The Forest Bridge Trust at SONZI 2023

Eleven staff members travelled to the Wairarapa to attend the Annual Sanctuaries of New Zealand (SONZI) Conference at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre on 15-17 August 2023.

Representatives from sanctuaries all over New Zealand were welcomed onto the new marae Te Whare Taiao o Manukura by Ngati Rangitāne, the local iwi. It was their very first hui in the new purpose-built venue.

What a wonderful few days at the Sanctuaries of NZ event with around 100 people attending, connecting and learning from science and practice. Talks ranged from climate change impacts on species and sanctuaries, translocation learnings, tuataras and unexpected outcomes associated with pest control. Our hosts Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre provided a beautiful location in their brand-new education centre and an opportunity to hear the dawn calls of kōkako in the ngahere.

There was a great mix of attendees including rangers, scientists, volunteers, conservation practitioners, government agencies, landowners, students of all ages and local iwi. This provided a great networking atmosphere and valuable opportunities to brainstorm with like-minded people on what works in practice. The presentations from the NIWA scientists were alarming – ongoing climate change raises the risks of getting new exotic pest animals, weeds and diseases which are currently prevented by NZ’s cooler climate.

The “Soap Box sessions” were intense and impressive. Allowing any group or attending individual to give a 5-minute presentation on a particular project, achievement etc. A common theme for these talks was how hard it has been over the last year with the weather events causing mayhem to land, fences, forests, wildlife and hindering regular trapping.

There were however some inspiring examples of engaging the general public in Citizen Science projects and many success stories from around the country illustrating the real-life positive impacts of predator control, experimental species translocations and habitat restoration.

SONZI provides a great opportunity for individuals/organizations to meet each year, coming together to support and encourage each other through the good and the bad. The Forest Bridge Trust team thoroughly enjoyed the conference, as well as the snowy landscape on the drive along the Desert Road.

Elena Siun and Ginnie Quartel