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Stay up to date with the latest news from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari by subscribing to the Maunga Matters Newsletter.

 

Biosecurity Stations

Biosecurity Stations

30 January 2024

At Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, biosecurity is an important job that is 24/7. Biosecurity measures help us to protect the pest-proof fenced sanctuary environment by keeping it free of unwanted organsisms. Unwanted organisms are...

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Kakapo Six Months On

Kakapo Six Months On

24 January 2024

It has been six months since kākāpō were first introduced to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. We’re learning a lot from this trial in our quest to find new, suitable habitat for kākāpō until such time that they can safely return to their...

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Mauri of the Maunga Gala Dinner and Art Auction

Mauri of the Maunga Gala Dinner and Art Auction

23 December 2023

Mauri of the Maunga Gala Dinner and Art Auction SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday June 5th, 2024, 6pm-11pm Set at a stunning location, by the edge of lake Karāpiro, with beautiful Maungatautari as our backdrop, we invite you to save the date for an...

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Kiwi waananga

Kiwi waananga

22 December 2023

In September 2023, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and Ngāti Koroki Kahukura were invited to Taranaki Mounga, where we were given first-hand experiences of the ecosystems that surround the majestic mountain.  It was a time to...

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First Kiwi Chicks Hatched in the hills of Wellington

First Kiwi Chicks Hatched in the hills of Wellington

21 December 2023

Heart-warming news came from The Capital Kiwi Project in late November with the announcement of the discovery of two pēpē kiwi. These precious pēpē represent the first kiwi chicks hatched in the wild in the hills of Te Upoko o Te Ika in 150...

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Takahe Update

Takahe Update

20 December 2023

With two unsuccessful clutches of eggs last season, determined Puiaki and Pirie decided not to waste any time this year and laid their first clutch nearly a month earlier than normal (late August 2023) and successfully hatched two healthy chicks at their...

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Kakapo relocated to reduce monitoring load

Kakapo relocated to reduce monitoring load

28 November 2023

The Department of Conservation is investigating new monitoring solutions for the Waikato kākāpō population after the trial has shown some kākāpō continue to be highly active. Following a review of bird activity, DOC, Ngāi Tahu and Sanctuary...

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2022 - 2023 Annual Report

2022 - 2023 Annual Report

30 October 2023

We are very pleased to present our Annual Report for the year to 30 June 2023. It has been another year of outstanding achievements for our team of Inspired Kaitiaki at Sanctuary Mountain® Maungatautari, with some very exciting developments to report...

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New insights gained from kakapo translocation

New insights gained from kakapo translocation

17 October 2023

The trial kākāpō population in the heart of the Waikato continues to give insights after a determined parrot found a way to leave the fenced sanctuary. Four-year-old Tautahi, who was safely returned to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari last week, is...

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Six more kakapo moved

Six more kakapo moved

14 September 2023

A further six kākāpō have been released at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari following the successful settling in of four kākāpō earlier this year. Around 100 people gathered to welcome the new kākāpō before they were released into the 3400ha...

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Kakapo one month on

Kakapo one month on

22 August 2023

It’s been one month since Bunker, Ōtepoti, Motupōhue and Māhutonga made history by becoming the first kākāpō to live on the mainland in almost 40 years.   The four young males have settled into their new Sanctuary Mountain...

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Kakapo return to the mainland in historic translocation

Kakapo return to the mainland in historic translocation

19 July 2023

The Department of Conservation in partnership with Ngāi Tahu is moving four male kākāpō from Whenua Hou/Codfish Island near Rakiura Stewart Island to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Waikato today. DOC Operations Manager for Kākāpō, Deidre...

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Copper Skink Release

Copper Skink Release

11 July 2023

On the 31st May 2023, 43 copper skinks were released to Te Tūī a Tāne, southern enclosure as a salvage translocation procedure. Sourced from a development site at Rotokauri (Edin Rotokauri), the translocation was a collaborative effort between mana...

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Busy kiwi translocation season

Busy kiwi translocation season

11 July 2023

Our kiwi season ended on the 1st of June and collectively we all sighed with relief after what has been our busiest kiwi season yet. Led by Save The Kiwi, a total of 111 western brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) were translocated out of Sanctuary Mountain...

