Tuataras enjoy improved leafy exhibit at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
The tuatara exhibit at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium has been upgraded with help from the Department of Conservation.
Four tuataras have settled back into the improved exhibit in time for Conservation Week, where Kiwis are encouraged to explore their backyard and engage with nature.
Kelly Tarlton’s lead aquarist Felix Berghoefer said tuatara have been at the aquarium since 2016.
“They act as ambassadors for their species and help us educate visitors on the way tuatara live in New Zealand, what threats they face in the wild and how we can help support these incredible native animals,” he said.
“Tuatara were once widespread on the mainland of New Zealand. Sadly, introduced predators like rats, stoats, feral cats and possums have made it too dangerous for them now on the mainland, except in predator-free sanctuaries including some islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.”
Tuatara are endemic to New Zealand and are the last surviving species of Rhynchocephalia, an order of lizard-like reptiles that traces back to more than 200 million years ago, when dinosaurs walked the earth.
The tuatara at Kelly Tarlton’s are around 7 years old and originate from Takapourewa Island, at the northern end of the South Island.
Kelly Tarlton’s is currently closed to the public due to Alert Level 3 restrictions.
Conservation week will run from August 15 to August 23. People can explore the aquarium online through a virtual tour, accessible from the Kelly Tarlton’s website.
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Topline has once again achieved SiteWise Gold with a perfect score of 100% for the 2024 / 2025 period - that’s 8 years in a row and counting. It’s a testament to Topline’s ongoing H&S Compliance focus.
The requirements increased this year, with more questions, more evidence and a higher quality scale necessary to score full marks. It takes commitment from the entire team at Topline and an outstanding health & safety culture to achieve this.
“An excellent submission. Congratulations on achieving Gold Standard and a perfect score. Very well done.” SiteWise Assessor - Neville W.
To achieve a perfect score validates our unwavering ongoing commitment to Health & Safety Compliance procedures. We are proud of our SiteWise Gold status, with very few companies in NZ (less than 5%) having achieved this for so many consecutive years.
Read more about this fantastic achievement here:
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.5% Yes
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32.9% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below