Menzshed provides bird hide Hard work a boon for watchers
Bird lovers will soon be able to view their avian friends at Central Hawke's Bay's Te Angiangi Marine Reserve up close, but without disturbing them, thanks to the hard work of Napier Menzshed volunteers.
The charity partnered with Central Hawke's Bay-based Aramoana Environmental and Education Charitable Trust (AEECT) and the Department of Conservation (DoC) to build a bird hide for Ouepoto Reserve, located within the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve.
Menzshed volunteers are known in the community for putting their respective talents to use, helping other charities by making picnic tables, furniture and mending toys.
Over time, it became evident a cause close to the hearts of local chapter members was the unique Hawke's Bay biodiversity.
“This is why we approached DoC,” says Napier Menzshed spokesman Paddy Dobson.
“We wanted to use our skills to do more for conservation. This bird hide is hopefully the first of many projects we partner with DoC on.”
Earlier this year Napier Menzshed started work on the project — first adapting a bird hide plan for the Ouepoto Reserve from one designed by DoC and the Hawke's Bay Regional Council.
Then with materials donated by AEECT — which advocates for visitor facilities at Te Angiangi like this bird hide — the volunteers worked hard over 13 days under the guidance of project leader Lyall Henry to complete the project.
“We are really happy with the result,” Paddy Dobson said.
“The men worked well, and we are surprised at how quickly we got the project completed.”
DoC ranger and AEECT general manager Rod Hansen said it has been a pleasure to work with Napier Menzshed.
“It's three-way partnerships such as this that make projects like this bird hide possible,” he says.
“I am just awed by the finished product. Our keen ornithologists will now be able to be with the birds without disturbing them.”
The bird hide was transported to Central Hawke's Bay this week by Bevan Clarke Machinery where it will be held by the Aromoana Trust to be installed over Labour Day weekend in October.
DoC will provide the information signage for the new structure.