Breaking Down the Green Wall

Our group (and a reed beech tree) enjoying a day of class on the Inland Pack Track.

 We wrapped up our NZ Ecosystems course with Terrestrial Ecology and Terrestrial Research, spending two weeks on NZ's West Coast and in Arthur's Pass. Professor Dr. Foster from Messiah College spent week one with us. Together he helped us accomplish the task of what he calls "breaking down the green wall" so that the forest is no longer a mass of green vegetation, but rather a collection of individuals we've been able to become acquainted with and call by name. And with fun names like kawakawa, kahikatea, and kamahi, who could resist?

Week one of our West Coast trip with Dr. Foster.

 We visited a number of beautiful places during the course of week one. The Nikau palm-dotted landscape of Punakaiki, accompanied by the famous "Pancake Rocks" is a favorite of mine. We encountered more birds on the Inland Pack Track than we have with any other group! There were weka, bellbirds, tomtits, silvereyes, brown creepers, fantails (including a rare black phase fantail), gray warblers, and a friendly NZ robin that stuck with our group for 15 minutes or so. Fox Glacier offered fantastic icy turquoise sights and an opportunity to see how glacial activity has dramatically shaped the landscape of NZ. From there we went to stay at the marae at Bruce Bay, which you can always rely on  to have beautiful sunsets. We also saw Hector's dolphins from the beach! At Lake Matheson we were treated with heaps of brilliant blue mushrooms and gorgeous reflections of the mountains in the lake. Chad, one of our students from Bethel University and honorary entomologist of the semester, also discovered a really neat stick insect. We ended the week with a field identification exam and a bonfire on the beach.

For part two of the trip, we stayed in Arthur's Pass. Our research professor was Iggy Menzies who recently completed a doctoral study at Victoria University in Wellington. His enthusiasm for caterpillars, scientific exploration, and sharing his passions with the students made the week a success. The students, divided into 4 groups, designed and carried out field research on a topic of their choosing. Their studies ranged from leaf-boring caterpillars, to epiphyte diversity and cover, to mushroom diversity. Despite the rainy weather, the students all ventured out into the field to collect their data over the course of two days. One of the benefits of being in Arthur's Pass is that there are a few locations you can encounter the occasional blue duck, an endangered species. Seven of us were able to see one on a popular hike to a waterfall in the area.

Research Week in Arthur's Pass. Top Right: Blue duck seen at Devil's Punchbowl

It has been such a joy to see the students learn the names of the living things around them and become inspired to apply the skills they've acquired through the course to the forests back home. It makes such a difference to be able to walk through the forest and see and name individual species rather than becoming enveloped by the green wall. I hope that in our swift-approaching return back to the USA, we all would be able to develop a greater sense of  home by becoming familiar with trees, birds, shrubs, frogs, and butterflies we share it with.

-Kristen Listor, Student Life Coordinator

Marine Ecology

We recently completed the first portion of the NZ Ecosystems course: Marine Ecology. In just one short, action-packed week, we learned about and encountered a number of fascinating marine organisms that call Kaikoura home. Local scientist Jody Weir was our professor for the week. She has studied dusky and Hector's dolphins, as well as little blue penguins, in Kaikoura, offering students an inside look into research and conservation happening in the area. Jody, Co-founder and Research Director of the Kaikoura Ocean Research Institute (KORI) also recently assisted a BBC film crew get footage of dusky dolphin calves for a new production called Life Story, set to air in 2015.

From Top to Bottom: Each day focused on a different group of marine organisms, incorporating a different field trip for each day. Day 1 we went tidepooling. Day 2 we took part in a PEAP and saw little blue penguins. Day 3 we went to the Ohau waterfall and learned about NZ fur seals. Day 5 we conducted a shore-based Hector's dolphin survey and luckily saw 2-4 swimming in the surf.

