Waitakere Ranges

Ark in the Park

Since January 2003 the community volunteer based project has achieved over 1000 hectares of predator controlled parkland, situated in the Cascades Kauri Park, Waitakere Ranges.

The aim is to control pests and predators and restore the area to its former glory, enhancing the current biodiversity and returning lost species. Whitehead were returned to the area in August 2004, North Island robin in 2005 and this year 60 hihi (stitchbird) were transferred from Tiritiri Matangi Island.

A detailed Restoration Plan is being completed which aims to update our original Strategic and Operational Plans (2002). The Restoration Plan focuses on the ecological plans for the project. We will be holding a meeting of stakeholders in the near future to discuss the draft plan.

Check out the latest Ark in the Park newsletter.

How can you help?

The project relies on volunteers to help achieve its goals. Join them at 9am every 1st and 3rd Saturday and 9.30am every 2nd and 4th Sunday morning of each month and lend a hand - keep fit and do your bit! There are plenty of tasks for those less keen or able to get out into the bush.

Donations or a regular automatic payment can be set up through our Help a Hectare scheme. Details are on the Ark in the Park website - www.arkinthepark.org.nz

To volunteer simply contact:

Karen Colgan (09) 837 0443 karen@colgan.co.nz or;
John Sumich (09) 818 5267 cjnk@xtra.co.nz or;

Ark in the Park
C/- Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand
PO Box 108055, Symonds St, Auckland 1150
Direct Dial (09) 302 3902
Email: arkinthepark@forestandbird.org.nz