The Willowbank Foundation
Find Us
60 Hussey RoadACTIVATING high-impact conservation projects that strengthen wildlife populations and restore natural habitats.
CONNECTING donors and partners with initiatives delivering measurable outcomes for Canterbury’s ecosystems.
NATURE Is Under Pressure.
Aotearoa is home to some of the most unique wildlife on Earth — yet many species face growing pressure from habitat loss, introduced predators and environmental change, putting them at risk of disappearing altogether.
69% of New Zealand’s native wildlife is considered threatened or at risk.
Protecting wildlife takes collaboration and long-term commitment. As urban life distances people from nature, The Willowbank Foundation aims to reconnect communities with the natural world — inspiring care and action.
We help activate conservation projects that protect wildlife, restore habitats and strengthen ecosystems across Christchurch and Canterbury.
Because conservation works best when it’s local — and when we do it together.
Humans once offered animals a partnership; some accepted while others remained wild.
The question we must ask ourselves: are we holding up our end of the partnership? If conservation is our promise to nature, supporting it is how we keep that promise. Support The Willowbank Foundation today and help us honour our partnership with nature.
DONATEPROTECT. RESTORE. INSPIRE.
Conservation works best when it’s shared — when communities come together to create real impact.
Conservation in ACTION.
Through grants, donations and strategic partnerships, The Willowbank Foundation supports projects that:
PROTECT native wildlife populations
RESTORE natural habitats and landscapes
INSPIRE learning and community connection
Each project is grounded in local impact and driven by collaboration — because lasting conservation works best when it is shared, supported and achieved together.
The Willowbank Legacy
More than 50 years ago, Michael Willis and Kathy Rangiwananga founded Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, creating a place where people could connect with Aotearoa's unique wildlife and natural heritage. Their vision established Willowbank as one of New Zealand's most loved wildlife experiences, and a trusted name in conservation and education.
The Future
What began as a wildlife reserve became a lifelong commitment to conservation. The Willowbank Foundation continues this legacy — building on it for the future.
taking action
Protecting wildlife, restoring habitats and expanding conservation education — so our wildlife and wild places thrive for generations to come.
IMPACT Areas.
New Zealand is experiencing a biodiversity CRISIS.
Thousands of our native species are declining in numbers, so unless we take bold steps, some will be lost to us forever. Your support helps activate conservation projects that protect wildlife and restore habitats across Christchurch and Canterbury.
DONATECurious about our impact or keen to get involved?
Whether you’re a donor, partner, educator or part of the community — get in touch and help take conservation beyond the gate, to where it’s needed most.