Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Pūkaha plans new $4 million educational facility

Mount Bruce, Masterton: Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is embarking on a new and significant development, the Pūkaha Environment and Ecology Programme: Te Wānanga Taiao. This is a major leverage of the current investment made in the Reserve by the Community, Iwi and the Crown over many years. The project is being driven by the Pūkaha board and was chosen from a number of concepts for its ability to deliver strategically and meet social, financial and environmental goals.

The new and expanded Pūkaha Environment and Ecology Programme will deliver:
the Pūkaha Environment and Ecology Wānanga - the home to applied learning and training that incorporates mātauranga Māori principles, being: hands-on, and science-informed. It will enable Pūkaha to host more Bio-diversity research, and help increase awareness of climate change issues
overnight accommodation for 40 people, for use by 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

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Bob Francis, Board Chairman, feels the programme will take Pūkaha to a whole new level and connect larger audiences with environmental conservancy. “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 Pūkaha 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”.

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 Pūkaha would greatly increase through extended day and night operating hours.

Silverwood Architects have completed the concept plans and Rangitāne carvers are prepared and ready to start on five key ‘Pou’ that will be integral to the wānanga facility. These will welcome all manuhiri and represent the significant Atua (gods) of the forest ‘Te Tapere Nui ō Whātonga’ (The Great Domain of Whātonga).

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.