So you’ve caught your possum . . .
Having caught their possum, many people possibly have absolutely no idea what to do with it. That might change if they venture along to Paihia’s Village Green on Saturday, and have a quiet word with Stella Schmid.
Those who are especially committed to ridding the North of the unwanted Australians might like to try one of her possages, mutton and possum sausages that she has been busy preparing for the big day.
The new conservation festival will feature more than 30 stalls, guest speakers, demonstrations and wild food tastings, organised by Stella, a
Bay Bush Action trustee and founder of Papatu¯a¯nuku Earth Mother Tours, with the idea of celebrating everyone who is striving to look after Northland’s environment and wildlife.
“It will be a relaxed, casual day for people who know each other but have never met, to get together and do some networking,” she said.
People travelling from around New Zealand to take part included the director of Kiwis for Kiwi, Michelle Impey, DoC’s threatened species ambassador, Nicola Toki, known for her Critter of the Week segment on Radio NZ, and Ian Tarei, of the award-winning Omataroa Kiwi Project in Te Teko.
The festival will run from 9.30am to 5.30pm, starting with a kapa haka performance by Treaty Grounds cultural group Te Pito Whenua. Visitors will be able to sample wild pig on a spit and Stella’s possages, with other attractions including conservation dog displays, trapping workshops, weaving demonstrations, guest speakers, and a chance to learn about electric cars.
Anyone who can guess correctly how many barrels of oil Paihia EV enthusiast Craig Salmon has saved in the past five years could win the use of his car for a weekend.
The festival is sponsored by Paihia businesses, admission free.