Wings and Wildlife Newsletter - March 2023

Welcome to the March Wings and Wildlife newsletter, completed before Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the East Coast and other parts of this beautiful country, leaving a catastrophic trail of death and destruction in its wake.

Wings and Wildlife Newsletter - March 2023 

Photo: Duart House volunteer Maggie Brown

A message from Wings and Wildlife newsletter editor, Jessica Maxwell.

To locals in survival mode, this month’s newsletter is irrelevant.

Thoughts and prayers are with those who have died and sincere condolences are sent to those who have lost family members or friends, homes and possessions, livelihoods, livestock, horses and beloved pets.

I hope that the information below may be of immediate help, particularly for those with pets or farm animals:-

• Bay Buzz has a useful link to ‘Official News’ providing updates and press releases from reliable sources and there is also original reporting at: https://baybuzz.co.nz
• The update from HUHANZ (Helping You Help Animals) which, in collaboration with the SPCA set up a temporary animal welfare centre at the Hastings Racecourse is to thank everyone for their amazing support and mention that they need veterinary supplies such as worm and flea treatments and mud rash treatments for horses suffering from mud fever.
• The update from the SPCA is that it needs feed for farm animals. Anyone in a position to donate pig pellets, horse feed or any hay is encouraged to drop donations off at the SPCA Hastings Centre, 8 Heathcote Road, and they’ll make sure these get promptly to the animals most in need. Area Manager, Bruce Wills, said that the cooperation between the various groups had been outstanding.
• The update from the Napier RDA at 61 Sandy Road, Meeanee, which is acting as a community hub to collect and distribute equestrian feed and other donations is that they need donations of dry Working Dog food to get delivered to cut-off rural communities (e.g. beyond Rissington). If you need help or on-going support with animals, please contact them at (06) 8340556 or email: napierrda@gmail.com
• The update from the Waipukurau Jockey Club which is acting as MPI’s feed distribution centre for CHB and a community hub is that donations of animal feed are still very much appreciated.
• Remember, if you donate money to a registered charity, you get a 33⅓ rebate from IRD.
• The update is that a huge number of pet food companies and feed suppliers are providing extremely generous support for animals in need and volunteers are getting it to where it is needed. Massive thanks to all concerned.

If you want to join the amazing volunteer effort, or get help from others you could contact:-

The Environment Centre Hawke’s Bay: https://www.environmentcentre.org.nz

Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay: https://www.biodiversityhb.nz  

MSFT Productions; https://msftproductions.net/hawkes-bay-helping

Cyclone Hawkes Bay Help FB page:  https://www.facebook.co/groups/2466854690136548/

to name but four of many well set up volunteering groups/helping hands networks.

It has been both heart-warming and humbling to see the totally remarkable volunteer response and witness an unsurpassed generosity of spirit from those who want to help and support distressed friends and strangers alike as they face what is, unquestionably, the worst time of their lives.

Stay safe and regards,

Jessica

7 March 2023

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