Alfie – we’re all connected now.”  I’ll give Puffin a call to see if she can join us so you can take a birthday Nestorgram of us together. So he did, and she did and I did. A lovely couple, don’t you think? Alfie Kākā is Zealandia’s eye-in-the-sky, bringing you the latest news from the valley. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.  

    • Meet the Hutt Mana Bush Explorers!
      • Photo by Peter Fisher Last year, a grant was secured to enable children from low decile schools in the Hutt and Mana region to visit ZEALANDIA.  The programme provided free transport for eligible schools to get to the sanctuary and saw three low decile schools bring 228 children to experience New Zealand’s unique wildlife. Now, a community grant from the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust gives us the funding to bring five more low decile schools to ZEALANDIA! This new programme also covers the cost of entry to the sanctuary, making conservation and nature education even more accessible to children who might not otherwise get the opportunity to visit ZEALANDIA. To celebrate the future visits of these schools, the ZEALANDIA Education team has started a new programme. The Hutt Mana Bush Explorers will see students participate in a nature-based education programme that has been specially tailored to their interests and in-school curriculum focuses. Porirua School, Porirua East School, Pomare School, Epuni School, and Russell School will visit the sanctuary in November and December. “They will have an opportunity to learn about New Zealand’s ecological history, create something to take home with them, and have heaps of fun exploring the valley!” explained Darren Van Hoof, ZEALANDIA’s Education Team Leader. “It is our hope that in the future, we will receive a larger grant and be able to invite more schools to come for free in order to work towards expanding equality of access to the great outdoors and environmental education for all.” Over the past year, ZEALANDIA received outstanding feedback on its education programmes from teachers, parents and students as our education team continue to engage and inspire their students. “The guides had a positive, upbeat attitude and their love for the sanctuary was infectious.”  - St Theresa’s School “This visit was a highlight of our Wellington trip, the children have come away richer for the experience.” - Strath Taieri School “We love your programme and think you’re doing a marvellous job. My little David Attenborough loves it!”  - Holiday Programme Parent “I would actively promote this school holiday option for any children that enjoy the outdoors and have an interest in plants, bugs, animals and birds. A little boy’s paradise!” - Holiday Programme Parent

    • Great Things From Little Seeds Grow
      • Twenty years ago the first native seeds were sown by an impassioned group of Foundation Members in the Sanctuary valley. They had a vision back then that lives on today. It was to begin a journey of native rejuvenation that would ensure that their grand kids will be able to enjoy the thrill of seeing kiwi, tuatara, kākā, giant wētā and many other native species; all without having to leave their home town. Today community engagement and support remain as fundamental to the ongoing success of ZEALANDIA as they did at the beginning. On the twentieth anniversary of our eco-restoration journey we applaud our Foundation Members and thank everyone else who has taken up the challenge since then – donors, members, volunteers and visitors – you’re making a world of difference. Warm regards , Hilary Beaton Chief Executive Officer

    • Letters From the Heart
      • Jim and Eve Lynch, Founders of ZEALANDIA, with three of their grandchildren, Livia, Gen and Sam. My dear grandchildren, As a young man, my family would walk home and listen to kiwi whistling in the bush. Slowly, the whistling stopped. No one seemed to notice. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have kiwi whistling in the bush again?” In 1990, a group of nature lovers decided it was time to bring bird song back to Wellington. We secured wide ranging support and fenced off the valley in Karori and created a sanctuary. Back then it was a barren wasteland – there was hardly anything here at all! Just scruffy bush filled with possums. The only birdcalls were from a few grey warblers. There were few, if any tūī – only half a dozen left in the city. It’s hard to believe now. I knew this would make a great place for the birds to breed – in safety – and I imagined them moving out beyond the fence gradually as their numbers increased. And that’s exactly what happened. Back then it was a dream. We and our supporters made it a reality. The sanctuary is very good at the moment, and it will only get better. You and your children will see it flourish, and your grandchildren will too. Not that you are thinking about those things now! You will be so used to the whistles of kiwi, you won’t know that Wellington was once silent. I love that you enjoy this place. One day, when you are a grandparent, you will understand. – Grandad   Dear Grandad, ZEALANDIA is such a cool place to play. When we visit I always watch the tūī singing in the trees. They’re nature rockstars. There’s heaps to do at ZEALANDIA but what I love most is when you show me around. When you tell me stories about how it was built and about the birds and the plants we find on our walks it makes me feel good. I can’t believe it was once so quiet when you and the other volunteers started. You’re my hero Grandad. You’ve built something awesome. – Livia 

