The endangered Hectors dolphin is found only in inshore waters off New Zealand's South Island...

The Hectors dolphins are among the world's smallest dolphins. They are found only in the inshore waters of New Zealand's South Island. Its close cousin, the Maui dolphin, is found in west coast waters off the North Island.

They are the only dolphins in New Zealand with a wellrounded dorsal fin. Their bodies are a distinctive grey colour with black and white markings and a short snout.

They are also an endangered species - down to only 8,000 in number at present. They also only breed every two to three years.

Hectors dolphins have also been reported to get caught in fishing nets at times.

http://ecospree.com

http://www.blackcat.co.nz/wildlife.html/

http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/marine-mammals/dolphins/hectors-dolphin.fact/

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Let the developed world set an example and lead to the developing world in improving the environment of their waterways...

Let the developed world set an example and lead to the developing world...

 
Image via Wikipedia







In recent times we have read and heard all the rhetoric concerning climate change, global warming, emissions trading schemes carbon footprints ad nauseam.

But what I suggest is that countries throughtout the developed world look at their own backyards first, before preaching to  those in the developing world. We know of the environmental records of China, India and other asian countries in relation to the pollution of their waterways - the Mekong River that flows through a number of southeast asian countries is undoubtably one of the most polluted rivers in the world.

Be that as it may, many western countries have waterways not much better than the Mekong and other asian rivers. Waterways have been treated for a couple of centuries or more as convenient sewers to dispose of industrial waste and other effluent. Even down in New Zealand, with its internationalyl acclaimed 'clean and green' image has its own problems; much of it damaged by polluted dairy farm run-off effluent.

New Zealand has been unfairly criticised by overseas media such as the British Guardian newspaper because of its alleged double standards, but is well aware of its shortcomings and is making  and has made progress in the pollution stakes. Farmers have been criticised by government agencies because of their practices in not preventing polluted run-off into streams and rivers, such as the mighty Waikato River which is also the source of fresh water in the Waikato and Auckland.

I have also read about Maori tribal authorities in the central North Island who have implemented schemes to clean up the algae weed in their lakes. They need to be congratulated for making such  positive progress in this area - the algae is the result of decades of polluted run-off from dairy farms; a common occurence in many areas of New Zealand in both islands.

New Zealand doesn't need the hypocrisy of British media who might be better off identifying pollution in British waterways.  As they say a case of the pot calling the kettle black! Let the developed world set an example and a lead to the developing world who may improve the environmental record and standards in their own areas of the globe.

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Kiwi bird rehabbing on treadmill...

A clumsy kiwi bird has been using a treadmill to restore its strength after suffering two broken legs in separate accidents.


Piwi was plucked from the North Island's Mount Ruapehu after wildlife experts noticed the bird had a broken leg.



The four-year-old, only half the size of a normal kiwi his age, had little chance of surviving.



Piwi was transferred to nearby Massey University's Wildlife Ward, where veterinarians re-broke the leg so it could heal properly. It was then transported to a wildlife park for rehabilitation.



Unluckily for the kiwi, it soon broke its other leg and had to be rushed back to Massey University for further treatment.



There, vets and a local physiotherapist devised the unusual plan of using a treadmill to aid the bird's recovery.



"The first time we put him on he just sat there looking a bit disgruntled," Massey University vet Lisa Argilla told MSN NZ.



"But it didn't take long for him to catch on. It's really improved the muscle tone in his legs."



It is believed to be the first time a treadmill has been used on an injured kiwi.



Dr Argilla said the bird will have every chance of a healthy life when it returnes to the wild.

http://news.msn.co.nz/article/7937473/injured-kiwi-bird-takes-to-treadmill

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Hopes Rotorua lakes will glisten like greenstone in future years...

Hopes Rotorua lakes will "glisten like greenstone" in future years...

Te Arawa iwi says it's looking forward to Rotorua lakes in the Eastern Bay of Plenty in the North Island of New Zealand being returned to their pristine conditions, as a $144 million clean up plan is announced

Rotorua iwi Te Arawa has welcomed an announcement the Government will pour $72 million into a project to clean up lakes in the region.

The total cost of the restoration programme is $144 million over the next decade. The Government will meet half that cost, with the remainder to be paid by Rotorua District Council and Environment Bay of Plenty. EBOP chairman John Cronin says he is delighted that the Prime Minister has recognised the importance of the lakes to the country.

Te Arawa spokesman Toby Curtis says the future will be much better now.

"We all look forward to the day when our lakes are returned to their pristine conditions. May our waters glisten like greenstone and may the shimmer of summer dance across our iconic lakes."

Another tribal elder, Anaru Rangiheuea, says the announcement has made both his day and Te Arawa's day.

Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters has praised the Prime Minister for sticking to her word. He says six years of discussions is now reality.

One would hope that this restoration program will just the beginning in the conservation of our lakes and waterways.

Clean up the Rotorua Lakes