Volunteer work at Zealandia



Many of New Zealand's most precious native animals survive only in remote forests, inaccessible mountain tops and isolated islands where they have escaped the habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals. The islands, especially, have become an important part of the New Zealand conservation movement. Without them we would have lost many species of birds, invertebrates and reptiles found nowhere else on Earth.

The fences.



The sanctuary at ZEALANDIA is a 'mainland island'. Instead of being surrounded by water, there are a unique fence that has been specially-designed to keep out the introduced mammals that have devastated much of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna. It looks like a prison but that allowed to keep a tressure of native fauna and flora inside.

Wildlife.

Birds.

 

  
 

1. Korimako_Bellbird / 2. Piwakawaka_Fantail / 3. Kaka / 4. Kakariki_Red-crowned parakeet / 5. Little Spotted Kiwi_ / 6. Karearea_New Zealand falcon / 7. Hihi_Stitchbird / 8. Ruru_Morepork / 9. Takahe / 10. Toutouwai_Robin / 11. Tauhou_Silvereyes / 12. Tui_Parson bird

Reptiles and Amphibians.

 

1. Tuatara_ Sphenodon punctatus / 2. Copper skink coper / 3. New zealand gecko

A kiwi story

Ruling National Party claims victory in NZ poll

 PM John Key is celebrating victory, and a second term in office

 From BBC News...

<< New Zealand's ruling National Party has claimed victory in the country's general election.

"For another three years there will be a National-led government in New Zealand," PM John Key told a gathering of supporters in Auckland.

The opposition Labour party saw its vote slump and admitted defeat.

With all the results now in, the ruling National Party was on course to win 60 of 121 seats in Parliament, official figures showed.

"The people have made their decision and we treat their decision with humility and respect," said Labour leader Phil Goff.

The National Party looks set to continue governing with the help of the ACT and United Future parties, both of which have won one seat each.

"We will be working on formal agreements with these parties over the coming days, but I can confirm this - their willingness to be part of a strong, stable National-led government," Mr Key said, according to the Reuters news agency.

Mr Key is also said to be planning talks with the Maori Party, which won three seats.
The Maori Party has however expressed its opposition to Mr Key's plans to sell off state assets.

Meanwhile, the Green Party enjoyed its best showing to date in a parliamentary election, with support at around 11%.

The populist New Zealand First party also surprised many observers, returning to parliament with 7% of the vote.

The economy dominated the election campaign, with Mr Key promising to tackle national debt by selling stakes in state companies.

But more public attention focused on a row over the recording of a private conversation between Mr Key and a colleague after a media event. The contents of the recording have not been disclosed.

Observers say voters have warmed to Mr Key over his handling of both the Christchurch earthquakes and the deadly blast at the Pike River mine in November 2010.

The All Blacks' win in the Rugby World Cup also played in his favour, analysts believe.

New Zealanders were also voting on whether to keep proportional representation for the country's elections.

Early results indicate most voters have opted not to change the system. >>

painting wall

Bus station

KAKAPO

I met one Kakapo at Zealandia. As I was walking, I was watching the trees. On a tree I saw a shape... a big shape... I came closer and distinguish what it is. A big perrot! The biggest one that I have ever seen before! It was a Kakapo.

Kakapo is the biggest perrots of the world. The male which is bigger than the female can reach 60 cm high and 4 kg. This bird doesn't fly because of is heigh -and also because he don't get the special bone that allows other birds to fly-. His big claws allows him to climb on the trees and to be hidden there thanks his green feathers. He is nocturnal.
Endemic of New-Zealand, they are now endangered. 131 Kakapo have been recensed.

Post from Forest and Bird Website:

DECLINE:
The first Polynesian settlers, the Maori, found the kakapo easy to catch, and hunted it for its plumage and meat. The Polynesian dog and rat, which came to New Zealand with the Maori, also preyed on the birds and their eggs.

When the first Polynesian settlers arrived in New Zealand, they found a very small landmass populated with bizarre wildlife.
Unlike all other major landmasses in the world, New Zealand had no land mammals, except for three species of bats. Instead, birds, reptiles and insects had evolved to inherit the full range of ecological opportunities available. Some birds occupied niches normally occupied by mammals.
It was a “Noah's Ark” of fascinating evolutionary experiments. Instead of mice, New Zealand had bush wrens. Instead of giraffes or kangaroos, New Zealand had the giant moa. And instead of rabbits or possums, New Zealand had the kakapo.

here is a funny video showing a kakapo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T1vfsHYiKY&feature=player_embedded

Castlepoint