From Sunday morning to Wednesday evening the sanctuary received more than 200mm of rain with some very intensive periods. Extreme rainfall events like these are perhaps one of the most destructive weather events the sanctuary can experience. Around our fence a number of highly specialised culverts work hard to allow the flow of water both in and out of the sanctuary whole preventing incursions from unwanted mammals. High rainfall has the potential to overwhelm these culverts risking blowing out the fence or creating slips that can damage critical infrastructure.
In this most recent event the sanctuary got off relatively lightly. Thanks to the efforts of staff who spent much of Monday evening managing the culverts and clearing drains, as well as strategic infrastructure work carried out over the last couple of years seems to have prevented damage to the fence. Ensuring the biosecurity of the sanctuary remains secure. However, with the volume of rain experience there has been damage across the sanctuary to tracks and the fence road. Some requiring remediation through heavy machinery like diggers. The quality of our tracks and roads don’t just enhance visitor experience, they are also vital to how our staff can effectively and safely respond to the needs of the sanctuary.
As we begin the clean up costs to get everything back in tip top shape are already looking upwards of $10000. While things could have been a lot worst any cost like this has large impacts for us as a not for profit. Any donations towards supporting the sanctuary at this time would go along way to ensuring remediation work can be carried out we can be as prepared as possible for any future event.
To make a donation you can do so by heading to our donation portal here, if you would prefer to make a donation via internet banking please use the details below, and email accounts@orokonui.nz to let us know so we can send you a receipt.
Account Name: Orokonui Ecosanctuary Trust
Account Number: 06-0901-0377788-00
Particulars: Surname, FirstName
Reference: Donation
