Family focus for summer programme

Family oriented events are the focus of this year’s annual summer nature programme Mahi Aroha, a community collaboration aimed at getting people out into nature.

The programme has been operating in the Central Plateau for over 50 years and once again kicks off on New Year’s Day with its free family event Come Fly a Kite, at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel’s golf course in Whakapapa Village, 10am to 2pm.

New events this year include a guided walk and trapping demonstration day at Opepe Reserve, a Kids Bike Taupo¯ event at Craters of the Moon, and a conservation family day at the Waipa¯h¯ıh¯ı Botanical Gardens.

The Department of Conservation, Project Tongariro, Bike Taupo¯ , Greening Taupo¯ , the Tongariro National Trout Centre and Kids Greening Taupo¯ have all worked together to make the Mahi Aroha programme affordable and fun for families.

Senior community ranger Nina Manning says the groups have made it easier to take part with bookings only needed for guided activities; otherwise event days are open to all.

“People can just turn up and take part. We have tried to make the process easier and more accessible,” says Nina.

“It’s a true collaboration with different events being led by community conservation organisations. It’s about working together to encourage families to get out into nature.”

Old favourites like the Kids Fish Out days at the Tongariro National Trout Centre, the family Lake Rotopounamu walk and the Tussock Traverse are back, along with further family activity days at the trout centre.

Greening Taupo¯ co-ordinator Robyn Ellis says this year’s activities have something for everyone from the toddlers to the grandparents. All they ask for is a donation which will go to the community groups involved.

“Mahi Aroha offer special opportunities to locals and holiday makers to explore the local flora and fauna, cultural and historical sites, and landscapes of the Central Plateau.

“It gets people out into nature to experience and learn about the Tongariro and Taupo¯ areas in ways they never have before. Once again, there is an amazing range of opportunities for the extended family,” says Robyn.

The summer programme aims to highlight the importance of protecting the natural environment through participation.

Photo / Supplied Colourful kites in all shapes and sizes will be gracing the skies of Whakapapa on New Year’s Day at the annual Come Fly a Kite event held on the golf course at Chateau Tongariro Hotel. This is the first in a series of nature and conservation-related events and activities organised as part of Project Tongariro and the Department of Conservation’s Mahi Aroha Summer Nature Programme.