#hakataramea

[nochd]

No, never seen one. Heard them, many many times, when camping in the Silverstream Valley. Never seen them. Possibly it's because the camp I go to is a New Year music festival and there's lots and lots of people around and the rūrū feel shy about coming out. But be that as it may, I've never seen one.

(I've never seen a weka either.)

My brother just posed this question at family dinner

[new-dinosaurs]

Pakudyptes hakataramea Ando et al., 2024 (new genus and species)

(Limb bones of Pakudyptes hakataramea [scale bar = 10 mm], from Ando et al., 2024)

Meaning of name: Pakudyptes = small [in Māori] diver [in Greek]; hakataramea = Hakataramea Valley

Age: Oligocene (Chattian), about 24 million years ago

Where found: Otekaike Limestone, Canterbury, New Zealand

How much is known: Two forelimb bones and a femur (thigh bone). It is likely (though not certain) that these bones belong to the same individual.

Notes: Pakudyptes was a close relative of modern penguins. It was around the same size as the smallest extant penguins, those in the genus Eudyptula. In the wings of extant penguins, the elbow joint is stiffened to form an efficient paddle for use in swimming and diving, whereas the elbow joint of Pakudyptes appears to have been more flexible. However, the shoulder joint of Pakudyptes was more similar to that of modern penguins than that of older proto-penguins, suggesting that it had acquired some but not all of the diving adaptations exhibited by penguins today.

Reference: Ando, T., J. Robinson, C. Loch, T. Nakahara, S. Hayashi, M.D. Richards, and R.E. Fordyce. 2024. A new tiny fossil penguin from the Late Oligocene of New Zealand and the morphofunctional transition of the penguin wing. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2024.2362283

[gaetaniu]

Un fossile di ala di pinguino mostra l'importanza della Zealandia nell'evoluzione dei pinguini

Ricostruzione di Pakudyptes. Tre piccole ossa fossili di pinguino, raccolte a South Canterbury nel 1987, stanno ora gettando nuova luce sull’evoluzione delle ali dei pinguini. Un nuovo studio, pubblicato sul Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, descrive una nuova specie di pinguino vissuta a Otago circa 24 milioni di anni fa. Chiamato Pakudyptes hakataramea, il pinguino era molto…

[roswellroamer]

Day 4. Mt. Cook Village to Nasebey. 355km.

Today we awoke to a steady rain. Oh well. Can't realistically expect to avoid rain even in the drier summer season as we push south and west into the rainy zones of the South Island. The bonus was an end to end rainbow which followed us for over 20 miles as we retreated down the glacier valley to Lake Pukaki. The winds were fierce and as we turned toward Tekapo we struggled to maintain our line on the road. I would guess 45 mph +. Patagonia level stuff. A bit scary at times. With my jacket slightly unzipped due to unexpected warmth (didn't drop below the 50s even up by the glaciers) I felt like the Michelin man who was about to be launched like a kite. We cruised by the stunningly blue lakes and took a bunch of pictures with the full rainbow and then the azure water. Wish the pics were as impressive as in person but they still don't suck. Within 5 miles we were out of the heavy rain and skirted drizzle for much of the day. A slight concern for the pannier's ability to stay dry after it seemed there was some water upon loading this AM. However we have dry duds after the day so all appears fine for now. Western rain in feet may yield a different result but fingers crossed. We were told to get gas every 250kms to avoid an issue. We ended the day about 240 kms on our tanks from Geraldine. We cut it a bit too close as we were on reserve counting up to 26kms on reserve. I believe the 800 holds 16 liters and the bikes took 15.5l. 😅 With fuel fears allayed we found a bakery in Tekapo and also lots of REI type campers, trekkers, vacationers. I had a banana cake and a steak/mushroom pie (I could get accustomed to these pies!) and a chocolate milk. Not a classic Kiwi breakfast but good for me!

