For NBS, supporting organisations that strengthen the local community and environment is a key part of our commitment to banking for life. One example of this is our long-standing support of the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, one of Aotearoa’s most ambitious conservation projects.
Spanning 690 hectares of protected native forest just minutes from central Nelson, it’s the largest fully fenced sanctuary in the South Island and the second largest in the country.
The sanctuary was created with a bold vision – to protect native ecosystems, reintroduce species that have disappeared from the region and reconnect people with the natural environment. More than 20 years on, that vision continues to grow, supported by a passionate team, over 300 volunteers and strong community partnerships.
Chief Executive Chris McCormack says the sanctuary’s work is about far more than conservation alone.
“Our goal is to protect the forest and everything in it, but it’s also about connecting people with nature”, he explains. “Education and awareness are a big part of what we do, because the more people understand the importance of these ecosystems, the more they want to protect them.”
Over the years, the sanctuary has achieved several significant milestones in species restoration. Native wildlife that had long disappeared from the valley has begun to return, including kākā, tuatara, orange-fronted parakeet and the carnivorous Powelliphanta giant land snail.
One of the most exciting recent developments has been the arrival of kiwi.
Chris began his role as Chief Executive in April 2025, just two weeks before kiwi were introduced into the sanctuary, a milestone moment for the project.
“It was an incredible time to join”, he says. “Seeing kiwi return to the valley was a huge achievement for the sanctuary and the many people who have supported the project over the years.”
The introduction of kiwi has also created new opportunities to connect visitors with the sanctuary’s conservation work. Guided night tours now offer the chance to hear, and occasionally see, kiwi in the wild, alongside glowworms and other native wildlife.
“These experiences help people really appreciate what makes this place special”, says Chris. “It’s also helping us grow awareness of the sanctuary and develop additional revenue streams to support our work.”
Partnerships with community-focused organisations play a vital role in enabling the sanctuary to continue its important work.
NBS supports the sanctuary both as a banking partner and as a community sponsor, contributing to the organisation’s day-to-day operations and wider initiatives.
“The support from NBS and their clients helps us continue the work we do here”, says Chris. “Running a sanctuary of this scale involves ongoing operational costs, and their backing helps ensure we can keep protecting the forest and the species that live here.”
For NBS Chief Executive Gina Dellabarca, supporting projects like the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary reflects NBS’ commitment to the communities and environment of the region.
The sanctuary also uses NBS for its everyday banking, something Chris says aligns naturally with the organisation’s community values.
What sets NBS apart is that they’re genuinely community driven. They’re highly engaged with the community and they care about the organisations they support.
That local connection also translates into practical, responsive service.
“When you contact them, you’re speaking to real people who understand what you’re doing”, says Chris. “If there’s ever an issue, they’re quick to help and incredibly responsive. You don’t feel like just another number.”
NBS has also supported the sanctuary in other ways, including providing branded team uniforms and participating in volunteer days at the sanctuary.
For Chris, this kind of hands-on community support reflects a shared commitment to protecting the region for generations to come.
At the heart of the sanctuary is the idea of restoring what has been lost. We’re bringing species back, rebuilding ecosystems, and creating a place where future generations can experience a thriving native forest. In a way, it perfectly embodies the NBS way of doing things, fostering banking for life.
Visitors can explore more than 15 kilometres of walking tracks through the sanctuary, ranging from short scenic walks to longer forest trails. Spending time in the sanctuary offers a chance to experience a rare and protected ecosystem while learning about the conservation work happening behind the scenes.
“Being in a pristine forest like this has a powerful effect on people”, says Chris. “It’s calming, it’s grounding and it reminds us how important it is to protect these places.”
For the team at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, community support remains essential to achieving their long-term goals.
“We’re proud to have NBS backing the sanctuary”, Chris says. “Their support helps us continue restoring this incredible environment and ensuring it’s here for future generations to enjoy.”
