Exotics safe, natives to go
A Feilding park will retain its exotic aviaries, but the native birds will be relocated and have their homes demolished.
The Manawatu District Council originally proposed closing both aviaries at Kowhai Park in its Annual Plan, but was forced to consider other options after an overwhelming number of submissions disputed the closure.
The council made its decision on Thursday, with mayor Helen Worboys using her casting vote to save the birds.
A 58-minute deliberation saw councillors divided on the topic, with five for the motion and five against.
Councillors opted to close the native aviaries and rehome the birds to a suitable wildlife and breeding base.
They will retain the exotic aviaries and establish a focus group to look at what community support there is for the required upgrades and potential for building an improved native aviary.
Funding of $220,000 will be returned to the Annual Plan for the exotic redevelopment.
The council’s permit to hold native birds, including kea, kaka, tui and weka, with the Department of Conservation expired in 2009.
In 2012, a DOC report identified several issues, one of which was the size of the enclosures, with native birds requiring 510 square metres.
Councillors noted the native enclosure was in poor condition and did not provide a positive visitor experience or ensure the health of the birds.
Their rehoming will save the council $15,000 per year.
Councillors believed an upgrade to the exotic aviaries would create an improved experience. This could include an improved layout where visitors had more opportunity to interact with the birds through feeding stations and improved signage.
Cr Hilary Humphrey said both aviaries had ‘‘broad appeal’’ and were enjoyed by more than just children.
Cr Andrew Quarrie believed the introduction of a breeding programme would be an asset, with birds to be released in several Manawatu parks and forests.
Quarrie voted against the motion along with Michael Ford, Alison Short, Shane Casey and Steve Bielski. They were in favour of keeping the exotic birds, but rejected the wording of the motion.
Cr Phil Marsh wanted to see more done to justify the council’s commitment to the aviaries.
‘‘We have to have an underlying purpose of having these aviaries, not just for the sake of having birds in a park. I’d like to see the introduction of a breeding programme.’’
The council also wanted to establish a group dubbed Friends of Kowhai Park who would assist with the feeding and maintenance of the birds.