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Sanctuary Newsletter

Noema | November 2025

Message from the

Chief Executive

As we step into November, it’s a great time to reflect on what has been a busy and rewarding few weeks. Our Annual General Meeting in October provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate the year’s achievements and look ahead to the exciting projects on the horizon. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to shaping our future direction. A special thanks to those who joined us for the 'Guardians of the Forest' event. You can now view the inspiring translocation documentaries including our Kiwi film on our Youtube channel. Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to be hosting a 'Mini Local Day' on 15 & 16 November. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect with nature and discover the hidden treasures of the Brook Sanctuary. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for more details. With summer fast approaching, we’re preparing for a lively season ahead. Don’t forget to visit our Visitor Centre for unique gifts, new merchandise and gift memberships - perfect for your Christmas shopping. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm.

New Junior Ranger Programme – inspiring the next generation of kaitiaki


We’re delighted to launch our new Junior Ranger Programme, created to connect tamariki with nature and inspire the next generation of environmental guardians. Open to children aged five and up, the programme encourages hands-on learning through fun activities and events that build curiosity and respect for Aotearoa’s native wildlife and forests. Each Junior Ranger receives a welcome pack with an embroidered badge, certificate, and activity booklet, plus unlimited entry to the Sanctuary for a full year. Members also receive The Waimārama Chronicles, a quarterly newsletter with stories, challenges, and conservation tips. 


Chief executive Chris McCormack says, “When children spend time in the ngahere, learning about the species that live here and what it takes to protect them, they develop a lifelong sense of care and responsibility. These are the kaitiaki of tomorrow.”


Learn more at Locals Weekend on 15–16 November, where Sanctuary entry is by donation. Junior Ranger memberships are $24 per year, with family discounts and gift options available.

DOC 200 trap upgrade: stainless, sensitive, and kiwi-ready


Our trapping network has had a major upgrade. Over the past two years, the Sanctuary team and volunteers have replaced every DOC 200 trap with stainless steel units — fine-tuned for precision, durability, and kiwi safety. 


Neroli Amyes shares how this behind-the-scenes project has strengthened one of our most important lines of defence, ensuring the Sanctuary remains a safe haven for native wildlife.

Thank you - Enviroschools


A huge thank you to the amazing Enviroschools who have donated the proceeds from their Ballwear Op Shop to both Natureland and the Sanctuary.

New hero video


Our new hero video captures the essence of the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary — a place where native forest, rare wildlife, and community care come together. It’s a glimpse into the magic that makes the Sanctuary so special.

Kiwi encounter shines in Stuff travel story


We were thrilled to be featured in Stuff this month as part of Guy Needham’s Māpua Magic travel story. During his visit to Nelson, the renowned journalist and photographer joined our CEO, Chris McCormack, for a night tour — and was treated to an unforgettable encounter with a kiwi pukupuku just metres from the track.

From the Ecology Team:

How iNaturalist turns your photos into science


What if your phone photos could help conservation? In his latest blog, Henry explores iNaturalist, a global citizen science platform connecting people with nature and real ecological research. Discover how everyday observations — from moths to native fungi — contribute to protecting biodiversity in Aotearoa.
   

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 Matthew Tyler for this great photo of one of our Tuatara. 


🌿 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 -

Event: 'Local's Weekend' 

Sat 15 Nov: 9am–5pm 

Sun 16 Nov: 9am–5pm

     

We’re opening the gates for Locals Weekend!  


Locals Weekend! Join us on Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 November for donation entry to the Sanctuary. Explore the tracks, visit the Visitor Centre, and reconnect with nature right here in Nelson’s backyard. Bring your whānau, pack a picnic, and enjoy a day surrounded by birdsong.


   
   

"What a fabulous way to spend an evening in Nelson.The guide was enthusiastic, well informed and passionate.We saw Tuatara, Weta, Glow Worms and heard Ruru and Kiwi." 

Ruth Elliot - Google Review

Night tours


Discover the magic of the ngahere after dark on this unforgettable guided tour at the Sanctuary. Led by our knowledgeable guides, you’ll journey into the forest to experience towering trees, the glow of bioluminescent glowworms, and the calls of nocturnal wildlife — including ruru, and if you’re lucky, kiwi pukupuku. 


With only 8 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.


