2. Trip to Aratoi...
Aratoi an awesome, it has many
different exhibitions on all the time. My class went to Aratoi
to learn about the Wairarapa and native wildlife.
Once we had arrived at Aratoi, we met Miss Te Whaiti who
taught us about the exhibition on the Wairarapa, it’s history
and native fishes and wildlife living in and around Wairarapa
Moana.
The following information are some of the things I learnt at
Aratoi...
3. Fishy Facts...
22 different species of native fresh water fish can be found in the Wairarapa
Moana.
6 different species of fresh water fish are classed a threatened species by the
Department of Conservation.
Threats to fresh water fish in Lake Wairarapa:
-The clearing of native bush and shrubs
-Predators and fishmen
-Deterioration of water and their habitat
-Drainage of wetlands
-Commercial fishing
There are nine different species of exotic fish that have been introduced to the
water in and around Lake Wairarapa.
4. Also...
Exotic fish living in Lake Wairarapa threaten the native fish as the exotic fish can
grow very large, be aggressive, and sometimes they may even feed on the native
fish.
The brown mudfish is able to survive in Lake Wairarapa because, unlike other fish,
are able to live out of water for several months at a time as long as they remain
damp.
Threats to Brown Mudfish:
-Many lakes, creeks and water ways are being drained of water, making it very
hard for the mudfish to survive
-Predators that may try and eat the mudfish, usually introduced fish or exotic fish
-Introduced plants affecting our water ways, affecting the mudfish’s habitat
5. Te Heke Rangatira
This waka is named Te Heke Rangatira. Wakas are a maori canoe
and before Te Heke Rangatira was gi)ed to the National museum
in 1905 by its former owner Ani Hiko, it was used for ferrying
people across Lake Ferry and Lake Wairarapa.
Te Heke Rangatira was carved from a large Totara tree. The waka
now presents beautiful carvings, tikis and feathers,
curtesy of Tamati Heberley.
6. Interesting...
Fishing was made a lot easier with
these homemade fishing hooks.
Although these weapons do not look
at all deadly, with the proper training
these weapons could do a lot of
damage.
This is an eel trap, usually faced towards
the current so the eels will swim into it
and have trouble getting out again.
7. And...
This basket was used for storing eels
and fish once they were caught.
This beautiful cloak was handmade.
Worn by a maori chief on special occasions.
These are kawa kawa leaves, worn around the head to portray
signs of mourning.
They are also a sign of respect.
8. Overall...
Overall, I learnt a lot about the
Wairarapa and the native fish and
wildlife, and I’m sure my class did too.
I hope that whoever watches this slide
show get some information out of it.
Thankyou for watching.
