Penguin Rescue Update

A pair choosing a very old nest box

​Hello friends and family
We started last week with the AGM of Katiki Point Penguin Refuge Charitable Trust. It was great to have all the Trustees together but not so great to report a deficit of $8420. This represents about 1/3 of our income, so we need to do better going forward.

Moeraki harbour from the Tavern

​Last week, it took until Thursday for Dan and I to get the 20 Olearias planted. It was a combination of wet weather, sheep location and cold that kept us away, but It all came together then, and the trees are in the ground.

We now have fantails in all reserves

​On Friday morning, Dan and I set off to Christchurch at 9am. The forecast was dire, but we got to the airport on time and flew to Auckland for the WReNNZ (Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of New Zealand) conference. I am so fortunate that Dan lives in Auckland and enjoyed a weekend of living the high life in the city. He set the tone of each day by taking me to a café for breakfast – specially selected cafes with delicious food.

heavy seas have uncovered the boulders

​We then had to get to the Zoo for an 8:30am start to the conference. Saturday focussed on the great things that have been done for our wildlife in recent times, and Sunday was about preparation for Killer bird flu’ (HPAI H5N1 to be exact). I always enjoy WReNNZ conferences because the people are awesome. They take the time to provide compassionate care to our native species and then to share their knowledge generously. We had a room full of eco-heroes!

Yes - a juvie on its way home

​My flight home was delayed but Pauline had saved me a delicious dinner, and the drive home went smoothly. The lowest temperature was 5 degrees – no need to worry about black ice in the first hours of the night!

more luscious fungi

​Monday was a quiet one and Robbie came out to do the rounds on Tuesday. There was a huge sea that was very noisy, with no penguins at home. Wednesday was my turn at the TopTip and when the sun came out it got busy. We did the rounds again on Thursday and on Friday I mowed the lawns (yes really!)

Penguin politics

Last night, Elaine and I went to the Moeraki Social Club mid-winter Christmas dinner, and I am now a member. This group gave us a generous donation towards the cost of fish for the penguins. We are very grateful.
Have a great week!
Rosalie

An AI version of me