Birds in - stoats out: the fence at the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary has its first major injection of cash.
The Canterbury Community Trust today announced support of $210,000 to be paid over three years, in the first grant
specifically towards the construction of the pest-proof fence.
Dave Butler, Chair of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust said that the Canterbury Community Trust was the first funding
organisation to show a belief in the project by supporting the construction of an entrance building - the first major on
site activity: ŒThe trust has now provided a significant lead again for our effort to raise the money for the key
project element - the pest-proof fence. Having the support of such a significant local funder is not just a financial
benefit - it is also tremendously heartening for the many volunteers who are dedicating hundreds of hours putting in
trapping lines for pests, planning the details of the project and seeking further sponsorship."
Local representative of the Canterbury Community Trust, Liz Richards, agreed the grant was a significant endorsement of
the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary.
"Clearly we believe in this project - we have the example of the Karori Sanctuary in Wellington to show how such a
facility is not simply about conservation - it is also about the best kind of tourism, it is about education, employment
and it is about strengthening the Nelson community."
Dave Butler said the Canterbury Community Trust grant was a milestone in the return of native wildlife into the lives of
the people of the Nelson region.
The 14km pest-proof fence will contain over 700 hectares of the former Water Reserve at the head of the Brook Valley.
Eradication of all the pests within this area of forest will create a sanctuary for the eventual re-introduction of the
full range of species lost from the area, from kiwi to tuatara and kakapo. The current estimate for the cost of the
fence is $3,200,000, however competition from a new contender may bring this down.
"Pest proof fences are becoming more common as we work to preserve New Zealand biodiversity," Dr Butler said. "A Hawkes
Bay company has recently entered the market and is registered to build such fences. Representatives are visiting our
site next month and we hope that competition will bring about some reduction in the overall cost.'
ENDS