A group of handy residents from Julia Wallace Retirement Village have been recognised for their efforts to reintroduce kiwi into the Ruahine ranges.

Julia Wallace residents

The residents’ shed at the village is a hive of activity, making traps that are used to eradicate pests in the ranges in programmes run by Environment Networks Manawatu (ENM).

About 40 conservation workers, including representatives from the Department of Conservation, ENM and trapping contractors, came along for a special morning tea hosted by Ryman CEO NZ Cheyne Chalmers to recognise the work of the residents.

The team, led by resident Allan Pretious, has manufactured 480 traps which have been put to good use in conservation areas.

Each Tuesday Allan and the team of nine cut and assemble the traps for delivery to ENM.

The residents supply the labour, and Ryman Healthcare supplies the materials.

The Julia Wallace team includes two retired builders, a plumber, insurance risk assessor and a civil engineer.

Allan says the team members, who range in age from the youngster at 76, to 94, share a common sense of purpose in their work.

“Everyone who works in the shed has suffered a loss of some kind, so it is very therapeutic for us all,’’ Allan said.

“It is a good comfort for us all to be able to discuss our problems with each other.

“The friendships that have been made would not have been made without this project.

“And we are making traps to protect our native Kiwi for our grandchildren and their children.

Ian Rasmussen from Environment Networks Manawatu said it the special event at Julia Wallace provided a great chance for the team to meet the trapmakers and say thanks.

“We can’t thank them enough for what they are doing for us. To have built 480 traps for this project is awesome. Without their help we would have struggled to get going.’’

The team of Allan Pretious, Mason Sillifant, George Judd, Edwin Pain, Eddie Galway, Hugh Mawson, John Hight, Bob Belgrave and Jim Gosse were all presented with certificates to recognise their contribution by Cheyne Chalmers.

A special award went to Julia Wallace’s sales advisor, Chrissy Thompson, who was instrumental in getting the trap making project off the ground.

“They fell into my trap,’’ Chrissy says.

Cheyne said Ryman was enormously proud of the team’s efforts for conservation.

“This is quite frankly one of the coolest use of resident power we’ve seen, and we are extremely proud of you all.

“Not only are you having fun (I hope you are having fun) but you are making a tangible contribution to the goal of creating a predator free New Zealand by 2050 – one rat at a time!

“You are making a massive difference it makes to our birds.’’

The traps made at Julia Wallace are part of the Southern Ruahine Kiwi Habitat Restoration Project which aims to introduce kiwis back into the Ruahine ranges by 2026.

Allan has more projects lined up.

“We’ll be moving on to our next project – there’s no stopping us now.’’

About Ryman: Ryman Healthcare was founded in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1984 and owns and operates 45 retirement villages in New Zealand and Victoria. Ryman villages are home to more than 13,200 residents, and the company employs over 6,700 staff.

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