We are delighted to confirm that building is underway on the $1.3m upgrade, fit out and expansion of the nocturnal kiwi house.

The project includes completely renovating the existing kiwi enclosures and relocating the Operation Nest Egg [breeding] programme into the nocturnal house. We will develop new viewing facilities that will allow visitors perfect viewing in to the incubation and brooders room.  A two-way intercom will be installed so you can interact with the rangers.

An exciting feature will be a 50 seat theatre that will show a series of short films that we have commissioned about the links between Operation Nest Egg breeding programme and pest control and forest restoration and our conservation work.

As with the stage one development in 2008, it will funded by donations, grants and fundraising.  Major contributors include New Zealand Lottery Grants Board ,Lottery Environment and Heritage Committee, Trust House Charitable Trust, Eastern & Central Community Trust, Central Energy Trust, Tararua and Masterton District Councils, NZ Community Trust, Pelorus Trust, Prime Community Trust, Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Facilities Grant and Juken NZ. 

We anticipate work will be completed by Christmas to take full advantage of the summer season of tourists and visitors.   Seeing a kiwi is considered the number one ‘must do’ by international visitors and Pukaha Mount Bruce will be world-class attraction by the end of 2010.