Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust

What Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust does

Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust (SLS) is a New Zealand-registered charitable trust (CC59200) founded in June 2021 in Queenstown, Otago, operating one of Aotearoa's largest community-led conservation initiatives across approximately 850,000 hectares of the Queenstown Lakes District. The organization's core offering is landscape-scale predator control and native species recovery, delivered through a consortium model that coordinates over 100 partner groups—including iwi (Ngāi Tahu), high-country landowners (Rees Valley, Temple Peak, Mt Earnslaw, Mahu Whenua), the Department of Conservation, and 80+ volunteer conservation groups—across three regional hubs (Whakatipu, Wānaka-Makarora, Dart-Rees-Matukituki).

SLS's technology stack centers on AI-augmented conservation infrastructure: AT220 self-resetting predator traps fitted with FTP Solutions TrapNodes (AI cameras and communications gateways that distinguish target species from non-target species including kea), acoustic monitoring systems developed with Digilab NZ (classifying 18 native bird species and mohua vocalizations, with 20,000+ vocalizations and 249,000 bird detections processed), eDNA occupancy monitoring for lizards with Wilderlab NZ, and Spitfire possum control devices with Envico Technologies. Operational footprint includes 596 traps in the Rees Valley, 110 AI-enhanced traps near Arrowtown/Coronet Peak, a 100km alpine trapline between Wānaka and Glenorchy, and 40 acoustic recording devices for bat monitoring.

The business model is entirely philanthropic: SLS generates no commercial revenue and is funded through a portfolio of government grants (legacy Jobs for Nature, Central Lakes Trust, Lotteries Commission, QLDC), corporate sponsorships (AJ Hackett Bungy NZ $300K cornerstone, RealNZ Conservation Ball $150K, Patagonia, Fulton Hogan), charitable trusts (Hugo Charitable Trust $75K, Impact100 Whakatipu $100.5K, Stout Trust, Tūpiki Trust), individual philanthropy (Sir Michael Hill $90K, Rod Drury $50K), and the Active Investor Plus Visa philanthropic channel. The organization publicly targets $1.5 million in annual funding and serves community conservation groups, private landowners, government agencies, philanthropists, and eco-tourists as its primary stakeholder segments.

Name

Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust

Legal name

Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust

Website

https://southernlakessanctuary.org.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust is a New Zealand charitable trust founded in 2021 that coordinates 100+ groups to deliver landscape-scale predator control and native species recovery across 850,000 hectares of the Queenstown Lakes District, using AI-powered smart traps, acoustic monitoring, and eDNA technology to protect 33 threatened species.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC)

Keywords

• Landscape predator control
• Native species reintroduction
• Acoustic biodiversity monitoring
• Conservation consortium coordination
• AI-powered trap technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Queenstown

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Donations: The organization relies heavily on private philanthropy from individuals, businesses, and foundations. Major donors include philanthropists Rod Drury ($50,000), Sir Michael Hill family ($90,000 initial), and others who contribute to trap installations and conservation projects.
2. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate partners provide significant funding. AJ Hackett Bungy NZ committed $300,000 ($100,000/year for 3 years). Patagonia has also supported initiatives. Companies view this as responsible tourism and regeneration investment.
3. Government Grants: Established with funding from the $1.19 billion Jobs for Nature programme (COVID-19 recovery). Continues to receive support from Lotteries Commission, Central Lakes Trust, Queenstown Lakes District Council, and other government agencies.
4. Philanthropic Investment (Active Investor Plus Visa): As an eligible charitable organization under New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa programme, SLS receives philanthropic contributions from investors seeking to support globally significant conservation outcomes while protecting the natural heritage of the Southern Lakes.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust is a nonprofit conservation consortium that delivers landscape-scale predator control and native species recovery across 850,000 hectares of the Southern Lakes / Queenstown Lakes District in New Zealand. It coordinates trapping networks, AI-powered species monitoring (acoustic and eDNA), and reintroduction programmes for threatened taonga species such as takahē, mohua, pekapeka, whio, and kea. The organisation operates through three regional hubs (Whakatipu, Wānaka-Makarora, Dart-Rees-Matukituki) and unites over 100 community groups, iwi, landowners, scientists, and government agencies to achieve outcomes no single group could deliver alone.

