Matthew Tso15:54, Feb 07 2020
As the shoreline comes into focus
from the cabin of the Charmaine Karol I can see
green bush cascading downwards from a
straw-coloured tabletop to meet the beach.
It is entirely appropriate that a
tiny symphony has been playing John Williams' magnificent theme
from Jurassic Park inside my head on our approach to Mana
Island.
Like the movie's fictional Isla
Nubar, Mana is a man-made glimpse into the past. This becomes apparent as
soon as I disembark.
A few steps from the boat I stop
to adjust my grip on a camera bag I've carried ashore when I look
down to see an inky black skink wriggle out from between the rocks beneath my
boot. "Must be more careful," I think.
We are here to witness the
arrival of 18 critically endangered shore plovers, and are met by
Department of Conservation staff and a party from Ngati Toa who
perform a waiata to welcome the birds ashore.
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