Environmental Conservation

The move towards an Eco-Sanctuary on this unique 420 hectare property is an evolving one and had its inception almost fifty years ago with a number of comprehensive tree planting programmes in the early years of Living Springs.

There has been a considerable momentum shift in recent years with the Allandale Stream Restoration programme beginning in 2011 and then enlarging to include the ‘Plant a Hundred Totaras’ initiative and “Predator Free Allandale” concept in 2013/14. Out of this base in 2014 began to emerge the idea of a Living Springs Eco – Sanctuary.

In 2021  Living Springs partnered with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke and Conservation Volunteers NZ to launch the He Rau Ringa e oti Ai (Many hands make light work) programme. The programme, funded by the Department of Conservation, focusses on ecological and cultural restoration of three main sites within Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour, Living Springs being one of these sites. Infusing tikanga and kaupapa Māori values throughout the programme means He Rau Ringa e oti Ai is a game-changer for catchment-wide restoration work.

Support through donations and volunteer labour are needed.  Ask the staff about Corporate Responsibility packages to enable your company to partner with this project.