Key Takeaways
- Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre was on the brink of closure due to financial turmoil but has since secured a new board and general manager.
- The centre’s breed and release program for the critically endangered shore plover is ongoing, with 12 birds currently on site.
- A public stoush over payment for new aviaries for the shore plover led to the replacement of the entire board and a new deal with iwi and creditors.
- The centre is focusing on financial stability and growth, with a new "Chief of Awesome" position being advertised to enhance visitor experience.
- The conservation of the critically endangered tūturuatu/shore plover is the current focus of the Department of Conservation’s collaboration with Pūkaha.
Introduction to Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, located on the border of Wairarapa and Tararua, was on the verge of closure just six months ago due to financial difficulties. The sanctuary, which has been in operation since 1962, is renowned for its breed and release program for endangered species, including the takahē and the shore plover. However, in June this year, the centre’s then-board announced that it required an immediate cash injection of $600,000 to avoid closure. This desperate plea for financial help was accompanied by a public stoush over payment for new aviaries for the critically endangered shore plover.
The Shore Plover Breeding Program
The shore plover, also known as the tūturuatu, is one of New Zealand’s most critically endangered birds, with fewer than 250 individuals remaining in the wild. Pūkaha’s breed and release program for the species aims to bolster these numbers, but earlier this year, the program’s future was hanging in the balance. The centre’s conservation manager, Toby Cantwell, is responsible for the daily care of the shore plovers, including feeding them a diet of minced ox heart, kitten biscuits, insects, and supplements. The birds are also given live mealworms, which are bred onsite, as a way of encouraging them to come close and allowing Cantwell to conduct a visual health check.
Financial Turmoil and New Management
The financial woes of Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre escalated in a public stoush over payment for the construction of new aviaries for the shore plover. The Department of Conservation (DOC) had approved a grant for $530,000 for the aviaries, but by May 2025, tensions regarding an unpaid $244,000 invoice from the contractor had boiled over. The entire board of Pūkaha was replaced in mid-June, and a new general manager was appointed. The new board, led by chair Shane McManaway, has been working to get the centre’s finances back on track, including securing a multi-million-dollar deal with iwi and creditors.
A New Era for Pūkaha
The new board and management of Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre are focused on ensuring the centre’s financial stability and growth. The centre is currently advertising for a "Chief of Awesome" to help enhance visitor experience and boost numbers. Interim general manager Rhys Watkins is optimistic about the centre’s future, citing the hard work of the staff and the support of the community. The Department of Conservation is also continuing to work with Pūkaha, with a focus on the conservation of the critically endangered tūturuatu/shore plover. While the centre still faces challenges, including the high cost of running a conservation centre, the new management is looking to the future with optimism.
Conclusion
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre has faced a tumultuous period, but with new management and a focus on financial stability, the centre is looking to the future with optimism. The shore plover breeding program is ongoing, with 12 birds currently on site, and the centre is working to enhance visitor experience and boost numbers. The conservation of the critically endangered tūturuatu/shore plover remains a key focus of the Department of Conservation’s collaboration with Pūkaha. As the centre moves forward, it is clear that the hard work and dedication of the staff, as well as the support of the community, will be crucial in ensuring the centre’s success.