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Fence modification complete!

Fence modification complete!

11 July 2023

We are pleased to share that the fence modification in preparation for kākāpō is complete! Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has been working for a number of years with The Department of Conservation's Kākāpō Recovery Group to bring kākāpō to...

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Major milestone in kiwi conservation

Major milestone in kiwi conservation

26 June 2023

We have come to the end of our kiwi translocation season and what a season it has been. A major milestone was reached in our kiwi conservation. It was just 18 years ago when the first kiwi were released onto Maungatautari, the first kiwi to live there in...

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Teacher Professional Development Day

Teacher Professional Development Day

1 March 2023

Along with the Department of Conservation, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is holding a Teacher Professional Development Day. When: Friday 26 May 2023 Where: Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari This is your chance to spend the day in te ngahere on...

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Opening of our Manu Korokii Profile Group Education Centre

Opening of our Manu Korokii Profile Group Education Centre

13 February 2023

At dawn on Thursday 2 February, we held a kawanga whare (opening ceremony) to bless our Manu Korokii Profile Group Education Centre with the rising sun.  With close to 100 supporters, sponsors and iwi marking the occasion, the building was...

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Biodiversity Team training on Anchor Island

Biodiversity Team training on Anchor Island

16 January 2023

Biodiversity Update - Dan Howie recounts his adventure below: Dr Janelle Ward and Dan Howie recently had the amazing opportunity to learn about kakapo on a two-week trip each to Anchor Island in Fiordland. In November and December of 2022,...

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Toi Ohomai Cadetship

Toi Ohomai Cadetship

8 December 2022

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and Te Pūkenga, Toi Ohomai Cadetship 2023 Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a world-class conservation and ecotourism destination established in 2001. Showcasing an ancient, vibrant, pest-free forest,...

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Hihi Conservation at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Hihi Conservation at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

7 December 2022

In 2009 hihi were reintroduced to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Over three years, 155 birds were translocated from Tiritiri Matangi Island and Te Hauturu-o-Toi. Since then, the estimated population has fluctuated and currently sits at around 100...

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New CEO Appointed to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

New CEO Appointed to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

11 November 2022

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Peckham as its new Chief Executive.  Peckham will begin in December, just prior to Christmas this year and is looking forward to joining our award-winning...

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Sue Reid receives Kootuku Rerenga Tahi, White Heron Award 

Sue Reid receives Kootuku Rerenga Tahi, White Heron Award 

7 November 2022

With the support of volunteers, staff and the MEIT Board, this year’s Kootuku Rerenga Tahi award is awarded to Sue Reid. A Kootuku's (white heron) visit is both rare and very special. This award honours a rare and special person who has...

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2021 - 2022 Annual Report

2021 - 2022 Annual Report

19 October 2022

2021 - 2022 has been a solid year, illuminated by moments of team inspiration, community collaboration, operational excellence, and organisational innovation. We are proud to present our annual report for the last financial year. Sanctuary...

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The view from the Top

The view from the Top

3 October 2022

Trig 1427 Maungatautari For many years keen trampers and hikers have trekked to the summit of Maungatautari and carved their names on the trig beacon at the top or rested on it as they enjoyed a drink or a snack.  Prior to the predator fence...

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Farewell to two of our juvenile takahee

Farewell to two of our juvenile takahee

2 September 2022

Once again, it was time to translocate two juvenile takahē that hatched on Maungatautari. Early this month Waitii and Waitaa were translocated to Te Anau. Named after the Matariki star representing fresh water, Waitii was a juvenile hatched in the...

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Generous donation helps Education Centre build

Generous donation helps Education Centre build

2 September 2022

L-R - Graeme Raill chairman of the Trust, presenting Sanctuary Mountain Manungatautari CEO Phil Lyons with the donation. The Trustees John Walter, Graeme Raill and the wider family of David Steele visiting the site of the Education...

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Education Centre building update

Education Centre building update

2 September 2022

PAUA Architects Ltd impression of what the new Education Centre will look like when completed.  The new Education Centre sited between the Manu Tioriori Visitor Centre and the Tautari Wetland area is now well underway, with stage one of...

