Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School (PNINS) have been presented with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of their $1,500 donation to Wildbase Recovery Community Trust.

PNINS learned about the Wildbase Recovery project earlier in the year through local Rotarian Scott Bruce. School Council members soon set about planning activities to engage their peers in conservation messages and held a mufti day to raise the money.  Alongside the Wildbase Recovery Community Trust Chair, Doug Brew from Middle Districts Lions helped make the presentation to the school.

The community project is Rotary-led, with Lions supporting the effort. Covering the wider Horowhenua, New Plymouth, Ruapehu, Rangitikei and Manawatu regions, Lions District 202D has endorsed the Wildbase Recovery project. Palmerston North’s Middle Districts Lions are leading fellow Lions clubs’ support in raising awareness and encouraging fundraising efforts towards the Wildbase Recovery project.

“A large part of our work is based on serving our communities and protecting the planet. Wildbase Recovery is a project that will leave a legacy for future generations, and we’re proud to be part of the wider fundraising group,” says Middle Districts Lions’ spokesperson, Doug Brew.

Wildbase Recovery’s permanent breeding, inflight and rehabilitation aviaries will be set alongside an education centre. “Engaging the next generation in the conservation of our native species is a significant part of Wildbase Recovery’s philosophy,” says Rotarian, Rodney Wong. “We are working with a number of organisations, including Palmerston North City Council, Department of Conservation, Te Manawa Museum and members of the Manawatu Principals’ Association to develop an educational programme that will foster memorable learning experiences.”

Through user experience, multimedia and on site visits, primary and intermediate schools will be able to explore biodiversity and sustainability issues as well as learn personal and social responsibility for action.

“As educators, we are really excited about the opportunities and hands-on learning schools will have access to,” says PNINS teacher, Mrs Collett. “We’re proud of the leadership our students have shown in contributing to such a worthy cause”.