Hundreds take chance to learn about Pupuke

An estimated 500 people attended the Discover Pupukemoana day this month, taking the chance to learn about the environmentally degraded Lake Pupuke’s history and its place in the local ecosystem.

The Sunday 5 March event emphasised the need for the lake to be protected, with educational stalls providing information about the flora and fauna that live in and around it, and about ways of eradicating invasive pests.

Experience Marine Reserves took 110 keen snorkellers and 48 kayakers out on the water during the day, informing them about the effect weeds and pest fish are having on the lake.

A weaving workshop was also held and a fundraising stall was hosted by Takapuna Primary School.

Pupuke Birdsong Project environmental coordinator, Tabitha Becroft said the event, hosted in collaboration with the Takapuna North Community Trust, was a major success, winning plenty of positive feedback from attendees.

“Everyone said please do it again next year, so we’re looking to see if this is something we could do annually,” she said.