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Rat trap boxes donated by Korakonui School

Rat trap boxes donated by Korakonui School

2 September 2022

Korakonui Scool presented Sanctuary Mountain with 12 rat trap boxes, built by the students as part of their community service work at school. On Friday August 5th, Year 7 and 8 students from nearby Korakonui School visited Sanctuary Mountain...

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Taiea te Taiao Ecological corridor update

Taiea te Taiao Ecological corridor update

2 September 2022

Sanctuary Mountain is proud to be a project partner to the Taiea-te-taiao corridor project. The five-year (June 2021 to June 2026) funded project aims to link two of the region’s most spectacular maunga, Maungatautari and Pirongia via an...

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Conservation Week  5-11 September

Conservation Week 5-11 September

2 September 2022

This Conservation Week there is a focus on how we can take action for nature. Taking action not only benefits nature, but also our personal wellbeing. Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata – when the land is well, the people are well. When...

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Dads go FREE this Father's Day

Dads go FREE this Father's Day

30 August 2022

This Father's Day share some time in nature with Dad. Bring your dad for a day at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari on Sunday 4 September 2022 and Dad’s self-guided entry into the Southern Enclosure is FREE! Conditions for free...

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Tawa research

Tawa research

22 July 2022

Tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa) can be found growing as a canopy or sub canopy tree from the top of the North Island down to Kaikoura. Tawa fruit is the fourth largest of New Zealand’s endemic flora and is primarily eaten by kererū. Prompted by...

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Support for Mauri of the Maunga Gala Dinner

Support for Mauri of the Maunga Gala Dinner

22 July 2022

The evening was amazing on many levels including: bringing our community together; securing the final funds required to begin the 47km fence modification; and raising the awareness of the Maunga and critically, the Kākāpō recovery programme. Over 390...

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Hochstetter's frogs population

Hochstetter's frogs population

22 July 2022

Hochstetter’s frogs (Leiopelma hochstetteri) are one of four endemic frog species in New Zealand, with fragmented populations found in the North Island, and a conservation status of At Risk - Declining. Our native frogs are somewhat more cryptic...

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Matariki free entry day

Matariki free entry day

22 July 2022

Although the weather report promised there would be showers, free entry to the Southern Enclosure for locals on 25th June to celebrate Matariki, attracted 623 visitors. The Manu Tioriori Visitor Centre at the end of Tari Road was humming with art and...

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New biodiversity market launched

New biodiversity market launched

20 June 2022

A new biodiversity market was launched today with the first transaction of biodiversity units between Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari (the seller) and Profile Group Limited (the buyer). The mainland ecological island is now able to raise funds for...

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BLAKE inspire visit

BLAKE inspire visit

1 June 2022

In the first week of the school holidays, the education team hosted 36 students and 11 adults from BLAKE Inspire. Students were guided in small groups to experience both Te Tūī a Tāne (southern enclosure) and the Tautari Wetland area, asking...

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Research into impact of possums and rats on seed production

Research into impact of possums and rats on seed production

1 June 2022

Since 2020 researcher Margaret Dickinson from the University of Waikato has been visiting Maungatauari and Mangakawa regularly to survey large fruited tree species in lowland growth forest with the aim of answering the question “Do rats and possums...

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New dusk tour of wetlands

New dusk tour of wetlands

1 June 2022

Recently we have offered a dusk tour of the Tautari wetlands. On Saturday Sue Reid and Liz Schollum guided seven visitors, two children, and five adults. Sue went down to the wetlands first, to see where the takahē were, while Liz told the...

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Hauora day

Hauora day

1 June 2022

We had an awesome day at the Ngati Korokii Kahukura Hauora Day, working together and interacting with members of the public from Cambridge and the wider community promoting the value of being a volunteer at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, our most...

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Teacher professional development day

Teacher professional development day

21 April 2022

In April, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari hosted a Teacher Professional Development Day focussing on conservation education and wellbeing – learning IN the environment. This professional development day was created and delivered in collaboration...

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Social & Environmental Sustainability Business Award

Social & Environmental Sustainability Business Award

11 April 2022

We are very pleased and proud to announce that Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is the recent recipient of the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Social & Environmental Sustainability Business Award.  As always, winning these awards are the...

