Busy week at Tui

Written on 06 April 2014.

The first week of April started of really well. On Tuesday we had the first group of the Scots College coming over for an Open Day. We thoroughly enjoy hosting the group as they are a great bunch of young guys. It was great to hear that some of them were here last year too and wanted to come back.

The following day a big boat trip was planned to do a King Shag survey with Rob Schuckard combined with the pickup of the Yellow Crowned Kakariki that have just been caught on Long Island for our breeding for release programme.

Eight beautiful birds arrived, and with the help from Rosemary vander Lee, they all settled in nicely. The birds will be bred for sanctuaries in the top of the South Island, like project Janszoon in the Abel Tasman. A big thank you to Peter Gaze (and helpers) for collecting the birds and Ralph Powlesland (trustee) for transporting them over the hill.

On Thursday the second group arrived from Scots college, another 50 or so students. Apart from the Giant Weta and Gecko this group could also see the Kakariki. On top of that they were able to ask questions regarding Kakariki to Rosemary who is a captive breeding bird expert.

Rob Schuckard, a passionate ornithologist and King Shag expert, explained also about the importance of looking after the environment to help endangered species like the King Shag to survive.
A wonderful few days and we like to thank everyone for their input, especially Alistair (and other teachers), Jim (Pelorus Mailboat), Rob, Rosemary, and Anneke.

Boy College Group, 01-04-2014 (photo Liam Plaisier) checking newly arrived Kakariki, Ellen left and Rosemary right. (photo Liam Plaisier)