Tuatara have long been associated with the Southland Museum and Art Gallery and are an important part of the Southland story. The completion of the new tuatara facility at Queens Park signifies our commitment to ensuring their story continues for generations to come.

Te Moutere – Tuatara Island was officially opened on Friday, June 7 2024. The completion of this project is a significant milestone for Invercargill, reflecting our commitment to conservation and to enhancing Invercargill's cultural assets.

Designed by the Christchurch-based architectural firm Studio4 and brought to life by Calder Stewart's Invercargill branch, this state-of-the-art facility provides a species-specific habitat for this treasured taonga species.

Council does not own the tuatara but has engaged with iwi – Ngāti Koata, Te Atiawa, and Ngāi Tahu – and other stakeholders, such as the Department of Conservation on a "best-for-species" approach to Te Moutere. This project has reaffirmed our collective dedication to preserving the tuatara, a treasured taonga, for future generations.

Te Moutere – Tuatara Island is set to become an important educational resource for both residents and visitors. The enclosure's sophisticated design, which includes expansive viewing windows, burrows for the tuatara, and specialised care facilities, embodies best practices in animal welfare and habitat simulation.