The Sound

P.S.  When you are missing sitting in the Gatorwaka listening to the radio with Mark and everyone, you can always tune in online to The Sound, http://www.thesound.co.nz/
- m ; )

Last Good Pies: Safe Travels! – August 4th

Outside the dorms before heading off to the Lincoln Midwinter Market

Lincoln Midwinter Market

Last pies and flat whites at Hillyers

Our class left this afternoon for the long flights back to Florida with a few stopping off in other points in the Southern Hemisphere before making their way across the Pacific (but not before taking in the Lincoln Mid-Winter Market and some pies and flat whites at Hillyers, and some of them feeling their first atershock).  May all the journeys home be safe and not too tiring.  We miss you already!


Of note, the Gatorwaka (our 12-seater van) traversed 2,782 kilometers across the South Island of New Zealand.  This translates into 1,728 miles in just under five weeks before being returned.  Whew! Let is know that you got back to Florida safely! - m&m

The Gatorwaka

Last JCP pose at airport

A leisurely day sightseeing - July 28th

Pororari  River, Punakaiki

We enjoyed breakfast at Maggies in Greymouth and looked around a bit before getting in the road and heading north along the West Coast up to Punakaiki where Paparoa Nathional Park and the Pancake Rocks lie.  Along the way we stopped to search for Pounamu (jade) at Barrytown beach, and took in a hike along the seemingly prehistoric Pororari River.

At the Pancake Rocks

Weaving flax

Then we got to see the Pancake Rocks at sunset and high tide.  We ate dinner in Punakaiki and Meryl and Jámm taght us how to weave some of the Maori flax figures.  On our way back to Greyouth, we stopped to explore a glow worm cave and listen for Morepork. 

Cheers, Mark and Meryl

Wineries, Sleeper Cars, and Fancy Feasts- July 23rd

The morning began with a lecture from Colin Meurk, discussing ecosystem restoration theory and principles.  He really put into perspective how much more goes into restoration than just planting a few natives and pulling a few weeds.  One statistic that really stood out was that over 50% of New Zealand’s flora is still exotic.  After the lecture it was off to Waipara Valley where we met with Sue McGaw at a local winery, Pegasus Bay.  Here, she walked us through the native flora walkway that volunteers from Lincoln University in cooperation with the winery planted, in their efforts to bring back native flora and fauna to the wineries in the area as part of the Greening Waipara Project.  

Sue showing us the map she drew to discover where certain
flora and fauna could be found within a 5km and 10km radius.

After meeting with Sue, it was off to the Waipara Sleepers where we would spend the night.  Here, we unloaded all of the luggage and got settled into our sleeper cars and huts.  

One of the sleeper cars, housing four people.

After getting situated in our rooms we took a short trip down the road to local fifth-generation sheep farmer, Daryl Harris.  He is not only a commodity trader in sheep, but he owns a winery as well.  Daryl expressed how there is a need for pesticide use to be reduced in the winery business and thus why he supports the native plantings in the area. We then got to see his sheep herding dog Sis, a Huntaway breed, round up all the sheep in the nearby paddock and bring them right over to where we were standing.  It was definitely a memorable experience having sheep sprinting through the grass straight towards everyone.  

Sis loves her owner Daryl.

Sis herding up all the sheep.

Next stop of the day was to Mountford Estate, another local winery.  Here we took a short, yet very steep, hike up the vineyard hill and got a stunning view looking over the winery and countryside.  

Looking out over the winery and the countryside from the top of the hill.

After safely making our way back down the hill it was time for tea at the Waipara Springs café, where a few of us also did a little wine tasting and gift purchasing as well.  After tea time it was onto the next winery, Torlesse.  This was a shorter visit, looking at their own native plant pathway, with a very unique recycled broken glass pathway.  Finally, it was back to Daryl’s house for a remarkably decadent dinner prepared for us by his wife, Merreé.  Everyone was blown away by the inside décor, their vineyard’s wine, and the exquisite dinner prepared for us.  The dinner included pumpkin soup, roasted lamb, stuffed peppers, and chocolate cake, as well as a plethora of other delicious sides.  We all left the dinner stuffed to the brim and in great spirits.  The rest of the night was spent relaxing in our sleeper cars and huts.  It was a very memorable day and definitely one of the most eventful days yet on the trip.  

-Sarah H. 

