Peterson Look Book

PORTFOLIO Maree Peterson MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN & CONTENT CREATION

IINSIDE: A compilation of some of the articles I have written. I have designed the page layouts and either curated or photographed the images.

TIRITIRI MATANGI

Tiritiri Matangi is a stunning place and home to an exceptional breed that migrates to the island sanctuary all year round.

We're not talking about the countless rare and native birdlife inhabiting this jewel in the Hauraki Gulf. No. We're acknowledging the dedicated band of supporters who flock to the island many times each year.

The Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi (SoTM) was formed in 1988 by 25 volunteers to raise much-needed money. Two years earlier, a project to regenerate the island with native trees and introduce rare and endangered bird species had begun and by 1988 was in danger of failing due to a lack of budget.

And this band of volunteers not only raised 'seed money' but rolled up their sleeves, planted trees, weeded, sowed thousands of seedlings and created this world-renowned island wildlife sanctuary. Membership numbers are now well over 2,000, and these supporters are doing more than creating a legacy; it's also one extraordinary thing they get to tick off their bucket (and spade) list!

Above: New Zealand Kererū (wood pigeon).

Below: The native Stitchbird or 'Hihi' has lived on Tiritiri Matangi since 1995 and competes with tūi and bellbirds for nectar, insects and small fruits.

THE CAPTAIN /// SUMMER 2015

Don’t just get there.

PAGE 20

THE CAPTAIN /// SUMMER 2015

TAKE A MOMENT TO STAND AND STARE. All around is vibrancy, subtlety, wilderness and beauty.

The diverse Coromandel reaches out in so many ways with something for everyone, from action adventure to serene escapism.

PAGE 21

THE CAPTAIN /// SUMMER 2015

The Coromandel Peninsula draws visitors to its lush green scenery, recalling rugged, remote areas of Scotland or rural parts of Norway. Its beaches, long and white, will surprise with the pure sparkling water of Cathedral Cove and delight with the unexpected quirkiness of Hot Water Beach.

It’s easy to get ‘out there’ once you have ventured to the Coromandel and it’s not all extreme action and expensive attractions. Choose to travel the routes of our pioneers, bushmen and gold prospectors. From the ferry, join Coromandel Adventures shuttle to the western coast, past the last outpost of Colville, to the northern bays, and finally Fletcher Bay. Begin the walk through farmland to hidden waterways, cool

For ferry sailings from Pier 4 Downtown Auckland visit www.360Discovery.co.nz or phone 09 307 8005.

Coromandel Adventure tours can be booked directly through 360 Discovery and depart from Coromandel Town.

For activities, tours, events and accommodation in the Coromandel region visit www.thecoromandel.com PAGE 22

bush tracks and out onto cliff top open spaces where the view of sparkling water stretches for miles.

Or take the ride to Coromandel Town and indulge yourself in a lunch of the freshest seafood and local produce and explore the history of this colonial settlement. There is no shortage of suitable accommodation with many lodges, homestays, designer cottages, family‑friendly holiday parks and campgrounds to pitch your tent or park the caravan or motorhome.

So pack your snorkel, hiking shoes, camera, the family, a mate and get out there!

THE CAPTAIN /// SUMMER 2015

PAGE 23

THE CAPTAIN /// SUMMER 2015

Around the Islands KIWI ARE NOW ROAMING ROTOROA ISLAND after six kiwi chicks, hatched at Auckland Zoo from eggs collected from Te Mata in the Coromandel, were released in October and November.

The introduction of kiwi marks the start of a new programme between Rotoroa Island Trust, Auckland Zoo and Thames Coast Kiwi Care that will help boost the population of Coromandel North Island brown kiwi – the rarest of the four distinct types of brown kiwi. Up to 20 chicks could be released onto Rotoroa each year. On reaching 1.2kg – large enough to have a chance against introduced predators on the mainland, staff will return the birds to the 2,500ha protected area on the Thames Coast.

Trust volunteer guides, Mary Flaws, Maggie Kjestrup and John Eccleton looked the part in their military costumes! Photo: Marcia Nalepa

WW1 HERITAGE REMEMBERED ON MOTUTAPU More than fifty people enjoyed the rich military history of Motutapu as part of the Auckland Council's Heritage Festival in October. The tour highlighted World War I activities on the island, particularly the hospitality extended by Eliza Reid to service members and their families posted there during and after the war.

Men of the New Zealand Third Infantry Regiment were stationed at Home Bay in 1916, training there before sailing to the Western Front.

