Pūkaha Environmental Education And Accommodation Centre (Te Wānanga Taiao)

Project 2022-09-06 12:51:37 +1200

Help us raise money for the final fit-out of Aotearoa's first-ever dedicated Environmental Education Centre!

A new education and accommodation centre is currently under construction in the heart of NZ’s native ngahere (forest) at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

On the construction site of Te Wānanga Taiao.

·        It will be a place where kids (tamariki) can learn about the forest while being in the forest.

·        Where kids can come and learn about the birds (manu), while sitting beside the birds.

·        Where kids can come and learn about the past in a place where the past is etched in the trees!

We need your help now to support the final fit-out of the build.

About the Environmental Education Centre:

An artist’s depiction of Te Wānanga Taiao (Environmental Education Centre).

A vision for Te Wānanga Taiao (Environmental Education Centre), was lead by local kaumātua (māori elders) back in the 1990’s at Pūkaha National Wildlife. 

Late Rangitāne kaumātua Jim Rimene.  

About Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre:

Pūkaha is a 942 ha unfenced forest reserve and home to some of New Zealand's most precious native wildlife.  This ancient forest is the last remnant of what was once called Seventy Mile Bush, that ran from Norsewood to Masterton.

Early bird release at Pūkaha forest reserve.

Pūkaha, a national treasure that opened to the public in 1982, was gifted by the Rangitāne people for the benefit of current and future generations and Aotearoa’s environmental future. 

An Environmental Education Centre will be important for both the Rangitāne people and all people of New Zealand.

Rangitāne gift Pūkaha to the people of Aotearoa in formal ceremony. 

Former Pūkaha chairman Bob Francis renewed this vision for the facility and in September 2021 construction began on Te Wānanga Taiao.

Bob and Mary Francis at Pūkaha & Early construction of Te Wānanga Taiao at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

Te Wānanga Taiao will be a multi-purpose Education and Accommodation Centre. 

It will provide a unique, hands-on learning experiences for all ages, blending modern science and cultural knowledge to inspire New Zealanders to understand and care for our natural environment.   

Staying overnight in the centre will provide a rare opportunity to walk in the forest at night and to hear it sleep and awaken to the sound of birdsong.   

Te Wānanga Taiao depiction at night.

When not used for education groups, the centre will be available for conferences, special events and community gatherings.  

Te Wānanga Taiao is being built on the Pūkaha Reserve.🔨

Te Wānanga Taiao in September 2022

🏗️: It is 65% complete and on track to open in April 2023. 

🛌:  It will accommodate groups of up to 90 people including schools, community and business organisations. 

🏠🤝: It includes a Wharenui (meeting house), a place of ceremony, meeting, learning and celebration.  

🍳: A dining area will seat 100 people supported by a commercial kitchen

🔥:  An expansive meeting and reception area with a log fire for the evenings.

Your Opportunity to help.

Help Pūkaha fit-out Te Wānanga Taiao.

Our current fundraising goal is $150,000.

This sum will fit out and equip the Centre as a comfortable and enjoyable place to stay, learn and have fun…

Your contribution today will go towards:

🔊: $20k of Technology, sound systems, wifi connectivity, screens & projectors.

🪑: $20k Furnishing for the dining area, reception, learning and social spaces.

🛌🏽: $20k Mattresses and bedding 

🍽️: $20k Catering and serving equipment for up to 120 people.  

🌳: $50k Landscaping - groundwork and planting 

🧼: $20k Drying room equipment (so wet clothes can be dried overnight)

"On behalf of future generations of New Zealanders who will develop a love of the environment through Te Wānanga Taio, thank you for your contribution to our fit-out...every dollar helps to fulfil the vision and purpose of this special place."

Emily Court, General Manager Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre  

More on Pūkaha...

A 942ha unfenced conservation reserve located 20 minutes north of Masterton in the Wairarapa and Tararua regions.   

Our vision:

'To be Aotearoa New Zealand's number one mainland indigenous wildlife sanctuary.'

Core activities include;  breeding of endangered native wildlife for release around Aotearoa, pest management in the reserve and surrounding farmland (3500ha), forest restoration, education and tourism/hospitality.   Breeding programmes now include; Kiwi, Kākāriki, Shore Plover, Tieke, Kākā, Whio and Pateke.  

Pūkaha is operated by a Charitable Trust (Pūkaha Mount Bruce Board ) on behalf of the community, Mana Whenua and the Department of Conservation. The organisation employs around 35 full-time and part-time staff in roles that range from conservation, to education, hospitality, tourism, and education. Pūkaha relies on visitor revenue, fundraising, sponorship and grants to meet the costs of the conservation work undertaken at the reserve.

Stories of the ancient forest. 

Students sampling water in the stream.

Newly hatched Kiwi chick. 

Tamariki explore native flora. 

Ceremony to return the reserve to Rangitāne. 

Kaiwhakairo (carvers) in the carving studio.

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