This is One Network Wellington Live, your voice in Wellington, New Zealand. We’re talking about the Great Predator Fence at Zealandia Eco-sanctuary—a world-first wonder that’s kept our wildlife safe for 25 years. It’s a big story, and it’s right here in our city of 215,000 people, famous for wind and coffee. Let’s see how it started, what it does, and why it needs your help now.
The First of Its Kind
Back in the 1990s, Wellington had a problem. Our native birds—like kiwis and tūī—were getting eaten by predators: rats, cats, possums, stoats. The folks at Zealandia wanted a safe spot for them, but no fence out there worked. Rats squeezed through, cats climbed over, possums dug under. So, they built their own—the Great Predator Fence. It was the first of its kind anywhere, finished on August 31, 1999, around a 225-hectare valley near the city.
They tested it hard—nearly 200 animals, including mice, weasels, ferrets, and more. Could they jump it? No, too high. Climb it? Too slippery. Dig under? A buried skirt stopped them. The fence is 8.6 kilometres long, over two metres tall, with a curved top and tight mesh. It worked, and it’s been keeping pests out ever since.
Saving Our Wildlife
Jenny, a 38-year-old mum from Karori, loves it. “I take my kids to Zealandia,” she says. “We hear kākā and see tuataras—amazing!” Before the fence, predators killed most kiwi chicks—only 5% survived. Now, inside Zealandia, they’re safe and growing. The fence isn’t just wire—it’s a lifeline. Tom, a 50-year-old builder from Miramar, agrees. “It’s tough as nails,” he says. “I’ve never seen a fence like it.”
The fence doesn’t just help Wellington. After building it, Zealandia shared the plans for free. Anyone—farmers, parks, even other countries—can use them. Australia and Hawaii have copied it to save their wildlife. It’s a gift from our city to the world.
25 Years Strong
The fence is 25 years old now. It’s taken a battering from wind and rain but still stands. Sarah, a 45-year-old ranger at Zealandia, checks it daily. “It’s brilliant,” she says, “but bits are rusting. Pests are clever—we can’t let them win.” That’s why Zealandia’s planning a refurb. They’re starting small, replacing a section to test new ideas—stronger steel, maybe even sensors. It’s like giving an old car a tune-up, but for nature.
Mike, a 60-year-old retiree, remembers the valley before. “It was dead quiet,” he says over a pint. “Now, it’s full of birdsong. I’d chuck in cash to keep it going.” Kids at Karori School raised £200 with cakes last month, shouting, “It’s for the kiwi!” The fence cost over £1 million in 1999—big money. Fixing it won’t be cheap either.
Why We Need You
Zealandia’s asking Wellington for help. “Don’t sit on the fence—donate now!” they say. They’ve got a campaign—https://donate.visitzealandia.com/fencecampaign—where every pound counts. The refurb’s a test. If it works, they’ll redo the whole fence over time. Rats jump a metre, stoats climb, ferrets dig—new designs have to beat them. Whatever they learn, they’ll share again, free for all.
Jenny’s boy saw a green parrot by the fence last week. “He was buzzing,” she says. “That’s why it matters.” Tom thinks it’s bigger than us. “Possums are everywhere—30 million of them. More fences could fix that.” Sarah dreams of kiwi calls for her grandkids. “This fence can do it—if we keep it strong,” she says.
A Wellington Wonder
The Great Predator Fence is ours—a Wellington treasure. It’s kept out pests, saved birds, and inspired the world for 25 years. Now, it needs a spruce-up. Mike’s in. Jenny’s kids are in. Tom’s ready. Are you? Visit https://donate.visitzealandia.com/fencecampaign and give what you can. It’s not just a fence—it’s our wildlife’s future. Let’s keep it standing tall.
Note: This is One Network Wellington Live, sharing the story of Zealandia’s Great Predator Fence—first in the world, tested on 200 animals, 25 years old. Help it stay strong—donate at https://donate.visitzealandia.com/fencecampaign!
