Brook Sanctuary wins sustainability award, introduces compulsory entry fee

Tuesday, 21 January 2020

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary CEO Ru Collin said the compulsory fee scheme would fund the reintroduction of lost bird species.

Nelson's own Brook Waimārama Sanctuary will implement an entry fee to fund the reintroduction of lost bird species.

Sanctuary CEO Ru Collin said in a statement reintroducing species like tīeke (saddleback) and kākāriki (orange-fronted parakeet) was 'the most exciting part' of the sanctuary's development, but funding requirements meant a fee would be introduced in 'late summer'.

'We have achieved so much, and now is the time for us to implement further strategies that ensure we can continue to develop this bird-rich natural environment,' he said.

'We are extremely grateful that so many visitors already make a donation at the gate, and that has helped us fund some of our track building and trapping … To fund the reintroduction programme, complete all the walking tracks, and meet increasing biosecurity demands, the Trust is turning the current donation scheme into a compulsory visitor entrance fee.'

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Current recommended donations are $5 per person and $15 for a group. Under the new compulsory programme, the fee would be reduced for Nelson and Tasman ratepayers, community service card holders and students, and an annual pass would be available.

Collin said the Sanctuary was currently running on 'the bare minimum' of $660,000 per year, down from the previous $850,000 in annual costs.

'The Sanctuary receives one third of its funding each year from the Nelson City Council, Department of Conservation and Jasmine Social Investments. The remaining two-thirds is funded through the business community and donations from the public, so the Trust needs to make sure these funds are at the level needed to be sustainable.'

Collin said he would be looking to involve the community more in the Sanctuary, by working with other community groups or hosting events.

Collin said more of the Sanctuary would soon be open to the public, and by the end of February the accessible bridge across the former dam would be finished and opened, enabling disabled and pram access to the lower reaches.

The sanctuary has also been acknowledged for its sustainable tourism.

The sanctuary won a silver Sustainable Tourism Business award from Qualmark, an independent rating organisation for New Zealand's tourism industry.

The silver award for sustainability is awarded to any business which 'consistently exceed visitor expectations' and has 'a real focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance', according to Qualmark's criteria.

A new wheel-chair accessible bridge, like this one, will join together a loop walk enabling better access to the sanctuary.

In a statement about the award Qualmark tourism business advisor Peter Clinton-Baker said the sanctuary 'epitomises the blending of conservation, community and tourism in a 'green handshake''.

Collin said the award was 'extremely pleasing', and he hoped it would attract more visitors.

'We're passionate about our offering to visitors at the Sanctuary, and it is wonderful to have this passion acknowledged by an independent organisation,' he said.

'This official recognition helps to put us on the visitor-radar as a destination.

'The more people know about us, the more can support our conservation goals by coming to enjoy what we're achieving.'