OTHER EVENTS 2008

Other Events

The following events and meetings are highlighted as being of potential interest to BotSoc members.   A section on regular workbee events is at the bottom.   If you know of any event they may be of interest to members please email details to webmaster@wellingtonbotsoc.wellington.net.nz.

2008 Events

Linneaus Tricentenary exhibition – “Herbarium Amoris”

until 10 February

Photographer Edvard Koinberg’s tribute to Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist who created the naming of species 300 years ago.   Treehouse Visitor Centre, Wellington Botanic Garden.   Free entry.   For further information phone 499 1400.

Regional outdoors programme

29 December 2007 – 30 March 2008

Bookings & information: Greater Wellington Regional Council, email bookings (at) gw.govt.nz, phone 381 7735.

Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden guided walk – “The Lady Norwood Rose Garden”

Sunday 20 January

A tour of the Rose Garden, looking at our top roses.   An easy walk: 1 hour.   Meet at the Fountain in the Rose Garden, at 11 a.m.   If it is wet there will be a talk at the Treehouse Visitor Centre instead.   For enquiries please contact the Treehouse Visitors Centre phone 04-499 1400.   Cost: Koha / donation.

Otari-Wilton’s Trust Guided walk – Review the Otari revegetation areas

Sunday 27 January

From the Troup Picnic Ground southwards along the stream to view the results of the revegetation project of the past several years tour of the Rose Garden, looking at our top roses. Meet at the Fountain in the Rose Garden.   An easy walk for about 1 hour.   Meet: 2.30 p.m. at Otari Troup Picnic Ground.   Leader: Dr John Dawson.   Ph 499 1400.   Cost $3 for non-members.   The walk will be followed by a barbeque at the Troup Picnic Ground from 4 p.m. - bring your own food and drinks.

Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden guided walk – “Our Botanical Treasure”

Monday 28 January

A tour of the Main Garden and its many treasures.   An easy walk: 90 minutes.   Meet at the Founders’ Entrance, Glenmore Street, at 10 a.m.   If it is wet there will be a talk at the Treehouse Visitor Centre instead.   For enquiries please contact the Treehouse Visitors Centre phone 04-499 1400.   Cost: Koha / donation.

World Wetlands Day

Saturday 2 February

Celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1996.   The theme for World Wetlands Day 2008 is “Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People” with a focus on both the positive effects on human health of maintaining healthy wetlands - such as the provision of food, clean water, pharmaceutical products, etc. - and the direct negative effects of mismanaging wetlands that result in the impairment of our health and even the loss of life - such as through the effects of water-related diseases, burning peatlands, floods, and water pollution.   World Wetland Day is an opportunity for governments, organisations, and citizens to raise public awareness of the values and benefits of wetlands in general, and the Ramsar Convention in particular.   In New Zealand, Fish and Game New Zealand is the led agency for the co-ordination of events in conjunction with the Department of Conservation.   For more information see www.ramsar.org/wwd/8/wwd2008_index.htm and www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=38668 .

Wai Wetlands Symposium 2008

14 – 16 February

University of Canterbury, Christchurch.   The 2008 Wai Wetlands Symposium is a joint venture between the National Wetland Trust, NIWA, University of Canterbury, Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, Ngai Tahu, Department of Conservation, Landcare Research, Waihora Ellesmere Trust, University of Waikato, Meridian Energy, Fish & Game Council and Banrock Station Wines and Wetlandcare New Zealand.   This will be the third time that the event has been held (Wellington, 2004; Hamilton, 2006), but the first time in the South Island.   Further information and registration can be obtained from www.uco.canterbury.ac.nz/community-education/wetlands and www.wetlandtrust.org.nz/symposia.html.

Open Day – Southern Environmental Association Native Plant Nursery

Saturday 16 February

An Open Day at the SEA Native Plant Nursery in Murchison Street, Island Bay, Wellington, will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.   This event is being run as part of the Island Bay festival.

Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden guided walk – “Insects, Birds and Plants”

Sunday 17 February

A walk that looks at insects and birds, and their relationship with the plants, both native and exotic.   A moderate walk: 1 hour.   Meet at the Founders’ Entrance, Glenmore Street, at 11 a.m.   If it is wet there will be a talk at the Treehouse Visitor Centre instead.   For enquiries please contact the Treehouse Visitors Centre phone 04-499 1400.   Cost: Koha / donation.

