Visit by Unitec Ecology Students—September 27

Unitec is an Auckland-based institute of technology with a dual commitment to post-graduate and degree level study as well as vocational education and training. This morning, our friend Mel Galbraith, a Senior Lecturer in Ecology at Unitec, came out with fellow teacher Angela Dale and nine ecology students for a field trip to CUE Haven.

The objective of the visit was for the students to see a revegetation project in process and learn more about the issues and challenges involved.  Our consulting ecologist, Rodney Straka, joined us to provide additional technical information.

After introductions and a brief overview of the CUE Haven project, we took a tour of the nursery and then went for a walk through the property.  The students had a look at the wetlands, the mature bush and the plantings that we have done since we started the revegetation project.

We were able to show the students some of the challenges we are facing with wetlands management and weed and possum control and also showed them how our planting and revegetation strategies are being put into practice in the field.

They asked loads of great questions and also provided us with many useful insights and observations. And Rodney was able to bring an additional dimension to the discussion and we thank him for taking time out to participate in the visit.

We’d also like to thank Mel and the group for an interesting and enjoyable visit and look forward to having them visit CUE Haven again.