
ECOSANCTUARY
Our vision is for our 10-acres of the Te Manahuna Mackenzie Region to be a protected environment where native and endemic flora and fauna can thrive, free from predators and pollution. We also hope to share our conservation knowledge with others, and leave a legacy for our family and community. Here's some of the work we've done over the last 14 years:
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Removal of approximately five acres of wilding pines (why are wilding pines invasive?).
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Installation of rabbit proof fencing, thanks to a grant from Environment Canterbury.
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Extensive native and exotic plantings (see the full list below).
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Cultivation of plants from our land.
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Dark sky friendly lighting (why is the dark important?).
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No chemicals used on the property (ie, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides).
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Removal of pest animals (rabbits, mustelids, hedgehogs, and feral cats).
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Removal of invasive plants (briar rose, broom, lupins, scotch thistle).
We were proud to be a finalist in the 2021 ARA Business Excellence Awards in the Sustainability and Environmental category.

OUR FLORA AND FAUNA
Fauna
BIRDS
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Bellbird/Korimako
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Blackbird
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Chaffinch
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Fantail/Piwakawaka
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Grey warbler/Riroriro
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House sparrow
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Pipit/ Pihoihoi
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Silvereye/Tauhou
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Song thrush
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Swamp hairier/Kahu
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Welcome swallow
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White-faced heron/Matuku moana
INSECTS
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Bee (native and introduced)
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Beetle
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Bumblebee
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Butterfly
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Cricket
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Dragonfly
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Grasshopper
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Moth
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Praying mantis
OTHER
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Common skink
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Frog
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Spider
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Millipede
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Centipede
Native Flora
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Blue tussock – Poa colensoi
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Carpet heath – Pentachondra pumila
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Coral broom – Carmichaelia crassicaulis subsp. crassicaulis
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Desert broom – Carmichaelia petriei
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Dwarf alpine senecio – Brachyglottis bellidioides
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Golden Spaniard – Aciphylla aurea
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Harebell – Wahlenbergia albomarginata
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Kopoti – Anisotome aromatica
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Manuka – Leptospermum scoparuim
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Maori onion – Bulbinella hookeri
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Matagouri – Discaria toumatou
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Mirrorplant – Coprosma petriei
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Mountain violet – Viola cunninghamii
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Patotara – Leucopogon fraseri
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Pekapeka mountain daisy – Celmisia gracilenta
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Pimelea pulvinaris
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Porcupine shrub- Melicytus alpinus
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Raupo – Typha muelleri
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Snow berry – Gaultheria depressa
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Snow tussock – Chionochloa rigida
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Sprawling wirevine – Muehlenbeckia axillaris
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Tauhinu – Ozothamnus leptophylla
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Turf-mat daisy – Raoulia subsericea
Exotic Flora
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Apple
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Birch
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Cherry
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Chinese poplar
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Claret ash
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Copper beech
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Cypress
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Eucalyptus
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Maple
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Oak
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Old man pine
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Peach
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Redwood
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Walnut
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Willow

FUTURE PLANS
Here are some of our future plans for our property:
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Planting of Himalayan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa) in Spring 2022 as a shelterbelt for our southern boundary, and on our northern boundary for privacy and protection once the plantation opposite us is removed.
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Planting and cultivation of more trees and plants, especially ones that will attract birds and insects.
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Holding free workshops to share our knowledge and practical tips about conservation and plant cultivation with our community.
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Installation of signage on the property loop walk to highlight various flora and/or fauna, to help educate friends, family, and guests about our conservation efforts.
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Design of a booklet to display in the accommodation units to help educate guests about the ecosanctuary, pest control, flora and fauna, and how they can help.
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The land behind our property may go to the Department of Conservation. If this happens, there may be potential for further development of several wetland areas (why are wetlands important?).