CertifiedThe Native Forest Restoration Trust (NFRT) is a New Zealand conservation charity dedicated to purchasing, protecting, restoring, and managing native forests and wetlands. Since 1980, we have worked to safeguard some of the country’s most threatened ecosystems, particularly lowland forests and wetlands that remain under-protected. NFRT was formed when a group of New Zealanders united to stop the logging of giant tōtara in Pureora Forest. That grassroots ethos still defines our organisation today. Over the past 45 years, we have protected more than 9,000 hectares nationwide. Our work includes land acquisition, ecological restoration, pest management, biodiversity monitoring, and long-term stewardship. Despite our national reach, NFRT has the equivalent of just 3 full-time staff supported by around 80 volunteers contributing more than 11,000 hours annually through restoration work, reserve management, governance, and community engagement.
This project was selected as a RestorLife Awards finalist
Project story
The Native Forest Restoration Trust (NFRT) protects and restores some of Aotearoa’s most significant remaining native forest ecosystems. Our work focuses on securing threatened habitats, removing pressures such as pests and invasive weeds, and supporting natural regeneration so forest can recover and thrive for the long term.
Our landholdings and covenanted sites span diverse landscapes—from coastal forest and wetlands to steep hill country—each playing a critical role in protecting biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience. Every project is a long-term commitment: restoration does not happen quickly, but steadily over decades.
Funding supports land acquisition, pest and weed control, ecological monitoring, fencing, track maintenance, and the practical work that keeps restoration on track. It also enables us to respond quickly when high-value land becomes available.
The challenge is scale: pressures on native ecosystems continue to grow, while restoration requires sustained investment and patience. With support, we can continue expanding connected habitats and ensuring these forests recover and endure for future generations.
Project updates
Team
Restoring native forest in Aotearoa
The Native Forest Restoration Trust (NFRT) is a New Zealand conservation charity dedicated to purchasing, protecting, restoring, and managing native forests and wetlands. Since 1980, we have worked to safeguard some of the country’s most threatened ecosystems, particularly lowland forests and wetlands that remain under-protected. NFRT was formed when a group of New Zealanders united to stop the logging of giant tōtara in Pureora Forest. That grassroots ethos still defines our organisation today. Over the past 45 years, we have protected more than 9,000 hectares nationwide. Our work includes land acquisition, ecological restoration, pest management, biodiversity monitoring, and long-term stewardship. Despite our national reach, NFRT has the equivalent of just 3 full-time staff supported by around 80 volunteers contributing more than 11,000 hours annually through restoration work, reserve management, governance, and community engagement.
This project was selected as a RestorLife Awards finalist
Project story
The Native Forest Restoration Trust (NFRT) protects and restores some of Aotearoa’s most significant remaining native forest ecosystems. Our work focuses on securing threatened habitats, removing pressures such as pests and invasive weeds, and supporting natural regeneration so forest can recover and thrive for the long term.
Our landholdings and covenanted sites span diverse landscapes—from coastal forest and wetlands to steep hill country—each playing a critical role in protecting biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience. Every project is a long-term commitment: restoration does not happen quickly, but steadily over decades.
Funding supports land acquisition, pest and weed control, ecological monitoring, fencing, track maintenance, and the practical work that keeps restoration on track. It also enables us to respond quickly when high-value land becomes available.
The challenge is scale: pressures on native ecosystems continue to grow, while restoration requires sustained investment and patience. With support, we can continue expanding connected habitats and ensuring these forests recover and endure for future generations.
Project updates
Team
Location
New Zealand
Round 3
Jul 1-21, 2026
Supporting community-led nature projects around the world.
Matching funds provided by
