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Proof of concept demonstration to restore rare limestone ecosystems and their biodiversity, protecting over six highly threatened plant species and many other native plants and animals that are at risk and dependent on the limestone ecosystem.  
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Weed removal: $175,000
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Total $206,000 year 1 investment
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Projects / Limestone Ecosystem

Restoring the mauri of limestone ecosystems

A race against time: Restoring the mauri of our limestone ecosystems

Aotearoa New Zealand’s limestone ecosystems are disappearing. Once rich with life, they now cling to survival, scattered across small, isolated patches of our landscape.

These ecosystems are more than just striking rock formations. The limestone cliffs of the Wai o Toura Scenic Reserve in the Waitaki Valley are part of a story that spans 25 million years—formed from ancient seas, layered with fossils of penguins, whales, and dolphins. They’re living museums. Early Māori sought shelter in these cliffs, and today, we’re fighting to protect what remains.

The problem? Nearly a third (50 out of 152) plant species that live in these ecosystems are now highly threatened. That’s a real risk, they could disappear forever without urgent action.

Why does this matter?

New Zealand has over 70 rare ecosystems that cover less than 0.5% of our land. These small patches hold incredible biodiversity, but they are collapsing right before our eyes. Restoring limestone ecosystems like Wai o Toura is crucial if we want to preserve our natural heritage and protect the species that call this land home.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and the New Zealand Nature Fund (NZNF) have set an ambitious goal of raising $1.055 million to fund this work. Every donation brings us one step closer to securing the future of these ecosystems and keeping them safe for generations to come.

DOC and  NZNF are working together to help save the Alborn skink restore the mauri (life force) of limestone ecosystems. Help us save this sacred site before it’s too late.  

You can donate directly to this project through New Zealand Nature Fund (NZNF). We are the charitable trust responsible for funds donated to this project.  

 

Donate to this project

Wai o Toura Scenic Reserve

25

million years old

152

declining limestone plant species

50

plant species highest threat as "nationally critical"

$1,055,000

Funds required for stage 1 of recovery

Wild Lepidium sisymbrioide - Wai o Toura

Wild Gentianella calcis surrounded by swarding grass

Help us to bring limestone ecosystems and their endemic species back from the brink of extinction

Waitaki valley limestone sites have been identified as ideal candidates for large-scale ecosystem restoration because of their remaining ecological values, ongoing work by DOC at two conservation reserves (Wai o Toura/Gards Road Scenic Reserve and Waipata/Earthquakes Scientific Reserve) and standing collaboration with mana whenua. 

Stage 1:

Landscape-scale restoration of the Wai o Toura Scenic Reserve limestone ecosystem 

Proof of concept demonstration to restore rare limestone ecosystems and their biodiversity, protecting over six highly threatened plant species and many other native plants and animals that are at risk and dependent on the limestone ecosystem.  

If successful, it provides a best-practice guidance for other limestone ecosystem restoration. 

Weed removal: $175,000

Weed control $20,000

Threatened plant nursery: $10,000

Monitoring: $10,000

Total $206,000 year 1 investment

$1,055,000 investment required over 5 years 

Donate to this project

Explore our projects

Limestone Ecosystem

Alborn skink

Save the Kiwi

Kawau Island

Fiordland Crested Penguin / Tawaki

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Made by Scratch

Made by Scratch

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Protecting and restoring nature is needed more than ever. Thank you so much for your support of this critical work for our native habitats and wildlife.

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DONATE TO THE FUND

Donate to our Endowment Fund which includes major and emerging projects

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DONATE TO A PROJECT

Donate to support a specific project

Antipodean Albatross View project Donate

Auckland Island View project Donate

Kawau Island View project Donate

Murchison Mountains View project Donate

Orange-Fronted Parakeet View project Donate

Pure Salt Tamatea View project Donate

Routeburn track View project Donate

Shore Plover View project Donate

Sinbad Gully View project Donate

Southern Dotterel / Tūturiwhatu View project Donate

Takahē Recovery Programme View project Donate

Te Anau Bird Sanctuary View project Donate

Valleys project - Cozette Burn View project Donate

Valleys project - Irene Valley View project Donate

Valleys project - Iris Burn View project Donate