Virtual hunt for pests has spin-offs for region
Initiative brainchild of industry leaders, mana whenua and local government.
"They will also learn about what damage these organisms can do." Diane Berghan, of Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital
Afun family event with a prize pool worth $2500 will bring the worlds of Pokemon Go! and pest hunting together while helping buoy Tauranga businesses.
The Great Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Hunt challenges children to find 18 of the Bay of Plenty’s “most wanted” invasive animals, weeds and diseases via a free geocaching app. It operates in a similar fashion to Pokemon Go!, which amassed a huge following in 2016 by asking users to explore their area to virtually find and trap Pokemon characters.
The great hunt went live yesterday and runs to May 3, using an app called Actionbound.
People are encouraged to explore areas in Mount Maunganui (4km), Tauranga (3.5km) or Pa¯pa¯moa (3.5km) to find invasive species, answer questions along the way and report their findings.
All completed hunts go into the draw to win $2500 of experiences from local businesses.
Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital communications manager Diane Berghan said the hunt was not only a fun educational activity for children but supported local businesses.
The $2500 prize pool showcases local experiences and supports tourism and hospitality operators who were equally “passionate about keeping this region free of nasty pests”.
Berghan said the event was the first virtual biosecurity hunt of its kind in the Bay of Plenty. It is the brainchild of industry leaders, mana whenua and local government.
“We thought it would be fun to have a virtual hunt over the Easter and school holidays — providing free entertainment for kids while also teaching them about invasive species,” Berghan said.
“They will also learn about what damage these organisms can do to our environment and what to do if they see one in real life.”
Children are encouraged to bike, walk, scooter or skateboard their way around while on the hunt.
Berghan said the capital’s aim was to build a team of regional biosecurity champions through awareness, connection and capability building.
There are 16 prizes to be won, drawn weekly. Businesses involved include Izakai Restaurant, Blokart Sailing — Bay Station, Escape Rooms Tauranga, The Cave VR Experience, Mauao Adventures, Adrenalin Forest and Fife Lane Restaurant. Any smartphone will be suitable for downloading the Actionbound app and people can have up to six players in one team.
It was recommended young children complete the hunts with an adult as some of the routes involve crossing roads.
More information can be found on the greathunt.co.nz website.