Endangered Kākābeak gets second lifeline
Critically endangered Kākābeak (Ngutukākā), kiwi habitats and future Kaitiaki (guardians), are set to benefit from funding this year through the Pan Pac Environmental Trust.
Other projects to receive funding include a community native plant nursery to improve water quality and biodiversity in the Esk River catchment.
This is the second round of funding by the Pan Pac Environmental Trust which provides $100,000 annually towards environmental and cultural projects in Hawke’s Bay.
Two of the successful projects also received funding through the Trust last year, says Reece O'Leary, Pan Pac Environmental Manager and Trust chair. These were the propagation of Ngutukākā and the development of future Kaitiaki.
“The Trust is pleased to continue its support of these projects, so they may build on the gains they have already made. For example, some rangatahi from the 2020 group will be leaders this year, sharing their knowledge and continuing Whakatipu Kaitiaki.”
The successful projects are:
RedAxe Forest Intelligence Safe Urban Havens for Kākābeak (Ngutukākā) and Tui Tucker - Phase 2 $20,000
To raise awareness and promote propagation of endangered Ngutukākā / Kākābeak for the recovery of this species to promote birdlife in the urban environment. Ngutukākā is seriously threatened with extinction in the wild. Its conservation status is Nationally Critical. Only about 150 plants are known to exist in the wild.
Maungaharuru-Tangitū Charitable Trust Whakatipu Kaitiaki – Raising Future Kaitiaki – Year 2 $50,000
To provide rangatahi with opportunities to gain knowledge and experience in four main Kaupapa: 1) Ki Tai - Waka and traditional navigation skills, 2) Whakapapa - of hapū, history, Te Reo Māori, karakia and kapa haka, 3) Matariki, the Maori New Year – Maramataka, star constellations, native tree planting and 4) Ki Uta - Ngāhere experience, native bush restoration, establishing a nursery. This project will be delivered by the Ātea a Rangi Educational Trust.
Te Huka Waiohinganga (Esk) River Care Group Native Plant Nursery $15,000
To establish a community nursery that produces up to 5,000 plants a year to improve water quality and biodiversity in the Esk catchment. The nursery will also serve as a community education facility to encourage public engagement with the local environment.
Forest Lifeforce Restoration Trust Maungataniwha Pines to Native $15,000
To chainsaw wilding pines from regenerating areas mainly clad in native species in the Maungataniwha Pine Forest, which abuts the southern boundary of the Maungataniwha Native Forest. When completed the project will return 4,000 ha of the Hawke's Bay hinterland back into native forest cover. The adjacent Maungataniwha Kiwi Project is the most productive in the country and the new native forest cover will provide an ideal habitat for dispersing offspring.
