Te Whakamaru o Horohoro to continue ground-based predator control for another three years, thanks to a Lottery’s Environment and Heritage Grant.

Project Manager Kataraina George says they’ve worked steadily to keep the project going after Jobs for Nature funding came to an end.

“The changes in funding pathways led to the project team dwindling for some time over the last year”.

This past year, the team has focussed on securing sustainable funding and hiring new staff.

“Our kaimahi team is now back to full strength and continuing their work at pace. We welcome the return of Kyle’s son Izaiah, and our brand new kaimahi Brodie. Both are incredible additions because of their passion about restoring our native bush, and Izaiah brings back his quiet, steady dedication to the project.”

They have also managed to complete a 180-hectare expansion. Bringing their total project area to 1,427 hectares.

“The team have installed infrastructure in a smaller native block, Tihiotonga (also known as Te Paiaka block), which is on the outskirts of Rotorua township. Te Paiaka has previously not had a pest control strategy, only occasional possum trapping,” Kataraina says.

The entire project area is difficult terrain - the Mamaku plateau features large gullies and cliff faces making it difficult and dangerous.

“Despite these challenges, the work is very rewarding as we have managed to finally set up trap networks and start culling the many predators.

“We're proud we can continue this mahi, our tīma to exercise their kaitiakitanga and restore the mauri of our ancestral lands, for at least the next three years”.