Contents

COVER : A solitary paddle on Okarito Lagoon surveys the perfection of the Southern Alps. Explorer Charlie Douglas started his life in South Westland at Okarito, but his many traverses of the rough strip of terrain between the coast and the summits seemed generally to take place in less clement weather. Photography by Derek Grzelewski.
CONTENTS - Features :
TRAVELS WITH ‘MR EXPLORER’ DOUGLAS [For close to 40 years this solitary and somewhat whimsical bushman forced his way through the forests and gorges of South Westland, surveying as he went, and keeping an absorbing diary of his exploits];
PAINTING THE PACIFIC PROUD [The Pacific Festival of Arts, held this year in Western Samoa, drew 2000 delegates from 27 countries for a colourful celebration of dance, culture and life itself];
ISLAND REFUGE [Stephens Island, buffeted by violent weather and formerly ravaged by fire and axe, still provides a toehold on life for a surprising range of rare and peculiar creatures];
MOREPORK [Known to most of us only through its distinctive call, the morepork is one of our more common native birds, and one which is superbly adapted to its nocturnal existence];
LAUGHTER IN THE NIGHT [the laughing owl ruled the night forests of the backcountry until as recently as 80 years ago, but relics of this singular bird still provide us with insight into its life and the lives of other members of the native fauna];
CONTENTS - Departments :
LETTERS; EDITOR’S COMMENT; GEONEWS [Antarctic lake; solar cycling]; SPACE [International Space Station]; WEATHER [mud and sand]; BOOKS [New bird guide; immigrant photo essays]; COMING UP;