"It is also a great opportunity for Mt Bruce to add to its conservation education.
"The work being done at Mt Bruce benefits all New Zealanders, through its endangered bird breeding programme and assistance in distributing them to other protected areas.
"It's a well-managed conservation and education project supported by iwi, the Department of Conservation and the wider community and the Community Trust is delighted to continue its support," says Mr Bell.
More than 35,000 visitors, about 30 per cent of them from overseas, come to Mt Bruce each year.
Executive officer John Gilberthorpe says that number is expected to increase when the new aviary is open.
It will have eight different species of native birds, including red crown and yellow crown kakariki. Mt Bruce is also home to three rare white kiwis.
"We have been focusing on incremental improvements at the wildlife sanctuary for several years. Our experience is unique as we sit alongside our unfenced native forest, which has extensive predator control and is progressively being restored.
"The Community Trust's $120,000 is a significant boost as it takes us to about the half-way point of our fundraising and is 12 per cent of the total cost of the project.
"It represents more than just the money. It gives us confidence as we approach other funders as it shows there is broad community support for the project," says executive officer John Gilberthorpe.
Work is expected to begin in August and the new digs will be open by the end of the year.