2625 days ago

Wildbase rehabilitation of wild birds and animals

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

Our speaker this week was Rodney Wong, a well-known Manawatu business leader, and prominent Rotarian. He was accompanied by his wife, and Scott Bruce (‘Scotty’), a member of Milson Rotary Club and co-founder of the Wildbase Recovery Centre in Palmerston North.

The purpose of Wildbase is to rehabilitate wild birds and animals treated at Massey University, especially threatened species, and allow the public to view the activities at the Centre.

The Wildbase vision grew out of the success of Scotty’s kiwi house project, and the need to upgrade the wildlife hospital at Massey University. The City Council already operated an aviary in the Esplanade, which could be included in a new facility.

Rodney and Scotty focussed on the way a collaboration developed between Massey, three local Iwi, the City Council, and Rotary. Consultants from Seattle were engaged to develop a feasibility study and preliminary budget. Although Wildbase would benefit the local community, it was decided to avoid loading the funding burden onto it, if at all possible.

This has been achieved through sponsorship and contributions in kind from local businesses. The Wildbase hospital at the university was completed in February 2017 at a cost of $2M. The rest of the project will cost over $4M, and about $100,000 per annum will be needed for running costs.

Visitor numbers are expected to exceed 200,000 per annum, and entry is free.

This was an example of a very ambitious project, which Rotary made happen through leadership, networking, and management skills.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

Image
Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 79.1% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    79.1% Complete
  • 20.9% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    20.9% Complete
659 votes
9 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

Image
1 day ago

Today’s Mind-Bender is the Last of the Year! Can You Guess It Before Everyone Else? 🌟🎁🌲

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I dance in the sky with green and gold, a spectacle few are lucky to behold; I’m best seen in the south, a celestial sight—what am I, lighting up the New Zealand night?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

Image