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Chris Sanders
In many Asian cultures butterflies are a symbol of renewal and rejuvenation.
Highly appropriate then that on Saturday February 19th Butterfly Creek will be hosting New Zealand’s largest ever monarch butterfly release in memory of the Asian Tsunami victims.
The mass release will be the highlight of a spectacular day of Asian cultural activities at Butterfly Creek celebrating the Chinese New Year.
The event will be a chance to pay tribute and raise some funds for those victims. Butterfly Creek will be approaching businesses seeking sponsorship for this unique and spectacular event.
It is hoped that up to 500 butterflies will be released with each business being invited to contribute $500 for 50 butterflies to release on the day.
Members of the public can also play a part by donating a minimum of $20 to have a Monarch butterfly released at 2.30pm on the day of the event.
Butterfly Creek will be contributing a percentage of all entrance monies and all proceeds raised from the event will go to the Red Cross Tsunami relief appeal.
Butterfly Creek’s General Manager John Dowsett says “It should be a spectacular occasion. Combine the amazing spectacle of several hundred monarchs to the vibrant, colourful cultural performances representing a real cross section of Asia and you have a tremendously exciting and unique event”.
Events kick off at 11am and will be running through to 4pm.
Amongst those helping to celebrate the new year of the Rooster will be Chinese Lion dancers, Japanese Drummers, Philippine Impulse dancers, martial arts displays plus various traditional music groups and much more.
If you wish to sponsor a butterfly please contact Butterfly Creek on 09 275-8880.
Butterfly Creek is located on Tom Pearce Drive in Manukau, approximately two minutes from Auckland International Airport.
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