Brook Waimārama Sanctuary: Achievements Report

Three Year Achievement Report The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust CONTENTS PAGE 2

New website | new database

PAGE 3

COVID19 and response funding, other improvements

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Project Mahitahi - people employed

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2021 - Sanctuary projects

PAGE 6

Invasive & noxious weeds control project

PAGE 7

Tīeke translocation

PAGE 8

Kākāriki karaka translocation

PAGE 9

New patron announced - Lou Sanson

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Visitor Centre enhancement project

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More translocations planned

PAGES 12-15

Education programme - delivery & resources

PAGE 16

Community education delivery

PAGE 17

Digital technology projects

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Forging ahead - some growth metrics

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Ecosystem restoration

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Looking into the future Summary - how NPI can help

BACKGROUND In 2019 The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust began a new phase of it's activities and operations. New personnel joined the organisation at a board, management and operational level, new technology was introduced, new strategies and plans were adopted and new sponsors partnered with us. This document reports the activities and the achievements of the Trust over the past three years, and lays out our aspirations for the coming years.

FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE The past three years, have been significant in the life of the Trust and development of the Sanctuary, with a number of important changes and milestones along the way.

In May 2019 I accepted the position of Chief Executive following the earlier resignation of the previous General Manager in November 2018, in the intervening period I was a Trustee.

From November 2019 - April 2020 several other staff key staff left to follow different paths and new staff were employed. In April/May 2019 the Trust changed database systems from an expensive, unwieldly and overly complicated US-based database system to a New Zealand-made, more fit for purpose database system and in November 2019 a brand-new website was launched - both significant developments in rebuilding the Trust's online presence and rebuilding a membership base.

From late 2019 into early 202o the Sanctuary battled and eventually beat an incursion of rats. We also felt the effects of a significant fire risk which saw us close the Sanctuary to visitors for a period of time. 2020 also saw the arrival of COVID-19 which resulted in the national lockdown and another loss of visitors and visitor generated income. In late 2020 we were fortunate to gain Central Government COVID-19 response monies for a two-year period which enabled us to employ additional staff for specific functions over the next two years.

Fast forward to 2022, we have three paid staff working on an ambitious three-year noxious weeds project, our first two species reintroductions are under our belt, and approval has been granted by DOC for two more species translocations to the Sanctuary. We will soon begin a major upgrade of our Visitor Centre, greater efforts are being made in the education space, and more besides is on the go!

Ngā mihi We would welcome discussions with current and Ru Collin potential new partners so that we can achieve Chief Executive even more in the future.

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, PO Box 744, Nelson 7040 Office: 03 546 2422 | Visitor Centre: 03 539 4920 | info@brooksanctuary.org.nz www.brooksanctuary.org.nz

BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

Completely new website launched 2019 www.brooksanctuary.org.nz Designed by Sunroom Design with assistance from SeeReed Visual Communications, the Sanctuary launched a brand new website that has been steadily enhanced over the last three years.

Online payments using STRIPE payment gateway is introduced, between November 2021 and April 2022 the Sanctuary has received almost $89k in payments through the website (net after fees).

The website hosts our newsletters, and a recent addition is a series of videos (produced in-house) to showcase the work of our volunteer teams, and our staff.

Nov 2018 GM departs Dec 2018 Office Manager departs

Apr 2019 new office manager appointed

May 2019 Board membership changes; Raisers Edge database replaced with Infoodle

Powerful Management Software for Charities, Churches & Community Groups Over the past three years infoodle has proved to be the ideal database for the Sanctuary. In it we hold the details of well over 3,500 contacts - our supporters (aka members), donors, sponsors, business club members, volunteers. Infoodle enables us to communicate directly and efficiently to various groups, it enables us to issue receipts for payments made to the Sanctuary. We also use infoodle to embed forms into our website.

Infoodle integrates with XERO (our accounting system), WordPress (the platform our website is built on, STRIPE (the payment gateway system we use to accept payments through our website).

May 2019 Ru Collin takes over as CE, resigns as a Trustee

Trust has <150 paid-up supporters at this point in time

Aug 2019 campaign to grow supporter base is launched

Oct 2019 BWS Foundation Trust established

Dec 2019 DOC approves Sanctuary biosecurity system & processes

Dec 2019 Qualmark Silver award

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

ARRIVAL OF COVID19 Most staff work from home With the arrival of COVID19 and the national lockdown the Sanctuary is closed to most volunteers and all visitors (with an ensuing loss of income) for the entire month of April and much of May. The Sanctuary received approval to maintain a very small presence on site at the Sanctuary to monitor/maintain essential biosecurity operations.

Visitor numbers gradually recovered, and by the end of 2020 the Sanctuary saw 1,071 more visitors through the gate than in 2019.

Moving the business to e-everything!

In 2020, building on the successes of 2019 with a new website, database in place and a new office manager, we began the process of updating many of our systems and processes. We purchased the first new (or newer) computers in many years in 2020, we commenced a long-term project (still ongoing) to modernise our sharepoint document repository system, we focussed our attentions on building our supporter base (membership), and our social media presence. The number of people who 'follow' our Facebook page has grown from ~2000 in early 2020, to almost 2,800 today. We better utilise existing systems such as XERO accounting, and the HUBDOC add-on for XERO. Feb 2020 Sanctuary moves from 'gold coin' donations to admissions fees Mar 2020 COVID19 detected in NZ 26 Mar 2020 NZ goes into lockdown Sanctuary closed to all visitors

Sanctuary receives COVID91 wages subsidy for 5 paid staff

COVID19 government funding responses The national lockdown, the closure of international borders and the initial restrictions on domestic travel all contribute to a downturn in revenue for the Sanctuary.

