Return of Birdlife
The park adopted the RURU (our native owl /morepork) as its emblem because the Waitakaruru Stream flows through the park. Waitakaruru means owl by the water in Maori. Several rescued ruru have been released here in the park to add to the genetic diversity of our population.
The growth of nectar- and fruit-bearing trees encouraged the return of tui, bellbirds, and shining cuckoo. We also have our native wood pigeons (keruru) and herons nesting here in the park.
The abundant insect life around the ponds and lushly planted Park provides for native long-tail bats (pekapeka),kingfisher (kotare), ruru, geckos, and frogs.
The control of possums and other animal pests continues to be an essential requirement to maintain the habitat for native wildlife as well as common introduced species.
Vote for our Ruru for Bird of the Year!
Show you love of our beautiful Ruru and place your vote for the Bird of the Year. A bird of the bush and the night it is also an important species in Maori mythology.
The Ruru is at home at the Waitakaruru Arboretum so SAVE the date and remember to vote on the 15th September
