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Diary Page
November 2003
A rare insight into Conservation in Action
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Now, is your opportunity to see and hear about the conservation achievements at the Sanctuary from Conservation Scientist, Raewyn Empsom.
We are excited about the breeding successes at the Sanctuary and would like to share these with our members, who have helped make these all possible. A recent volunteer seminar about our fauna introductions, breeding successes and challenges was so popular we have decided to extend an invitation to all members to come along to a similar presentation. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to see first hand what you are helping support. Wednesday, 10 December 2003 at 7.30pm College of Education, Karori Please RSVP to rsvp@sanctuary.org.nz or phone 04 920 9200. |
New development project - Rotary Discovery Area
In addition to the natural history, there is considerable early settler and physical history in the Sanctuary. To commemorate the Centenary of Rotary, the Combined Rotary Club's of Wellington have been working with the Sanctuary on an exciting new development known as the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Rotary Centennial Discovery Project.
The Rotary Discovery site will include an activity area with strong educational and conservation values. The plan is to develop a walking track up to the area and build further tracks through the Rotary Discovery Area with set tables and seats available for walkers. In addition, there will be extensive landscaping and replanting of the area as well as plans to restore some original features such as rail wagons and a workers hut.
Project Coordinator, Allan Frazer of the Rotary Club of Karori, said "the Sanctuary is an inspirational project and we are delighted to be supporting an innovative globally recognised conservation trust that has already received many accolades for what it has achieved to date. The involvement of Rotary will demonstrate our commitment to the community, to conservation and to education of our young people and help develop a resource to be enjoyed for many years into the future".
Perspective of Discovery Area
The proposed site of this development is the upper dam construction Head Quarters in the Contact Energy Wilderness Trail. The upper dam was constructed from 1908 to 1911 and was a major engineering accomplishment at that time. In 1979 it was declared unsafe, due to its situation on the Wellington Fault and finally decommissioned in 1992. The proposed site has artifacts and remnants from the original construction as well as stunning views over the Sanctuary and city.
Karori Rotary Club is the lead funder but quickly gained the support from other Rotary Clubs in the Wellington area as partners to assist in raising funds and provision of materials and manpower. The project will be implemented in three phases. Stage one is likely to commence by September 2003 depending on funding and the final completion is likely to be in 2005.
Discovery Area work well under way
The Discovery Area is nearing completion of Stage 1 - tree pruning, track construction and seating. Stage 2 - historical interpretation and development - has begun with the necessary research. It is hoped to complete and open the area in late summer.
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Sanctuary's wild kaka population gets a boost
Three nationally endangered North Island kaka, that were captive-bred at Otorohanga Zoo, were released into the wild at the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary today. Please click here for full press release.
Photo by John Shorland |
Kaka Encounter
Allison Buchan, one of the guides at the Sanctuary, shares a recent guiding experience at the Sanctuary ....
| I was walking up the Beech Track and was near the upper junction of the gentle/steep option when I spotted a kaka in a tree. I pulled out my notebook and binoculars hoping to record the band colours, but when I raised the binoculars I could not see the kaka. At the same time I heard the swish of wings and something heavy landed on my hat. | 
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He started showing an interest in my glasses and I realised he might steal them and leave me stumbling about in a blur, so I thought I had better end the encounter. I started walking again and he rode on my hat for another six paces before flying off to disappear in the trees. I inspected my hat, and no, he hadn't left a calling card. My one regret, there was nobody with me to witness this encounter, or better still, take a photograph.
I never did get the bands. A bird on the hat is not worth two in the bush when it comes to band recording. However our kaka researcher, Sara Belcher, tells me only Alfie (Red Pink) performs this trick.
Celebrating volunteers
| On Tuesday, 12 August 2003 the Sanctuary celebrated 8 years of volunteer support by unveiling a plinth dedicated to thanking all volunteers, old and new, at Tui Terrace, the site of many of the early volunteer meetings and activities.
Click here to read more. |
 People from left to right are: Emma Thomson, Keith Calder, Tia Holden, Marget Brown, Pam Fuller, Ben Zwartz and Denzil Brown.
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Foster a Robin Appeal
Now we've developed a new programme that gives families the chance to help the North Island robin - toutouwai - and have some fun along the way - by becoming a foster family. For just $175 you can choose to foster a bird yourself for a year or gift the opportunity to another family member - such as a grandchild or nephew / niece.
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Foster spaces are limited so secure your place now. |
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