Sanctuary management quickly realises that COVID19 is likely to impact the not-for-profit sector in a big way, especially in the availability of grants funding.

The Sanctuary receives the COVID19 Wages Subsidy, and is successful in gaining short-term funding from the Wildlife Institutions Relief fund.

In second half of 2020 the Sanctuary gained Project Mahitahi funding via DOC to create four new roles, and to employ additional staff for a two year period. These new positions/roles encompass: Biosecurity Ranger Education Support Events and Promotions Marketing & admin support And, in August 2021 the Sanctuary signed a threeyear funding agreement with DOC for Jobs for Nature funding (another central government COVID19 response) to tackle invasive and noxious weeds in the Sanctuary. See page six for more detail.

December 2020 new cash electronic register installed at the Visitor Centre Enabling us to more accurately capture visitor numbers/statistics, and sales data. Operator errors and discrepancies significantly reduced as a result.

Photo to the right, one of our most successful Facebook posts ever! This image was seen by over 39,000 people on our Facebook page.

Sanctuary gains Wildlife Institutions Relief funding from DOC in response to COVID19

Jun 2020 paid-up supporter numbers has more than doubled to 333

22 May Sanctuary reopens to visitors, mostly locals International borders are closed loss of international visitors

Sanctuary signs Project Mahitahi contract for COVID19 response funding for four new paid positions with the Sanctuary

Dec 2020 first Project Mahitahi funded employee starts work 2020-35 Strategic Framework implemented

Dec 2020 paid-up supporters has grown to 512

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

PROJECT MAHITAHI: KAIMAHI FOR NATURE INTRODUCING THE PEOPLE EMPLOYED: VISITOR EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

KAIĀWHINA MĀTAURANGA EDUCATION SUPPORT

Kirsten Rødsgaard-Mathiesen Prior to the arrival of COVID-19, Kirsten worked as an international tour guide and organiser firmly focussed on international visitors in New Zealand. Kirsten's business dried-up with the closure of NZ's international borders in early 2020.

Shani Bennett A trained teacher, Shani joined us in August 2021 and has been tasked, along with (contracted educator) Rick Field to establish a number of education programmes we can offer schools and groups wanting to visit the Sanctuary (catering to their particular area of study or interest).

Shani also has very useful talents in video production and editing which we are putting to good use.

Kirsten has a journalism background, and broadcast media experience. Kirsten has been employed with the Trust since early December 2020 Katie Gray Katie worked with us over 8week summer season last year before leaving to go to university in Dunedin.

BIOSECURITY RANGER

Mary-Anne Cameron Mary-Anne joined us in December 2021 for the 21/22 summer season supporting Kirsten and the volunteer team in the Visitor Centre.

EVENTS, PROMOTIONS AND MEDIA COORDINATION

Steffi Hebberd Steffi joined the Trust in January 2021 in this extremely important role supporting our Ecologist and Volunteers to maintain the predator-free status of the Sanctuary.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Hal Martin Hal returned with his family to New Zealand from Australia early in the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Having worked in the arts/museum sector, Hal had difficulty finding employment until gaining employment with the Trust. After 16 weeks, Hal resigned the position in April 2021.

Dec 2020 Kirsten starts work Dec 2020 Health & Safety ISO45001 accreditation received Jan 2021 Katie, Hal and Steff start work Jan 2021 QualMark GOLD award Feb 2021 Katie finishes her short contract to go to university to study

Jan 2021 Sanctuary confirmed as free of rats & weasels after an incursion Feb 2021 Sanctuary launches new look newsletters

Olivia (Liv) Gallagher Liv joined the Trust in July 2021, she brings a wealth of experience in events management to the trust, along with talents in merchandising and media communications.

SOCIAL MEDIA, WEBSITE & ADMIN SUPPORT Nick Tilly Nick, our Office Manager, along with his husband owned a retail travel agency severely impacted

by COVID-19 and border closures.

Nick was been given an additional 15 hours per week funded by the Kaimahi for Nature project.

Mar 2021 a milestone event with the first species translocation, 40 tīeke arrive at the Sanctuary End of Apr 2021 Hal resigns

Jun 2021 first six-figure bequest left to the Sanctuary Jun 2021 supporter numbers now stand at 856 Mid-Jul, Oliva starts work

Mid-May 2021 , Nick (Office Manager) given (additional) 15 hours per week employment

Mid-Aug, Shani starts work 19 Aug 2021 second national COVID19 lockdown

Nov & Dec 2021 translocation of highly endanger kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeets to the Sanctuary

Dec 2021 paid-up supporters has grown to 1,032

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

SANCTUARY PROJECTS 2021

KĀKĀ AVIARY BUILD

THE HANDRAILS PROJECT ON THE LOOP TRACK The lower valley looped track handrails project has been completed thanks to contractors, workers from Ground Anchor Systems and the tireless efforts of the assets team who worked for many weeks on the project to make The Loop track safer.

The handrails were built with almost $40k funding from Pub Charity.

