Left: Boardwalk leading to the Karaka Bird hide, Brown Street Thames.
Right: The Rainbow Warrior 1985 at Marsden Wharf, Auckland. Source: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/nuclear-free-new-zealand/rainbow-warrior
BACKGROUND
The Bird Hide was officially opened 15th November 1993. It came from an idea by Keith Purnell of Thames, as a way of raising the awareness of the community and council towards environmental issues. The dream became a reality with a partnership, and the help of Environment Waikato. This led to plans being submitted for council planning approval, which was duly granted. Along the way members of the Forest and Bird Society became involved, plus members of the public who lent a hand.
An initial grant of $9000 was received from the ‘Rainbow Warrior Compensation’ fund. Altogether the costs were estimated at $28,000. The vision has left a lasting legacy on the foreshore that is visited by people from all around the world.
Left: The Small Gauge Railway track loops around the foreshore reserve near the entrance to the Karaka Bird Hide - named after the Karak Creek located to the south.
Right: The view out to the Firth of Thames from one of the viewing windows in the Karaka Bird Hide.
Below: The simple understated sign that signals the entrance to the Bird Hide.
" Karaka Bird Hide
Royal N.Z. Forest and Bird Protection Society with the
Help of generous donations and voluntary labour built this
Walkway and Hide for your enjoyment; Best viewing 2hrs before - 2hrs after H.W."
 |
Well, you 'should' be able to see some information on the Rainbow Warrior that was bombed while anchored on the Auckland waterfront thirty five years ago - 10 July 1985.
"A Portuguese crew member, Fernando Pereira, was killed in the explosions. The Rainbow Warrior had been involved in protests over French nuclear testing in the Pacific. French Secret Service (DGSE) agents were sent to prevent it leaving for another protest campaign at Mururoa Atoll." nzhistory.govt.nz
You 'should' also be able to see an identification panel for the birds that can be viewed from the hide.
At present these information / identification panels are 'missing,' removed when the hide was painted. It hopefully is a priority to get these panels returned to the hide!
There is an article in Coromandel Life Spring 2015, that included a photo of the panels, as well as photographs of the birds that could be seen on the firth of Thames.
New Zealand was awarded compensation from France for the 'bombing', following a United Nations ruling. Money from this compensation was therefore given to contribute towards the construction of the Karaka Bird Hide at Thames,
Further Information:
Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior Educational resources.