Gatorwaka (our 12-seater) and Piwakawaka (our chase vehicle) return to Lincoln - Sunday, July 29th

We are back safe and sound from an amazing, full week of travel.  The weather gods have been kind and in the last seven days we made a big loop up the east coast of the South Island through the Waipara valley and to Kaikoura and then down across Lewis Pass to the West Coast were we explored from Greymouth up through Punakaiki before coming back home east tonight across Arthur's Pass.  There will be detailed blogs of these travels as we catch up in the next couple of days.  In the meantime, go New Zealand rowing in the 2012 Olympics! Kia Ora, Meryl

Mile 45.66 - July 16th

As of this morning, our group has walked a total of 45.66 miles! A respectable number, by all accounts. We woke up to another clear morning, with some spectacular cloudscapes courtesy of the northwesterly winds blowing in over the Alps.

We then piled into the Gatorwaka and headed to Manaaki Whenua, where we met the illustrious Dean Anderson and Will Allen. Will spent some time talking to us about managing for programme (note the kiwi spelling!) performance by way of logic modeling. We then broke into two groups and made our own logic models for the issue of our choice.

Some of the girls with their lovely logic model.

Next was Dean Anderson, who gave us a thought-provoking look at managing for pest mammals in New Zealand. We spoke about the “troubling paradigm” of having to kill animals for proper conservation in New Zealand.

He also reminded us who the true pests are.

After our lectures and a quick break for lunch, we headed over to the Live in Lincoln and Liffey developments for an overview of kiwi development practices. The Live in Lincoln development is overseen by the Ngai Tahu Development Corporation, New Zealand’s largest, and Maori owned, developers.

Dr. Hostetler pointing out the artificial wetland.

We discussed the ways in which each development considers and carries out their “green” initiatives. Both developments heavily incorporated native New Zealand flora alongside “attractive” exotics in their landscaping; however, the suspicious lack of munching on the native flora in the Liffey development told us that they may not have ecosource their plants. (For the curious, ecosourcing is a practice in which “plant seeds are obtained from the area in which they grow naturally,” thus ensuring that they are perfectly adapted to the area).

It was hot! Here we are at Liffey shading our eyes and shedding layers in the hot New Zealand sun.

Our shadows as we look for non-native trouts in the Liffey stream.

After we finished, we had a short ride back to Lincoln Uni and we discussed our plans for the upcoming three day weekend, which, as of this writing, have yet to be solidified.

Cheers!

~Alex

Tenacious Tuis, 46, Tequila Mockingbirds, 43 - July 14th

One might say we had an action packed day...

Graeme explains his solar panel system

We started out at the home of Graeme and Karen Rodgers so we could see how an individual is able to make a difference toward sustainability.  Graeme, a greenhouse gasses scientist with Landcare Research, has adopted many energy saving devices at his home/farm.  He was eager to show us his solar panel set up, LED and compact fluorescent lamps, coal stove, and more.  And while we all knew that you should not drink distilled water, we all learned why.  It is always good to visit Graeme as he is up on all the latest United States sustainability gadgets! We also were reminded that even if you are a college student you can still reduce your electrical bills with simple measures like the types of lightbulbs you use and turning off all devices when not in use (watch those phantom loads!).  While at the Rodger's farm, we even got to feed a three-week-old lamb and enjoy some pav and other treats that Karen had so graciously set out for morning tea.

Feeding the baby lamb

Karen's beautiful Pavlova

Onward to Riccarton for the Saturday food market where some of us sampled delicious treats from empanadas to organic fruits and soups topastries.  Then to lunch before the big Cricket Match...

Riccarton Saturday Market

Cricket at the domain

Go Crusaders!

We had a go at Cricket at the local sports field (domain).  It was a close (and world's shortest) match with the Tenacious Tuis just nudging out the Tequila Mockingbirds, 46-43.  Then on to Lincoln Uni to take in a college rugby match before taking in a professional one in Christchurch.  Rosie had won two tickets to the Crusaders match at the Lincoln University International Quiz night and the whole class decided to go as well.  Good  fun! - Meryl

From Hedgerows to Hills, July 13th

Pauline shows us her newest native garden

Pauline and Malcom's Native Hedge

We met with Pauline and Malcom,  a retired farming couple from Methven, this morning to talk with them about what inspired them to plant a native wind-break hedge around their property on their own initiative.  Malcom and Pauline stated the main reason is that it is a lot easier to maintain (less trimming in the long run) plus they like the look of the native plants and that they attract birds, bees and lizards.  The growth that you see in the photos is about five years of growth and both Pauline and Malcom stated it does take maintenance of the hedge as gorse continues to come up and they have to spray or pull the gorse sprouts. 


We also learned that they bought many of the plants, but also propagated many of the native plantings from cuttings.  They are one of the first farmers in the area to make such a prominent hedge from natives in the Lincoln area and they hope it will set a good example for other farmers to try.  We also enjoyed Pauline's home baked muffins.

