New Zealand King Salmon is the proud sponsor of the Koru Native Wildlife Centre, set up by Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust, which was officially opened yesterday on January 28 at Linkwater in the Marlborough Sounds.

The Koru Native Wildlife Centre has a breeding programme for Giant Weta and Yellow Crowned Kakariki right here on our doorstep, with a goal of education and engagement around conservation and restoration in the Marlborough Sounds. NZKS’s support, along with grants from Rata Foundation and the Lottery Grants Board, has made the establishment and ongoing operation of the centre possible.

Giant Weta

Hosts Brian and Ellen Plaiser, who founded Tui Nature Reserve in the Outer Pelorus Sound 25 years ago before moving their breeding facilities to Smith’s Farm camping ground in Linkwater last year, offer the public personal guided tours through the centre’s purpose-built enclosures. They provide visitors with fascinating facts about the resident native animals, the breeding for release programme and the efforts to restore their natural habitats.

Jemma McCowan, NZKS’s general manager marketing, who spoke at the opening, says supporting the centre is a great fit for the company which has a strong focus on supporting local Marlborough Sounds initiatives related to sustainability and education.

“We congratulate the trust on the centre’s opening and look forward to helping support the conservation of some of Marlborough’s awesome but less seen native species.”

Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust chair Brian Plaisier is delighted Koru Native Wildlife Centre is now open to the public. “We have long been passionate about restoring New Zealand’s incredible biodiversity and have worked hard to see Koru come to fruition. We look forward to sharing our vision of restoring our stunning natural environment with visitors.”

Visits and tours of the Koru Native Wildlife Centre on Queen Charlotte Drive at Linkwater are by appointment only – 027 448 3447 or info@tuinaturereserve.co.nz, or book online https://www.koruwildlife.nz/

Ellen Plaisier, Jemma McCowan and Brian Plaisier