New Zealand Sea Lion Trust

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust

The New Zealand Sea Lion Trust is a volunteer group based in Dunedin who are dedicated to saving this critically endangered marine mammal.

Otago

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust was formed in 2003 to support on-going research on the small but growing population of New Zealand’s only endemic pinniped seal.

NZ Sea Lions are endangered and a ‘nationally critical’ species, the highest threat category in New Zealand – this is the same classification as the kākāpō. Their main threats are competition for food, accidental drowning in trawl fisheries, disease and human disturbance. Despite being fully protected under the Wildlife Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, NZ sea lions are sometimes harassed and killed deliberately, with several such incidents in Otago and Southland in recent years.

The return of the species to mainland beaches provides an ideal opportunity to study a re-colonising population and educate the public about this most charismatic of New Zealand species.

The bulk of our work focuses on population monitoring, education, public awareness and assisting management and research of this recolonising population.

Our research and monitoring efforts are therefore focused on the Otago and Catlins Coast at this stage.

More about us

To promote the protection and conservation of the endangered New Zealand Sea Lion through research and public education.

.

The NZ Sea Lion Trust was formed in 2003 after breeding female NZ Sea Lions returned to the Otago coastline. The NZ Sea Lion Trust and The Department of Conservation (DOC) work closely together to conserve the NZ Sea Lions by monitoring females and pups, running community activities, delivering education programmes and supporting scientific research.

.

Use of funds

Funds raised will be used to buy essential equipment, such as scanners, for the use of our volunteers in monitoring the movements of the individual sea lions.

Read more
GivealittleDay
Givealittle helps New Zealanders back the people and projects they care about. Donor top ups support the platform, meaning fundraisers typically see an effective cost of around 2 percent. Learn More

Latest donations

Rochelle Crossman Family Law Barrister
Rochelle Crossman Family Law Barrister 3 days ago
Thank you for your mahi. I asked my followers who to support on this "fee free" day and have spread my donations over some very worthy local charities. Rochelle Crossman Family Law Barrister
Private
New Zealand Sea Lion Trust

Kia ora Rochelle, many thanks for the donation, it is very much appreciated! Please thank on our behalf your followers who nominated us, it means a lot. Mike, NZSLT

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust
Leonie
Leonie on 13 Aug 2025
The deaths of the Sea lions is so disgusting am giving what I can afford.
$15
New Zealand Sea Lion Trust

Kia ora Leonie, thank you very much for your donation. It is greatly appreciated. Like you, we're all hoping someone will be held to account for their actions. Mike, NZSLT

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 12 Aug 2025
$20
New Zealand Sea Lion Trust

Kia ora, thank you for your donation to the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust! Your support is of particular value to us in the wake of the recent sea lion deaths. Your contribution will not only help fund our efforts to seek justice for these precious creatures, but to continue to advocate for the species as a whole. Mike, NZSLT

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust
Kerri
Kerri on 21 Jun 2025
$68
New Zealand Sea Lion Trust

Kia ora Kerri. Many thanks for the donation, it will come in very useful and we really appreciate your support! Mike, NZSLT

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust
Homeschool group
Homeschool group on 07 Apr 2025
$20
New Zealand Sea Lion Trust

Kia ora Homeschool group. Many thanks for the donation, it is very much appreciated! Mike, NZSLT

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust

Who's involved?

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust's avatar
Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, New Zealand Sea Lion Trust (Charity)
Registered Charity
A Registered Charity has legal recognition under the Charities Act 2005.
Tax credit
Donations of over $5 are eligible for a New Zealand charitable giving tax credit.
Page Moderated
The page has been checked by our team to make sure it complies with our terms and conditions.

Fundraisers supporting us

You can create your own fundraising page that pays directly to New Zealand Sea Lion Trust.
Help Fundraise

Any concerns?

Report this page