New Zealand’s first private galaxiid sanctuary is opening in Central Otago on Saturday, November 18.

The sanctuary is the work of local property owners and freshwater project group Tiaki Maniototo (TM) at Spec Creek, a tributary of the Kyeburn River.

The Central Otago roundhead galaxias (Galaxias anomalous) is found only in the Upper Taiari/Taieri catchment and in a few streams of the Manuherekia catchment. 

Spec Creek, is one of the best places in the world to find Central Otago roundheads. The naturally low flow means that few trout find their way up into the creek, and water quality in the stream is generally high. 

Phil Smith of Glenspec and Hamish MacKenzie of Kyeburn station have, with TM’s help, fenced off a stretch of Spec Creek on their properties, creating a corridor where cattle will be excluded.

Phil said education about the native fish is a big thing.

“If we can educate people about how endangered the species is, we can then start doing something about it.”

Central Otago roundhead galaxias. PHOTO: Tiaki Maniototo

Freshwater consultant Richard Allibone said the new sanctuary was highly significant.

“Of all the Otago galaxiids, this is the least protected of all of them . . . [Phil and Hamish] have taken a step that no one else has."

Richard said it represents a big shift in the general attitude of the farming community.

“[We are going from] we know nothing about these things and don't really care about them, to actually, they're special to our area, and we’re doing something to protect them. It’s a whole switch in how we’re treating the stream.”

The reserve is dedicated to freshwater ecologist Matt Hickey, who worked closely with the Kyeburn community and passed away last year. 

A carpark, a walking track and a kiosk for signage has also been built.

Willows will be controlled in the sanctuary and trout periodically removed. 

Otago is a national hotspot for freshwater fish called galaxiids, with more species living here than in any other part of New Zealand.

Most of these species are now under threat from competition with trout, altered stream flows and degraded habitat. 

For more information see Tiaki Maniototo’s website.