31 December 2017: Goat Island Marine Reserve and more!

Another beautiful day in Auckland began with a drive out to Leigh, about an hour north of the city.  There, we our first stop was at the Goat Island Dive and Snorkel Shop where we picked up our gear to snorkel around the Goat Island Marine Reserve that afternoon.  We popped in to see Tina and the crew to get outfitted with gear and then we were off to the Goat Island Discovery Centre to hear about the origins of the Centre and the current research taking place in the marine reserve just off shore of the Centre (how sweet is that, ecology folks?!).

We checked-in at the Discovery Centre and were met by two knowledgable and friendly folks: Angela, a former marine sciences technician and now assistant to the Centre’s director, and Ashley, an Auckland University PhD student in marine science.  We learned about the strong-tie between the local community and the marine reserve, and the benefits  the reserve has to the fishery outside of the reserve.  We saw  interesting video footage that appeared to demonstrate a rise in species richness and abundance as a result of the establishment of the Goat Island Marine Reserve, as well as other marine reserves within the Hauraki   Gulf.  With the increase in species diversity,  the intricate food web off the coast was maintained.  The students commented on how ‘cool’ it was that local community members thought the preservation of species in the marine environment was important and questioned why more people in the US don’t get involved to preserve the country’s natural world.  Good question!

Ashley then treated us to an introduction to some of the common invertebrates found in the marine reserve using the animals in the Centre’s ‘touch tank’.  The students had the opportunity to handle several species of sea stars, observe what happens when a predatory sea star attacks a scallop, and be personally ‘attacked’ by a sea anemone.  Very cool stuff, indeed.

                              

 

Sam Keeney (Nursing ‘20) holding a sea star from the touch tank.  We learned this particular species of sea star is not a predator of scallops.

Sara Wernick (Sociology ‘20) holding a brittle sea star at the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre touch tank.

Amanda Krom (Nursing ‘20) holding a third species of sea star in the touch tank.

Following lunch, we suited up for a swim in the Goat Island Marine Reserve and were fortunate to see an octopus (great find, Jenna Albanese (Nursing, ‘19)!), squid, pipers, snappers, and many as-of-yet unidentified fish species.  The water was a bit chilly but we managed a good 1.5hr swim thanks to the recommendation from Tina at the dive shop to wear the long wetsuits rather than the shorties!  Swimming worked-off our lunches, so we fueled up for our visit to Muriwai Beach later in the afternoon with an ice cream stop in Matakana.  A good start to the afternoon!

Across the North Island from Leigh and Auckland, lays the west coast, an area dominated by black, volcanic-origin, sands.  The sand was extremely fine, much finer than what is typically found on Jones Beach (Long Island, NY)!  A few students took a dip in the Tasman Sea, while several others lounged on the enormous beach.  Instead of lounging around, I walked with Sara Wernick (Sociology, ‘20) and Emily Stanek (Nursing, ‘19) to visit the nearly Australasian Gannet colony high on the bluffs above the beach.  What an amazing opportunity to see seabirds up-close and personal!  About 2000 birds, half of which were nestlings, could be seen sleeping, preening, greeting newly-arrived mates, or fighting with interlopers on the colony.  A huge range of young birds could be seen on the colony: some only 1 week old; others probably at least 6 weeks old.  And, some parents were still sitting on eggs; probably not good news considering that it’s the middle of summer already!

                 

Emily Stanek (Nursing ‘19) and Sara Wernick (Sociology ‘20) watching the Australasian Gannet colony at Muriwai Beach.

The year 2017 finished out with all of us going out for meals and watching the fireworks get launched off the Sky Tower in Auckland’s City Central.  With the closing of the year, it’s safe to say that we all feel very fortunate to have our health, families that love and miss us, and the wonderful opportunity to visit New Zealand. Here’s to good health and success to all in the new year!

