Pukaha’s plans
Wananga planned at national wildlife centre
Pu¯ kaha National Wildlife Centre in Tararua is embarking on a new and significant development, the Pu¯ kaha Environment and Ecology Programme Te Wa¯ nanga Taiao.
“This is a major leverage of the current investment made in the Reserve by the Community, iwi and the Crown over many years,” says Alex Wall of Pu¯ kaha National Wildlife Centre.
“The project is being driven by the Pu¯ kaha Board and was chosen from a number of concepts for its ability to deliver strategically and meet social, financial and environmental goals,” he said.
“This will be a fantastic facility that will attract many young people to appreciate our unique slice of the 70 mile Bush and experience the wide range of flora, fauna and bird life it contains,” said Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis. “Pu¯ kaha National Wildlife Centre provides the most natural environment in which to learn and I am confident the facility will be popular with schools and other groups. It is an exciting opportunity for the entire Tararua District and the Wairarapa as Pu¯ kaha attracts many national and international visitors that are given a glimpse of our place and will provide many opportunities for them to explore our beautiful land of ranges what we have to offer and stay a little longer. I congratulate the Board and Rangitane on such a significant project.”
The new and expanded Pu¯ kaha Environment and Ecology Programme will deliver:
■ the Pu¯ kaha Environment and Ecology Wa¯ nanga — the home to applied learning and training that incorporates ma¯ tauranga Ma¯ ori principles— hands-on, and science-informed. It will enable Pu¯ kaha to host more biodiversity research, and help increase awareness of climate change issues
■ overnight accommodation for 40 people, for schools, community groups, iwi and private / business groups
■ 7-10 motorhome sites and related facilities
■ a nocturnal boardwalk that provides safe and environmentally sustainable access to night-time guided native forest experiences
■ hospitality and ecology-based training and employment
■ environmental education programmes for schools and ecology study and facilities for tertiary students.
“The programme will take Pu¯ kaha to a whole new level and connect larger audiences with environmental conservancy,” said Bob Francis, Board Chairman. “This is a project that will reach and engage more deeply and widely with local, national and international communities. The timing is incredibly important for
Pu¯ kaha given our history of preserving native species and the increasing threats that they are facing from current climatic and environmental challenges.
“The programme will enable youth education to become a major focus ensuring the protection of our flora, fauna and cultural traditions for future generations,” he said.
The full cost of the programme and related new facilities is expected to be around $4 million and funding is being sought from a number of sources. This will deliver significant economic and social benefits for the region including, increased visitors, greater educational opportunities, employment training relevant to regional needs, new jobs, and new bespoke accommodation.
Upon completion, public access to Pu¯ kaha would be expected to greatly increase through extended day and night operating hours.
Silverwood Architects have completed the concept plans and Rangita¯ ne carvers are prepared and ready to start on five key Pou that will be integral to the wa¯ nanga facility. These will welcome all manuhiri and represent the significant Atua (gods) of the forest Te Tapere Nui o¯ Wha¯ tonga (The Great Domain of Wha¯ tonga).