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Restoration goals and planning
As a fenced pest-free ‘mainland island”, the sanctuary evolved from the concept of unfenced mainland ‘islands’, which evolved from success on offshore islands, but have less potential for restoration of endangered species. By improving on this model, the sanctuary provided a new restoration option for endangered species.
In 1992 a concept plan was completed for developing a wildlife sanctuary in the valley where two artificial dams and lakes were about to be decommissioned as city water supply due to earthquake risk. In 1994 a feasibility study for a fenced restoration project was completed and the Charitable Trust registered and launched a year later. The restoration of the valley is the central theme of the overall vision but it also includes education, community involvement, recreation & tourism and being a model of sustainable development. The Trust also has a commitment to preserving and interpreting geological and landscape features as well as the valley’s historic buildings and cultural heritage.
The restoration goal is to restore the valley to “something like its former state”, because there are limitations to full restoration such as: lack of knowledge about original components, extinctions, exotic species that cannot be controlled or excluded, and a changed context (from a small part of a vast unbroken ecosystem to a now largely unconnected island of 225ha with 2 artificial dams to be retained due to historic importance). This would be achieved over a 500 year timeframe (the time it will take for the forest to regain its former diversity and structure) by having a fenced valley as free as possible of exotic components (such as introduced mammals and fish, and exotic trees), to enable the release of species and restoration of ecosystem processes representative of the pre-human state (about 1000 years ago).
The first stage of the restoration programme was to design and construct the pest-proof fence, and the research for this was undertaken over several years and a plan completed in 1997. A ManagementPlan and an eradication plan were completed in 1998, and in 2000 the restoration strategy providing a strategic framework for the ecological restoration was finalised.
In order to engage at least the next 25 generations in our vision, we are working hard to make ZEALANDIA 'a world-class conservation site portraying our natural heritage that captures people’s imagination, understanding and commitment'. Developing world-class educational visitor facilities like our Visitor & Education Centre and running a curriculum-based education programme are just two examples of how we aredoing this. Ultimately, it is through education and increased awareness that our 500-year visiton will be realised.
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