Predator fence cut

Wellington: The deliberate cutting of a hole in a predatorproof fence at the weekend has shocked staff at Wellington’s urban ecosanctuary.

Zealandia is home to rare and threatened species such as kiwi, hihi and tuatara.

Zealandia director Danielle Shanahan said someone with a power tool cut a hole big enough to let predators in.

‘‘We’re absolutely gobsmacked and dumbfounded as to who could have done this.’’

If just one stoat got inside, it could wipe out one of the species, Dr Shanahan said. — RNZ