    • It’s the Little Things
      • By Lynn Freeman A velvet worm, or Peripatus, at Zealandia. Photo by Tom Lynch. It’s only natural to look upwards when walking through the bush and trees of Zealandia. That’s where the action is, at least when it comes to the birdlife. But by looking up not down, we risk losing out on seeing some of our other miraculous wildlife in the valley. It’s Bug Week at Zealandia from the 15th of April. And, yes, it is mainly directed at kids over the school holiday break. However it’s also a reminder for adults of the abundance of creatures that aren’t cute, cuddly, furry or feathery but are a vital part of the ecosystem and should not be overlooked. There are several species of wētā, made famous by Weta Workshop. Overseas visitors often flinch when coming across them – mind you, so do many locals who know full well that some can nip when frightened. There are tree wētā and cave wētā but the most dramatic and by far the rarest are those gentle giants the Cook Strait giant wētā.  Wētā punga grow up to 70 millimetres long and weigh up to 27 grams – around the size of a mouse and are one of the heaviest insects in the world. If you find that disconcerting they are rather friendly but also nocturnal, so you’re unlikely to encounter them on day walks. People on night tours are asked to keep a lookout for them as they are well camouflaged with their tan and black shields. Here’s a new one on me when I came to research this article. Peripatus/ngaokeoke, the walking worm.  This is no ordinary worm! Like the tuatara, it’s considered to be a living fossil. They’ve hardly changed over the past 40 million years and we have five species that are endemic to New Zealand.  Their favourite prey are small insects which they entrap in a sticky fluid ejected from glands near the base of the antennae.  I had no idea these existed, not just at Zealandia but also very likely in my garden. They are another creature of the night. As are our loveliest bugs, the glow-worms. For some years Zealandia volunteers would have a go at counting glow-worms in a couple of their favourite spots on damp banks. It must have been like trying to count stars. You really notice the difference when it’s been dry and after a downpour. They glow magnificently in the dampness and you can get right up close to see the sticky bead like threads they put out to lure their prey. So next time you’re in the valley look down now and then, and be amazed. This article was originally posted in the Independent Herald

