New partnership between ACT and New Zealand


Released 25/07/2017

Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman, today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust and the Karori Sanctuary Trust based in New Zealand.

Chair of the Zealandia Board, Ms Denise Church and Chair of the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, Ms Alison Russell-French signed a Memorandum of Understanding this morning in a ceremony attended by Wellington Mayor Celia Wade Brown and Minister Mick Gentleman of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

“The Woodlands and Wetlands Trust and the Karori Sanctuary Trust have a lot in common and we hope this MOU will allow these two groups to exchange ideas and support each other through cross promotion,” Minister Gentleman said.

One particularly striking similarity is that both the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust and the Karori Sanctuary Trust manage wildlife sanctuaries close to urban centres, the Mulligans Flat Sanctuary and Zealandia Sanctuary respectively.

“Mulligans Flat is located in Canberra’s north, with Zealandia being near Wellington. Both have predator proof fencing to limit the movement of pest species and both protect endangered native species, while remaining open for the general public to enjoy.

“Both Zealandia and the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust feel there is a substantial mutual benefit formalising a relationship between the two parties based on co-operation and collaboration.

“We hope this relationship will allow the groups to share knowledge on a variety of areas including conservation and restoration practice, sanctuary models and the development of further amenities such as a visitor centre. There will also be a number of staff development opportunities, such as training and exchange programs.

“A big part of this understanding is cross promotion these groups can provide for each other. With direct flights between Wellington and Canberra coming in the future, the two trusts can actively promote each other through their websites and special deals. This will in turn create more visitations at each site, and more tourism for both regions.

“This agreement is a great step forward for the future for both the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust and Zealandia and we are eagerly waiting to see the benefits it will bring.”

For more information on the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust and Zealandia visit their respective websites woodlandsandwetlands.org.au and www.visitzealandia.com

- Statement ends -

Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases


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