Motuora Island workday Mar 2025

MOTUORA ISLAND WORKDAY

Sat 29 Mar

The Motuora Restoration Society organised the day work trip to the island. We left in a water taxi (provided by Kawau Cats) from Sandspit at 8am, maximum capacity 6 people. Landing at about 8.40am was stepping directly into the water, off a ladder on the side of the boat. (no wharf here).

After a Safety Briefing at the Potting Shed area, they led us up to the Ridge Track, to the northern end of the island. We were surprised to see a kiwi on the track (twice!) in broad daylight! (A sign they are hungry in this very dry weather). Above the northern cliffs, they have set up a Gannet colony, with Decoy Gannets (16) and have speakers set up to play a recording of their calls, to attract Gannets to the area.

Our morning work was to clear the scrub and Bracken Fern from around the Decoy Gannets, ready for the winter when it is hoped some of the nesting birds will return, and new ones too. Once cleaned, the site is very visible to returning Gannets. Higher up in a very steep section, we searched for Shearwater nesting boxes that were in overgrown grass. Clearing their lids and tunnel entrances will make them accessible for returning birds. Both these areas had solar powered speakers to play bird calls. Gannets by day and Shearwaters by night!

Then Karen, a team member invited us to view a nesting box holding two young (very cute) Blue Penguins. Back up on the ridge track, we visited the Pycroft petrel's nests where we saw two chicks. One very young and fluffy. The other older one developing adult feathers. These birds are banded with tracking devices. At other spots on the Ridge track we saw giant wetas in the trees. The staff went out of their way to show us all these specimens. It was quite amazing being taken to areas not open to the general public!

Back at the potting shed we had lunch, and tea and coffee were served. Then two of us went for a swim! Others walked further on the island towards the southern end.

The day's 'Word for Today' devotions, about seeking God with all your heart, was shared on the beach. What does it mean to seek God 'with all your heart'? It's giving him your full attention and removing all distractions so that you can focus on him. When you pray, 'Lord, I need you; I won't make it without you,' you are praying 'with all your heart'. And God answers such praying, 'I will be found by you' (Jeremiah 29:14)
At 3pm, boarding the boat involved wading with wet feet, climbing the ladder again. We were grateful for a sunny day, warming up in the afternoon. Rain followed our boat trip to Sandspit with sighting of an almost horizontal rainbow! We thanked leaders Kevin and Liz Hawkins for their great organisation and facilitation of a great day.