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Let's celebrate wellbeing

Let's celebrate wellbeing

11 April 2022

The Wellbeing Celebration was an intimate but wonderful event with a turnout of almost 100 people - not too bad at the peak of a pandemic. The sun shone and the manu made delightful appearances. Feedback on the sessions has been great and we had a good...

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Lizard surveying

Lizard surveying

11 April 2022

Lizard survey techniques employ the use of tree covers to allow hiding places for geckos that are easy to access. Tree covers (along with ground covers and monitoring tunnels) allow for repeated surveys in the same location as an estimate of local...

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Proven! Maungatautari improves wellbeing - Report

Proven! Maungatautari improves wellbeing - Report

31 March 2022

It will come as no surprise to those who frequent Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari (SMM), that it's now proven through a measurement framework conducted by experts, that visiting SMM improves your wellbeing. Experts in social impact measurement Huber...

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Kiwi capture

Kiwi capture

31 March 2022

The Maungatautari kiwi mahi is ramping up greatly as we move closer to the prime season for capturing kiwi. This year we are anticipating we will capture up to 60 kiwi to send to Tongariro national park to help bolster their North Island brown kiwi...

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Volunteer story by Steve Cooper

Volunteer story by Steve Cooper

2 March 2022

After moving to Cambridge from Warkworth in 2015, I was asked by a friend if I was interested in doing volunteer work at Maungatautari with a great group of people known as the Gofa team. My wife, Judi, and I had done a lot of recreational bird...

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Uni project placement surveying riflemen

Uni project placement surveying riflemen

2 March 2022

Hi, I’m Oliver Lewis and I was recently based at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari for my university project placement for my thesis (University of Otago). I was tasked with surveying the newly introduced riflemen (titipounamu), and working out the...

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Education - Virtual Learning Sessions available

Education - Virtual Learning Sessions available

1 March 2022

It has been great to support schools to visit Maungatautari in single class-sized visits as the new school year has started. Sanctuary Mountain would also love to bring conservation to your classroom through a virtual online learning session. It's...

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How you can help

How you can help

1 February 2022

From the Chief Executive Officer by Phil Lyons Kia ora koutou, Things are moving at pace here at the maunga. With kākāpō, the new Education Centre, wellbeing programmes, and returning international travellers all imminent in 2022, we have a...

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Fungal research

Fungal research

1 February 2022

Forest pathologist Dr. Ian Hood (Scion) has been volunteering his precious retirement time to study the wood colonising fungi of Maungatautari. His research started in February 2021 and involves five sites spanning an area of 1.3 km in and adjacent to Te...

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Titipounamu research

Titipounamu research

1 February 2022

Titipounamu juvenile, photo credit Deborah Smith Whilst Covid lockdowns managed to interfere with multiple surveys going ahead at the end of 2021, we were, fortunately, able to proceed with titipounamu research over the summer, with the help of Otago...

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Takahee update

Takahee update

1 February 2022

Unfortunately, this year the takahē have not had any success with their nests. The Cooper’s pair successfully hatched one egg, with a chick heard on camera, but days later a rain and flooding event is suspected to have caused either drowning...

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Northern Enclosure reopening

Northern Enclosure reopening

9 January 2022

We greeted 2022 with some fantastic news that the northern enclosure, at the top of Hicks Road, was reopening to the public from January 1st 2022. This is after almost 4 years of closure, but with the help and support of local council,...

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Honouring Ally

Honouring Ally

23 December 2021

Earlier this month, the team hosted a morning tea to celebrate the White Heron award which was given virtually at our Annual General Meeting (AGM). Normally this award is given in-person during the AGM but due to covid, we decided to hold the event...

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Early Christmas presents for our Rangers thanks to The ToolShed!

1 December 2021

Truly blown away! We'd like to thank The Tool Shed and all of our partners and supporters for supplying over 20K worth of tools for our Rangers, Biosecurity and Operations teams. Less than 24 hours after taking home the NZ Tourism award for...

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NZ Tourism Awards 2021

NZ Tourism Awards 2021

1 December 2021

We want to say thank you to all of our supporters and we are very thankful for being the recipients of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust - Community Engagement Award for 2021. We were amongst great company and are extremely proud of the work we...