Seventeen years later, construction was authorised for the building of PAGE 36

a counter bombardment gun battery to defend Auckland. This fort was state-of-the-art and a significant part of New Zealand's coastal defence through 1957.

A guided tour began in Home Bay and continued through the volunteer forest to a high point on the island, where visitors could examine the gun battery structures, the tunnels and map rooms from WWII.

THE CAPTAIN /// SUMMER 2015

www.treasureislands.co.nz GERMANY'S ANGELA MERKEL VISITS KIWI WITH JOHN KEY Motutapu hit the headlines in November as a grumpy kiwi upstaged both Prime Minister John Key and German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel. Sponsor and corporate volunteer Bayer nominated Motutapu as the place to be on the Chancellor's fleeting visit to New Zealand. It was great to see Motutapu and the critically endangered Coromandel Brown Kiwi receive national and international audiences.

German Chancellor Merkel's invitation to release a kiwi on Motutapu also gives us reason to reflect on the significance of the restoration work on Motutapu – restoration work primarily undertaken by volunteers.

John Key, Hazel Speed, and Dr Angela Merkel with Whauwhau the kiwi.

Photo: Pricilla Northe

Without the work of our volunteers, there would be no forest to provide habitat for kiwi; seed collection, nursery work done, tree planting and weed control. The case for the pest eradication programme, so successfully implemented by the Department of Conservation, would have been a much harder sell. Motutapu's profile continues to grow through volunteers creating the sanctuary, which will be a legacy for generations to come.

ROTARY CENTENNIAL TRACK ON MOTUTAPU ISLAND In September, a bridge across the lower Central Gully stream was installed, completing an excellent walking track and looping around Home Bay's back.

Completing this final stage means the Rotary Centennial Loop Track attracts visitors to Motutapu. During a visit by Rotary International President Gay Huang to Motutapu the call went out for support. Funding came from the Rotary Club of Newmarket with the Rotary Club of St Johns. The loop track is a beautiful asset for walkers to enjoy everything Motutapu offers.

PAGE 37

THE CAPTAIN /// SUMMER 2015

NEW EXPRESS CITY-TO-CITY COACH SERVICE LAUNCHES

GOING THE DISTANCE A new city-to-city express coach service is finding its way into the hearts and minds of New Zealand travellers.

PAGE 44

With an eye‑catching presence on major North Island highways, ManaBus.com delivers the kind of great value, high‑quality service passengers have only ever dreamed of.

Since mid-November, the distinctive red double-deck

coaches have been travelling between Auckland and Wellington. In December, other North Island destinations of Tauranga, Rotorua, Whangarei were added. Fewer stops mean shorter travel times, particularly on long-distance journeys.

THE CAPTAIN /// SUMMER 2015

Sir Brian Souter

ManaBus.com passengers travel in comfort, with each purpose‑ built coach offering free Wi‑Fi and at‑seat power and USB points for charging laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Passengers can stay connected, productive and entertained, wherever they are.

The company’s handpicked team of drivers and attendants offer fast, friendly service at affordable prices, with fares at www.manabus.com starting from $1 plus $1 booking fee.

ManaBus.com joins the portfolio of highly successful and rapidly PAGE 45

THE CAPTAIN /// SUMMER 2015

growing express coach services operated by transport entrepreneur Sir Brian Souter. The service is part of a New Zealand transport group that includes Howick and Eastern Buses, Mana Coach Services and Fullers Group.

Chairman of Souter Holdings NZ, Bill Rae, says there is enormous potential to grow the express city-to-city coach market by offering great value, high quality, and customerfocused public transport services.

“Our experience from many successful years of operation in the UK, North America, Poland and Finland has shown there is a demand for fast, modern and innovative city-to-city, express coach travel. Offering consumers more travel options at affordable prices will grow the total public transport market and encourage people out of their cars.

“We are excited about the future of ManaBus.com and can’t wait to welcome our customers on board. We’ll all be working hard to make sure they have the best possible experience every time they travel with us,” says Mr Rae.

For more information visit www.manabus.com

PAGE 46

Free Wi-Fi is provided at all the seats as well as USB Ports and 230-volt power points to charge your laptops and mobile devices.

THE CAPTAIN /// SUMMER 2015

Features • Safety First seat belts are fitted to all seats and must be worn during the journey.

• Modern flushing toilet with hand washing facilities on board. Toilets cleaned thoroughly before each journey.

• Air conditioning at each seat – cool in summer, warm in winter. Personal lighting and airflow control.

