Session Abstract: Kōura, Eels, and Boots: Discovering Hawke's Bay's Hidden Wild
Hawke's Bay is home to some of New Zealand's most remarkable freshwater ecosystems - rivers teeming with trout, wetlands sheltering native birds, and streams where the elusive kōura (freshwater crayfish) quietly goes about its ancient life. But how well do we really know the natural world on our doorstep?
In this engaging workshop, Davey Jones, Field Officer at Hawke's Bay Fish & Game, takes us on a guided walk across the four-hectare Fish & Game property - a living classroom right here in Hawke's Bay. You'll get up close to active breeding programmes, hand- feed the resident tuna (eels), visit the kōura hatchery, a fly fishing demo, explore the wetlands, and discover the remarkable birdlife that calls this place home.
This is a safe, welcoming space to learn, explore, and connect with the natural world. No prior knowledge required, just a curious mind and a good pair of walking shoes.
Date: Tuesday 18th August,
Time & format: The course will start at 10am, with a coffee/tea break followed by a lively facilitated discussion to answer all your curious questions. The course will finish at 12pm.
Location: 22a Burness Road, Jervoistown, Napier
About the expert
Davey Jones
Davey Jones is the Office & Education Manager at Hawke's Bay Fish & Game, while he has dedicated his career to freshwater conservation, environmental education, and connecting communities with the natural world. With deep roots in the Hawke's Bay region, Davey brings both professional expertise and genuine passion to his work - whether he's overseeing the kōura hatchery, coordinating school environmental education programmes, or responding to ecological events affecting the region's waterways.
Davey has been a consistent and trusted voice on freshwater issues in Hawke's Bay, working closely with councils, schools, and community groups to promote biodiversity and sustainable stewardship of the region's rivers, wetlands, and lakes. His hands-on, accessible approach to conservation makes him a natural fit for Love Heart - bringing the wonders of the natural world to life for curious, engaged adults who are never too old to learn something new.
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