Our project was established in 2006 by the Forest and Bird Tauranga branch and the Katikati Rotary Club. Today, it is managed by a board of trustees (the Aongatete Forest Restoration Trust) and is supported by many volunteers and Ngai Tamawhariua who have the kaitiaki (guardianship) role over this forest.

Restoration of the Aongatete forest ecosystem requires ongoing pest control using trapping and toxins, and it’s making a difference. Compared to when the Project started, bird numbers are up – rifleman have reappeared and robin are common. Less rats means more insects, which means more food for birds. With fewer possums, more green shoots, flowers and fruit can survive, feeding the native inhabitants and giving the forest’s natural regenerative processes a chance to work.