Everything set for new arrivals

There is plenty of excitement at Pukaha as we prepare to receive up to 30 new kiwi in May this year. It will be the single largest mass translocation of kiwi known.

These kiwi currently live on predator-free Little Barrier Island. We are awaiting the final nod with regard to timing. When it is time for them to leave the island, they will be tracked by specially trained dogs (that will not harm them); then carefully caught and transported to us via helicopter and airplane. Quite a ride for flightless birds. We will keep you updated with regard to timing and events relating to this wonderful occasion.

The thirty new kiwi will double the population at Pukaha. This boost of numbers is a significant step toward them being self sustaining, therefore reducing Ranger intervention significantly.

Dubbed "Flight of the kiwi" a three-month fundraising campaign is underway that aims to raise the $300,000 required to establish these new kiwi and other native bird populations at the Wildlife Centre. Monies raised will also contribute to the much needed kiwi house upgrade, planned for later in the year. As always, we appreciate all and every donation.

Taking fundraising to the tastebuds
A stunning five-course gourmet lunch accompanied by beautiful Wairarapa wines is planned for Sunday 11^th April for supporters and friends of Pukaha Mount Bruce.

This Long Lunch for 400 people will be held in an elegant marquee at Copthorne Solway Park, Masterton and will feature heavenly regional specialties produced by the Copthorne's Executive Chef, Justin Holman. This sumptuous banquet will be accompanied by award-winning Wairarapa wines. The day will also include top entertainment as well as a charity auction.

Tickets are already in hot demand, selling at $125 a single and $1200 for a table of 10. Lunch commences at 12.30 and completes at 5pm. We did say it was a long lunch!

To reserve your tickets please phone John Gilberthorpe, Executive Officer on 06 304 9698 or email him on j.gilberthorpe@xtra.co.nz.

Whack a Rat goes to the top of the class
A major component of our fundraising campaign is to continue the successful education programmes we deliver to schools.

The Whack a Rat and Save a Native Bird classroom education kits have been delivered to 50 primary and intermediate schools so far. The feedback has been fantastic with schools responding with wild and wacky ideas about how they plan to raise money and awareness for Pukaha.

Working with schools on forest restoration and predator eradication has always been front and centre of what we do. Comments Field Centre Supervisor Kathy Houkamau, "Killing pests is the single most important and expensive activity we do. Schools have always been so generous with their time and innovative with their fundraising ideas".

Go to www.pukaha.co.nz and click on our Whack a rat section for more information.