Showing off Dunedin’s chicks and Class Acts to the Prime Minister

Today I am hosting the Prime Minister in Dunedin and taking the opportunity to take him on what I think is his first ever visit to the Otago Peninsula. We will be visiting the world famous Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head, home of the only place where Royal Albatross nest near human communities.

August is usually the time when nesting chicks are fed up prior to leaving the nest in the spring so there should be plenty for him to see. We are also visiting the Natures Wonders facility which is a self funded conservation effort to ensure that the land is preserved for all future generations to enjoy. The focus is to protect penguins, fur seals and other wildlife in their natural environment. It may be too early in the day to view the yellow eyed penguins but there are plenty of other bird and sea life at this fantastic facility. We will also be calling in on the famous Larnach Castle. The three of these facilities are just some of the fantastic tourism opportunities on the Otago Peninsula described by the world famous botanist David Bellamy as “the finest example of eco-tourism in the world.”

The main purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit is to give out the annual Otago Daily Times Class Act awards to the two high performing students in each secondary school in Otago. This event sponsored by the Otago Daily Times celebrates all around excellence in sporting, cultural and academic achievement. Last year was John’s first attendance at this event and he was a huge hit with the students.