The Invercargill City Council will move its tuatara collection to a secure location before geotechnical work begins on-site at the museum for the new museum redevelopment project as part of Invercargill City Council’s Project 1225. Invercargill residents have been invited to say goodbye to the tuatara before they move to their temporary home.
Council Group Manager Leisure and Recreation, Steve Gibling, explained that the geotechnical work will cause noise and vibrations that could impact the tuatara’s wellbeing, so it’s important to protect them. Unfortunately, this means that Henry and the other tuatara will not be on display for several months as the council completes the process of doing site work, moving the collection, and demolishing the building.
Gibling reassured the public that the tuatara will continue to receive excellent care and will be housed in a safe and secure location. Additionally, normal welfare checks will continue to ensure that the tuatara are healthy and happy.
Project 1225 Lead Councillor, Nigel Skelt, shared that the tuatara are important and loved by the Southland community and have an important connection to the museum.
Skelt added that Henry will be missed while he’s taking some time out of the public eye, but they will share regular updates on how he’s doing, and the community is encouraged to pop down and say “goodbye” this week.
The council’s Parks and Recreation team with rūnaka will move the tuatara on February 28. Council Programme Director, Lee Butcher, explained that the geotechnical work is necessary for the new museum rebuild and will involve taking ground vibration readings and soil sampling.
Butcher added that the work aligns with their project plan and will be vital for their designers who will come on board later this year in March. However, getting the geotechnical information is tricky as they balance working around the museum team, who are busy packing up the collection.
The public can view Henry and the other tuatara from the north-side of the museum building in their enclosure until early next week.