• Soft Italian leather reclining seats and a comfortable footrest.

PAGE 47

FACULTY FOCUS

The Element of Improvisation in Science Tom Curtis, Head of Science & Acting Head of Senior School In many ways, sciences Head of Faculty, Tom Curtis, became a teacher by teaching. During his time at university, studying to become a Marine Biologist, he assisted the course supervisor with classes.

He then realised that this teaching gig was where he wanted to be, and he has never looked back.

Tom describes his style of teaching as a strategy. He believes multiple delivery methods for a single concept is the answer to maximising learning in a classroom environment. "Everyone learns differently," he says, "and together they find the answers." He does this by using practical hands-on demonstrations, putting questions back on to students to answer and encouraging critical thinking for problem-solving. The bonus to this method of working is that he often finds himself on a learning journey with his students.

Tom sees his effusive personality and a deep understanding of the philosophy of the sciences works well to engage learners in a friendly style. But he also believes there needs to be boundaries and limits within the classroom – a certain level of freedom and self-management tempered with the knowledge of when to pull back.

18

"Putting in the time to listen is the way to break through to students who are having difficulties understanding concepts or struggling to engage, says Tom. "Every lesson has an element of improvisation; even with experiments, there's a high level of thinking, as well as a vague outline and the potential to gain data and come up with results."

Although he's an Australian born Kiwi, Tom describes himself as a 'third-culture-kid', having spent his childhood in over ten countries and 19 schools due to Dad's role as a corporate banker. And there was no hesitation when asked about his most significant milestones to date: meeting and marrying Scottish-born Andrea and the birth of their son Toby, now aged three.

During Term 2, Tom takes on the caretaker role of Acting Head of Senior School, supported by Stewart Allan.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Farewell friend, mentor and intrepid traveller

HELEN ROBERTSON YESTERDAY I WAS CLEVER, SO I WANTED TO CHANGE THE WORLD. TODAY I AM WISE, SO I AM CHANGING MYSELF. – RUMI

FINDING HERSELF STRANDED ON THE KERB OF THE PANMURE ROUNDABOUT ONE DAY AND A GRUMPY PASSENGER MUTTERING: "YOU DON’T KNOW WHICH WAY YOU’RE GOING", THE DIMINUTIVE BUS DRIVER DECIDED IT WAS TIME FOR A CHANGE.

Helen Robertson's 9-month stint as an Auckland Regional Council bus driver ended. Followed were a string of career moves – working for the Police Transport Division, Historic Places Trust, Civil Defence Disaster relief, and then returning to teaching.

In 1996 she joined St Cuthbert's College as Head of Department in Social Science. It was only then she finally knew where she was going. She had come home.

She felt a deep connection with the values instilled in the girls and the amazing young women that possessed an honest humility and respect for others. Helen found the College's teaching and way of learning fascinating, reflected in the wonderful achievements attained at the school.

Helen has always had a passion for travel ever since taking her first overseas Geography trip to the Amazon in the eighties and becoming stranded for five days with only rice for food. During that time, she got to know a fellow passenger and husband-to-be Richard. On their return to New Zealand, she experienced severe itchy feet, and they both chose to travel again, overland for four months touring Kathmandu, Syria and Iraq.

During her time at St Cuthbert's, Helen has always been keen to ensure the girls could experience things not ordinarily able to and step outside their comfort zone to meet and conquer the challenges of going somewhere in the world completely different. She has led groups of senior girls several times to places like India, Nepal, Thailand, Peru, Brazil and China.

Helen will now return to Nepal, a place she has developed a deep affinity for and where she will continue the organisational work she has done over the years with the children, families and schools. Also on her to-do list is a TESOL certificate enabling her to teach English as a second language, both here and overseas.

Helen believes she has been fortunate to have a career at St Cuthbert's – working alongside such a talented and professional staff – people who consistently go the extra mile. We are grateful for the leadership of a conscientious and passionate person.

HELEN’S 3H PHILOSOPHY: 1. Heart – do what you love with compassion 2. Helping others 3. Humility COLLEGE TIES

29

Habitat for Humanity Build

The Helping Hands Project Build has begun!

Planning technicalities had initially delayed the project by a month, but progress was rapid once it began on Saturday, 29 April. The floor and framing are up, and the roof will be on by the time we go to print.

The College has already had several teams on-site building, and these teams consist of senior students, staff and parents. An additional group of volunteers are due on-site for the next four Saturdays until the house is completed.