Team at work on building the kākā aviary

The handrails project in different stages of completion

FLAGSTONE BRIDGE

The kākā aviary is nearly built. Note, there will be a considerable delay before kaka fledglings will be made available to the Sanctuary. We are trying to source top-of-the-south birds. With the genetic pool being small, breeding suitable birds will be slow and will affect the timing of any possible translocation.

The kākā aviary build is possible thanks to funding from the Stout Trust and supporter Addo Mulders for the kākā reintroduction project, and the efforts of the assets team and operations staff.

Team at work preparing the section of bridge to be installed at Flagstone crossing.

The Bridge was inspected and approved for public use in December 2021.

Nov 2021

Nov 2021

Nov 2021 ... into 2022

Project to install handrails on The Loop track is completed, a significant Sanctuary project funded by a grant from Pub Charity

Project to install a repurposed bridge at the Flagstone Crossing is completed. A project supported by NCC, the City of Nelson Civic Trust and others.

A temporary kākā holding aviary is constructed by Sanctuary volunteers with funding from the Stout Trust, Addo Mulders and other donations.

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

INVASIVE & NOXIOUS WEEDS CONTROL PROJECT In August 2021 the Sanctuary secured significant funding from the Jobs for Nature programme through the Department of Conservation for Invasive & Noxious Weed Control.

The funding has enabled the Sanctuary: to employ 9.3 full time equivalent employees over three years formal training in the areas of 4x4 training, pesticide use and handling, chainsaw use informal training in weed identification, weed control methods and VHF radio use purchase of pesticides assorted tools the purchase of a 4WD quad bike and trailer the lease of an additional ute and insurance.

A Sanctuary-wide weed control plan has been developed as part of the application process for this grant.

Under the funding agreement we will be tackling a variety of weed species including conifers/wilding pines, gorse, broom, Old Man's Beard, tradescantia and woolly nightshade.

So far we have eliminated several hundred conifers using the drill and fill method. This method uses a minimal amount of agrichemical to kill the trees where they stand. This avoids creating light wells (holes in the canopy) that felling a tree would do. Once the conifers lose their needles the light filters through to the multitude of native seedlings like mahoe, five finger, and kanuka seedlings just waiting to grow below. We maintain a clear space at least two metres either side of the fence for biosecurity.

We are working to remove invasive vines (and various other weeds) from the regenerating bush in the lower third of the sanctuary.

Murray Neill (pictured above) has been appointed as the Weed Control Coordinator under this funding arrangement.

CHELSEA HALEY, WEEDING TEAM I have been working in the field of horticulture, specifically nursery work for about six years, with a special interest in native plant conservation. It has been a long-term goal of mine to up-skill into ranger style conservation for many years and the opportunity to work at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is a dream come true! I am extremely excited and proud to start this new chapter in helping protect and support the natural biodiversity of the Sanctuary.

IESHA HOGGARTY, WEEDING TEAM I am my happiest in nature and, after volunteering, to get out enjoying and helping to conserve our beautiful country, I am over the moon to be throwing myself into a full-time role at the sanctuary. I am hoping to bring a fresh perspective and to inspire my peers to make a difference. This position is my stepping stone into the doc ranger course at NMIT next year, so expect to see my face around in conservation in future.

CHRIS SHEEHAN, WEEDING TEAM I’m Chris, I’m originally from Ireland and have been living in NZ for the last 2 ½ years.

I moved to sunny Nelson a year ago when I decided to leave my job in retail and as a part time swim teacher in order to have a better lifestyle and start a career in conservation, something I have always been passionate about. I am currently enrolled at NMIT on the Trainee Ranger course, and I am enjoying every moment of it. I am so excited to have been selected to do my placement at The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and can’t wait to develop my skills and gain such valuable experience.

As part of ongoing collaboration with Nelson City Council, council estates located close to the Sanctuary have been prioritised to control noxious weeks. This was initiated in November 2021.

Jul/Aug 2021 carbon foot print assessment confirms carbon neutrality

Sep 2021 decision to celebrate 'what we have' by profiling endemic species in our newsletters

Nov 2021 a new range of branded products/ merchandise initiated

Aug 2021 Sanctuary signs three-year funding agreement with DOC for Invasive & Noxious Weed Control project

Oct 2021 Weeding Project gets underway with the employment of Chelsea, Iesha and Chris

Dec 2021 Sanctuary signs sponsorship agreement with Jens Hansen The Ringmaker to support long term goal to introduce kiwi to the Sanctuary

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TĪEKE TRANSLOCATION In April 2021 we completed our first species translocation with the release of 40 tīeke (South Island saddleback) captured on Motuara Island in Queen Charlotte Sound and transported to the Sanctuary.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TĪEKE Tīeke (South Island saddleback) belong to the endemic wattlebird family, which also includes kōkako and the extinct huia.

In 1964, 36 tīeke were translocated from ratinfested Big South Cape Island to nearby Kaimohu and Big Islands. This was the first time anywhere in the world a translocation was used to rescue a species from extinction.

Tīeke have subsequently been translocated to many other pest-free islands, including Motuara Island in 1994. Many, but not all, translocations have been successful.

Tīeke can only succeed in a habitat with no mammalian predators.

MIST-NETTING ON MOTUARA ISLAND A team of 10 people were engaged in the capture and processing of birds on Motuara Island.

40 birds caught over 4 days. 17 in one day alone.

The birds ate well in the aviary, a potential sign they were not too stressed.

