A one-stop shop to learn about NZ's butterflies and moths.
The concept for the National Butterfly Centre / Te Matauranga o Nga Purerehua o Aotearoa is explained fully in the presentation below. This was originally put to the Henderson Local Board of Auckland Council in 2017, as we were being considered for a location at Tui Glen Reserve, west Auckland.
Concept Presentation for Tui Glen Henderson
Sadly, this site later proved to be unavailable because of legislation. It was agreed that Auckland would be considered as the best site because of the number of potential visitors, but obviously it is more difficult here because of the unavailability of suitable sites. Butterflies and moths need sunshine (a northerly slope or flat land), shelter to the south-west, mature native trees and suitable host and nectar plants (which could be planted). For visitors, availability to public transport is a decided advantage and for our potential sponsors the site should be high profile.
We are currently exploring other potential sites with the Auckland Council. Towards the end of 2024 we are making some progress we believe. It is a "chicken and egg" situation because we cannot approach potential sponsors without knowing where the centre might be located. And Auckland Council is not keen to commit to any site without knowing if we can be self-sufficient financially.