Funding for Kakapo fencing test
One of New Zealand’s most iconic endangered species, the Kakapo, could soon be introduced to Maungatautari if a new fence testing project is successful.
Waipa District Council service delivery committee voted unanimously in a meeting to award $10,000 from Council’s Heritage Fund to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari for the project.
Heritage and museum manager Tony Roxburgh said the study could have a significant impact on the Maungatautari project and the biodiversity of Waipā.
“Kakapo have the ability to climb the traditional pest proof fencing which would leave them exposed to predators should they decide to climb out. This project will look at using an alternative fencing system to prevent that from happening.
“Sanctuary Mountain and their partners will test things like how the Kakapo react to the fencing and whether the birds would need extra technical aid that would prevent them from getting too close to the fence.”
The project is being jointly funded by Gallagher Group Limited, Land Care Research, MEIT and Waipa District Council.
Roxburgh said Maungatautari was the ideal spot for Kakapo as there was “a large enough area of land and ample vegetation to support a thriving population”. The space was also largely free of mammalian pests.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari were the only applicants of this round of the Heritage Fund. Around $60,000 remains for the next round which closes on 30 December this year.
The Heritage Fund is designed to assist with the preservation and enhancement of our unique environmental, cultural, and historical heritage in the Waipā district. The fund is available to community members or groups working to safeguard our district’s rich and diverse heritage.
Funding can also be used to assist with physical works for heritage buildings, objects, natural vegetation, habitats, cultural or archaeological sites.
Since its inception in 2013/14, more than 109 applicants have been awarded a total of $383,925 from the Heritage Fund.
Forms are available from council offices or online at www.waipadc.govt.nz/heritagefund. Applications for the next round close on December 30.