Te Maunga ō Tarawera
Kaitiaki Adventures’ commitment to eradicating Wilding Pines is an ongoing partnership with mana whenua – Ngāti Rangitihi, dating back to 2009. Pinus Contorta has been declared an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993, which means it cannot be bred, propagated, distributed or sold within New Zealand. Kaitiaki Adventures hosts a volunteer program on Mount Tarawera to hand-pull pines, protecting and regenerating post eruption indigenous shrubland, alpine and geothermal ecosystems in and around the slopes of Mt. Tarawera, and the wider Lake Tarawera landscape.
Wilding Conifers or ‘Wilding Pines’ is the name given to introduced conifers that spread across the landscape through natural regeneration. Mt. Tarawera is home to over 170 indigenous fauna species found in dome tops, in craters, and on slopes. The eradication of wilding pine ensures the protection of these native plants.
Mt. Tarawera is a local and national tourist icon site, and is associated with the birthplace of tourism in New Zealand; Lake Tarawera and the Pink and White Terraces. It is a ‘must do’ attraction because of scenery and iwi history.
Ruawahia2B Trust is the mandated entity that represents Ngāti Rangitihi, as owners of Mt Tarawera, Bay of Plenty.
“Mt. Tarawera since the early 70’s has been in the ownership of Ngāti Rangitihi and has been a pinnacle tourist product in the Rotorua Destination. Integral in our responsibility as Kaitiaki of the Maunga – has been our active commitment to lead and undertake Conservation work supported by DOC and BOPRC, and the unwavering support from our business partners.
Ruawahia 2B has two business partners in a ‘Concession and Employment Arrangement. The return from the business partners’ concessions, is directly funding our social and conservation outcomes; iwi engagement and connection, as well as our 12th season of Wilding Pine and Pest control on the Ruawahia block; including neighbouring land blocks and DOC Estate.”
– Ruawahia2B Trustee, Tiipene Marr.
Kaitiaki Adventures’ commitment to this project ensures that the beautiful Maunga Tarawera is preserved for generations to come. Anyone can sign up to one of our many volunteer days throughout the year.
Would you like to become an agent of change??
Check out this amazing video created by two of our amazing volunteers
(Anne-Marie Leng & Scott Buckley)