NATURE DIARY

Although Spring hasn’t arrived, it’s noticeable that our native birds are either seeking out new partners for the coming nesting season or cementing bonds with last season’s partners.

In early August tuturiwhatu the banded dotterel will return to Golden Bay having spent the post-nesting season away. These birds sometimes undertake migrations up to several hundred kilometres from their nesting grounds. Banded dotterels that breed in lowland parts of the South Island generally move to harbours and estuaries in the North Island to “winter over”. Sadly, banded dotterels have disappeared from many sites throughout New Zealand. Mammalian predators such as feral cats, stoats, rats and hedgehogs are key factors in their decline. Habitat loss and human activities have also contributed to displacement of birds at some sites, particularly at breeding sites.

They are solitary feeders both during the breeding season and the non-breeding season, often feeding at night, particularly in estuaries. In the non-breeding season this solitary behaviour changes and flocks of dotterels can be seen resting together at high tide roosts. Dotterel chicks are remarkably mobile. These tiny chicks leave the nest within hours of hatching, feeding themselves while their parents stand guard. They fledge (are able to fly) at around six weeks of age.

Our local iwi Te Atiawa O Te Waka-a-Maui have a special connection with tuturiwhatu in Mohua, granted in the Te Tai Ihu Statutory Acknowledgements. Their kaitiaki role includes an obligation to ensure the environment in Mohua is maintained for the survival of this taonga.

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Agm Notices

GOLDEN Bay Cycle & Walkways Society AGM. 7.30pm Thursday 10 August at the Community Rooms 88 Commercial St Takaka. Followed by a presentation on "Sea Kayaking in Port Pegasus". All are welcome!

PERSONAL NOTICES / Pānui

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HENK Visker. Henks fmily would like to thank the wonderful staff at GB Community Health, Matuku Funerals and Joyce Wylie for your kindness, care and respect shown to both Henk and us. We as a community are blessed to have you amongst us. To all the people who bought baking and flowers, sent cards and well wishes, to the East Takaka Hall Committee, Takaka Citizens Band, Anatoki Salmon and all those who supported us. Thank you. Your kindness is treasured.

“Sid”

Siguard Eyvind Richardsen

29 April 1927 – 11 July 2023

Sid passed away at home peacefully, with family around him at 96 years-old, from natural causes.

He was a much-loved and respected stepfather of Linda, Jenny, Hamish, Heather, David, Peter, Rachel and Vivian. A wellloved grandfather of Emily, Kathryn, Emma, Eugene, Seth, Kimberly, Holly, Olivia, Leanar, Camryn, Ashlyn and great grandfather to Amy, Scarlett, Chase and Sienna. A beloved friend to many.

Special thanks and appreciation to all staff of district nurses and Nurse Maud for their respect and care of Sid. Thank you Monika, Jane, Kitty, Gean, Kate, Jody Leonie, Joanna, Tania and all. "There are angels amongst us".

A globe-trotting traveller well into his nineties, Sid requested his body to go to Otago Medical Dunedin and, upon his ashes return, half be placed with his much-loved wife, and half sent back to Denmark to be laid with his parents on the island (Laeso) where he was born. So even in his death he is still travelling.

"Travel well on your final journey"

PUBLIC NOTICES / Pānui a whānui

GB Animal Welfare Society Inc (ex-SPCA). Ph Carol Wells 525 9494, 8am-5pm weekdays.

ALCOHOLICS Anonymous, open meeting, all welcome. Thursdays 7pm, 94 Commercial Street. Hall behind the Catholic Church. Ph 0800 229 6757.

CAST and crew required for Takaka Drama Societys next production: The Pink Hammer, 'a kiwi comedy that nails it'. Ph Zara 022 021 7355. Auditions held Sunday 30th July, 2pm at The Playhouse, Park Ave. Season will run mid October.

FRESH FM needs your help. Are you willing to host a fundraising event to support local radio? Or help run one? Check out our website freshfm.net. We’re a Charitable Trust – a $30 donation (that can be made on our website) is tax deductible.

GB WEEKLY: Stitch ‘n Sew, Tākaka is our agent or you can email us: admin@gbweekly.co.nz (preferred). Office hours are Monday-Wednesday, 9am-5pm. Ph 027 525 8679.