Wild Waikawa NZ - ancient cultural forest, engaging youth, at-risk species

Wild Waikawa is a place where time has stood still. A sacred site where our natural world is returning under loving community restoration. Virgin podocarp forest, crystal clear streams and an extraordinary ecosystem exist here under the watchful eye of Te Atiawa’s sacred mountain kei te maunga o Piripiri.

In six short years we have seen incredible progress native bird return up from 8 to 28 species, 18,000 native plantings, 19,000 wilding pine removals, 7100 invasive predators captured and 325 annual volunteers (almost 80% are local youth). We have just launched phase II of Wild Waikawa which includes becoming a registered charity (done) expanding our geographic reach (done), developing a youth/eco lodge for visitors (in progress) extending our geographic buffer zone for translocations (in progress) translocations of endangered species (in progress).

Like those before us we are called upon to look after the whenua for those who follow. To protect, nurture and honour our natural world. Bringing our community along on this remarkable journey is critical, particularly our youth - for how can they care for something they have not connected with? It’s why almost 90% of our volunteers at Wild Waikawa are under 35 years of age and why we are setting up a youth ecolodge to help house, train and educate the next generation.

Over the next few years we have set our goals on achieving a number of conservation milestones including: Expanding the conservation footprint

Expanding the buffer zone of the current intensive trapping and regeneration work is key. During the next 24 months we plan to double the 212 hectares to 450 hectares. This will expand our conservation footprint and provide further protection for the intended release of endangered birds.

Translocations

Bringing back endangered species that once lived in this significant natural area is a logical next step and mirrors many other successful translocations that have occurred around New Zealand in recent years. Working with the New Zealand Government, local Iwi, ecologists and community will make this an amazing legacy for future generations.

Establishment of a youth/eco lodge

This is to accommodate a growing number of youth and visitors who we have quite simply run out of room to host. A dormitory, selection of outdoor sleepouts, kitchen, toilets, a bush hut and small honey and farming area will all form part of this extension project and increase the opportunities for our local youth to participate and engage.

Creation future nature employment opportunities for youth

Generating future employment opportunities for local youth forms another essential strand for Wild Waikawa. Practical learning opportunities are provided around trapping, planting, nursery work, bush skills, weed control, trail building, native bird releases, cultural and ecological lessons.