19 jackbirds (not sexed), 1 sub-adult male, 1 subadult female, 11 adult males and 8 adult females were caught, a pretty good sex ratio.

Photo by Paul Sorrell

TĪEKE UPDATE Sightings of tīeke have been reported by volunteers, visitors and staff over the past year. At least one bird appears to have settled (formed territory) on Falcon Ridge in the Sanctuary; the bird has been observed at the same location multiple times. A group of birds (two adults and a juvenile) has been observed several times in another location and appear to be settled there. This provides us with a good indicator that the released birds have likely entered the settlement phase, ie the birds that are currently inside the Sanctuary are likely to stay. The Sanctuary-wide tīeke survey in early September 2021 provided somewhat inconclusive data to establish the number of birds present in the Sanctuary.

The results of a similar survey in March 2022 are still being analysed and the findings debated.

WHAT TĪEKE LOOK LIKE: Juveniles, known as jackbirds, have chocolatebrown plumage - see photo below (easily confused with a juvenile or female blackbird) Adults are black with chestnut saddle and orangered wattles Adult plumage develops between 1-2 years Tīeke call sounds like a squeaky toy.

Nov 2021

Dec 2021

Feb 2022

Mar 2022

Apr 2022 Sanctuary logo copyright protection achieved

1st translocation of kākāriki karaka into the Sanctuary

2nd translocation of kākāriki karaka into the Sanctuary

3rd translocation of kākāriki karaka into the Sanctuary

4th translocation of kākāriki karaka into the Sanctuary

Final translocation of kākāriki karaka into the Sanctuary

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

SUCCESSFUL KĀKĀRIKI BREEDING CONFIRMED

The Sanctuary welcomed it's second species translocation with the arrival of kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet) in November and December 2021. A third tranche of kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet) arrived in February 2022, followed by a fourth tranche of birds in March. In total, 84 birds have now been translocated into the Sanctuary from the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust in Christchurch.

The Department of Conservation has confirmed a fifth translocation of kākāriki karaka is planned for April which should take their number in the Sanctuary to ~100 birds, making the Sanctuary population of this endangered species one of the largest in the country.

As well as the conservation and ecological significance, the translocation of the manu (birds) is culturally significant as kākāriki karaka are a taonga species and the birds are being transferred outside of the Ngāi Tahu takiwa. Both sending iwi (Ngāi Tahu) and receiving Te Tauihu iwi will act as custodians for the birds indefinitely.

The first three translocations were great successes, and we are expecting the same for the last two translocations. At least eight nesting sites have so far been confirmed.

We have recently received confirmation that kākāriki karaka within the Sanctuary have successfully raised fledglings with the sighting of the bird below. The photo below was taken by Sanctuary volunteer Sean McGrath on 16 March, they show a young un-banded fledgling (identified by its feather development).

KĀKĀRIKI KARAKA Cyanoramphus malherbi (Orange-fronted parakeet) Kākāriki karaka, also known as orange-fronted parakeet, were once abundant throughout New Zealand, especially the beech forests of the South Island. Following the arrival of Europeans, predation pressure and habitat loss drastically reduced their numbers. They were declared extinct twice during the 20th century. In 1980 a small population was rediscovered in Lake Sumner National Park. Further searches found them in nearby Hawdon, Andrews and Poulter valleys of Arthur’s Pass National Park. In an effort to save the species, captive rearing of birds began at Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust’s Peacock Springs facility in 2003.

Fortunately, kākāriki are prolific breeders. Kākāriki karaka are capable of laying several clutches each year with up to 10 eggs per clutch. They can also start breeding 3-4 months after fledging.

Photo credit: Sean McGrath

KĀKĀRIKI KARAKA TRANSLOCATION

Kākāriki typically nest in tree cavities, which contributes to their vulnerability to mammalian predation. Nest preparation, incubation and brooding are done by the female. The male brings food to the female during incubation and later to the nestlings.

Kākāriki karaka are monogamous. They also form loose flocks. Their diet consists of seeds, buds, flowers, honeydew, and invertebrates. During beech masts, beech seeds comprise a significant part of their diet..

The Department of Conservation first approached the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary (BWS) regarding translocating kākāriki karaka into the Sanctuary in late 2017.

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

INTRODUCING OUR NEW PATRON - LOU SANSON The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is pleased to announce that Lou Sanson QSM has accepted the position of BWST patron.

Some of you may recognise Lou as the former Director General of the Department of Conservation, where he led a significant change in the department’s commercial focus through the international tourism boom years of 2014-2020. This included introducing novel approaches to extracting commercial value from visitors to New Zealand’s outstanding natural assets including differential fees, compliance, international visitor levy, resource rentals.

Lou led changes to the Department of Conservation strategy and operating models to attain the Randstad Award for the most attractive employer in New Zealand for five years in a row and number four in New Zealand’s Public Sector Reputation Index. He has a deep understanding of science and technology and the ability to utilise these together to achieve significant environmental outcomes. Lou is highly skilled in organisational design, operating systems and an acknowledged leader in health and safety at the heart of culture.

Lou’s particular skills in working with philanthropic and commercial partners (Air NZ, Fonterra, Meridian, Genesis, Fulton Hogan) have attained win-win ESG Leadership outcomes for New Zealand and commercial entities where our natural resources sit at the heart of our economy.

