Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society
Tossi's vision is to "create an open sanctuary where visitors can freely experience a representative range of natural communities that would have originally been present on the Tawharanui peninsula”
“To create an open sanctuary where visitors can freely experience a representative range of natural communities that would have originally been present on the Tawharanui peninsula”
Imagine a coastal landscape where wetlands and forests are regenerating, treasured species like kiwi, pāteke, bellbird, whitehead and robin thrive, sheep and cattle graze and everyone is welcome.
Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary is a unique blend of conservation, recreation and sustainable farming within Tāwharanui Regional Park. The open sanctuary includes mature and regenerating native bush, wonderful beaches, spectacular coastal cliffs, wetlands, heritage sites, a marine reserve and extensive areas of rich pasture.
The Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society (TOSSI) was formed in 2002 to help make the open sanctuary project a reality. TOSSI works in partnership with the Auckland Council and is involved in volunteer programs, fundraising, education and advocacy. We are a community based organisation with charitable status.
In 2004 we helped fund a 2.5 km predator-proof fence built across Tāwharanui peninsula to create a refuge for native animals free from pests such as rats, stoats and possums. With TOSSI’s help, more than sixteen species have returned to breed or been re-introduced to the sanctuary including takahē, kiwi, pāteke (brown teal), kākāriki, korimako (bellbird), toutouwai (North Island robin), kākā, pōpokotea (whitehead), tīeke (saddleback), geckos, giant kokopu, and seabirds.
TOSSI projects include forest and wetland restoration, re-introduction of threatened species, monitoring animals and plants, pest control, our nursery, and the development of walking tracks.