    • Fuchsia – an attractive, bird-friendly solution for your damp gully
      • Alfie here! Today I’m chatting to Eleanor Burton about bird friendly native plants, and especially our native fuchsia. Eleanor is in charge of the collections database at Otari, and is also an arborist, botanist, and botanical illustrator. Alfie: Eleanor, I know you have visited and worked in many gardens in Wellington, including the spectacular Otari-Wilton Bush. Which bird-attracting native plants have you seen do well in Wellington gardens? Fuchsia procumbens. Illlustration by Eleanor Burton Eleanor: I’m thinking about the bird-attracting trees in my garden. I think the best one is the kowhai when in flower, right outside my kitchen window and full of tui. I also have ngaio trees, which kereru love when they are in fruit. I used to have a rewarewa, but we unfortunately lost it in the June storm. Again the tui love the flowers. I would like to grow tree fuchsia, also known as kotukutuku (Fuchsia excorticata) but I am lacking a damp gully, so I have to enjoy them at Otari. I am growing creeping fuchsia (Fuchsia procumbens), the creeping groundcover fuchsia, not so much for birds, but it is good cover for lizards, and they might also eat the fruit. Alfie: from my aerial visits around Wellington, I know there are many Wellingtonians struggling with finding good plants for their difficult damp gullies. Imagine what a difference it would make if they planted them with fuchsia! Eleanor: Yes – fuchsia attracts nectar-feeding birds such as tui and bellbirds when in flower, and the fruit are also good bird food. Alfie: at Zealandia I regularly see bellbird with blue noses from eating fuchsia pollen, and I know they make the best nesting holes for kakariki and even kaka. What makes them good as garden plants?  Bellbird (Korimako) with blue pollen on its face. Photo by Steve Attwood. Eleanor: Native fuchsias are attractive garden plants. They are not as showy as the exotic varieties, but they have some unusual qualities. The tree fuchsia flowers change colour as they age from greeny-purple through to pinky-red, with unusual blue pollen. And they are the largest fuchsia plant in the world, growing as a small tree rather than a shrub like the exotic varieties. They make a lovely garden tree as long as you don’t mind deciduous. They are interesting year-round as even after they’ve lost their leaves, they show orange, peeling bark. Tree fuchsia grows best in a damp sheltered spot, and in the wild prefers stream-sides as a habitat. If you don’t have the right spot for a tree fuchsia, go to the other extreme and try a creeping fuchsia – the smallest fuchsia in the world. It is also the only fuchsia which bears its flowers upright rather than drooping down, and the flowers are very colourful and are followed by large bright-red fruit. Creeping fuchsia is easy to grow and not too picky about growing conditions, though it will do best in good light and likes something to climb or scramble over, though it also makes a satisfactory groundcover. Alfie: Thank you Eleanor – I’m glad to hear I’m not the only fuchsia fan. And in parting, I would like to share a handy hint on how to spell fuchsia – I’ve seen it spelled every which way. All people need to remember is that it is named after the German botanist Leonhart Fuchs. And if that is still a bit tricky, just remember there is a couple of ways to pronounce it : (yep – you’ll now never forget!) Tree fuchsia facts Height 5m and spread 2m Semi-deciduous Spring flowers Cool, moist soil in a sheltered spot Creeping fuchsia facts Ground cover 20cm high to 1.5m wide Semi-deciduous Frost tender Violet-yellow flowers Sept-May followed by red berries Nov-July  

    • Ti kouka: a feast for birds big and small
      • Alfie here, and today I’m talking about another bird-friendly plant in Wellington, and interviewing long time Zealandia volunteer guide, and conservationist, Des Smith.  I flew up to meet him in his garden in Ngaio, in a bush-lined street, full of native trees.  Here’s the transcript, from my ‘Stoatskine’ reporter’s notebook. Alfie: What a great garden you have here Des, I can see totara, kākā beak (!), muehlenbeckia, kohekohe, some great nīkau, coprosma for the lizards, and – watch out for these – onga onga to attract red and yellow admiral butterflies, plus some great cabbage trees.  So many to choose from!  Which is your pick for a bird-friendly garden, Des? Des Smith and a ti kouka (Photo: Alfred Kākā) Des: Thanks Alfie, well the truth is, a variety of plants is always a good idea, so the garden is ‘friendly’ throughout the year.  What I’ve chosen is what you call the cabbage tree, but a more specific and better name is tī kōuka, or as botanists know it, Cordyline australis. Great. We’ve got lots of those in the valley too. Des: You can see those lovely big clusters of flowers.  They’ll soon produce small white berries that birds love to eat.  I’ve seen several kereru at a time on just one of these trees, and I’ve seen tauhou (silvereyes) and tui feeding on insects in the tree as well as the berries. Alfie: Yum. Tell me Des, what makes them a special choice for you? Des: I lived in England for a while and saw a lot of tī kōuka growing in parks and gardens in the south. They were even called Torquay palms.  And the name Cordyline australis wasn’t much help, as people thought they must be from Australia!  But of course, ‘australis’ just means from the south – and that’s here.  It’s their home. Alfie: And ours. Large clusters of scented flowers form berries that birds love (Photo: Alfred Kākā) Des: Exactly. So I thought, since they are loved and widely planted in the warm parts of England, I’d like people at home to enjoy them too.  And the first ones I planted were right here. Alfie: Any tips for growing them in a garden situation? Des: They enjoy moist soil conditions, so keep them well mulched.  In nature, their discarded leaves do a good job of that. Alfie: And the ones in the street? Des: (grins)  I planted those too Alfie, and a few more besides – around the streets on berms and other public areas.  Plus the Bell’s track conservation group that I look after has planted several, along with lots of other trees and shrubs. Alfie: Wow!  A guerilla gardener!  You are really passionate about this, aren’t you Des. Des: You see Alfie; 150 years ago people had holiday baches in Ngaio, to enjoy what Friedrich Krull called “the indescribable beauty” of the bush.  He wrote about “thousands of singing birds, with prettily coloured plumage – the most common being a small green parrot with a long tail, red topknot, and blue feathers in its wings”. Alfie: Kakariki! Des: Thousands of them Alfie.  And kaka too.  Here at home in the Wellington hills. Alfie: We were quiet for a moment, and then, after chatting some more and exploring Des’s wonderful garden, I took off to the west, and was flying in a gentle arc towards the valley, when a sudden gust lifted me into a patch of swirling mist.  I heard a fluttering sound, soft at first, and then growing louder.  Looking far ahead I could see thousands of singing birds, and far below, a hillside of indescribable beauty. Key tī kōuka facts Produce sweetly perfumed flowers in large clusters in Spring and early Summer.  Small whitish berries are formed that birds love. Can grow to over 12 metres tall, and will survive vigorous pruning. Frost tender when young, they prefer full sunlight Tī kōuka re good “colonising” species – they grow happily on bare ground or exposed places. Their strong root system helps stop soil slip on steep slopes. Because they tolerate wet soil, they are a useful species for planting on streambanks to control bank erosion. Additional links Nature Space: <a title="blocked::http://naturespace.org.nz/sites/default/files/u6/tree-planting-for-native-birds-lower-north-island.pdf Seasonal map" href="http://naturespace.org.nz/sites/default/files/u6/tree-planting-for-native-birds-lower-north-island.pdf" target="_blank">Seasonal plant cycles Consultation and weeding discounts are discounted for Zealandia members with local business <a title="blocked::http://www.visitzealandia.com/support-our-vision/membership/discounts-offers/ Discounts" href="http://www.visitzealandia.com/support-our-vision/membership/discounts-offers/">Grow From Here.

