Waiwhakareke predator-exclusion fence

Hamilton City Council is installing a new predator‑exclusion fence around Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park to help protect native wildlife and support long‑term ecological restoration.  

Waiwhakareke and Hamilton Zoo make up Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct, offering a unique opportunity to combine a native reserve experience with an exotic species experience side by side.  

Over the past 20 years, Waiwhakareke has transformed from farmland into a self-sustaining sanctuary that reflects the historical landscape of the area, thanks to the dedication of staff and passionate community volunteers.  

Construction began in January 2026 and is expected to be completed by July 2026. The park will remain open throughout the project. 

Why is the fence needed?

Waiwhakareke is home to a growing range of native plants and animals, supported by more than 20 years of restoration work by staff, volunteers, and community partners. However, hundreds of cats and rats enter the park each week. These predators pose a significant threat to birds, lizards, insects, plants, and the wider ecosystem. 

The fence will make a meaningful impact to Te Kaaroro’s conservation programme. 

Predator‑exclusion fencing has been successfully used in other sanctuaries across New Zealand, including Zealandia in Wellington and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. These projects have shown how effective fencing can be in restoring native wildlife and improving biodiversity. 

What will the fence look like?

The fence will be approximately 4km long and 2m high. It is designed to prevent predators from climbing over, burrowing under, or squeezing through the mesh. The design follows national best practice for predator‑proof sanctuaries. 

This image is an example of a similar-style fence to give you an idea of what it will look like: (image credit: Xcluder) 

Project funding