That is the aim of a new project from the Makotukutuku Ancient Cape Wanbrow board, which wants to turn the Cape Wanbrow area into a 23ha nature reserve containing "life-size" metal sculptures of moa, ancient sea birds and maybe the legendary Haast’s eagle.
"Oamaru’s Cape Wanbrow is an extinct volcano dating back some 38million years and in ancient times it was inhabited with species that are now extinct including the regal Haast’s eagle, five species of moa and a wide range of sea birds," board chairman David Wilson said.
"Makotukutuku in Maori means ‘place of the tree fuscia’, which is one of the many native plants to be returned as part of this project."
The initiative entails establishing Cape Wanbrow as a biodiverse nature reserve and destination for community education, tourism, native bird species and recreation.
The project comprises creating 15 full-size steel "accurately to scale" sculptures depicting extinct wildlife of Oamaru and Waitaki; installing story boards depicting the cultural, ecological, historical and recreational values of the cape; continuing the planting of native shrubs; supporting and expanding predator control; and promoting wildlife corridors throughout the province to encourage native bird life.
The initiative has been about three years in the making and grew out of an idea from Oamaru artist Trish Shirley.
"I’ve always been interested in nature," she said.
"I have a degree in anthropology and a long-standing interest in how we cope with biodiversity."
Mr Wilson said the core values of the project included maintaining communication and consultation with local iwi, respecting diversity and human dignity, maintaining community engagement and consultation, and ensuring transparency, integrity and trust with the local community.
"With formal recognition of the unique history and geology of Cape Wanbrow and the Waitaki district by Unesco, we have a significant opportunity to create an innovative destination that ties together community, nature and our ancient history, attracting locals and visitors to enjoy, learn and celebrate."
The project is expected to cost about $200,000.