DOC Nursery

We left the farm and went to the Department of Conservation's (DOC) native plant nursery that also serves as demonstration gardens. Nikki with DOC, who manages the nursery, talked about how they eco source their plants.  This means that they gather seeds from natural remnants throughout the Canterbury Plains and then grow them into small plants and return them to the areas from where the seeds were collected.

A view of the hills from Sign of the Packhorse hike

After lunch at the DOC nursery, we headed back to the Port Hills for a hike at the Sign of the Packhorse.  It was a relatively warm day (58 degrees F) and we hiked along several paddocks with an up close look with sheep and cattle.  We also went through an exotic pine forest being logged for lumber.  We even had an opportunity to relax in the warm sun at the top of a hill overlooking Lyttelton Harbor.  We ended the day at the Blue Duck Cafe (open to "4ish") with our obligatory tea break.  Note: at 9:37pm some of us felt a small aftershock that rumbled through Lincoln.  Cheers, Mark

Sunny Sunday! - July 8 2012

After officially being in New Zealand for a week, we awoke to a beautiful and sunny Sunday morning! It was nice to have the sun finally shining in through our windowpanes and to hear the birds singing (much different sounding than in the United States, but just as uniquely beautiful)! During the morning and early afternoon, we all enjoyed a nice amount of leisure time to do whatever we pleased! Some of the group chose to venture into Christchurch to explore and partake in a little climbing at the rock gym. The rest of us slept in, went to the grocery store, and even went for a jog with a beautiful view of the Southern Alps. A few of us took a short stroll into town for a quick lunch at “The Famous Grouse” restaurant and pub.

Around 2:00 p.m., our group reconvened for a trip to Mahoe Reserve to participate in a restoration project. We met with Sue Jarvis, who explained to us how the reserve was a project initially launched by students from nearby Lincoln High School as a “go green” project.

 Our group lent a hand in planting numerous species of trees along the banks at the reserve in an effort to help restore some of the native vegetation.

Upon flipping through a photo scrapbook, we were able to witness the encouraging progress that Mahoe Reserve has made over the past few years in becoming closer to its original native state. There were also a few sweet pups running around the reserve, and everyone was able to get in their daily fix of animal lovin’!

We spent the evening back at the University catching up on our journals and mingling with all the new students who are back from the break…A lovely, relaxing Sunday in Kiwiland!

Cheers!

-Chelsea

The Weekend is Here and the Weather Gods are Kind - July 7th

Lincoln Saturday Winter Market

We awoke to frost on the windscreens, but there was sun in the sky!  We set out after brunch to taken the local Lincoln town Market which occurs once a month in winter on a green near Hillyer's Bakery.  The theme was a books sale and there lots of locals out for the big event in this small town of 3,000.

Lunch at the top of the Crater Rim Walk, Port Hills

View to a Littleton Harbor from Port Hills

Group Shot with Tupelo in the Tussock

We then loaded up in the Gatorwaka (after a tea break at Hilyer's) and headed to the Port Hills for a hike near Omahu Bush. Beautiful day - sun shining, birds singing (bellbird Korimako), and better nate than lever (inside joke - literally). Even had a close encounter with an ewe and her lambs. From our vantage point, we could see Lyttleton Harbour, Christchurch, and the southern alps. We hiked up to a viewing point through gorse, five finger, and bracken fern. We ventured down to Governor's Bay and spent some time catching crabs and watching the tide come in.

On the rocks at Governor's Bay

Looking for crabs

View to dock at Governor's Bay

We returned home via the Lyttleton Tunnel (trying to hold our breath!). Our first day of full sunshine!
Cheers! - Mark

Weeds, rocks and wet socks - July 5, 2012

Today was a wet day. The entire week has been full of rain, and today was no exception. This is not your typical Florida rain that comes down in sheets and sheets, but a light mist that hangs in the air. We did have a slight rain delay to start off the morning as the peninsula was experiencing some Florida like rain (without the lightening). While waiting for the rain to pass we visited Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, where we met Brooke Turner, who spoke with us about how Kiwis go about conserving private land. BPCT works with local farmers/landowners to help them set aside what is usually unproductive land. Here they use something called a covenant. Once the landowner decides they want to set aside some of their land a covenant is formed that binds the protected area to the title, so that if the title ever changes hands the protected area still exists. 

Brooke explains Banks Peninsula conservation areas

After her presentation, and a refreshing spot of coffee, we drove off to Birdlings Flat. There we met Dennis and  Annelies who showed us some of the problematic species in the area. We had an invigorating morning collecting weeds in the wet field. Many of us walked away with wet feet and soggy gloves. The problems are not solved, but it feels nice to know we had a hand in bringing native New Zealand back.