Now, we endeavored to find our first unpaved route today. We had been told that a couple of passes were fun and so we routed ourselves from Tekapo to the road that aimed us up a valley and toward Hakataramea pass. A guy on a KLR pulled up alongside as we took a photo and he said he was going to ride through the same two mountain unpaved passes we had selected. He would show us the way. Off we went but in short order he was well ahead of us. He had a provisional license (beginner, provisional with a max of 650cc, then full) but was a dirt rider and we only saw him once more. As the road became windier and a series of 6-7 stream crossings occurred we then wound to the top of a low altitude peak and there is a gate there. You need to open and close it behind you. He was waiting for us there. Nice guy. However we never saw him again! We descended while taking in some dramatic scenery and taking quite a few picture stops. It wound out into some fine farmland and then into the biker town of Kurow. There were dozens of dirt bikes there. Apparently we were in the midst of the Vincent rally. Around 180 dirt bikes cruising through this fun part of NZ. We sat with a few guys from Australia on KTM, Yamaha & Suzuki who were enjoying more technical stuff than we were attempting! I had another pie there. Butter chicken, yum. Now we took a few turns in figuring out the way towards Duntroon and we stopped at some Maori rock paintings while getting our bearing to find the turnoff to Danseys pass. We were told there was a bar there so off we went! There was a mini-pass then a descent prior to heading to the top of Danseys. Bridges were largely paved over the water crossings on this leg and then right back to gravel. The views were beautiful and the ride was a good fun. Enough slipping and sliding but not too much! Very windy following the hills. Two thirds of the way down we discovered the Danseys Inn and pulled in for a beer. This is after I walked into the owner's house thinking it was the bar. I mean they did have a covered outside bar complete with a row of bar stools and a large wooden vat that appeared to be at one time used for brewing. And the crowning touch was the wooden bucket on the porch full of empty Speight bottles 🍺. As soon as I opened the door the large dog of the house wanted to get out and I saw the living room. Oops. He was very friendly but didn't want to be put back in the house. Fortunately he resisted only with his considerable weight and not his teeth. I had a good story to tell the very nice owner who was seated at the bar. Turns out the owner of the Royal Hotel was also there as we made his acquaintance again later in the day as he runs the only establishment in Naseby that is open for food and drink on a Sunday afternoon after 4PM. Nice guy. Two minor tennis frustrations so far... One that I completely forgot about the Australian Open when booking. Had I thought about it I would've been able to route here through Melbourne and enjoyed a day or two of AO tennis. Wasn't on my radar when making plans six months ago. Two, now I am also unable to watch the open. So much closer here but after CHC, the rural TV lineup hasn't allowed viewing of the last rounds. Missed Kenin's win and set the alarm to watch the men's final this evening but again to no avail. Looks like I missed an instant classic 5 setter and Djokovic prevailed. Oh well!

No noise here but the birds and the breeze. There are some groups of cyclists here who are riding the 93 mile Otago Central Rail Trail. The walk to and from the Royal Hotel brought us by a motorcycle enthusiast's shop with a few interesting vintage bikes including a Ducati Mach 1 and a cherry Benelli. The park we passed also boasted some huge trees which may be redwoods and are from California. Naseby is so quiet because after the gold mining period here (1863-1940) the Otago rail line bypassed the town and now there are lots of historic buildings but not very many people. During the height of the gold rush there were nearly 4,000 people here, now the number of permanent residents is less than 100.

[sazzanz-blog]

Waiting for supper 🐎 #millypony #ponies #equine #horses #rustic #rurallife #youngruraladies #youngcountry #countrylife #waitakivalley #hakataramea #waimatedistrict #horsesofinstagram #instagramhub #picoftheday #photooftheday (at Hakataramea)

[eretyxworld]

Hakataramea pass, NZ

[bracaza]

27 Million Year Old Baleen Whale is Among Oldest of its Kind

Paleontologists have discovered fossilized remains of a new baleen whale species in Hakataramea Valley of New Zealand. The fossil is at least 27.5 million year old and represents one of the oldest... http://dlvr.it/QQGwHr

[viralpearl-blog]

New new genus and species of extinct baleen whale identified -- ScienceDaily

New new genus and species of extinct baleen whale identified — ScienceDaily

University of Otago palaeontologists are rewriting the history of New Zealand’s ancient whales by describing a previously unknown genus of baleen whale, alive more than 27.5 million years ago and found in the Hakataramea Valley.

