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MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Island excursion for garden club.jpg "IMG 3816(copy)") After unpredictable spring weather caused the cancellation of the September excursion, Mangawhai Garden Club members were really looking forward to their excursion to Tiritiri Matangi Island.After a short trip from Whangaparoa we were greeted by a DOC ranger and then introduced to volunteer guide Mary who, with great enthusiasm, gave a brief history about Tiri. Early photos taken in the 70’s when Tiri ceased to be farmed show a desolate landscape with small gullies and some outer coastline, the only places with vegetation. In 1982 a proposal was put before the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Parks Board to revegetate Tiri with the eventual goal of developing a suitable habitat for some of our endangered flora and fauna. To keep costs down, volunteers would do the planting and this public involvement would enhance the island’s role as an open sanctuary for the public. Thanks to these volunteer organisation Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, planting has now taken place over most of the island. Many endangered bird species have been translocated to the island, with varying success. The Kawarau track following the coastline gave a great view of the crystal clear water below. At intervals a strong fishy smell was an indication that the Little Blue penguin had been ashore. They have even been known to waddle all the way up to the lighthouse. With an interesting commentary about the vegetation and various bird calls the group headed up towards the oldest forest canopy on the island. It’s an easy stroll with many stops to identify bird species darting about amongst the bush – tui, robins, whiteheads, saddlebacks, hihi and very fat kereru (wood pigeons) sounding like DC3’s as they flew through the canopy. Nectar feeding boxes placed throughout the bush ensure the birds have sufficient food and provide entertainment for visiting groups to watch as they birds flit in and out through the mesh sides of the boxes. Arriving up at the lighthouse and rangers cottages club members sat and enjoyed their packed lunches. The unexpected and quite vivid view of Auckland CBD just 28 kilometres away makes everyone even more aware of how special this predator-free environment is. As an added bonus to a great day our enthusiasts were really lucky to find a beautiful kokako perched just above their heads on the track back down back to the wharf. It is hoped that on their next trip to Tiri they may even spot a takahe. There is always the promise of something new and different to bring people back to this island sanctuary. By Viv Martens |
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