Wildbase rehabilitation of wild birds and animals
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.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.7% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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