Orokonui Ecosanctuary, the only large forested valley in the South Island where native fauna and flora can flourish free of introduced predators and browsing animals, is an inspiration to young minds.
This 307ha wildlife haven is protected by a $2.2 million, 8.7km predator fence and provides the native birds and animals with habitat that is gradually being restored to something like it was in pre-human times.
Kiwi of a rare South Westland kind, South Island kaka, South Island robins and South Island saddlebacks are already established as part of the programme to reintroduce species, along with tuatara and jewelled geckos. Uncommon birds such as the rifleman, brown creepers and fernbirds are naturally there. Takahe are due to arrive in mid-April and more tuatara are coming later in the year.
Orokonui includes old podocarp, broadleaf and kanuka forest, regenerating shrubland, stream habitat and cloud forest.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary will conserve the ecosystem and biodiversity for many generations to come. A bonus is the tallest tree in New Zealand, an 80m mountain ash, which stands within the fence.
As an educator, I regard Orokonui as an outstanding example of nature conservation in action. I have developed the Kiwi Ranger programme to introduce this world of natural wonders to children from ages 7 to 12. The programme offers a full day of activity in the school holidays, on April 17, 18 and 19.
In addition, the Kiwi Ranger booklet is available for self-guided discovery every day during the holidays (April 6-22).
For the full-day programmes we explore the environs of Orokonui, climbing the lofty nearby peak of Mopanui and identifying birds, bugs, plants and fungi. We learn to track animals with our senses and with cutting-edge telemetry equipment. We walk the length of the valley through diverse habitats, marvelling at the plants and creatures that greet us. Arts, games, science and hands-on discovery activities bring to life not only the natural world as it was, but also the process of restoring habitats for endangered species.
Children who graduate as Kiwi Rangers are awarded a Kiwi Ranger Badge and make a pledge describing how they will protect their environment.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary is one of only eight protected areas in New Zealand where this prize may be awarded.
The Kiwi Ranger project began in 2008, based on research by Mick Abbott and Carli Richter, who travelled as a family in the United States and were impressed with the activity books for families in national parks there. This led them to develop discovery booklets here. We completed Orokonui's Kiwi Ranger booklet in early 2010 and the programme has continued to grow. Several hands-on activities are specific to the Orokonui environment.
Children experience what it is like to be part of the natural world during the programme and their energy and enthusiasm are awoken with lively, playful activities. They are challenged to use their senses of touch, hearing and sight.
Using the discovery booklet as a framework, I aim to teach children to transform their natural environments at or near home into mini-ecosanctuaries.
During the April school holidays, Orokonui Ecosanctuary will offer a holiday programme with activities and workshops for all ages. For the full-day programme, children will be collected from Dunedin Railway Station at 8.30am and dropped off after a day of adventure at 5.30pm. They will be provided with morning and afternoon tea but will need to bring their lunches. Programme details are on the website www.orokonui.org.nz. Bookings are essential. Phone (03) 482-1755.
It is a privilege to work with children, connecting them to the inherent magic of nature. It is an even greater privilege to do this in a natural haven such as Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
As a young girl, I dreamed of flying as a bird over an expanse of lush forest, looking down to survey my home as it changed from treetops to seashore and finally to the sea.
Now through my work at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, a mere 25 minutes from Dunedin, I can live the dream.
• Tahu Mackenzie is the educator at Orokonui Ecosanctuary. As well as running holiday programmes, she delivers programmes to about 4000 school children every year with the support of the Ministry of Education's Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom programme.
The Wild Ways column runs on the first Saturday of the month.
