Whakatāne Kiwi Trust has a new home base on The Strand, which was officially opened on Monday night with an event to bless the space and celebrate those involved in the project.

The Kiwi Hub is a place for the community to go to learn about kiwi and other indigenous species in Whakatāne and the work of the trust to protect them.

The hub can be accessed via Whakatāne isite and is open during the same hours.

It is complete with informative wall panels, a cosy kids' corner and taxidermy predators.

Kiwi Trust chair Shelley Bremner said the organisation had thrived in the ngāhere through the work of volunteers, contractors and information shared in cyberspace.

But she said the dream was always to have a physical presence in the community that would provide the opportunity to engage with people in a way that was accessible, educational, informative and inclusive.

Mrs Bremner said she personally started thinking about a room like the Kiwi Hub nearly a decade ago and pitched the idea about five years ago.

It was only with the support of Whakatāne District Council, Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board and Ōhope Lions that they were able to make the dream a reality.

“Sharing the work we do with both locals and visitors is essential for fostering a deeper connection to the community and the environment, while also raising awareness about our efforts,” Mrs Bremner said.

“This space has created the opportunity to celebrate the work of the trust and draws attention to the great stuff happening with kiwi and indigenous species in our local backyard.”

Mrs Bremner took the opportunity to thank Kyla Saunders from Simple Designs and Chanelle James from Diverse Graphics, who collaborated on the displays.

Councillor John Pullar, also a former Whakatāne Kiwi Trust chair, said the trust talked about creating a physical presence in town during his time as chair, but they could not find the right property.

He said the Kiwi Hub was a great outcome for both the trust and the council, noting that the location within the isite would help direct visitors to the new facility.

“As a councillor I am pleased we could help the Kiwi Trust in this manner.

“The Kiwi Trust and all their volunteers play an important part in our environmental space.”

Mr Pullar said earlier trustees were to thank for having the foresight to trademark the term ‘Whakatāne Kiwi Capital of the World,’ and that while you may not always see a kiwi in the wild, they were always there.

“The trust have made their space really special and I congratulate them on the outcome.”

Senior tourism and marketing advisor for the council, Anna Williams, said the Kiwi Hub would allow visitors and the community the opportunity to learn more about the incredible work of the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust.

"The Kiwi Hub helps bring to life the story of kiwi regeneration in our rohe and why Whakatāne is the official Kiwi Capital of the World.

“Until now this work is largely unseen, as it’s about regenerating the kiwi population in our natural environment.

“We’re thrilled to offer a space as a visitor and community experience to help showcase this amazing mahi to the world.”