    • Feeding birds at home
      • If you enjoy the sights and sounds of wild, native birds in your garden, and want to contribute to their remarkable return to Wellington, this fact sheet is for you. Beyond the safety of Zealandia’s fence our native wildlife faces many challenges. Those of us with gardens can make wise choices and avoid dangerous actions that put these wild  birds at risk – creating a beautiful, safe and rich habitat for birds and other fauna. Your questions answered: How can I see more birds in my garden? What are the problems with feeding birds? Doesn’t Zealandia feed birds? Should I stop using my bird feeder? How can I feed birds safely? DOWNLOAD THE PDF VERSION HERE

    • Chair’s update, November 15, 2013
      • Off to a flying start…. Dear members, supporters and volunteers It has been quite a month: people moves, the launch of our spring refresh, meetings and conversations, and waves of visitors – all great to see. In October, we farewelled our acting Chief Executive Natasha Petkovic-Jeremic, who returned to Wellington City Council. Natasha did highly effective work in steering the initial stages of our “relationships, reputation and revenue” strategy, and we are very grateful to her for her energy and commitment. Then, on 29 October we welcomed our new Chief Executive Hilary Beaton in a ceremony that marked the many facets of our organisation. We are delighted to have Hilary on board, and she is already making a difference with fresh perspectives and ideas. The Sanctuary was a very busy place in the week of our spring refresh and our team of staff and volunteers did a great job of hosting the many people who came along to take a fresh look. It was good to meet with a large group of members keen to take up the challenge as ambassadors for our new offers. Spring is off to a flying start with an enthusiastic response from visitors and members to the new visitor packages and membership offers. The refresh was an important strategic choice for the Board, and we are pleased to see this early positive response. Facing the need to walk off some delicious Rata lunches, my family had plenty of exercise on the walking trails in October. We enjoyed close up views of a forest gecko, cleverly spotted by one of our members (thanks Mark). We were accompanied by Wisconsin travelers Jerry and Chris who gamely tackled some of the high tracks with us in the best of “Go Bucky Badger” tradition – the badger is Wisconsin’s state animal. As Jerry and Chris admired basking tuatara, curious robins and engaging kereru, it was special for us to see the Sanctuary through the eyes of first time visitors to New Zealand and to be reminded just how unique this valley is in multiple ways. Trustee Pam Fuller arranged a successful get together of Veteran Volunteers at the end of October. It is quite extraordinary to think that there has been a large and sustained effort by volunteers for more than twenty years. We want to find ways to enable all those who have played a role to stay well connected with us, even if they are no longer able to be active volunteers. The Board is continuing to work hard with Hilary and her team on the next steps to ensure the Sanctuary’s sustainable future. There is still much to do, but we are confident that the Sanctuary is on the right track towards enhancing our visitor experience, our conservation contribution, and our financial resilience. We’re now looking forward to a range of events: celebrating volunteer achievements, and our AGM and members day on 24 November, coinciding with Kākā week. I hope to see as many of you as possible on the 24th. Please come along to enjoy not only the AGM, but also some fascinating short talks and walks and a chance to hear about and celebrate some significant successes. With warm regards   Denise Church Chair, Karori Sanctuary Trust.

