Free Event

Nature is constantly fascinating and inspiring and where better to find out about surprising new insights then at the Arataki Visitor Centre. Join facilitator Sarah Ell and three authors Robert Vennell, Edin Whitehead and Skye Wishart in conversation about our wonderful world of plants and birds.

Sarah Ell trained as a journalist before working in publishing. Sarah holds a BA majoring New Zealand History and has written several books including Oceans a spirited collection of historical tales about how the ocean has shaped New Zealand and its people.

Robert Vennell, in his book The Meaning of Trees, explores the varied lives and many uses of our glorious and unique native plants from Jurassic giants to botanical oddballs. He’s an ecologist, works at Auckland Museum, and eats native plants.

Edin Whitehead is a seabird scientist and award-winning photographer who spends most of her time hanging out with petrels and shearwaters in the Hauraki Gulf. Her PhD research focuses on seabirds as the sentinels of marine ecosystems, monitoring how environmental change impacts on their health.

Skye Wishart is a journalist with a passion for science writing. Her degree in biochemistry and plant genetics led her to work in marine research in the South Island. Skye has written news for New Zealand Geographic magazine since 2009, as well as features and communications for other magazines and corporate clients.