Life at No.22, Snapshots of Tauranga

Snapshots of Tauranga #29

Suzanne

A while back, in fact nearly 2 years ago. Sea pods were built along the Tauranga Waterfront to provide a home for intertidal flora and fauna while helping shore up the CBD’s sea defences.

I have lost count of the times I glanced at their locality and didn’t stop until I did. A cloudy, windless day seemed perfect for stepping off the smooth concrete path and heading down the large rocks to view the seapods.

Let’s wander down our reasonably newly developed waterfront and visit those seapods and more. This morning, I intended to venture down to the waterfront to capture a few recent shots of the sun rising and our newly developed waterfront. However, the seafog rolling in ended that idea, which is still shrouding our area and further afield.

Placement of seapods and rocks along the waterfront.
Seapods doing what seapods do. Recently, children have discovered quite a few living organisms in those pods. Obviously, my eyesight wasn’t as good as theirs, with nothing to see on my visit.

Sneezing Sponge (Te Awanui)

I’m out cycling and came across the area where the discovery was made a few years ago.

This incredible “sneezing sponge”, this sneezing action refers to ridding itself of sediment, and then it puffs itself up again. Researchers believe it isn’t found anywhere else in the world apart from New Zealand, and it has a vital job position as a filter for the sea, amongst other important things.

The sneezing sponge (Te Awanui) symbolises its connection to Tauranga Moana and the community.  (Source: 1News)

How was it discovered?

Well, contractors working on the redevelopment of the waterfront in Tauranga City stumbled upon the sponge, which was more than a metre in diameter. Once researchers got involved, initially very sceptical of it’s size, they soon couldn’t believe it was real when diving off Beacon Wharf to confirm the discovery.

I’m pleased to report that our city council and other interested parties here and overseas are committed to protecting the breeding areas along our waterfront.

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Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

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