5 February 2013

Guided Wetland Walks Showcase Flora And Fauna

Aucklanders are invited to discover the wondrous and vibrant wetlands of the region this month, as part of a series of guided wetland walks.

The free, family-friendly walks will be led by biodiversity experts from Auckland Council and take around an hour to complete. The walks will be held at the following locations:

• Tahuna Torea Reserve (Tamaki Estuary) on 10 February at 10am
• LeRoys Bush and Shoal Bay wetland (Birkenhead/Northcote) on 17 February at 10am
• Harbourview-Orangihina Reserve (Te Atatu Peninsula) on 24 February at 10am.
Wetlands are places of great natural beauty. They are also important because they are a habitat for so many of Auckland’s unique flora and fauna, as well as a vital link between land and water, says Auckland Council acting Environmental Services Manager Gael Ogilvie.

“Wetlands are teeming with life, with species that may prefer salt or freshwater, as well as wet or dry conditions all living together. The sheer variety of life gives them a special character that makes them fascinating places to visit,” she says.

“Auckland’s wetlands are also important because of the part they play in filtering water before it goes into the sea, and in flood and erosion control.

“A huge amount of work is happening all the time in our wetlands, thanks both to the council team and many volunteers. The guided walks are a chance for people to learn about all the work that goes on in these special places.”

The guided walks are inspired by World Wetland Day, which was on 2 February.

Auckland Council has created a new brochure featuring 27 of the region’s most lovely and accessible wetlands in – Guide to Auckland’s Wetlands – available online at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Participants should bring a hat and water for drinking, and perhaps pack a picnic for afterwards.For bookings, email biodiversity@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>