The not-for-profit Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre issues an urgent appeal for financial support. Based on reports, the centre needed to find $600,000.
The wildlife centre, located on the border of the Tararua and Wairarapa districts, serves as a breeding sanctuary for native birds, including kiwi.
In a statement, Pūkaha board co-chair Mavis Mullins warned that without an immediate financial injection, the board would be compelled to close its doors.
According to Mullins, former board chair Bob Francis and local businessman Shane McManaway were recently appointed to lead a comprehensive restructuring of the organisation.
Mullins explained that the sanctuary had been collaborating with potential investors for several months and had sought independent financial advice.
The centre is now calling on the community to provide support, Mullins said. She explained that the current operating model—which relies on partial funding of conservation work by the Department of Conservation, with the remainder coming from community contributions—is no longer viable.
Although the centre remains hopeful, Mullins said the doors will close soon unless immediate additional funding is secured.
“Unbelievable is a word that would come through. We all know down here, Pūkaha is … an iconic institution,” Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell said.
Masterton District Council was aware that the sanctuary was facing some financial challenges but had not realised the severity of the situation, Caffell said.
The council provides an annual grant to Pūkaha, and although no additional funding has been committed at this time, it has not been ruled out either.