Events: Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao

This month’s meeting will focus on humane predator control. In line with the goals of Predator Free 2050 Urban Ark supports groups who are trying to reduce the number of rats, possums and mustelids across inner-west Auckland. But how do we do that as humanely as possible? This month we have 4 guest speakers:

• Phil Simpson (Urban Ark) will do a refresher on humane approaches to rat trapping
• Siân Buley and Tarn Gillman (Auckland Zoo) will discuss best practice when dispatching juvenile possums found with dead mothers in traps.
• Bridget Thompson (Community Cat Coalition) will discuss their work reducing the environmental impact of cats by trapping, neutering and returning cats to the community where they were trapped.
• Shirley Waru (Community Cat Coalition) will speak from a Māori perspective regarding Te Ao Māori, what kaitiaki are and what kaitiakitanga is when looking through a Māori lens at our urban/rural environment.

We’re expecting some lively debate about challenging issues, so please come with an open mind.

When Wednesday 6 September 6.30–8.30pm

Where Gribblehirst Hub, upstairs at the Gribblehirst Community Hub in Gribblehirst Park, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham (see map below)

Who Group leadership. Please let us know if more than 3 are coming from your group.

Refreshments There will be snacks

Group: Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao

Where are Grey Lynn’s streams? During the anniversary weekend floods they were all too visible as floodwaters inundated homes, but for most of the time they go unseen – underground or tucked away. With the accelerating effects of climate change they are likely to make there presence felt again and again.

We’ll be exploring two of these hidden awa – Ōpoutūkeha Cox’s Creek and Edgar’s Creek – looking at ongoing habitat restoration work and exploring how changes to the environment could have a positive effect on the impact of climate change, native biodiversity and community connectedness. The hīkoi will take a couple of hours, with frequent stops to hear from people who are having a positive impact on these awa.

This event is part of the Auckland Climate Festival.

When: Saturday 16 September, 10am–12.30pm. If you want to grab something to eat or drink beforehand, join us from 9am at Big Sur cafe, 432 Richmond Rd, just a few steps from the hīkoi meeting point. If the weather is fine enough we’ll be in the courtyard out back. Consider bringing your own cup if you want to imbibe while you walk.

Where: following a walking loop through Grey Lynn and Cox’s Bay

Meet: Francis Reserve, Grey Lynn. Entrance off Warnock St. Look for the Urban Ark flag

Getting there: minimise your climate impact when attending the event. Where possible, please walk, cycle, scoot or car pool. Bus stop 8087 is at the junction of Richmond Rd and Francis St, 100m from the event start and finish. It is on the #105 route between Westmere and the city centre. Plan your journey here using ‘8087’ as your destination.

Bring: sturdy shoes or boots, raincoat, water bottle, sun hat. Part of the walk (optional but worthwhile) will visit a restored wetland, so hikin gboots or similar will help keep your feet dry.

Tickets: the event is free but tickets are required. Book through Humantix.

Groups: Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao, Predator Free Grey Lynn, Manu Tīoriori I Te Uru / Western Songbird Project