Conservation organisation Southern Lakes Sanctuary will receive a significant funding contribution to continue its predator control work.

The consortium of six local groups with the shared goal of increasing native wildlife and reducing introduced pests needs urgent funding to sustain its work in protecting native species and increasing biodiversity in the Southern Lakes, project director Paul Kavanagh said.

A $100,000 donation each year for the next three years from AJ Hacket Bungy - the project’s first cornerstone funding partner - will go a long way.

“Since we began in late 2021, the trapping network across our region has increased by 50 per cent and we are delighted to know that we are making a genuine difference for our wonderful landscapes and native wildlife,” Paul said. 

“But we need to keep going, and contributions from businesses and organisations like AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand can enable us to do that.”

Read more: Sanctuary vision coming to life

Southern Lakes Sanctuary has the overall goal of enclosing a 660,000ha portion of Southern Lakes country to create a predator-free sanctuary.

AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand chief executive David Mitchell said he looks forward to other businesses recognising the needs of groups undertaking crucial conservation work.

“It is important for responsible tourism companies focusing on being regenerative in tourism, to not only do their part in carbon reduction measures but also support biodiversity issues.”

Learn more about Southern Lakes Sanctuary and how to support it here.

PHOTO: Supplied