Take Action: 'Sponsor a Fish' and help freshwater thrive

This is part of our work with partners and stakeholders to restore the mouri/lifeforce of the Kaiwharawhara catchment, of which Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is at the headwaters. 

In March, alongside mana whenua Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, we will again collect toitoi from Lake Kōhangapiripiri.  

You can support their journey to Zealandia. 

By donating $150 per fish, or $600 for a family of five, you can support their journey to Roto Māhanga – Zealandia's upper reservoir.  

It takes a lot of time, effort and research to collect and transport toitoi, as well as to care for them while they are in quarantine. We have spent the past two years researching collection methods and analysing how we can optimise their care during transport and quarantine. 

We know our methods are successful, as earlier this summer a male toitoi was spotted in Roto Māhanga guarding eggs – an encouraging sign of success. 

Your support can help create a more diverse ecosystem and cleaner freshwater right here in Wellington City – from sanctuary to sea. 

Sponsor a fish today. 

Photo: Toitoi/common bully by Rebecca Chrystal