Little penguin steals the show

An injured blue penguin was the most popular attraction at a "South Coast Safari" in Wellington to mark the end of Conservation Week.

More than 750 people converged on Island Bay yesterday to kayak, cycle, and clean up the beach - but the day belonged to an unnamed two-year-old penguin. Karin Wiley of the Native Bird Rescue Wellington Trust said the penguin was found recently in the south tunnel at the airport and had probably been hit by a car.

She and Wellington city councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer used the bird in their talk about penguins and how people can help protect them.

It will eventually be released back to its natural environment.

Five-year-old Capital Montessori school pupil James Stevenson said the penguin was "really cute".

"This is the first time I have seen one in real life," he said.

"I really like them."

After the talk, children made penguin nesting boxes, which will be used on Matiu/Somes Island.

Conservation Department ranger Matt Barnett said the aim of the day was to "give people the opportunity to see the types of fantastic recreational activities available on the south coast".

"The weather was looking really bad for a while, but the day couldn't be any better," he said.

"It's been fantastic to see so many families take part in a range of activities."

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast was one of about 50 people to make the 30-minute kayak trip to Taputeranga island.

"It was certainly more pleasant than it might have been," she said.

"The body's feeling great. I'm keen to do some more."