The new genus and species of extinct baleen whale is based on a skull and associated bones unearthed from the Kokoamu Greensand, a noted fossil-bearing rock unit in the…

[get-knows]

New new genus and species of extinct baleen whale identified

New new genus and species of extinct baleen whale identified

[ad_1] Paleontologists are rewriting the history of New Zealand’s ancient whales by describing a previously unknown genus of baleen whale, alive more than 27.5 million years ago and found in the Hakataramea Valley, South Canterbury. [ad_2] Source link

[ruggerorespigo]

New new genus and species of extinct baleen whale identified

Paleontologists are rewriting the history of New Zealand's ancient whales by describing a previously unknown genus of baleen whale, alive more than 27.5 million years ago and found in the Hakataramea Valley, South Canterbury. Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180418100507.htm

[abbyboothy51]

Story of Hakataramea farmer and his sausage dog subject of new children’s book

The instant bond between a South Canterbury farmer and his vertically-challenged sausage dog is the stuff legends are made of.

[smartselectnz]

Applications for Farm Labour (Work and Accommodation)

New Post has been published on https://www.smartselect.co.nz/jobs/applications-for-farm-labour-work-and-accommodation/

Applications for Farm Labour (Work and Accommodation)

Are you physically-able with a great work ethic?

This employer is looking for 2-3 motivated individuals to assist with some farm labouring to help tidy up the farm after a big flood back in July, for the next 2-4 weeks.

Your tasks will include:

Repairing paddocks and removing debris

Other general farm-based labouring as required

The farm is located some ways into the Hakataramea Valley, and as such free on-site accommodation (including power) will be provided for those who wish to stay on-site. The lovely accommodation is well furnished and even has its own kitchenette for meal preparation, as such it is strongly recommended by the employer to make use of this while working. The surrounding area has heaps to do, including fishing, water skiing and amazing views. It’s a great location with lots of mountains and lakes available at your door step!

The most important things a successful candidate needs are a great attitude and fantastic work ethic. You will need to provide your own appropriate work clothing and study work shoes, however the employer will provide a Hi-Vis vest. A full driver’s licence and your own transport is needed as are strong communication skills to take instructions. You will also need to be fairly fit and strong and be really reliable.

This would be an excellent opportunity for a group of mates to have some fun and do some work together, but please remember to ensure everyone is registered and have applied online with SJS.

Work location is approximately an hour’s drive from Oamaru, 3 hours drive from Christchurch. Approximately 2-4 weeks (possibly longer) of work available to start as soon as possible. There is also the potential for ongoing holiday opportunities of this nature for the right candidates in the future.

This is a health and safety conscious employer, you must also be legally eligible to work within New Zealand.

If this sounds like you, apply now!

[ellieplume83]

Dam consent but no water for Canterbury deer park

An Environment Court ruling says the Hakataramea River in south Canterbury is over-allocated and has declined a water consent application from Infinity Investments.

Infinity is best known for its residential developments around Wanaka and Christchurch, including Pegasus Town and adjacent Ravenswood, but it also owns the Foveran Deer Park.

​Infinity’s founder, the late Bob Robertson, had sought water consents for the deer farm before he died more than a year ago.

from Ellie NZ Rss http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/90881674/Dam-consent-but-no-water-for-Canterbury-deer-park

from Ellie's Blog https://ellieplume83.wordpress.com/2017/03/28/dam-consent-but-no-water-for-canterbury-deer-park/

[sazzanz-blog]

Before the rain hit! #hakataramea #waitakivalley #waimatedistrict #oldshed #rustic #stormysky #landscape #pallet #weatherpics #metservicenz #instagramweather #instagramhub #photooftheday #picoftheday (at Hakataramea)

[sazzanz-blog]

Angry sky at first light this morning! #hakataramea #hakacottage #weather #metservicenz #landscape #mood #sunrise #rainbow #instaweather #weatherpic #atmosphere #nztourism #photoofday #picoftheday #instsgramhub (at Hakataramea)