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Landowners protecting and enhancing Takaka Hill biodiversity by restoring ecosystems for native species
About Us
Behind the Scenes
The Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust (THBGT) understand that our unique lands form a corridor of a range of habitat between Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks. Intensive predator control in the Flora stream area of Kahurangi has resulted in populations of endangered species such as kaka, kea and whio and has enabled roroa (Great Spotted Kiwi) to be re-established. Similarly, predator control by Project Janszoon in the Abel Tasman has enabled birds such as pateke (brown teal) to be re-introduced.
An equal response from Takaka Hill landowners, means this privately owned corridor can in time extend the habitat for these unique birds and other native species benefiting as they spread out from the National Parks.
Landowner Led Leadership
The Trust is a a landowner led and managed community group that adheres to good governance, financial management and transparency. We believe that landowners through their shared knowledge and collective action can make a significant difference towards achieving New Zealand's indigenous biodiversity goals.
Thank you!
For Your Support
Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust at a Glance
A Bit of Background
The Trust is driven by a single goal; to do our part in restoring Takaka Hill ecosystems and 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 to 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 Trust is committed to increasing indigenous biodiversity on Takaka Hill. The work we do is aimed at providing a collaborative approach to achieving New Zealand's biodiversity goals.
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Restore and protect Takaka Hill ecosystems
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Control predator and pest species
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Achieve biodiversity gains over the next 30 years
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Increase the density and abundance of Takaka Hill indigenous flora and fauna
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:
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Increase the density and abundance of native forest birds
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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.
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Increase the density and abundance of Powelliphanta hochstetteri
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.
Contact us to learn more about our pest plant programme of work.
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:
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Limestone mahoe nationally listed as ‘at risk, naturally uncommon’
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Brachyglottis laxiflora is an NW Nelson endemic confined to marble and limestone
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Limestone three finger is very common on the marble scrub slopes, listed as ‘at risk, naturally uncommon’
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Limestone mahoe is nationally listed as ‘at risk, naturally uncommon’
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Greenhood orchid/ Pterostylis oliveri loves growing on marble
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Spider orchid/ Corybas amaranthus; Birdsnest orchid/ Chiloglottis cornuta
Adult Kea
Male Miromiro (Tomtit)
Toutouwai (South Island Robin)
Adult Kea
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