The architectural design for the proposed National Butterfly Centre includes a butterfly-shaped roof. Photo: Supplied / Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust
Plans to build a National Butterfly Centre could finally take off after years of drawn-out discussions.
Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust will make their pitch to Auckland Council today for an education hub to help inform the public about Aotearoa's native butterfly and moth species.
Ninety-three percent of New Zealand's native butterflies and moths are only found in Aoteroa.
Founding trustee Jacqui Knight said they had explored potential sites with the council for about 15 years.
The project - initially estimated to cost $2 million - was set to go ahead at Tui Glen Reserve in Henderson in 2017, but this was cancelled for logistical reasons.
Knight said the centre would teach people how to look out for butterflies and moths in their gardens or local parks.
"It is about raising awareness. Most people do not understand what butterflies need which is sunshine, shelter, and garden space.
"It would be great for tourists and the community."
She said schools the trust had worked with said the centre would be a great resource to stimulate students' curiosity.
The proposal was also supported by the Auckland Conservation Board.
Knight said NZ had no dedicated centre for its native butterflies and moths, and sanctuaries like Auckland's Butterfly Creek and Otago Museum's butterfly house mainly catered to tropical butterflies.
She hoped the facility could also be used by environmental groups and provide all the resources they need for conservation efforts like planting seedlings.
An ideal location would have space for multiple gardens including some that are predator-free for endangered species, have trees to take visitors on nightime mothing expeditions, and be north-facing to allow maximum sunlight.
The trust is currently working on bringing the Red Admiral butterfly, which has not been spotted in Auckland for 20 years, back to the city.
An architect had drawn up a design for the space, which included a butterfly-shaped roof.
Knight said the trust would present the architect's design and information about the proposed centre at the council's Planning, Environment and Parks Committee meeting, and looked forward to their feedback.
Auckland Council declined to comment until after the meeting.