Key Takeaways
- Two deliberate attacks at torohanga Kiwi House in November caused thousands of dollars in damage and disabled critical wildlife systems for four days.
- The incidents, which included the theft of a specialist digital bridge and a fire at the public toilets, have cost the charity over $15,000 in repairs and lost income.
- The attacks have had a significant impact on the charity’s ability to carry out conservation work, animal care, and habitat improvement.
- Despite the setbacks, the centre’s commitment to wildlife care remains unwavering, and they are grateful for the support of their community and stakeholders.
- Police are investigating the incidents and have referred two youths to Youth Aid in connection with the arson attack.
Introduction to the Incident
torohanga Kiwi House, a charity and wildlife centre, has been left reeling after two deliberate attacks in November caused significant damage and disruption to their operations. The centre, which is home to a variety of native birds, lizards, and bugs, including kiwi, kākā, kea, kererū, and ruru, was targeted in two separate incidents that have left staff and management shaken. The first incident occurred on November 6, when an offender destroyed the centre’s external meter board, disabling power and security systems, and stole a specialist digital bridge. This theft had a significant impact on the centre’s ability to care for the animals, as it affected heating, ventilation, humidity control, after-hours monitoring for nocturnal habitats, EFTPOS systems, and an electric fence surrounding the park and its enclosures.
The Impact of the Attacks
The damage caused by the first incident was extensive, and it took two days to repair and another two days to bring systems back online. This meant that the centre was effectively offline for four days during their busy season, resulting in a significant loss of income. Operations manager Julian Phillips expressed his frustration and disappointment at the incident, stating that every dollar spent on repairs and replacement equipment was a dollar taken away from conservation work, animal care, and habitat improvement. The centre’s commitment to wildlife care, however, remains unwavering, and they are grateful for the support of their community and stakeholders. Despite the setbacks, Phillips said that the centre’s visitors were understanding and supportive, with many offering to help by going into town to get cash for them.
Investigation and Response
The second incident occurred six days later, when staff discovered the public toilets at the bottom of the park on fire. Security footage revealed that the same individuals had also attempted to start a fire on the rear deck of a meeting room, but fortunately, the weather prevented it from taking hold. The incidents have been reported to the police, who are investigating and have referred two youths to Youth Aid in connection with the arson attack. Sergeant Gary Anderson stated that initial inquiries into the burglary had been unsuccessful, but police would take further action if new information came to light. The centre is working closely with the police to identify those responsible and prevent future incidents.
The Centre’s Commitment to Wildlife Care
Despite the challenges posed by the attacks, torohanga Kiwi House remains committed to its mission of caring for and conserving native wildlife. The centre is New Zealand’s first kiwi house and is home to a variety of native species, including kākā, kea, kererū, ruru, and other birds, as well as lizards and bugs. The centre’s staff and management are dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for the animals, and they are grateful for the support of their community and stakeholders. Phillips emphasized that the centre’s commitment to wildlife care remains unwavering, and they will continue to work tirelessly to protect and conserve New Zealand’s native species.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The attacks on torohanga Kiwi House are a reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife centres and charities in New Zealand. The incidents have had a significant impact on the centre’s operations and finances, but they will not deter the staff and management from their mission to care for and conserve native wildlife. The centre is working closely with the police and the community to prevent future incidents and to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the animals in their care. With the support of their community and stakeholders, torohanga Kiwi House will continue to thrive and provide a safe and healthy environment for New Zealand’s native species.