Throughout his 40-year career, Lou’s work has had a big environmental focus with extensive leadership experience in the natural resources sector. Trained as an Environmental Forester he has achieved a distinguished career leading and transforming two of New Zealand’s most iconic organisations, Antarctica New Zealand, and the Department of Conservation.

Through extensive international diplomacy and strategic leadership, he led the New Zealand Antarctic Research programme to being acknowledged as one of the top five programmes in the world from a strategic influence perspective.

Lou has also played a critical role in the establishment of the NZ Predator Free movement and establishment of Predator Free 2050. He has strong associations with all of NZ’s fenced Predator Free sanctuaries, so is a fantastic fit in helping to ensure the success of the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. Lou brings with him exceptional collaboration and relationship skills thanks to his extensive track record in environmental and tourism sector leadership.

Lou has a Bachelor of Forestry Science (Hons) and was top graduate at University of Canterbury. He has completed a number of executive development programmes at Harvard University, Stanford University, Australia – New Zealand School of Government and New Zealand Institute of Strategic Leadership. In the 2015 New Years’ Honours list he was awarded the New Zealand Antarctic Polar Medal (APM) for services to Antarctic science and diplomacy.

Mar 2022

Sanctuary announces the appointment of new patron, Lou Sanson, former Director-General of DOC

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

VISITOR CENTRE ENHANCEMENT PLANS

FUNDING IS STILL NEEDED FOR THIS PROJECT

This project aims to improve the ticketing reception and administration offices at the Sanctuary.

The new centre will create: more floor space for visitors and staff additional, quality presentation space for visitor information better facilities for volunteers including a break room more storage options.

Last year we received a grant of $63,880 from Simplicity Trust for this project, which together with a contribution of $26k from Platinum Asset Management in Australia has been set aside for the Visitor Centre enhancement project. This year we have received a donation of $15,000 for solar panels for the roof of the Visitor Centre from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

We are seeking further financial support toward this important project.

For anyone who wants to help, please contact: info@brooksanctuary.org.nz.

We also want to present the front entrance to the Sanctuary in a way that can cater for increasing visitor numbers and to take visitors back in time to a New Zealand with no introduced mammals. It is hoped that building will commence in June and be completed by late October. Existing gardens and plantings will be carefully re-sited.

May 2022 - tour offerings to be confirmed:

Apr 2022 paid-up supporters stands at 1,242

walking tours day & night tours 4WD tour

Jun 2022 major upgrade of the Visitor Centre planned to start

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MORE TRANSLOCATIONS TO THE SANCTUARY The Sanctuary has (already) received formal approval from DOC to the translocation of two more species of native fauna to the Sanctuary.

POWELLIPHANTA Powelliphanta hochstetteri consobrina In December 2021 we received notification from the Department of Conservation that our application to translocate 50 Giant Land Snails has been approved.

The logistics and cultural protocols are still being worked through with Ngāti Koata and others. The snails will be gathered from the Maitai and Roding catchments to establish a self-sustaining population within the Sanctuary.

No specific plans have been drawn up yet for the collection of these snails which are currently living in a exotic pine forest on land owned by Ngāti Koata and managed by Tasman Pine Forests Ltd, the area is due for commercial logging. The snails will be held in a holding facility for later release into the Sanctuary sometime from late autumn to the early spring months.

KĀKĀ Our request to DOC for kākā translocations to the Sanctuary has been accepted with formal approval gained 25 March 2022. We aim to source kākā fledglings that are genetically linked to the Te Tauihu (top of the south) region. This means finding suitable birds available to the Sanctuary will take some time. In the interim, the construction of a holding aviary was planned in 2020, building started in 2021 and the volunteers aim to complete the construction and planting in 2022.

We were fortunate to receive $25,000 from the Stout Trust and a further $10,000 sum from a Sanctuary supporter, Addo and Ina (deceased) Mulders to go towards the project, along with smaller donations (some time ago) from Peter Williams and Candy Gillies towards aviaries.

Photo credit: Rebecca Bowater

Photo credit: Nelson City Council

WE PLAN TO BUILD A MOUSE-PROOF FENCE In response to two factors: 1. Best husbandry practise to establish a tuatara population, and 2. It gives us a change to compare mouse-free area of the Sanctuary with the larger part of the Sanctuary

SANCTUARY TO GET UFB FIBRE Last year we received a grant of $10,000 from Transpower to install UFB fibre from the Sanctuary Visitor Centre up to the Beech Glade.

We have recently had confirmation that the Nelson City Council and Chorus have agreed to install fibre from the end of Brook Street, through the Brook Valley Holiday Park and up to the Visitor Centre; once this work is complete, we will extend the fibre through to the Beech Glade where it will benefit our education programme enormously.

TBC 2022

TBC 2022

TBC

TBC

Translocation of powelliphanta to the Sanctuary

UFB fibre is installed by NCC up to the Visitor Centre, and then up to Beech Glade, utilising funding from Transpower

Mouse-proof internal fence is built around proposed tuatara enclosure utilising funds from Frimley Foundation

Kākā with top-of-the-south genetic heritage are translocated to the Sanctuary

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

EDUCATION PROGRAMME Our education offering is closely linked to the Nelson City Council funded EnviroSchool programme.

The usual pattern of our interactions with the region's schools is that our educator, Rick Field will visit children at school, this will be followed by an organised school visit to the Sanctuary, then there's a follow-up visit to the School. We have a number of schools that visit most years, and others who have never visited - we're aiming to change this!