Each day we focused on a different group of marine organisms, including invertebrates and fish, birds, pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), whales, and dolphins. After learning about what makes each of these groups unique and important to the ecosystem, we spent time on field trips to see them up close. We went tidepooling, had a PEAP (Penguin Education and Awareness Program) presentation, visited the NZ fur seal colony and waterfall nursery, went on Whale Watch and saw three different sperm whales (as well as albatrosses, shearwaters, and other marine birds), and conducted a shore-based Hector's dolphin survey. We also had guest speakers, including Alastair Judkins, a local Seal Swim guide, Co-founder and Operations Manager of KORI, and, last but not, least Jody's husband. Other guests were sperm whale researcher Ophelie Sagnol, DOC worker Brett Cowan, and world-renowned dolphin and whale researcher from Texas A&M University Dr. Bernd Würsig. On "whale day" we were also fortunate to attend Barbara Todd's book launch for her new book Whales and Dolphins of Aotearoa New Zealand. The launch marked the opening event for a week of whale and dolphin related activities in a celebration called WhaleFest.

While on Whale Watch we spotted 3 different sperm whales, hundreds of dusky dolphins, and a number of incredible marine birds. Individuals pictured: Top center: Alyssa (Messiah) and Cara (Houghton). Bottom Right: Jody points out a whale to Bennett (Northwestern).

Here are a few of the responses our students gave to the question, “What is the most important environmental issue you were made aware of through this course?”

“The use of plastic is an environmental issue that stuck out to me this week. It's definitely something that we take for granted, and it's so pervasive in our daily lives. It was good to look for alternative measures and brainstorm ways to avoid using it.”

-Amanda Beck, Messiah College

“The Tragedy of the Commons, and our involvement in the negative impact we have on these places, such as cod fishing.”

-Brett Finley, Messiah College

“The nets that have ended up catching dolphins and other marine animals. It is bad because these animals are critically endangered, like Maui’s dolphin, or may be close to becoming endangered.”

-Alex Rubin, Messiah College

“The necessity of marine preserves. They are just as essential as forest or wetland preserves. I tend to think about land more because that is where I live, but the ocean is just as important to preserve. There is a vast array of marine life on our planet and Kaikoura has just a (very diverse) piece of it.”

-Nathan Landis, Gordon College

Amanda (Messiah), Sarah (Gordon), and Cara (Houghton) display their research posters about whales and dolphins.

We ended the course with a poster fair, where each student presented on a different species of whale or dolphin to a panel of "celebrity judges." The students did a wonderful job, and even shared their posters the following day at the Schoolyard Market to the general public as part of WhaleFest. We also had plenty of whale and dolphin-shaped cookies to munch on! It was a whale of a time.

A Purely Local Meal

Hi everyone,

On Wednesday, for our God and Nature class we went over to Kevin and Sandy Topp’s farm to see Kevin slaughter a lamb.  I don’t think I will ever forget the sound of the neck snapping, the suction noise as the throat was cut open and the splatter of blood splashing onto the slatted floor. Nor will I ever forget looking into the lamb's eyes just a few moments before and knowing that it was going to die, seeing it shake as it figured out what was happening, or the bright crimson stains on the crisp white wool.

I made myself watch because it is my obligation as a person who consumes meat to witness the reality of the processes by which I am allowed to do so. Kevin Topp, the pastor of the Anglican Church I go to is a sheep farmer and Kevin slaughters his sheep according to his biblical view. He snaps the neck and cuts the throat at the same time and then lets the blood drain out of the animal for the life of the animal is in its blood. Once all the blood has drained, Kevin skins and guts the sheep.

Now, I knew that this would end one of two ways for me. I would either spew or I would pass out. Luckily I caught myself before I passed out and left. I got through the slaughter, but it was the skinning and the breaking of bones in the process that got to me. And the smell; I will never forget the smell of warm blood and sheep. I wanted to watch the whole thing and make myself see what really happens in order for me to consume meat. Mentally I was down to stay the whole time, physically, my body decided otherwise.