The family, who will eventually move into the home, have come down from Kaikohe, and have been building alongside the volunteers and the Habitat build team.

When the framing walls went up, it was an emotional moment as they could see the outline of their rooms.

The family's seven children, ranging from 2 to 15 years old, are beginning to get excited!

6

Junior girls from 2FSH, produced collaged hearts with the theme 'what home means to me.' The hearts appear on the St Cuthbert's banner on the site perimeter fence.

The Helping Hands Build site is on the corner of Broadway and Mahuru Rd, next to the Caltex service station in Newmarket and is causing a lot of interest with pedestrians and local businesses. Visitors are welcome anytime. The building site is open 8.30am to 4.30pm daily, except Sundays.

Dad and daughter building together Luka Maamaloa (Year 11) and her Dad Niu have rolled up their sleeves and donned hard hats to do their bit for the build.

Niu, who works in construction, says, "We have had first-hand experience in needing a stable and secure home. Our small Village within Vava'u was destroyed in Hurricane Winston and for families to start over the people needed houses like these .

When we saw this opportunity, we jumped at the idea of helping as we know how much these homes help families in so many ways."

Junior School girls made cards for the family and Middle School girls made the morning tea. Senior School students and Values programme co-ordinator, Anna Wong, delivered these to the volunteers and partner family.

Many Helping Hands St Cuthbert's Values Programme Manager Anna Wong believes the Helping Hands Build to be the biggest project in which the College programme has taken on. Building a home for a family in need is also likely to be a first for a girl's school anywhere in New Zealand.

Working with Habitat for Humanity, Auckland, and the Rotary Club of Newmarket has been vital for the project's success.

School-wide, the project has been embraced by teams of Junior School students building Lego House communities, fundraisers, Delish Cupcakes sales, and an evening at Rainbows End – with a portion of ticket sales going towards the build. A Year 10 soft materials class worked together to create a unique quilt for the family.

The Gatsby auction, a glittering 20's themed fundraiser, was well attended (see photos next page). The event raised more than $20,000 and secured notable guests who will be taking part in the actual build and promoting the project in the media.

The Team Senior girls formed a student-led communications team to ensure that the build's progress would be recorded and shared with a broad audience through various channels. St Cuthbert's Head Girl, Monique Pitt, is excited to participate in the build. "I'm keen to encourage fellow students to work together and engage with the Helping Hands Build. Being able to contribute and understand first-hand what this will mean to the family who will move into the house means so much to me." The students in the team have various roles, and we urge everyone to follow and share their blogs and Instagram posts.

The Volunteers The St Cuthbert's community is behind the build, with many staff, students, parents and friends signing up to help with construction. Many corporates and building apprentices have also come on board to volunteer alongside the Habitat for Humanity build team, with slots filling quickly.

The Stakeholders

From left - Yolanda Ye, Interviews and Instagram; Marina Liu, Photo Blog; Claudia Sinclair, Website Blogger; Monique Pitt, Team Leader.

The local Business Association has encouraged Newmarket businesses to put their support behind the project and is excited at the prospect of the build happening right on their doorstep.

NZTA have generously allowed the structure to be erected on their land, under the motorway viaduct. The build event has already gained a high profile in Newmarket with many shoppers and workers take time out to view its progress.

COLLEGE TIES

7

DIGITAL LEARNING

So, what is Coding?

CODING IS USING COMPUTING LANGUAGE to instruct a computer to do something. It is the combination of all of these instructions that creates the software which we use daily, such as when finding directions on Google maps or using our remote controls.

Victoria University of Wellington Senior Lecturer Andy Linton is aware many parents are unsure of the term ‘coding’. Put simply, it’s really like the difference between knowing how to drive a car and knowing how a car works. “We cook using recipes,

Page 8

we learn to knit with a formula of purl one, knit one. So logical sequences of instructions are simply part of the basics to learning to code.” Behind every new app or 3D printer are the humans who build code. Coders, or programmers, are the key bridge between human experience and technology.

“Children are generally more tech savvy with digital products but their skills do not usually extend to the process of creating or understanding the basics of the product,” says Deputy Principal Theresa Bosch.

“Yet, learning the fundamentals of the coding process, using a mix of logic and creativity, develops other related areas of the brain.”

Research has shown that maths, computational thinking, imagination and even science skills are further developed and analytical and evaluation skills are learned during the process of coding too.

“More and more we are looking to integrate Computer Science into our students’ learning here at Baradene and it's a high-interest area for our students,” says Mrs Bosch.