Within the Sanctuary, approx. 10-15 minute walk in the forest from our Visitor Centre we have created an outdoor classroom which we refer to as 'the beech glade classroom'. It is here that much of our education delivery takes place. In the near future, we hope to install high speed internet to this outdoor classroom.

We have funding (from Transpower) available to install broadband fibre from the Visitor Centre to the Beech Glade. In order for this work to start, we are awaiting Chorus (funded the Nelson City Council) to install broadband fibre from the end of Brook Street, through the holiday park and up to the Sanctuary Visitor Centre, this work is expected to be completed by July 2022.

The Brook Stream which runs down through the Sanctuary, and out to sea down the Brook Valley, joining the Maitai River - is an important part of our education (and conservation) efforts.

Many of the resources we have purchased in recent months, utilising Rātā Foundation funds will be used at the Beech Glade, or to examine the Brook Street, and also at the picnic area which we intend to utilise more often in the future for education delivery. We are also developing a education space at the town office.

School children in the beech glade classroom.

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMME ACHIEVEMENTS: HOSTING SCHOOL/EDUCATION VISITS TO THE SANCTUARY 2021 In the 2021 school year we hosted 26 visits from 19 educational institutions based in Nelson/Tasman, and further afield (Hanmer Springs School and Rai Valley Area School).

The aforementioned figures do NOT include children visiting the Sanctuary outside of organised school group trips, nor do they include children who visited the Sanctuary on Open Days.

A total of 638 children participated in these organised education visits to the Sanctuary, plus 19 trainee teachers from the University of Canterbury, and 12 tourism students from the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Participating institutions/programmes: Nelson Aquatics: School Holiday Programme University of Canterbury: student teachers Nayland College Nelson College NMIT: Tourism students Stoke Montessori Victory Primary School Nelson College Preparatory School Nelson Central School Nayland Kindergarten Waimea College Tasman Christian School BioBlitz Day Nelson Montessori Broadgreen Intermediate Auckland Point School Hanmer Springs School Girl Guiding NZ The Correspondence School Nelson Montessori Rai Valley Area School Nelson College Preparatory School Richmond Scout Group Nelson College ESOL group

IN 2022 In 2022, we've had a slow start to the year for education visits due to the ongoing impact of COVID19, and in the first half of February, the region experienced heavy rainfall which impacted our education activities. So far this year, the following institutions have run visits to the Sanctuary: Krankin Kids Appleby School: teachers PD visit University of Canterbury: student teachers Victory Primary School Saint Paul's Catholic School

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

EDUCATION RESOURCES PURCHASED/DEVELOPED: KAIĀWHINA MĀTAURANGA EDUCATION SUPPORT Shani Bennett ... has produced two useful resources. The BWST education flier brochure and the ‘Nature Passports’ The education flier was been sent to 234 schools across Tasman | Nelson region in late 2021, with a positive response and an upsurge in planned school visits for Feb. & Mar. 2022.

It is our goal that local schools will incorporate the Sanctuary into their science, and outdoors curriculum from 2022 and beyond.

Our thanks to Jane Reed at SeeReed Visual Communication for her graphic design skills and support.

EDUCATION RESOURCES PURCHASED Using (Rātā Foundation funding) Shani has been researching and sourcing a library of educational resources to equip the Sanctuary's education programme. Resources purchased include: butterfly nets pocket guide to NZ birds magnifying glasses petrie dishes bug viewing containers plastic critter tanks crayons, pencils and felt tip pens

plastic spoons plastic trays bean bags clipboards posters various books digital microscopes

Shani, and our contracted educator Rick Field will utilise the (new) town office facilities and the Sanctuary for school and interest group visits.

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

EDUCATION RESOURCES DEVELOPED IN-HOUSE: EDUCATION RESOURCES DEVELOPED IN-HOUSE Shortly before Christmas we rolled out our new 'Nature Passport' for kids which was developed and designed

by Shani. The package (one for primary school aged children, and another for secondary school children) contains a number of activities and tasks to complete at home, out in nature and within the Sanctuary. As tasks are completed, children will receive stamps in their 'Nature Passport', special badges, and the opportunity to become a Sanctuary Nature Ambassador.

Shani was also involved in developing Sanctuary staff and volunteer induction videos. She has recently developed a script for school tours and increased her knowledge of flora, fauna and wildlife in the Sanctuary along the way.

Shani Bennett and Rick Field, our educator and tours' hosts, are working on sourcing education resources for the Beech Glade classroom and on utilising part of the new Morrison Square office space for education delivery to interest groups.

Featured below, hand drawn sketch of the Sanctuary

by Steffi Hebberd, that is included in the new Sanctuary ‘passports’ for kids developed by Shani Bennett.

The kids' passport and task workbooks developed by Shani.

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

COMMUNITY EDUCATION Kirsten, our Community Educator was contracted in June 2021 to deliver education about the Sanctuary and our conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts to interested community groups, organisations, and in particular, retirement villages in the top of the south.

Since June 2021, Kirsten has visited more than 20 retirement villages, clubs and venues and in this time has spoken to around 400 people.