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Kootuku Rerenga Tahi, White Heron Award by Don Scarlet

Kootuku Rerenga Tahi, White Heron Award by Don Scarlet

1 December 2021

A special presentation speech given at our AGM Kootuku Rerenga Tahi – White Heron Award. By Don Scarlet MNZM. Co-Chair, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari | Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust Before I announce the recipient of this award, I...

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Jobs for Nature: our new recruits

Jobs for Nature: our new recruits

1 December 2021

Last month, our four new Ranger recruits start their mahi at Maungatautari. As part of the Jobs for Nature programme, supported by the Department of Conservation, our new Rangers will contribute greatly to the project and the future of Sanctuary...

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Telemetry training opportunity by Craig Montgomerie

Telemetry training opportunity by Craig Montgomerie

1 September 2021

In the past few weeks, I have been sketching up a plan to achieve an annual kiwi muster for our translocations that will take place in the not too distant future. We are brainstorming what tools and resources we will require to undertake as we are still...

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Community links: WaiPAC visit to the Sanctuary!

1 September 2021

Recently a short ‘cheque‘ handover ceremony was held at the Visitor Centre in the midst of the Covid 19 Level 2 restrictions. Waikato Pesticides Awareness (WaiPAC) had recently wound up because the work it was established to do had been...

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Titipounamu translocation

Titipounamu translocation

1 September 2021

The newest species to join our menagerie of forest species at Maungatautari is the mighty but tiny North Island titipounamu (rifleman) Acanthisitta chloris.  Eighty of these insectivorous birds were released in May and June of 2021.  Since...

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In honour of Lance

1 September 2021

From the Chief Executive Officer by Phil Lyons Kia ora Koutou He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata Here at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, we often refer to those Kaitiaki who have gone before us. These are the...

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Maungatautari history book project update

Maungatautari history book project update

1 August 2021

Since the March 2021 when we first wrote about the project to produce a beautiful book telling the story of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari over the past twenty years, our group has been meeting regularly. A “treasure trove” of resources has...

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Hihi recovery

Hihi recovery

1 August 2021

by Dr Janelle Ward I recently attended the annual Hihi Recovery Group meeting – this year held at the delightful Raumati Beach with views to Kapiti Island. These recovery group meetings are on the smaller side, involving 15-20 delegates from...

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The Cadets are out in full force!

The Cadets are out in full force!

1 July 2021

Throughout this year, we’ve partnered with Toi Ohomai to host a cadetship for their environmental studies students to participate in.  Our Sanctuary Mountain Rangers accompany these cadets around the sanctuary to partake in varying projects to...

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Curious about Kiwi? Summing up the Season

Curious about Kiwi? Summing up the Season

1 July 2021

This has been the busiest release season the maunga has ever seen.  A total of 111 kiwi have been released since October 2020 bringing the total kohanga cohort to 239 new founders since October 2018.  Fortunately, my role with the kiwi has...

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CEO Report June 2021 - Phil Lyons

CEO Report June 2021 - Phil Lyons

10 June 2021

Kia ora Koutou,   On Sunday 30th May, we held our annual volunteer appreciation day.  This was a celebration of our volunteers and their wonderful contribution to the maunga.  Our stories ranged from 1998 to the present day,...

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Hochstetter's frog surveying

Hochstetter's frog surveying

10 June 2021

Hochstetter’s frogs (Leiopelma hochstetteri) were first discovered at Maungatautari in 2004 and to date we are the only fenced Ecosanctuary to contain this rare and declining species.  Since 2009 the team at Ecoquest has been conducting a...

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The new SMM Biosecurity Plan and the expert support of STAP By Dan Howie

The new SMM Biosecurity Plan and the expert support of STAP By Dan Howie

11 May 2021

As many Maunga Matters readers will know, much of the work conducted at SMM is guided by a biosecurity plan. The purpose of this plan is to outline the processes used to safeguard translocated indigenous species and to protect the sanctuary against...

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iNaturalist fungi project

iNaturalist fungi project

11 May 2021

With the Autumn rain and humidity, the abundance of fungi has started to show and several rangers and visitors have seen some amazing mushrooms and other fungi over the past couple of months.  If you have an interest in fungi, the best way to help...

