26 | REGIONAL Apollo Projects A leap forward for deer control work The project is an initiative of the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, a charitable non-profit organisation that has spent more than two decades managing the impact of introduced deer on Fiordland National Park’s unique ecosystems. T T Karen Phelps “A key principle is that deer management decisions will be guided by ecological outcomes, not commercial value. This means targeting animals with the greatest environmental impact, including females and deer in areas where recovery is unlikely.” A landmark conservation initiative in Fiordland is moving closer to reality with the Fiordland Project, a purpose-built venison processing plant in Te Anau that will help fund long-term deer management as well as provide food for communities across Aotearoa. The project is an initiative of the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, a charitable non-profit organisation that has spent more than two decades managing the impact of introduced deer on Fiordland National Park’s unique ecosystems. Any profits generated through the new facility will be directed back into conservation efforts. “We’ve spent 25 years managing deer in Fiordland National Park, so we’re well placed to take on this challenge. This project is about creating a sustainable future for conservation,” says Roy Sloan, Fiordland Wapiti Foundation general manager. The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation has been managing the 180,000-hectare Wapiti Area of Fiordland National Park, with its deer control programme removing more than 20,000 unwanted deer since 2005 without government funding. The foundation’s wider vision is to extend its volunteer-led conservation model across large parts of the national park, to help solve some of the deer problems that have been growing since the early 2000s. The first stage of the foundation’s project is the construction of a purpose-built venison processing plant. The $3 million facility is being funded through sponsorships, partnerships, business support and donations, with approximately $2.5 million already raised. Roy says support from businesses throughout New Zealand has been instrumental in bringing the project forward. “Businesses have donated products and services to help make this happen, and we are still looking for others who want to get involved,” he says. Apollo Projects, one of the project’s earliest supporters, is leading construction of the facility. The company has also played a key role in bringing other supporters on board, including AMP Boats, BCP, Boat Dek, Bosnich, Continuous Group, David Brown, Davie Lovell Smith, Degafloor, Dimond Structural, F&R Panels, Fiordland Aluminium, Flooring Xtra, Garmin Marine, JJ Steel, Kea Outdoor, Kingspan, McGregors, Mercury Marine, Mudgway Trailers, Peak Architecture, Powell Fenwick, Roofing Industries, TDM Electrical, Te Anau Earthworks , and Topcoat. Roy says the plant will not only provide reliable processing for deer recovered from the national park, but will reduce transport costs and emissions, create local employment opportunities and support the foundation’s conservation activities year-round. “A key principle is that deer management decisions will be guided by ecological outcomes, not commercial value. “This means targeting animals with the greatest environmental impact, including females and deer in areas where recovery is unlikely,” he says. Alongside its conservation benefits, the facility will enable more recovered venison to be distributed to food banks and community organisations, continuing a programme the foundation began when export markets collapsed during Covid. The second stage of the project will focus on securing ongoing funding for deer management in Fiordland National Park. The foundation plans to raise a further $1 million through a crowdfunding initiative to support operational costs during the facility’s first year. Roy says those wanting to find out more, or support the project, can head to fiordlandproject.co.nz.
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