This gave the idea renewed impetus and a remaining trust member, Ralph Allen revived the proposal.

[1] The trust gained the use of the 230 hectares (570 acres) Orokonui Conservation Area 20 km (12 mi) north of central Dunedin.

[15][18] In December 2006 work started on building a 9 km (5.6 mi) long specialised pest-exclusion fence, to enclose 307 ha (760 acres) of regenerating forest.

[7][19] The 1.9-metre (6 ft 3 in) high fence is designed to keep out all introduced mammals such as cats, possums, rats, stoats, ferrets and even mice.

[1] It uses stainless steel mesh that continues down to form a skirt at ground level that prevents animals from burrowing under it.

[20] Waterways are protected by screened culverts nicknamed "watergates", while pedestrian access is by airlock style double gates.

[10] The additional land was mainly pine plantation but considered to be of benefit as the trees when felled would give a good habitat for huhu grubs, an important food source for kākā.

[23] Other work involves planting of native seedlings raised at a nearby tree nursery[10] and piling up rocks to create habitats for lizards.

[26] Fifteen tuatara were moved from the University of Otago in March 2009,[27] and 34 South Island saddleback were introduced to the sanctuary the following month.