Otari-Wilton’s Trust Guided walk – Tour of the planted gardens of Otari

Sunday 24 February

From the Wild Garden to the Lookout and below.   See some of the rare or difficult-to-access species and other unusual native plants with interesting stories.   An easy 90-minute walk.   Meet: 2 p.m. at Otari Information Centre.   Leader: Dr John Dawson.   Ph 499 1400.   Cost $3 for non-members.

Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden guided walk – “From Cedars to Sycophants”

Monday 25 February

Figs, grapes, olives and more.   Strange tales of ancient civilisations, food and plants.   An easy walk: 60-90 minutes.   Meet at the Duck Pond, at 10 a.m.   If it is wet there will be a talk at the Treehouse Visitor Centre instead.   For enquiries please contact the Treehouse Visitors Centre phone 04-499 1400.   Cost: Koha / donation.

Otari-Wilton’s Trust Course – What Native Plant is That?

Wednesday 27 February

A repeat of John Dawson's successful course.   Looks mainly at the forests which are well represented around Wellington, but also considers other vegetation types, particularly alpine communities.   7 - 9 p.m. for two Wednesday evenings plus three Saturday day trips to Kaitoke Regional Park, Waikanae Forest Reserves and Otari - Wilton’s Bush.   Commences Sunday 24 February.   Course in conjunction with the Onslow College Adult & Community Education programme.   To enrol phone Onslow College 477 1118 or email commed (at) onslow.school.nz.   Cost $60.

Stepping Out 2008

March

Wellington’s walking promotion month.   For more information see www.feelinggreat.co.nz.

Queen Elizabeth Park Plant – Life of the park

Saturday 1 March

Leader: BotSoccer Robyn Smith.   Bookings & information: Greater Wellington Regional Council, email bookings (at) gw.govt.nz, phone 381 7735.

Friends of Wellington Botanic Garden – Stepping Out walk events

Monday 3 March – Sir James Hector and the History of our Pines

A walk to commemorate the one hundred years since the death of Sir James Hector, the first manager of the Botanic Garden, with a visit to his Memorial and the James Hector Pinetum.   A moderate walk: 1hour.   Meet: Duck Pond, 2 p.m.

Thursday 6 March – The Botanic Garden and its History

A guided walk looking at the history of different areas of the Garden, including the Sound Shell Lawn, Anderson Park, Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Duck Pond and Play Area.   A moderate walk: 90 minutes.   Meet: Meet at the Founders’ Entrance, Glenmore Street, 10.30 a.m.

Sunday 9 March – The Herb Garden – Herb Awareness Week walk

A tour of the Herb Garden, which looks at the fragrant, medicinal, culinary and domestic uses of herbs, and discusses the history of their use.   An easy walk: 1hour.   Meet: Rose Garden Fountain, 11 a.m.

Wednesday 12 March – Downhill Walk to the City

A guided tour through the Botanic Garden and Bolton Street Memorial Park, from the Cable Car Entrance to the City.   Moderate downhill walk: 80 minutes.   Meet: Cable Car Entrance, 2 p.m.

Sunday 16 March – The Herb Garden and its History – Herb Awareness Week walk

A walk which includes the history of the making of our Herb Garden, and the fragrant, medicinal, culinary and domestic uses of herbs.   An easy walk: 1 hour.   Meet: Rose Garden Fountain, 11 a.m.

Thursday 27 March – Jurassic Walk-Without Dinosaurs!

We shall imagine the forests of the Jurassic Era, in the safety of the present day.   Moderate downhill walk: 90 minutes.   Meet: Cable Car Entrance, 10.30 am.

For enquiries please phone the Treehouse Visitors Centre 04-499 1400.   Cost: Koha / donation for each walk.

Seaweek 2008

2 – 9 March

‘One Ocean – It starts with me.   Seaweek 2008 will highlight some of the people, projects and programmes that are taking place around New Zealand to make a positive difference for the marine environment.   Of special significance for Seaweek 2008 is the blue penguin or korora - and ways to make the lives of blue penguins and other marine creatures safe.   Seaweek is a national event organised by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education and Sir Peter Blake Trust.   For more information see www.seaweek.org.nz and csl.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=38654.

Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand – 2008 Conference: “Back to your roots”

5 – 7 March

Wanganui Yacht Club.   The programme includes talks on the geomorphology of the Wanganui dunes and the systems that drive them, the weeds and threatened plants of the region, the special insects that you'll find in the dunes, historical and cultural aspects of the dune systems, and seed sorting techniques and the commercialisation of one of these.   There will be two field trips to Castlecliff and a coastal windfarm.   For registrations please contact Graeme: glacock (at) doc.govt.nz .   For further information see www.dunestrust.org.nz .

Lighthouse and lakes

Saturday 8 March

Leader: Dr George Gibbs.   For bookings & information: Greater Wellington Regional Council, bookings (at) gw.govt.nz, phone 381 7735.

Te Aro Community Gardeners’ Solidarity Tour

Saturday 8 March

10 a.m. – 2.30 p.m.   Meet at Te Aro Community Hall.   Lectures on the theory and practicalities of ecology, environmental ethics and urban permaculture.   A guided tour between three locations in Aro Valley.   Contact Charles Barrie, ecology graduate / landscape gardener, email kobold.gardener (at) gmail.com, phone 385 4171, 0274 30 1906 or see www.wcgn.wellington.net.nz/events.shtml.

Otari-Wilton’s Trust Guided walk – The Otari Nature Trail

Sunday 9 March

This walk is part of the SteppingOut programe.   Walk the Otari Nature Trail which showcases Otari and its story.   An easy 90-minute walk with some steep steps.   Meet: 2 p.m. at Otari Information Centre.   Leader: Dr John Dawson.   Ph 499 1400.   Cost $3 for non-members.

World Water Day 2008

Saturday 22 March

World Water Day (WWD) 2008 will be guided by the theme ‘Sanitation’ under the leadership of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) of the United Nations.   For more information see www.unwater.org and www.worldwaterday.org.

Otari-Wilton’s Trust Guided walk – Tunnel Gully

Sunday 30 March

The Tunnel Gully Reserve is near the old rail bed and has a number of tall conifers and other trees A track on the other side of the rail bed leads through beech forest.   Bring your own lunch.   Meet: 9 a.m. at Otari carpark if you want to share transport otherwise meet at the carpark in front of the shop where the road to Te Marua turns off to the right from SH2, north of Upper Hutt.   Leader: Dr John Dawson.   Ph 499 1400.   Cost $3 for non-members.

Identifying marine macroalgae

April

Tutor: Wendy Nelson.   Wellington.   Registration form at www.conjobs.co.nz/content/view/1088/69/.

Australian Network for Plant Conservation – 7th National Conference.   “Our declining flora – tackling the threats”

Monday 21 – Thursday 24 April

Mulgoa, near Penrith, western Sydney.   ANPC, GPO Box 1777, Canberra, ACT 2601.   For further information see www.anbg.gov.au/anpc/conferences.html or email anpc (at) anpc.asn.au.

Otari-Wilton’s Trust Course – Introduction to Forest Fungi

Wednesday 16 April and Saturday 19 April

This course introduces the fascinating and colourful world of fungi and their role in the NZ bush.   Leader: Alison Stringer, mycologist, who took part in the recent Bioblitz at Otari-Wilton’s bush.   Comprises an evening talk Wednesday 16 April 7-p p.m., followed by a "fungi foray" through Otari-Wilton’s bush on Saturday 19 April.   Course run in conjunction with the Onslow College Adult & Community Education programme.   To enrol phone Onslow College 477 1118 or email commed (at) onslow.school.nz.   Cost $30.

Earth Day 2008

Tuesday 22 April

Earth Day, which began in 1970, is now a worldwide movement celebrated by millions of people worldwide wanting to protect our planet, our children, and our future.   Earth Day 2006 launched a sustained, three-year campaign to educate consumers, corporations and governments worldwide on the urgent need to take concrete steps on climate change now - before it’s too late.   2008 is also being observed as the International Year of Planet Earth.   For more information see www.earthday.net.

Otari-Wilton’s Bush Trust - AGM.

Wednesday 14 May

7.15 p.m., Otari-Wilton’s Bush Information Centre, 160 Wilton Rd, Wellington.

WCC Berhampore Nursery Open Day

Saturday 17 May

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.   Emerson St, Berhampore, Wellington.   Plant sales, self-guided nursery tours, displays by gardening and horticultural groups, including BotSoc, free advice and information, informative talks and demonstrations.   Everyone welcome.

International Day for Biological Diversity 2008

Thursday 22 May

The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues and the Convention of Biological Diversity that came into force in 1993.   This year’s theme is “Biodiversity and Agriculture”.   For more information see www.cbd.int.

