Lotto grant helps launch Pukaha aviary

TIME TO BUILD: Pukaha board chairman Bob Francis, general manager Helen Tickner and executive officer John Gilberthorpe.

A half-million Lottery grant means Pukaha Mt Bruce's aviary project can now take off.

The sanctuary will be able to start on its $1.1 million project after receiving confirmation of a $500,000 grant this week.

It follows grants of $250,000 from Trust House Foundation, $120,000 from the Eastern and Central Community Trust, $30,000 from the Central Energy Trust and $50,000 from the Wellington Regional Amenities Fund.

Work will begin on the aviary in the spring.

Pukaha board chairman Bob Francis said the free flight aviary would give visitors a greater understanding of New Zealand's flora and fauna.

The aviary, 40m long by 20m high, will house at least eight different species of birds, including whio and pateke, both part of the national breeding programmes.

More than $4.5 million has been spent on increasing the quality of the infrastructure at Pukaha over the last six years.

"We have worked hard to improve infrastructure here at Pukaha Mt Bruce over the last six years and improve the experience of thousands of visitors that come here each year," Mr Francis said.