The 715-hectare Brook Waimarama Sanctuary is home to New Zealand falcon, kereru and kakariki. Its intensive pest control program has already seen increased bird numbers in Nelson, Stoke and Richmond, including weka returning to city gardens, delighting residents.
But it is hoped that a new fence will mean that the the sanctuary can also protect tuatara, kakapo, and rare seabirds. As demonstrated by Wellington’s Zealandia, winged wildlife will then overflow into surrounding areas.
The sanctuary’s Trust celebrated a 10 year milestone in early August when it reached its fundraising target of $4.7m, allowing it to begin building the fence later this year.
Free from introduced mammals that have had such a devastating impact on our native species, the sanctuary will be a haven for birds and animals found only on hard-to-reach offshore islands. Its dream is to return species that have long since vanished from the mainland.
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