Manukura the white kiwi on her 8th birthday. PHOTO/FILE
A memorial service for the deceased white kiwi Manukura will be held at Pukaha on Saturday, January 9, at 1pm, to celebrate her extraordinary life and legacy.
Pukaha National Wildlife Centre lost its most famous resident, Manukura, on December 27, 2020.
Rangers and veterinary staff were present at her death.
In 2010, 30 North Island Brown Kiwi were translocated from Little Barrier Island to boost the wild kiwi population at Pukaha
Pukaha, Rangitane o Wairarapa, and Rangitane o Tamaki Nui a Rua have arranged the public farewell of the beloved Manukura.
“After the formal service visitors are invited to form a guard of honour and offer messages of love to go with her on her final journey,” Pukaha said.
The Pukaha and Rangitane whanau, wider community and supporters are invited to show their respects on the day.
As a part of her legacy, a Givealittle page has been established to raise funds for the completion of a new Environmental Education Centre due to be started in early 2021.
The Te Waananga Tai Ao [Environmental Education Centre] was to be named in Manukura’s honour.
“This significant new project is designed to increase access to environmental education opportunities for young people from around the country – a fitting legacy for a special bird that inspired so many and taught us so much,” a Pukaha spokesperson said.
A scholarship fund was also to be established in her name to support a first-year veterinary student at Massey University, which Pukaha staff said had done so much to support them and the wildlife in their care.
Pukaha said that, at the appropriate time, Manukura’s ashes, together with some special white rocks, would be buried beneath the foundations of the new complex and Wharenui that is being built at Pukaha.
A carving in memory of her would also be produced by the Pukaha carving team and placed at the Kiwi House ready to be unveiled on May 1, 2021, Manukura’s birthday and the date set down for a ceremony when Rangitane formally gift the Pukaha reserve to the people of New Zealand.
Manukura feathers are to remain at Pukaha and be used to create special taonga in her honour.
