Regenerating Nature
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by Department of Conservation
HealthPost founded the HealthPost Nature Trust in 2017 to lead the restoration of the Wharariki-Onetahua (Farewell Spit) area. The restoration partnership with Manawhenua ki Mohua and the Department of Conservation aims to create an ecosanctuary where seabirds can breed safely on cliffs and dunes, and other species can flourish.
Key project milestones include creating the predator-proof three-hectare Wharariki Ecosanctuary at Cape Farewell. The Wharariki Ecosanctuary involved extensive trapping, planting and expert planning. This resulted in the first successful seabird translocation in January 2022.
Support from iwi and volunteers ensured all 50 Pakaha (fluttering shearwater) chicks were fledged successfully. Bringing threatened seabirds back to the mainland is a core aim of the project and these seabirds (specifically their guano) form the backbone of regenerating an entire ecosystem.
Other highlights include the establishment of Te Whare Whakata, the HealthPost Nature Trust Field Station. This is a hub for cultural and conservation activities and scientific research at Farewell Spit, including hosting the Blue Carbon ‘Core and Restore’ project to understand the sequestration potential of the area’s extensive seagrass meadows.