What's On at Zealandia

We all need freshwater to survive, and the health of our freshwater ultimately determines how healthy we are as people. One way we can look after our freshwater is by looking after the whole catchment, including the areas around the water. But what is a catchment?

In autumn and winter, you may see flocks consisting of multiple species, all foraging together. These 'mixed-species flocks’ are thought to benefit manu/birds by improving foraging and reducing predation risk. 

The Zealandia fence has protected vulnerable native wildlife in our capital city for over 25 years, and we need your help to ensure this protection continues.

With the mornings getting darker and darker, we’re more likely to be awake to hear the manu/birds singing at dawn. This early-bird behaviour is thought to happen for territory defence and attracting a mate. In addition, it may be a good time to sing as it’s often still too dark for birds to do other activities, like foraging.

Over the last few years, we have been focusing on restoring our freshwater ecosystems. We are beginning to see the impacts of this mahi/work with dragonflies and fish in abundance and a reduction in algal blooms in Roto Kawau. This month marks the beginning of our third (and likely final) toitoi/common bully translocation.  

The 8.6km fence surrounding the sanctuary was a world first and prevents all kinds of mammalian predators from entering the sanctuary, providing safety for rare and endangered native species. But how did it come to be? And how can you support the protection it provides?

Over the next few months, you may see fewer manu/birds around or some looking a bit worse for wear. This is because many will be going through their post-breeding moult, which is when they shed and regrow new feathers in advance of winter.

Over the last two years, we’ve been working with David Spencer, Managing Director of Tend Trees Ltd, to veteranise pine trees in the valley.

Next time you pop up to Rātā for a coffee or a snack, you can eat easy knowing that as well as your money going back into our conservation mahi/work, the team at Rātā Café have also been working on initiatives to reduce food waste.