Tiritiri Matangi Island: Reflection

Earlier this morning the Y7&8 extension students got the opportunity to travel to the beautiful island of Tiritiri Matangi managed by the D.O.C (Department of Conservation)! So at 9:00a.m on the dot we boarded the ferry which would take us to our destination. The reason why we were visiting Tiritiri was we were learning about biodiversity and how it’s important to our Earth.

Do you know what biodiversity means? Well if you don’t you’re about to know now. Biodiversity is short for 'biological diversity'. It is the variety of animals and plants found on this planet including the geographic locations they are found in.

Back to the story, when we finally arrived at Tiri we sat down facing towards a man who told us instructions and most importantly the rules on the island. After that we started our guided walk. During the walk I saw many different birds I hadn’t seen before. For example two Takahes which only have a few hundred left on this earth! Also a stitchbird and a piwakawaka (fantail) which is our logo for Pt. England School.

Five New Things I have learnt on this trip are:

• The brown patch on the Saddleback indicates the anger of the Maori legend, Maui. He burnt the Saddlebacks back with his hot hands for not listening to his order.
• Takahes green poop dries up into straw.
• Bellbirds and Stitchbirds like sugar.
• Bellbirds make sweet singing sounds.
• In the beginning Tiritiri was 6% forested and 94% land. Now it is 90% forested and 10% land.

My experience at Tiritiri Matangi Island was amazing as I could see and learn about different birds I hadn’t seen before. I also got to ask questions to a Tiritiri Matangi volunteer/expert named John. One day… I want to be a member of D.O.C and help save endangered species!