How many of your friends would know what a kākā is? How about a kōkopu?
More freshwater advocacy at Zealandia thanks to Wellington Community Trust

With the support of Wellington Community Trust, Zealandia can now further plans to raise the profile of native freshwater species with sanctuary visitors. The $8,000 grant will go to completing an engineering and feasibility study for an enhanced viewing area, with specifications and conceptual drawings already in place - defined in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC).

“It’s all about advocacy,” said Education and Visitor Experience Manager Brian Ireland, “for about a decade we’ve predominantly focussed on the plight of our birds and reptiles, and regeneration of the bush, but there are also some really beautiful and ecologically important freshwater species that are worth preserving too”.

In 2011 the sanctuary assisted a trial eradication of introduced fish from its upper waterways in partnership with DOC. It was recently declared a success, with native kōkopu and kōura flourishing in the same way bird life has returned as a result of protection from mammalian predators.

Long-finned eels have been reintroduced to the stream but an aquarium currently located by an open lawn carries no physical or referred connection to the waterway and is often overlooked. Zealandia plans to relocate the aquarium and provide visitor access to a natural pool further upstream where new signage and the aquarium, with water flow direct from the stream, can be given context, and where Zealandia’s daily eel feeding can be carried out in a richer educational setting.

Zealandia’s Acting Chief Executive, Natasha Petkovic-Jeremic, said it was a positive step for the sanctuary but also for the community.

“We have a 500-year vision to restore our valley but it’s also essential that we advocate for what happens to these species beyond the fence. We aim to provide a meaningful visitor experience, inspiring our visitors so they go away not just with a better understanding of our environment but also wanting to take action at home; our natural heritage belongs to everyone. We appreciate Wellington Community Trust’s support and look forward to the next page in our freshwater story” she said.

[ENDS]

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