Rotary Dunedin, along with four other Dunedin Rotary clubs — St Kilda Sunrise, Dunedin South, Dunedin Harbour and Dunedin Central, committed to a project in 2022 to support Orokonui Ecosanctuary to construct a new soft-release aviary.
President Fiona Nyhof said Rotary Dunedin raised $14,140 for the cost of materials for the aviary, with the other clubs contributing $1000, and Rotary District Grants funding $6000. A fund of $2500 is being kept in reserve for signage and plants to support the installation.
With the recent completion of the aviary, club members and friends gathered for lunch at the on-site Horopito cafe, and to hear a presentation on the project from Orokonui Ecosanctuary general manager Amanda Symon and conservation manager Elton Smith.
He shared the history of the 307ha ecosanctuary, from the beginning of fundraising in 2004, the building of the 8.7km predator fence in 2006-07, the eradication of 11 pest species, to the introduction of kākā and the opening of the visitor centre in 2009.
The aim of the ecosanctuary is to provide a safe natural environment for taonga species, among them the kākā, tūī, korimako/bellbird, takahē, kererū, ruru/morepork, jewelled gecko, tuatara, South Island robin, the Haast tokoeka kiwi and many more.
Built at a cost of $58,000, with funding from Rotary, AAW Jones Trust, Alexander McMillan Trust, and the Stout Trust the 100sq m soft-release aviary would support Orokonui Ecosanctuary to translocate other threatened species to the sanctuary in the future.
‘‘In any species translocation it’s inevitable that some birds will simply fly out beyond the safety of the predator resistant fence, so the focus is on minimising the number that disperse, to ensure enough remain to establish a breeding population,’’ Mr Smith said.
The soft-release aviary would be used to house a subset of the birds set for release, and these would help to anchor the remaining free-released birds with their presence and their calls.
Along with learning about the new aviary, last week’s visit was a chance for Rotary Dunedin members to reflect on the various projects they have completed at Orokonui Ecosanctuary over the years.
From 2008-2010 Rotary Dunedin undertook a major project to construct the Robin Valley Track, the ecosanctuary’s entrance shelter was built by Rotarians, vegetable gardens for the cafe, and two water fountains. Recently, Rotary supported the North Dunedin Shed in building and installing compost bins.
The funding for the Orokonui Ecosanctuary aviary project was the first of two 2023 Rotary Dunedin centenary year projects. The second major club project, to upgrade amenities and beautify Rotary Park, will get under way later this year.
Rotary Dunedin will mark the 100-year milestone with a centennial dinner at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum on April 29, with guest of honour former Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand.
A centenary book, entitled Rotary Dunedin — 100 Years of Service will be launched at the dinner.