Other groups who have expressed interest in a Sanctuary presentation, but yet to lock-in a date: Waimea Plains Retirement Village Olive Estate Retirement Village Stoke Summerset Retirement Village Coastal View Retirement Village Otumarama Care Centre Age Concern Nelson Nelson 50+ Walking Group Motueka 50+ Walking Group Retirement village and rest homes presentations: Nordic Walking Group The Wood, Nelson (Arvida Group) Tahanunanui Walking Group Whareama Rest Home, Stoke (Summerset Group) Waimea Harriers Woodlands Rest Home, Motueka (Oceania Healthcare) Nelson Striders Roundhay (Independent) Isel Ladies Probus Group Flaxmore (Heritage Lifecare) Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (group) Stillwater Village (Heritage Lifecare) Kensington Court (Ultimate Care Group) Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village (Ryman Group) Green Gables (Oceania Healthcare Other groups/venues presentations: Motueka Seniors Club Nelson Harakeke Trafalgar Probus Group Nelson Multiple Schlerosis Society Mapua Bowling Club Nelson Seniornet (via ZOOM) Tahunanui Rotary Club DOC Nelson APM Workcare Nelson Nelson Public Library Richmond Public Library Nikau Health Alliance Francais Presentations arranged, but postponed due to COVID19 Fresh Focus Cawthron Institute Nelson Women's Club Cancer Society Nelson Branch Nelson City Council Marina Cove Retirement Village (Marlborough) Redwood Retirement Village (Marlborough) Springlands Lifestyle Village (Marlborough)

Many thanks for a very interesting and informative talk on the Brook Sanctuary. It is some years since I have been up there and you have piqued my interest again now to make a trip. It certainly has come a long way in a short time.

Amy, Secretary, SeniorNet Nelson 16 September 2021

Many thanks for being a star last night, an excellent presentation. Go well with your good work.

Ifor Ffowcs-Williams Nelson Rotary 1 October 2021

Thank you kindly for your time, all who attended really enjoyed your presentation and plan to visit in a professional and/or personal capacity more often.

Annabelle Charles Occupational Therapist, APM Workcare 4 February 2022

I was very pleased to be offered this (contract) role as I thoroughly enjoy giving talks and educating people on topics close to my heart such as the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary.

Kirsten Rødsgaard-Mathiesen March 2022 Page 16

BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

DIGITAL TECH PROJECTS The interactive digital kiosk project.

This project involves the purchase and installation of a large 4K resolution touch screen interactive device at the Visitor Centre. We envisage that this will be a popular edition to the Visitor Centre offering, especially with younger, ‘digital native’ visitors.

We have partnered with Cutting Edge Design and Boombox to create this new technology, our digital kiosk will be the first of its kind in the Nelson region.

Boombox have developed the software platform to run the device and developed much of the initial content, which has been edited and enhanced by Sanctuary staff who will be able to remotely access/control the device.

New content can be added in the future.

The interactive digital kiosk project.

Funding for this project was provided by the Rātā Foundation.

The digital kiosk was installed in the Sanctuary Visitor Centre in late November. Unfortunately, it soon became obvious our wifi/internet service at the Sanctuary is insufficient to run this special piece of equipment.

Therefore the decision has been made to temporarily locate this piece of equipment to the Sanctuary town office until such time as ultra fast broadband fibre is installed to the Visitor Centre (we are awaiting sign-off from the Nelson City Council for this).

Expenditure of Rātā Foundation funds on this piece of equipment totals, $10,601 (GST exc.). We may yet need to spend more on this project as we need to re-engage the The device will be used to: software developer to make some changes and further provide a welcome message for visitors highlight important notices, such as hazard messages enhancements. provide information on the walking track network Additionally, we would like to further invoice in a console provide information on the species found within the to be located in the Nelson office, or CBD area.

Sanctuary profile sponsors provide our COVID QR code for scanning The screen stands on a sturdy pedestal and features a very high quality display screen.

When not in use, the screen will play a short looped Sanctuary video.

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

FORGING AHEAD Over the past two years, in spite of COVID19 and the disruption caused, in particular, the halt to international visitors and disruption of domestic tourism, the Sanctuary has nevertheless fared remarkably.

GROWTH IN FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS (AKA MEMBERS) Over the past two years, in spite of COVID19 and the disruption caused, in particular, the halt to international visitors and disruption of domestic tourism, the Sanctuary has nevertheless fared remarkably.

During the last three years we made significant efforts, to grow our supporter base (aka membership), which in August 2019 stood at less than 150 paid-up supports, to over 1,240 in April 2022.

GROWTH IN VISITOR NUMBERS In the same period, we have also worked hard on growing our visitor numbers and we are seeing a consistent pattern of increased visitor numbers.

VISITOR EXPERIENCE ENHANCEMENTS Significant improvements have been made to the walking track network over the past two years, visitor feedback indicators a high level of satisfaction with the track network.

We plan to add to our walking track network in the coming months with the addition of new walks through and across the Sanctuary. We plan for these to be in place for the 2022/23 summer season.

GROWTH IN VISITOR CENTRE SALES/TAKINGS In 2020 we moved from 'gold coin donation' for entry into the Sanctuary, to charging admission fees, this move was controversial and many worried that it would lead to a reduction in visitor numbers, but the opposite has occurred with a corresponding rise in visitor fees revenues.

We have in the last twelve months expanded our offerings with the introduction of new branded merchandise, begun offering a range of guided walks and tours. Our 'glowworm' tour was a runaway success last winter, and more are to be offered in 2022.

