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Fan-tales Newsletter Maramatahi | January 2026 | |
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Message from the Chief Executive | |
As we reflect on the year that’s been, we’re delighted to celebrate another inspiring chapter for the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. We hope you enjoyed a festive summer and had a relaxing Christmas and New Year. 2025 was a year of exciting milestones, with the long-awaited arrival of kiwi pukupuku — a powerful symbol of what sustained conservation can achieve. These successes sit alongside the continued growth of our Kākāriki karaka
/ orange-fronted parakeet population, showing just how far the Sanctuary has come.
One particularly special moment came just before Christmas, when a kiwi chick was captured on our trail camera — a joyful reminder that the Sanctuary is not only protecting precious taonga, but providing a safe place for them to thrive. I also had the opportunity to be part of the Sanctuary-wide survey in November and December, and to witness my first sightings of rifleman and kākāriki karaka — a personal highlight that speaks to the richness of life now returning to the valley.
None of this would be possible without our incredible community. To our supporters, partners, staff, and volunteers — thank you. Your passion, commitment, and belief in the Sanctuary make a real difference every day. The Brook Valley Campground and Sanctuary have been buzzing with activity, with visitors reconnecting with nature and growing enthusiasm for our newly launched Junior Ranger Programme.
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Kiwi pukupuku chicks have hatched at the Sanctuary
We’ve had the best kind of Christmas news: kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi) have begun breeding at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, and our first chick has hatched. Just over six months after 41 kiwi pukupuku were translocated from Kāpiti Island in May, our team has been watching for signs of breeding season. Kiwi pukupuku typically lay eggs between July and January, with an incubation period of around 65 to 75 days (and it’s the males who do the incubating). Of the 10 males fitted with transmitters, several were repeatedly visiting the same burrow, so trail cameras were set up nearby.
Ecologist Robert Schadewinkel described the moment the chick appeared on camera as “an absolutely delightful, joyful moment” and “an amazing Christmas gift” for everyone who has contributed to this project.
While we don’t yet know how many chicks may hatch this season, we do know this: they’re breeding, they’re settling in, and the Sanctuary is proving to be a thriving new home. It’s a powerful reminder of what predator-free conservation makes possible, and a proud milestone for Whakatū Nelson. | | | |
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Fence breach response after last week’s strong winds
Last week, the Sanctuary and Campground were hit hard by strong winds, resulting in seven breach sites along the pest-proof fence. The most significant damage occurred where a fallen tree brought down a section of fence entirely (pictured), alongside six smaller breach sites — mainly damage to the fence hood. As soon as conditions eased enough for it to be safe (the next morning), our staff and volunteer fence repair team were on site assessing the damage and beginning repairs. By Tuesday, all breach sites were patched, and by Friday, permanent repairs were completed, restoring the fence line to full strength.
Timing matters with events like this. This period is stoat dispersal season, when young stoats are on the move and we’ve been seeing increased activity outside the fence recently — making rapid detection and response even more critical. For each of the seven breach sites, a biosecurity response has been put in place: a dense grid of traps and monitoring tunnels to detect anything that might have entered the Sanctuary, with additional monitoring activated in the surrounding area. These traps and monitoring devices will be checked regularly over the next eight weeks.
We also temporarily closed a couple of visitor tracks while our track maintenance team cleared fallen trees and made the area safe again. Thanks to that fast work, all tracks were reopened within a week.
Ngā mihi nui for your patience and support — we are grateful to the staff and volunteers who mobilised quickly to protect this special place and the taonga species that call it home. A special thank you to those that have donated. | | | |
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Asset team fish ladder competition turns 10
The Annual Design and Construction Competition for the Sanctuary fish ladder is a light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek initiative run internally by our assets volunteer team. Behind the fun is a practical purpose: the fish ladder helps fish move upstream past the dam and into the Sanctuary waterways.
The tenth anniversary of the competition is about to begin in 2026. The Asset “B” team of Dave, Akira and John entered the 2025 competition and worked hard on their entry. The first photo shows John and Akira just before the ladder entered the water. Once it was in place, Akira demonstrated (with great seriousness) how upstream-swimming fish might “mount” the ladder. Nick Robson, Operations Manager, asks that volunteers and visitors please respect the red traffic cones around the competition area.
Read in-depth in our article about the reasons behind this initiative, the trials over the years and their recent success.
Entries are now open for the 2026 internal competition, including the category “Most Distance Travelled by the Big Blue Fish Collection Box” (last year, during the floods, it reached Golden Bay!). | | | |
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Flagstone Track reopened
Following the damaging slip last year, we’re pleased to confirm that the Flagstone track has now reopened - thanks to the wonderful work of the Track Clearing team. If you’ve not already done the Flagstone track, check out this and our whole range of walking tracks on our map.
Alternatively download the Avenza app and download the Brook Sanctuary Visitor Map which you can use offline, enabling you to identify where you are within the Sanctuary
Choose from short, medium and long day walks. Explore some of the best walks in Nelson and immerse yourself in the Sanctuary for a day.
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From the Ecology Team: What’s up with bird flu?