    • Fresh spring changes at Zealandia
      • Spring always brings changes at Zealandia. But this season the changes extend well beyond our flourishing wildlife. Find out more: New General Admission pricing Visitor experience enhancements and new tours Fantastic new membership benefits A new look to our communications More good news Alternatively, read our media release. Need another reason to come? Join us for special activities: Kākā Week, 17 – 24 November. Bringing the birdsong back to Wellington View our short video to give you a taste of Zealandia’s place in Wellington. Please share it with your friends: “Wellington is one of the few places that actually has native wildlife moving into the city” Zealandia is so much more than a bush walk. Amber Bill, WCC, talks about Zealandia’s role in Wellington, beyond our pest exclusion fence, in her blog post: ‘A dose of vitamin N‘. Zealandia is all about engaging people with nature, ...and community involvement lies at the heart of our work. 20 years ago a small group set out to restore a treasured natural valley just a short flight from the city centre. Today, over 450 volunteers and a growing number of schools, students, families, members and supporters are helping to bring the birdsong back to Wellington. Please take the opportunity to find out more about what you can do, from action in your backyard as part of the Halo project, through to volunteering at the sanctuary or supporting our work. We assure you of a warm welcome and fascinating things to get involved in and to support, whether as a visitor, volunteer or Wellingtonian who enjoys the awe inspiring sight of kākā over our City. Warm regards, Denise Church Chair, Karori Sanctuary Trust   New General Admission pricing We have listened to Wellingtonians and, with support from our Enhanced Partnership with WCC, we are proud to announce our response to concerns expressed about our pricing with new lower prices that make Zealandia more affordable to visit. Highlights are: Our adult General Admission price is now $17.50 (previously $28.50) and this includes access to our exhibition. A family general admission is now only $44 (previously $71.50). For those who buy a General Admission but are short on time on the day, or perhaps encounter some poor weather, we have introduced the ability for you to come back the next day at no extra cost. To reward people who come during the day and also join one of our night tours, we have introduced a new package price covering a General Admission plus Zealandia by Night tour. See our full price table. Visitor experience enhancements and new tours Bush walking is just the beginning at Zealandia and now there’s even more to see and do! We’ve introduced some enhancements to our visitor experience that will help make your next visit even more memorable: Our exhibition is now part of General Admission, so everyone has the opportunity to understand New Zealand’s unique 80 million year story, natural history features and world-renowned conservation efforts. New “Introducing Zealandia” 30 minute wanders are now a part of your General Admission. We share our restoration vision and big-picture story with you to set the scene for your visit. Our popular Walk & Talk 45 minute guided exploration of the lower valley, with various themes, has been refined and remains a part of your General Admission. Five times throughout the day visitors can drop in to our new ‘Treasures at Zealandia’ zones, where you can chat to our Guides about the remarkable species in that area. These zones will change with the seasons. At times when the above are not operating, volunteer guides will walk our main track, Lake Road, and interact with visitors, pointing out where species have been seen/heard, help with map reading and so on – say hello and find out something new. We are currently reviewing our route finding signage and map to help visitors find their way around the highlights of the valley. Fantastic new membership benefits For Zealandia to continue progressing towards our 500-year vision local community support is fundamental. Our membership offers a great way for locals to engage. So we’ve also enhanced our membership: Members can now bring up to 5 non-members at half price, all year round. Making it easier for you to show family and friends your favourite eco-sanctuary. Children are now defined as under 18, helping more local families enjoy membership. Individuals from $54. Families (2 adults and up to 3 children) only $99, additional members and concessions available – see our membership page for more detail. Plus, for anyone who hasn’t yet heard, we no longer require photo IDs on your membership cards. Less fuss for you, and us. A new look to our communications You may have noticed our new wildlife hand and foot prints. This is a visual expression of the fresh approach we’re taking this spring. It also alludes to the power of nature experiences to uplift our human spirits and it acknowledges the crucial role humans now play in bringing our endangered wildlife back from the brink. Going forward Zealandia is all about engaging people with nature. More good news Rare and endangered species are flourishing at Zealandia, many of which have returned to the mainland for the first time in hundreds of years. Although our kākā range over the city, it’s only at the sanctuary you’ll encounter the unique combination of sights and sounds of species benefiting from the protection of our fence and restoration work – including takahē, North Island robins, saddlebacks, hihi, tuatara and many more. These species are now living wild just ten minutes from the city. Zealandia is a unique living laboratory, with researchers developing knowledge that will benefit biodiversity throughout New Zealand. We’re doing what we can to turn the tide of extinctions on our unique natural heritage, providing a safe breeding habitat, enabling research, education and inspiring others to get involved. During the past few years we have hosted over 8,000 children and their escorts per year at Zealandia. Our feedback forms indicate very high satisfaction levels and kids from near and far are learning powerful lessons about why our fragile native flora and fauna are precious and worthy of their protection. We now host thirty or so weddings each summer season and our Rata Café, with many enhancements to both menu and décor, is going from strength to strength. The revenue these generate is fed directly back into furthering our restoration and education efforts. Keep up to date with the latest – check out our news, events, blog, Facebook page and Twitter feed (or skip to the video of our wriggly new shag chicks).

