16/06/2026
🦁 Tuesday's National Volunteering Week spotlight shines upon the Lions Club of Ellesmere (part of Lions Clubs New Zealand - District 202E)!
🪺🌿🎣 Many voluntary groups dedicate their time to delivering or supporting services; these guys build amazing, intergenerational assets. As an example: Ellesmere Lions have been part of enabling public access to Waitātari Harts Creek (on Department of Conservation - Canterbury land) for decades, and are undertaking a massive project to renew the pathway, the boardwalk, and the bird hide.
Thank you, gentlemen 💕
The original Waitātari Harts Creek boardwalk and bird hide were built by the Lions Club of Ellesmere in 1993 and became a favourite destination for locals, birdwatchers, school groups and visitors from throughout New Zealand and overseas.
However, the structures recently reached the end of their usable life and were closed the Department of Conservation (DOC), and the bird hide was removed.
In response, a local working group including Lions members, community representatives, environmental groups and volunteers came together to bring the site back to life.
The Chair of the Waitātari Harts Creek Track and Bird Hide Restoration Project – and incoming Ellesmere Lions President – Dennis Carter, says the goal is not just to replace what was lost, but to create a better, more accessible experience. The estimated cost is $300,000 which will be sought through donations, grants and from philanthropic trusts.
“We’re working towards a high-quality, future-proofed structure that reconnects people with this incredibly important wetland,” Dennis says.
