Why We’re Extending Our Fundraiser
16 September 2026Thank you to everyone who has backed our Pāua Reseeding Project.
We are extending this Givealittle page to 11 December 2026. This gives us more time to raise funds and plan the next stage with care.
Work by Shawn Gerrity and David Schiel found good signs from young pāua raised at Arapawa and released after the Kaikōura quake. Three to four years on, hatchery pāua made up almost 12% of the pāua found at the release sites. Many had also grown to breeding size. The study showed that the right site, safe habitat and long-term checks are key.
We now want to look at a small, monitored release of young pāua in the Marlborough Sounds. Before we make a final plan, we need to review possible sites, talk with the local iwi or hapū, check all permit and biosecurity rules, set a fair budget, make a way to track results and find the right experts and local groups to help.
No site, date or number of pāua has been set. This short extension is for the planning stage. It does not mean a release will take place by December. We want to do the work first and only make promises once we know the plan is sound, safe and of real value to the wild stock.
All gifts will stay with the Pāua Reseeding Project and help us prepare for its next stage. We will share clear news as the work moves ahead.
Thank you for helping us give wild pāua a better chance.
Antonia, Mike and the Arapawa team