The healing of the Raukūmara
Our large-scale, robust and innovative programmes has delivered unparalledled result for Raukūmara, as well as social and cultural outcomes for our people.
RAUKŪMARA PREDATOR CONTROL
Protecting indigenous species
We've applied one of the most complex aerial 1080 applications in the country to control possums, rats and stoats. Treating 117,215 hectares of forest, including 40,000 hectares of private Māori land, we are the largest indigenous led aerial 1080 operation in the country.
The results of this operation have been transformational. We have achieved a 99% reduction in possum and rat populations with no 1080 detected in the water, demonstrating excellence in large-scale pest control and environmental safety.
Monitoring confirms immediate benefits for forest canopy health and native species protection. Equally significant has been the depth of engagement with our people. Through 135 hui (meetings), wānanga (gathering), and conversations with landowners, farmers, hapū and hunting clubs, Raukūmara Pae Maunga built trust and understanding of this complex but essential restoration tool.
SAVING NEW ZEALAND FORESTS
Once neglected, the Raukūmara is forgotten no more.
From 2022-2024, Raukūmara Pae Maunga delivered aerial 1080
across 117,215 hectares of native forest.
Our people who understand the Raukūmara the most, have known for a long time that pest control operations are vital if there is to be any hope for survival of our ngahere (forest).
We walked the Raukūmara, we brought home stories from those who had seen the devastation first-hand. Collapsing canopy, silence of manu (birds), ngahere dying from the browsing of pests and high populations of stoats and rats.
This operation has proven that large-scale pest management guided by Iwi (tribal) leadership and community engagement, can deliver both ecological transformation and social cohesion.
The forest is responding:
