Kelsi Haenga, a donor to Whinray Eco Trust Legacy Fund through the Sunrise Foundation, attended the release of a kiwi chick at Mōtū with her children. Haenga is a great-great-granddaughter of James Whinray, who had the foresight to protect the 429-hectare virgin bush from logging back in the 1900s. Photo / Whinray Kiwi Trust
Kelsi Haenga, a donor to Whinray Eco Trust Legacy Fund through the Sunrise Foundation, attended the release of a kiwi chick at Mōtū with her children. Haenga is a great-great-granddaughter of James Whinray, who had the foresight to protect the 429-hectare virgin bush from logging back in the 1900s. Photo / Whinray Kiwi Trust
The Whinray Kiwi Trust is hosting a Guided Walk and Kiwi Listening Experience to support the Sunrise Foundation’s Orange Week anniversary goal.
The event is to take place on November 2, starting at 2pm at Whinray Scenic Reserve, 1269 Motu Falls Road, Mōtū.
The kiwi population at Mōtū has grown from eight birds in 1999 to a current estimate of 100.
From November 2-8, Gisborne’s Sunrise Foundation is having an “Orange Week” of fundraising to celebrate 10 years of collecting funds and supporting Gisborne’s charitable groups.
One of the funds Sunrise supports is the Eco Trust Legacy Fund, which works as an investment for Whinray Kiwi Trust and the future of the ongoing conservation work and protection of kiwi in Mōtu .
Guaranteed and perpetual funding is needed for the trust to achieve its aim of returning kiwi to the Raukumara Ranges.
The trust works closely with Kiwis for Kiwi, the Department of Conservation and the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua on a project called Operation Nest Egg.
Kiwi eggs are removed from the wild and incubated at the hatchery. Once a chick hatches, they are grown to a healthy weight of around 385grams.
The chicks are then returned to the Mōtu Kiwi Creche, which is a predator-free area, until they reach 1kg. At this size, they can resist predation by stoats.
The price of entry for the walk is $70.
For information on the walk, visit Whinray Eco Trust’s Facebook page.
RSA commemorative parade and wreath-laying service
Gisborne’s Returned and Services Association is holding a commemorative parade and wreath-laying service on Sunday, November 10.
It will take place at the RSA on Bright Street.
The commemoration will consist of a parade of former and current service personnel, emergency services personnel and cadet forces.
They will assemble at Plumbing World (at the Kahutia St end of Bright St) at 10.50am and walk to the RSA clubrooms, led by the City of Gisborne Highland Pipe Band.
A short service and wreath-laying ceremony will be held and Gisborne Civic Band and the Salvation Army Band will accompany national anthems and hymns.
Two-tour Vietnam veteran Desmond Omundson will be the guest speaker, and there will also be a fly-past involving aircraft from Gisborne Aero Club and Darton Field Aviation Trust.
Light refreshments will follow at the RSA clubrooms.
“This is a very important time for the RSA as we commemorate three very important days... Trafalgar Day (RNZN Remembrance Day), the Battle of Britain Day (RNZAF Remembrance Day) and Armistice Day (RNZIR Remembrance Day),” Gisborne RSA president Trevor Jukes said. “We also remember all those that have served in any capacity in any conflicts worldwide since these events and have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.”
“We also honour all who have served in the armed forces and emergency services in any capacity.
“The RSA would like to extend a warm welcome to all [former] and current service personnel, including the police, fire service, St John, emergency services and the general public, to join us at this service on Sunday.”
New Zealand Community Trust granted $9363 to Gisborne Central School for new sports equipment. Photo / NZCT
New sports equipment boosts Central School’s PE programmes
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) granted $9363 to Central School for new sports equipment, including kī-o-rahi uniforms, football goals, badminton and rugby equipment, and a range of sports balls.
“This new gear has made such a difference in our sport and PE programmes,” teacher Jack Adams said. “The students are more engaged and excited to participate. It’s amazing to see how much more confident they feel when using quality equipment. It’s going to help us create more inclusive and active environments.”
“For many students, PE is a highlight of their school day, and with this new equipment we’re able to offer a much greater variety of activities,” principal Stuart Barclay said.
The new gear also benefits the wider community, enhancing after-school programmes and weekend sport.
“I can’t wait for PE now,” Year 5 student Monty said. “We’ve got all this cool new stuff to use and it makes going to class way more fun.”
NZCT’s grants, marketing and communications general manager Ben Hodges said they loved supporting organisations and purposes that get people active – “especially children”.
