Severe weather warnings in the Nelson region mean one thing for the on call staff and volunteers at The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary – bracing to protect any part of the 14.4km-long pest-proof fence, no matter what time of day or night.
A fallen tree or rockfall may compromise the security of those creatures calling The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary home. Even the tiniest branch teetering across the two-metre-high barrier would provide a potential gateway for four-legged infiltrators.
On one occasion, as Cyclone Gita ripped through, a rockslide in the night caused such damage that until large earth-moving machinery could be brought in to do fence repairs, a roster of eagle-eyed team members was organised to sit out the hours and deter any incursions.
Steffi Kuenstle checking the print traps that help staff monitor pest traffic near predator fence. Photo by Tim Cuff.
As the largest pest-fenced area in the South Island, free of introduced predator mammals, the enchanting 690ha wilderness now provides refuge to a growing number of native birds and other fauna. This includes rare tīeke (South Island saddleback) which were relocated and released in April 2021 and, more recently, powelliphanta snails and 125 kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeets – one of the rarest and most endangered bird species in Aotearoa. At the time the first kākāriki were brought to the sanctuary by the Department of Conservation in November 2021, there were thought to be only around 360 left in the wild Many of those now in residence at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary are already nesting, with eggs or chicks, and it’s hoped the growing population will expand into the adjacent Mount Richmond Forest and Nelson hills.
There is great anticipation regarding the park’s readiness for the delivery of kākā and tuatara – which it’s hoped can soon join the other species here – with kiwi following closely behind.
It took an army of volunteers and significant support from the wider community to bring the concept of The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary to fruition, with many challenges along the way – not least of which was funding. The mission of raising money to construct the $4.8 million fence was achieved with assistance from Nelson City Council, other funding bodies, and contributions from local businesses and individuals, including fence post sponsorships.
The sanctuary, which still requires annual funding of over $1 million to cover operating expenses, finally achieved its fully fenced status in September 2016, after 12 years’ planning and two years in build phase. It became officially pest-free 18 months later and has comprehensive biosecurity processes, including a highly accurate fence alarm system.
Volunteers have been instrumental to the construction and success of The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. Photo by Tim Cuff.
Under the leadership of the current Trustee team, those involved are committed to the core. As well as the 13 part-time and full-time employees, the volunteer numbers have now grown to over 400, contributing over 21,000 hours each year. Some have been involved since day one and, despite now being octogenarians, are still active in the 13 different teams which take care of essential jobs like pest detection, trapping line surveillance, bird monitoring, fence checks, track cutting and maintenance.
The goal of The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary has always been to restore the ecosystems, protect endangered plants and creatures, and return the area to a close approximation of a pre-human state with the re-introduction of lost native species. “The aim for the next 15 years is to carry on the good work and to get the wider community to really embrace the project,” says the current Chief Executive Ru Collin. “We’d like to see the sanctuary become a key visitor destination for the Nelson region.”
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary ecologist Robert Schadewinkel plays a recording of a saddleback call to attract the released birds. Photo by Tim Cuff.
The hills and steep valleys encircled by the predator fence, now vibrant with birdsong, were once the water catchment reserve for Nelson. Relics from the initial waterworks – including the small supply dam built in 1868 – are still evident throughout what is now the second biggest fenced eco-sanctuary in Aotearoa. As many higher slopes were never felled, there is a stunning forest of mature podocarps and beech.
And all this within just a ten-minute drive from Nelson’s city centre.
Visiting school groups set up in the open-air Beech Glade Classroom, and many visitors opt to explore nearly 20 kilometres of walking tracks. An additional 120km of trails were cut by hand for volunteers to access the sanctuary’s less travelled and steeper sections to monitor pest control.
The most popular path is the 1.2km-long Loop Track, which is also wheelchair accessible. It starts just beyond the Visitor Centre, where helpful team members are on hand to give advice, and crosses The Founders’ Bridge, named in honour of those who initiated the project.
Wētā hotels and information boards with details of the flora and fauna, are thoughtful additions to this pathway, which follows the Brook Stream through the bush.
A trek to the top dam and a further climb to the top weir leads through regenerating bush. This is more rugged and passes the site of the nearly-completed kākā aviary. At its highest point the fence and track reach almost 900m above sea level – a climb of 800m from the Visitor Centre.
One of the few full-time staff based here is Ecologist Robert Schadewinkel. For him the highlight so far has been the introduction of kākāriki karaka. “It’s amazing we have them here and that they’re breeding, as they’re critically endangered,” he says. “It doesn't get any better than that!”
Story by Fiona Terry, photos by Tim Cuff for the Winter 2023 issue of AA Directions magazine.
Explore more from AA Directions magazine while you're here:
- Escape to Aotea Great Barrier Island
- A family holiday in the Cook Islands
- Meet an innovative Kiwi company making sustainable, non-toxic paints
