My name is Jordan Marshall and I am 9 years old. I have been a KCC member
for about 18 months now. Biodiversity is a special interest of mine.
In January this year I went to Maud Island in the Marlborough Sounds with my Dad.
Maud Island is an island sanctuary not normally open to the public but each January a small number of people are allowed on the island by special permit issued by DoC.
We took a boat from Havelock and travelled for a couple of hours to get there.
Maud Island has an interesting history and there is a big gun implacement dating from the second world war. This was to protect NZ from invasion from the enemy. While we were there we saw a small NZ Navy ship practicing manoeuvres.
The main reason we went there is because we are interested in nature and the island is home to giant weta, giant snails and lots of birds including tui and takahe.
It was a long day, as we had to leave home at 7am and didn't get home again until about 8pm. My favourite part of the day was holding the giant weta. My mum and sister were amazed (and just a little grossed out) when we showed them the photo of me with the giant weta in my hand!
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It was really interesting and I recommend that if any of you other KCC or F&B members get the chance, you should visit this special place.
