Orokonui Ecosanctuary

By Sue Hensley

A good turnout at the beginning of Conservation Week saw lots of
shelter plants dug in and another group of flaxes planted in the Pa
Harakeke. It is amazing to look back on last year's planting and the
bare bank to now see the healthy and vigorous vegetation there. We
acknowledge a huge debt of gratitude to David Mules whose skills,
creativity, hard work and generous spirit nurtured the Pa Harakeke
into being. However, he has also played an important role in the
Ecosanctuary itself – giving of his extensive knowledge, experience,
time and advice in many and varied areas. His input will be sorely
missed. Diana Mules too gave of her time and expertise especially to
the education programme. We wish them well in their return to family
up north and to David in his new job.
Eight out of our nine kaka were caught over five nights, their health
and transmitters checked – a very successful result. The one elusive
kaka has been sighted at a feeder and is a five month old chick. It is
not as we first thought the kaka currently visiting Saddle Hill.
Despite the snow, the breeding season is off to a great start. Three
baby jewelled gecko have been spotted, a robin nest has been confirmed
and the aviary kaka are showing signs of nesting. To maximise this
pair's chance of successfully raising chicks only one person (ranger
Kelly Gough) will feed them for the next three months and the aviary
will be out of bounds to everyone else over that time.
Events for October include holiday programme activities: Forest
Survival Skills (Oct 3), Bug Bonanza (Oct 5), Orokonui Odyssey (Oct 7
and 10), and also the continuing Orokonui Landmark Lecture Series
(city venues) with marine specialist Sally Carson on Oct 6 and
celebrated photographer Craig Potton on Oct 13.
Check our website www.orokonui.org.nz for information and event
details. Visitor Centre and Cafe open 9.30-4.30 daily.