There once was a limerick contest
Hokitika staff picked out the best
They were displayed on boards
At the Conservation Awards
But one poem was better than the rest

As part of their Conservation Week activities, Inger Perkins and Sue Asplin of the Hokitika Department of Conservation (DOC) team ran ‘The Great Conservation Week Limerick Competition’.

The task was to ‘write a limerick about something you love doing in our great outdoors’. The prize was a helicopter ride for two with Anderson Helicopters, a kiwi crèche experience with a DOC ranger, a daypack, a head torch, Whittakers fair trade chocolate, and an Andris Apse book of scenic photos.

Tylar Bishop won the limerick competition

Tylar Bishop, age 7, from Kaniere School won the competition. Here’s his winning limerick:

There was a young kid who liked to go tramping,
As he walked his feet he was stamping.
He kicked all the rocks,
And pulled up his socks,
Then pitched his tent to go camping.

The competition was stiff, with some amazing entries coming forward from local children and adults alike. Below are a few of the good ones. The floor is open for anyone else that wants to have a go, though, sorry, all the chocolate has gone!

Group of children from St Mary’s School, Hokitika, reading the limericks of the finalists

Limerick contest entries:

There once was a little brown kiwi
Who tried to find his long lost iwi,
When he found the whānau,
They were like “Um, Ah, No!!”
Till they found out his name was Hiwi
Lesha Iraia, Age 12, Karoro School

There once was a fisherman called Ron,
Who was worried the fish were all gone.
Don’t catch too many
Leave some for Lenny
As what will we eat when they’re gone?
Taylor Martyn-Frewin, Age 11, Karoro School

There once was a DOC worker named Ned
Who was a very wise man he said
“Be not overcome with greed
And take only what you need,
Save some for your grandchildren instead”.
Keeley Sexton, Age 11, Karoro School

There once was a botanist called Ambrose
Who would hike up where Edelweiss grows
He saw something new
Then stepped in a poo
His discovery – a Toilet Paper Rose
Megan Norris

Here West of the alps, it is great
With Flora, Fauna, Forests, Glaciers and Lakes,
Whitebait are found,
Marvellous Vistas abound,
Let’s preserve and enjoy our Conservation estate
Jean Adams

I’ve sat back and listened for years
There’s been fighting and protest and tears
If we do what we say
and we say what we do
This planet will last us for years.
Dave Palmer

The Arthur’s Pass kea are such a delight
But feeding these birds is NOT alright!
When they eat the wrong food
They get cheeky and rude
And totally wreck anything that’s in sight!
Sue Asplin

DOC area manager, Ian McClure, selecting finalists – and laughing