A collaborative approach to taiao nature-based learning at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, Waikanae highlighted the special interdependent relationship of two taonga species. This has led to further enquiry into local ecosystems and how to care for them.
Pekapeka tou poto detection
The news of pekapeka tou poto, short tail bat (Mystacina tuberculata) being recorded in the Wellington region for the first time in a number of years, fortuitously coincided with the development of a puppet show and an Enviroschools event (already in the planning stages) and subsequently coming together at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae.
The critically endangered pekapeka tou poto, were feared to be extinct in the lower North Island. Acoustic monitoring over summer near the Pākuratahi River, just south of the Remutaka Hill Road, recorded these small animals (one of the two remaining native bat species) in the Wellington region for the first time in more than seven years.
There is a special relationship between this native bat species and a nationally vulnerable plant species pua o te reinga (Dactylanthus taylorii). Pekapeka tou poto and pua o te reinga are species that rely on each other to thrive. Pekapeka tou poto is attracted to the tiny parasitic plant by the strong scented flower and in return for a sweet feed of nectar, pollinates the plant. Add to this the parasitic relationship that pua o te reinga has with host trees and you have a fascinating example of inter-connectedness.
Developing the concept
Stringbean puppeteer, Anna Bailey, saw an opportunity to promote the conservation of this species and began talking with Enviroschools Community Facilitator, Amanda Dobson, about the idea of a show, last year.
“I am passionate about telling stories about our lesser-known taonga species, to help build awareness and connection with a species that people may not encounter, and to start a conversation about how we might protect them. I think that the arts have an important role in environmental education and really valued this opportunity to work with Enviroschools to deliver this programme and also to have the support of mana whenua to enrich my understanding of the importance of these taonga species.” – Stringbean puppeteer, Anna Bailey
Amanda was immediately excited when she heard Anna’s ideas about the central characters of the puppet show.
“I knew that this endangered plant is present in the old forest at Ngā Manu, and that mana whenua had recently been involved in a translocation of this taonga species from the Pureora forest in the Waikato region.”
Mana whenua representative Sharlene Maoate-Davis (Taranaki, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Wehiwehi, Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngai Tahu) was invited to contribute at the initial planning stage, and the team was successful in securing funding from the Performing Arts Foundation for the show as part of the event.
Storytelling and exploration
Anna shares the magic of puppetry, showcasing taonga species.
The team working the puppets.
The culmination of this planning was a 3-day collaborative event at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve on 7-9 May led by Enviroschools, in partnership with mana whenua representatives and puppeteer Anna Bailey, hosting a number of local Enviroschools and early childhood groups from across Kāpiti.
Through storytelling, tamariki learned about the special pirinoa (symbiotic) relationship between these two unique species within this forest ecosystem.
“It was very special to be able to learn through our local environment. What a valuable experience it was for our ākonga, who thoroughly enjoyed the day. After the event we have taken our learning further by discussing the reappearance of the pekapeka in the Wellington area. Also we made pekapeka puppets. We plan to revisit the topic in Term 3 as part of an inquiry into our native species.” – Waikanae School
Sharlene shares pūrākau in the ngahere.
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve was the obvious choice for the event not only because of its ecology and preservation status but it having space for the puppet show and the tracks for a guided walk through ngahere. Participants were able to see with trees species that host pua o te Reinga and wonder where they could be hiding beneath the leaf litter. They could also imagine the flutter and skuttle of pekapeka tou poto as they moved through the ngahere at night.
“This haerenga to Ngā Manu Nature Reserve was invaluable for our tamariki of Te Whānau Kōtuku, being able to enter into the ngahere, touch and smell the living elements was bringing the theory of classroom learning into the real world around us, listening to the pūrakau of our local iwi Te Atiawa from Whaea Shar was also very special to hear the stories of our tūpuna” – Paraparaumu school.
The guided walk led by Sharlene centred mana whenua perspectives and was complimented with the scientific knowledge of Ngā Manu Reserve Supervisor Rhys Mills. Tamariki and kaiako were thrilled to have the opportunity and have been positive with their feedback, some of which is below:
“Thank you so much to our Enviroschools co-ordinator for putting together this awesome local experience for our tamariki. The puppet show, with elements of audience participation, was very engaging. They have loved retelling the story of pekapeka and his flight back at school and were fascinated by how the lights worked. It was great to see children slow down and really look carefully at the world around them on their guided hikoi.” – Kapakapanui School.
Amanda says the event was designed to support local kaiako and encourage tamariki to learn more about the living landscapes in their community, particularly emphasising the high value of place-based learning and a locally developed curriculum. This also included mātauranga Māori, such as delivering through the Whiro moon phase and utilising taonga pūoro.
“The puppet show and ngahere tour successfully highlighted the special inter-dependent relationship of these taonga species to all participants, and there was very clear engagement from everyone who attended. We hope that the learners will be able to go back to their own community spaces and recognise interconnections and habitats that need protection and restoration.” – Amanda Dobson, Enviroschools Community Facilitator
Acknowledgements are also due to Kāpiti Coast District Council who support Enviroschools in Kāpiti, Greater Wellington Regional Council who generously supported this event by subsidising buses to enable schools to attend, and the Performing Arts Foundation which supported the development of ‘Flutter’.
“We have had a fabulous day creating glowworm puppets, bat caves and glowworm shows. Our tamariki have loved Anna’s puppet show and it has given them so much inspiration. As kaiako we have used the Ngā Manu day as writing prompts, research about bats and their habitats and more. The Tamariki have created art, drama and even outdoor games all inspired by the day in the forest and the amazing puppet show. Thank you all so so much for the opportunity to learn from all of you!” – Paekākāriki School
Sharlene captivates young participants with stories about pekapeka and porotiti.
Collaborators celebrate a successful event.
“This collaborative community partnership approach for taiao nature-based learning is an example of Mauri Tūhono – the Te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui Regional Biodiversity Framework in practice. In the framework, the concept of Hononga (our connection to each other) is represented with the image of Pua o Te Rēinga.” – Amanda Dobson, Enviroschools Community Facilitator
You can listen to the RNZ report about detection of pekapeka tou poto, short tail bat (Mystacina tuberculata) in the Wellington region here