Kia ora,

At the end of the month we say goodbye to Nancy McIntosh-Ward, and welcome Natasha Petkovic-Jeremic as interim Chief Executive. Nancy has written a farewell note you may like to read. We wish her all the very best for her future.

Our Maud Island frog population received a 100-strong boost on 2 December as part of research being carried out by Tanya Karst (pictured) and Ben Bell from Victoria University. Not only that but Tanya found a frog outside the pens – very exciting as we feared kiwi or mice may have eaten them all. Read more about the research (also featured in this week's Capital Times). 

With more daylight hours we’ll be open until 6pm on summer weekends from January. Those Junior Rangers who love to keep coming back will be happy to hear our holiday programme now differs each day so book now (see below for more).

Also in this issue: nature notes, two great offers for Christmas shopping and news on just some of the many people who’ve supported us over the last month.

Lastly, if you missed it – cast of The Hobbit at Zealandia.

Hei te tau hou,

Lauren and the Zealandia team

20% off for families

January, February and March

Make the most of summer and enjoy a family day at Zealandia. Families purchasing General Admission* receive a 20% discount.
*Exhibition plus sanctuary valley for 2 adults and up to 3 children.

Extended membership offer: Find out more about our special deal for families.

Extended summer hours

Zealandia is open every day except Christmas Day. From January to March you can also enjoy an extra hour in the sanctuary valley, as we close at 6pm on summer weekends.

Note: Exhibition and Rata Café will still close by 5pm.
Opening hours and prices.

Making a difference

At Zealandia we aim to inspire and enable people to connect with their environment – we can’t achieve our 500-year restoration vision without your support. So in a celebration of people power here are just some of the people getting stuck in at the sanctuary:

• Nest box designs by students from St Patrick’s College, Silverstream.
• Zealandia Volunteer Award winners 2012.
• Volunteer Des Smith is a Local Hero.
• Rotary Karori Chapter recognised Zealandia volunteer Frances Gazley with a Paul Harris Fellowship award for her valuable and ongoing volunteer bird-monitoring work here.

Junior Rangers – different every day

24, 25, 28 & 29 January
**Now varies each day so join one day or the whole four!**

Book now to enjoy our fascinating and fun Junior Rangers school holiday programme. Themed full-day and half-day options will leave your adventurous 5-12 year olds buzzing about our amazing ecosystems.

• 10% discount when you book all four days.
• 10% member discount (20% for members booking all four days).

Booking essential (04) 920 9200.

Also for the kids:
Sunday storytelling with Just Giraffe from 20 January.
A kids clue trail sheet free with admission during the school holidays.

Nature notes

They’ve done it again – Puffin and T2 are taking turns to incubate an egg (or eggs). Don’t miss the live nest cam at the wetlands.

Did kiwi fly or walk? George Gibbs guests on our blog.

New web page: Bird watching at Zealandia (for those who love lists).

Last-minute shopping

…without the crowds. With a wonderful selection of gifts, ample parking and none of the city hustle Zealandia’s Store (and Rata Café) make the ideal spot for some last minute present buying – or just a nice break from the festive season’s strains.

Rata Relish – only $15 for two jars during December
Tamarillo Chutney, Tomato Relish, Chilli Lime Pickle.

Books, jewellery, knick-knacks and of course gift memberships and vouchers are available at our Store.

Grow your own sanctuary

*Discount*

With a strong focus on native plants local business Grow From Here supports the restoration work of Zealandia by improving natural habitat outside the sanctuary fence. Your garden could be next with these great offers for Zealandia members.

Offers to talk about

Please help us spread the word.

20% off for families - January, February and March. General Admission.
Student Tuesdays - $10 with student ID.
Buggies go Bush - $10 Wednesday group 10:30am.
Membership – the best deal of all!
Regular activities – Take in a free guided tour and some ranger talks, enjoy a boat ride and encounter cave wēta inside our mine…

Also:
Functions and Weddings at Zealandia