Supreme award goes to Kaharoa Kokako Trust

Years of dedication and hard work by members of the Kaharoa Kokako Trust were recognised in Wellington last night when they were presented with the Supreme award at the Ministry for the Environment’s Green Ribbon Awards.

The Trust was formed in 1997 by a group of concerned residents who wanted to save the few kokako that remained in the Kaharoa Conservation Area, about 30km north-east of Rotorua. They have focused their efforts throughout the years to become an important contributor to the national kokako recovery effort.

The core kokako population in Kaharoa is now home to one of the largest and most significant kokako populations in New Zealand and is viewed as a source for rebuilding kokako numbers in the Bay of Plenty and elsewhere in New Zealand.

Kaharoa Kokako Trust Chairperson Anne Managh said the award is a wonderful recognition of the hard work that so many volunteers have contributed throughout the years.

“There were some amazing projects that were highlighted at the awards ceremony so to win the Supreme award is not only a great honour but a great validation that our contribution is a worthwhile one.

“We’re a committed volunteer group and this will help others to see the real value in the work we’re doing and the difference we can make to our local environment,” said Ms Managh.

From its inception the Trust has worked in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and with major support from Environment Bay of Plenty.

Environment Bay of Plenty Chairman John Cronin said this award really highlighted what community members, private landowners and organisations could achieve when they worked in true partnership with one another.

“We’ve had a long association with the Trust and have staff members within our organisation that are also founding members and trustees. It’s fantastic to share this award on so many levels,” said Chairman Cronin.

In the past year the Trust has enjoyed some significant highlights with the successful translocation of seven kokako from Kaharoa to Secretary Island in Fiordland. This was a groundbreaking event for New Zealand biodiversity as South Island kokako were recently declared extinct.

Another highlight was the Trust’s expansion of their pest control operation into areas of private land adjacent to the Kaharoa Conservation Area where kokako are now naturally spreading. This initiative marks the beginning of what is hoped will become a protected wildlife corridor through the Bay of Plenty region.

ENDS

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