Haere mai / welcome to
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary – a very special part of New Zealand
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the largest fenced Sanctuary for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island.
Close to Nelson city but hidden away, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of New Zealand native bush, breathe deeply and engage.
We want to connect people (visitors, our staff and volunteers) with the natural world in a way that promotes environmental responsibility and contributes to the restoration of our local and national ecosystems.
We hope visitors will experience the mauri (life force), vital essence and spirituality of this natural environment.
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Workshop alert! ✨✨
We’re excited to be host a drop-in sculpture workshop at our Open Day this Sunday 29 October (10am -4pm). In keeping with our freshwater theme, the workshop will involve the collective creation of a Tuna (Eel), as participants are invited to join in weaving together an array of collected natural materials such as leaves and vines. Be sure to pop-by and join in on the action, as well as kōrero and learn about freshwater species such as tuna as this ephemeral sculpture takes form.
With Free Entry, Our open day is a great chance to learn about our precious freshwater Tāonga, as well as explore the pristine Waimārama Valley. See you there!
📸: Alton Perrie , sourced from @docgovtnz
Oct 24
GO GREEN and let`s work together to reduce waste at our Open Day next Sunday 29 October! Here`s three main ways that you can help:
1) Bring your own refillable drink bottles, keep cups and containers for food and drink
2) Ditch the car and choose to Bike or Bus to the Sanctuary! You can find the bus routes at www.ebus.nz
3) Be sure not to leave any rubbish or waste behind in the Sanctuary. Pop-in and chat to our volunteers running the Bin Station to dispose of any items and learn about how correct sorting can reduce our collective landfill waste.
There are also plenty of other ways you can get involved in making a positive impact and make a difference in your own backyard. Come and chat to us about how you, your friends, whanāu and community can get involved in Conservation in Action 🍃
#openday #brooksanctuary #nelson #conservation #gogreen
Oct 23
Check out this graceful Longfin Tuna/eel that Sanctuary staff found during a recent stream monitoring survey.
Tuna (like this one) are measured, recorded and then re-released back into the stream as part of our ongoing efforts to monitor stream heath at the Sanctuary in collaboration with @nelsoncitycouncil
The NCC Science and Environment team routinely monitor awa (rivers and streams) across Nelson, including the Brook Stream. Aside from fish species, they also measure things like water quality, flow & habitat. Come and see them at our Open Day to find out more about the health of our waterways.
Don’t worry, no tuna or other freshwater species are harmed during monitoring activities!
Oct 15
Spring has sprung and now is the best time to see Clematis in flower in the upper reaches of the Sanctuary! ❀❀❀
Clematis paniculata Puawānanga is a native climber that is part of Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. It can be seen in flower in the upper canopy from October until January.
Did you know? The Māori name `puawānanga` is known to mean "flower of the skies" or "child of the two stars of heaven" (the two stars being rehua and puanga). Traditionally, the appearance of Puawānanga star-shaped flowers meant the start of spring, signifying a time for feeding, preparation and for people to become active again.
📷 : Chelsea Haley
Oct 10
We are thrilled to have partnered with @naturelandwildlifetrust to launch the new `Te Taiao Rangers` holiday programme. Last week we launched our first session of outdoor adventure and discovery in the Sanctuary!
We still have a few spots available for this coming Friday. Register quick. Link In bio
Oct 3
