Diary Page

July 2005

New appeal celebrating 10 years of hard work and great success

Slow Rise

To celebrate our 10th birthday we are running a special fundraising initiative and we hope to raise in excess of $50,000 to continue our vital restoration work. A small amount of the money raised will also go towards the production of a bronze sculpture. This will remain in the Sanctuary grounds for many years to come, to commemorate the wonderful successes over the past 10 years.

Well known local artist Jonathan Campbell, a keen supporter of the Sanctuary, is donating his time and energy to create the beautiful piece called “Slow Rise.” The sculpture will stand approximately 2 metres tall and will be sited in the Sanctuary for visitors to enjoy for years to come.

As ever, every cent counts so whatever you are able to donate will be greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate please complete and return the appeal form.

Would you like a Sanctuary Speaker to talk to your club or community group?

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary has a group of enthusiastic volunteer speakers who would love to share our story with you. They will tell your group all about our unique restoration project, our progress and the exciting challenges ahead.

There is no charge for a speaker to come along and talk to your group, however, we do ask that you give the speaker a petrol voucher to cover their travelling costs. Donations are also very welcome too!

If you would like to book a session or discuss the possibilities please contact the Sanctuary on phone 04 920 9200 or email speakers@sanctuary.org.nz.

Fun, adventure and learning these school holidays

Head into the wilderness these school holidays and follow an Orienteering Mystery Trail, or pick up an Explorer Pack and find out about Wellington’s fascinating history of gold mining and dam building.

On the new Orienteering Mystery Trail kids will have a fun adventure, be challenged and learn at the same time. Upon arrival pick up an orienteering trail map, hunt for clues to answer the questions and then submit your entry to go in the draw to win prizes. The cost is just $1 in addition to the normal entry fee.

Explorer Packs are also back. Kids will have fun discovering all sorts of things as they walk along the Sanctuary’s beautiful pathways and tracks. Visit a historic goldmine and look for the gentle shy cave weta. Each pack contains a trail brochure with fun questions and activities, stickers, pencil, postcard and a sweet. Explorer Packs are suitable for children of all ages with or without parent’s help – however, please remember children under 14 years of age need adult supervision in the Sanctuary. Packs cost just $2 in addition to the normal entry fee and will take about two hours to complete.

For entry fees and other visiting information.

Order the new 2005/2006 Entertainment Book now

If you have bought one of these books in the past you’ll know just how much you can save on wonderful meals out and other great entertainment places around Wellington.

Each Entertainment Book contains hundreds of 25% - 50% off or two-for-one offers from many of Wellington’s finest restaurants and cafes, hotels, arts, cinema, sports and leisure activities.

Books cost just $50 and the Sanctuary receives a $10 donation for each book we sell. So, not only will you be saving heaps on great entertainment but you’ll be supporting the Sanctuary as well.

Don’t miss out! To order the new 2005/06 Entertainment Book just call the Sanctuary Visitor Centre on 04 920 9213 or send an email to entertainmentbook@sanctuary.org.nz.

Pre-order and pay for your book now and you will also receive six additional vouchers at no extra cost! Strictly first-come first-served basis until stocks run out.

Sanctuary joins Victoria University to develop a centre of excellence in eco-restoration education

An international centre for bio-diversity and eco-restoration will be developed at the Sanctuary, thanks to a grant provided to Victoria University by the Tertiary Education Commission.


Trevor Mallard, Marian Hobbs, Nancy McIntosh-Ward, Pat Walsh & Spike the tuatara. © Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

The grant will cover the cost of establishing and delivering a new innovative post-graduate degree – a Masters of Science in Ecological Restoration. Eco-restoration is an emerging interdisciplinary field that links science with social science, cultural understanding, and management fields. The project includes building a research facility which will be sited on the outskirts of the Sanctuary, establishing four undergraduate scholarships and hosting an international conference on ecosystem restoration.

The collaboration between Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Victoria University and Tertiary Education Commission was recognised at the signing of the agreement in the Sanctuary on 1 July 2005. Other partners will include Massey University, Department of Conservation, Landcare Research, University of Hawaii and Macquarie University.

Construction of the research facility at the Sanctuary will commence soon and Victoria University’s new Masters degree will start in 2006.

Back to this month