Conservation is complex work that rarely comes with a neatly packaged ‘How-To’ guide. This month alone we celebrated the arrival of a new pair of takahē to Zealandia while also trying to unpack a ‘whodunnit’ of epic proportions beneath the surface of our waters.

An eagle-eyed Zealandia volunteer spotted a pied shag making light work of a rather large pinky coloured fish in Roto Kawau, the lower reservoir.

We are super excited to announce the arrival of the newest pair of takahē to Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne! The new takahē are Waitaa (female, 3 years old) and Bendigo (male, 6 years old) who came from the Burwood Takahē Centre near Te Anau.

Wellington 30 August 2023: The Wellington city population of a rare native bird has doubled this week, with Wellington ecosanctuary Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne welcoming a new pair of takahē on 28 August 2023.

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne are welcoming two new takahē (Bendigo and Waitaa) on 28 August 2023, bringing the Zealandia takahē population up to 4!

Zealandia member and wildlife photographer Holly Neill has a bit of a passion for wildlife in her backyard. So much so, she's built her own lizard garden so she can interact with them at home!

Read about how she created her little lizard haven, Mokomoko Manor, and how you can start one at home too.

At Zealandia we aim to inspire change in how people live with nature in cities globally. Our research collaborations seek to discover how we can design urban developments and landscapes to embrace, not exclude nature. This approach will improve outcomes for nature, and people.

From Friday 12 May, a freshwater fish species (toitoi) will start being released at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne to make the Wellington ecosanctuary their new home.

This is the first time toitoi have been translocated in modern times and is likely the first freshwater fish translocation that has been done within Aotearoa New Zealand for restoration reasons. 

Wondering what the building site is along Waiapu Road?

We are very excited that the building of Tanglewood House has finally begun.

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!