We have had a busy and productive start to 2025, with lots of activity and some good news to share.

Over the summer months, a big focus on Motutapu has been weeding as this is a key period to disrupt the moth plant seeding cycle. A huge thank to the corporate groups and individuals who have joined our dedicated regulars in the field, in conditions that have been hot and challenging.

As well as weeding, we have had active groups of volunteers working on seed collection, nurturing seedlings in the nursery, undertaking nursery maintenance, as well opening Reid Homestead to talk about our work to visitors. Your efforts are much appreciated.

Island News: We were delighted to receive the news recently that the Department of Conservation will be making a number of investments in Motutapu from International Visitor Levy funding. Most exciting was funding for weed control across Motutapu and Rangitoto, which is critical given the scale of the issues across these islands.

In addition, funding has been announced for upgrades to the Home Bay campground and wharf, which will allow more visitors to enjoy the forest we have been planting over the last 30 years, and its native fauna and flora.

This fauna includes the Coromandel Brown Kiwi population, which the latest population survey from Save the Kiwi shows is now successfully breeding on the island. This reinforces the importance of continuing to grow and nurture the forest habitat.

Nursery Upgrades: To support this restoration work in the coming years, in 2025 the Trust is embarking on an important upgrade to the irrigation system in the nursery as well as improvements to School House, our volunteer accommodation at the nursery. We are looking for volunteers with skills to help.

As you can see, it promises to be a busy year on Motutapu!

Nathalie Morris

Chair

‍What Else is in this E-news?

Native Tree Giveaway

Kiwi Population Survey

Thank You Living Earth

Weed Control on Motutapu

Trees Of Motutapu Rewarewa - Knightia excelsa

Upgrade Projects Underway

Welcome to our New Manager

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