A Te Papa Atawhai Jobs for Nature Initiative
Forest Hill/Ōtewao (600 ha) is a major conservation asset within Murihiku, with recreational, cultural, and biodiversity value.
Forest Hill contains the most diverse flora of any forest remnant on the Southland Plains.
Project Objectives and Milestones
The main outcomes for this initial 3-year period will be:
- Ground-based possum and mustelid control
- Establishing an effective trapping network within these areas to prevent reinvasion of pests into native forestry
- Monitor biodiversity
- Improve habitat (with a potential tree planting plan)
- Investigate and plan the return of absent Taonga
Te ao Māori and the enhancement of Mātauranga Māori are at the core of this project, with the aim of reconnecting whenua to whānau.
This initial stage will provide a starting point for a larger project. It will run adjacent to the Traineeship Project (another Hokonui Rūnanga project), which will identify and upskill a base of employees to meet the specific needs of Ngāi Tahu and Southland.
Do you want to be a part of this project?
We would love to hear from you!
View from Forest Hill.
Although this project is still in the early stages, there still plenty of opportunities to get involved. There are several community groups in the Catlins area to join, or you can register your interest with us for future volunteer opportunities as well.
Volunteer activities could include anything from trap checking and trap box building, to managing data, tree planting, fundraising, and more. Just let us know your location and how you would like to be involved.
If you own a business or are involved in a club that would like to donate funds or time to the cause, we would love to hear from you as well!
Project Contact: Alana Bensemann (Operations Coordinator)