Welcome to the archive images of Tamaki Makaurau
 
 
Week 49
1 October 2006
 
 
 
Tahuna-Torea Reserve
 
Tahuna-Torea means "beach where the oystercatchers gather" and was the gathering site for the local tangata whenua, Ngati Paoa in pre-European times.  This reserve is a 25 hectare wilderness habitat around the Glendowie spit.   It is home to many different birds which can be observed while taking a  walk through native bush, around wetlands and along the edge of the Tamaki Estuary.
 
 
 
Quote for the week
 
I didn't go to kindergarden, so I missed 'show and tell' when I was young. I'm making up for it now! I look for essence of the subject and try to show it in a different way, whether it's Antarctica or a monarch butterfly... -George Lepp, Vision - Lowepro 2004/2005, page 25
 
 
 
View of the fresh water pond
 
 
 
 
An observation shelter
 
 
 
 
View from the observation shelter
 
 
 
 
Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).  These ducks were introduced to
New Zealand from 1867 - 1960 for game purposes and are now the
most numerous and widespread waterfowl
 
 
 
 
A male Mallard, or drake
 
 
 
 
A Pukeko, or New Zealand Swamp Hen
 
 
 
 
The lower bush walk
 
 
 
 
Looking across to Bucklands Beach from Godwit Lookout
 
 
 
 
View of Brown's Island
 
 
 
 
Flower of the Kowhai, which means yellow in Maori.  The Kowhai is a woody
legume tree native to New Zealand.  The flowers appear early spring and
its nectar is a favourite with the tui and kereru (wood pigeon).  The
Kowhai is also the national flower of New Zealand
 
 
 
 
Boardwalk over marshy areas
 
 
 
 
A Comorant basking in the sun
 
 
 
 
Pukekos are one of the few New Zealand native birds which
flourished since the arrival of man
 
 
 
 
A Stilt and its reflection
 
 
 
 
 
A fern frond or koru which represents the unfolding of new life
or new beginnings.  This shape is evident in all Maori art
A Maori Proverb says:
"Ka hinga atu he tete-kura - ka hara-mai he tete-kura"
"As one fern frond (person) dies - one is born to take it's place"
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You are welcome to contact the photographer
Suzette Bothma
for copies of any of these pictures
or if you wish to add a link to these pages.
 
 
Text and images © 2005-2007 Aotearoa Cam. All rights reserved.
Do not reproduce without permission.

Thank you.