Tag: Biodiversity

Birds In Paradise

On By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, Portobello Community IncLeave a comment

Ocean Bird

Otago Peninsula environmental group STOP (Save the Otago Peninsula) have published a pocket guide to the Otago Peninsula. The publication which features stunning photographs by wildlife photographer Craig McKenzie and excellent species descriptions by Richard Schofield is a must have for locals and visitors alike. This compact guide is easy to carry or place in a day-pack while exploring our region and includes bird species from garden, bush, beach, coastal and marine habitats. The profits from the book will be used to assist local conservation projects.

As part of the launch of the book STOP have arranged a “Birds” Exhibition at the  Portobello Gallery on the corner of Portobello Rd and Hereweka St. Works include local artists who have contributed paintings, ceramics and photographs to create a stunning exhibition.  Take this special opportunity to see other bird photographs taken by Craig McKenzie, the gifted photographer for the Pocket Guide. You can also buy your copy of the Otago Peninsula Birds Pocket Guide while you’re are at the Exhibition.

Order your Otago Peninsula Birds Guide Here….

International Biodiversity Day

On By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, Portobello Community Inc, Public NoticesLeave a comment

Biodiversity Day

Island biodiversity to be celebrated at Dunedin talk

Opportunities and challenges that islands offer as sites to protect our natural heritage will be discussed at an event to celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity, which has the theme of island biodiversity.

The public are invited by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to hear local speakers at a panel discussion at the Coronation Hall this Saturday, May 24th.

Young children will be entertained with conservation activities by Tiff Stewart, Dunedin co-ordinator of the Kiwi Conservation Club. After a provided light lunch there will be a boat trip to Quarantine Island to plant trees and celebrate the scenery and biodiversity of Dunedin’s closest island. Anyone wanting to attend can RSVP Karen Connor at kconnor@doc.govt.nz

Date: Saturday 24 May 2014

Time: 10am-3pm

Location: Coronation Hall

Cost: $10.00 per person or $20 per family

View to the heads
Quarantine Building
Regenerating Bush
Chapel View
Wreck Detail
View of Harbour Cone

 

Planting at Harbour Cone

On By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, Portobello Community Inc, Public NoticesLeave a comment

Bring your spade and your energy and help the Save the Otago Peninsula group at a working bee planting native trees and removing broom to help restore the Harbour Cone native forest. This is a great opportunity to visit one of the Otago Peninsula’s great landmarks and for you to make your mark on an important restoration project.

Friday 5th July 10am – 2pm and Saturday 6th July 10am – 2pm.

Meet at Highcliff Road –  300m on the Portobello side of the junction of Highcliff Rd and Sandymount Road. Bring your work gloves, a spade, grubber loppers or a pruning saw along with a drink and something to eat. You’ll need suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for steep and muddy slopes. Energy and enthusiasm a must!

To be able to confirm numbers on the day you can contact Moira Parker at;

Telephone: (03) 4780 214

Email: moiraparker@clear.net.nz

Hoopers Inlet – The Rising Tide

On By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Personal 027

The blocked outlet of Hooper’s Inlet has been an issue on the Peninsula for some time now. The issue has been one that has frustrated local residents as the responsibility for its management is volleyed between the Otago Regional Council and the Dunedin City Council. Both local authorities seem hamstrung between their own responsibilities, policy and legislative requirements and a fundamental lack of funding to undertake the work.

The issue of responsibility for opening the inlet seems set to continue if both organisations can’t escape their fear of “precedence” that will bind them to the continued financial management of the inlet in the future. However, that argument seems shallow when compared to the actual number of times physical works to open the channel has been required over the last 25 years. What is certain though is that the road and property assets of the Peninsula are effected by the choking of the channel, which creates difficulties and stresses for many local people. These issues may become more pronounced as we move towards winter. Other concerns also arise in terms of the recreational, water quality, biodiversity and scenic qualities of the inlet  if the current situation continues. All of these factors affect our quality of life and that of our environment.

Funding for the clearance of the channel is at present the most obvious constraint for the Otago Regional Council. The Peninsula community must send a clear message to the Council that this issue needs resolving. Otherwise a simple problem may develop more complex and costly implications if it is not dealt with effectively and meaningfully. Annual Plan submissions for the Otago Regional Council close by 5pm on Friday 3 May 2013, and residents should take the time to voice the needs of their community over the Hooper’s Inlet issue.

You can email, fax or post your submission to;

Email:  annual.plan@orc.govt.nz

Post:    Draft Annual Plan Otago Regional Council Private Bag 1954, Dunedin 9054

Fax:      (03) 479-0015

The forms for submission can be downloaded below.

ORC Handwritten Submission Form Annual Plan

ORC Email Submission Form Annual Plan