Back to page

The Brook Sanctuary's Defence Fund

  • Stay Request Rejected! One Drop Down - Two to Go

      8 September 2017

    Last Thursday the Court of Appeal rejected the request from the ‘Brook Valley Community Group’ for a stay to prevent the Trust from carrying out our long-planned pest removal operation centred on the aerial application of brodifacoum. This marks the third judgement from the courts rejecting the group’s legal challenge.

    Following this decision we assessed the weather forecasts and logistical readiness for undertaking the first of the three planned aerial operations. A window of suitable weather and availability of all required personnel and equipment was identified for this past weekend, and we made the call to proceed with the first day of the operation on Saturday.

    Although the day’s operation started with a delay due to vandalism, once the helicopters arrived it was carried out without accident or incident. All precautions were taken and our professional team was responsible for a successful achievement of the day’s objective, a complete application of brodifacoum-laced bait pellets to the 691 ha area within the sanctuary’s pest-proof fence by air, with a hand-baited perimeter inside the fence.

    We still face potential further legal challenges by the ‘Brook Valley Community Group’ including the appeal they have lodged in the Court of Appeal to the comprehensive decision from the High Court responding to their complaint against the Trust, Nelson City Council and the Minister for the Environment.

    Please continue to help spread the word about our legal defence fund to support our response to these legal challenges: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/defencefund

    For the most up to date information on the project, please follow us on Facebook:

    https://www.facebook.com/thebrooksanctuary/

    Thank you so much to all our donors for supporting us to get to this point!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Campaign Target Raised

      25 August 2017

    Since the legal challenge against the Trust's long-planned pest removal operation is being dragged out by the Brook Valley Community Group's ongoing appeals in the courts, the Trust has made the decision to raise our campaign target.

    We need further support to continue fighting this challenge to our lawful right to conduct a safe and successful pest removal operation similar to the operations done at all the other large, public fenced sanctuaries in New Zealand.

    Please help us reach out to new supporters to help us reach our new target.

    Our sincere gratitude for the fantastic support we've received from so many generous people.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Injunction Rejection Appealed

      25 August 2017

    The Brook Valley Community Group has filed an appeal in the Appeals Court of the High Court's rejection of their request for an injunction to prevent the Trust from proceeding with our pest removal operation while their appeal of the substantive case is scheduled.

    The hearing of the injunction request was heard urgently yesterday in the Appeals Court and we are now awaiting the Court's decision.

    Please continue helping us spread the word about our defence fund, as the legal challenge continues.

    Thanks so much to everyone for your generous support!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Injunction Declined!

      16 August 2017

    The Brook Valley Community Group’s application for an injunction to stop the Trust’s plans to carry out our pest removal operation has been rejected by the High Court, without requiring a hearing.

    We are continuing with our planning for a robust operation, and will be looking for the first suitable weather window to proceed. This is the next key step on the path to fulfil our vision of returning nature to the Nelson region.

    We’d like to think this is the end of the legal challenge we’ve had to overcome, though the group may pursue an appeal of this decision, to the Court of Appeal. So please continue spreading the word about our defence fund.

    Thank you so much for your generous support!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Appeal Filed

      8 August 2017

    We are disappointed to report the Brook Valley Community Group has written to the High Court with a notice of appeal. We had hoped the comprehensive decision in our favour would have disuaded them from pursuing an appeal.

    We are now preparing for an appeal process, and are therefore still hoping to reach our Defence Fund target of $30,000.

    Thank you so much to all the generous donors who have helped us cross the $24,000 mark. Your support inspires us to achieve a complete victory in this legal challenge, and to accomplish our pest removal operation this winter.

    Please help us spread the word to reach our campaign goal.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Success in High Court!

      5 August 2017

    The High Court ruling was successful on all counts for the Trust and the Ministry for the Environment, confirming the legality of national pest control regulations introduced earlier this year. The Trust’s pest removal operations will be conducted under the national regulations.

    From day one our vision has inspired many around Nelson and New Zealand to see the Sanctuary come to life. In this, our most recent challenge, we want to thank our supporters who really stepped up to fund this legal action!

    That’s you—thank you!

    We are not quite on solid ground yet, though, as the opposition has previously indicated they would plan to pursue an appeal. So we’re still hoping to reach our campaign goal – please help spread the word!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • High Court hearing complete!

      31 July 2017

    We are now waiting on a decision from the Judge.

    After a very interesting and in-depth hearing in the High Court, we wanted to give you a quick update.

    The legal teams representing Sanctuary, Crown Law, Nelson City Council and Forest & Bird put forward a compelling defence to the range of complaints lodged by the The Brook Valley Community Group.

    We are confident that we will be successful and that our pest removal operation will go ahead this winter, despite this last minute challenge.

    We aren't out of the woods yet...we need to be prepared for the possibility that the plaintiff will appeal if the ruling goes against them.

    Watch this space...

    Once again, if you fancy signing up to our mailing list for updates, email kat@brooksanctuary.org or like us on Facebook.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Thank you! Stay in the loop...

      24 July 2017

    Thank you so much for your donation! We are now even closer to achieving our fantastic vision for Nelson thanks to your support, time and of course… donations!

    We want to keep you in the loop. The case will be heard in the High Court in Wellington over two days starting on Wednesday 26th July, and we will let you know of the outcome as soon as we can.

    If you would like to receive general updates from the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust, such as when the sanctuary will re-open, or find out other ways that you can help, please sign up to our contact list by emailing me at kat@brooksanctuary.org.

    Please share our page on your social media and tell your friends and family about the Sanctuary. Spreading-the-word helps so much!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment