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Sanctuary Newsletter Oketopa | October 2025 | |
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Message from the Chief Executive | |
Over the past few months, the Sanctuary has been a hive of activity as we continue fence repairs and prepare for a busy summer season. We are delighted to share that the Visitor Centre toilets have been upgraded thanks to the generosity of one of our volunteers who personally covered the cost, an incredible gesture of support. Our night guided tours remain a highlight, with many visitors hearing kiwi calls. Breeding is underway, and we are hopeful for chicks by late November and December. The September–October school holidays were a success with kids going free and enjoying the kākāriki karaka scavenger hunt. While our Bird of the Year campaign didn’t make the top 10, it has built wonderful awareness of the kākāriki karaka population here. Thank you to all who supported us, and special thanks to Sean McGrath for the use of his stunning images. Looking ahead, we are developing a Junior Ranger programme to connect kids with nature and preparing for our Mini Local Day on 15–16 November. My thanks also go to Cutting Edge, Digital Diligence Ltd, Nelson Airport and our business supporters for their unwavering support. A reminder that our AGM will be held on 23 October at 12 noon at The Tides hotel on Trafalgar Street. | |
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A New Welcome to the Sanctuary
Visitors will notice a striking new feature at the entrance to the Sanctuary — a series of 11 new flagpoles marking the start of a more vibrant and welcoming arrival. Part of wider rejuvenation work at the Brook Holiday Reserve and Sanctuary entrance, they signal the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Our dedicated assets team of volunteers recently prepared the concrete foundations, ensuring the poles stand strong for generations to come. Their hard work has brought us to this milestone, creating a grander sense of arrival as you enter the Sanctuary. | | | |
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Kiwi Update
It’s been a busy spring for kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi) at the Sanctuary, with plenty of activity caught on our cameras — from birds crossing the Beech Glade Bridge and the dam, to one particularly unexpected moment that went viral on social media and is featured further down in this newsletter. Our newer cameras at Flagstone Crossing and the 1909 Dam Bridge, however, remain quiet for now. At the same time, our ecology team has been tracking kiwi fitted with radio transmitters, revealing how some are settling into territories while others roam further afield in search of new ground. Their movements — and what might be driving them — are explored in a new article by Robert Schadewinkel and Tony Steenhart. | | | |
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Slip/Fence Update
Work has commenced to repair the slip that caused the fence breach following heavy rain in May. The project, planned by a local geotechnical expert, aims to stabilise the area through the construction of a gabion wall. A gabion wall is a durable structure made from large wire baskets filled with rocks. This method is effective for stabilising slopes, for this project, ten gabion baskets will be installed to reinforce the weakened section of the fence. Fortunately, bedrock lies beneath the slip, providing a solid foundation for the gabions. However, this solid base presents a challenge in preparing the platform for the first row of baskets.
Due to the scale of the task, the asset team and track team are collaborating, with an emphasis on health and safety at the forefront of their work. The initial phase involved removing loose rocks from the slope and covering it with chain link mesh, which helps prevent further debris from falling and creates a safer working environment for the teams. The project has no fixed deadline, reflecting the importance of taking the necessary time to ensure every step is completed safely and thoroughly. Meanwhile, the fence has been securely fastened to the bedrock to prevent any movement during the repair process. The picture shows Chris Williams from the Asset Team and Bryan Paterson from the Track Team beginning to cut the platform for the gabions. | |
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Bird of the Year campaign
Thank you for supporting kākāriki karaka 🟢🧡 The kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet) put up a valiant fight for the Bird of the Year crown, but was beaten by a worthy winner — the kārearea (New Zealand falcon), who soared ahead with more than 14,000 votes!
While our rare little parakeet didn’t win the title, the campaign shone a light on their story and rallied support for their survival. We are deeply grateful to everyone who shared, voted, and stood behind this taonga species. Special thanks to Sean McGrath, Steffi Künstle, @sarahmaylittle, and @birdnedity for their creativity and dedication throughout the campaign. | | | |
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New from the Ecology Team: Tracking Pests
Ever wondered how to get better at spotting pests around your home or trap line? In her latest blog, Sanctuary bio-security ranger Steffi shares the techniques we use inside our pest fence — and how they differ from methods used outside. From changing lures to adapting to each animal’s quirks, she explains why understanding the behaviour of elusive species like weasels is so important.
You’ll also discover how our 14 km fence and network of more than 2,700 tracking tunnels help us detect even a single intruder in nearly 700 ha of forest — and what lessons you can apply in your own backyard.
