9 May 2016

Iconic wildlife centre receives significant donation

Iconic Wairarapa wildlife centre, Pukaha Mount Bruce says achieving its restoration programme targets for kiwi Operation Nest Egg work, is now one step closer thanks to a significant donation from facilities services company, OCS New Zealand Limited.

Pukaha Mount Bruce chair, Bob Francis says, the wildlife centre continues to achieve excellent results with visitor numbers increasing annually through the centre, but relies on ongoing sponsorship and donations to continue their efforts to protect endangered species.

“OCS’ donation, was unexpected but is significant and timely as we increase our restoration efforts including pest eradication on our 942 hectares and another 2500 hectares of surrounding farm land to keep the kiwi as safe as possible,” says Mr Francis.

OCS’ managing director , Gareth Marriott says the 30 strong OCS team who visited the centre during their two day Central Region team meeting were so moved by the commitment of the staff and the board to protect native species and their surroundings, that it wanted to make a contribution to their ongoing efforts.

“We see this donation as helping Pukaha Mount Bruce to sustain their restoration programme which will help to continue to ensure the centre achieves positive outcomes for endangered species including the Kiwi, Kokako and Kaka. We are delighted to support this strong community project in line with our own community values,”says Mr Marriott.

Mr Marriot says the donation to the Centre also reflects a strong committment the company has to the Waiarapa region, with OCS having a long employment history in the region including providing commercial cleaning and facility management services for large local clients such as the Waiarapa District Health Board and Masterton Medical Centre.

“With over 50 clients in the region and around 76 staff working here, with two of our longest servicing staff members based here, we wanted to also give back some how to this community which has been so supportive of us,” says Mr Marriott.

During OCS’ visit to the Wildlife Centre they got to see a newly hatched baby kiwi. Mr Francis has invited the team back to release this kiwi back into the wild – once it reaches the target weight of 1.2kg.

ENDS

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