Napier Menzshed teams up to build Ouepoto Reserve bird hide

Menzshed volunteers Brian Hatton, Paddy Dobson, Bill Hurry, Graham Aitken, Russel Allerby, Bernie Cottle and Derek Mead with DOC Ranger and Aramoana Trust General Manager Rod Hansen Photo / File

Hawke's Bay bird lovers will soon be able to view their avian friends up close and without disturbing them thanks to the hard work of Napier Menzshed volunteers.

The charity partnered with the Central Hawke's Bay trust Aramoana Environmental and Education Charitable Trust (AEECT) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) to build a bird hide for the Ouepoto Reserve, located within the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve.

Menzshed volunteers are known in the community for putting their respective talents to use, helping other charities by making picnic tables, furniture and mending toys.

Over time, it became evident a cause close to the hearts of local chapter members was the unique Hawke's Bay biodiversity.

"This is why we approached DOC," says Napier Menzshed spokesman Paddy Dobson.

"We wanted to use our skills to do more for conservation. This bird hide is hopefully the first of many projects we partner with DOC on."

Earlier this year Napier Menzshed started work on the project – first adapting a bird hide plan for the Ouepoto Reserve from one designed by DOC and the Hawke's Bay Regional Council.

Then with materials donated by AEECT – which advocates for visitor facilities at Te Angiangi like this bird hide - the volunteers worked hard over 13 days under the guidance of Project Leader Lyall Henry to complete the project.

"We are really happy with the result," Paddy Dobson says.

"The men worked well, and we are surprised at how quickly we got the project completed."

DOC Ranger and AEECT General Manager Rod Hansen says it has been a pleasure to work with Napier Menzshed.

"It's three-way partnerships such as this that make projects like this bird hide possible," he says.

"I am just awed by the finished product. Our keen ornithologists will now be able to be with the birds without disturbing them."

This week the bird hide was transported to Central Hawke's Bay by Bevan Clarke Machinery where it will be held by the Aromoana Trust to be installed over the Labour Day weekend in October.

DOC will provide the information signs for the new structure.