$750K Boost for Kaimai Mamaku Park to Protect Biodiversity, Support Tourism

A major conservation initiative is underway in one of New Zealand’s most ecologically significant forests, with $750,000 invested in biodiversity protection and sustainable tourism development at the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, located between Tauranga and Rotorua.

Announced by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, the funding comes from the International Visitor Levy (IVL) and will back a multi-year effort to control invasive wild goat populations, preserve native flora and fauna, and enhance the natural environment for local communities and international visitors alike.

“We’re backing much-needed protection for one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most unique conservation parks and southern-most kauri habitats,” Minister Potaka said. “This work contributes to a healthier and scenic visitor experience near Tauranga, and to the long-term resilience of our forest ecosystems.”

Controlling Pests to Preserve a Unique Forest Ecosystem

The park, spanning the Kaimai and Mamaku ranges, is a biodiversity hotspot that holds a rare ecological balance. It represents the southern limit of native kauri trees and the northern limit for species like kāmahi, red and silver beech — a rare overlap of temperate and subtropical forest zones.

However, the park is under threat from browsing pests, especially wild goats, which cause extensive damage by eating young vegetation and disrupting forest regeneration. They also pose a biosecurity risk, as their movement through soil can spread kauri dieback, a fatal disease affecting one of New Zealand’s most iconic tree species.

The new funding will allow both contractor teams and iwi/hapū-led pest control units, established through the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project, to carry out coordinated ground and aerial hunting operations over the next three years.

A Biodiversity Treasure Trove

Beyond its unique plant life, Kaimai Mamaku is home to several taonga (treasured) native species, including:

• Kōkako – known for their haunting, melodic calls

• Pekapeka – the long-tailed bat, one of New Zealand’s few native land mammals

• Hochstetter’s frog – a rare amphibian found in cool, damp forest environments

• Kākā – the native forest parrot

• Kiwi – New Zealand’s iconic flightless bird

• Kārearea – the New Zealand falcon, a powerful native raptor

Preserving these species and their habitats is critical not only for ecological health but also for cultural heritage and biodiversity education.

Boosting Sustainable Tourism and Recreation

While the conservation gains are significant, Minister Potaka emphasized the dual benefit of enhancing tourism and recreational experiences in the region.

“This investment delivers not only on conservation, but also tourism, recreation, and economic benefits for the area,” he said. “It’s a natural gateway between Auckland and Rotorua, offering family-friendly walks, heritage sites, huts, camping, hunting, and mountain biking.”

With over 360 kilometres of walking tracks, including well-loved destinations like Karangahake Gorge, the park is a magnet for locals and international visitors alike. The area’s historical gold-mining sites and cultural heritage further enrich the visitor experience.

As the invasive goat population is controlled, the landscape is expected to regenerate naturally, allowing visitors to witness lush native bush, birdlife, and biodiversity that represent the best of Aotearoa’s natural beauty.

Community Collaboration and Long-Term Commitment

The initiative underscores the growing trend of community- and iwi-led conservation partnerships, where local knowledge and stewardship combine with government support to achieve lasting outcomes.

Minister Potaka reaffirmed the Government’s long-term commitment to such collaborations, stating, “We must protect the precious flora and fauna at this park. That means enabling the people on the ground — including iwi and hapū — to be part of the solution.”

The Department of Conservation (DOC) will work closely with the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project, iwi leaders, and environmental groups to ensure the programme’s success.

Looking Ahead: A Healthier, More Accessible Kaimai Mamaku

As the programme gets underway, locals and tourists alike can look forward to a more vibrant and accessible conservation area. The long-term vision is for a forest teeming with native life, free from the ecological damage caused by invasive species, and able to support both biodiversity and responsible tourism.

“This work ensures that visitors can experience the thriving ecosystems they expect from Aotearoa New Zealand,” Minister Potaka concluded. “I encourage all New Zealanders to visit this unique and beautiful part of our country and to enjoy what we are working hard to protect.”