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Trust to help restore Abel Tasman National Park
Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson has praised the
generosity of a private family trust which has launched a
multi-million dollar conservation project in Abel Tasman
National Park.
Project Janszoon is a partnership between the Department of
Conservation and the Project Janszoon Trust. It aims to
restore biodiversity - essentially the variety of plant and
animal life - to around 80 per cent of the park over the
next 30 years.
“Our indigenous flora and fauna are a major part of New
Zealand’s culture and heritage,” Ms Wilkinson says.
“Though the Government is committed to protecting these
native species it is important to understand that
conservation is not just the domain of the Department – it
is everyone’s responsibility.”
“Here we see community leading the way and I wish to
congratulate the Trust for instigating this very valuable
initiative.”
Project Janszoon includes planting programmes, pest control,
education initiatives and wildlife recovery programmes. It
will see the return of native species no longer found in the
park such as great spotted kiwi, mohua (yellow head) and
sooty shearwater.
Despite being New Zealand’s smallest national park, the
Abel Tasman National Park is one of the most visited.
“Tourism operators have already contributed much to
conservation work in the park and this initiative will build
on that,” Ms Wilkinson says.
“The restoration of the park’s natural values and the
return of native wildlife to the area will provide an even
greater visitor experience.”
“With the support of the public, private trusts and a
growing number of New Zealand businesses, we will succeed in
achieving sustainable conservation goals throughout the
country.”
Media contact: Britton Broun – 04 817 8266 or 021 244 9354
Background:
• The Project Janszoon Trust is aiming to
restore the biodiversity of the park by 2042 in time for the
park’s 100th anniversary, and the 400th anniversary of
Abel Tasman’s visit to the area.
• It was selected by the Trust as an ideal
project site to demonstrate a sustained restoration
partnership effort.
• The philanthropic New Zealand family,
whose financial support is launching Project Janszoon,
wishes to remain anonymous.
