About the Trust
Tui Reserve forms a trust for wildlife
Tui Nature Reserve has formed a new trust called Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust.
Trust chairman Brian Plaisier, who lives on the reserve with his family, said it was formed at a critical moment for New Zealand's fauna and flora.
"After almost 20 years of restoring native forest in the Marlborough Sounds with the help of many volunteers, we realised that more action was needed to stop the decline of New Zealand wildlife," he said.
"A group of people came together to form this new trust with experience in research, science, skills in community development, practical field work, et cetera, and all committed to make a difference."
As well as Mr Plaisier, the board includes Raymond Smith of Ngati Kuia, prominent ornithologist Ralph Powlesland, Tom Stein of QEII Trust and Ellen Plaisier, who has been essential to the reserve's wellbeing.
The philosophy of the trust is "Working together to save New Zealand wildlife".
A close relationship was formed with local iwi Ngati Kuia, Department of Conservation, Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, the Marlborough District Council, business and others.
Mr Plaisier said the board wanted to form better links between private landowners and the trust to work on projects, which would mean prompt action for the recovery of habitat and wildlife.
The trust also wanted to develop youth and volunteer programmes at Tui.
"The trust is building programmes to inspire and to create employment for those young people who have an interest," said Mr Plaisier.
"The benefits are mutual. As well as creating awareness for the environment, it's also for the participants, who could pick up skills and knowledge of a practical sort."
For more information about the Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust, email
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- Published in The Marlborough Express -