Arbor Day 2008

Thursday 5 June

Arbor Day marks the beginning of the planting season and a time to celebrate the unique biodiversity of our country.   2008 is the 8th anniversary of the Biodiversity Strategy and the 4th year of the United Nations International Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.   These two events will focus DOC’s 2007 national events programme.   The slogan for Arbor Day this year is “Everything is connected - Te katoa o nga mea tukupu e mau hono takapari ana”.   For more information see www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=38659.

World Environment Day 2008

Thursday 5 June

World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.   The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy.   New Zealand, one of the first countries to pledge a carbon-neutral future, will be the main host of World Environment Day 2008, where the focus will be on exploring solutions and opportunities for countries, companies and communities to “Kick the habit” and make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle.   Send your environmental success stories to WED (at) mfe.govt.nz.   For more information see www.unep.org/wed/.

Matariki – Maori New Year 2008

Thursday 5 June

Matariki is celebrated with education, remembrance and the planting of new trees and crops signalling new beginnings.   For more information see www.taitokerau.co.nz/matariki.htm.

World Oceans Day 2007

Sunday 8 June

Covering more than 70% of our planet’s surface our oceans are probably the most important ecosystem of the earth.   On this Day of the Oceans, let us
• Change the way we look at oceans - what the sea means to us, and what it can give.
• Use the opportunity to learn more about the oceans - many of us do not realize the profusion of diverse and beautiful creatures and habitats that are found in oceans, and how our actions affect them.
• Do something positive for the oceans - by finding ways we can alter our daily lives to conserve the oceans and reduce our impacts on its fragile ecosystems.
For more information see www.gdrc.org/oceans/oceans-day.html.

ECO Conference 2008

27 - 29 June

Sustainable New Zealand – Rhetoric or Reality?.   This year’s conference and AGM takes place in Wellington.   Programme updates may be found at www.eco.org.nz.   For further information contact Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ Inc, PO Box 11057, WN.   Phone / fax 385 7545, eco (at) eco.org.nz

NZ Plant Conservation Network Conference

8 – 10 August

Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington.   Day 1 will be devoted to the “Science of plant conservation”.   It will feature the Tane Ngahere Lecture by Brian Molloy entitled “Reflections on 50 years of New Zealand botany and plant conservation” and a concurrent Enviroschools Forum.   Day 2 will be devoted to “Plant conservation in practice” including workshops on where the Network should go during the next five years and the AGM.   Several plant field trips will be offered on Sunday 10 August.   If you would like to assist with organising this conference (whether you are based in Wellington or not) or have good ideas for the conference that you would like to share, such as subjects for workshops, please contact the Network: email info (at) nzpcn.org.nz.   Mark the dates in your diary now and get in early to obtain the cheaper air fares.   More information will be available early 2008.   NZPCN, Box 16 102, Wellington.

NIWA Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair

22 – 25 August

Laby Building, Victoria University, Kelburn Pde, WN.   For further information contact Sylvia Nichol, Phone 386 0396, nichol (at) niwa.co.nz.   BotSoc contact: Joyce Stretton, Phone 934 2437, and see www.sciencefair.org.nz.

Conservation Week 2008

7 – 14 September

A week long series of events to promote conservation - moved to the first complete week of September from 2008.   For more information contact Kerry Swadling and Matt Barnett, Wellington Conservancy, Department of Conservation, ph 472 5821.   Events will be listed on www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=38666.

Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week 2008

5 – 12 September

A week long series of events to promote Cleaning Up New Zealand.   For more information see www.knzb.org.nz/.

Otari-Wilton’s Bush Open Day

Saturday 13 September

160 Wilton Road, Wilton, WN.   9.30 a.m. – 2 p.m.   Native plant sales; displays by BotSoc and other groups.   Also a selection of different walks commencing 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. from the Information Centre.   Contact Rewi Elliot, Curator-Manager, Otari-Wilton’s Bush, 160 Wilton Rd, Wilton, WN.   Phone 475 3245.

eDay 2008.

6 – 27 September

Electronic waste (e-waste) can seriously harm the environment, wildlife and human health when dumped in landfills.   eDay is a drive-through recycling event which gives you the opportunity to dispose of old computers or mobile phones in an environmentally sustainable way.   For more information see www.eday.org.nz.

NZ frog Week 2008.

