Exciting things are happening at Farewell Spit with construction started on the predator fence to help protect nature in this incredible place. It’s a huge step towards the long-term community-led vision to restore Onetahua, and creating a safe home for the special fauna and flora that live here.
Starting in spring at the Wharariki end, the construction team installed the first sections of the 3.5-kilometre long fence line along the Old Man Range. Working steadily towards Triangle Flat at Pūponga, fence construction will continue over the summer.
Once complete, the fence will create a safer habitat for species such as kiwi, mātātā (fernbird), banded rail, spotless crake and tūturiwhatu (banded dotterel) and support future translocations of endangered species like takahē into the area.
Pest Free Onetahua has co-funded construction of the fence with a significant grant from Lotteries NZ and now the team are busy taking care of the intensive ground-based trapping operation across Farewell Spit. HealthPost Nature Trust are funding the rest of the fence build and completing construction. As the structure takes shape, we’re feeling really good about the significant progress we’re making towards protecting one of Aotearoa’s most iconic nature reserves.
Here’s a short video showing the start of the build — watch it here:
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1142725572
Help Finish the Fence — Support the PledgeMe Campaign
To complete the fence this summer, HealthPost Nature Trust is running a PledgeMe campaign to raise the remaining $70,000 needed.
Community support will help get the build over the finish line and ensure the fence is ready ahead of critical pest control work planned for 2026. Every donation made helps protect this special place for generations to come.
Please donate or share the campaign:
https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/8691-finish-the-fence
Share this post with friends, family, and anyone who cares about nature!
This project wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful support and trust of our project partners Manawhenua ki Mohua and the Department of Conservation and help from local contractors, community volunteers and our project supporters and donors – people like you who help fuel our vision of a pest-free Onetahua, thank you!
