Pekapeka Sessions - Term 4 2026 — Kids Greening Taupō

Ever since KGT recorded a long-tailed Pekapeka at the Waipahihi Botanical Reserve in February, pekapeka have been a topic of interest for schools in Taupō. We were asked to support DOC bat expert, Kerry Borkin, to do a presentation at Pekapekarau School in Te Awamutu. The school’s name tells you how important pekapeka are to them and they have been working with DOC over the past few years to learn more about this taonga species. We took the opportunity to do our presentation for a new school and to support Kerry, as she has supported us to create all of our pekapeka resources.

Doing that session allowed us to borrow the taxidermy pekapeka from the DOC visitor Centre in Whakapapa for the week, so we were able to do sessions for all 23 classes at Taupō Primary School too. We love spreading the word about this amazing taonga species that is right here in town!

Artificial bat roost boxes have been made by a Project Tongariro volunteer, Roel Michels. We are in the process of having these put up at the Waipahihi Botanical Reserve, along with a sign made by our student leader, Meghan Brown.