The construction of Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery is well underway with a roof now overhead thanks to the generosity of local businesses.

All materials and specialised labour for installing the roof were provided free of charge by Lance Berry Roofing, who worked alongside Metalcraft’s Palmerston North branch and national supplier New Zealand Steel. Jointly, their donation came to more than $27,000.

“Scott Bruce of Rotary approach me about Wildbase Recovery and said it was a good cause – so I  took a look at the plans and completely agreed,” says Lance Berry. “We then approached Metalcraft, who were very supportive, and they, in turn, talked to New Zealand Steel and together we were able to make this possible.”

“I have grandchildren, and so, for me, this project is important because I’d like our native wildlife to still be there when they grow up. I think Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery is going to be an amazing thing for us all.”

Roger Kennedy, the chair of Wildbase Recovery Community Trust, is very thankful to the companies involved. “Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery is going to make a huge impact on how we care for our native wildlife,” says Kennedy. “It simply could not have been possible without the support of so many dedicated organisations and businesses in our community. Donations like this have provided the roof over our heads, the walls, the concrete – it’s great to see such strong buy-in locally and nationally.”

The centre is due to open mid next year, and Berry looks forward to taking all seven grandchildren to visit when it does.