Legacy Built. Future Focused.
The Willowbank Foundation is an independent charitable trust, established to build on more than 50 years of conservation leadership at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
We connect people, funding, partnerships and expertise with projects that protect wildlife and biodiversity, connect communities with nature and advance science and research.
By taking conservation beyond the gate and into the wider community, we are creating opportunities for more people to be part of the future of conservation in Canterbury and beyond.
50+ Years of IMPACT.
The Willowbank Foundation is built on a conservation legacy that began more than five decades ago, when Michael Willis and Kathy Rangiwananga established Willowbank Wildlife Reserve — creating a place where people could connect with Aotearoa New Zealand's unique wildlife.
Guided by the simple belief when people connect with wildlife, they care enough to protect it, Willowbank has spent decades championing wildlife conservation, environmental education and advocacy.
This long-standing commitment has positioned Willowbank as one of Canterbury's most trusted conservation organisations, inspiring our community to value and protect the natural world.
The Foundation is the natural evolution of that legacy, helping shape the next chapter of conservation in New Zealand.
Conservation is about PEOPLE. The people who care enough to protect nature, and the people who choose to invest in its future.
Our PEOPLE.
The NEXT Chapter.
The first 50 years established a remarkable conservation legacy.
The next 50 will be shaped by collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to protecting New Zealand's natural environment.
The challenges facing nature continue to grow — but so do the opportunities to create meaningful change.
Together, we can create an even greater impact for nature and future generations.
