Tuataras enjoy improved leafy exhibit at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
The tuatara exhibit at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium has been upgraded with help from the Department of Conservation.
Four tuataras have settled back into the improved exhibit in time for Conservation Week, where Kiwis are encouraged to explore their backyard and engage with nature.
Kelly Tarlton’s lead aquarist Felix Berghoefer said tuatara have been at the aquarium since 2016.
“They act as ambassadors for their species and help us educate visitors on the way tuatara live in New Zealand, what threats they face in the wild and how we can help support these incredible native animals,” he said.
“Tuatara were once widespread on the mainland of New Zealand. Sadly, introduced predators like rats, stoats, feral cats and possums have made it too dangerous for them now on the mainland, except in predator-free sanctuaries including some islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.”
Tuatara are endemic to New Zealand and are the last surviving species of Rhynchocephalia, an order of lizard-like reptiles that traces back to more than 200 million years ago, when dinosaurs walked the earth.
The tuatara at Kelly Tarlton’s are around 7 years old and originate from Takapourewa Island, at the northern end of the South Island.
Kelly Tarlton’s is currently closed to the public due to Alert Level 3 restrictions.
Conservation week will run from August 15 to August 23. People can explore the aquarium online through a virtual tour, accessible from the Kelly Tarlton’s website.
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Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
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