20 – 26th October

Frog populations are declining throughout the world, including New Zealand.   Frog Week (held in October each year) is an opportunity for New Zealanders to learn more about our unique native frogs.   During the week there will be displays, workshops, live frogs and talks by experts in frog biology at many regional centres around the country.     For further information contact Dr.   Phil Bishop, Co-leader Native Frog Recovery Group, University of Otago (tel 03-479 7990, email: phil.bishop (at) stonebow.otago.ac.nz).   For more information see csl.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=38667 and www.nzfrogs.org/Resources/Frog+Week.html.

Regular Workbee Events

Common Ground

Every Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ground clearance, gorse cutting, seaweed collection, building compost heaps and plots, composting, pruning.   BYO tools.   All welcome, rain or shine.   Meet at Home of Compassion, Island Bay, behind Aubert Childcare Centre.   For further information contact Donna Byrne, email donna.byrne (at) paradise.net.nz.

Forest and Bird Home Nursery Group

Every Wednesday 7.30 - 9.30 p.m.

Seed preparation, seed sowing, pricking out and potting up.   For further information contact Gary James, phone 938 6751.

Forest and Bird Home Nursery Group

Every Wednesday 7.30 - 9.30 p.m.

Seed preparation, seed sowing, pricking out and potting up.   For further information contact Gary James, phone 938 6751.

Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves workbees

2nd Sunday each month 1.30 - 4 p.m.

Workbee.   For further information see www.tawabush.wellington.net.nz, or phone Richard Herbert 232 6828.

Makara Peak Supporters

Planting days, fortnightly on Sundays in winter (10 a.m. start).   Plant care evenings on Thursdays (5.30 p.m. start) in spring / summer.   For more details check timetable at www.mountainbike.co.nz/places/makarapeak/supporters.html or contact John Randal, phone 463 5558.

Mana Island - weeding weekends

Depart Friday – return Sunday.   May – November.

Friends of Mana Island weeding weekends.   5 people / weekend. 26-27/5, 16-17/6, 14-15/7, 11-12/8, 8-9/9, 6-7/10, 17-18/11.   Ferry departs Mana Cruising Club Fridays at 6 p.m. – possibly earlier in winter.   Bookings essential - phone Julia White 938 5102, 021 112 8841.

Manawa Karioi Society

Every Wednesday (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) and also on second Sunday each month (9.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m.)

Revegetation Programme Work Bees.   Lunch provided.   Potted locally-sourced native seedlings welcome.   For further information contact Morgan Cox, phone 383 9987, or Sally Bowman, phone 934 7041.

Matiu / Somes Island – tree planting

Sundays 3 June, 17 June, 1 July, 15 July, 29 July, 19 August, 2 September

Register with Alex Kettles 569 6208, or Stan Butcher 567 7271.   Transport by East-West ferry is free, quoting “Forest & Bird”.   Sailings: Queens Wharf - 10 a.m.; Days Bay Wharf - 10.30 a.m.

Nga Uruora Kapiti Project Inc

1st Saturday each month

Workbee and plant sales: at Paekakariki School Nursery

1st Sunday each month

Workbee at Pukerua Bay School Nursery.
For further information Phone 04 905 6583, email: nukapiti (at) hotmail.com, webpage: www.kapitibush.org.nz.

Otari-Wilton’s Bush Trust

8.30am every Thursday; 9am second Saturday each month

Workbee.   Potting up, maintenance work in the Kaiwharawhara valley.   Help weed around the seedlings planted by volunteers in the Kaiwharawhara valley over winter.   Meet on the deck of the Information Centre, Te Marae o Tane, Otari-Wilton’s Bush, 160 Wilton Road, Wilton.   For further information contact Jonathan Kennett or Bronwen Wall, phone 472 5891, e-mail: jonathan (at) kennett.co.nz.

Southern Environmental Association

Every Saturday 2 pm - 6 pm

Workbee for SEA forest / coastal restoration project.   Potting up, weeding and planting.   Meet at the SEA community Native Plant Nursery, lower Murchison Street, Island Bay, Wellington (on the western side of the park, accessed by entering the park opposite 21 Murchison Street).   All help is welcomed, even for a short time.   Tools and afternoon tea provided.   For further information contact June Epsom, phone 384 5175.

Trelissick Park / Ngaio Gorge Working Group

Usually 1st Sunday and 2nd Tuesday each month

Workbee.   For further information contact Frances Lee, phone 479 2600.