Te Wao Nui
Te Wao Nui
Auckland Zoo, in conjunction with the Auckland Zoo Charitable Trust, has embarked on the development of its most important and largest project since the zoo opened 85 years ago – a unique New Zealand experience called Te Wao Nui.
Over the past 12 years, the zoo has focused on upgrading the old animal exhibits to meet modern standards and expectations. At the same time, the zoo has become increasingly involved in native species conservation, working closely with the Department of Conservation. Much of this is conducted out of sight from the public.
The time has arrived to bring together and bring alive all the conservation efforts with native species into one very exciting and unique journey for visitors to the Auckland Zoo.
Te Wao Nui is all about the fauna, flora and cultures of New Zealand. It will delve into our unique history, focus on our country today, including the environmental challenges we face and will speculate on what our natural world and cultures will look like in the future.
Te Wao Nui will be:
• An indigenous garden
• A zoological collection
• A cultural narrative
• A sculpture and cultural artefacts trail
• An educational tour of the past, present and future conservation of our landscapes and the species that call New Zealand "home"
Fundraising for Te Wao Nui:
Te Wao Nui is a $16.2 million development. The Auckland City Council has already committed over $9 million. The Auckland Zoo Charitable Trust, Chaired by Penny Whiting, MBE, is undertaking a fundraising campaign to secure the additional funding.
Financial support is gratefully acknowledged from the following Trusts and Foundations:
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About Te Wao Nui
Te Wao is about providing the chance to:
EXPLORE the uniqueness and beauty of "Aotearoa's" creatures of the ocean, land and air. Discover within this living history the stories of the world's first navigators and explorers
CONNECT with our land and "taonga" in a new way, understanding how we as humans interact with all other living things.
PROTECT and conserve New Zealand's unique ecological treasures and be part of Auckland's Zoo efforts to save some of our most threatened and endangered wildlife.
Te Wao Nui is for all New Zealanders to experience but will also be an exciting and important destination for our international visitors. With construction planned to start in 2010, Te Wao Nui will be ready in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
Te Wao Nui's SIX Ecological Environments:
Te Wao Nui will show how science and conservation work together through culture as visitors journey through six ecological environments:
- The Coast
- The Islands
- The Wetlands
- The Night Forest
- The Forest
- The High Country
Part of the Zoo's admission fee will directly support conservation work. Every visitor will be invited to choose which of the Zoo's projects they would like their contribution to go towards.
If you would like to donate to Te Wao Nui, are interested in sponsorship and/or would like to know more about the project, please contact the Auckland Zoo Charitable Trust here: annabel.lush@aucklandcity.govt.nz
