Walls for Wildbase as recovery centre takes shape

New Zealand’s only native wildlife recovery facility is a step closer to fruition, with walls embellished with the project’s story going up.

Large concrete exterior wall panels have been erected in Palmerston North’s Esplanade as part of the Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery project.

Wildbase will include aviaries, an education centre and a physiotherapy ward once it is fully constructed.

The 2900 square-metre complex, a $5.6-million project being built by Kynoch Construction, will care for birds and other animals treated at Massey University’s Wildbase hospital.

The idea is people will be able to watch the birds as they recover, after which the birds will be released into the wild.

The walls have been designed by Rangitaane artist James Molnar, who used a 3D design that wraps around the building to create a piece that shows how different groups helped make Wildbase a reality. ‘‘The designs were created to tell part of the story of the project’s origin,’’ Molnar said.

‘‘The huia bird, which used to be found in this area, is represented throughout, alongside the Tararua Range and the Manawatu River.

‘‘The male and female birds worked together to live and I wanted to use that analogy to show how when iwi and local council work together, great things happen.’’

Wildbase Recovery Community Trust chairman Roger Kennedy said the panels had been donated by Silvester Clark Consulting Engineers and Higgins Concrete. ‘‘When you start to see this kind of community support take shape in the real world, it’s really humbling.’’

Higgins regional manager Aaron Currie said they were happy to support Wildbase.

‘‘We’re proud to be a part of what will become a local icon and set the bar for conservation across the world.’’

Construction started on Wildbase in April and is expected to be finished by mid-2018.

Although construction has kicked off, the Wildbase Recovery Community Trust is still fundraising to cover operational costs.