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An extraordinary private contribution to conservation in Abel Tasman National Park has been acknowledged at a commemorative unveiling above Anchorage on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Representatives from Project Janszoon, the NEXT Foundation, the Department of Conservation, Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama and Te Ātiawa joined the Plowman family for the unveiling of a sign, seat and wheku (carved post).
Project Janszoon, the first privately funded landscape-scale restoration project of its kind in New Zealand, has invested more than NZ$20 million in the park. Benefactors Neal and Annette Plowman have supported the removal of wilding conifers, conservation education, habitat restoration and the return of native species including kākā, whio and kākāriki.
When Project Janszoon hands its work to DOC in June under the Tomorrow Accord, long-term management of the park will continue under the department’s stewardship.
NEXT Foundation environmental advisor Devon McLean says the generosity and vision of Neal and Annette Plowman has been a significant gift to New Zealand.
“The park is newly alive with kākā, pāteke, whio, kākāriki, and robin. Project Janszoon’s investment in the control of weeds, including wilding conifers, and animal pests has revived the natural processes of the forest — exactly as envisioned 14 years ago when the project began. Witnessing the change here today with the Plowman family, NEXT Foundation trustees and members of our community is incredibly special,” says Devon.
Neal and Annette later established the NEXT Foundation, which funds conservation and education initiatives nationally.
“The successful partnership model created for Project Janszoon has become a blueprint for several other transformational restoration projects already underway across New Zealand,” says Devon.
Project Janszoon board chair Gillian Wratt says the project has demonstrated what is possible through long-term private investment and partnership.
“To be here today with the people who not only supported the idea, the dream, but who had the means and commitment to make it happen and see it through is truly memorable.
“This project has paved the way for innovation and investment in conservation across New Zealand. Seeing the Plowman family’s vision brought to life has been rewarding for all of us — board, staff, contractors and volunteers — involved in Project Janszoon,” says Gillian.
Aneika Young of Ngāti Rārua and Te Ātiawa, and a director on the Project Janszoon board, says manawhenua iwi acknowledge the restoration work delivered in the park.
“The project has brought people together to contribute practical knowledge, tikanga, hands-on conservation work, bird translocations, restoration planting, and education initiatives. These collective efforts are strengthening the mauri of this nationally treasured landscape so it can be enjoyed and cared for by future generations,” says Aneika.
Department of Conservation director-general Penny Nelson says the project has been a trailblazer for conservation partnerships.
“The ecological gains that have been made and community buy-in for conservation are remarkable. Forest birds can be seen in the lowlands after being absent for decades, and the collaborative effort to remove weeds, wilding conifers and ungulates has eased pressure on the ecosystem.
“DOC is committed to honouring the legacy Project Janszoon has created. We’ll be working with iwi, community groups, landowners and other supporters to sustain and build on these gains for future generations,” says Penny.
