Kaharoa Kokako Trust (KKT) 1996-
The trust was initiated by Kaharoa residents, Peter Davey
and Rachel Vellinga after learning of the declining population of Kokako in the
area. Ecologist Carmel Richardson studied the Kaharoa Conservation Area, also
known as Aislabie’s Block, Rotoehu and Mapara on contract from Dept. of
Conservation. Her work showed a marked
decline in Kokako numbers due to introduced predators.
A Dept. of Conservation bid for funding to restart
management in the area failed, this led to Peter and Rachel investigating options
to assist. A group of interested people put together a proposal for volunteers
to carry out pest control. This group decided to form a charitable trust as a
guarantee that any donations would be used wisely and would be tax deductible.
Thus the Kaharoa Kokako Trust was born.
Aislabie’s block is accessed off Kapukapu Road, via Kaharoa
Road, it is bounded by three streams.
It was purchased by the Crown in 1984 to set aside as a reserve. A Research by Management Experiment took
place between 1990-1997 of Kokako populations at Kaharoa, Rotoehu and Mapara.
Predator control took place for 3 years at Kaharoa, no
controls in Rotoehu then the pest controls were rotated for a further 3 years,
and during this time the Mapara Block was not touched. The study showed that the introduced
predators of rats and possums were the greatest threat to the Kokako birds in
these areas. Pest eradication was proven
to be the best method of ensuring Kokako do not become extinct in the region.
The KKT then sought funding to purchase 130 bait stations
which volunteers would place throughout the Kaharoa Reserve. Monitoring of the
bait stations would be handled jointly by volunteers and DoC workers.
 |
| Free Shutterstock Photo from Pixabay |
Highlights of the next 20 years :
- In 1997 180 Bait stations are distributed throughout Kaharoa Reserve with help from Department of Conservation (DoC).
- Trustees for the KKT were appointed. A Trust Deed was formalised and sponsorship sought.
- Funding is sourced from a State Insurance funding pool. A Census of the Kokako population shows encouraging results.
- New tracks are constructed to extend the area for the bait network.
- DoC gets funding towards an adult bird census in the reserve.
- Trust thanks major sponsors Fletcher Challenge Forests Ltd. Environment Bay of Plenty (EBOP) , J & K Mathis, Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust (RECT) , DoC through a Threatened Species Trust.
- A new area added to the control programme at Onaia Ecological Area.
- A shelter & Interpretation panels are installed at the end of Kapukapu Road.
- Kokako chicks were translocated from Kaharoa to the Hamilton Zoo for rearing and from there released on Maumia (Lady Alice Island) a predator free island.
- A five year plan is formalised with help from DoC.
- In 2005 the Trust wins an award at the 2nd Annual Bay of Plenty DoC environment awards.
- In 2006 the Trust wins awards from the Rotorua District Council Community Awards, Trustpower spirit of Rotorua Award and a Green Ribbon Award.
- More funding is received from the EBOP Environment Enhancement Fund. A new census of adult birds is planned.
- In 2007 the census shows a substantial increase in adult bird numbers in the Kaharoa Reserve.
- 10 Years Anniversary of the Trust is celebrated.
- Kokako Nest Egg investment fund is set up to manage fund raising efforts.
- Translocation of Kokako to Mokoia Island is planned.
- A Kokako banner is installed opposite the police station on Fenton Street.
- In 2008 DoC agrees to handle all training for Controlled Substances Licences so that volunteers can handle the bait’s
- Funding is received with gratitude from the ‘Birdlife International’ fund and a grant from the NZ Royal Forest and Bird Soc.
- A new gazebo is funded for the Trust by RECT. Local business Essential Nutrition Ltd offers bags of fertiliser VEGEMIN for a fundraiser.
- A 4x4 Bike is loaned to the Trust from DoC making access into the reserve easier.
- After 10 years work in the Kaharoa Reserve a survey of bordering private properties shows the Kokako are moving into those areas as well. The Trust willingly works with property owners to manage pest control.
- Funding from the Lion Foundation is received which enables the Trust to employ a pest control contractor to work in the Onaia East Block.
- Trust thanks regular sponsors and new sponsors First Sovereign Trust and Epro Ltd.
- Conservation Minister, Mrs Steve Chadwick visits the reserve. A special bush walk & BBQ is held to celebrate the 10th Year of the Trust and it’s achievements.
- New easy to follow GPS maps of the tracks and bait lines, is done by GIS expert Damien Jones with thanks to First Sovereign Trust for the funding.
- P.F. Olsen removes pines in the area to allow the native bush to regenerate.
- DoC translocated Kaharoa Kokako to Fiordland’s Secretary Island in an effort to restore Kokako to the South Island. Kokako have been extinct there for many years.
- Kaharoa School students provide Weta Motels in the reserve; this is a special project which will benefit the ecosystem and give an indication of how it is functioning.
- In 2010 the national Kokako Recovery Group willingly offer advice on pest eradication measures that have proved successful elsewhere in NZ.
- Trust wins the Supreme Award in The Green Ribbon Awards round in 2010.
- Kokako are translocated to the Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust from both Kaharoa and Rotoehu populations.
- Minister for the Environment, Nick Smith makes time to visit the Kaharoa Reserve.
- In 2011 a new supporter Blacktop Construction Ltd provides gravel for track maintenance.
- RECT funds a Kokako Display at the Kaharoa School. A giant Kokako Nest designed by Bruno Schlatter is installed with help from local families.
- P.F. Olsen signs on as a major sponsor.
- ‘Call of the Kokako” a children’s book by Maria Gill is released.
- Christchurch based clothing company Chalkydigits, designed a beautiful heart shaped Kokako badge from which the proceeds of the sales will be given to the Trust’s Kokako Nest Egg Fund. They raised $17,000 over the year.
- Designer Sid Marsh crafts a Kokako image, to be printed on t-shirts for sale through the Trust.
- A regional commendation is received from the TrustPower Awards, in the Heritage and Enviroment category.
- Kokako continue to spread across the region and new populations have been sighted at a Mangorewa Private Bush Area.
- The Trust launches a Facebook page.
- Biosecurity managers from Regional Council’s across NZ make a visit to the Kaharoa Reserve.
- HeliPro joins in the fight to save the Kokako.
- A Kapukapu Reserve draft pest control initiative is mooted.
- HeliResources a Murupara based business offers to deliver bait into the operation sites.
- Rotorua YHA loyal supporters visit Kaharoa Reserve.
- A new look website is designed for the Trust with thanks to P.F. Olsen, EBOP Regional Council and the designers Fineline Creative.
- In 2014 a new census of the reserves begins. Local Sunrise Rotary Club donates to the cause.
- In 2014 the national Conservation Week focuses on the Kokako and the efforts of locals with a display in the Rotorua Library and a Trustee Tim Day slot on MoreFM programme.
- In 2016 the Trust celebrated the results of the latest Kokako census.
- New Zealand’s new $50 note has the Kokako on it.
- More Kaharoa birds are translocated to Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust.
With thanks to the Rotorua Library, Community Newsletter
Collection for the above information.
For more community news and group newsletters visit the Don Stafford Room Heritage Collection on the 2nd Floor.
For more information, recent updates, and opportunities to
support the Kaharoa Kokako Trust go to their website here There is also a useful and detailed article in the New Zealand Geographic magazine site here
This blog post is by Alison.
