At nine o’clock in the morning, the Kāhu Hapori had the opportunity to experience the influential Tōtara Park and its offers, such as native trees, native species, various types of plants and more.

Although I didn’t come along the trip, I am able to remark the few times I last visited Tōtara Park. Last year in Sci-Tech, we went to the Tōtara Park to practise pest-trapping.

 We first came there when we were learning about different types of pests in Tāmaki Makaurau. We learned that most of the pests are small mammals such as rats, possums, ferrets and more. However, some pests come in floral beings as well, a common one is called a “Moth Pod” (a plant that erupts at one point, that the seeds fly aimlessly until they start to the process again. Then white sap comes out that irritates the skin.) 

The 2nd time we came, we started setting up the pest-traps at Tōtara Park. We were learning where the perfect location would be to catch rats (specific pests). We then discovered a technique where we set-up the wooden boxes but didn’t set the actual trap and put peanut butter outside of the entrance. This makes the animal feel comfortable and safe like home so that the 2nd time it comes, the trap is set. I’m not sure if it always works the 2nd time but it works. 

The 3rd time is where we were finding the Pūriri Moth and the Cave Wētā. It was really interesting finding the Cave Wētā inside some of the trees. We were also collecting data from different lakes in Tōtara Park – time-tracking, speed-tracking, measuring the length from the start to the end. It was a fun and intriguing experience for me to learn more about Tōtara Park and its wonders.