You can contact LEARNZ, part of CORE Education, at:
Postal Address:
PO Box 13 678,
Christchurch 8141,
New Zealand
Ambassador Scaly
Kia ora everyone
My name is Scaly, and I am a wētā. I love to swim, surf, and go to the beach. I am the kindest creature you will ever meet. I dream of a world where all creatures walk gently on Papatūānuku.
I aspire to travel across the land to see new wonders beyond the walls of A.G.E. and am excited about the next learning journey, so much that I have been cartwheeling with delight!
Talk soon,
Scaly
Monday 17 September
Kia ora everyone
Today we had the travel day for the field trip. We had two flights. One from Kerikeri to Auckland. The other was from Auckland to Christchurch. The adventure certainly has begun!
We are now in Christchurch city. We are going to stay here for one night. For the rest of the week we’ll be staying in Amberley, north of the city and closer to Tiromoana Bush.
I got to talk quite a bit with Egbert the LEARNZ ambassador on the flights today. We are getting on well. He is quite an experienced traveller! He is helping me adjust to field trip life and so far, I am really enjoying it.
I am looking forward to meeting Professor David Norton tomorrow. He is our main field trip expert for the week and knows a lot about ecological restoration.
Talk soon,
Scaly
Tuesday 18 September
Kia ora everyone
Today we went to a place called Riccarton Bush. It was interesting being in a forest in the middle of Christchurch City! In the photo you can see me sitting at the base of an old kahikatea tree. I found out that there used to be a lot more of this type of forest on the Canterbury Plains. Much of it was burned to make way for farming and agriculture. Luckily there is still some of the forest left for people to visit. But it seems a bit sad that not more of it remains.
It is what it is though, and that is why we are doing this field trip – to see how we can play a part in restoring parts of Aotearoa. Today we also went to a place called Tūhaitara Coastal Park. This was a great example of how the community can get involved in ecological restoratrion. I feel inspired already and it’s only Tuesday!
Talk tomorrow,
Scaly
Wednesday 19 September
Kia ora everyone
I had a great day today at Tiromoana Bush. We spent the day with David Norton. He showed us some different restoration planting sites. There is a lot more to restoration planting than I first thought. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give it a go!
It was cool to see some of you on the web conference this morning. I have been enjoying the web conferences but getting outside and learning is my favourite.
Tomorrow we’re going to find out about pest monitoring and trapping. Should be another great day!
Talk tomorrow,
Scaly
Thursday 20 September
Kia ora everyone
I have had an awesome time on the field trip this week. I feel truly inspired to now play my part in conservation and get involved in some sort of restoration project. I hope you all do too!
My favourite part of today was setting up the tracking tunnels with Fraser. He showed us some of the cardboard strips with footprints made by various animals. It was funny when he showed us one lot of prints that had been made by a wētā!
I have had a great time but am looking forward to seeing you all again when I get back next week.
See you all soon,
Scaly
Scaly is from the Academy for Gifted Education. Image: LEARNZ.
Monday. Scaly has arrived in Christchurch. Image: LEARNZ.
Tuesday. Scaly is sitting at the base of an old kahikatea tree in Riccarton Bush. Image: LEARNZ.
Wednesday. Scaly gets comfortable in a tī kouka/cabbage tree at one of the Tiromoana Bush restoration planting sites. Image: LEARNZ.
Thursday. Here is Scaly on top of a tracking tunnel with Egbert. Image: LEARNZ.