A Butterfly Garden Artwork for Ngā Manu Nature Reserve

Ngā Manu Nature Reserve is involved in many conservation programs for birds, plants and insects. One of our most popular areas in summer is the Butterfly Garden, where we have established many of the plant types which the different species of butterflies lay their eggs on. On a hot day the garden is a living confetti of butterflies!

There are 24 species of butterflies and at least 1700 species of moths in New Zealand - about 90% are found nowhere else. Most people only know about the common species. We want to change that and shine a light on this amazing biodiversity with this unique project.

We are teaming up with the artistic talents of Paul Forrest. With his eye for detail and delight of colour we hope to create a permanent garden art feature that will be enjoyed by the many visitors to our Butterfly Garden. Paul is painting six wooden cut-outs of familar and not-so-familar butterflies and moths which will be displayed on the archway into our special garden. These eye-catching art works will be supported with some background information - enough to whet the curiosity of the many young minds who visit Nga Manu.

Please help us to raise the money needed to give Paul's artworks a permanent home in the Ngā Manu Butterfly Garden and bring joy to many this summer and for years to come.