Komodo Dragons and Jurassic Giants at Karapiro

Komodo Dragons and Jurassic Giants at Karapiro

Forget about Shrek the animated swamp-dwelling ogre, diners at the National Wetland Trust's 'Taste of Nature' event in the Waikato next month will enjoy stunning images and wild tales of real wetland giants!

Guest speaker, Rod Morris will share his experiences filming wild komodo dragons for the Discovery Channel, and remind us that monsters of a similar size once lived in the Waikato wetlands. Our largest freshwater fish and tallest native tree that hails from the Jurassic era, are both now under threat as a result of wetland loss and modification - a trend the National Wetland Trust aims to help reverse by promotional events such as this.

The Taste of Nature evening on September 6th is a wetland-themed dinner of duck, salmon, watercress, cranberries and more, carefully prepared by Cambridge caterers, Gourmet Delicious. Hosted by Trust Patron, the famous 'Bug Man' Ruud Kleinpaste, the meal is an opportunity to acknowledge the many things wetlands do for us. "We want people to experience the delicious produce our wetlands provide," says Trust Chair, Tony Roxburgh. "Without wetlands, including rivers, lakes and estuaries, we wouldn't be able to enjoy delicacies like whitebait, trout, mullet, duck, watercress and farmed mussels." For early Maori, wetlands were vital larders, providing koura (native crayfish), tuna (eel), and raupo pollen for delicious steamed puddings. Even manuka, so prevalent in the Waikato peat bogs, is today highly valued for its famous honey.

Supported by Mighty River Domain, the event is an opportunity for the Trust to promote their plans to build a National Wetland Centre in the Waikato. "Our wetlands are extremely valuable for many reasons and celebrating them with a delicious dinner is a great way to appreciate them."

Tickets are selling fast, and Executive Officer, Karen Denyer suggests you get in quick to secure a seat. This will be a night to remember!

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