April 15, 2024
When you mention Western Springs to Aucklanders, they will most likely think of three places: the Auckland Zoo; the Museum of Transport and Technology (known locally as MOTAT); or Western Springs Stadium, all of which sit within the Western Springs neighborhood. But there is one lesser known attraction, the Western Springs Reserve, where beautiful parkland surrounds a lake fed by natural springs. Our cousin, Annette, who lives nearby, acted as our guide. We headed toward the rainbow and started out at the small hidden Japanese garden.
We then followed a path around the lake, encountering along the way numerous black swans. Europeans assumed that black swans did not exist until Dutch mariners first spotted them in Australia in 1697. Based on a theory first posited by the Lebanese-American essayist and mathematical statistician, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, black swans have become a metaphor for an event that comes as a surprise, has a major effect, and is often inappropriately rationalized after the fact with the benefit of hindsight.
There were also large numbers of pukeko. These swamp hens are very pretty with their bluish purple breast and bright red beaks. We also love their large feet.
Here are some views from our walk.
In Maori, the lake is called Te Wai Orea (the water of eels). It is easy to see why.
Speaking of Maori, if you want to learn to count to ten, just play a few games of hopscotch. Hint, Tahi is one and Tekau is ten.
Mal and Lauren 