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Kohanga kiwi project

Kohanga kiwi project

3 February 2021

by Craig Montgomerie The five year project to release 500 new founding kiwi to the already bustling Maungatautari kiwi population has hit top gear this season. At the time of writing this we have released 54 kiwi since 16th of October 2020...

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Takahee chicks

Takahee chicks

3 February 2021

We are super pleased to announce the hatching of two takahē chicks in December this season – one chick each to new couples Hemi and Nancy (Wetland) and Pirie and Puiaki (Cooper’s). The Cooper’s chick hatched in the first few days of...

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Tuatara survey

Tuatara survey

22 December 2020

Fifty tuatara were released to Maungatautari in two locations in 2012, with 20 released to the Tuatarium in the Tautari Wetland. Initially our permit required tuatara be surveyed annually, after which the survey effort can be reduced to every five years...

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Lizard monitoring stations

Lizard monitoring stations

18 December 2020

This month the final lizard monitoring stations were set up at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, with 80 permanent survey stations installed in two main blocks within the 63ha mouse-free Southern Enclosure. Each station consists of two stacked Artificial...

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20+ conservation heading to Maungatautari

13 November 2020

The Department of Conservation Kiwibank Conservation Dogs programme is holding its annual training week at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Many of the Kiwi Bank Conservation Dog handlers are in remote areas and do not often have the opportunity for...

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Takahee shuffle

Takahee shuffle

6 November 2020

By Janelle Ward, Species Coordinator Sanctuary Mountain’s five takahē juveniles were safely captured, checked and sent to Burwood Bush rearing facility in mid-August in a very successful but time pressured capture event –all chicks...

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Water sampling testing at Maungatautari

Water sampling testing at Maungatautari

18 August 2020

By Adrian Cookson, AgResearch in Palmerston North. I’m a Microbiologist and am very interested in analysing the Escherichia coli bacteria as indicators of faecal contamination in waterways. My previous work in collaboration with Massey...

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Convex New Zealand Ltd and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari team up!

Convex New Zealand Ltd and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari team up!

19 June 2020

A new partnership between Hamilton based Convex and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is being celebrated with Convex planting 100 kowhai trees around the Tari Road Visitor Centre on Friday, 3 July. Around 20 team members from Convex will be heading to...

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Insect research

Insect research

5 June 2020

By Janelle Ward, Species Co-ordinator Insects rarely receive the same amount of attention as our more charismatic species such as kiwi or hihi. However, the rare and endangered species of New Zealand include many interesting insects. As part of our...

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Species update - April 2020

Species update - April 2020

4 May 2020

The magic of mushrooms Autumn is the best time to fossick for fungi and appreciate the magic of mushrooms! Our ranger Craig recently took this amazing shot of a North Island robin next to a beautiful fungus that popped up in the northern enclosure....

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Species update - March 2020

Species update - March 2020

3 April 2020

It was the biggest day of the year for our takahe families on the 12th March, when all of them were captured for annual health checks and chick banding and vaccination.  Thankfully, all four babies have been growing well and are now starting to look...

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Species update - February 2020

Species update - February 2020

3 March 2020

By Janelle Ward, Species Coordinator Despite the very dry weather, we have active and thriving species here at Maungatautari this summer.  Takahe – With the recent weather, the grass growth has slowed right down which impacts the feed...

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Summer highlights from a volunteer guide

Summer highlights from a volunteer guide

31 January 2020

By Rosie Cahalane I've now been guiding for two years and it is such a joy to introduce visiting groups to the maunga. It has helped me to truly appreciate the uniqueness of our environment and wildlife while at the same time meeting lots of...

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Restoration Plan

Restoration Plan

31 January 2020

Our charismatic birds such as kaka, takahe and kokako often gain a lot of the attention, but what about all the other precious species at the maunga? Native fish including giant and banded kokopu were reintroduced in 2007, Hochstetter’s frogs have...

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Nganekos Pou

Nganekos Pou

2 December 2019

By Graham Parker Nganeko’s Pou is a memorial to Nganeko Tawhai, who was the sole owner of Maungatautari 4GIV block in the 1800s. She was the wife of Mahuta Potatau Tawhiao, third king of the Waikato-Tainui iwi. This block formed the gateway...

