Get involved!

The animals and plants of Tōtaranui need your help now!

How to help

The Tōtara for Tōtaranui project fully supports the work undertaken by our partner the Department of Conservation regarding wildlife restoration.

Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui is home to a number of predator free islands and we all need to ensure that they remain that way.

The South Island Saddleback is a wonderful example of the success of wildlife restoration.  By 1964 there were only 36 of the birds left in the world, located on three small islands. The Department of Conservation translocated these birds to predator free islands and saved the South Island Saddleback from extinction.

In Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui South Island Saddleback, Rowi Kiwi and Kākāriki can all be found on Motuara Island as part of successful wildlife restoration projects. The South Island Saddleback breeding has been so successful that in April 2021 30 birds were able to be taken off the island and moved to Nelson.

It is planned that more wildlife in the future will also be able to be translocated to the islands to provide them a safe place to breed before being released into other parts of the country.

A history of wildlife translocations in the Marlborough Sounds provides a historical account of the Department of Conservation wildlife restoration in the area.

You can help protect our native birds

When visiting parks, beaches, rivers, and lakes
  • Check for pests when visiting pest-free islands.
  • Leave nesting birds alone.
  • Use available access ways to get to the beach.
  • Avoid leaving old fishing lines on beaches or in the sea.
  • Follow the water care code and local navigation bylaws.
  • Don’t drive on riverbeds, or keep to formed tracks if you have to.
When out with your dog
  • Only take dogs to areas that allow them, and keep them under control.
  • If you come across wildlife put your dog on a lead and lead it away.
  • Warn other dog owners at the location.
  • Notify DOC if you see wildlife being harassed by people or dogs.
Other ways to help
  • Get your dog trained in avian awareness.
  • Volunteer to control predators and restore bird habitats.
  • Set predator traps on your property.
  • Keep your cat in at night.
Call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately if you see anyone catching, harming or killing native wildlife.

Further information

Get involved!

The animals and plants of Tōtaranui need your help now!