Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park Predator Proof Fence
Heritage Park,
Hamilton
Keir Projects has recently partnered with Xcluder to supply and construct a new 4km predator-proof fence, 1.5km access track, and associated works at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park. Located directly across from Hamilton Zoo, this 60-hectare restoration park is a growing sanctuary known for its peaceful walking tracks, diverse habitats, and long-term ecological vision to restore the original ecosystems of the Hamilton Basin.
- LOCATION
HAMILTON, Waikato - COLLABORATORS
Hamilton Zoo - Xcluder
- Hamilton city council
- COMPLETED
2026
This significant fencing project enhances the park’s ability to protect biodiversity and supports the decades of community-driven restoration already underway. By reducing pressure from introduced predators, the new fence helps ensure native wildlife can continue to return, establish, and thrive.
For more than 20 years, Waiwhakareke has transformed from farmland into a mosaic of wetlands, ngahere, and open spaces that now support an increasing range of native plants and animals. But this progress is continually challenged by invasive predators. Every week, large numbers of cats and rats enter the park, threatening birds, lizards, insects, and the wider ecosystem.
Predator-exclusion fences have already proven their value in sanctuaries across Aotearoa such as Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. These places show how specialised fencing, together with sustained pest management, can dramatically increase native wildlife abundance and biodiversity.
The new Waiwhakareke fence follows this proven conservation model. It is a key step toward creating a largely predator-free environment where vulnerable species can recover, habitats can regenerate naturally, and the park’s long-term ecological vision can be fully realised.
The fence is engineered to prevent climbing, burrowing, and squeezing through — ensuring predators cannot enter the sanctuary.
Key features include:
-Tightly specified mesh that prevents access for rats, mice, and other small mammals.
-An overhanging Xcluder hood designed to stop climbing predators.
-A secure below-ground footing that prevents burrowing.
-Carefully designed terminations, including gates, culverts, and corners to remove weak points.
-A continuous barrier system that meets national best practice for predator-proof sanctuaries.
The project includes:
-4km of predator-proof fence.
-A 3m-wide access track.
-Pedestrian and vehicle entry/exit gates.
-Predator-proof culvert systems.
-More than 2,000 poles and 4,000m of 3m-high mesh.
-4,000m of specialised Xcluder hooding.
A team of 8–10 staff worked on site daily to deliver the installation across challenging terrain.
Constructing a fence of this scale brought several challenges. Large tracts of swampy ground required careful pole installation to ensure long-term structural stability. Limited access points made transporting equipment more complex. And throughout the build, the team needed to adhere to stringent predator-exclusion specifications to maintain the fence’s integrity.
Through detailed planning, adaptive construction methods, and close on-site collaboration, the project was completed while minimising environmental disturbance and respecting the ecological values of the park.
With this fence nearing completion, Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park is entering a new chapter. The site will soon be significantly more secure from predators, creating safer habitat for native wildlife and supporting long-term restoration goals shared by the wider Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct (Hamilton Zoo and Waiwhakere), mana whenua, council, and the wider community.
This work not only strengthens Waiwhakareke’s biodiversity but also enhances the broader ecological landscape surrounding Hamilton Zoo – creating opportunities for species movement, habitat connectivity, and future conservation collaboration.
Together with Xcluder and the dedication of the on-site crew, this project sets the foundation for a thriving, resilient sanctuary that will support native species for generations to come.