An Environment and Heritage Facility Grant of $400,000 from the Lottery Grants Board was invaluable in getting the centre completed and went towards the physical build of the project as well as the new technology of the enclosure.
Huge amounts of volunteer labour was involved in the project including tasks such as sifting 85 square meters of soil to ensure that it’s clean for the kiwi, which have an extremely sensitive digestive system, and local organizations and individuals donated equipment and materials.
The centre, which includes a large nocturnal house for the kiwi (manuiti) and morepork (ruru), has visitor viewings on two sides and the enclosure itself has climate, light and season control with cameras sneaking a look inside the kiwi’s burrow.
The technology involved in the lighting of the enclosure is state-of-the-art and includes a special ‘dusk’ setting, which is the time that Kiwi are most active.
Another special feature of the facility is the live native fauna exhibition which is geared towards educating the public about how to look after native fauna through a range of visual and experiential tools. On display include four species of native gecko including the Auckland Green, Forest, Pacific, and Duvaucels’. Duvaucel’s haven’t been on display at Kiwi North before, and they’re big.
A dawn blessing was held in mid January, before the fauna was moved and to ensure the safety of the live fauna and staff and volunteers. Representatives from Te Puni Kokiri, DOC, and local kaumatua and kuia attended the blessing as well as representatives from central and local government.
Kiwi North Director, Dr Joanna Cobley says the centre offers a unique experience for the local community and for tourists visiting Northland.
The Museum and Kiwi House is open from 10am to 4pm and is five minutes from Whangarei City Centre. Other funding for the centre was granted from Whangarei Native Forest and Bird Protection Society Inc and the Ministry of Tourism.