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

ECO-SYSTEM RESTORATION

FISCHER'S EGG FUNGUS

The past 16 months has seen the Sanctuary achieve two milestone events with the translocation of two species of manu (birds) not seen in the Sanctuary region for a very very long time.

However, these, and other planned species translocations are only part of our concerns and objectives. Equally important, is the protection and improvement of the biodiversity within the Sanctuary.

With the removal of pests within the Sanctuary, notably deer, possums, goats and pigs the flora found within the Sanctuary is under going a transformation every bit as important and impressive as the new species introduced. We are beginning to see the reemergency of species rarely seen in the region for some time. The Fischer's Egg fungus is such an example.

While bird monitoring last September, volunteer Chris Turton spotted a white fungus emerging from a mossy bank. Her partner Wayne Hennessy broke it open, wondering what kind of puffball it might be and not being aware of the protocol (below!). He had a vague memory of an egg-like fungus that the Nelson City Council was trying to conserve around mountain bike tracks north of the Sanctuary. Fungi experts on the iNaturalist website confirmed from the photo that it was the endangered Fischer’s egg fungus (Claustula fischeri) that was originally discovered in the 1920s on Fringed Hill 2km east. It is totally different from puffballs in spreading its spores by the egg being eaten and excreted (long ago by moa?). It is classified in the same family as the spectacularly unusual stinkhorn fungus that is often seen in the Sanctuary.

Feeling guilty about his destructive treatment of the rare fungus, Wayne kept monitoring the site and two weeks later found a second smaller one starting to emerge one metre downhill across the track. With the help of a DOC-loaned camera, he managed to record (experts reckon for the first time ever) the sequence of the 25mm egg splitting its sheath and popping out two days later then slowly decaying. Two months ago he found another two emerging near the original pair. The photos here show the initial split (unchanged three days after finding it), a wider split three days later, fully emerged after another three days and a final one of the decaying egg and sheath 16 days later.

With a now-trained eye for them, Wayne has found a second site with a decaying egg 2km away near Tuatara Track and a third site 1km from the first site with a decaying egg and a newly emerging one. While the first site was a mossy bank permanently shaded from the sun, the second site is in north facing soil that will be dried out in summer and the third is a mossy bank shaded beneath tree ferns. This variety of habitats leads Wayne to believe there are probably hundreds of sites yet to be discovered by volunteers within the Sanctuary. Our ecologist Robert highlights these first successful discoveries as the result of our removal of possums, deer, goats and pigs that would normally eat up any edible fungi and plants before we could find them.

The freshwater part of the ecosystem is being preserved so we can focus on introducing serval targeting species into our waterways. Likewise, measures such as vegetation photo points networks are now established that will help quantity/document the change to the flora over time.

We continue to conduct regular bird monitoring surveys, building on data collected since 2009-200 which establishes solid trends of species population improvements over time.

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BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY: ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT

LOOKING IN THE REARVISION MIRROR

IMPROVED COMMUNITY VISIBILITY/PROFILE VOLUNTEER SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

BETTER RESOURCED EDUCATIONAL OFFERING

INCREASED SALES MORE VISITORS GREATER 'REACH' INTO OUR COMMUNITIES GETTING MORE DONE GROWTH IN OUR MEMBERSHIP BASE MANY 'FIRST TIME' VISITORS TO THE SANCTUARY NEW VOLUNTEERS SIGNING UP

LOOKING FORWARD 1. It's critical that the momentum and gains generated over the last three years continue in all these areas: education, community engagement, ecosystem restoration, organisation resourcing 2. It is likely that central government COVID19 response initiatives (funding) is coming to a close, at the same time costs are increasing.

3. The Sanctuary needs to retain and further build it's community support: the Sanctuary needs - more SUPPORTERS, more VISITORS, more SPONSORS and grants.

4. Further species introductions are planned in the coming 2-4 years - such a programme of introductions requires a lot of direct and in-kind support. We are fortunate that we can draw on volunteers to give a lot of time.

5. The Sanctuary aims to become a recognised key visitor destination in the Nelson/Tasman region.

SUMMARY Over the past three years, a remarkable amount has been achieved by the Sanctuary.

We want to continue this momentum into our future, but to do so we need the continued support of our current supporters and funders. Quite crucially, we need to grow our income whilst maintaining prudent control of our expenditure. As with most sectors, we're experience rising costs pressures due to inflation and supply chain pressures. Simply put, the income we currently generate simply won't be sufficient to meet for our needs and objectives in the future.

Contact: Ru Collin, Chief Executive ru.collin@brooksanctuary.org.nz 027 474 2022

MAINTAINING OUR PREDATOR-FREE STATUS BWS FOUNDATION TRUST Brook Waimārama Sanctuary LARGER POOL OF SKILLS The Foundation Trust is a (separate) philanthropic & TALENTS WITHIN THE trust (incorporated in July 2020) acting in the best interests of the Sanctuary with the following advantages: STAFF EMPLOYED A registered charitable trust

WEBSITE CONTENT ENHANCEMENTS

IMPROVING OUR FUTURE COST SAVINGS THROUGH EFFICIENCY GAINS

BROADER VISITOR EXPERIENCE OFFERING

Board of three trustees – two Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust trustees, one independent Philanthropic arm attracting large donors and bequests Aims to build a large capital fund for long-term sustainable funding Pays income to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust Discretion to pay capital to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust Tax free Money can be invested and divested from the Foundation at any time.

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