Ngamanawa Incorporation

Nga Mata Hiringa will target pest animal and wilding pine control on Ngamanawa Incorporation land and public conservation land (PCL), with the aim of increasing biodiversity and restoring taonga species of rakau and manu in the in the Opuiaki area of the Kaimai Mamaku ranges.

Taonga Species

Protecting taonga species is crucial for preserving the biodiversity and cultural heritage of New Zealand. Taonga species listed below are significant and found within or near the project area of Ngamanawa. By protecting these species, we can ensure that they are around for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. Conservation efforts such as habitat restoration, predator control, and community education programs are all important steps in protecting taonga species. By working together, we can preserve the unique natural and cultural heritage of New Zealand for years to come.

  • Kiwi

    The North Island brown kiwi is the only kiwi species still found in the wild, in a wide range of habitats from scrub to dense forests. This feisty bird can fight off a stoat once it reaches 1.2kg in weight so protecting the chicks is vital to the survival of the wild populations. Intensive pest control by Ngamanawa will contribute towards reversing population decline in the Kaimai Mamaku.

    Photo Credit: Molly Johnson

  • Kokako

    Like many NZ species, the North Island kōkako is found nowhere else on earth. From the wattlebird family, the kōkako has the most stunning song and kōkako pairs sing the longest duet of any songbird in the world. After almost becoming extinct in the Kaimai Mamaku, kōkako are making an impressive comeback with the help of intensive pest control.

    Photo Credit: Jake Osborne

  • Tuna

    Tuna are a culturally significant species to Māori and have been an important food source for generations. Tuna can grow up to 2 meters long and can live for up to 100 years! Their populations have been declining due to habitat loss, overfishing, and the introduction of non-native predators. Through the conservation efforts by Ngamanawa they hope to protect and restore the habitats of tuna.

  • Kauri

    Kauri can grow up to 50 meters tall and have a trunk diameter of up to 16 meters. These trees are culturally significant to Māori and have been used for centuries for building, carving, and medicine. Unfortunately, kauri populations have been declining due to logging and the spread of kauri dieback disease. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore kauri forests.

Operational Work

  • Track lines

    Mark and cut track lines for pest control over approximately 500 ha. This area consists of two blocks of land:

    1. Waitaia Block approx. 180ha
    2. Ngatuhoa Block approx. 320ha

  • Pest Control

    Ground-based pest control for possums, rats, mustelids, and feral cats in the Waitaia and Ngatuhoa blocks using best practice techniques over 500ha

  • Outcome Monitoring

    Outcome monitoring in the project area for the following: Water quality; Tuna; Invertebrates; Kiwi; Kōkako; Pekapeka; Rongoa and taonga plant species

  • Education and Engagement

    Education and engagement which involves regular updates with kaumatua, iwi, hapū, the wider Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project (KMRP), and the local community

  • Kauri Assessment

    Kauri assessment and inventory using drones and photogrammetry mapping. Followed with visual inspections and identification by kaimahi on the ground

  • Data

    Input all operational data into a data management system supplied and supported by the Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust (MKMT)

Project Area

Ngamanawa Project Area

Ngamanawa Project Area

Supporting Whānau

Training Completed

  • Kōkako Monitoring
  • Rat Tunnel Monitoring
  • Track Cutting for Bait Lines
  • 5-minute Bird Count
  • Kiwi Surveying and the use of Automatic Bioacoustics Survey Tool
  • Plant Identification
  • Using eDNA mini kits
  • Biosecurity protocols around Kauri dieback and Myrtle rust
  • GPS
  • 1:50000 Topo Maps and Compass
  • Navigation
  • Bush Survival Skills
  • The use of Personal Locator Beacons
  • Safe River Crossing
  • Outdoor First-Aid & Stop the Bleed Course
  • 4WD Training
  • Safe Chainsaw use
  • Grow Safe
  • Cut and Poisoning Wilding Trees

Governance

The Ngamanawa Incorporation is a Maori Land Trust. It is governed by five committee of management members who are elected by shareholders. Shareholders all whakapapa to the 3 land blocks of which the Incorporation is kaitiaki. All five have a long and varied governance background in addition to professional careers. Reporting direct to the committee of management is the General Manager. The GM is ultimately responsible for delivering the strategic objectives of the Incorporation in addition to overseeing the general performance of the business. The GM currently has a team of ten:

  • Project manager, Nga Mata Hiringa.
  • Four Kaitiaki Kaimahi, Nga Mata Hiringa.
  • Administration Manager/Project Administrator, Nga Mata Hiringa.
  • Business Administration/Project Support.
  • Waitaia Lodge Custodian.
  • Business Administration/Project Support/ (Communication Support, Nga Mata Hiringa).
  • Digital Project Manager/Communications.