COOKS BEACH TIAKI BIOBLITZ

Cooks Beachcare Group recently co-hosted an Auckland Museum event, “Tiaki Bioblitz”.

This recognised the 12 day scientific study made by the crew of the “HMS Endeavour”, 250 years ago, and took the opportunity to re-survey flora, fauna and archaeology then compare results.

Based beside our project area with a mangrove estuary, regenerating native forest and a rocky shoreline the site offered much variety.

Maori occupation goes back to the arrival of Kupe. The labour force included over 200 local school students, “kindy kids” and volunteers. This was followed by an “open day” with the public able to see the displays including those run by our group and “Waikato
Coastcare”. Many children were seen dragging Grandma by the hand to come and see “their crab”.

Experts happily answered questions and demonstrated microscopes.

Taonga recorded included pimelea and kohekohe, copper butterflies and tree weta, shell middens, banded
rail and fernbird, stoat and possum, evening primrose and seaweed.

We look forward to welcoming some of the scientific team back when our current severe drought breaks and would encourage all coastal care groups to seize such an opportunity if offered.