In our latest ecology article, Steffi explains what H5N1 bird flu is, why it’s causing concern overseas, and what it could mean for Aotearoa if it arrives. You’ll also find simple, practical steps to help protect our manu, including what to do if you spot a sick or dead bird in the Sanctuary or beyond the fence. 👉
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School Holiday Ideas
It’s beautifully cool under the shade of the forest this summer holidays. Pack a picnic and join one of our walking trails. Choose from our short loop walk (45 minutes) or try one of our more challenging day walks. Some have water crossings so prepare to get your feet wet! Talking of getting wet - why not bring togs and jump in the cool Brook Stream at the waterfall or paddle upstream (no suncream please to keep the water pure).
Pick up an activity booklet at the Visitor Centre and see how many birds you can spot and activities you can complete. Our friendly team can help you stamp each completed activity (pictured).
Step away from the summer hustle and immerse yourself in nature for the day. Grab a family pass or a family membership - meaning you can visit unlimited times throughout the year. | | | |
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Junior Ranger Event Sunday 18 January 10am - 12noon | | | |
Hunt for Bugs in the Sanctuary: - Catch us out in the community as part of the Summer Guide programme
- Teddy Bear Picnic: Rick Field will be running “Hunt for Bugs with Brook Waimārama Sanctuary” — a fun, hands-on session for curious kids (and grown-ups) to discover the incredible small life that keeps our ngahere healthy.
Isel Park - Sunday 25 January | | | |
Antipodes Quartet in the Sanctuary Tuesday 3 February - 5.30pm | | | |
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Photography Competition
Congratulations to Helen Palmer - the winner of our Spring Photography Competition, who submitted this beautiful photo of a South Island Robin with an insect in its mouth. This will soon be displayed proudly in the visitor centre thanks to the kind team at Nelson City Framers.
Submit your entry online for our summer competition in either the adult amateur or junior category.
Prizes include: - An instant camera for the winner of the Junior Photography category
- A Family Ticket to a guided night tour
- A feature in our newsletter and social media
- Printed and displayed photo at the Visitor Centre.
| | - Entries close 28 February - | | | |
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"I did the night tour on what turned out to be a perfect night and I absolutely loved it. A clear and starry night sky, no wind and a great guide (Steffi). The glow worms shone and the kiwi called - 9 times!" Kate McCoomb - 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 8-10 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. | | | |
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Sanctuary-wide survey completed
Our latest Sanctuary-wide survey was completed in December, with no detections recorded — a reassuring result and a credit to everyone helping keep the Sanctuary protected. | | | |
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Through the lens – new photos from Rebecca Bowater
Three new images from the Sanctuary, captured by Rebecca Bowater, celebrating the small and the spectacular — from the energy of a waterfall to the delicate winika/Dendrobium cunninghamii (native orchid). Each one is a reminder to slow down and notice what’s thriving in our ngahere. | |
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TINZT grant success: $10k towards new tracking tunnels
We’re thrilled to share we’ve been successful in securing a TINZT grant of $10,000, which will go directly towards replacing our ageing tracking tunnels.
Tracking tunnels are a key tool in our predator monitoring work — helping our team stay on top of what’s happening inside the fence, and supporting the ongoing protection of our taonga species.
Ngā mihi nui to TINZT for backing practical, on-the-ground conservation at the Sanctuary.
| | Craigs Investment team volunteering, building the new yellow tracking tunnels | | | |
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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.
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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:
Find out more and join our Brook Business Club here. | |
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Kākāpō spotlight: The Kākāpō Files returns (RNZ)
One of our volunteers, Alison Ballance, has a fresh piece on RNZ’s Our Changing World as The Kākāpō Files II begins — with signs pointing to what could be the biggest kākāpō breeding season yet.
"On Whenua Hou / Codfish Island, preparations are underway: supplies coming in by helicopter, food hoppers filled, transmitters checked, and the first males already “booming” to attract females."
A few highlights: - Kākāpō are “lek” breeders, calling from fixed sites to draw females in
- Breeding is tied to rimu mast years, and this season’s indicators are unusually strong
- The population is now 237 birds, after decades of recovery work
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Rātā Room: Campground upgrade
Our former Rec Room has now been fully transformed into the Rātā Room, a versatile education and multi-use space for the campground and Sanctuary. A huge thank you to our amazing Assets Team for generously giving their time and expertise to manage the upgrade and bring this development to life. Thanks to the support and funding from Rātā Foundation | | | |
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Junior Ranger display at the Library
If you’re popping into the Library over the next little while, keep an eye out for our Junior Ranger programme display. We’ve set up a banner and a small display case to share what Junior Ranger is all about, and to help more whānau discover a fun way for tamariki to connect with nature, learn new skills, and explore the ngahere. If you know a budding ranger, take a look next time you’re in. | | | |
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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. While stock-last. | |
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Is your Sanctuary membership subscription up to date? | |
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To find out, please email info@brooksanctuary.org.nz with the subject line “Is my membership current?”. We’ll check your subscription status and let you know.
Membership subscription fees are currently: $65.00 for an individual $130 for a household/family $2,000 for an lifetime (individual)
Renewals can be done through the website, click here or use online banking. (Our account details are on the website). | |
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What’s been happening online? Meet our newest resident
We’ve shared night camera footage of a brand-new kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi) chick, hatched here in the Sanctuary. It’s a huge milestone just six months after translocation, and a real Christmas gift for Whakatū Nelson.
If you’d like to watch the moment yourself, you can find the video on our social channels.
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