Haakarimata Restoration Trust

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

“WE WANT TO SEE THE KIWI BACK"

What does Haakarimata mean to Huntly-born KIWI rugby league legend Tawera Nikau?
A lot!

Tawera grew up in the Waikato, with a deep connection to the whenua and a strong commitment to protecting te taiao. Today, as Co-Chair of the Endangered Species Foundation | Tāngaro Tuia te Ora, he is helping champion the restoration of Aotearoa’s endangered species and ecosystems.

Endangered Species Foundation of New Zealand

06/09/2026

A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER 🌿

A truly inspiring two days at the Endangered Species National Hui in Kirikiriroa.

The only way forward, bringing mātauranga Māori and Western science together, sharing knowledge, learning from each other, and working collectively towards a better future for our taonga species and the natural world.

💚🌿
He waka eke noa 💚🌿

06/09/2026

🌿 THE SOUND OF SPRING. 🎶
The first pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo) arrived yesterday! 🐦

After spending their winter thousands of kilometres away in the tropical Pacific, these remarkable native birds have made the long journey back to Aotearoa.

They return each spring to feed, breed and continue one of nature's great migrations.

For us, that distinctive call means one thing…...
Spring has arrived at Haakarimata. 🌿💚

📷: Dave Sheely. Pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo), Haakarimata.

05/09/2026

🌿 “If you have healthy forests and healthy ecosystems, you have healthy places for people to enjoy. So the threatened species that we’re trying to save can save us from ourselves!”

Some inspirational and wise words from legendary ecologist Gerry Kessels at the Endangered Species National Hui. 🌿

We are incredibly lucky to still have pekapeka/ long-tailed bats (nationally critical) still clinging on at Haakarimata. 🦇

And we have a massive goal for the future..... bringing kōkako back to Haakarimata. 🐦
But for this to become a reality, we need to save the old canopy forest while we still have time, Haakarimata is at a critical point right now.

Protecting our forests isn’t just about saving threatened species. It’s about protecting the healthy ecosystems that sustain us all.

Restore the forest. Restore the mauri. Bring back the taonga. 💚
-Greg

Endangered Species Foundation of New Zealand

05/09/2026

A big thank you to everyone who came out today to help us get a new trapline set up on the Haakarimata rail trail.
🙏

04/09/2026

TRAP TRAINING. 11AM
Waingaro road carpark/Haakarimata rail trail.

04/09/2026

🚨 TOMORROW! TRAP TRAINING & DEPLOYMENT! 🚨

🌿 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! 🌿

Alright team, the weather looks good and we need a big turnout tomorrow to help us set up a brand-new trapline along the Haakarimata Rail Trail!

This is your chance to get involved, learn some trapping skills and show us what Haakarimata means to you. 💚 all welcome!

📅 Saturday, September 5th
⏰ 11am
📍 Haakarimata Rail Trail, Waingaro Road carpark.

🪤 THE PLAN

11am–11:30am
🪤 Trap training &
💬 Korero about our vision for the future of Haakarimata

11:30am–1pm
🌿 Trap deployment along the new trapline.

After 1pm:
If you wish stick around for some refreshments, a kōrero and a chance to mingle with the team.

Come along, bring some sturdy footwear and let’s get this trapline up and running!

Every trap we put out is another step towards a healthier Haakarimata and bringing back our native taonga. 🌿

Let’s make a difference together. See you tomorrow! 🙌
https://facebook.com/events/s/-haakarimata-rail-trail-traini/969686189488004/

03/09/2026

🌼 Spring has arrived! 🌿
Who's planted kōwhai in their backyard for the birds?? 🙋

📸: Dave Sheely. Tūī enjoying the sweet nectar of kōwhai flowers, Haakarimata.

03/09/2026

Day 2 of the Endangered Species National Hui was another incredibly inspiring day. 🌿

Amazing speakers and so many passionate and knowledgeable people coming together, sharing ideas, experiences and a common goal: protecting Aotearoa’s taonga species and restoring our threatened ecosystems.
Endangered Species Foundation of New Zealand
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