Tomahawk Smaills Beachcare Trust

Welcome to Tomahawk Smaills Beachcare Trust, a charitable organisation committed to restoring the environment of Smaills Beach and Tomahawk in Dunedin. For over 20 years we've grown native plants for restoration projects.

The New Zealand Sea Lion is the most endangered species of sea lion in the world. Due to the activities of humans, they disappeared from the Dunedin coastline, however, returned to the area 30 years ago. The NZ sea lion population on the coastline of Dunedin has gradually been increasing. The 2023/2024 breeding season is among the most successful to date, with just over 30 sea lion pups being born.

Nearly a third of all the sea lion pups born in 2023/2024 spent time at Smaills Beach; five were born here and five more pups arrived within two months of being birthed at nearby beaches. Our Trust is working hard to improve habitat at Smaills Beach, in anticipation of more successful breeding seasons in future years.

Your Support Matters:

We can't do this alone. Your donation directly contributes towards the costs involved with growing and planting native trees to create much-needed habitat for wildlife - every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact, Thank you.