Conservation heroines – they’re all around us… everyday people like your neighbour, your Mum, your friend, or that clever inventor who lives at the end of your street. Conservation heroines are women who are using their passion, skills and talents to help our endangered wildlife to survive and … [Read more...] about A salute to our conservation heroines
Volunteers
New book invites children to be ‘nature heroes’ too
New Zealand Nature Heroes by Gillian Candler (Published by Potton and Burton) is a book I would have loved to have received as a child. Intended for an 8-14 years age group, it is pitched as ‘inspiration and activities for young conservationists’ and the book is exactly that. Each section … [Read more...] about New book invites children to be ‘nature heroes’ too
Hidden haven off Coromandel’s 309 Road
Take a drive along Coromandel’s spectacular scenic 309 Road and there’s a spot, somewhere around halfway between Coromandel town and Whitianga where a tarseal street branches off from the famous winding gravel 309. A steel security gate stops the curious from venturing any further without an … [Read more...] about Hidden haven off Coromandel’s 309 Road
Mamaku Point ranger doesn’t let age hold him back
Ernie Mason remembers that growing up, helping his parents break in their farm, he was always a kid for the bush… always hunting. Its a love that’s stayed with him throughout his working life. At 72 years old Ernie is still going strong, working around 15 days per month as biosecurity ranger at … [Read more...] about Mamaku Point ranger doesn’t let age hold him back
Aaron and Raine team up to tackle predators at Shelly Beach
On the Coromandel Peninsula, individuals and organisations are coming together to tackle predators and protect the local wildlife and stunning surroundings. This is just one of their stories. Aaron McFarlane and his family are first-time holiday park owners. Aaron McFarlane “My parents … [Read more...] about Aaron and Raine team up to tackle predators at Shelly Beach
Dave Edwards aims to make Sentinel possum traps more user friendly
Traps need a powerful spring mechanism to kill humanely and that can make them difficult and a bit daunting to set, especially traps designed for larger pests and predators like possums and ferrets. Dave Edwards is a retired engineer, long-time community trapper (for Bay of Plenty kiwi and kōkako … [Read more...] about Dave Edwards aims to make Sentinel possum traps more user friendly
Ancient totara dune forest becomes new Southland reserve
In the far south of the South Island, in Otatara, Southland, there is a totara dune forest where ancient trees bend and twist and brace themselves against the prevailing winds. Sculpted by the winds, they grow in unusual shapes on the higher parts of the dry sand dunes. Windblown totara trees … [Read more...] about Ancient totara dune forest becomes new Southland reserve
Fenced in felines – keeping cats and wildlife safe
Barbara Clarke’s cats, Sammy and Smudge enjoy a fantastic view over the Pukawa bush reserve from their favourite sunspot on the deck. But because they're indoor cats that’s as close as they get to the rich birdlife and insect life in the adjacent forest. Indoor cat, Sammy enjoys the sun on the … [Read more...] about Fenced in felines – keeping cats and wildlife safe
97-year-old comes to aid of Moeraki penguins
While others may have been more idle than usual during the recent Covid 19 Lockdown, 97-year-old Peter Whitehead was busy in his workshop building trapboxes to help protect the local yellow-eyed penguins – and he’s still busy. Peter Whitehead works on a trapbox. Photo: Alison MacTavish. “I’ve … [Read more...] about 97-year-old comes to aid of Moeraki penguins
‘Didymo Dave’ makes trout lures from stoat tails
Got a freshly dead stoat in your trap? Want to feed your family a tasty meal. No – we’re not offering up stoat recipes here. But the black tip of a stoat’s tail makes a great fishing lure for catching trout and if you’re keen to give a stoat tail fly a go, Taupo’s ‘Didymo Dave’ Cade is just the man … [Read more...] about ‘Didymo Dave’ makes trout lures from stoat tails