Ngā Repo - The Wetlands

BUILD

Te Wao Nui’s Ngā Repo, The Wetlands, at Auckland Zoo is a stunning recreation of one of New Zealand's most iconic ecosystems. Central to this exhibit is an 8-metre-high rock wall, created using Gunite Dricon (a form of dry concrete) to replicate the rocky, waterfall-adorned landscapes of the far North Island's wetlands. Water cascades from the rock face at an impressive 42 litres per second, flowing into a pool that is home to unique wading birds, surrounded by native flora such as flax, mānuka, kahikatea, and tī kōuka (cabbage trees). Each plant has its own carefully designed pocket with a drainage system integrated into the wall.

Structurally, the rock wall is supported by a robust braced timber pole structure, ensuring it can handle the tonnes of themed Gunite applied to it. To maintain this elaborate environment, staff must abseil down the rock face to tend to the plants. Adding to the natural feel of the exhibit, swamp kauri logs, sourced from Waitākere City Council, line the pool to contain the waterfall’s splash and control the overflow.

Fabric Structures has played an integral role in many zoo projects, including the Wetlands, where they designed, fabricated, and installed the intricate metal mesh structure. With expertise in crafting durable and adaptable enclosures, they ensured the mesh was ideally suited to house New Zealand’s precious native birds, contributing to a truly immersive visitor experience.