Karori Sanctuary Trust Guidelines for Conducting Research:
POLICY
The Karori Sanctuary Trust encourages the use of the Sanctuary as a place of learning and
research. It appreciates that the unique assemblage of plants and animals in the valley, as well
as the restoration programme, offers opportunities to seek and acquire new knowledge about
New Zealand’s indigenous biodiversity and ecological processes.
Scope of Research
The Trust is keen to foster research that:
1. informs and supports the sanctuary’s restoration programme
2. can inform and benefit conservation and restoration initiatives elsewhere in New
Zealand
3. is curiosity driven and gathers new knowledge about New Zealand’s indigenous plants
and animals and the ecological processes that threaten or sustain them.
Preferred research
Preferred research will underpin the Trust’s Vision and Strategic Objectives.
Vision:
A world-class conservation site portraying our natural heritage that captures people’s
imagination, understanding and commitment.
Conservation and Research objectives:
We will have:
 fauna, flora and habitats representative of a Wellington ecological district coastal
lowland and freshwater ecosystem restored in the enclosed area
 the indigenous character of the valley restored to the enclosed area
 key natural processes functioning in the enclosed area
 species dispersal and gene flow occurring in the wider city ecosystem
 knowledge and methodologies gained for application to conservation elsewhere
 made a contribution to national species recovery programmes
The Trust will identify a range of topics on which it would welcome immediate research to
inform and support its restoration programme. These topics will be the “preferred research”
topics, will be reviewed annually and will be listed on the website.
Application Process:
Researchers are requested to read the Karori Sanctuary Trust Guidelines for Conducting
Research and complete the Trust’s Application form. This formal application process is
intended to provide Trust staff with an initial understanding of research objectives,
methods and timeframes, and of demands likely to be made upon them for assistance.
An “Application Form for Admission to the Valley to Undertake Research” and
Application fee must be completed and submitted to the Karori Sanctuary Trust at least
20 working days before the proposed start of any research. Intending researchers can
expect feedback and follow-up consultation within 10 working days of receipt of the
application.
D:\533571370.doc
The application fee will be refunded for any approved research that has been identified
as “preferred research” on the website.
Where appropriate, the research must have:

a valid Animal Ethics Committee Approval

the support of the Victoria University Animal Ethics Committee,

a valid Department of Conservation Authority.
Research constraints and minimum requirements when working in the valley:

Access.
Access will only be allowed between the dates specified in the application. If an
extension is required, a written request should be made to the Karori Sanctuary Trust at
least 14 days prior to the end date specified in the proposal.
Access is allowed only for the purpose of research. One additional person may
accompany the researcher as an assistant where specifically requested and approved.
Access will only be allowed during opening hours unless specifically requested and
approved.
No-one is permitted to work alone in the valley after hours for safety reasons. If after
hours access is approved, then an approved assistant must accompany the researcher
during any after hours work. Application can be made to the Trust to waiver the
requirement for an assistant where after hours work is undertaken:
o in the morning before the valley is opened to the public
o confined to public tracks and an assistant would prove a constraint
but requires specific agreement by the Karori Sanctuary Trust. A “buddy” is also
required for anyone working after hours in the valley – this person should know where
the work will be undertaken, the expected time for completion of work and who to
contact (the 24 hour Emergency phone (04 471 6870)) should the researcher not arrive
home safely.
Recreational access for family and friends is not allowed.

Safety & communications:
The valley is a natural area and as such there are hazards.
The researcher must submit an OSH safety plan and comply with the Trust’s OSH
requirements.
o The researcher is responsible for personal safety and must have a proven
fitness level, use sturdy footwear if working off-track, and use appropriate
outdoor clothing.
o The “Golden Rules” must be followed when working in the valley.
o A cell phone is to be carried at all times while in the valley. This is to be
provided by the researcher.
D:\533571370.doc
o The researcher must notify their intentions when entering the valley (arrival
and departure times and the area of work). This process will be confirmed once
the research has been approved.

Fires and rubbish:
A permanent fire ban is in force in the valley.
Smoking is only permitted at the carpark.
All rubbish must be carried out.

Potential impacts on wildlife and visitors:
At all times care must be exercised when working in the valley to minimise
disturbance to wildlife, damage to vegetation, and impacts on visitor experience.
Work off track or access to restricted areas is prohibited unless specifically approved
Staff must be immediately notified if anything unusual is seen or any animals are
found injured or sick.

Key:
A key can be issued if entry and/or exit is required outside opening hours. A deposit is
required that will be refunded when the key is returned. The key and the research pass
MUST be returned on completion of the approved project.
All gates that are unlocked by the researcher for access purposes must be left locked at
all times.

Research findings:
Depending on the scope of the research, interim reports and presentations to staff and
volunteers may be required.
A 2 page summary of research objectives and findings suitable for placement on the
Trust’s website is required.
A copy of any reports or publications arising out of any approved research are to be
provided to the Karori Sanctuary Trust.
A copy of any thesis that has been approved and undertaken as “preferred research” is
to be provided to the Karori Sanctuary Trust.
 Termination of approval:
A research approval will be terminated if any of the agreed conditions and rules are not
met.
D:\533571370.doc