Te Whakakaha Conservation Trust is a charitable trust formed to protect the native forest forming the habitat of the critically endangered Otawa Hochstetters frog species. The Te Whakakaha Trust are the caretakers of the Otawa Scenic Reserve – 400 hectares of forest at the end of No 3 Road Te Puke. Since its inception in 2015, the Trust has progressed steadily in its aim to protect and restore the natural ecosystems of what was Stewardship land. Instrumental in the establishment of the area as a Sanctuary, the Trust now supports an active volunteer network in the Otawa Sanctuary and works in conjunction with the Department of Conservation (DOC) . The functions of the volunteers of the Trust include pest control, planting, fundraising, education, managing local recreation and networking on behalf of the environment.

Helping restore and protect the Otawa Sanctuary Area

The aim is to ensure the long-term survival of the ancient and critically endangered Otawa Hochstetters frog species (Leiopelma Hochstetteri Otawa). Leiopelma frog varieties are found only in New Zealand. Seven different Leiopelma species have been recorded in New Zealand and three are already extinct. The Otawa Hochstetter’s frog is genetically distinct from the others and its only known habitat is in this former quarry site. The Trust has support from DOC, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Forest and Bird, and local iwi Waitaha and Tapuika.

The restoration of this previously quarried site benefits the frog population and other native wildlife. The range of native birds inhabiting the area is broad and include New Zealand falcon (karearea), North Island forest parrot (kaka), New Zealand pigeon (kereru), tui (parson bird), bellbird (korimako), whitehead (popotea), North Island robin (totowai), tomtit (miromiro), North Island fernbird (matata), North Island fantail (piwakawaka), Australasian harrier (kahu), grey warbler (riroriro), shining cuckoo (pipiwharauroa), long tailed cuckoo (koekoea), welcome swallow (warou), kingfisher (kotare), pukeko (purple swamp hen), paradise shelduck (putangitangi), black shag (kawau) and morepork (ruru). Notable plants include large puriri (Vitex lucens), king fern (para), and Rorippa divaricate, a nationally vulnerable, endemic herb.

A corridor for wildlife and people

As a longer-term direction the Trust is keen to see the Otawa Sanctuary Area as a wildlife corridor and track network that extends from the adjacent Otanewainuku forest through Oropi Forest to Otawa Scenic Reserve.

How you can get involved

Make a donation
Become a volunteer

Contact:

Email: tewhakakahatrust@gmail.com