RNZSPCA ambitious educational building project

The Auckland SPCA are embarking on an ambitious educational building project which they believe will make a significant contribution, not just to the welfare of animals, but to the community and New Zealand society in general. Today (Tuesday 4 April) marks the beginning of the construction of a $1.4m Education Centre at the Animal Village, Mangere.

"We are all very aware of the harmful effects of bullying and violence that many of our young people face on a daily basis" says Bob Kerridge, the CEO of Auckland SPCA.

"We believe our education programme delivers character education which today's kids seem to desperately need.

When children learn about animal welfare, they learn about kindness, compassion, responsibility and respect. These values apply to relationships with people as well as with animals," he points out. "Relating to others, whether it be to their parents, their peers or their pets - that's an important part of children's' well-being and development."

The Auckland SPCA has provided an education programme to approximately 15,000 children and adults a year. Much of this has been delivered in the only meeting room at the Village which also serves as the Board room, the staff training room, a function room, a storage area and frequently even a dog training area.

The new Education Centre is expected to take 22 weeks to complete and once open in October the improved facilities are expected to cater for 30,000 visitors a year.

A key feature is the 'total emersion experience' visitors to the centre will have with the hands-on programs being offered. Visitors will enter through a stunning display that has been designed and developed by Weta Workshop.

"This will provide a real wow factor from their very first encounter" says Bob Kerridge. The complex features a 70 seat auditorium, as well as a more intimate meeting room to allow for smaller groups and separate meetings. 'Georges Barn' will be the home of a variety of animals with a story to tell - such as hens rescued from battery farms, a kunekune pig which was destined for a home kill and BBQ and other animals saved from a cruel fate. The barn will allow visitors to interact with animals and learn more about the animals' needs and welfare.

Manukau City Deputy Mayor Anne Candy was on hand to officially start the exciting project which Auckland SPCA has been planning and fundraising for over the past three years.

"We have managed to raise over $1 million but we still need a further $280,000 to have the project fully funded" says Auckland SPCA General Manager Jane Thompson.

"We have received fantastic support from donors, including the purchase of "chairs of learning", from community trusts and funding organisations, and from those special people who have remembered us in their wills. We are now asking for just a little bit more in order to complete the project."

At the official start function held today, the Deputy Mayor started the ground work by operating the digger to turn the first piece of dirt, closely watched by SPCA staff, volunteers and supporters together with a number of dogs who could not be tempted to get into the digging action, despite the encouragement from the photographers on hand. Teak Construction, the successful tenderers, begin the real work now.

ENDS

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