Bay of Islands Conservation Week has something for everyone
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
Interested in kiwi, kauri, or kai? Want to walk, weed, plant or trap? Then the Department of Conservation's 2013 Conservation Week (8 to 15 September) activities and events are for you.Date: 27 August 2013
Interested in kiwi, kauri, or kai? Want to walk, weed, plant or trap? Then the Department of Conservation's 2013 Conservation Week (8 to 15 September) activities and events are for you.
This year's Conservation Week theme "What's your whānau doing?" is all about encouraging whānau to get involved with conservation activities. Whānau—whether that's parents and children, extended family, a classroom or any group that are connected in some way —will be encouraged to make a pledge by choosing from a set of simple conservation activities to try out during Conservation Week.
Pauline Moretti, DOC Community Relations Ranger, Bay of Islands says: "There are lots of things to do and see around the Bay of Islands, and we want to encourage everyone to get out, explore what's in their backyard and find ways of pledging their support for conservation."
Kerikeri Curves Gym manager, Sonja Marsh is in full support of Conservation Week. She says: "Curves Gym in Kerikeri is holding a 'Challenge Yourself' competition among its members for the whole of September. The aim being to get our members out walking as many of the DOC tracks in the area as possible. Those who walk the most are in the draw for a $100 Curves voucher."
Puketi Forest Trust has two "work while you walk" events on 7 and 14 September. Both walks involve trapline maintenance and robin monitoring. A reasonable level of fitness is needed and suitable gear and footwear worn. For further information contact John Dawn +64 9 407 4790.
Pauline Moretti says, "Keep Thursday 12 September free. The DOC office in Kerikeri's Landing Road will be open to the public. We are already taking bookings for the archaeology walk and talk by DOC and Historic Places Trust archaeologists around the Kerikeri Basin and Kororipo Pa as well as a walk and talk about native plants and weed management by local plant experts along the Kerikeri River Track. Places are limited so book early for these. We'll also need numbers for the free lunchtime sausage sizzle.
Interactive displays on kiwi, kauri dieback, trapping possums, planting natives and getting rid of weeds as well as information stands from Puketi Forest Trust and Project Island Song and games of all kinds for all ages will be there too.
This is also the public's chance to hear about progress on the Kerikeri Basin Development project. You can make a day of it by visiting Rewa's Village, the replica Maori fishing village and native garden as well as the Kerikeri Shadehouse Volunteers and their native plant nursery. There will be spot prizes for all ages. If you are keen to come to the Open Day, please RSVP to the DOC Reception on +64 9 407 0300 as soon as possible."
Local schools are also involved in Conservation Week in the Bay – Riverview School's Ecowarrior students will be having a display on composting and recycling at the Kerikeri Library from 16 to 27 September. These ecowarriors will be asking members of the public to make their own conservation pledges when they visit the library. Conservation Week library displays created by Paihia and Kawakawa primary schools will installed at Paihia and Kawakawa libraries during the same period.