Kevin shows us how to butcher the sheep he slaughtered the day before

Thursday, Kevin brought the sheep to the convent and we had a homemaking session on butchering. It was pretty awesome! I now know what cuts of meat come from what part of the animal and which is best used to make soup, chops, flank, and roast. A handful of students helped in the butchering. Kevin told me I would make a good butcher. Mom, Dad, I’ve found my calling. (Just kidding)

Alex Rubin with his 'tasty as' strawberry dessert

For one of our class assignments we were tasked to prepare a meal from local ingredients. The lamb that we killed and butchered was our main course. We had lamb cooked in white wine, carrots and onions, infused with rosemary and garlic. Mashed potatoes that were sourced from Christchurch (as close to Kaikoura as we could get) made by Jacob and Chad. Salad with lettuce, tomatoes, corn and walnuts from our garden prepared by Shelby. Sautéed swiss chard and bruchetta made with local garlic tomatoes, basil and onions from our garden (on homemade bread baked by Nathan). We also made butter from the cream of the raw milk by pouring it into a jar, adding some small pebbles and shaking it. Forever. Thank you Bennett and Kristen for that. For dessert we had blackberry ice cream made with raw milk from a local dairy that was prepared by Amanda and Renee. And Alex made a dessert using crushed walnuts and honey for the crust, whipped cream from the raw milk, and strawberries that he had found. It was a scrumptious dinner.

Dinner made by the students...the staff could get used to this :)

Getting to cook and eat the lamb that we slaughtered on Wednesday was an experience. I know some students were a bit put off by it and some of you may be a bit grossed out by it. As for me, I have a deeper connection with the community I am living in through the relationships formed in acquiring all of our local ingredients. Food brings people together and is one of the main ‘ingredients’ in a healthy and sustainable community.

Sincerely, 

Sarah

To Wellington and Back

Hi everyone,

A week in the Wellington area on the north island of New Zealand = a life altering experience. It’s hard to explain or even to put into words what transpired in our week, for it was far more than just events. It was a deep change in our hearts that will forever shape the course of our lives brought about through experiencing and listening to the stories of others, alongside much personal contemplation. Not only did this occur in the Wellington area but continues to occur each day in our Kaikoura home through the sharing of life in community, learning from others and our professors in the classroom and out. Traveling around Wellington was like a Thanksgiving meal in a sense; there were so many people each with a whole life of stories. The stories are like food to our hungry minds and hearts; it was taken in, digested (a process that continues still), and now is part of us, feeding our thoughts and potentially our actions.

A brilliant view crossing The Cook Straight aboard the ferry.

I will try to put into words the best I can the jist of what transpired throughout our week, even though I know it will feel dry in comparison to the richness of feeling I have about it. We took the ferry across the short stretch of brilliant, blue, ocean teaming with dolphins and boats to the North Island of New Zealand. We arrived to a Marae (a Maori meeting house) just outside of Wellington in a city by the name of Lower Hut. We were welcomed with a Powhiri (a Maori ceremony of welcome). Our whole group felt their warm welcome. 

Wellington Harbour welcomed us well.

Monday we spent the day in Central Wellington learning from the historical artifacts at the Te Papa museum and New Zealand governmental system through a tour of their parliament building (which was fascinating-I understand NZ gov. better than my own). We also were able to spend some time exploring Wellington, which has a rather great waterfront that promotes community. 

Tuesday was pact full with many great learning experiences. We started the morning learning what a sustainable city looks like. Then we met with the Hutt city mayor- his name is Ray and he loves songs so we sang him a Maori song and heard his heart for his city. That afternoon we became more aware of how to build a city designed to be community orientated and sustainable from the Hutt City Urban Planner. We then walked around restored wetlands with a firiery old fellow by the name of Russell Bell. He ended our talk by stating, “We have a world to save, and we can’t afford to follow too many rules.” His passion was catching. That evening ended with two speakers talking on the topic of Rethinking Social Justice. It was a challenging talk that brought out the statistics of the over representation of Maori young people in the justice system. Their motto was “If you want peace, work for justice.” They said the key to reducing crime is to stop young people from entering the justice system in the first place. They suggested early intervention is key. Once in the justice system imprisonment, statistically, doesn’t lead to change of lifestyle and we are in need of alternative disciplinary actions. It pulled at everyone’s heartstrings to hear about these young people and showed us the need for a change in our own country. 

