New direction for visitor centre

The board of Pukaha Mount Bruce is reclaiming the management of its visitor centre from the Department of Conservation (DoC) from July 1 and is advertising for a general manager.

Board chairman Bob Francis said yesterday the move would mean DoC would continue in its role with the kiwi recovery programme, the captive breeding programme, forest restoration projects and pest eradication but the board would take over the day-to-day running of the centre.

This would include running the retail store and administering the centre's "education component" which involves school groups.

Pukaha's cafe has already been contracted out by the board to Entice Cafe and Catering, Masterton.

DoC has been contracted for over 30 years by the board, and its predecessors, to manage the visitor centre but Mr Francis said although DoC has "done a great job" it is now time for the board to take things "to another level."

Mr Francis said the board has had plans in mind for quite some time to take back control of the visitor centre.

"We are now in position where we feel confident, and strong enough to do it.

"During the past four or five years we have put in a lot of effort to get the product right and with new projects and attractions coming we will continue to gain strength," he said.

The general manager the board is seeking would need to be from a commercial or financial background and have entrepreneurial skills.

"The person would need to be able to demonstrate a strong affinity for the environment and be excellent with people, both staff and customers," Mr Francis said.

Mr Francis said the birth of white kiwi and the long, hot summer this year meant Pukaha Mount Bruce had enjoyed two good years.

DoC's Wairarapa/Hawke's Bay manager Chris Lester said the change would allow "an appropriate shift of focus" of DoC's resources and enable the department to continue to look after the forest reserve and its wildlife.