“Last year we offered coding as an extracurricular subject and are continuing to do so again in 2016 under the tutelage of Mr Tim Hardie, Head of Digital Learning. This will allow students to get a head start before New Zealand schools follow the lead of primary schools in the UK and many European countries.”

In 2015 the subject became mandatory in schools, for students from Year 7.

“We cook using recipes, we learn to knit with a formula of purl one, knit one.

So logical sequences of instructions are simply part of the basics to learning to code.”

“As the world becomes increasingly digital, coding will be a necessary skill, even within more traditional roles,” said Mrs Bosch. “Despite it being seen as a natural entry for girls taking technology, numbers are low compared to male coders.”

Developing software is currently the fastest growing sector of the economy in many countries. This is resulting in large numbers of exciting jobs with strong remuneration rates and opportunities and there is a worldwide shortage of skilled people to fill the job market.

Baradene selected as a 2015/16 Microsoft Showcase School BARADENE COLLEGE has been selected by Microsoft as a 2015-16 Microsoft Showcase School for our excellence in transforming our learning environment to deliver more personalised education to students, using mobile and cloud technology, to better prepare students for success in the workplace.

We join an exclusive community of over 400 premier schools from around the world, recognised to celebrate pioneering efforts and innovation in rethinking teaching, learning and assessment in order to drive 21st-century competencies.

Selection as a Microsoft Showcase School is an amazing honour and recognition of the passion our teachers and staff, led by Mrs Theresa Bosch, for creating the best learning environments possible. Mr Tim Hardie, Mr Philip Jones, Mrs Sharon Kan and Miss Sherna Matta have been selected as Microsoft Innovative Expert Educators (MIE) and we can look forward to working with Microsoft to lead innovation and share our experiences with other schools in New Zealand and the world. We’re set to equip our students with the proper tools needed for success inside and outside of the classroom.

“Microsoft Showcase Schools are truly transforming learning and providing more personalised education to students empowering them to achieve more,” said Anthony Salcito, Vice President of Worldwide Education at Microsoft.

These schools are shining examples of those applying purposedriven innovation in a variety of ways to build connection, motivate students and are being recognised on a global scale for educating tomorrow’s workforce.

Showcase Schools also receive the following benefits from Microsoft as part of the programme: * Collaboration with an international group of thought leaders * MIE Educators on staff to help drive innovation and to support staff, peers and students * Access to professional development for educators within our school * Invitations to regional and global events

Deputy Principal Theresa Bosch

Page 9

ALUMNAE

“It’s a privilege and a blessing to be able to do a job I love and have always wanted to do.”

Vascular surgery is a career that allows Dr Lupe to help treat Pasifika patients who face some of the highest rates of diabetes and vascular disease in the world.

Dr Tokilupe Taumoepeau, the first Pasifika woman doctor with a specialist qualification in vascular surgery and the first New Zealand woman vascular surgeon in Australasia, shared her story after being awarded this years Baradene College's Meritae Award.

The award pays tribute to an Alumna who has embraced the philosophy of the Sacred Heart in her everyday life.

For Dr Lupe the inspiration for her career came from her grandfather, who was an ophthalmologist in Tonga.

Page 36

Dr Tokilupe (Lupe) Taumoepeau MBchB (Auckland), FRACS (Vascular) BARADENE MERITAE AWARD 2015

“We were very close and I grew up wanting to be like him; I wanted to be a surgeon from the age of five.”

sense of Tongan culture. “That was so we would identify as Tongan New Zealanders,” she says.

Dr Lupe was initially drawn to a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery but chose a career in vascular medicine. The mix of pathology, reconstructive surgery and delicate work, and ongoing minimally invasive techniques appealed more to her.

“In vascular surgery, a successful procedure gives instant gratification, knowing your patient will be so much better for it.”

Pasifika and Maori people are over represented in all the risk factors relating to vascular disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

Her parents were born in Tonga and came to New Zealand in the 1960s, raising their children with a strong

“Even though they suffer the effects of such conditions earlier, patients often present late as they can find the hospital and health systems quite daunting. If I can be one brown face that these patients can identify with, perhaps I can make their experience less stressful.”

When asked about her time at Baradene Dr Lupe says one of her early memories was from a camp on Motutapu Island. “Who could forget sleeping overnight on the beach and the flying fox landing in the mud pool?! And the confidence course certainly stood out as a highlight.”

She recalls shaking in her harness, palms sweaty and trying not to vomit on friends below. ”It was hard to see how walking across a rope 10 metres above the ground or hopping from one eight metre platform to another was going to be good for me!”