    • A dose of vitamin N
      • Tīeke – back on the mainland 10 minutes from town. Connecting with nature is an innate and evolutionary need of humanity and, therefore, nature should be central to the design of any thriving city. Here in Wellington, just minutes from the CBD, we can experience what the future may bring: a forest where you need to step over the tuatara, birdsong which drowns out the noise of the city, and where insects and life abounds. A growing body of research suggests that this is important for the health of our children, for their ability to learn, their self-esteem, and their character development, while we as adults feel the benefits of ‘vitamin N’ all the more in a fast-paced world with more techno-gadgets than trees. Zealandia is so much more than a bush walk. It is a place to reconnect with nature and to reap all the benefits that brings, to experience what is possible if a community puts its mind to restoration, and to understand what it means to be human, sharing this planet with others. Across the modern globe, we have realised that nature is fundamental to life, beginning – slowly – to save what we have left. Here in Wellington we have something which puts us ahead of the game: an eco-sanctuary in our midst. Wellington is one of the few places that actually has native wildlife moving into the city. We are definitely the only city in the world which has kākā, not to mention tīeke (saddleback) both inside and outside the sanctuary fence. I envy people living next to the sanctuary who hear kiwi calling at night – something that previously you had to travel to the wilds to experience. The return of these birds is significant. Kākā live in large native forests like Whirinaki where numbers are thought to be declining, or on off- shore islands. Tīeke belong to New Zealand’s unique wattlebird family, the other members of which are the now-extinct huia, and the much endangered kōkako. According to the Department of Conservation website, all tīeke are now extinct on the mainland. Thanks to Zealandia, that fact may soon need to be re-written! While the nature experience in the sanctuary just keeps getting richer, Zealandia has just lowered its prices. Zealandia depends first and foremost on local community support so I urge you to take advantage of their new prices this summer – maybe consider membership and become part of their 500-year vision. Then the next time you see a kākā flying free above your head you can feel an even deeper connection to the nature returning to our living city. Amber Bill, WCC.