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Trainee Rangers at the Sanctuary
In August, five Trainee Rangers joined us for a short but productive volunteer stint before heading out on placements across the country. From working alongside our Track Cutters to replacing more than 80 tracking tunnels deep in the forest, their energy and enthusiasm made a real impact in just a few weeks. By Kath Ballantine – Pest Detection
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Feedback Surveys - (Last 48 hours to submit your feedback)
We’re currently gathering feedback from our community of visitors, supporters, and volunteers to help us improve the Sanctuary and what we offer. Visitor & Supporter Survey – for those who enjoy the Sanctuary and support our work. Volunteer Survey – for those who give their time and skills as part of our volunteer team. Each survey takes around 7 minutes to complete, and your responses will directly inform how we grow and improve. If you are a volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Survey only. | |
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Photography Competition
Spring has arrived at the Sanctuary, and with it, our very first Sanctuary Seasonal photo competition. From 'pikopiko' young ferns and bright fungi to kōwhai blooms alive with tūī, the ngahere is full of inspiration. We’re inviting photographers of all ages to capture the beauty of the Sanctuary this season. Winners will be announced in our December newsletter, with prizes including an instant camera (junior category), a family night tour ticket, and a feature in our Visitor Centre and online. Thanks to Cherry Laurenson for this beautiful entry!
🌿 Tips for Spring photography - Look out for fresh leaves, forest fungi, flowering kānuka, and active native birds
- Make use of natural light
- Be patient and respectful of wildlife
| | - Entries close 30 November - | | | |
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AGM
Save the Date – Annual General Meeting Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, 23 October at 12 noon at The Tides Hotel, Nelson. All supporters are warmly invited to attend.
Please RSVP to Chris to confirm your place. | |
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⭐️ “Fantastic night tour – highly recommend. Guides very knowledgeable, interesting and welcoming. Saw heaps of glowworms… even heard a kiwi pukupuku calling out as we were heading back to our car. Magical.” – Sally Thomas | | | Night in the Forest
Discover the magic of the ngahere after dark on this unforgettable 75-minute guided tour at the Sanctuary. Led by our knowledgeable guides, you’ll journey into the forest to experience towering trees, the glow of bioluminescent fungi and glowworms, and the calls of nocturnal wildlife — including ruru, and if you’re lucky, kiwi pukupuku.
With only 10–12 guests per tour, these intimate experiences fill quickly. Tour fees directly support conservation at the Sanctuary, helping us protect this unique environment for the future. | | | |
Event: 'Guardians of the Forest' | |
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A special 2-day event celebrating conservation at the Sanctuary - The Suter Art Gallery
- 4.30–6 pm for families
- 6.30–9 pm for adults
Be among the first to see our new kiwi documentary, enjoy short films, and hear from conservation experts, volunteers, and our team about what it takes to restore Aotearoa’s native species.
Ticket sales will go directly to funding conservation work at the Sanctuary. Tickets are selling fast - secure yours before they’re gone!
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Flora and Fungi of the Sanctuary
Local photographer Rebecca Bowater has been capturing the extraordinary fungi found in the Sanctuary this season. From delicate coral forms to bright bursts of colour on the forest floor, her images showcase just some of the diversity thriving beneath the canopy. | |
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Thank You to NBS
We’re proud to be supported by NBS, whose commitment to community makes a real difference to the Sanctuary and many other local organisations. When you choose to bank with NBS, you choose to support your community. We encourage our supporters and volunteers to follow NBS on social media to see the many ways they’re backing conservation, culture, and community across Te Tauihu.
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New bus ad thanks to CUIK | | Nelson Airport flys the flag | Nelson Airport has once again shown their great support for the Sanctuary by flying the flags outside. The airport kindly produced and installed these wonderful lamppost banners. | | Much of our recent promotion has featured some of the incredible photography by our very own Sean McGrath. We can't thank you enough for these wonderful images of the kākāriki karaka. | | | |
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Thank you to our Business Club members
We’re grateful to our Business Club members for their ongoing support of the Sanctuary. Their contributions help us protect native species, maintain our unique environment, and welcome visitors to experience the ngahere. You can learn more about some of our Business Club supporters here:
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Quiz Night at Sprig & Fern The Meadows
A big thank you to Sprig & Fern The Meadows for hosting a recent quiz night in support of the Sanctuary. With a full house and plenty of friendly competition, the evening raised $505.20 to help our ongoing conservation work. We’re grateful to everyone who came along and contributed — every dollar makes a difference for the ngahere and its wildlife. | |
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Conservation Week Showcase
As part of Conservation Week 2025, the Sanctuary hosted a special evening at The Boathouse, Nelson, exploring the challenges and successes of large-scale ecological restoration. Ecologist Robert Schadewinkel shared insights into the uniqueness of the Sanctuary’s 14 km fence and its extraordinary connectivity to the surrounding native forest. Katherine Chamberlain presented 16 years of bird monitoring data, highlighting fascinating changes in birdlife over time and what this means for ecological health across Te Tauihu. The evening drew a strong audience and reinforced the value of community-led conservation in Nelson and beyond.
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Campground Speed Limit Reminder
For the safety of our visitors and tamariki, please remember that the speed limit through the campground on the way to the Sanctuary is 15 km/h. We’ve noticed some vehicles travelling faster than this recently — slowing down helps keep everyone safe. Thank you for your care and consideration.
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What’s been happening online? Kiwi Poo Goes Viral
One of our recent posts has captured attention nationwide — and beyond. A short video of a kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi) doing what comes naturally has gone viral on Instagram, now approaching half a million views. It’s a light-hearted reminder that not every kiwi moment is majestic — sometimes it’s just nature at work. For us, it’s also a special sign that these precious birds are thriving here in the Sanctuary.
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