The Skink House, a capstone project. Aims to address the decline in the population of New Zealand native skinks, particularly the copper and ornate skink species commonly found in Auckland. This decline is a consequence due to habitat loss and predation. 

"How can we create more habitable spaces for skinks in residential backyards in Tāmaki Makaurau?"

The Skink House project is a wildlife habitat starter for skinks, to be placed in backyards in favourable conditions to encourage biodiversity in gardens and promote safe habitats for native reptiles.

The need for safe habitats for native skinks is crucial, because of the increasing habitat loss due to urban development. The project aims to enhance awareness and educate people on how to create environments that encourage biodiversity and native animals in their gardens.

The objectives and goals of the Skink House project include creating a habitat that improves skinks' chances of survival, offering educational resources, increasing awareness, and creating/ nurtures a positive human-animal relationships while following values of sustainability and kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

The Skink House project's final outcome is a small, low scale, user-friendly, habitat kit designed for people with an interest or curiosity in creating wildlife-friendly gardens. It encourages a messy garden with the inclusion of native plants, sunny spaces, and hiding places that skinks and insects would be attracted to. The kit is designed for both adults and children with differing levels of garden knowledge, giving a chance for backyard users to contribute to skink conservation.

This project was a university capstone course assignment and did not involve external engagement, it is a step towards creating safe habitats for native skinks in an accessible way to the average kiwi with access to a garden, while also raising awareness about the importance of helping New Zealand's wildlife.