Scott Langdale is a Geoscientist, though primarily in his capacity as a Zealandia Volunteer, he gave us an engaging overview of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne. He discussed the valley’s original state - full of large native trees then its traditional uses, early European settlement activity, gold prospecting, burning the native trees for farming, and later its important function as partof Wellington’s waterworks via the two dams which supplied Wellington water for 100 years.
Zealandia — Past, Present and Future
Presentation to RCPN by Scott Langdale 5 August 2026.In 1992 through the vision of Jim Lynch (a past member of RCPN) et al – see Jim Lynch (conservationist) - Wikipedia the concept of the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary
came about (there are now approx. 40 sanctuaries across NZ).
Research for the ‘magic’ fence was funded by Rotary and has a 8.6km perimeter keeping approx. 15 predator mammals out – a bit like Kapiti Island though sited only a couple of kms from Wellington CBD. The (now 27 year old) fence had a life expectancy of 20 years so significant planning and fundraising is underway for a replacement, which it is hoped will be the last fence required.. this would mean the wider Wellington Predator Free programme is working.
Today Zealandia covers more than 225 ha (in lay terms 225 rugby fields) and provides a predator-protected environment for many of NZ’s rarest native species. Its success can be seen not only within the sanctuary fence, but across the wider city, where native birds such as kākā, tūī and tīeke have become increasingly populated, visible and audible.
The many and varied questions for Scott emphasised the interest we have in Zealandia. Perhaps Scott should be invited back to discuss some of his other activities – photography, sustainability and environmental education, science communication.. alongside the 20+ years leading geoscience and energy projects across the South Pacific.
Main Zealandia website:
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne | Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellington
Some references to Scott on the Zealandia website (including some fabulous photos):
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Ross Buxton