2019
Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery
Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery (CETWR) is a unique experience, giving New Zealanders and international visitors a rare opportunity to engage with the stewardship of our native taonga. There’s nothing else quite like it in Aotearoa.
Located at Palmerston North’s Victoria Esplanade, CETWR comprises breeding and inflight walkthrough aviaries and nine rehabilitation aviaries, surrounding the PowerCo Education Centre. CETWR anticipates around 40% of patients will be on the DoC list of rare and endangered species and some will have conditions too complicated to be treated anywhere else. Wildbase Hospital veterinary wildlife specialists are onsite to rehabilitate ill or injured birds before they’re released back into the wild. Visitors can watch the vets in action and learn the story of each bird – its injuries, treatment and recovery.
The PowerCo Education Centre takes manuhiri on a learning journey with displays and interactive and tangible opportunities for learning about animal welfare and conservation. The motion graphic narrative, “The tale of the Huia” provides an introduction for visitors to Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery. The narrative promotes two key messages – birds at Wildbase Recovery need a healthy home to go back to, and that individuals can make a difference, how can you help?. The 2D animated, and real-life video piece tells the historical story of our native species through the personal reflection of the Huia. Huia are sacred to mana whenua Rangitāne o Manawatū, kaitiaki of the native animals recovering here. Huia were last sighted in the Manawatū region where CETWR is situated, and were chosen as the guardian species of the centre.
The Huia’s story of Wildbase begins by traversing the ecological history of Aotearoa, from land of the birds, through colonisation to contemporary conservation practices. In the second act the Huia fades into history and passes kaitiaki of our native animals to Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery. CETWR demonstrate their pivotal role within veterinary science for native species, conservation and advocate for the wider engagement of the community to care for ill and injured native wildlife from across New Zealand. The takeaway message is a call to action for the citizen scientist and conservationist to explore the CETWR education centre to learn how they can also be empowered to help get involved, and care for our natural environment.
The tale of the Huia was animated in After Effects and features a collection of 2D bird and wildlife assets. Particular attention was given to the design of the birds in order for them to retain authentic natural features, but also have an appealing visual style the engage a younger audience. Care was also given to realistic habitat placement for each species, such as the Takahē and chick living in a tussock covered mountain top. Video footage was shot on location at both the Wildbase hospital and Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery (CETWR) The tale of the Huia is proudly and entirely bilingual, with the motion graphic introduction being animated and timed for both Te Reo Māori and English.
Design Team
Design Director : Tanya Marriott, John Strang
Design Team : Tanya Marriott, Bo Moore, John Strang, Leo Chida
Project Managers : Adrienne Potts, Jennah Rasmussen
Contributors: Nina Mercer, Chris Swan, Dusk Digital.
