Translocations
Bringing endangered species home to Nelson
Since the inception of the Sanctuary over 20 years ago, the aim was to bring many of the endangered species back home to the Nelson area. Translocations are a critical part of the reintroduction process. Since being declared pest-free in 2017, we have translocated 5 key species into the Sanctuary.
Translocations only happen thanks to the dedicated effort of many organisations and people. Department of Conservation and iwi are key, as are funding partners and translocation partners e.g. Save the Kiwi. Each translocation into the Sanctuary was supported by multiple parties. View each of our translocation information pages and videos to find out more.
Translocation refers to the capture, transport and release of individuals of a species from one location to another. A translocation is an integral part of reintroduction.
Each translocation is different but every one is meticulously planned. Planning starts years before and a permit must be secured. The comfort and care of the wildlife is key to the whole process and we take great care in minimising any stress on the animal.
Factors that contribute to a successful translocation include handling the wildlife with care, selecting healthy individuals, keeping the animals well-fed and watered, and minimising stress and overheating during transport and release.
View our individual translocation pages for more information on the specific processes for each species.
What’s here?
Meet some of our amazing residents and our incredible flora. Read our species pages and download our species PDFs.
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🌿 Thank You for an Incredible Weekend🌿
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Big Green Open Days this weekend. It was fantastic to see so many people exploring the tracks, discovering the sanctuary, and spending time immersed in nature — especially so many new faces!
We’d also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our amazing staff and volunteers who made it all happen. From our dedicated team to the wonderful food stalls, vendors, and community tents — your support made the day truly special.
We’re still finalising the results of our Silent Auction, but we’re excited to share that we’ve already raised over $3,000, with every dollar going directly toward supporting the sanctuary. A big thank you to the generous businesses who contributed donations.
We hope you had an unforgettable day.
Ngā mihi nui 🌿
@natureland_wildlife_trust @nelsoncitycouncil @morefmnelson @littleblackcoffeetruck @bowatermotors Silex Tools, Umai Japanese Kitchen, Pakistani Food Stall, Sounds a bit fishy, Titoki Nursery, Right Now real fruit icecream
#opendays #nelsonnz #nature #brookwaimāramasanctuary #outdoors
Mar 30
🌿Sanctuary Open Days - We`re On!🌿
Despite the recent weather, we’re going ahead this Saturday and Sunday – and we’d love to see you there!
✨ Wander through our stunning nature tracks
🍴 Enjoy delicious bites from our local food stalls (bring cash!)
🌳 Take time to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature
🚶♀️ Listen to our stationed talks
🎁 Don’t miss our amazing silent auction items
🚗 Please follow directions from our parking wardens when you arrive
🚌 We encourage you to take the bus or carpool where possible - the bus stops at the entrance of the Brook Valley Holiday Reserve - just a short 5-min walk from there!
📅 We’re looking forward to seeing you all there!
#SanctuaryOpenDay #naturelovers #familyfun #nelsontasmannz @nelsontasmannz
Mar 27
🦜If you haven’t tuned in yet, you’re missing something special — our live cam is currently featuring one of Aotearoa’s most iconic birds, the cheeky and charismatic kākā.
These clever forest parrots are known for their playful personalities, curious nature, and unmistakable calls. Watching them up close in real time is a rare treat — whether they’re hopping about, showing off their aerial skills, or just being their mischievous selves. It won`t be long before they are released from their temporary aviary.
Jump on, take a look, and let us know in the comments if you spot them in action 👀www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/live-camera
@ngatiapakiterato, @naturelandwildlifetrust, @docgovtnz, @world_parrot_trust and special thanks to Bowater Motor Group for lending their van to transport the kākā to the Sanctuary.
@nelsontasmannz photo credit: Fraser Heal
##kaka #wildlifelive #naturenz #birdlovers #nelsontasman
Mar 20
🌿 Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Open Days
📅 Sat 28 & Sun 29 March 2026
⏰ 10am – 4pm
Nelson’s Big Green Day Out is back — and you’re invited 🌱
Spend a FREE day immersed in nature, just minutes from the city.
Wander, learn, eat, explore… there’s something for everyone:
🦎 Up to 15km of beautiful forest walking tracks
☕ Street food, coffee & real fruit ice cream
🖍️ Hands-on workshops & learning
🎨 Arts, crafts + kids’ activities
⛺ Local community stalls
🌿 Conservation talks with experts
📍 Silent auction supporting the Sanctuary
🕶️ Virtual reality kiwi experience
✨ Make a day of it — bring your whānau, gather your friends, and enjoy a vibrant community weekend reconnecting with nature.
#BigGreenDayOut #nelsonnz #FamilyDayOut #NatureLovers #SupportLocal #Conservation #brookwaimaramasanctuary @nelsontasmannz
Mar 18
🌿 Welcoming kākā to the Sanctuary!
What an exciting moment to finally welcome kākā to the Sanctuary.
Following a moving iwi-led Tuku Toanga welcoming ceremony — joined by Sanctuary volunteers, supporters, and many of the people who worked tirelessly to bring these birds to Nelson.
For now, they will be cared for by our dedicated team alongside Natureland Wildlife Trust before their eventual release from the temporary holding aviary.
🌿 Post-release care is just as important:
📡 The kākā have been fitted with transmitters and banded so we can monitor their movements and wellbeing.
🤝 With support from @ngatiapakiterato, @natureland_wildlife_trust, @world_parrot_trust and the @docgovtnz we’ll be closely tracking their progress as they settle into their new home.
We can’t wait for the day these remarkable birds leave the aviary, spread their wings and begin exploring the Sanctuary.
Thanks to our supporters, including the Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary – South Island kākā programme.
@nelsontasmannz
#Kākā #NelsonNZ #ProtectOurBirds #brookwaimaramasanctuary #nelsontasman
Mar 13
A landmark moment for Brook Waimārama Sanctuary 🌿
Yesterday we welcomed three kākā to the Sanctuary. They have now been safely transferred into their temporary aviary, where they’ll spend time settling in before their eventual release into the ngahere.
This exciting milestone reflects the dedication of our incredible volunteers and staff whose ongoing mahi keeps the Sanctuary thriving. It’s also thanks to everyone who supported the aviary project and the return of kākā to the valley.
A special thank you as well to @ngatiapakiterato who lead a Tuku Taonga to formally acknowledge the gifting and return of this taonga species within our rohe, @natureland_wildlife_trust @docgovtnz for their work behind the scenes and @nelsonairportnewzealand , @airnz, @bowatermotors, for their support and partnership in helping bring kākā back to this special place.
We’re looking forward to the day these remarkable birds spread their wings and explore their new home.
Be sure to stop by and check out our live kākā cam!
🌐 www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/live-camera
#kaka #brookwaimāramasanctuary #nelsontasmannz @nelsontasmannz
Mar 10
