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August 2007
Conservation
Awards…
On Friday the 10th of August
Robyn and I went to the Conservation Awards in Omapere to receive an
award for Snoopy. This was the first time in many years that we were
both able to stay away over night.
And GUESS WHAT, the Centre kept running without us for the two days
we were away.
Our staff were encouraging us both to go on the trip and secretly I
think they were pleased to get rid of us. For us, it was a relief
for to know that we left the Centre in such safe and capable hands.
Perhaps next time the Department of Conservation (DoC) could hold
the awards in Hawaii?
We stayed at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort. After the awards we were
able to talk with other guests and meet with many DoC staff from all
around the north; some of whom we had only talked to by phone, so it
was a great opportunity to put faces to names. We would like to
thank DoC for the award and a well run event. The event showed us
just how much time and effort many people commit to conservation.
The impact that these people have is evidence of how we can make
changes for the better when we all work together.
Another highlight of the trip was meeting the five tour guides from
FOOTPRINTS-WAIPOUA. Footprints runs a tour through the kauri forest.
These guys have been building this tour up over the past
two-and-a-half years, and what a great amount of knowledge they
have. In addition to the knowledge, they really know how to have
fun. They are a great team and it is well worth taking the time to
visit and meet them and experience the tour. During our time up
there we were able to read about some of the Hokianga’s history and
we hope to return one day to follow on from where we left off. For
those that have not visited the Hokianga we would definitely
recommend that you take a trip up there and stay at the Copthorne.
It is in such a beautiful setting and has friendly staff to top it
off!
What’s on at the Centre…
Firstly, we must report that we now have our water feature at the
Centre and there are two nice big bench seats in place, all ready
for summer.
Over the last week we have had a run of hawks and young pigeons
brought in to the Centre. I think the bad weather has been the main
cause of this. We have also had three hawks decide that they were
feeling better and have released themselves from our new pens. So, I
guess its time we built a roof.
We have started taking Sparky the kiwi to some of the retirement
homes and he has shown that he is definitely following in Snoopy’s
‘foot step’. Sparky is handling his new role very well and is
also used by DoC for dog training. Just for your piece of mind –
while doing this important work none of the dogs get anywhere near
Sparky. It is only the scent from the Sparky’s cage that is used to
trigger the dogs senses, nothing else.
Finally, just a reminder that during the weekends we get to the
Centre late in the afternoon. If you see our vehicle you are still
welcome to have a look around. However, please remember that time
out for the birds is important.
Robert & Robyn Webb |
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September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
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December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
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