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A charity’s dream of building a National Butterfly Centre and restoring butterfly species in Auckland is looking to take off for a second time.

The Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust has been developing the idea for a space for native species to flourish ever since it was first thought-up by founder Jacqui Knight 15 years ago.

She hoped a sanctuary would also educate the public on the importance of butterflies and moths for country’s ecosystem.

Previous hopes of securing a plot of land in West Auckland fell short once the site became ‘unavailable’.

But Knight said recent meetings with the Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, and Auckland Conservation Board had revitalised the dream to bring the sanctuary and education centre to the city.

She was asking for the public’s help to keep an eye out for council leased land opening up.

Knight said most Kiwis were unaware of the variety and importance of difference species.

“We have another 1600 or more species of butterfly and moth in New Zealand, which unless we learn to respect and look after them, we will lose them.”

The trust released the endemic red admiral back into Auckland at the Blockhouse Bay Recreational Reserve on Monday (1st July).

With time, Knight hoped to re-establish other species into urban areas, like the forest ringlet which was once widespread across the country.

She said educating the public and school groups was a vital in achieving the goal.

“If you can show [school-kids] how easy it is to raise a plant in the garden and host monarch butterflies, they get all enthusiastic and want to save the world.”

She said the centre plans stood out from other butterfly and moth sanctuaries like Butterfly Creek because of the focus on local and native species.

Auckland Conservation, and Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board member Nerissa Henry said she ‘loved’ the idea when she heard Knight’s presentation in April.

She said with collaboration from council groups, there “could be a potential for a good outcome for a national centre”.

Henry said if council couldn’t contribute money, it could help with ideas, connections, and land leases.