Product overview

Southern Lakes Sanctuary operates as a landscape-scale conservation initiative spanning approximately 850,000 hectares across the Queenstown Lakes District. The core offering is an integrated predator control network combining traditional trapping methods with AI-powered technologies including TrapNodes smart traps and acoustic monitoring systems. The sanctuary coordinates multiple species recovery programmes including takahē reintroduction, mohua protection, and bat monitoring, supported by partnerships with organisations like Digilab for acoustic analysis, Wilderlab for eDNA monitoring, and Envico Technologies for Spitfire possum control. The organisation delivers its conservation mission through three regional hubs (Whakatipu, Wānaka-Makarora, and Dart-Rees-Matukituki) supporting over 80 volunteer groups across 100+ local conservation organisations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Predator Control Network Large-scale predator control operations using a network of traps deployed across the Southern Lakes region to protect native species from introduced predators including rats, stoats, possums, and feral cats.
• Species Reintroduction Programme Translocation and reintroduction of threatened native species including takahē to the Rees Valley and mohua to the Matukituki Valley, following successful predator control operations.
• Acoustic Monitoring Technology AI-powered biodiversity monitoring system using automated sound recorders and machine learning algorithms to detect and identify native bird species across thousands of hectares of rugged mountain terrain.
• Pekapeka Bat Monitoring Programme Long-term acoustic monitoring index for long-tailed bats (pekapeka) using ARDs deployed throughout Rees Valley and Glenorchy to understand distribution, activity patterns, and inform roost protection.
• eDNA Lizard Monitoring Non-invasive environmental DNA monitoring technique for detecting cryptic lizard species using filter paper pipes placed in habitat, developed in collaboration with Wilderlab NZ Ltd.
• Spitfire Possum Control Self-resettable automated device developed with Envico Technologies that targets possums over 1.4kg by dispensing measured toxin doses when triggered, with 100 doses per device.
• Takahē Recovery Programme Collaborative programme with DOC Takahē Recovery to reintroduce and protect takahē in the Rees Valley, including habitat preparation, predator control, and community sighting tracking.
• Mohua Conservation Project Protection and monitoring programme for mohua (yellowhead) including acoustic monitoring, banding programme, and breeding success tracking in Makarora and Matukituki valleys.
• Smart Trap Technology (TrapNodes) AI-powered trap monitoring system with computer vision cameras and communications technology that can distinguish target from non-target species, reducing manual field time and enabling deployment in kea habitat.
• Active Investor Plus Visa Philanthropy Programme Philanthropic giving programme eligible under New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa programme, allowing investors to support conservation outcomes while meeting visa requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,947 predators removed from Rees Valley through 5,700+ trap checks
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark SkiesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaboration on bat monitoring project, deploying 40 acoustic recording devices throughout the Rees Valley and Glenorchy to study pekapeka/long-tailed bat distribution and activity.
• Department of Conservation (DOC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDOC is a core government partner in takahē recovery, predator control programs, and species translocation. DOC Takahē Recovery works with SLS on takahē returns to the Rees Valley, and DOC provides landscape-scale predator control via aerial 1080 operations in response to rodent plagues.
• Ngāi TahucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIwi partnership integral to the sanctuary's governance and conservation approach, representing Māori interests in protecting taonga species and whenua (land) in the Southern Lakes region.
• Whakatipu Wildlife TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUmbrella organization for over 70 trapping groups in the Queenstown-Arrowtown area. A founding partner of SLS managing 72 traplines and groups of volunteers in the Whakatipu area.
• Forest & Bird Central Otago Lakes BranchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing volunteer trapping program in Makarora with volunteers from Wānaka and Hawea. Partnership with SLS for mohua monitoring and protection from rat plagues.
• Routeburn Dart Wildlife TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuns multiple trap-lines near Glenorchy focusing on the Routeburn, Dart and Rees rivers. Special advisor Amanda Hasselman serves on both the Trust board and SLS.
• Mātakitaki Conservation Group / Matukituki Charitable TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium of 11 groups running trap lines along the Mātakitaki/Matukituki River. Supports mohua reintroduction to the West Matukituki Valley.
• Predator Free WanakacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides traps for backyards in the Upper Clutha region and runs trapping lines on the Hawea-Gladstone Track, Albert Town Lagoon, Mt Iron, Wānaka and Luggate Creek.
• Mahu WhenuacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLargest conservation undertaking on private land in New Zealand's history, covering over 53,000 hectares across four iconic high country stations. Partnership for integrated landscape conservation.
• Digilab NZcoreTechnology or IntegrationFour-year partnership to develop and refine acoustic monitoring techniques for mohua. Digilab provides specialized algorithms that analyse audio recordings, identifying and classifying bird calls automatically across 18 native species.
• Wilderlab NZ LtdcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for eDNA monitoring of lizard species using a novel non-invasive technique where pipes with filter paper collect lizard DNA traces for analysis.
• FTP SolutionscoreTechnology or IntegrationDeveloper of TrapNodes - AI cameras and communications systems mounted to AT220 traps that enable remote monitoring, species identification, and real-time alerts. SLS is the first conservation group in NZ to use this technology.
• Rees Valley StationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey landowner partner hosting the takahē reintroduction program. SLS worked with station owners (Iris and Kate Scott) to create 18,000 hectares of predator-controlled habitat for takahē release.
• Temple Peak StationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-country station partner in the Rees Valley conservation initiative, contributing to the landscape-scale predator control network supporting takahē recovery.
• Mt Earnslaw StationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-country station partner in the predator control network supporting conservation outcomes in the greater Rees/Dart Valley area.
• GSD WorkforcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation project delivery agency founded by AJ Hackett Bungy during COVID-19 pandemic. Now operating under the SLS umbrella, providing skilled field crew for conservation work.
• Mokomoko Dryland SanctuaryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSite for first trial of SLS's eDNA lizard monitoring technique on endangered Otago skinks, validating the novel non-invasive monitoring method.
• Predator Free 2050 LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational predator control initiative that SLS participates in. PF2050 Limited supports new tech and science initiatives and was involved in Spitfire device trials.
• One Percent for the PlanetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSLS is a 1% for the Planet partner, receiving support from businesses that donate 1% of sales to environmental causes.
• Out The Back (New Zealand)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Zealand's smallest high country station near Ben Lomond, used for the Over The Top Eco Tour conservation experience where tourists install predator traps.
• Over The Top – The Helicopter CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership to offer Hands-On Conservation: Journey Back in Time experiences, taking tourists by helicopter to remote conservation sites where they contribute to trap installation.
• GSD WorkforcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation project delivery agency founded by AJ Hackett Bungy NZ during COVID-19. In December 2025, officially began operating under the SLS umbrella, strengthening SLS's field delivery capacity.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Department of Conservation (DOC): NZ government agency responsible for conservation. DOC is a core SLS partner in takahē recovery and landscape-scale predator control, and operates an overlapping mandate across the same geography and species.
• Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand: New Zealand's largest national conservation NGO. Forest & Bird (Central Otago Lakes Branch) is a core partner of SLS, providing volunteer trapping and mohua monitoring - making it a stakeholder and broader-incumbent peer in the same advocacy/conservation space.
• WWF-New Zealand: International NGO's NZ arm operating broadly across conservation, advocacy, and species protection. Comparable as a larger, well-resourced conservation organisation with national reach and overlapping mission topics.

