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News & Stories

Stay up to date with the latest news from Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

New Zealand’s rarest parakeet numbers soar
Threatened Orchid Found!
Rare tree discovered in the Sanctuary
Kākāriki Thriving in the Sanctuary: A Conservation Win
Trapping and kākā
Classroom to the Sanctuary
An Update on Bird Flu
40 Years Below Fundraiser Success
How to search for a lost kākā?
40 Years Below
Let them be wild!
Celebrating a Remarkable Year

Donate

Donations are essential to protecting the Sanctuary’s wildlife and restoring this rare pocket of Aotearoa’s natural heritage. Your support directly funds conservation, education, and the ongoing care of our predator-free forest.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference to the Sanctuary now and in the future. All donations of $5 or more are tax deductible.

If you would prefer to make a donation via online banking, money can be paid into the following account. Please email: info@brooksanctuary.org.nz so we can correctly identify your payment.

The Brook (Waimarama) Sanctuary Trust
NBS: 03-1354-0561993-00

Volunteer

Volunteers are at the heart of the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. By giving your time, you help protect native wildlife, restore forest habitat, and support one of the South Island’s most important conservation projects.

Our community of over 300 volunteers contribute over 20,000 hours each year.

  • Join one of 13 different volunteer teams – there’s something for everyone
  • As little or as many hours as you like
  • Your team leader will support you
  • Be invited to special volunteer-only BBQs, talks and events
  • Improved mental and physical wellbeing
  • Be part of our community

Follow us on Instagram

@brooksanctuary
Share your photos with #brooksanctuary

🌿 BINGO NIGHT at Spring and Fern – The Meadow! 🎱

Looking for a fun night out while supporting a great cause? Join us for a night of bingo, good company and some fantastic prizes, all in support of the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary! 🌱

📅 Tuesday 20 October
⏰ 7pm
📍 Spring and Fern – The Meadow

💰 Remember to bring cash!

🎁 Great prizes are up for grabs, so bring your friends, bring your lucky streak, and get ready for a fun night supporting our native wildlife and conservation work.

We’d love to see you there! 🌿
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Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 | Take a moment for yourself

Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our wellbeing is slow down, get outside and reconnect with nature.

At the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, we’re lucky to be surrounded by native birdsong, towering trees and the peaceful sounds of the forest. Spending time in nature can help us feel calmer, lift our mood and give us space to reset.

Have you ever tried forest bathing? Also known as shinrin-yoku, it’s the practice of immersing yourself in the natural environment and mindfully connecting with your surroundings. It’s not about how far you walk or how quickly you get there; it’s about slowing down, noticing the sights and sounds around you, breathing in the fresh forest air and being present in the moment.

This Mental Health Week, we encourage you to take a little time for yourself. Wander beneath the trees, listen to the birds, feel the breeze on your face or simply pause and take a few deep breaths. Sometimes, a little time in nature is just what we need to recharge.

Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Looking after your mental wellbeing matters.

Find out more at the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand: www.facebook.com/mentalhealthfoundationNZ

Take a breath. Slow down. Reconnect with nature.

📽 Video credit: Nicholas Roosen @nickjroosen

#MentalHealthWeek #ForestBathing #Wellbeing #NatureForWellbeing #BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #taketimeforyou
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Support the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary at The Spectacle 2026! 💛

@runthespectacle brings runners and walkers of all abilities together in the heart of Whakatū Nelson, with challenges ranging from a mile to an incredible 100 miles.

You can support the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary by making a donation or taking part and fundraising for us. Every contribution, big or small, helps protect and restore our precious native wildlife and ngahere.

We’re thrilled to have 16 fundraisers already signed up to support the Sanctuary. Thank you for getting behind our kaupapa!

Want to go the extra mile? Sign up, choose the Sanctuary as your charity, and rally your friends, whānau and community to support you.

Together, we can make a difference for our native wildlife.

Donate or sign up today: 🔗Link in bio>>

#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #TheSpectacle2026 #NelsonNZ #WhakatūNelson #ProtectOurWildlife #NativeWildlife #Conservation #Fundraising #SupportLocal #NewZealandNature #RunForNature #TogetherForNature
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STRATEGIC SUPPORTERS

NBS-Comm-2col-CMYK-Hires (002)

CONSERVATION CHAMPIONS

Come Visit Us!

651 Brook St, The Brook
Nelson 7010
New Zealand

(03) 539 4920

info@brooksanctuary.org.nz

OPEN HOURS

Wednesday – Sunday: 10am – 4pm, last entry 3pm

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

NBus route 4 visits the Brook Sanctuary 6 days a week and departs from Nelson Airport. Click here for full timetable

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