Conservation Minister set to open new attractions

FOR RELEASE 6AM 24th April 2008

Rainbow Springs celebrates new Conservation Attraction

Rainbow Springs Nature Park in Rotorua is today celebrating the official opening of new enclosures that will further enhance the visitor experience and the park’s strong conservation values.

The new enclosures will be opened by Conservation Minister and Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick at 2pm and will be followed by an informal afternoon tea with staff at Rainbow Springs Nature Park. “The team are thrilled to have Steve, who has been a loyal supporter of Rainbow Springs for many years here to celebrate with us’’ says General Manager Stewart Brown.

The south end of Rainbow Springs Nature Park has been completely re-developed incorporating a new stream/waterfall and three new enclosures for rare native birds. It is an exciting time for the staff at Rainbow Springs and the opening will be a chance to celebrate their achievements after months of work and a significant capital investment.

The new developments are part of many changes in the park throughout its 75 year history, although one thing remains constant; the absolute commitment to providing a world-class quality visitor experience combined with a dedication to conservation and sustainability.

Many new species will be introduced to this new area of the park but for now the enclosures house the entertaining North Island Parrot, the Kaka, a new addition to the park in the Morepork and the inquisitive Weka. Part of the plans for these new areas include enrichment programs for all the animals to ensure they are not only fed and housed in a natural environment but are kept entertained and educated with changing environments, feeding programs and interaction with our staff and customers and the numerous wild birds that live in and visit the park regularly.

In her opening address, Conservation Minister and Rotorua MP, Steve Chadwick said, “I congratulate Rainbow Springs and its sister operation Kiwi Encounter. They continue to be strong supporters of conservation and are great examples of how conservation can be combined with business to provide not only a unique visitor experience but an education opportunity as well. “

Rainbow Springs Nature Park in Rotorua is uniquely New Zealand. It is a 75 year old award winning "attraction" with strong conservation values. Rainbow Springs has been hugely successful with breeding programs for kiwi and other endangered NZ birds and animals. The park includes over 1.5km of easy walking track in natural bush surroundings, spring fed pools house numerous trout, and native and introduced animals are cared for by a dedicated team.

ENDS

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