Environment – Lambs and plantings need helping hand

Firstly, some exciting news: an additional 20 female and 20 male hihi were added to the budding population of these extraordinary birds at the Shakespear Sanctuary. They were part of this summer’s cohort of fledglings on Tiritiri Matangi. Thirty-four of these recent arrivals have already been spotted at the sugar-feeders in their new home. Hibiscus Matters reported on the release in the last issue and we are super grateful for the paper’s ongoing support and reporting on our and others’ community conservation efforts. 

Winter is not far off, as the snappy autumnal mornings and nights confirm. Winter is a season for reflection, and for spending time with loved ones eating yummy and warming comfort foods. Simultaneously, it is also the time of year where the renewal that will burst forth in spring is prepared. In the Māori calendar, Pipiri refers to the month equivalent to June, signifying the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster, and the Māori New Year. 

So while nature might look dormant, it is in fact getting ready  for the next full-on cycle, and we have to do the same at the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI). Two major activities are coming up fast that will require a lot more hands to help: tree planting and caring for orphaned lambs. 

Public planting days are held in June and July each year, and organised by the park rangers and SOSSI. These plantings continue to build the long-term goal of creating a range of natural communities that were originally present on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. We encourage you to join in, making a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. There are three to choose from: Saturday, June 7, Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, July 13. To allow proper planning, please register by going on the Humanitix website (humanitix.com/nz) and using “Shakespear” in the search function.

The Shakespear Regional Park Lamb Education Programme is also recruiting volunteers. They need dedicated to help care for orphaned lambs during the upcoming season from mid-July to October. No previous experience is required, as full training and support will be provided. You will learn hands-on about lamb care and gain an understanding of the farming operations at Shakespear. Tasks for volunteers include providing care to orphaned lambs in our lamb nursery during selected time slots. Opportunities to be more hands-on with newborn lambs are also available. If you’re keen to be part of this passionate team, we’d love to hear from you. For further information or to sign up, please email.