PIHA COASTCARE & WCC
"Nature in your Neighbourhood"
Photographs
All photographs with a blue border are thumbnails. Click them for a larger photo.
Photos Session 1 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - plants & animals in Piha
An overview session to give context and introduce some of the key elements in the Piha ecosystem.
We were thrilled to have 17 attend Session One today along with our two presenters and administrator (& my note taker -).
This photo, left, shows a map of the Piha area showing all the reserves for us to look at in relation to where we lived or owned property.
Chris Ferkins asked us all to describe why Piha was special to us. Here are some of the reasons: I learnt to drive on a gravel road in Piha and to swim in Pihas surf. The variety of sea and bush. Piha is 90% perfect. If we could walk from the hill to the beach it would be 100%. That walk is ghastly. Bush, wildlife, freedom, swimming, rough, relaxed, Piha's contrast to the city, rawness. Piha's bush, wild, on the doorstep to the city. Another person: I think about what I miss when I'm not in Piha and it's the sound of the surf and morepork. The stars and Kitekite Falls. Another: the drama of Piha. From a 6th generation 'Westie': Piha is sentimental and therapy. Retreat, recreation, friends. I take on a different persona in Piha. Freedom for children 'home when hungry!'. Natural balance. The air at Piha, walking & freedom. Wild and unpretencious. Walking, bush and beach. Vegetation. Village atmosphere. Community spirit. Bird life year round. Green spaces. Birds.
Chris then took us through the 7 parts to the structure of a mature and healthy rainforest. Ecosourcing and the importance of it. Weeds and natives all need a suitable habitat . . . . . . Gardening vs restoration . . . . . . .
Left; Jeff McCauley. We were thrilled to have Jeff with us today. He has lived in Piha for a number of years while working at Oratia Native Nursery and is a 6th generation 'Westie'.
Jeff talked about endangered species in NZ in general but more specifically on our West Coast and Waitakere and gave us some of the reasons why they are becoming endangered.
We had a good look and discussion about some endangered species he brought along. Jeff has taken over the gardens at the end of Glenesk Road and will be having a nursery there and sharing his huge wealth of knowledge more with us.
Left: Chrissy Henly.
Chrissy coordinates the presenters for us, brings some great books and handouts for us, and is also - the note taker 
If you're nice to Chrissy she'll bring Tim Tams too !!!
A display of endangered natives.
Below from left: Looking at handouts and books. Next two: Field Trip the finish up.
Below from left: Hot homemade soup and bread followed by cookie before our Field Trip
Next Session: Water, Water Everywhere buts what's in it. See HERE
left: Bobbie & Pat from Piha CoastCare.
These sessions are coordinated by Piha CoastCare with all the supported needed by Waitakere City Council. TOC
Photos Session 2 Water Water Everywhere - but what's in it?
An introduction to Piha Streams their importance and how we can help to maintain their health TOC
Photos Session 3 The Good the Bad and the Ugly continued
What to do about the neighbours!
Invasive weed issues in depth - identification, control and what to do once the weeds are gone TOC
Photos Session 4 PPP - Propagating Plants in Piha
Introducing plant propagation techniques - eco-sourcing TOC