CCSPers at Zealandia - a wildlife santcuary.
( left to right: Brett, Amanda, Renee, Kristen {staff}, Shelby, & Sarah)

Wednesday we met with a character of a guy who runs a Boxing Academy in a really rough part of town. It was more than a boxing club for young boys from the streets but he imparts what it means to live a life of honor upon people. After lunch we explored the forest of a no-predator zone called Zealandia where we encountered numerous beautiful native birds-many of which are lost outside of this place due to introduced predators to New Zealand. It was as if we stepped into a time warp of NZ must of looked like when the Maori settlers first arrived. Next, we spent some time at a community garden in the city and then that evening ended with a worship night at the Marae with the Maori folks whom had welcomed us. Te Kanano O Te Aroha Marae is one of few Christian Maraes. They made us feel so welcome and it was great to share in that special time with them.

Setting up camp at Ngatiawa, a contemporary river monastery,
for Passion Festival.

By Thursday we were tired and it was time to leave our new family at the Marae and head to Ngatiawa. Ngatiawa is a farm that was started as a place of retreat and rest for people whom where part of Urban Vision, working with the poor in the city. Ngatiawa is now not only a retreat center but also a place where families live in community with one another. It is a very special place. 

We camped there the rest of the weekend during what they call Passionfest. Passionfest is a festival they hold at Ngatiawa. Here is a blip from how they describe it “Passionfest is a symposium of people passionate about social justice, compassion and community-work centered around Jesus. Passionfest is the sum of what we all bring to it – our stories, our poems, our art, our dream and schemes, and our willingness to get stuck in and share hospitality with one another.” 

So much was learned and shared in our weekend at Ngatiawa helping out with and going to the many events of the festival.

One of the afternoons we went to Otaki just a short drive away and were able to hear from and have tea (dinner) with Adrian Leason and his family. He challenged us with his words and invited us to think about what we believe. He said, “You don’t know what you don’t know”. To me it meant that we don’t know what we never take the time to learn or experience. How are we to know what people and places are like if we don’t spend time with them and in them. 

Overall the weekend at Passionfest in Ngatiawa were some of my favorite and most inspiring times of the whole week. We met and connected with many people and places throughout the week, experiencing and learning a lot together as a group. We also formed a deeper bond as a community ourselves in tired times, work times, busy times, and fun, sometimes silly games. 

Sincerely, 

Shelby

Shelby among the sweet corn in our gardens here at CCSP NZ.

Student Trip Weekend

Orientation week concluded with student trip weekend. One group headed out to Abel Tasman National Park while the other hiked Mt. Owen. Each group had a wonderful time exploring the beauty that New Zealand has to offer. One group enjoyed the Department of Conservation huts nestled in the rocky peaks, while the other tented  on the coast of Tasman Bay. 

A look into Sarah, Cara, Alyssa, and Renee's trip to Abel Tasman National Park.

Here's what Gordon student Nathan had to say about his hike up Mt. Owen:

"Student trip weekend rolled around and nine of us, Jake, Chad, Alex, Shelby, Amanda, Bennett, Brett, Brian (Sustainable Food Coordinator) and I, decided to spend the time climbing Mt. Owen–the highest peak in Kahurangi National Park near the southern tip of the south island. After a six hour drive (in which we only got side-tracked once!) we took off Friday afternoon for Granity Pass Hut–8.5 km and a 1200m climb. It was hot as! (A kiwi way of saying real hot). Within minutes we were all sweating rivers under the hot sun.

 

After a restful night at the hut (while listening to Keas calling in the distance) we headed out for the Mt. Owen summit Saturday morning. For those of you who have seen The Fellowship of the Ring, the scene where the fellowship leaves Moria, after Gandalf falls after the Balrog, was filmed on the slopes of Mt. Owen. The mountain is covered in shattered and sharp water-eroded troughs, spires and caverns. Mt. Owen (1875m) sits on top of New Zealand’s largest subterranean cave system! After hours clambering up and over the rocky ramparts to the top and back down we arrived back at the hut to discover that we had about 15 neighbor trampers as well. Although crowded we enjoyed getting to know some fellow hikers.

