Mahitahi for the Haakarimata: Help Restore the Ranges

Haakarimata is the largest remaining lowland forest in the Waikato, and home to very popular walking trails. Image: Olivia Stead

The lowland forests of the Haakarimata Ranges stands as one of our nation's most visited natural landscapes. These forests hold extraordinary biodiversity and deep cultural significance, and they are treasured by the communities that live alongside them.

At the Haakarimata Restoration Trust, our work is built on a simple idea: mahitahi — working together. Restoration of the ranges is a collective effort involving volunteers, landowners, iwi, local councils, businesses, and community organisations.

Over the past year we’ve seen a remarkable groundswell of support for restoring the Haakarimata. Volunteers are helping maintain trap lines, new restoration projects are emerging across the ranges, and generous support from businesses and councils is helping us expand our work.

But there is still much to do.

Currently only around 300 hectares of the Haakarimata regularly receive predator control. To restore healthy native forest and protect wildlife across the ranges, we need to continue expanding and strengthening these efforts.

Recently, several predator traps were damaged by pigs, reducing the effectiveness of some trap lines. Replacing and future proofing this equipment and expanding our trapping network is essential if we are to keep building momentum.

Our goal: $3,000 for traps and restoration

We are aiming to raise $3,000 to:

• Replace predator traps damaged by pigs

• Maintain and strengthen existing trap lines

• Support volunteers working across the ranges

• Expand pest control into new areas

Every dollar goes directly toward practical conservation work on the ground.

Predator control is one of the most effective ways we can protect native birds and restore ecological balance in these forests. With the help of the community, we can continue building a landscape where wildlife thrives again.

Help us reach our goal

If you are able, please consider supporting this work.

Your contribution will help replace damaged traps and expand predator control across the ranges.

There are several avenues for donations here: haakarimata.com/donate

If you are keen to support us in other ways, please get involved at haakarimata.com/volunteer, or reach out to us at info@haakarimata.com.

Every contribution helps strengthen community-led restoration of the Haakarimata.

Thank you for being part of this effort.

Together we can restore the forests, protect native wildlife, and ensure the Haakarimata Ranges remain a thriving landscape for generations to come.