Spring began on a high-pitched note for Danielle Hill at Ngahuia Wild Bird Rescue, who received a box of fluffy ducklings – and two brand new aviaries.

The aviaries were gifted by the community after Danielle paid nearly $5000 for one that never arrived. The generosity that followed turned a frustrating setback into a heartwarming show of support.

Ngahuia Wild Bird Rescue opened in November last year with funds from South Wairarapa District Council’s Community Wellbeing Fund. These funds enabled Danielle to apply for and gain a Department of Conservation Permit to house and rehabilitate birds. 

“We had to apply for a permit in order to open and we are enormously appreciative of the Council’s support to make it happen,” says Danielle.

When it became clear the ordered bird aviary wasn’t going to be delivered, Danielle’s accountant, Sophie from Sophisticated Accounting, put out a call for help. The response was overwhelming.

Danielle says she has been humbled and wow-ed in equal measure by the generosity of the community. 

“It has been an absolutely incredible month,” she says. “We received two gorgeous new rehabilitation aviaries, free from the community, who offered help following an unfortunate lack of response from the contractor we had paid. These aviaries are better than the ones we originally ordered.”

One aviary was made by Woodbox and Tiny by Taylor, who used their own and purchased materials, and the second aviary was constructed by Framework Homes, with materials provided by Capital Precut Solutions and Mitre 10 Martinborough. Danielle says many more offers of labour and support came in from across the region.

Ngahuia Wild Bird Rescue has saved over 300 birds in the past year and Danielle expects that number to double this year.

Ngahuia Wild Bird Rescue is located in Carterton. It qualified for the Community Wellbeing Fund as a small portion of the fund was set aside for regional initiatives that impact and benefit the South Wairarapa district and its people.

More information about South Wairarapa District Council’s community grants and funding opportunities can be found on our website: swdc.govt.nz/community/grants