But this was just the first of many opportunities at Baradene to help build confidence as young, aspiring leaders. “The culture at Baradene allowed us to celebrate being a

woman and I left never doubting that I could achieve whatever I wanted to,” she says. “Medicine is an incredibly rewarding career and I would strongly encourage women to take it up.

Sixty per cent of my medical school class were female. Women in surgery are also slowly growing in numbers, although we remain a minority.”

Dr Lupe believes it is so important to have visible role models for women in an industry dominated by men and this is why she is actively involved in teaching medical students.

As a member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons ' Women in Surgery' group, Dr Lupe also works to raise the profile of women in surgery on an international level.

Left: Dr Lupe with husband Alan Douglas and son Lachlan (Lachie). Although married to a ‘Kiwi’ Dr Lupe decided not to change her name so that Pasifika and Maori patients would know that she understood their culture, sometimes involving sensitive issues around amputations and organs.

Left: Dr Lupe attends to patients at a clinic for Specialist Vein Health, where she is a partner, at Wakefield Hospital, Wellington.

Left: : The 2015 Alumnae Meritae Award ceremony held in the O’Neill Gallery was a great opportunity for Dr Lupe to catch up with classmates and staff. “My time here at Baradene was formative in setting my path to further learning in an area of medicine that thrills me.” Dr Lupe is pictured here with school friend, fellow graduate of 1983, Katie Kempthorne.

Baradene Alumnae news Cor Unum Alumnae

Meritae Award 2016 Would you like to nominate a past pupil who meets the criteria for the 2016 Award?

The award is for a Baradene Alumna who has made an outstanding contribution in their chosen field, a substantial contribution to the community and has embraced the philosophy of the Sacred Heart in their everyday life.

The award will recognise someone who demonstrates the following criteria: - Renowned for their accomplishments, achievements and contributions, - Active within their community, with their family, and in wider aspects of public life, - A woman of conscience and puts others before herself, - Shows leadership and service for the betterment of society and for the good of the community.

- Embraces the spirit of ‘Cor Unum’ For more details and nomination forms, visit:

www.baradenealumne.co.nz Applications close 30 May 2016.

Page 37

Beyond the Classroom THE ENVIRONMENT. It's a big topic. It encompasses many good causes – water and land pollution, wildlife preservation and climate change, to name a few. Several high profile people have taken a stand, fighting the good fight for causes they feel strongly about. At Baradene, we have our eco-champion in Barbara Cleland-Hughes, educating her students about caring for and preserving our environment. She does this by providing a programme on sustainability Enrichment classes for Years 7 and 10 and supporting school programmes that focus on caring for the environment. We spoke with Barabara about her life-long love of this special place we all inhabit:

e d- H u g h n a l e l C Ba rba ra “We must be proactive at preserving, protecting and sustaining the natural order”.

s

What inspired your passion for the environment? Was there a defining moment?

Ever since I can remember I’ve been interested in the environment. My uncle Joe lived with our family and his friends, members of the local Nga Tahu iwi, were highly skilled fishermen and game hunters. Their keen observations of nature made a lasting impression on our family. My brother and me played with eels on the back lawn caught the previous night by Uncle.

Thankfully, eels are now protected from being tormented by inquisitive young children. Growing up on a mixed crop and livestock farm situated alongside the Waihao river and near the sea in South Canterbury, was a playground for working with farm animals, having a vegetable garden and exploring and learning about the natural systems. I became a keen observer of the wild animals, and most of all, the bird life in the area.

You are also an educator for the Hauraki Gulf, working with the Trusts that manage the islands. Tell us a little about this work and how it got started.

During the 1980s the media heightened public awareness of the Tiritiri Matangi Island planting programme. At the time I worked at a school where the students

became involved, and I finally visited Tiritiri in 1991. During the 1990s, I took senior biology school groups on field trips to Tiritiri to experience a pest-free environment. My husband and I joined the Supporters of Tiritiri Inc on work weekends, and I became a guide during the weekends and holiday time. This involvement continued, and in 2003 I was given a 12-month Royal Society Teacher Fellowship to study four endemic bird meta-populations. In 2004, my focus moved to the Miromiro bird (North Island tomtit), and I coordinated the translocation of 32 of the species to Tiritiri from the Hunua Ranges.

In 2013 I took up the position of Educator on Tiritiri Matangi Island. Being a part-time educator has allowed me to continue working in secondary schools, and I joined the Baradene staff as a part-time teacher that same year.

