About Us
We are a volunteer group that manages 500 hectares of native forest in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, between Tauranga and Katikati. The Project is a joint venture between Forest and Bird and the Aongatete Forest Restoration Trust.
Our Trust was established in 2006 by Tauranga Forest and Bird and the Katikati Rotary Club and is supported by local volunteers, Forest and Bird members, landowners and Ngai Tamawhariua who have the kaitiaki (guardianship) role over this forest.
Our Forest
Our Forest
Aongatete has a very special forest ecosystem and it’s right on the back doorstep of the Western BOP. Check out the area our project looks after and the variety of amazing walks on offer for all to enjoy.
Our Work
Our Work
Our incredible volunteers and supporters are focused on restoring forest, birds and invertebrates in the Kaimai ranges. To do this we have an extensive network of traps and bait stations that are maintained year-round to target most of the introduced pest species.
Our History
Our History
The project has its origins in a 2001 search to locate the last surviving kokako in the Kaimai range. Sadly, they’d all gone. It was also revealed how badly degraded the bush had become. Since then we’ve collaborated with many fantastic people and organisations to positively influence the health of our forest.
Our Trustees
Our Trustees
As a registered charitable trust, we have a dedicated group of people who oversee the direction of the project as well as manage all of the elements that make the project tick, from finance to operations to education and more.