From left to right - Orokonui volunteers Fred Harwarth and Paul Clements assist sculptor Rudie Verhoef to get Hinemoa into position.

Moa at Ecosanctuary for first time in 500 years.

Hinemoa, a beautiful moa carved out of redwood by Waitati sculptor Rudie Verhoef, arrived at Orokonui Ecosanctuary today. It’s been about 500 years since 4-5 different species of moa browsed in the Orokonui valley.

Hinemoa is a full sized young moa which will be a feature of a new Nature Play Area being constructed close to the Ecosanctuary’s Visitor Centre. Other play components will also reflect the biodiversity conservation work of Orokonui and include a bird’s nest, pest tracking tunnel, bronze wishing skinks and a DNA wind sculpture. The more conventional slide, picnic table and edible garden will be nestled into the native vegetation and around the small stream that flows through the area.

Chris Baillie, the Ecosanctuary’s General Manager, says “We’re creating this Play Area as another interactive attraction for young families and it will also be used by our Education Programme which has thousands of young participants. We hope to have it finished by the next school holidays.”

The Play Area project has been made possible by many grants; Stout Foundation, Lion Foundation, Community Trust of Otago, Bendigo Trust, Rigs for Kids and the Dunedin Amenities Society and by the generous assistance of volunteers led by Paul Clements.

The next visitor attraction being developed is an Arts Trail with sculptures and other artworks inspired by nature at Orokonui.

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