NZ National Wetland Centre
In their own words
The New Zealand National Wetland Centre (lead by the National Wetland Trust) is a site in the making. It will be a comprehensive resource for all wetland types in New Zealand, set in the location of a 14,000 year old peat lake and 400 year old kahikatea (whitepine) semi-swamp forest reserve.
The reserve is 40 ha in size, of which10 ha is surrounded by a predator-proof fence to exclude introduced mammals, and has been extensively restored by a group of local volunteers.
The centre currently comprises outdoor CEPA activities - an interactive discovery trail with hands-on educational games and information boards. An ethnobotany trail is in development.
The judges loved
Have been working a long time to get a building, and have done a lot already to make it accessible for people. Signage and information already on site. Already delivering CEPA work and programmes. Rotopiko workbook also very impressive. Good work with local indigenous communities.