Kūkūwai/wetlands are crucial ecosystems. They help with flooding, improve water quality, and provide a home for many plants and animals. Unfortunately, over 90% of them have been drained in Aotearoa, and the remaining ones are still under threat.

In 2021, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne embarked on an ambitious operation to remove around 22,000 exotic perch from Roto Kawau, the lower reservoir. We have outlined this project in an operational report. The purpose of this report is to share our learnings and support other communities with similar ambitions.

We're staying open a little later this summer!

Every Thursday between 12th January until 23rd February 2023 the sanctuary will be open until 7pm giving you more time to make the most of the sunshine hours.

While the other side of the world hunkers down for winter, and carols about snowmen and freezing temperatures ring out in shops, having Christmas in summertime can feel a bit out of place. But there are many things that make Aotearoa feel festive!   

This summer, we're encouraging you to explore further into the sanctuary and take notice of things you may not normally see, hear or feel.

Whether you’ve visited 100 times or never, there’s always something new to notice if you slow down and take it all in.
 

Wellington 28 November 2022:  A project to protect and restore one of Wellington’s most precious waterways, the Kaiwharawhara catchment, is receiving a boost in support from an internationally renowned professional services firm.

We want to encourage you to explore further into the sanctuary and take notice of things you may not normally see or hear. 

We’ve put together three tracks for you to explore based on your needs. Check them out here!