Emerging players

• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Conservation organisation combining zoo-based operations with field conservation and species recovery. Comparable to SLS for species recovery work (taxonomic overlap includes takahē/American cousins), though operating in a substantially different zoological and funding model.

Direct peers

• Zealandia: Fenced urban ecosanctuary in Wellington delivering predator control and species reintroduction. Comparable to SLS as a New Zealand conservation sanctuary model, though operating at a smaller, more contained scale.
• Cape Sanctuary (Hikurangi): Community-driven coastal sanctuary on the East Cape focusing on biodiversity and rare species recovery. Comparable as another NZ community-led conservation initiative targeting threatened species through predator control.
• Predator Free 2050 Limited: National government-backed initiative coordinating predator control across NZ. Directly comparable to SLS as a coordinator/funder of landscape-scale predator control, including technology initiatives (e.g., Spitfire trials) that SLS also participates in.
• Mahu Whenua: Largest conservation undertaking on private land in NZ history, covering 53,000+ hectares across four high-country stations. Directly comparable to SLS's Rees Valley programme as a private-land, high-country landscape conservation initiative with overlapping landowner partners.

Regional players

• Taranaki Mounga: Regional landscape-scale predator control and ecological restoration project in Taranaki. Comparable to SLS as a similar multi-stakeholder, geography-focused conservation initiative though in a different region of NZ.

Others

• Next Foundation: New Zealand philanthropic funder supporting large-scale conservation projects. Comparable as a funder in the same conservation ecosystem, often backing multi-year landscape programmes - useful as a comparator for funding scale and structure rather than as a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SouthernLakesSanctuary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/southern-lakes-sanctuary-trust
• Instagraminstagram.com/southernlakessanctuary

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust