Tawharanui Open Sanctuary - the Predator-proof Fence

Not perfect weather, in fact it sprinkled a bit, but as we came down the hill on the gravel ('metal') road, the view of the Tawharanui peninsula was very inviting. The special predator-proof fence runs across the middle of this image.

When we approached the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary itself, we entered through an automatic gate. Traps were placed just inside, to get any unwanted predator that might have slipped in with us.

There's an excellent display explaining all about the area and the fence.

Here is part of the 2.4 km long fence in the distance (and a small slip).

Although theoretically unwanted animals could enter Tawharanui around the end of the fence on the beach, in practise, a clever spiral shape prevents this. Stoats and rats 'hug' the fence, and get diverted into the centre of a spiral where traps are waiting for them.

And, as I said, traps are also set up inside the fence to get the ones that do find their way in.

The 'koru' spiral down towards the beach:

The rolled edge of the cap on top of the fence has been carefully designed to prevent climbers like possums from entering the sanctuary.

This was very interesting. In order to keep everything out, the size of the fence holes have to be very, very tiny, as this display shows. (Some of the words had worn off so I have printed them again). I was amazed how small a gap a rat can get through, although I suppose they are considering young ones.

TOSSI (the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society) members have been the driving force, along with ARC (the Auckland Regional Council) behind this marvelous project.

Note: As usual, all these images should zoomify if you click on them.

Sculptural Loos at Matakana - Working Art

Although I do detect a bit of a national obsession with toilet buildings in New Zealand - aided and abetted by Frederich Hundertwasser's wonderful structure at Kerikeri - I am all in favour of art that is combined with a practical purpose.

The loos that service the village of Matakana are quite remarkable, and very inviting. I'd have wanted to try them out even if I didn't need to! Apparently there was a competition held for them and a young Matakana lad Steffan de Haan, in his first year of art school beat everyone else, including architect companies. Good on him.

There are references to the local boat-building industry in the design, and the doors are recycled kauri timber - a beautiful and iconic New Zealand Northland tree.

I especially like the round coloured glass louvre windows. The light that enters through them, plus the vaulted shapes, feels almost like a castle. I'm sure someone has already suggested it makes for a more authentic throne-sitting experience.

Brick Bay

The house that had this view from the windows on the north side of their lounge, had this view below on the other side. What a dilemma! To gaze on the yachts and deep turquoise waters of the Matakana estuary to the north, or south over the hummocks of nikau palms and kauri trees down to cute little Brick Bay, where often on summer weekends, young brides and grooms are married with their friends gathered around them on the golden sands.

Beauty in Unexpected Places

Staying up in the hills overlooking Matakana last week, we had our own dear little guest house, including a perfect wee kitchen with everything provided, arranged beautifully and convenient.

The owners are yachtees and he is a carpenter*, so everything was dovetailed, ship-shape and Bristol-fashion.

* Actually, to call him a carpenter is like saying Peter Jackson makes home movies.

Ralph builds the most exquisite houses, and all joinery etc. within, and the finish is immaculate. He has no prints on his fingertips as he sands everything by hand.

The Orchestra!

I'm a visual sort of person. But I also love music. I like to 'see' music. In fact, I can play by ear very well, and do it by visualising the music as colours, textures and shapes. I can hardly read music at all - certainly not fast enough to play it.

I teethed on Peter and the Wolf. I discovered Mozart through Mozart 40, Beethoven through Miguel Rios's Song of Joy and A Clockwork Orange, and Strauss through 2001 A Space Odyssey. An accelerated learning/teaching course introduced me to Bach and the Goldberg Varitions, and there was more Bach in The English Patient. Chopin has captured me recently from watching The Pianist.

So, I came in through the back (visual) door to classical music, but now I love it, and it's more than half of all the music I listen to.

Now, Lemony Snickett has written a sort of new Guide to the Orchestra. I will just have to get this book/ DVD for my great niece in London!

Thanks for sending this to me J!

Djea's Photo Challenge

The theme for the week is 'Romance'.

I snapped this photo a year or so back, after we had been kayaking on the lake behind the McLaren Falls. I didn't know the young couple but they seemed very relaxed and happy from the back.

I wonder what they are doing now. I hope they are still taking time from their busy days to just sit and enjoy each other's company.

Ode to Sweetcorn

I scarce believe my love to be so pure

As I had thought it was,

Because it doth endure

Vicissitude, and season, as the grass ;

Methinks I lied all winter, when I swore

My love for sweetcorn infinite, if spring make it more.

Apologies to John Donne.