From now to mid-September is the best time of the year to visit Tiritiri Matangi Island. That's the word from Barbara Walter, the Department of Conservation ranger who knows the island better than anyone. Barbara and husband Ray are the permanent rangers on Tiritiri. She says bellbirds and stitchbirds are
busy using the feeders, kowhai trees are starting to flower, and fantails are out in huge numbers. Ferries run on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. DoC reminds those going by private boat that no fires or barbecues are allowed and no pets can go ashore.
Conference time
The Marine Transport Association conference is being held in Christchurch from July 7 to 9 with the theme Travelling Beyond Today - Innovation and Initiative. Keynote speakers include Transport Minister Pete Hodgson, BNZ economist Kirsten Patterson and Marine Industry Association CEO Peter Busfield. Maritime Safety Authority operations manager John Mansell will cover a range of issues relevant to restricted limits operators, including minimum crewing, safe ship management, OSH obligations and safety performance issues. Late registrations on Marine Transport
Sailing summit
The sixth International Sailing Summit will be held at Annapolis, Maryland, on October 5 and 6, immediately before the Annapolis Boat Show. Event chairman Alistair Murray says the summit will bring together industry leaders and sailing enthusiasts from around the world to discuss the opportunities and problems facing sailing at many levels. Speakers will include International Sailing Association Federation president Paul Henderson and ESPN commentator and America's Cup sailor Gary Jobson.
Water-Watch
The winter racing programme continues this weekend. Main activity:
Saturday: MRX winter match-racing series (RNZYS); Women's winter series, continues (Ponsonby CC).
Sunday: Fully crewed series continues (RAYC); Gill winter series continues (Ponsonby CC). Mid-winter fundraising regatta (Kohimarama YC).
* Clubs and organisations planning events in or on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register well in advance with the Auckland Regional Council Customer Service Centre on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.
