Popular zoo fears plans to build 230 houses on its doorstep could harm wildlife

A popular Christchurch zoo is concerned native kiwi birds will be harmed by noise and light pollution if a proposed 230-house development on the sanctuary’s doorstep goes ahead. 

The Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has operated on the site for 52 years and is home to native and globally threatened species. 

Conservation work by the zoo aims to protect genetic biodiversity, including New Zealand’s “big five” native wildlife – the kea, the tuatara, the kākā, the takahē and the kiwi. 

Conservation work by the zoo aims to protect genetic biodiversity, including kea, tuatara, kākā, takahē, and kiwi. Photo / Anna Heath 

Willowbank is also the only facility in the world that has incubated all five recognised kiwi species and is home to four of the 13 kiwi pukupuku (Little Spotted Kiwi) known to exist on the mainland. 

Now, Christchurch City Council is consulting on a private plan change that would allow developer Independent Producers Ltd to build about 230 houses on the reserve’s southern boundary. 

The location of a proposed 230 housing development near Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. 

Willowbank’s kiwi breeding centre – the largest in the South Island, where 693 native kiwi chicks have been rehabilitated – is not far from that boundary. 

Because kiwi are highly sensitive to ground and night conditions, the zoo is concerned about long-term, potentially irreversible impacts on the species’ conservation efforts. 

Pictured is the view about halfway between the boundary line and the tuatara, takahe and kiwi enclosures. The development will take place in the empty plot beyond the barn in the centre. Photo / Anna Heath 

Willowbank director Mark Willis said while the park doesn’t oppose residential development overall, its concerns with this development on its boundary are “wide-ranging”. 

Willis said wildlife could be impacted by noise, vibration, light pollution, increased predation and human activity right from the start of construction. 

However, company director for developer Independent Producers Mark Allison said the company would be “happy to work with [Willowbank] closely” to mitigate those concerns. 

The Willowbank Wildlife reserve, directed by Mark Willis (pictured), is concerned that a neighbouring development will cause disruption to its inhabitants. Photo / Anna Heath 

Allison told the Herald there had already been discussions “on two or three occasions” with Willowbank. 

“Any development that we do, we certainly don’t want to have any adverse effect on the operation of their business,” he said. 

“We’re happy to work with them closely to ensure that’s the case. 

“Until, you know, we’ve really sat down with them again and gone closely through what their real concerns are, as I said, we’re happy to work with them closely to meet all our obligations as far as developments are concerned.” 

Allison also noted there is already an existing residential development that surrounds Willowbank. 

Willis acknowledged that while “small mitigation measures have been proposed” in the plan, he believes places like Willowbank needed to be protected by special-purpose zoning that considers buffers and provides long-term protection. 

The Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has operated on the site for 52 years. Photo / Anna Heath 

Willis also noted while it might sound “fanciful” to neighbour a wildlife park, the reality was much different. 

“The reality is our animals generate noise as loud as rock concerts – at any hour of the day or night,” he said. 

“Animals and animal management also generate odours that residential neighbours may not enjoy. 

“We are seriously concerned that complaints from new neighbours will lead to constraints on Willowbank’s operations that limit our conservation efforts, animal wellbeing and our ability to continue as a much-loved community experience, as it is for so many today.” 

A map showing where animals are situated and where the proposed housing development is. 

Submissions on the proposal can be made via Christchurch City Council’s website and close on August 21. 

Jazlyn Whales is a multimedia journalist based in the Christchurch newsroom.