On 13 March 2024, the newly appointed WCC Open Spaces and Parks Manager Dr. Bradley Schroder spoke to a large group member and at our AGM. He has managed Reserves and National Parks in South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Australia, and New Zealand.
He talked us through his South African conservation career from guiding tourists through Kruger National Park, to protecting black Rhinos from the effects of poaching and building awareness their plight through his marathon running group The Running Rhinos
His conservation message, although given in an African context, was simple:
• Build awareness of native flora and fauna
• Education for all age groups
• DOT (Do one thing) to help protect all native species.
The same message, he noted, can be used.in a Tawa setting
We might have 200-year-old Tawa and Matai trees in our reserve and a more native birdlife including Kiwi but if the local community is not invested or interested in their protection, then these taonga will be gone.
Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves 