Since 2003, we have been striving to restore the biodiversity of Puketi
Our purpose
The activities of the Trust are guided by the founding document which sets out the aims of the Trust as follows:
To restore Puketi Forest to a complete, healthy, living forest essential to the spiritual, cultural, historical, economic and social wellbeing of local communities and maintain it in perpetuity for future generations
To restore the historical and cultural significance, as well as the mauri (physical and spiritual force) of Puketi Forest
To bring together and represent the different groups to ensure that the restoration of Puketi Forest is successful and the benefits of a restored forest are realised by the wider community
To promote education about Puketi Forest and become a resource for conservation education and science
To provide governance and direction at all stages of the project of restoration and enable fundraising
To demonstrate leadership in conservation and landowner awareness
To encourage and assist the owners of land adjacent to Puketi Forest to manage native forest on their land in a manner that will assist the maintenance of Puketi Forest as a complete healthy living forest.
Who we are
The trust is administered by up to nine trustees. One is appointed by the Piki te Aroha Marae Committee and one by the Far North Branch of Forest & Bird. The remainder are elected by members of the trust. Nominations for new trustees can be made up to 48 hours prior to our AGM.
What we do
Working within a Management Agreement with the Department of Conservation, the trust has established large trap networks for control of mustelids and feral cats over approximately 5,600 hectares in Puketi Forest and for control of rats and possums within a 650 hectare core area.
Control of goats, pigs and dogs is provided throughout Puketi by the Department of Conservation, who also provide periodic possum control in other parts of the forest.
This pest control provides the basis for a long term restoration project to prevent decline of the forest and restore its rich diversity. Monitoring of pests, day-active birds and kiwi has confirmed that the pest control is effective.
The trust has re-introduced North Island robins (toutouwai) and kokako to Puketi. The presence of these birds has been confirmed as recently as 2025.
All administration, planning, monitoring, and part of the trust’s work in the forest is done by volunteers, working a total of approximately 4,000 hours per year. The trust has no direct employees, but employs contractors to service many of our trap lines. We have a wide range of jobs that can be done by volunteers and are always glad to hear from anyone who would like to help. If you are interested in volunteering, see our volunteer page.