What steps can we all take to protect the environment without becoming overwhelmed with the enormity of it all?

We all need to focus on eliminating landfills through recycling, using biodegradable wrappings and packaging and setting up effective composting systems at our homes. For families, we should all be using forms of sustainable energy. There are many excellent and helpful online sites, and Auckland City Council has free composting courses available for the public. Kaipatiki Project Environment Centre [kaipatiki@kaipatiki.uq.co.nz] offers upskilling programmes on sustainability.

What key messages would you like our students to learn about our environment?

Our environment is precious, and the natural balance in ecosystems needs to be maintained and not exploited for resources. We must be proactive at preserving, protecting and sustaining the natural order.

Every individual sustainable action is vitally important: saying 'no' to plastic bags, using fabric bags when shopping, setting up composting systems, using more sustainable types of energy and as a consumer demanding biodegradable packaging.

POPE FRANCIS LAUDATO SI An encyclical Letter on Ecology and Climate: Care of Our Common Home. “Our earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth...we must limit, as much as possible, the use of non-renewable resources, moderating their consumption, maximising their efficient use, reusing and recycling them.” He also believes Climate Change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation.

NOTE TO SELF:

Humans are the cause but humans are also the solution

SID WEST GREW UP ON GREAT BARRIER ISLAND AND COMPETED ON THE NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL SURFING CIRCUIT, WENT TO COLLEGE IN AUCKLAND AND IS NOW STUDYING TO BE A MARINE BIOLOGIST. HIS IS A LIFE SHAPED

BY NATURE AND NURTURE.

WHEN 19-YEAR-OLD SID WEST MEETS HOLIDAYMAKERS ON GREAT BARRIER ISLAND THEY KEEP TELLING HIM HOW LUCKY HE IS TO HAVE GROWN UP HERE. And he knows it. In contrast, the people he meets on the ‘mainland’ suggest the island is remote. Sid laughs at that. “I think they have a vision of a place that’s windswept, treeless, and cold all year round, bit like the Falklands!” Instead, the Great Barrier has long hot summers, empty white beaches, native bush walks, natural hot springs, stunning wildlife and world-class fishing. And the locals are warm and friendly. Sid sometimes wished, when he was young, there were more people on the island but on reflection, he now says the thing he enjoys most is the quiet.

Sid’s island upbringing could be straight out of a ‘boys own’ storybook; he was hooked on surfing with his first board at age ten and spent countless hours fishing, diving or hunting with his mum, dad and two brothers. “We did that stuff only if the surf was flat.” Things changed when he reached college age. The island has three primary schools but no high school, so Sid joined 18 other local boys, all sent off the island to boarding school at Auckland Grammar. “It was crazy - going from a mixed-gender school of under 100 pupils to a college of 2,500 boys, but I adjusted pretty quickly and had an awesome time while I was there.” He admits getting out for a surf after school was pretty rare.

It’s a passion for surfing that shaped Sid, “I love Kaitoke beach; it can have some great barrels and looking back on the island from out there and seeing its beauty is awesome. Both Awana and Medlands are good spots, too, and I have had so many memorable surfs at all of them. But Okiwi beach is pretty special, especially when you score it with only a couple of the local boys.”

Sid has competed on the national surfing circuit for the past five years and is going from strength to strength, making a name for himself. “I hope to go overseas one day and compete in some of the larger competitions.” Getting the support to get there and compete is one of his goals. The other is to make a career as a Marine Biologist, and he is currently studying at Tauranga Polytechnic. ”I think being surrounded by water all my life is the real force. I have a huge respect for the ocean and my life will always revolve around it.”

Left: A days fishing turned into a hunting expedition when a wild pig was spotted in the bush on the way home. Seafood and pork on the menu!

Far left: A 15-year old Sid surfing at Medlands Beach (Photo courtesy of Aotea Surf School).

Cruising the harbo Auckland FULLERS HARBOUR CRUISE SKIPPER

CEILHE HALPIN HAS ONE THING TO SAY

TO PEOPLE PLANNING THEIR BIG OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE:

Check out Auckland's beautiful harbour on your doorstep before you leave! He says he is no longer surprised by the number of visitors telling him we have such a clean harbour, especially when so many come from countries where polluted waterways are a real problem.

An experienced skipper here and overseas, Ceilhe likes the variety of boats he sees on

the water. "You'll see yachts over 100 years old with original rigging gracefully gliding along and then a state-of-the-art America's Cup multi-hull yacht racing by at an exhil­ arating speed." Auckland is the City of Sails.

