Natureland Wildlife Trust have unveiled a Master Plan which includes expanding to nearby land and building a tropical butterfly house.
Trust chair Stephen Standley and new manager Ruth Seabright presented the plan to the NCC Sport and Recreation Committee meeting on Thursday morning asking for council support.
Stephen says the main feature of the Master Plan is to build a tropical house for butterflies and fish on the plot of land adjoining the zoo. It would also become the home of Natureland’s existing iguana and pygmy marmosets.
The extended area would include a relocated entrance, ticketing office, retail store and administration area.
He says another major part of the plan is looking at how to protect the zoo from future sea level rise and climate change, with a view to construct new buildings on tall piles or have them built with the ability to float.
Stephen says the move will see Natureland as the first zoo adapting for climate change and rising seas and provides a unique opportunity to become a centre of excellence for climate change action.
“Literally we believe we’ll be the first in the world.
“Imagine a boat like structure of buildings adapted to float and you will see that this could be an iconic development,” he says.
But the plans don’t come without a cost.
Stephen says an application will be made for a $30,000 capital grant from council in the first year of the Long Term Plan to assist with fencing the new area should it be added into their current lease.
The trust would then seek funding for the Master Plan through the Lotteries Significant Projects Fund but says seed funding is required to enable the trust to seek commitment from this and other funding agencies.
He says the trust will seek a further $300,000 in years three or four of council’s LTP as seed funding for the project.
“Our request is that council on behalf of our community continues to provide grant funding at current levels to enable some stability while we focus on the master plan.
“We also seek approval for the leased area to be extended and a capital grant of $30k towards fencing this land in year one of the long term plan,” says Stephen.
He says the beginning of the journey will see the trust prepare a robust business case prior to the $300k funding application.
Cr Kate Fulton questioned how the trust planned to heat the tropical house in light of their Silver Qualmark Award for sustainability.
“We would certainly be considering going off grid if that’s possible, and of course what better place than Nelson where we get so much sunshine.
“We will certainly be taking those sorts of things in account to try and minimise our impact on the climate,” says Stephen.
A spokesperson for the trust says they expect a decision on their council request at the next full council meeting.
