Orokonui Ecosanctuary – Establishing a business by looking back in time.

As a matter of course when reviewing topics to present in the monthly UPDATE publication I find myself looking at current issues and, in the usual context, it is 'the unfolding forward-looking' aspects connected with the subject matter that take centre stage.

On this occasion however I find that looking back in time is seemingly appropriate.

The Orokonui Ecosanctuary, situated in a picturesque landscape above Blueskin Bay approximately twenty kilometres north of Dunedin city is the only place in the mainland South Island where indigenous plants and animals, protected from introduced pests and predators (although not avian predators), can be seen as they existed a hundred years ago. The Orokonui example allows us to look back in time at an entire forest ecosystem that is almost as it was before European settlement.

The 307 hectare Ecosanctuary is enclosed by 8.7 kilometers of two metre high special fencing (costing $2.2 million) this featuring a stainless steel mesh that not even baby mice can penetrate. The fence is topped with a steel hood that is purpose-designed to deny climbing animals' access, and on the outer extremity of the fence perimeter a four metre wide cleared area prohibits pests swinging into the Ecosanctuary from neighbouring trees and land outcrops.

In addition, the entire fence carries an electronic surveillance system that can detect challenges to the integrity of fence security in situations where gates might be left open or where trees or debris may fall onto the canopy.

Within the Ecosanctuary native birds such as South Island kaka, South Island saddleback and the South Island robin are free to fly, feed, nest and breed without fear of predation. Work is well advanced to introduce kiwi, tuatara and native frog.

Throughout the forest a number of tracks of various grades have been constructed these designed to suit all ages, interests and visitor abilities. Visitors are able to see native flora and fauna (many of which are rare) thrive in their natural, undisturbed, habitat, not a zoo.

The Otago Natural History Trust, led in the most able manner by Dr Ralph Allen, was formed in 2000 to spearhead the Orokonui development and since then a good deal of planning, fund raising and implementation activities, many presenting significant associated challenges, have been successfully tackled.

A key element in the overall establishment plan was to create a management entity to effectively operate the business side of the Ecosanctuary activities and in 2007 Orokonui Ecosanctuary Limited was formed. The Company Board members now have the task of assisting management to generate sufficient commercially-based revenue flow to support the long term viable operation of the enterprise.

Visitor numbers across local, national and international points of origin are now starting to build solidly and promotional activities presenting the guided and unguided walks, group visit options and a wide range of educational programmes (early childhood to tertiary) are constantly being extended.

Earlier this year the new Visitors Centre was completed this featuring many excellent interactive displays (inclusive of taped bird-song) and educational material that set the scene for what unfolds within the forest.

Good café facilities and a wide viewing deck (looking across Blueskin Bay, the Silverpeaks, and Mopanui and Mihiwaka mountains) serve well to round-off the benefits of the sanctuary "walks and talks", and the overall visitor experience.

The challenge for the operating company and management team is to now move forward positively to establish a robust business base that will successfully draw 25,000 visitors per year to the Ecosanctuary.

General Manager Chris Baillie is confident that these visitor targets can be met and currently close evaluation work on the dynamics of local and national visitors and free and independent traveler markets is being undertaken.

It is interesting to note that cruise ship business is building positively again after many recessionary months and it is expected that while opportunities exist within the orbit of these vessel movements, sustainable growth in this market segment will take time to secure on a reliable basis.

Partnership arrangements with local tour operators and other wildlife attractions (mainly marine-focused) within the region are now being carefully crafted and the aggregated benefits of these steps seem certain to flow to all parties involved.

Link these to the newly developed and soon-to-be-launched Dunedin City branding initiative and one can see that the vital ingredients aimed at successfully presenting the regional general tourism and eco-tourism value propositions are, for sure, being soundly constructed.

I would like to, in conclusion, bring to OSEA members’ attention the fact that the Orokonui Ecosanctuary visitor centre (with its in-house catering facilities) offers a superb, and most unique venue for conferencing, staff training and general seminar activities.

The Meeting Room (named in recognition of a significant Otago Daily Times sponsorship package) has all the usual equipment required to run every type of meeting, corporate AGM's included.

Specialist field trips can be designed to deliver a break in the business proceedings part of a conference and/or training activities. This is an excellent place to base some serious corporate staff development and/or bonding work.

Clearly, as will be seen above, I hold the most positive views about the Orokonui development and I don’t shy away from the fact that I'm pleased to take a promotional stance to draw attention to this exciting new venue... but then I would wouldn't I.

I need to disclose that I am a Board member but please take the time to test my opinions with others who have experienced an Orokonui Ecosanctuary visit.

John Scandrett
Chief Executive Officer

These articles and much more available in the latest Update - The Official OSEA Magazine