In October the kowhai flower and the tuis are all around the village. In December the flax flowers attract the bellbirds. The sound of their song is truely wonderful.

We have recently supported the Te Tihi o Rauhea Hanmer Springs Conservation Trust, by funding the purchase of a self-setting predator trap. The trust would like to place 100 traps to catch rats and stoats, in the hope that it will bring 1,000 native birds back into the area.

If you wish to participate in efforts to create a safer place in Hanmer for our native birds, this is a great way to do so. You can help support this by making a donation to the Hanmer Springs Conservation Trust bank account: 02-0800-0962013-000. Any amount helps, however if you donate $200 to cover the cost of a trap, enter your name in the payment details and you will be recognised as a supporter.

The conservation trust is also involved in clearing areas around Hanmer that are clogged with weeds and non-native plants, and replanting them with native trees and plants. Working bees are organised by the trust, with DOC, Hurunui District Council and NZ Conservation Volunteers.