Mum's turtle love taking over the house

Gonville resident Jess Kahukura, 26, has a collection of over 30 turtles - including a real one.

She leaves the collection spread throughout her house and says she has lost a few because her kids like to play with them.

A pet turtle named Lillyana, given to her by a friend five years ago, was part of the reason she decided to start collecting.

Miss Kahukura likes to make turtles as well, her collection also includes a large polystyrene turtle which her dad helped her make. "It took about a month to make using a chainsaw, knives, a good craft knife and some gorilla glue."

She also makes pumice turtles and gives them out in jars of water so they float.

"Most of my turtles are given to me, my turtle collection makes me easy to buy for," said Miss Kahukura.

Her children; Lenyxx, 7 and Emmy-Jay, 2, like to buy their mum one every year.

Miss Kahukura says turtles are quite difficult to find, and those she buys herself are usually in op shops or a TradeAid shop. "TradeAid are my favourite, I know they will always have a really nice turtle".

When Miss Kahukura's nana bought her 10 turtles, she decided she was definitely meant to collect turtles.

"My nana had a collection of collections, she had a collection of animals, heaps of elephants and horses," she said.

Miss Kahukura's favourite turtle was given to her by her dad. She has put it into a time-capsule so it will always be safe.

Through the summer holidays the Chronicle is profiling a number of local people with a passion for collecting. If you know someone who would be suitable to feature in this series, contact the newsdesk on 06 349 0728 or email news@wanganuichronicle.co.nz