a message from the zealandia team:

With the announcement that New Zealand is moving its COVID-19 response to higher levels, we have made the decision to close ZEALANDIA to the public, members and volunteers, effective immediately. This includes the visitor centre, Rātā cafe, and the sanctuary itself.

Our priority at this time is the health and wellbeing of our visitors and our team, and we are making this difficult decision in order to help protect our community. We will remain closed for the next four weeks, as directed in the government’s advice today.

We will, of course, be taking utmost care of the sanctuary valley and the wildlife within it while we are closed. We will continue to check and maintain the fence and carry out supplementary feeding, using a roster of staff who will be taking extra health and safety measures to protect themselves and others.

As always, we encourage people to spend time in nature for their physical and mental health. While for the next month you won’t be able to spend time with us, please do make the most of your neighbourhood green spaces and your own backyards, even if from a distance.

Kia kaha, te whānau. Please follow the government’s guidance; take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbours; and we will see you again soon.

He waka eke noa/ A canoe which we are all in with no exception