Te Wānanga Taiao
The Pūkaha Board has committed to building a purpose designed Education and Accommodation Centre and to invest in enhanced education programmes.
The Centre, to be known as Te Wananga Taiao, is currently being built on the Reserve.
About Te Wānanga Taiao
What is it?
Te Wānanga Taiao will accommodate groups of up to 40 people including schools, community and business organisations.
The wharenui is a place of ceremony, of meeting and of learning that can also be used for overnight stays.
A commercial kitchen and beautiful dining area will seat 100 people and be used as a lounge with a log fire in the evenings. A special room to dry clothes is also included so everyone can enjoy the forest in all weathers and have warm dry clothes the next day.
Te Wānanga Taiao will enable visitor groups from all walks of life to come and stay at the Reserve overnight and get to experience the native forest at dawn and dusk when it really comes alive.
All access to the reserve will be by guided tours only including a new nocturnal aviary to see Kiwi in their natural outdoor habitat.
Why are we doing this?
The health of our natural environment and wildlife is a strong indicator of the health of our wider environment. New Zealand’s economy depends on the environment, so wise management of our environment is essential – by us and future generations.
What are people saying?
Dr Ruud Kleinpaste
The Bugman
"Pūkaha can be the best outdoor classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand."
Dr Ruud Kleinpaste
The Bugman
"Pūkaha can be the best outdoor classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand."
Dr Ruud Kleinpaste
The Bugman
"Pūkaha can be the best outdoor classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand."
Dr Ruud Kleinpaste
The Bugman
"Pūkaha can be the best outdoor classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand."
“Pūkaha can be the best outdoor classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand” – Dr Ruud “The Bugman” Klientpaste
Pūkaha can be the best outdoor classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand” – Dr Ruud “The Bugman” Klientpaste
How can you help?
We have attracted massive financial support in grants and loans of over $.35 million, so the project has already proved its viability and confirmed the need for such a centre.
We are now fundraising for the final amount – just over $1 million – and we need your help!
Donate or support us!
You can help by:
1- Donating on our Givealittle page – click here
2- Adding your name to the incredible artwork – click here.
3 – Helping us furnish and fit out the building- click here.
Funding Target
Project Progress
- Site Preparation 93%
- Building Construction 52%
- Fitout 16%
Latest News
Wananga page added to website
The Centre, to be known as Te Wananga Taiao, is currently being built on the Reserve. Together they will take experiences available at Pūkaha to a whole new level.
PGF Funding success!
The Centre, to be known as Te Wananga Taiao, is currently being built on the Reserve. Together they will take experiences available at Pūkaha to a whole new level.
Site preparation begins
The Centre, to be known as Te Wananga Taiao, is currently being built on the Reserve. Together they will take experiences available at Pūkaha to a whole new level.
Dr Ruud Kleinpaste
The Bugman
“Pūkaha can be the best outdoor classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Claire Mathews
Board Co-Chair and Member, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
“Pūkaha is a treasure for all of Aotearoa and it is an honour to be a part of the organisation at such an important time in its history. As a community we have the opportunity to create a very significant legacy for many generations to come, I encourage all locals to get in behind this ambitious project.”
Emily Court
General Manager, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
“Pūkaha can be the best outdoor classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Dr Ruud Kleinpaste
The Bugman
“Pūkaha can be the best outdoor classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand.”