Tiwai Point facts for kids
Tiwai Point is a special piece of land in New Zealand. It's located at the entrance to Bluff Harbour, right on the southern coast of the South Island. Imagine a long, narrow strip of land reaching out into the water – that's what Tiwai Point is! It stretches from the western part of the Awarua Plains. On one side, it has Awarua Bay, and on the other, it faces the Foveaux Strait.
For many years, Tiwai Point was famous for the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter. This was a very large factory that made aluminium. It was one of the biggest industrial places in all of New Zealand. However, in July 2020, it was announced that the aluminium smelter would close down in August 2021.
Home to Special Wildlife
Tiwai Point is a really important place for animals, especially birds and insects. It's like a special nature reserve!
Birds at Tiwai Point
The rocky areas at the very tip of Tiwai Point are a designated Important Bird Area. This means they are super important for birds. Why? Because they are home to a breeding colony of Foveaux shags. These birds build their nests and raise their young right here. It's a safe place for them to live and grow.
The Tiny Foveaux Looper Moth
Tiwai Point is also one of the last places on Earth where a very rare insect lives. This is the Foveaux looper moth. This tiny moth is in big trouble and is at high risk of disappearing forever. It used to live in three different spots, but now it's only found in two.
The main group of these moths lives in a very small area at Tiwai Point. This area is less than 25 square meters, which is smaller than a classroom! They live among the plants that grow near the coast. Scientists are working hard to protect this special moth and its home.
