Kaharoa Kokako Trust

Kokako bird caught in the Kaharoa
forest for transport to other North
Island forest

The Kaharoa Kokako Trust was established in 1997 following interest by local residents to ensure the survival of the endangered kokako in the Kaharoa Forest. Working alongside the Department of Conservation (DOC), the Trust is a registered charitable organisation and utilises community volunteers for projects.

The objective of the Trust is to ensure the long term protection and survival of the kokako by:

• assisting DOC in its mandate to manage natural and historic resources and, in particular, the endangered kokako within Kaharoa Forest
• encouraging and assisting the owners of land adjacent to Kaharoa Forest to manage native forest on their land in a manner that will assist the long term protection and survival of kokako.

A Memorandum of Understanding formalises the relationship between the Trust and DOC, with DOC providing technical support and the Trust managing the annual work programme, organising volunteer labour and contractors as required. The Trust also pursues funding opportunities and has been successful in attracting sponsorship to keep the programme running.

What does the Trust do?

The work of the Trust involves implementing proven methods of pest control, including establishing track networks with bait feeding stations, co-ordinating poisoning operations targeting rats and possums and monitoring breeding success by conducting juvenile surveys and adult census' of kokako on a regular basis. When the Trust was formed the initial pest control area was 351 hectares. By 2002, that area was extended to cover the whole Kaharoa Conservation Area encompassing 705 hectares.

Over the last five years of pest control the Trust has achieved good kokako fledging success rates. It is currently estimated the total number of kokako in the Kaharoa Forest is approaching 130, excellent progress considering that few more than 20 remained in 1997 when the Trust was formed.

Where is Kaharoa?

The Kaharoa Conservation Area is approximately 30 km northeast of Rotorua, ranges from 100 to 300 metres above sea level, has a northerly aspect and is divided by a reasonably large gorge. In pre-European times it was known to have been occupied by Ngati Rangiwewehi, a Te Arawa tribe and many old pa sites testify to the occupation.

In 1896 the Crown purchased the forest. Felling of native trees for timber and firewood, farming, gold mining and recreational use all had an impact on the forest. In 1984 the 300 ha 'Aislabie Block' was re-purchased by the Crown primarily to protect the kokako population. This move was initiated and strongly supported by the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of NZ through their Rotorua branch. From 1989 - 1997 the block was part of a major research project by DOC and NZ Landcare Research, which showed that intensive pest control prior to the kokako breeding season greatly improved breeding success.

Other work of the Trust

Aside from establishing and maintaining a population that is considered vital in the survival of the kokako in the North Island, the Kaharoa Kokako Trust has increased awareness of kokako through classroom talks and facilitating fieldtrips with school children, providing speakers to other community groups and generally encouraging involvement of the greater Rotorua community with its work.

Recently, conditions for working volunteers and visitors were improved with the provision of a car park and the building of an attractive shelter containing three DOC interpretation panels to inform visitors of the significance of the site, the ongoing project and the relationships that have supported the Kaharoa Kokako Trust's initiative.

In 2003 the Rt. Honourable Chris Carter, when opening this facility, commented that the Kaharoa Kokako Trust was an outstanding example of communities undertaking conservation initiatives and succeeding.

The Kaharoa Kokako Trust with the integral support of DOC would not have been able to succeed in assuring the survival of kokako at Kaharoa without generous funding support. As well as the huge amount of labour committed by the local community the Trust is grateful to the numerous individuals who have made significant donations. Principal sponsor organisations include Environment Bay of Plenty through the Environmental Enhancement Fund, Fletcher Challenge Forests and Tenon Ltd.

The Kaharoa Kokako Trust is seeking continued financial and volunteer labour support for its ongoing pest control work.

You can help

Physically active people are needed to assist with track maintenance and placement of bait in bait stations. Also checking and resetting of stoat traps. The main focus is July to November each year but track maintenance may be done any time throughout the year.

Contact

Anne Managh +64 7 345 9952 or 027 240 7119

Email: manacre@clear.net.nz

Website: www.kokako.org.nz

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