The Greater Wellington Regional Council seeks Government funding for the creation of a bird “super sanctuary” in Wainuiomata called Puketaha.
The proposed super-sanctuary in Wainuiomata spans 3000 hectares of native bushland. A feasibility study suggests it could transform the area and potentially change the threat status of kākāpo, rowi kiwi, and hihi by implementing predator fencing and pest eradication.
Research indicates it could significantly aid biodiversity recovery across approximately 40,000 hectares in the Remutaka Range. An estimated budget of $42 million over ten years would cover resource consents, fencing, pest eradication, and introducing native birds.
Seeking additional funding, the Regional Council aims to collaborate with the Department of Conservation, Regional Council, and Taranaki Whanui for detailed designs and resource consents. Jim Lynch, a conservationist, praised the proposal as a “super sanctuary,” highlighting its unique location amidst a vast forested area spanning around 50,000 hectares.
