About Us

Behind the Scenes

The Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust (THBGT) understand that our unique lands form a corridor between Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks. Intensive predator control by Friends of Flora in the Flora stream area of Kahurangi has resulted in flourishing populations of endangered species such as kaka, kea and whio and has enabled roroa to be re-established. Similarly, predator control by Project Janszoon in the Abel Tasman has enabled birds such as pateke to be re-introduced.

Without an equal response from Takaka Hill landowners, this privately owned corridor risks becoming an ark for re-invasion, threatening these unique birds and other native species benefiting as they spread out from the National Parks.

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Landowner Led Leadership

The THBGT wants to lead the way as a landowner led community group that adheres to good governance, financial management and transparency. We believe that landowners through their shared knowledge can make a significant difference through their collective action to protect the unique native biodiversity of Takaka Hill.

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Thank you!

For Your Support

Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust at a Glance

A Bit of Background

The THBGT are driven by a single goal; to do our part in protecting New Zealand's native species for our children, our grandchildren and future generations. Our decision-making process is informed by evidence-based information, best practice project management, operations planning, monitoring and data evaluation. We strive to build collaborative relationships and make a positive impact from all of our actions. The Trust has recently signed a Community Agreement with DOC Motueka to look after Hawkes Lookout and carry out Biodiversity work on other Takaka Hill Public Conservation Land.

Trust volunteers clearing, planting and weeding at Hawkes Lookout using equipment funded by the Network Tasman Trust

Goals

The THBGT is committed to increasing native biodiversity on Takaka Hill. The work we do is aimed at providing a cooperative approach to solving New Zealand's biodiversity challenges.

Create healthy native habitats
Remove predators and pest species
Increase the density and abundance of native forest birdlife
Increase the density and abundance of native species found only on Takaka Hill

Predator Control

Reinforcing our Commitment

With support from the 2020 DOC Community Conservation Fund, Ravensdown Ngarua Lime works and Project Janszoon we are deploying 400 predator control traps as part of our Takaka Hill National Park Halo Project to:

Increase the density and abundance of native forest birds
Increase the density and abundance of native reptiles. The Takaka Hill may be a reptile stronghold, likely due to the extensive karst scrub and shrublands and the elevation supporting generally low levels of ship rat compared to the lowlands.
Increase the density and abundance of Powelliphanta hochstetteri

Learn more about our work by getting in touch today.

Pest Plant Control

One Step at a Time

With our Trusts goals always in mind, we are working with Kaitiaki O Ngahere to develop a multi-year invasive weed control programme. With support from the 2019 DOC Community Conservation Fund, Kaitiaki carried out a pest plant survey on Takaka Hill private land that resulted in the Takaka Hill Pest Plant Management Strategy 2020-2040 and the Pest Plant Action Plan 2021-2025.

Sephora longicarinata

Native plants found growing on Takaka Hill

Working to Protect Global Biodiversity

Sophora longicarinata Limestone kowhai is at risk and is naturally uncommon, just one of the many unique species found on Takaka Hill which include:

Limestone mahoe nationally listed as ‘at risk, naturally uncommon’
Brachyglottis laxiflora is an NW Nelson endemic confined to marble and limestone
Limestone three finger is very common on the marble scrub slopes, listed as ‘at risk, naturally uncommon’
Limestone mahoe is nationally listed as ‘at risk, naturally uncommon’
Greenhood orchid/ Pterostylis oliveri loves growing on marble
Spider orchid/ Corybas amaranthus; Birdsnest orchid/ Chiloglottis cornuta

Male Miromiro (Tomtit)

Toutouwai (South Island Robin)

Adult Kea

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Photo's provided by Amanda Henderson & Norman Petereit

Kea and many other native birds make Takaka Hill their home

Reinforcing our Commitment to protecting Native Birds

With between 3000 and 7000 Kea left in NZ, the worlds only alpine parrot. Kea loves nesting and hanging out together on Takaka Hill. But they are not the only birds found here there are also tui, korimako/bellbird, wax eye and kōtare/kingfisher. Ruru/morepork, riroriro/grey warbler, pīwakawaka/fantail, kererū/pigeon, weka, toutouwai/robin, miromiro/tomtit, pipipi/brown creeper, and kārearea/native falcon and parakeet/kākāriki

Working through the night surveying the abundance of Powelliphanta and Rhytida

Perhaps the most significant trend in biodiversity management since the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy was published has been the considerable growth in community based groups (and iwi) involved in community projects some of which are considerable.

Seeds of Change - Addressing New Zealand's Biodiversity Challenge Gerard Willis Enfocus December 2018

Contact the Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust

We'd love to hear from you, get in touch to learn more about how you can support our work.

+64276794040