news and viewsRecent AwardsThe Banks Peninsula Track was highly commended as a finalist in the landscape section of the Christchurch Heritage Awards in October 2010. Our entry included numerous examples of conservation work undertaken along the track route. Francis and Shireen Helps won the Aoraki Conservation Board Award 2010 for their work with the white-flippered penguin colony at their farm at Flea Bay. Board chairman Steve Lowndes said the couple were "an example of the close links between conventional farming and conservation" for many years, and had helped protect the penguins. EarthquakeThe September 4th earthquake had some dramatic effects around the coast of Banks Peninsula, and probably none more so than in Sleepy Cove with the loss of 'our' sea-arch.
The initial damage still left some of the arch in place but an aftershock 3 weeks later left us with the stack.
Also damaged was the new predator proof fence above Stony Bay where the cliff fence simply disappeared. It is currently being replaced.
Sooty Shearwater Conservation ProjectThe incredible predator proof fence around the sooty shearwater breeding colony near Stony Bay was officially opened by being finally closed in early March. The fence has intrigued walkers during its construction process and is a great feat of engineering, enclosing about half a hectare of land on the very edge of the high cliffs. It replaces the fence erected 10 years before by Mark Armstrong which had secured the future of this breeding colony - the only known one on the mainland - but which had twice been breached by stoats with devastating results. The new fence was funded by grants from the Joseph Langer Trust with additional sponsorship from Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, and the Lotteries Board. Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust managed the project applications with help from Anita of DOC.
Mark and Sonia Armstrong climbing through the door before it is closed at the opening ceremony
'Coasters' TV showAn episode of the forthcoming TV series 'Coasters' on TV One features the bays of Banks Peninsula. Filming took place at Flea Bay, Stony Bay and Otanerito in late February. The series is narrated by well known chef Al Brown, seen here (left) with Fiona Farrell at Otanerito and (right) leaving with the film crew for Le Bons Bay on Gary Brittenden's boat. The programme is directed and produced by Peter Young (centre) of Fisheye films. Al Brown is co-owner of Logan Brown Restaurant in Wellington, winner of Cuisine magazine's 2009 Restaurant of the Year Award.
Since this posting, and quite coincidentally, Fiona Farrell and Al Brown were both shortlisted for the NZ Post Book Awards 2010, with Al Brown subsequently winning both his category and the people's choice award. Fiona Farrell - 'Limestone' - Fiction category Al Brown - 'Go Fish' - Illustrated non-fiction category The book of the series "Coasters" is now available in all good bookshops! New Extended Standby TimeOur Standby Price for walkers booking just before walking has been extended from the previous 36 hours to 5 days. This should allow walkers to travel from anywhere in the country to Akaroa and still take up this option should availability allow. Christchurch/Airport Pick Up
Pack Cartage update.
GST Price increasesFrom 1st October 2010 the GST rate in NZ increased to 15%. For simplicity, we raised our prices by a single payment on each walk. All bookings made before October 1st 2010 (either deposit or full payment) will only be charged at the current prices (ie. pre-increase) |
