Bush Haven hopes for trust
Often, it’s only when a volunteer finishes their work that they are recognised for just what they have done.
May and Russell Evans started their Bush Haven sanctuary in Otatara about 20 years ago as a native bird rehabilitation facility.
Now they are looking to let go of their most valued long-term venture, but only to the right people.
May said the right people could be in the form of a community or a few passionate people, but those people had to be in it for the long term.
‘‘It needs some one who is enthusiastic, dedicated and is passionate about wildlife.’’
While their initial focus was on kereru, this has expanded over the years to include tui, bellbirds, kingfishers and falcons.
May said a favourite bird of theirs stayed with them for 16 years. Bubs, a kereru, was raised by hand and was the first bird they had hand-reared and to still eats food from their property.
Their house has many bird aviaries and sits beside native bush and Russell said it was a perfect spot for the sanctuary.
‘‘It’s all here now, it all works, I’d hate to see it go, we’ve proven it can be done.’’
It was not the best idea to move the aviaries from the location as it could cost up to $100,000 to move them, May said.
Native birds were the Evans’ life long passion. They have brought back many birds from injury and illness and Russell said the animals were just like people.
‘‘Birds are just like people they need time to heal and they need help. They need a space to get better.’’
Russell and May are retired and after Russell broke his femur earlier this year they decided it was time to depart the sanctuary.
Rather than selling Bush Haven outright, they are hoping a new trust can be formed to buy the property and continue the work they begun.