Wharariki Ecosanctuary

Wharariki Ecosanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary within a predator-proof fence at Cape Farewell, New Zealand.

Wharariki Ecosanctuary
Nearest cityCollingwood, New Zealand
Coordinates40°29′57″S 172°41′44″E
Area2.5 ha (6.2 acres)
EstablishedJanuary 2020
OperatorFarewell Wharariki HealthPost Nature Trust

Location

The Wharariki Ecosanctuary is located on a headland on the Wharariki coastline at Cape Farewell. It is sited on conservation land that is managed as the Puponga Farm Park.[1][2]

Establishment

One of the key drivers of this project is Peter Butler, who created a trust in 2017 to protect local wildlife in the region from Wharariki Beach to the tip of Farewell Spit.[3] The Farewell Wharariki HealthPost Nature Trust was registered as a Charitable Trust in May 2021.[4]

The sanctuary has been created in a collaborative project between Collingwood-based HealthPost Nature Trust, the Department of Conservation and Manawhenua ki Mōhua, representing Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Rārua in the Golden Bay/ Mohua area. Starting in September 2019, a 200 metres (660 ft) predator-proof fence was constructed above the cliffs at Wharariki, enclosing 2.5 ha (6.2 acres). The fence was completed in January 2020.[5]

Prior to the translocation of burrow-nesting seabirds, the area was prepared by building artificial burrows, trapping pests and planting around the site.[6]

In the Sustainable Business Awards 2021, HealthPost received a commendation in the Restoring Nature Award category, for their work in developing the ecosanctuary.[7]

Translocation of fluttering shearwaters
Fluttering shearwater/ pakahā chick

In January 2022, 50 fluttering shearwater (Puffinus gavia) or pakahā chicks were translocated from the Long Island – Kokomohua Marine Reserve in Queen Charlotte Sound to the Wharariki Ecosanctuary.[8][6] They were the first species to be introduced to the fenced sanctuary.[9]

In January 2023, another 53 fluttering shearwater chicks were translocated from the Long Island – Kokomohua Marine Reserve to the Wharariki Ecosanctuary.[10] They were transferred due to weather events impacting their burrows on Long Island. It is hoped they will establish a breeding colony.[11]

References
  1. "Farewell Wharariki Eco Sanctuary". Lone Star Farms. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  2. "Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  3. "Peter Butler: Building a predator-free sanctuary". RNZ. 14 December 2019. Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  4. "Farewell Wharariki HealthPost Nature Trust". NZBN. Archived from the original on 17 April 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  5. "Predator-free sanctuary for seabirds, rare native plants opens at Cape Farewell". RNZ. 18 January 2020. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  6. Sivignon, Cherie (20 January 2022). "First fluttering shearwater chicks arrive at Cape Farewell sanctuary". Stuff. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  7. "2021 Restoring Nature Award". Sustainable Business Network. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  8. Hindmarsh, Gerard (27 November 2021). "Once hunted but 'Flocks of gods' now venerated at Farewell Spit". Nelson Mail. Retrieved 21 April 2022 – via Stuff.
  9. Gee, Samantha (23 January 2022). "Hope seabirds establish new colony at Cape Farewell Sanctuary". RNZ. Archived from the original on 17 February 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  10. Hart, Maia (24 January 2023). "Second round of shearwaters introduced to Cape Farewell from Marlborough Sounds". Stuff. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  11. Hart, Maia (24 January 2023). "Second round of fluttering shearwater introduced to Cape Farewell from Marlborough Sounds". RNZ. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
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