The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary takes a significant step forward with a $60,000 grant from the The Canterbury Community Trust, to be used towards the construction of an entrance building.

Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust chair Dave Butler said the grant is a real boost to progress on the sanctuary project:

“It is our first external grant and will mark the start of the project’s on-the-ground activities,” he said. “The entrance building will be constructed as a partnership with our supporters - the design was donated by local architect, John Palmer; students and tutors of the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Carpentry School will do the construction; and the Canterbury Community Trust’s grant will cover most of the materials.”

Canterbury Community Trust regional trustee, Mary Ellen O’Connor, said the trustees saw the sanctuary as a benefit to all the people of the Nelson region: “It is a thoroughly conceived and planned project using a proven model, the Karori Sanctuary in Wellington,” she said. “It’s a great, green idea.”

Dr Butler said there is scope for more people to join in bringing the entrance building project to reality.

“We are looking for local suppliers who may be able to donate or offer discounts on materials and local sub-contractors to cover site preparation, drain-laying, electrical and plumbing.”

The entrance building is part of a first year of activities on site at the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary. There are plans for a new loop track for the public, operational tracks to access the whole site for pest control, and trapping to begin for possums and stoats.

Anyone who could help please ring Dave Butler on 5457127 or Ann Sheridan on 548 1398.

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