Say, "Weeded!"

Banks Peninsula in the mist

After a bagged lunch on a gorgeous rock beach we took a tour down to where the coastline met the hills. Here we climbed on large boulders, found old shark egg sacs, a starfish, and had a grand time doing what we wildlifers and environmental science people do best; explore. It was a small area, no bigger than your average lawn, but we spent hours just walking around, climbing rocks, and taking lots of pictures. As the waves came crashing up against the shore a few of us got wet from the spray; but you didn't hear any complaints from us. While we were out and about we saw a few of the local birds that Dr. Hostetler identified for us. Black-backed Gulls and Pied Shags being the most common. After all this activity, several of us have some sore muscles. The sights we saw and the fun we had more than made up for it though. 

 

On the rocks at Birdlings Flat

As the evening wore down we discovered what a hit our group is with the locals. A fellow Uni student, Brad,  came up to us at dinner telling us he lost some bet and had to clear our plates from the table. With his accent and as fast as he talked we couldn't quite understand. When one of group asked him to repeat himself the entire cafeteria broke out in a fit of laughter. Whether they were laughing at us or at their friend I don't know, but it was all in good fun.  - Justin

Group Initiatives and Kiwiana - July 3rd

The group collaborated on a number of team-building initiatives (in the drizzle!). They successfully completed Speedball, River of Chocolate, and Traffic Jam (above). The afternoon consisted of group discussions about biodiversity conservation and first introductions to key concepts. Groups were formed, representing Urbanites, Developers, and Farmers.  Below is a poem written by the "Urbanites" to explain the pros and cons of biodiversity from their viewpoint:

The Pros and Cons of Biodiversity as Seen by an Urbanite (a working title):

Relieve our stress

With a fresh breath

Breaking the monotony

With many new sights to see

Aesthetics that please

With plants that appease

Kill the heat!

Urban island we will beat

Not to mention job creation

For more maintenance in this nation

But who’s gonna pay?

Don’t send the fees our way!

And it will limit our growth

Green spaces and hoses we want both

Plus regulations will abound

With building restrictions around

It will consume all of our time

To make diversity so sublime

Lastly with preferences restricted

Many domestics, even cats and dogs, might be evicted.

The evening was spent experiencing a bit of Kiwana. We made Pavlova (pictured above) and watched an episode of Flight of the Conchords (Tough Brets!). Ahh - you did it again Murray! 

Cheers, Mark

They're Here! - July 2nd

Kia Ora New Zealand!

Everyone arrived safely and were met warmly by Tupelo and her sign.  After getting checked into the dorm rooms, a hot lunch was in order.  

Say Hokey Pokey ice cream!

Hiking in the Port Hills down toward Lyttelton Harbor to Sign of the Kiwi from the view over Christchurch.

Then we managed to keep everyone awake until dinner time by sampling some Tip Top ice cream and taking in a short hike in the Port Hills overlooking Christchurch.  A good night of rest is in order and we think everyone will have no problem with that. - Meryl

Translate This!

Low clouds near Arthur's Pass

Kia Ora.  You might consider us like oldies, but we are going to kick off our jandals, throw on our jumpers, grab our not-so-much-anymore anklebiter, and show you a really great time (as we would our cuz) through the wop-wops of Aotearoa.  We’ll even let you use our loo and serve you up some pav and a cuppa when you arrive.  Sweet As!

Study up on a wee bit of Kiwi slang, safe travels, and see ya soon mates.
-m&m&j&t : )

Anklebiter - toddler, small child


Aotearoa - Maori name for New Zealand meaning land of the long white cloud


Chips - deep fried slices of potato but much thicker than a French fry


Cuppa - cup of tea, as in cuppa tea


Cuz - cousin, family


G'day - universal kiwi greeting, also spelled gidday


Good on ya, mate! - congratulations, well done, proud of someone


Good as gold - feeling good, not a problem, yes
 


Jandal - thongs, sandals,flip-flops

Jumper - sweater, jersey


Kia Ora – Maori general informal greeting of hello

L&P - Fizzy soda water


Lift - elevator


Lolly - candy


Loo - bathroom, toilet


Mate - friend

Oldies - parents


Pav - pavlova, dessert usually topped with kiwifruit and cream


Rattle your dags - hurry up, get moving

Ring - to telephone somebody, as in "I'll give you a ring"


Rubbish - garbage, trash


Serviette - paper napkin


Ta - thanks


Take-aways - food to be taken away and eaten, fast food outlet
 

Togs - swimsuit, bathing costume 


Wop-wops - situated off the beaten track, out of the way location