Kaharoa Kōkako Trust

Each year the team at Pauanesia donate a percentage of our sales to local charities. Last year our $500 donation to the Kaharoa Kōkako Trust enabled them to purchase 3 new stoat traps which have already been put to good use! We also made donations to Kākāpō Recovery.

The Kaharoa Kōkako Trust was formed in 1997 by a group of local residents who wanted to save and support the few kōkako that remained in their area. Their focus has been reducing the number of possums and ship rats in the Kaharoa Conservation Area and their hard work has enabled kōkako numbers to grow. There are now 173 territorial kōkako, comprising 77 pairs and 19 single territory holders. The work is labour-intensive and is carried out by groups of dedicated volunteers.

The increasing number of kōkako at Kaharoa is living proof of how the community can play a vital role in enhancing the environment. We are so thankful for their work.

A little about the kōkako.
The North Island kōkako, identified by their blue wattle, slate grey plumage and black mask, are only found in New Zealand. Sadly our South Island kōkako, with their distinctive orange wattle, are presumed to be extinct.

Kōkako have a beautiful, clear, organ-like song, which you can listen to on the Trust's website, here. Their song can carry for kilometres and different populations in different parts of the North Island have distinctly different songs. Breeding pairs sing together in a bell-like duet for up to an hour in the early morning.

The kōkako are poor fliers and they seldom fly for more than 100 metres. The bird prefers to hop and leap from branch to branch on its powerful legs or glide longer distances. Māori legend has it that the kōkako's long, lean legs were a gift from Maui after the bird filled its wattles with water to quench Maui's thirst as he fought the sun.

You can keep up to date with the Trust via their facebook page here or find out how you can support their mission too, here.

Window shopping

Here's a little peak at our window this week!

We've packed it with all the goodies discounted in our sale. Find all the specials here.

 

Great Barrier Island

Kia Ora! Archie the Kiwi here, writing to tell you about my recent trip to the beautiful Aotea, or Great Barrier Island.

Great Barrier Island is a short 30 minute flight away from Auckland, but a world away from the frantic city bustle. You can also take a stunning four-hour ferry journey across the Hauraki Gulf to Tryphena Harbour. Stock up on your food supplies in Tryphena at the Stonewall Store, or visit Claris Texas Café – I recommend their coffee and homemade pies! Angsana Thai Restaurant also has a tasty Thai buffet, perfect for refueling after a busy day exploring.

There’s no public transport on the island, but you can take your car on the ferry, hire a car when you get there, or do as I did and have a friendly local show you around! Steve from Go Great Barrier Island was the best host – he shared the island’s stories, pointed out the highlights, and fascinated me with facts about the history of Great Barrier Island – did you know that the island broke off the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, which is about 12 km south? Steve’s insight certainly made the island come alive. You can find Steve’s website here.

As I wandered around Whangaparapara Harbour, I could hear the Kōtare’s (Kingfisher) welcoming song. Great Barrier Island has beautiful beaches, harbours, and estuaries, perfect for relaxing and exploring. Swimming, surfing, fishing, diving and snorkeling opportunities abound in and around the island’s isolated surroundings. Hooked on Barrier’s fishing, diving and sightseeing charters are one way to explore the island’s breathtaking views and pristine waters – check out their website here.

The island is also home to native birds we don’t see in mainland Auckland – my friends the Kākā, Pāteke (brown teal), Kākāriki and Taiko (black petrel) are all Great Barrier residents. There is even an Australian Spoonbill who has wandered off course but keeps the company of the native shags, obviously enjoying his island stay too much to leave!

Great Barrier Island is free from nasty pests like possum, stoats, and weasels – as such, the island is a haven for native birds and plant life. Kānuka and Mānuka dominate, with Mānuka honey and natural Mānuka remedies thriving as local businesses. One to check out is Sven’s Island – you can access their website here.

Puriri, Kauri and Tairere are also beginning to re-emerge after being plundered over 150 years ago – the “boom and bust” industries of logging, mining and whaling, now long gone, have left a trace still visible on the island. Over time, more and more of the island has been placed under the auspices of the Department of Conservation, which further protects our native flora and fauna.

Great Barrier Island also has great walking tracks that meander through the bush and cater for all ages and fitness levels – Mount Hobson has the best views, but alas my wee legs were too small to scale this hike! I heard one walk on the island has a hot pool you can soak your feet in before wandering back – bliss!

Aren’t us Aucklanders lucky to have a paradise like Great Barrier Island in our backyard!

Until next time,
Archie

Our kiwi accountant

Our accountant, Hector, has put his foot down and told us we need to clear out our stock room to make space for new stock. We listened and our sale starts this week! Both in store and online. Watch this space.

Kiwi adventures

One of our Kiwi, Archie, is out on Great Barrier Island for the weekend.

Follow his footsteps on instagram @pauanesia !

“Poi” by Amy Joe

Pauanesia frequently collaborates with local artisans who share a likeminded passion for telling a New Zealand story. Our latest window installation comes just in time for the Auckland Arts Festival (2 – 20 March, 2016) and the event’s popular showcase White Night (Saturday 12 March, 6pm – midnight).

The 24 poi by Waiheke artist Amy Joe delicately adorn our store’s window space. They have been expertly hand-made from a variety of media, including New Zealand wool, maps, stamps and vintage scarves with New Zealand imagery, and shells collected from the artist’s local beach. The poi celebrate our country’s natural and cultural beauty, and offer a contemporary twist on traditional poi.

 

White Night (Nuit Blanche) was conceived in 2002 in Paris, with the aim of making art and culture accessible within public spaces for a wider audience. This inspired a network of global events, including Auckland’s own White Night. This is a free event across Auckland that showcases the diversity of art in and around the city.

Click here to see the programme of events and plan your White Night adventure – and don’t forget to add Pauanesia’s poi display to your list of artworks to explore on the night!