While the origins of kissing under the mistletoe remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: this festive plant has a far richer story than many of us realise. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, mistletoe holds a unique place in our natural heritage, one that extends far beyond its role in holiday traditions
Read MoreIf we are able to draw our eyes away from the antics in the sky and look down, we may notice other species emerging. Skinks or mokomoko are also becoming more active as the weather warms. Waiheke is home to three species of skink: moko skink, the copper skink, and the plague skink.
Read MoreThe team recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with Brad Windust and his amazing stoat detection dog, Wero, during their annual visit to the motu. This dynamic duo is playing a crucial role in the mission to make Waiheke Island predator-free.
Read MoreMental Health Awareness Week is the perfect time to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the natural beauty around us. And here on Waiheke Island, it’s hard to miss! Research has shown that spending time in the great outdoors doesn’t just make us feel good – it can seriously improve our mental health.
Read MoreBe sure to join us for a presentation of the results with Rat Operations Manager, Owain Tanner.
Surfdale Rat Trial Results
2-3 pm, Saturday 19th October
Surfdale Hall, 6 Hamilton Road
In the wake of the most recent five-minute bird count results, we are excited to spotlight some of the native and endemic birds showing significant count increases since November 2020.
Read MoreFor most of us, the monarch or kahuku is the quintessential butterfly. While this species is much loved due to its striking appearance, many other butterfly species go overlooked. Aotearoa is, in fact, home to some 2000 species of butterflies and moths, 92% of which are endemic.
Read MoreWith its lush landscapes and vibrant birdlife, Waiheke Island is a paradise for nature lovers. However, one silent threat looms over our feathered friends: window strike/glass collision. Native Bird Rescue, run by Karen Saunders, is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured birds, many of whom suffer from window collisions - contributing to up to 50% of all bird admissions at the rescue.
Read MoreAfter days of torrential rain, stepping outside into the bush is so rewarding. The track slides beneath my boots, slick with mud a loose gravel. I walk slowly so I don’t fall flat on my face. This has its benefits, by taking the time to watch each step, I start to notice the things at ground level I might normally miss.
Read MoreTe Korowai o Waiheke is a charitable trust working towards a predator free Waiheke Island and now planning for the Surfdale Rat Trial. We have full and part-time opportunities to join Te Korowai as a field team technician, be a contributor to this exciting project, starting 19th April 2024 on Waiheke.
Read More“Nearby is the South Georgia pintail, with bright yellow bill and cartoonishly round head. South Georgia lacks the lush plant and invertebrate life we have here on Waiheke, so the pintail forages his feed on the scraps of king penguin bones. They dabble in the shallow water and waddle in groups amongst the four-ton elephant seals.”
Read More“The unmissable trill of their descending call stops me in my pace. Above me is a flowering manuka tree, and hopping between its branches are a flurry of grey feathers. They are a monotone of moody clouds, with flashes of white on their tails and a speck of red in their eyes. I could fit all three of them in the palm of my hand they are so small.”
Read More
