Restoring Taranaki's Sacred Mountains

Kaitake and Pukeiti maunga stand as vital guardians within Te Kāhui Tupua, a collective of sacred peaks in Taranaki. For years, local hapū, iwi, agencies (local and central government), and community partners have fought an inspiring battle against invasive predators—successfully controlling possums, mustelids, and cats. Their efforts have sparked a remarkable recovery of indigenous biodiversity across this part of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki.

Yet one challenge remains: rats continue to threaten this ecological revival.

This project marks the next critical phase in protecting our maunga. We're funding essential infrastructure—tracks and strategic bait stations—that will empower our community to tackle rat populations year after year. By removing this final major predator threat, we can unlock the full potential for native species to flourish and restore these mountains to their former ecological glory.

Together, we can complete this conservation journey and ensure Kaitake and Pukeiti thrive for generations to come.