Upper Hutt Forest & Bird is exploring an exciting opportunity to support native biodiversity by helping establish a local/national sanctuary for indigenous lizards (skinks and geckos). This idea was recently presented by Upper Hutt City Councillor and Deputy Mayor Corey White at its April Forest & Bird meeting, where it generated strong interest. The proposal reflects a growing recognition within Council of the importance of protecting our unique native species. It builds on the remarkable work of Dennis Keall in Wainuiomata, who has spent more than 40 years breeding native reptiles (from around Aotearoa) for conservation under a Department of Conservation permit. His work is especially critical for highly endangered species such as the Whitaker’s skink – now on the brink of extinction, with only around 50 individuals surviving in captivity and none recorded in the wild at its last known site since 2010. Maintaining and expanding programmes like this is essential, as these species face slow breeding cycles, tiny populations, and ongoing threats from predators and habitat loss.

As Dennis begins to step back from this intensive mahi, there is a real opportunity for Upper Hutt to play a role in continuing and strengthening these vital conservation efforts. We are seeking expressions of interest from individuals, community groups, iwi, conservation organisations, landowners, and potential partners who would like to be involved. This could include contributing expertise, supporting endangered species breeding programmes, or helping identify a suitable site for a future sanctuary -potentially one that could support the long-term goal of establishing secure, predator-free habitats for reintroduction. If you are passionate about protecting Aotearoa’s most vulnerable species, would like to help shape this initiative, or simply be part of an ongoing discussion to see where you could assist, please get in touch with Barry Wards, Upper Hutt Forest & Bird (UpperHutt.Branch@forestandbird.org.nz), to register your interest or learn more.

For further information, please read the article, Skinks on the Edge published in the Jul-Sep 2000 issue of New Zealand Geographic (https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/skinks-on-the-edge/). The article explores the fascinating world of New Zealand’s native skinks while highlighting their dramatic decline from once-abundant species to animals now under serious threat. The article underscores how predation by introduced mammals and habitat loss have pushed many skinks toward the brink, while also pointing to emerging conservation efforts aimed at securing their future.

A “thank you” to Barry Wards for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

25/05/26