30 December 2017: Tiritiri Matangi, the Open Sanctuary

By Harley Illingworth (Nursing ‘20)

Today, the group had plans to go to Tiritiri Matangi Island to learn about the islands conservation efforts to restore it back to its original state. Tiritiri is a pest free island which means that there are no animals such as mice weasels and snakes on the island. This is to insure the safety of the other animals and plants that inhabit the island. To keep the island pest free visitors must clear the bottoms of their shoes of dirt and make sure that no pests are currently residing in the bags that they are carrying onto the island. We also were given the rule that whatever you bring onto the island must leave the island with you for the safety and sanitation of the island.

Nick Terzulli (Nursing ‘19), Ryan Feeney (Nursing ‘19), Sara Wernick (Sociology ‘20), and Amanda Krom (Nursing ‘20) riding the ferry from Auckland to Tiritiri Matangi.

In order to get to the island we had to take the ferry from Auckland’s shore line to the island of Tiritiri which took us about an hour or so. Once we got there we were introduced to our tour guide Malcom who was a walking encyclopedia. Malcom explained to us that after the Persians killed off most of the bush with fire it left the island with only 6% of its natural state which still existence today. It took about ten years to finally turn that 6% into 60%. He also informed us that are a various amount of birds that habitat the island. This birds range from penguins to the very rare Kiwi. We were even lucky enough to see Tui, Saddleback, parakeet, Weka, and more. 

Malcolm describing the nesting behavior of Grey-faced Petrels to Nick Terzulli (Nursing ‘20) and Emily Stanek (Nursing ‘20).

Malcolm explaining the restoration of native bush on Tiritiri Matangi.

One of the crazier things that we saw was a Tui laying on the ground with his wings spread out. Originally we thought that the bird was hurt but later learned that the Tui was sunbathing. We also hiked to the top of the island where the oldest lighthouse in the country is. Not only did we get to see some breathtaking views but we also got to see rare species of birds and we got to learn a lot more about the very unique island of Tiritiri Matangi.

29 December 2017: Auckland

We’re here!  Thirteen hours later, we’ve made the jump across the Pacific Ocean and have landed in sunny, warm Auckland!  As we waited for the arrival of our last member (arriving from Sydney, Australia), we took in some sites in Auckland and soaked up some of the austral summer’s toasty sun.

The group in the Auckland airport with a traditional Maori carving behind us.

To start the New Zealand trip, we begin with a group meal that the students pick out and prepare.  We had a terrific stir fry with chicken and seafood and got to share what events students are most looking forward to...I’m hoping we get to fulfill all hopes on this trip and, just maybe, exceed expectations!

Our final stop on our first travel day was Auckland’s famous ‘Sky Tower’.  This 220m structure reigns as the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere (although our very own Empire State Building is nearly double the height!).  The 360 degree view at the top gives a great perspective on Auckland and the geologic history of a country that is still very much in tectonic motion.

                                               

 Our group in front of Auckland’s Sky Tower.

Amanda Krom (Nursing ‘19) with the ‘Marvin’ the mascot from Mrs. Shuta and Mrs. Cifuni’s 2nd grade class from Balmville School (Newburgh Enlarged City School District).

27 December 2017: And... we're off!

Our departure for New Zealand has finally arrived and there is subtle buzz to the students.  Everyone’s tired from the early flight to San Francisco, but the excitement is there!  Nearly all of the students on the trip have travelled internationally but all are raring to go on this huge adventure!

Part of our group on our flight from Newark to San Francisco (front, left to right: Nick Terzulli (Nursing ‘20), Harley Illingworth (Nursing ‘21), Sam Kenney (Nursing ‘21); back, left to right: Jenna Albanese (Nursing ‘20), Ryan Feeney (Nursing ‘19), Amanda Krom (Nursing ‘20), and Emily Stanek (Nursing ‘19).

Our first stop in adventure was San Francisco, where we took time during our 7 hour layover to visit an In-and-Out Burger (look out Five Guys, you’ve got some west coast competition!) for lunch, then we went on to visit the Golden Gate Bridge.  Tremendous!  We had an awesome start to the trip, never mind some hiccups (forgotten passport, rental van timing issue)!