Taranaki Mounga is an ambitious restoration project transforming the mountain, ranges and islands of Taranaki by working to remove pests and threats to the biodiversity of the region. This environmental initiative's restoration efforts are reliant on a foundation of cultural stewardship, honoring the Māori heritage and spiritual significance of this iconic landscape while protecting its diverse ecosystems. Relationships across iwi, agencies and communities are fundamental in working towards the project vision of He Kawa Ora - Sustaining the health and well-being of Te Kāhui Tupua and their people.
Project story
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.
Project updates
Team
Protecting Kaitake and Pukeiti from invasive rats
Taranaki Mounga is an ambitious restoration project transforming the mountain, ranges and islands of Taranaki by working to remove pests and threats to the biodiversity of the region. This environmental initiative's restoration efforts are reliant on a foundation of cultural stewardship, honoring the Māori heritage and spiritual significance of this iconic landscape while protecting its diverse ecosystems. Relationships across iwi, agencies and communities are fundamental in working towards the project vision of He Kawa Ora - Sustaining the health and well-being of Te Kāhui Tupua and their people.
Project story
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.
Project updates
Team
Location
New Zealand
Round 3
Jul 1-21, 2026
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