Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Trust has confirmed it will take over operation of Natureland Zoo in Nelson from 2 October 2008.

Natureland Zoo now has a very bright future! The Nelson attraction was originally scheduled to close in March but it will now be operated by Orana Wildlife Trust.

Orana’s Chief Executive, Lynn Anderson, says her team are excited by this opportunity: “We are thrilled to announce that we will operate Natureland. The facility is a much loved community asset with huge potential. We have spent a significant amount of time reviewing this opportunity and negotiating with the Nelson City Council and now look forward to running the attraction. We would like to thank the Nelson and Christchurch public for their support to date.”

In April, the Nelson City Council called for proposals to operate Natureland. Orana’s business plan was the only one to be considered. The Trust and Council entered negotiations in July.

Natureland’s curator, Gail Sutton, is thrilled with the decision: “We extend sincere thanks to our local community who came out in force to show their support for Natureland. Our staff are really excited that the future of the zoo has been secured. Natureland will continue to be a family friendly, fun place to visit, but there will be new experiences added over time. With the support of the experienced team at Orana, we will be able to move forward toward our vision of conservation education and play a greater role in endangered species management.”

Throughout Year One of operation, the Trust will focus on completing necessary maintenance work at Natureland. However, during that time, the Trust will seek local input to formulate a development plan for the future.

“Whilst our focus in Year One will be to carry out significant maintenance upgrades, planning is well underway for an exciting new animal addition for the Christmas holidays. We cannot elaborate more at this point but this addition will clearly demonstrate how we mean to continue, so watch this space!” adds Ms Anderson.

Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charitable trust, owns Orana Wildlife Park and Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House in Christchurch. Whilst management of the Nelson attraction will occur from the Trust’s office in Christchurch, Ms Anderson stresses that Natureland will continue to be a locally focused facility.

“We want to reassure people that Natureland will be a genuine community asset for the Nelson region. All of the Trust’s attractions will operate separately, as they currently do, ensuring that no less focus is placed on any one facility. We are committed to making sure that each attraction continues to develop into the best possible facility it can be”.

"On behalf of Orana Wildlife Trust I also sincerely thank the Nelson City Council for the funding commitment to Natureland which will be vital to the successful operation of the attraction. We appreciate the positive relationship going forward" says Ms Anderson.

Councillor Ali Boswijk is delighted to pass operation of Natureland to Orana Wildlife Trust: “They will rejuvenate the facility and provide a quality experience for Nelson families. Under the guidance of the Trust, Natureland’s potential can be realised so that it can add to the diverse range of activities on offer in this spectacular part of New Zealand. I urge local people to support this exciting change by regularly visiting the facility they value so much.”

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