Celebrating a Remarkable Year at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

As we reflect on the past year, we’re proud to celebrate another inspiring chapter for the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust. We hope you enjoyed a relaxing Christmas and New Year and had the chance to make the most of a beautiful summer season.

2025 has been a milestone year for conservation at the Sanctuary. One of the most significant highlights was the long-awaited arrival of kiwi pukupuku, a powerful symbol of what sustained conservation efforts and predator control can achieve. Their return marks a major step forward in restoring native wildlife to the Brook Valley.

Alongside this, we’ve seen continued growth in our kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet) population—one of Aotearoa’s most endangered native bird species. This progress reflects the strength of our ecosystem and the success of ongoing habitat restoration and protection work.

A particularly special moment came just before Christmas, when a kiwi chick was captured on one of our trail cameras. This exciting discovery highlights that the Sanctuary is not only protecting precious taonga species, but also providing a safe and thriving environment for breeding and future generations.

During November and December, our team carried out a Sanctuary-wide biodiversity survey. This important work helps us monitor species recovery and track conservation outcomes. For many involved, including first-time sightings of rifleman/titipounamu and kākāriki karaka, it was a powerful reminder of the rich biodiversity returning to the valley.

None of these achievements would be possible without the support of our dedicated community. We extend our sincere thanks to our supporters, partners, staff, and volunteers. Your commitment to conservation plays a vital role in protecting and restoring this unique ecosystem.

The Brook Valley Campground and Sanctuary have also seen a surge in visitors, with more people reconnecting with nature and experiencing the Sanctuary firsthand. There has been growing enthusiasm for our newly launched Junior Ranger Programme, helping to inspire the next generation of conservation champions.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to protecting native wildlife, restoring habitats, and creating meaningful conservation experiences for our community.