Brochures for The Great Peninsula Adventure - 31/03/11

Hi once again, here is a copy of the final brochure as promised. Enjoy!

Adventure Updates - 29/03/11

Hey everybody! 

Hope you have all had a great weekend - we have been super busy brainstorming ideas and activities for the trip. We would love to hear from you if you have any ideas or requests - flick us an email at studentsforstop@hotmail.co.nz! 

Our official brochures and posters will hopefully be available by the end of this week. This little beauty will provide you with all the information you need to know about the trip; meeting times, things to bring, activities, places we will be visiting, and extra information about the organisation STOP. We will be uploading a copy of the pamphlet to this website so you can get your hands on it ASAP! For those of you lucky enough to get the real thing you may be in for a treat or two (hint: free sweets and key rings anyone?). Hope you enjoy! 

Photographs of the Otago Peninsula - 24/03/11

View of the Otago Harbour from Highcliff Road.

Sandfly Bay

Harbour Cone

Sandfly Bay - Home to the Yellow-Eyed Penguin/Hoiho

Also the home of New Zealand Sea Lions/Pakake

Grazing sheep

The Soldiers Memorial

New Zealand Harakeke - a plant used traditionally by Maori (i.e. for clothing, mats, baskets etc)

A view of Hoopers Inlet

Sand Dune Restoration Project - 23/03/11

Hi guys,
For those of you interested, here is a little bit of information regarding STOP's Sand Dune Restoration Project. The funds raised by these Adventure Tour(s) will help contribute to this project:
- Every $4.00 you donate will buy 1 Native Pikao plant for STOP
- Every $16 will buy 1meter of fencing
- For every $640 dollars we raise STOP will be able to build 40 square meters of enclosure for 120 plants.

The Project primarily involves replacing the current Marram grass that resides on many of the peninsula's dunes with native Pikao plants. The current Marram grass was first introduced to stabilize the sand dunes however on many beaches it has resulted in tall sturdy cliff faces that prevent many of the area's native birds (such as the Yellow-Eyed Penguins) from accessing their nests. The replacement of the Marram grass with Pikao will result in more mobile dunes that are gently contoured, easier and safer for wildlife to inhabit and access.

Ideas for the trip - 23/03/11

    
Hey everybody, here are just a few possibilities for activities on the day:
- A game of cricket on the beach
- A visit to Sandfly Bay, to see the Hooker's Sea Lions and the Yellow-eyed Penguins
- A casual walk to the Soldier's Memorial
- A picnic with lots of yummy classic kiwi cuisine (Pavlova, L&P, Ice Cream, Marmite Sandwiches,  Scones etc)
- A scavenger hunt (with an awesome prize for the winner)
- Lots of photo taking and sight seeing!

For those of you interested in coming feel free to add any suggestions!
Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Save the Otago Peninsula (STOP) - 22/03/11

Hi everybody, before we get started discussing possibilities for the tour, I thought it would be of interest to provide you all with information on the organisation we are fund raising for - STOP. 

Save the Otago Peninsula Incorporated Society (STOP) is a community based environmental group. It was formed in 1980 in response to the possible construction of an aluminum smelter at Okia Flats as an alternative to Aromoana. STOP now exists to protect and enhance the natural environment of the Peninsula. It monitors and reacts to potential threats to the environment. It works to raise concern for the protection of the environment and it organises practical ways in which people can make a contribution. The Society's activities include encouragement of, and financial assistance with, the protection of bush remnants on the Peninsula, revegetation, protection and enhancement of the habitat of indigenous bird and animal species, pest control, mounting displays to encourage public awareness of, and concern about, environmental issues on the Peninsula, and the preparation of publications describing aspects of the natural environment of the Peninsula. Submissions on District Plans, Annual Plans, policy strategies and Resource Consents have led to us being included in local body working parties on environmental concerns and the society is included in the Stakeholder List for the long Term Community Plan.

STOP initiated the campaign to encourage the Dunedin City Council to purchase for a Regional Park, the block of land that includes Harbour Cone with subsequent recreational opportunities and the opportunity to protect its natural values, rather than risking further residential development.The Society obtains regular income by selling postcards featuring aspects of the natural environment of the Peninsula. Grant assistance and donations are sought for specific projects. No membership fees are charged to reduce administration. It has almost 150 members, as well as other people who volunteer to assist with various aspects of its activities.

Otago Peninsula - 22/03/11