The Kauaeranga Valley Visitor Centre’s inaugural Waitangi Whānau Day blended ancient creatures with modern technology.
Held on February 6 at the picturesque Department of Conservation (DOC) visitor centre near Thames, the event attracted families from across the district to learn about Aotearoa New Zealand’s native flora and fauna and recognise Waitangi Day as a special time to reflect on the nation’s history.
DOC ranger Maree Limpus said people of all ages attending the event loved the talk and hands-on encounter with fascinating native lizards showcased by community legends Doug Ashby, known as “The Lizard Man”, and his partner Jane.
Maree led a nature walk covering unique, native plants and some of their traditional and medicinal uses.
Throughout the day, visitors were offered a virtual reality goggles experience with a programme developed by Waikato Regional Council and local iwi.
The experience takes the user through an immersive and interactive journey in time, showing what ancient kauri forests looked like before humans, and what the forest will look like if the spread of the soil borne pathogen kauri dieback is stopped and native wildlife protected.
In the evening, Coromandel tour operator Kiwi Dundee held a twilight bush adventure to explore the valley’s native bush and share knowledge on wildlife such as our native tuna/eel.
“The day was a great success and highlights the enthusiasm for local conservation,” Maree said.
“It was wonderful to see people being engaged with the activities and being eager to learn and share.
“We are all connected to the natural environment in different ways. Raising our children to know how precious it is and being kaitiaki (guardian), will mean the natural beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand and its precious wildlife will remain for many more generations to come.”
DOC staff planned to hold the Waitangi Day event annually, Maree said, among a calendar of other fun-filled events throughout the year at the visitor centre.
DETAILS: To keep up with event announcements and local conservation efforts, head to: www.facebook.com/DOCHaurakiCoromandel.