Tours continuing throughout spring and summer.

   
   

Guardians of the Forest Events - Review


A huge thank you to the hundreds of people who attended our ‘Guardians of the Forest’ events at the Suter theatre last week. It was an amazing turn out and a great opportunity to share the Sanctuary’s many stories and premiere the new kiwi documentary. In case you missed out, you can watch the new kiwi documentary on YouTube here.

Through the lens – new photos from Rebecca Bowater

We’re thrilled to share a new collection of images from Nelson-based nature photographer Rebecca Bowater, capturing the delicate beauty of flora and fauna found in and around the Sanctuary. From the elegant New Zealand orchid Corybas trilobus, to the golden blooms of New Zealand iris (Libertia ixioides) and the unfurling koru of the mamaku tree fern (Sphaeropteris medullaris), Rebecca’s photos reveal the quiet wonders of our ngahere. She’s even spotted a rare visitor — a cirl bunting (Emberiza cirlus) near the Brook motorcamp.

Your voices help shape the Sanctuary’s future


Thanks to everyone for entering our surveys. We had some great feedback on what you would like to see in the Sanctuary and how we can improve the visitor experience. Top feedback included new Maori-led tours, more seating and interpretative signage along tracks and more events and outreach into the community. We also surveyed our volunteers and business supporters and this feedback will be used to enhance our volunteer systems and engagement and our sponsorship packages.

   
   

Thank You to NBS


The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary are proud to be supported by NBS. When you choose to bank with NBS, you choose to support local community organisations just like us. Check out their latest cash back offer of up to $5,000 for new residential home loan approvals! 🏠 To find out more visit nbs.co.nz/cashback

Eugy partnership


We’re proud to announce a new partnership with EUGY by Dodoland. Through their Habitat for Species Protection programme, Dodoland will donate 10% of the net sales profit from every Tuatara EUGY sold in New Zealand, Australia, and through distributors — directly supporting conservation at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. EUGYs are sustainable 3D animal puzzles made from recyclable cardboard, designed to inspire curiosity and connection with nature. Together, we’re helping protect the real tuatara and restore a thriving habitat for all native wildlife.

Booster Wine Group

A heartfelt thank you to Booster Wine Group and Spinyback Wine for supporting conservation at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. Their generosity helped make our 2024 tuatara translocation possible — with 65 tuatara now thriving in the Sanctuary.

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: 

   

2026 calendars now available


Our beautiful 2026 Sanctuary calendars are here — featuring photography by Deb Corbett and Sean McGrath, showcasing the stunning wildlife and landscapes of the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. Pick one up from the Visitor Centre and support local conservation this Christmas. 

Photography Deb Corbett

Photography Sean McGrath

Extended opening hours


The Sanctuary is now open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm, giving visitors even more time to explore the valley and enjoy the ngahere. Monday remains closed for maintenance and restoration work. 


We're also excited to announce a special dusk opening until 8:00pm on Thursday, 20 November, offering a rare opportunity to experience the Sanctuary as day turns to night.

Birds and Other Wonders 


Join us for a magical evening of music and nature at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA), 48 Nile Street, on Saturday 8 November at 7pm! This unique concert, conducted by Rosemary Galton, celebrates birds, the cosmos, and our connection to them — with a special guest: Matisse the starling! Hear the world premiere of the recently completed Motet for a starling called Matisse by Nelson composer Mary Celeste, featuring Matisse on stage as a soloist alongside a choir of 17 singers and instrumentalists. Programmed with stunning music from the Renaissance to the present day, including five other pieces by Aotearoa composers. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind performance! .

Recommended reading – New Zealand Geographic


For more inspiring stories about Aotearoa’s people, wildlife, and wild places, check out New Zealand Geographic? For more than 35 years, it’s been a cornerstone of environmental journalism in New Zealand — combining thoughtful storytelling with world-class photography.

   

What’s been happening online? Déjà vu in the ngahere


Our latest kiwi pukupuku video has everyone talking again. Captured in almost the same spot as our viral clip earlier this year, this new moment feels like déjà vu — except this time, no cheeky shake at the end! Each kiwi sighting reminds us just how special it is to have these taonga thriving once more in the Sanctuary.

   
   

brooksanctuary.org.nz

info@brooksanctuary.org.nz


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