a world first conservation project
A daring plan
Jim's story | History of the Karori Valley | Hear our story
In 1992, Karori Sanctuary Trust made the first major breakthrough in the restoration of endangered species on the New Zealand mainland with a daring concept for a fenced wildlife sanctuary on the edge of Wellington...
The site, a steep-sided valley containing two artificial lakes surrounded by regenerating native forest, had long been earmarked by conservationists as an important wildlife refuge. An extraordinary opportunity arose when the lakes - Wellington's main water supply - were about to be decommissioned due to earthquake risk. Read more about the history of this valley.
Led by James (Jim) Lynch, then Chairman of the Wellington branch of the Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society, the fledgling Karori Sanctuary Trust developed a conservation vision that would see fauna, flora, habitats and processes representative of an indigenous lowland forest restored to the managed area.
Feasibility
In August 1993 a steering committee was formed to conduct a feasibility study. It concluded that the development of a wildlife sanctuary was not only technically and financially feasible but also timely. The proposal coincided with recent advances in removing pests and restoration methods that greatly increased the confidence that such an ambitious venture would succeed.
In December 1994 the Steering Committee received approval from Wellington City Council for the formation of the Trust and development of a management plan. Prior consultations showed that 90% of the local community supported the use of the valley as a sanctuary.
In July 1995 Prime Minister the Rt. Hon James Bolger officially launched the Karori Sanctuary Trust. Established as a non-profit charitable trust that allows the community to participate in the development of the Karori sanctuary, the Trust and its members are responsible for the direction of the entire project.
That year an interim lease was signed which gave the Trust responsibility for managing the Karori Reservoir while funds were raised and planning completed. Hear Jim Lynch's story of how the Trust was established.
Public approval
In 1997 a draft management plan was released for public submission. The Wellington City Council approved the final plan in January 1998. In February 1998 the Trust received resource consent to proceed with the development of the sanctuary and in 1999 signed a 30-year renewable lease with the Wellington City Council.
Raising the funds
In 1998 the Trust brought together a portfolio of community funders who committed $2.5million for the construction of the predator proof fence. Construction of the 8.6km fence started in December 1998. It still costs over $2 million a year to manage the sanctuary. Click here to find out how YOU can help!
Becoming pest free
The predator fence was completed in August 1999. With the Sanctuary site secure an intensive nine-month multi-species eradication campaign was implemented. By June 2000 the Sanctuary was declared free of all mammalian predators except mice. Click here for more information on the Trust's conservation and ecological restoration work.
Why a sanctuary for Wellington?
In the Wellington area the native fauna was in general decline, with most species once found here now locally extinct or extremely rare. With the loss of seed-carrying native birds, the remaining native forests were unable to regenerate. The effect of possums and other predators made the return of native animal species or an improvement in the native forests unlikely without direct action. No other site in the region has the unique range of features found in the Karori catchment.
The Trust has a vision for the valley's restoration that spans 500 years - the time it will take to re-establish the forest emergents like rata, rimu and totara. When these giants reach maturity and the processes of death, decay and regeneration have restarted the restoration programme will be complete.
Connecting with our natural heritage
Many people know very little about their natural heritage because they have never experienced it. Through ZEALANDIA: Karori Sanctuary Experience, the Trust is able to increase the understanding and awareness of New Zealand natural history amongst ordinary New Zealanders - and visitors to New Zealand.
ZEALANDIA is within 2km of central Wellington and is surrounded by suburbs with over 150,000 residents. Over 145 schools in the region are only a short bus ride away, making it a cheap, easy outing. No other capital city in the world can offer an experience quite like this! Find out more about our education programme.
World class research
Scientists taking a blood sample
from a weka
With Victoria University, Massey University and the Department of Conservation Head Office nearby, Karori Sanctuary Trust provides excellent opportunities for research. The catchment contains a range of habitats, both terrestrial and fresh water. Containing rare plant species such as northern rata and swamp maire, our sanctuary is large enough to support self-sustaining populations of most forest bird species.
Visit the research section for an overview of research projects undertaken in the Sanctuary.
Jim's story | History of the Karori Valley | Hear our story
