Join us for a fun day of discovery and get to know all the amazing native species that reside in our city’s iconic Parihaka reserve.
The Parihaka ‘Bioblitz’ is a quick and intensive environmental survey to provide a snapshot of an area’s biodiversity. It’s the first of its kind in Whangārei and we are planning to make it a huge success with the help of a wide range of community environmental organisations, all working towards the same goal of protecting the biodiversity within our city’s taonga – Parihaka.
Get involved in our local natural environment, right on our doorstep!
When: Saturday 5th November, 7am – 2pm
Where: Parihaka Reserve (central ‘Bioblitz’ hub at Mair Park Bridge)
What to expect on the day
There are currently eight interactive sessions planned for the day, with more still to be confirmed, so watch this space!
Please register your interest on the Facebook event page for each activity, so we know how many people are coming to each session – you can find the full list here.
Friday, 4th November 8pm – 9pm
Forest Night Walk
Join ecologists from Boffa Miskell, the University of Auckland, the Northland Regional Council, and the Department of Conservation to search for lizards and insects, listen for bats, and spotlight for freshwater fish in Parihaka.
Saturday, 5th November
7am – 8.30am
Bird Discovery
This session is early, but you won’t regret it! Join Birds NZ and the Department of Conservation for a morning bird survey in the bush. By getting up early with the birds, so you’ll have the greatest chance of seeing most of the species present in Parihaka. In addition to identifying birds, learn more about the behaviours and ecologies of the species you find.
10am – 11.30am
Freshwater Discovery
Learn more about the secret life of fish and the invertebrates that live underwater with Whitebait Connections and the Department of Conservation. As well as taking part in a freshwater survey, you’ll also learn more about the threats to our freshwater environment and what you can do to help protect it.
Plants + Birds Discovery
This is predominantly a plant session, but birders are welcome too! Northland Regional Council, Forest and Bird, and Department of Conservation botanists will help you discover a new world within Parihaka. If you’ve ever been frustrated by not knowing the names of plants, this is the session for you. Our experts will not only help you identify the plants, but you’ll also learn interesting information about their ecology and how they fit into the ngāhere/forest.
Invertebrates / Photography
Join NorthTec Te Pūkenga and University of Auckland bug experts to discover what is living under logs, in the leaf litter, and in the trees within Parihaka. This is an ‘Insect 101’ session with a difference, where you will learn about the life cycles of some of the critters you will find, as well as getting a few tips on how to photograph them!
12.30pm – 2pm
Fungi Discovery
Come and explore the hidden world of fungi with experts from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. We’ll explore the ngāhere/forest for fungi associated with trees and the soil. We may even find a new species!
Animal Pest Discovery
Join Northland Regional Council Biosecurity staff and Parihaka Community Landcare members to complete a trap line and learn about the threats introduced mammalian pests pose to our native wildlife. You will also be walking off-track through some amazing bush!
Pest Plant Discovery
Pest plants are the silent killers of the bush. Join Northland Regional Council weed experts, Nathan and Sara, to learn about weeds within Parihaka Reserve, the impacts they have on native biodiversity, and how you can control them. Note: meet at the layby at the bottom of Memorial Drive.
Forest & Bird Forest Walk
Dean Baigent-Mercer, Forest & Bird’s ‘Forest Correspondent on RNZ’ will take groups into the bush to experience the secrets of the ngāhere/forest close-up.
