Plight of Wairarapa eels explored in free public event

Local historian and ‘tuna’ (eel) expert Joseph Potangaroa speaks this week about the endangered eels of Wairarapa Moana. He joins GWRC freshwater scientist Alton Perrie in the second of a two part panel discussion, Wairarapa Moana: A Lake in Crisis, which will focus on tuna and other indigenous fish, and the impact of introduced fish in Wairarapa Moana.

“The [native] longfin eel has lived in New Zealand for 80 million years,” says Joseph. “But since the mid-1800s it has been so undervalued that if we do not start to appreciate this fascinating fish, it may soon be extinct.”

Eels are a key indicator of water health, and their numbers have seriously dwindled in the region over the past 150 years, with a key reason being the destruction of 90% of Wairarapa wetlands since the 1840.

Wairarapa was once famous for the quantity and quality of its eels, and they were a mainstay of the pre-European economy, as explored in Aratoi’s current exhibition. The exhibition and public programme aims to reconnect people with the story of the Wairarapa eels, and inspire the community to help restore and protect their habitats. There are currently three live eels on display at Aratoi, and school groups have been decorating plywood eels, as part of the education programme. These are being displayed in the gallery courtyard until the end of the exhibition.
April will see more free public events. Descendants of Maori and early settler families will be sharing their stories; prominent Wairarapa-based artists and others talk about the influence of the natural environment on their work; and there will be a discussion on the Wairarapa Treaty of Waitangi claims.

Wairarapa Moana – A Lake in Crisis Part II, Main Gallery, Aratoi, Thursday 24 March, 6-7.30pm.
WAIRARAPA MOANA: He pātaka kai, He pātaka kōrero - Stories about a lake and its people; 6 November 2010 – 7 May 2011. Open daily 10am-4.30pm www.aratoi.co.nz

Aratoi acknowledges the generous sponsorship of Wairarapa Moana; Eastern & Central Community Trust, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa; Masterton Trust Lands Trust, McAuley’s Transport Ltd, Newbolds 100% Electrical, Masterton; and Technology Solutions. WAIRARAPA MOANA is generously supported by Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Department of Conservation, Whanganui Regional Museum, National Library of New Zealand, The Sign Factory, Henley Men’s Shed, Loader Construction Engineering Ltd, Rangitane o Wairarapa, Rigg-Zschokke, Ornament, and The Village Art Shop.

ENDS.

© Scoop Media