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| "Hope", Limited edition linocut, by Toni Hartill |
My recent linocut "Hope", expressing the new found hope for the endangered North Island kōkako, will be exhibited as part of the Predator Free NZ 2050 exhibitions, opening soon in the Auckland region.
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| "Hope", Limited edition linocut, by Toni Hartill |
“Hope”
Good news story:
Record number of kōkako breeding pairs counted in the Hunua Ranges.
At last,
something to sing about!
A record number of 229 adult kōkako
breeding pairs have been counted in the Hunua Ranges, as reported in June 2022*,
up from 106 pairs in 2018, and just 25 birds in 1994!
While the idea of Aotearoa being “predator free” by 2050
seems like an incredibly lofty goal, this news is a strong sign of hope for the
North Island kōkako, and, in turn, for many other
native species. On closer inspection, the aim of the Predatorfree2050
campaign focuses on the elimination specifically of rats, possums and mustelids
and thanks to the supreme efforts of dedicated volunteers and conservationists
across the country, this goal is looking entirely achievable.
Feeling constantly harangued by endless “bad news” stories,
this news rang out loud and clear as an absolute song of hope for the future.
FURTHER READING:
Stuff.co.nz: Kōkako Thriving in Auckland's Hunua Ranges, June 2022
"The targeted management area has been using 3000 bait stations and 200 traps a year, aimed at catching pests like possums, rats and mustelids..."
that their haunting song will again flood through the forests of the North Island."
being made to rebuild the kōkako population.
Predator Free NZ 2050
40 invited NZ artists are taking part in the
Predator Free New Zealand 2050 exhibitions,
planned and curated by Valerie Cuthbert,
to highlight the progress and understanding
of this incredible goal.
214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa
5th September - 2 October, 2022
Opening event: Sat 10th September, 3-5pm
102 Hill Road, Manurewa
The Making of HOPE
Trying to capture their song!
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| Carved "Hope" lino by Toni Hartill |
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| Detail of " Hope" linocut by Toni Hartill |
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| Detail of " Hope" linocut by Toni Hartill |
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| Carved "Hope" lino, in progress, by Toni Hartill |
overlooking Auckland's Hunua Ranges.
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| Carved "Hope" lino, in progress, by Toni Hartill |
Related to the long extinct and iconic Huia, to see these birds thrive and to rebuild their population is incredibly special and exciting. The work done to protect the kōkako is in turn helping other native species such as the kākā, tomtits, bellbirds, long-tiled bats and Hochstetters frogs which is wonderful indeed!
and to support the continuation of this incredibly important work.
Drawing & Researching
Preparations
Carving
Proofing
Colour mixing
Editioning
Colouring the Wattles
Signing
Framing
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| "Hope", Linocut, Limited edition print by Toni Hartill |
"Hope"
Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa,
5th September - 2 October, 2022
Opening event: Sat 10th September, 3-5pm
&
Many thanks for visiting!
For more information about kōkako visit:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/kokako/
North Island kōkako recovery plan and how you can help.
Did you know?
"In Māori myth, the kōkako filled it's wattles with water and brought it to Maui as he fought the sun. Maui rewarded the bird by making it's legs long and slender, enabling it to bound through the forest with ease."
https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/83516376/pest-control-allows-pureora-kokako-to-flourish
Pest control allows Pureora kōkako to flourish.
