About The Trust

Purpose of the Trust
How did it get started?
Current activities
Our success
Who is on the Trust?
More information

Purpose of the Trust
The Kaharoa Kokako Trust was formed in 1997 by a group of local residents who wanted to save the few kokako that remained in the area.

By reducing the number of possums and ship rats in the Kaharoa Conservation Area, the Trust has enabled kokako numbers to grow.

The increasing number of kokako at Kaharoa is living proof of how the community can play a vital role in enhancing the environment.

As a result of the Trust’s ever-expanding activities, the Kaharoa Conservation Area is now home to one of the largest and most significant kokako populations in New Zealand.

The Trust works closely with the Department of Conservation to achieve these successful results. This relationship is formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding.

How did it get started?
From 1988 to 1997, Kaharoa Forest was part of an important national study by Landcare Research and the Department of Conservation. The purpose of this research experiment was to determine the cause of kokako decline. Results showed that predation by possums and ship rats were the main cause for the widespread decline of kokako in New Zealand forests (Innes, J. et al 1999).

Following completion of this experiment, the Department of Conservation had no immediate funding available for continued pest control. Kaharoa residents Peter Davey and Rachael Vellinga began discussion with DOC about alternative pest control arrangements.

In 1997 volunteers established 160 bait stations throughout 300 ha Kaharoa Forest. After a strong start, the Trust was formally incorporated Jan 1998 based on a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Conservation.

In 2000, pest control was extended to the Onaia Ecological Area, increasing total bait stations to over 550.

Current activities
The main activities of the Trust relate to pest control of possums and ship rats. This labour-intensive work is carried out by groups of dedicated volunteers. During the nesting season bait stations are filled with poison bait. These bait stations are connected by a large network of tracks that must be maintained every year.

The Trust also conducts monitoring of kokako numbers to determine the size and spread of the kokako population. The results of monitoring shows that the kokako numbers have increased significantly since the Trust began pest control in 1997.

Another major role of the Kaharoa Kokako Trust is to ensure community buy-in to the project and engender wide-spread support.

Our Success
Kaharoa Kokako Trust is widely recognised as a successful model for other community conservation groups to follow.

In recognition of its achievements, the Trust has won the following awards:
• 2001 - Winner of Trustpower Spirit of Rotorua Heritage & Environment Award.
• 2005 - Department of Conservation (Bay of Plenty) Outstanding Contribution to Conservation Award.
• 2005 - Trustpower Spirit of Rotorua Award - commendation in Heritage & Environment.
• 2006 – Overall winner of Environment Bay of Plenty Conservation Award.
• 2007 – North Island Kokako Recovery Group acknowledgement to the Trust's significant contribution to the Kokako Recovery Programme.
• 2008 - Runner up Trustpower Spirit of Rotorua Heritage & Environment Award.

Who is on the Trust?
• Anne Managh (chair)
• Margaret Horner (secretary)
• John Paterson
• Carmel Richardson
• Graeme Young
• Guy Irwin
• Tom Davies
• Peter Williams

Patrons: Peter Davey and Rachael Dixon-Davey

Interested in more information?
Read our Kaharoa Kokako Trust fact sheet [69 KB PDF]
Read our Ten Year Plan [412 Kb PDF]
See the Department of Conservation web site

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