    • Checking up on kākā… or are they checking you out?
      • “Sometimes there’s a one hour wait but I like taking in the sights and sounds of the valley – things you might otherwise miss” – Allison McPherson Allison McPherson is, among other things, a volunteer kākā monitor at Zealandia. She’s been involved with the sanctuary since before the fence went up – before there were any kākā nesting in the area. Once a week Allison heads deep into the valley with binoculars and notepad to check on her round of nestboxes. “This season I’m on a route that takes in the Fantail, Pylon and Round the Lake Tracks. Much further in to the valley than my previous rounds and with new birds to meet and get to know. “It’s really enjoyable and although some people might not like the sound of sitting in the bush, waiting for a kākā mum to leave her nest, I like that it makes you slow down your pace. Sometimes there’s a one hour wait but I like taking in the sights and sounds of the valley – things you might otherwise miss, and the challenge of reading bands on a moving target can be fun too.” Allison also thinks there’s a resemblance between the kākā and the people who monitor them. “We’re a fun group, inquisitive and lively like the kākā. As much as we’re checking up on them they are checking us out. The group members always want to know the latest on who’s got what, comparing the progress of our respective families. We use a buddy system so if one can’t make it the other can cover. “This year it looks like I’ve got a kākā dubbed Kupe – he’s known for taking a trip to Pukaha Mt Bruce and back in 2004. He must like it here.” Allison is a foundation member and was in the sanctuary’s first intake of volunteer Guides and Hosts in 1998. Over the years she’s taken part in kiwi call counts, predator detector dog walking, possum carcass removing, guiding, boat skippering, and lots more. “No matter what you do, there are always special moments when you’re in the valley, volunteering or just visiting – at any time.” Kākā monitoring at Zealandia has been scaled back now that the population is so big and doing well but nest monitors are still a vital part of our research and conservation work. “I was amazed at how quickly the valley changed in the early years after the pests went out and the endangered species came in, and it’s still flourishing. The other day I saw three kākā in a kōwhai tree along Raroa Road, it was just thrilling. They’re spilling over the fence and being great roving ambassadors for the sanctuary” Come and join us for Kākā Week, 17 – 24 November, 2013.

    • Alfie, Sirocco and a not so bird-brained philosophy
      • Sirocco at Zealandia. Photo: Alfred Kākā Alfie here; I’ve just caught up again with Sirocco for a photo shoot and interview just before he began another evening’s round of parties at his plush Zealandia hotel.  (He’s only at Zealandia for another week before he heads down south to Orokunui, so if you haven’t seen him yet, book your visit quickly) Sirocco has been described as a kākāpō who thinks he’s human, a conservation ambassador for his species, and a media superstar.  He has a team of human assistants, enjoys a hectic social life, and has almost 20,000 Facebook likes. So although we are both related to the same ancient parrots, and as endangered birds have a lot in common, we differ in some significant ways too. Sirocco is the Official Spokesbird for Conservation, appointed by the Prime Minister in 2010.  I’m the unofficial spokesbird, for some kākā in Zealandia, unofficially appointed … well, about the same time. He flies Business Class, in his own compartment, across all of New Zealand.  I fly … Class: Aves, around the valley mostly. I was a little apprehensive about interviewing such an internationally famous figure, but he quickly put me at ease. Although he loves mixing and mingling, when he looks you in the eye, he gives you his full attention. It’s as if, for the moment he meets you, there’s just you and he there. Captured nicely with my Nestormatic, I hope you’ll agree. I asked him what it meant to be a bird that thinks he is human, but he just laughed his skraarky laugh and replied, “… or maybe a human who thinks he is a bird.  What’s that all about Alfie?” I quickly changed tack and asked him what he had learnt from his time as Official Spokesbird. He paused, deep in thought, and then said quietly: “Alfie, we are very close to the edge of extinction.  We’re going to keep needing help to ensure we survive.  We need to focus on that which unites us, not that which divides us.  That’s all there is.” I nodded and replied. “That’s great advice Sirocco; we parrots should look after each other.”  He seemed to smile, made as if to say something, but then beaked his way down to the ground and hopped away. In the fading light, I flew off towards the upper dam, gaining height, looking down on sanctuary shags returning to the lake from the sea, hearing the evening songs of the birds of Zealandia, and further afield, the sound of a dog barking, and the hum of traffic over the city, as everyone in their own way prepared for nightfall. And quite suddenly I realised what that wise old bird had really meant.

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