Local eco-legends share their biodiversity successes in Wairoa

Wairoa was the centre for biodiversity in Hawke’s Bay last Saturday 9 November, hosting the second annual Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay BioBuzz and Forum event.

Biodiversity enthusiasts from all over Hawke’s Bay and local experts from Wairoa came together for a day of education, engagement and connection – a great opportunity to celebrate achievements by the Wairoa community. 

The day got underway at Rangihoua / Pilot Hill, which gave a great view of the whole Whakamahia Lagoon, and then moved down to the beach where stories of the local area were shared, as well as insights into local issues and successes.  Malcom Smith, Biodiversity Ranger with DOC, shared his extensive knowledge of the local area and how landscape changes had affected native plants and animals in the long term.  Local eco-legend, Katarina Kawana gave the group some hands-on experience of catching and measuring tuna (eel), how to tell the difference between short finned and long finned eel, and the challenges tuna face in today’s world. 

The afternoon session showcased local “Eco Gems”, with highlights including knowledge sharing around the number and variety of dragonflies on the Snellings property and the Whangawehi catchment group’s amazing work.  The day closed with the opportunity to experience the thrill and wonder of hearing a matuku /Australasian bittern boom in the early evening. 

“The level of commitment and enthusiasm for protecting and enhancing our precious biodiversity here in Wairoa is inspiring and we look forward to supporting and working with you all in the future” said Debbie Monahan, General Manager for Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay.  

The event was supported by DOC, QEII National Trust, Enviroschools and Bay Tours and Charters.  Many that attended left with spot prizes of traps or plants supplied by HBRC and Plant Hawke’s Bay.

12 December 2019

Back to Latest news