Skink Squad Deploys to Save Hawke's Bay's Last Spotted Skinks

Hawke's Bay is rallying to protect a precious piece of its natural heritage with the formation of the 'Skink Squad.' This dedicated group of conservationists is on a critical mission to safeguard the region's last known colonies of the rare northern spotted skink, also known as kōkōwai.

The collaborative effort brings together key organizations, including Biodiversity Hawke's Bay, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, the Department of Conservation, Napier City Council, and Hawke's Bay Regional Council. Their collective expertise and resources are being pooled to ensure the survival of this vulnerable species.

The establishment of a new skink sanctuary, developed by the Napier City Council on a grass reserve along Marine Parade, represents a significant step forward. Acting general manager of the National Aquarium, Joe Woolcott, has hailed this sanctuary as the optimal outcome for the kōkōwai, providing a secure and protected environment for their future.

This initiative highlights Hawke's Bay's commitment to conservation and the unique biodiversity of the region. The story is a testament to local efforts in preserving native wildlife, a matter of great importance to the community and a point of pride for New Zealand's conservation work.

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the skink sanctuary built by the Napier City Council on the grass reserve on Marine Parade is the best outcome for the rare kōkōwai, or northern spotted skinks.