Fullers' skippers often report chance sight­ ings of marine wildlife, including fur seals, dolphins, little blue penguins and even pods of orca whales swimming nearby or playing in the wake of the vessel.

ur is a 'must-do' • experience...

With two fully commentated Fullers Harbour Cruises daily, (with morning or afternoon tea), the timing is perfect for tourists. The morning departure will return you to Downtown in time for lunch and the afternoon tour is ideal for those wishing to relax after a morning of sightseeing or shopping around the city.

With either cruise you'll receive a free open return ticket to Devon port to use at your leisure.

And for those locals who have never taken a look at our city, its coast and islands of the gulf from the water, Ceilhe simply says "just do it!''.

HIGHLIGHTS: Bean Rock Light­ house, Rangitoto Island stop­ over, North Head, Devonport Naval Base, Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Viaduct

WE PUT SKIPPER CEILHE ON THE SPOT...

A vivid childhood memory is: My first ride on a high speed ferry

when I was 10. Myself and a mate stood on deck loving it while the rest of the class were down below throwing up!

Best advice received: 'The best part of life is always the people

you share it with' and the old saying 'It's who you know..:

The questions visitors ask most often: Which end is the front?

Where are the bathrooms? How on earth do you pronounce your name? Do these guys pay you enough? Why is the NZ flag red on our boat, and white or blue on some others?* What I like to do on my days off: Family time with our 20-month

old son and Kite Surfing. Both can be fun and challenging!

My secret skill is: I make a mean bolognese... and chocolate sauce! *The flag is the NZ Red Ensign and it's the flag used by New Zealand maritime.

It is flown on non-government ships. A white ensign is used by the New Zealand Navy.

Winter Special: Second person goes for half price on the Fullers Harbour Cruise until the end of September!

·

...

AS THE DAYS GET SHORTER AND THE NIGHTS GET COLDER, MOST OF US FEEL A LITTLE 'BLAH�..

Ask any health professional how to 'shake them winter blues', and they'll prescribe a to-do list.

Follow this script for Waiheke magic and fresh sea air, and it won't fail to lift your spirits!

1. EXERCISE: The island is 19kms in length of coastal beauty trimmed by golden sandy shorelines, fragrant bush walks as well as conservation trails offering walkers many opportunities to explore. Getting out and about on foot is one of the best ways to get a real feel for the island and will allow you to discover much of what makes Waiheke so special.

2. SOCIALISE: Bring a friend ...or three. Make a date with friends or family lucky enough to live on Waiheke Island. Enjoying the expedition with people special to you can only enhance the memories.

3. EAT A HEALTHY DIET: From haute cuisine to mouth-watering comfort food (healthy for the soul) discover a variety of food from vineyard eateries to village cafes. Fish and chips on the beach or fine dining in award-winning restaurants. You choose.

4. TAKE ALCOHOL IN MODERATION: Board a Fullers Taste of Waiheke or Wine on Waiheke tour with like-minded winter shakers! You'll need to book in advance but it'll be well worth it.

5. TREAT YOURSELF: Buy something local.

The island has always attracted talented free-spirited artisans who create and exhibit on the island. Painters, ceramacists, sculptors and jewellery makers are just a few of the working artists whose craft can be found in the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, studios, gift stores and the Ostend weekend market.

6. EMBRACE THE SEASON: Outdoor activ­ ities will help you to connect with the environment.Wild onWaiheke is just one of the many companies offering an engag ing range of fun activities especially suited for groups. The venue is on a vineyard with laser clay shooting, archery and the gentler sports of beer and wine tasting as well as a cafe for comfort. Better still, book a Fullers Taste ofWaiheke tour and it's one of the major stops!

7. GET SOME VITAMIN D: So it's winter... but being outdoors during winter is essential! With a Fullers All Day Bus pass you'll be able to visit the beaches of Onetangi or Oneroa and stretch your legs or take a mid-winter dip! The stroll and the fresh sea air will help nicely with the final item on the to-do list....

8. GET MORE SLEEP! A nice euphoria will descend on you as you relax on the ferry ride back to the city. It's not uncommon to gently nod off during the 40 minute journey.

..

Left: Photo courtesy of www.coastnewzealand.com.au Coast Marine Bean ™ XL Outdoor Beanbags.

Thanks for looking!

Maree Peterson C.V. | Phone 022 082 3857 | Email maree.peterson10@gmail.com |