From teeny-tiny fungi to crazy kākā, the 2018 Zealandia calendar is a cracker! The creating of the calendar is one of the biggest projects my volunteer Sanctuary Storytellers group at Zealandia undertakes. Every year it gets better and better, with gorgeous wildlife photography and compelling stories. And at $19.90, it makes the perfect stocking stuffer or secret Santa gift. You can get it from the Visitors Centre shop or order online.

Not only are there 13 months, but NZ holidays are marked along with significant wildlife and conservation days. And every cent made goes back into conservation.

A true team effort with photos, writing, research, and editing from: myself, Vanya Bootham, Rosemary Cole, Brendon Doran, Lynn Freeman, Chris Gee, Chris Helliwell, Eeva-Katri Kumpula, Hayley May, Janice McKenna, Linton Miller, Ali McDonald, and Louise Slocombe.

Enjoy!

"Orbell" - one of the new takahē at Zealandia - is now visible to the public if you keep your eyes and ears turned on. Binoculars help too! Orbell's partner, "Nio", remains elusive, but if you listen, you can sometimes hear them calling to one another. This morning we hoped to get lucky and get some of the first "public" photos (i.e., photos from public tracks and without needing privileged access) of the new, blue, dynamic duo.