Kia Wharite
A collaborative biodiversity partnership
This partnership was started in 2008 and aims to protect some of our most precious taonga in one of the most stunning and least-known areas of the North Island. Blue duck (whio), western brown kiwi, and old growth forest will be protected by the combined pest control efforts of the Department of Conservation, Horizons Regional Council, landowners and iwi.
Where is the project?
The project area is centred on the Whanganui National Park, west of Ohakune, and includes long sections of the scenic Whanganui, Retaruke and Manganui o te Ao Rivers. Horizons' pest control efforts are focused on private land, working in conjunction with landowners, while DOC focuses on crown land.
Kia Wharite project location map (JPG, 614K)
Why is the area important?
Blue duck/whio with chicks
The project area is home to the largest remaining population of western brown kiwi in New Zealand, the second largest stand of lowland indigenous forest in the North Island, and contains one of seven critical strongholds of the endangered blue duck (whio).
However, the long-term survival of these iconic species, and indeed the forest itself, is under threat from plant and animal pests. Possums, goats and pest plants are damaging the forest, and the bird and animal life is being decimated by the combined effects of possums, stoats, rats and feral cats.
What's going to happen?
Over the next 10 years we hope to have:
- The entire project area (180,000ha) under possum and rat control, and receiving pest plant control.
- 35,000ha receiving goat control.
- 50km of the Retaruke and Manganui o te Ao Rivers protected from stoats and cats.
- A large number of privately owned bush remnants and wetlands in the project area are fenced to prevent stock access.
- Significantly increase kiwi, blue duck and other wildlife numbers and improve forest health.
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