Brook Waimarama Sanctuary

The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary is a 715 hectare mainland “ecological island” sanctuary located in Nelson, New Zealand. The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust was established in 2004 with the intent of restoring the local populations of pre-European flora and fauna which have been ravaged by introduced mammalian predators. Invasion by introduced weeds also poses a threat. The sanctuary may also be used in the future as a site where endangered species such as the South Island kākā may be protected. The sanctuary is open to the public and encourages visitors.From inception a predator-proof fence had been planned with the intent of allowing complete eradication of the predator population (mammals) and the prevention of re-invasion. This predator-proof fence was completed in September 2016. A trapping programme began in a small area in 2006 aimed at controlling possum, rat, mice, stoat and weasel populations, and has since extended to cover an area of approximately 300 hectares.Further readingBell, Jacquetta Returning Nature to the Nelson Region: The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Nikau Press 32 p.,