Help Build the Future of Conservation in Fiordland

Currently, much of the wild venison recovered during deer management operations cannot be processed locally, making recovery expensive and inefficient. A dedicated processing facility in Te Anau will reduce costs, minimise waste, provide meat to communities, and create an ongoing source of funding for conservation.

Deer browsing has significant impacts on Fiordland’s native forests and alpine ecosystems. Responsible deer management helps protect native plants and wildlife while maintaining healthy game animal populations where appropriate. The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation has spent more than 20 years developing this balanced approach.

No. The project has two purposes. Some venison will continue to be supplied to food banks and community organisations, while some will be sold commercially. Revenue from commercial sales is reinvested into conservation work, helping create a long-term funding model that supports ongoing deer management.

This facility has been specifically designed to support deer recovery operations in Fiordland. Its location in Te Anau significantly reduces transport costs and improves efficiency, making it practical to recover animals that would previously have been uneconomic to process.

In 2026, the Fiordland Wapiti herd became New Zealand’s first Herd of Special Interest (HOSI). This recognition acknowledges the unique value of the Fiordland Wapiti herd and provides a framework for managing it for its hunting values while continuing to improve conservation outcomes. For the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, it represents more than 20 years of volunteer effort and demonstrates that conservation and responsible game animal management can work hand in hand.

The total project cost is approximately $3 million. More than $2 million has already been secured through funding partners, donated goods and services, and project supporters. This campaign aims to raise the final $1 million needed to complete the facility.

Funds raised through this campaign will contribute towards completing the processing facility, purchasing equipment, commissioning the plant, and supporting the project’s establishment so it can begin operating successfully.

Yes. The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation is a registered New Zealand charity (Registration Number: CC29355) and is also a New Zealand Registered Business (NZBN: 9429042701811). Donations of $5 or more may be eligible for a 33.33% donation tax credit through Inland Revenue (IRD), subject to your individual circumstances. An official donation receipt will be emailed to you after your contribution, which you can use when claiming your tax credit.

Construction is planned to commence following completion of fundraising, with the project scheduled through to early 2027 before becoming operational.

The processing facility becomes a long-term asset for conservation. Revenue generated from venison processing helps fund future deer management, allowing the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation to expand its conservation work across Fiordland and carry on the work they’ve been doing for the last 20 years.

Supporters who select a reward will receive confirmation after making their pledge. Physical rewards will be distributed once the campaign has concluded, while experience rewards will be arranged directly with successful supporters.

For over 20 years, the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation has demonstrated that well-managed hunting can play an important role in conservation. Responsible deer management helps protect native ecosystems while ensuring recovered animals are used respectfully rather than wasted. This project builds on that proven model by reducing waste, feeding communities, and creating sustainable funding for future conservation.

Because your contribution does more than build a processing plant. It helps create a long-term conservation model that protects Fiordland, reduces waste, supports local communities, and ensures this work can continue for generations to come. Every donation, no matter the size, becomes part of that legacy.