We are pleased to announce the commencement of our crowdfunding initiative
The Fiordland Project
An initiative by the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation.
The Fiordland Project operates as a charitable non-profit organisation. All profits are allocated directly to conservation initiatives.
The Fiordland Project operates as a charitable non-profit organisation. All profits are allocated directly to conservation initiatives.
Our Story
What began as a mission to manage the environmental impacts of deer in the Wapiti Area of Fiordland has grown into a blueprint for hunter-led conservation and wild food systems. Over the years, traps have been laid to protect native birdlife. Huts have been restored, there has been an opening up of access to wild country while countless families across New Zealand have been nourished with healthy, wild-sourced venison.
The next step is the boldest yet. The Fiordland Project-a vision grounded in care for land, our food, and our communities-is ready to be realised, and it matters now more than ever.
Conservation-led deer management
Local, ethical venison
Community-powered
20+ years of proven delivery
A big thank you to our Partners
“The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation is a small organisation delivering an incredible impact, and Apollo Projects is proud to support its work. Many of our consultant and subcontractor partners have also chosen to back this project, reflecting its significance well beyond Fiordland. More than a building, the project underpins vital long-term conservation efforts and transforms what would otherwise go to waste into meaningful food security for families across Aotearoa.”
Paul Lloyd, Director Apollo Projects
The challenge
Red deer populations across Fiordland are increasing rapidly, with vast areas receiving little to no active management.
The commercial venison market only functions when profitable — leaving deer numbers to multiply when prices drop.
Current efforts focus on recovering the biggest animals (mostly males), while females continue to breed, accelerating population growth.
Skills and capacity in helicopter-based deer recovery have declined sharply, with DOC concessions dropping by ~90%, just as ecological pressure increases.
Our Solution
Extend the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation’s proven, volunteer-led deer management model across the wider national park.
Prioritise ecological impact over commercial value by targeting the right animals — including females and harder-to-reach deer.
Establish a small, purpose-built venison processing facility in Te Anau to enable local, reliable, low-emission recovery.
Reinvent the venison pathway: distribute wild protein to New Zealanders and reinvest all revenue directly back into conservation.