             

Sunday morning we left early, retracting our steps back down the ridge towards the carpark. The day was beautiful and as we hiked the sun slowly rose, illuminating the steep limestone cliffs all around us. Another five-hour car ride later (cheers Brian for doing all the driving!) we found ourselves back at the Old Convent, a bit dirty but thrilled with our alpine adventure."

 

Overall, we’re having a fantastic time in the warm summer weather. Keep warm America!

Haere Mai! Welcome!

Greetings and welcome to the CCSP New Zealand Spring 2014 blog! What better way to hear about the first weeks of the semester than from one of our very own students Sarah (from Gordon College)!

The group, plus staff members Adam, Kristen, and Brian.

Kia Ora!

Hello from CCSP class of Spring 2014! We are excited to update you about our first few weeks here in Kaikoura. We all arrived on Wednesday January 22 in Christchurch and made our way back to the Old Convent, our home for the next three and a half months. We began our semester by gathering together for an iconic meal of Fish and Chips on the beach. That night we had a small service opening our time together and inviting the Lord to come and work in us and through us this semester. 

Everyone enjoyed our Iconic Kiwi Tea night, an evening of popular kiwi foods, films, and phrases.

Over the week we participated in many activities including a scavenger hunt of downtown Kaikoura in order to help us become familiar with the town. In order to get points we had to provide picture evidence with at least one group member in the photo. Kristen, one of our Student Life Coordinators, compiled a slide show of the craziest and arguably best pictures and made each group explain what question it was answering. There were some pretty great photos and we all know the town pretty well now!

Getting acquainted with Kaikoura during the photo scavenger hunt.

We also had the privilege of going on the Peninsula Walk, which has great views of the Kaikoura Mountain Range and South Bay. If you look closely enough you can see seal colonies, a variety of birds including the endangered Hutton Shearwater, and potentially even a whale or two. On this walk Brett, a local Department of Conservation Officer and our Maori language and culture instructor, guided us along the walk. Later in the week Brett instructed us in the procedure for a Maori welcome ceremony, which we participated in at the beautiful marae (Maori meeting house) in Kaikoura. We also got to learn how to use a taiaha, a Maori staff. We all had a great time practicing our moves throughout the week.

We had beautiful weather for the Kaikoura Peninsula Walk.

 On Saturday we all headed out to Sawcut Gorge, which is located about an hour north of Kaikoura. Lead by Brian (Sustainable Food Coordinator), Kristen and Adam (Student Life Coordinators) we traversed the trail through the river and up towards the gorge. About 2/3 of the way up we stopped for a bit of a swim and we all had fun swimming in the chilly mountain runoff. Sunday after church we hosted a community BBQ to help the new students get to know local friends of the program and to learn about what we do here at the Old Convent. 

Another beautiful day for a hike up to Sawcut Gorge!

Another day we got to visit the Topp’s sheep farm. Kevin and Sandy are good friends of our director and staff at the convent, and Kevin was ordained as an Anglican priest on our first Sunday here. Kevin and Sandy own a 4,000 acre farm and own 3,000 sheep which they shear for wool every year. They kindly hosted us, providing an insight into one of the animals that New Zealand is well known for (there are more sheep than there are people here!). Kevin sheared two sheep for us and explained the symbiotic process between sheep and farmer. If a sheep is not sheared every two years, it will die of infection. When the farmer shears a sheep he can profit from the wool, allowing both to exist. While on the farm we also got to see how sheep dogs herd and feed a lamb named Leah. 

Sheep, sheep, and more sheep (and of course our wonderful hosts Kevin and Sandy Topp)! Sarah enjoyed feeding "Leah" the lamb her mid-morning meal.

Love,

Sarah & the Rest of CCSP Spring 2014