In partnership with Takapuna North Community Trust and Pupuke Birdsong Project we had a magical day spent on the 14th April, discovering Pupukemoana and what makes this crater lake in the centre of Tāmaki Makaurau so special. Thanks to support from the Takapuna Devonport Local Board, and Water Safety New Zealand we were able to help locals explore what lies on and beneath the water of Lake Pupuke. Throughout the day we were able to take 120 people snorkelling and kayaking thanks to the stellar efforts of our volunteer guides and the epic team from Auckland Sea Kayaks. Participants spotted diving pied shag, freshwater snails, aquatic pest plants, tuna/eels and more.
Whist not on or in the water participants were able to explore the rest of the event activties, including joining the raranga workshops held by kairaranga Shelley and Jodi Ann, touring the Pumphouse, visiting the info stalls, being guided around the lake boundary by a Park Ranger, and more! As extra incentive to learn about potential threats to the lake like the pest species Golden Clam, Auckland Council generously sponsored a kayak package that was then offered as a spot prize during the event. To enter participants needed to visit all the stalls to gather facts about freshwater pest species and their impact on our waterways.
Nga mihi to our event funders Takapuna Devonport Local Board and Water Safety NZ, as well as our event partners Takapuna North Community Trust, Pupuke Birdsong Project, Forest and Bird, Whitebait Connection, Auckland Sea Kayaks and Auckland Council. As always our events wouldn't be possible without our skilled EMR volunteers.
If you would like to support our public events or school education programmes you can donate money or sign up as a volunteer. We always need help with a wide range of tasks, from snorkel guiding, to photography, to funding applications and more. If you have any questions about volunteering in Tāmaki Makaurau feel free to email our volunteer coordinator callum@mountainstosea.org.nz
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