Outside it was wet but inside the hall bird song welcomed people as they arrived to celebrate the launching of A Magpie Collection and to support the Friends of Okura Bush – a local conservation charity established to protect the Okura Bush and Okura estuary habitats. Together we raised almost $500 for FOOB and books were signed.

About 70 people attended. The fabulous artwork entries were displayed on the walls. There was a predator table complete with a stuffed stoat and a weasel. There was Fairy Fern , who transformed faces into living art works. Kids learnt to make their own origami bird bookmarks. The bird masks were also amazingly creative.

Books were won by twelve talented young artists and three mask makers, four artists received special mention and each won a bird beak poster. There were spot prizes and plenty of afternoon tea meant everyone from the youngest to the oldest enjoyed themselves.

Thanks to Canoe and Kayak for generously donating a family kayak trip in the Okura River estuary and to Kokako chocolate for their packs of drinking chocolate. Both these organizations support conservation work as part of their business efforts.

Paper mask

Happy masked friends