Our Seven Commitments
Nurturing a lifelong connection with nature. Manaaki tāngata, tiaki taiao.
We will listen to the communities we serve to foster authentic relationships and create inspiring and meaningful experiences that nurture connections with nature. We will support and work with these communities to catalyse our collective potential to deliver better outcomes for people and the natural world.
Taking action for wildlife in the wild. Mana tuku iho, mana tuku atu.
We will deploy our intensive wildlife management skills for species that urgently require intervention to prevent their extinction in the wild. We will support the work of our conservation partners to do the same.
Strengthening our relationship with Te Ao Māori. Ka whakawhenua, ka hua.
In partnership with tangata whenua and the mana whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, we will weave indigenous thought and knowledge throughout our organisation to realise our potential as a zoo that is distinctively of this land.
Through our collective responsibility for the care of te taiao (the natural world), we will help shape the evolving identity and collective voice of our country for the wellbeing of Auckland and New Zealand.
Evolving our organisation sustainably. He whiringa whakaaro, he whai aroaro.
We will enrich life in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland by working as part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and in partnership with other organisations to increase our efficiency, reach and impact.
We will help ensure our long-term vitality with innovative revenue-generating activities that align with our mission and values as a not-for-profit organisation, and that enhance our social license to operate.
We will take an agile approach in all our activities, including the operation and renewal of our organisation, to use our resources efficiently and responsibly, and to minimise our impact on the environment.
Learning, training, research, and embedding science in all that we do. He ako, he tauira, he māramatanga.
We will always take an evidence-based approach. We will use the best available data, our skills, and our experience to realise our unique potential as a good modern zoo. We will collaborate with academic and research partners who align with our values, to support those who want to contribute to positive outcomes for people and nature.
Ensuring positive welfare outcomes through excellence in animal care. Te tihi o te whakaaro, he manaaki.
We will continue to develop and implement exemplary practice in the care of the animals for which we are responsible, to provide each individual with the highest possible quality of life. We will be clear about how each species contributes to the delivery of our mission, and we will ensure that all species are managed ethically and sustainably.
Enhancing the wellbeing of our communities. He aka hononga, he oranga tāngata.
We will embrace diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility to connect with as many people as possible from the diverse communities we serve. We will engage in programmes and activities that enhance social, physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing that help communities feel happier, function better and have positive impacts on their wider lives.
