Collaborating for Conservation

​Finding ways to help the environment has never been easier thanks to the collaboration of three local environmental groups, Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, Envirohub Marlborough and Picton Dawn Chorus.   

“Along with the Department of Conservation, Port Marlborough is a ‘Foundation Partner’ of the Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary. We’re delighted to take that partnership to the next level by now providing fully sponsored long-term accommodation to the Kaipupu Sanctuary team, along with similarly focused community environmental groups Picton Dawn Chorus and Envirohub.” Rose Prendeville, Capabilities Manager at Port Marlborough continues “these groups will collectively occupy retail premises at the Auckland Street frontage of the main Port Marlborough administration building, which we already share with DOC – making the co-location a natural fit. On behalf of the groups, we acknowledge Marlborough District Council councillors and staff for their support of this collaboration.”  

 “The support from Port Marlborough and the Marlborough District Council in creating this wonderful new space is hugely appreciated by all of us. It will be a great working environment for our coordinators as well as a chance for us to connect with the public, to share knowledge about traps and trapping, and to continue our efforts towards getting a trap in every fourth garden in Picton” says James Wilson, Chairman of Picton Dawn Chorus.  

The space at 14 Auckland Street, previously a self-service laundromat, has been fitted out to include a shop and information area out the front, and a back office to accommodate the coordinators from the three environmental groups.  The front space will also double as a space for talks, workshops and events.     

“We are looking forward to the opportunities that working under one roof will bring” says Rachel Russell, Project Coordinator for Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary.  “With similar goals we hope to collaborate on more projects that will inform our community and benefit the environment in and around Picton”. 

For all the groups the words ‘mahi tahi’ or working together sum up nicely what the groups are trying to achieve in this space.  Andrea Askin Mills, Envirohub Marlborough coordinator explains “we are excited to be working alongside two fantastic organisations and looking forward to running and promoting more environmental events for our community from a wonderful new shared space.” 

Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, Picton Dawn Chorus and Envirohub Marlborough will be ready to welcome visitors to 14 Auckland Street (next to Picton Laundromat) from Monday 25th February.  An official opening will be held later in March.