Activity 1: Giants Among Us
New Zealand has a really special environment. Many of the plants and trees found in New Zealand are not found anywhere else in the world. These plants and trees are endemic to our country. In New Zealand, one of the largest and longest living endemic trees is the NZ Kauri tree. Kauri are mainly found in three regions of New Zealand: the Coromandel, Auckland and Northland. The largest Kauri tree in the country is in the Waipoua Forest in Northland. It is called Tāne Mahuta. Some people refer to it as the ‘Lord of the Forest.’
Thousands of people go to visit Tāne Mahuta every year. Would you like to be one of those people who got to see Tāne Mahuta in real life? Why or why not?
On your blog, tell us whether you would like to go and visit Tāne Mahuta one day. Be sure to tell us why you do (or do not) want to visit this endemic tree.
TANE MAHUTA
Yes i want to visit the endemic tree Tane Mahuta. I want to visit because i think it sounds cool and I would want to be one of the thousands of people who visit it. It must be a great tree to see if lots of people go there every year. I also want to go see how big the tree is and stand next to it and imagine how it would be if I was as tall as the tree. If i did visit the endemic tree it would be amazing and i will take photos of the endemic tree and show all my family and friends.
Malo Jahrey,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, I would love to visit Tane Mahuta to see how tall and wide the tree is. I am sure it is home to many beautiful birds and animals. I could imagine that you would find some kereru's high up in the branches. What kind of birds would you expect to see up there?
I read that the endemic tree is 51 metres tall, that is around the equivalent of 10 single story houses stacked on top of each other. I couldn't imagine what it would be like standing as tall as the tree. You would have the most incredible view but man would it hurt if you tripped over from that height.
Unfortunately, there is a disease called the Kauri dieback disease and there is a high chance that Tane Mahuta will be infected by it soon. Have you heard of the Kauri dieback disease? It would be incredible if you could do some research and let me know what the DOC rangers are doing to protect the endemic tree.
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Nga mihi,
Megan :)