Kokako treat in store for Whirinaki visitors

The reintroduction of endangered native birds to the forest and the backing of a fair-trade, organically-based business will give September’s Whirinaki25 event a distinctly kokako flavour.

The celebrations marking 25 years since milling of native timber was stopped will coincide with the translocation of a number of kokako (sometimes called blue-wattled crows) into Whirinaki Forest.

While the songbirds’ reappearance in the forest for the first time in many decades will bring a visual and aural delight, those attending the powhiri to welcome them can also look forward to a flavoursome treat courtesy of Kokako Organic.

The Auckland coffee roastery uses only organic, fair-trade sourced beans and saw the Whirinaki25 event as a perfect fit with its values.

For those unable to attend the powhiri, there will be a second opportunity to sample Kokakos product during the Whirinaki25 fundraising gala dinner, featuring keynote speaker Dr David Bellamy, to be held at Rotorua’s Novotel on Friday September 4.

Owner Mike Murphy said the budding eco-tourism industry at Whirinaki, hinged on the long-term preservation of one of the world’s most precious forests, is the sort of project the Fair Trade organization likes to support.

“In many ways, communities such as Minginui and Te Whaiti, in New Zealand’s rural hinterland are in the same growth phases and heading towards sustainable non-extractive industries as many of the overseas places supported by the Fair Trade movement.

“From my point of view that makes them a priority to support.”

But Mr Murphy said the most exciting thing about Whirinaki25 was the inclusion of one on New Zealand’s most inspiring birds. “The Kokako is a uniquely fascinating bird with unrivalled character and I’m proud to own a business that shares the same name”

Kokako Organic Coffee is also available by ordering on-line at www.kokako.co.nz

Gala dinner tickets and booking details, along with other Whirinaki25 event details are available at www.whakatane.com/whirinaki_25.html