Glenfern Sanctuary a public taonga

The Glenfern Sanctuary on Great Barrier Island has been received into public ownership thanks to the support of a group of funding partners.

Foundation North partnered with the Auckland Council and Great Barrier Local Board including the Government’s Nature Heritage Fund to purchase the 83 hectare property, which forms an important part of the wider Kotuku Peninsula.

The property has been developed and ecologically restored by the Bouzaid family since 1992 and will now be managed by the Auckland council as a regional park.

A Bouzaid family spokesperson says they are very happy that the property will remain as an enduring legacy to Tony Bouzaid’s vision and commitment to the island.

Foundation North Chair Ken Whitney, who was present at the announcement, says it is an example of great collaborative work.

“Today provided an opportunity to celebrate the coming together of three funding entities to enable the purchase the land known as Glenfern Sanctuary.  The project has demonstrated a successful outcome for the Sanctuary, Kotuku Peninsula and the community of Great Barrier Island,” he says.

“None of the funders would have been able to undertake this project on their own.  This is a good example of what can be achieved by working together and what we can achieve for the future where all of our interests are aligned.”

Auckland Council and the Great Barrier Local Board have contributed a combined $1.25 million, while the Minister, through the Crown’s advisory Nature Heritage Fund, will make a $975,000 contribution and Foundation North will put in $675,000.