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Long-term dedication from two volunteers

2 December 2019

By Neil Smith  Back in 2007 I started volunteering on the maunga by carrying out the monthly close-up inspections of the part of the perimeter fence on the boundary of the Andree-Wiltens farm. Soon after that I joined Rod’s gofer team and...

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Track clearing

Track clearing

2 December 2019

By Peter Lee-Johnson, Programme Officer, Katikati Tramping Group (KKTC) When Jessica Meade approached me regarding our club spending a day at Sanctuary Mountain helping staff with track clearing, a notice to club members produced an enthusiastic...

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The life of a volunteer visitor host

The life of a volunteer visitor host

2 December 2019

My name is Ruth and for the past 10 years I have been a volunteer Visitor Host at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. I would like to share with you some thoughts about this wonderful safe haven.  The predator proof fence enclosing such a large...

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Kiwi activity

Kiwi activity

2 December 2019

By Dr Janelle Ward, Species Co-ordinator  In my spare time over the past six months, I have been tackling our Maungatautari kiwi database to get it up to date and accurate. It’s amazing how easy it is for there to be errors in a...

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Carpark build starts at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Carpark build starts at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

5 November 2019

Carpark build starts at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Construction on the new visitor carpark begins at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari’s this Thursday, 7th November. We are very excited about this new development, but there will be some...

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Eco-sanctuaries

Eco-sanctuaries

31 October 2019

There are two types of ecosanctuaries; those which are fenced, such as our Maunga, and those which are not, but which rely on bait stations to provide a level of protection to enable native and endemic species to breed.  I have been involved with...

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Winter wanderings of photographer

Winter wanderings of photographer

31 October 2019

By Russell Ingram-Seal – invertebrate enthusiast, amateur photographer and kiwi conservation volunteer. In July I was lucky enough to be given permission to explore Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari to look at invertebrates in the evenings and...

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Poto Davies: Maungatautari is our heart and soul

Poto Davies: Maungatautari is our heart and soul

18 September 2019

Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust (MEIT) co-chair Poto Davies believes strong relationships create trust and can build understanding across communities. She has contributed as a committee member and now as co-chair for MEIT over the past six years,...

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Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and Mother Earth sign sponsorship deal

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and Mother Earth sign sponsorship deal

13 September 2019

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and food brand Mother Earth have partnered up for a sponsorship targeted at education programmes at the wildlife sanctuary.   The sponsorship will go towards improving the education programme that Sanctuary...

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Meditation on the Maunga

Meditation on the Maunga

21 June 2019

Welcoming the light: Meditation on the Maunga to mark the winter solstice @  Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari with Elizabeth Day and Willa Thaniya Reid Friday 21st June 10am to 4pm 2019 As the light returns to...

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We are looking for a Ranger (Operations and Pest Surveillance).

29 April 2019

A position has opened in the Sanctuary Mountain Team!  We are looking for a Ranger (Operations and Pest Surveillance).  In the Pest Surveillance Team, you will work to ensure effective pest surveillance procedures, monitoring, pest incursion...

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Kokako's Song

Kokako's Song

23 March 2019

The Cambridge Autumn Festival is coming up and they are holding a play called Kokako's Song as a fundraiser for Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Date: Saturday, 23 March Time: 11am and 2pm  Location: St Andrew's Church...

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Family Day

Family Day

2 March 2019

Mark your calendars now as this is going to be a special day for the whole family - we've got a lot of exciting things lined up throughout the day such as games, musical performances, meet and greets, and art competitions! There is NO COST to...

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Share the mauri and the mana of the Maunga

Share the mauri and the mana of the Maunga

21 February 2019

The story of Tāne-mahuta, god of the forest and birds, separating his parents, Rangi-nui and Papatūānuku is a reminder that we are all related – the land, the weather, trees, insects, reptiles, fish, birds...

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Not Your Typical Date Night

Not Your Typical Date Night

14 February 2019

We're very excited to share with you this one-off special event for Valentine's Day. A fun, informative, entertaining guided tour with an 'adults only' twist that explores courtship styles of Aotearoa's (NZ's) biological...

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Forest Flow Experience

Forest Flow Experience

7 February 2019

We are very excited to bring you this unique way to experience Maungatautari - focusing on mindful and meditative body movements, the "Forest Flow Experience" is our late night special event on 7th February. Forest Flow Experience incorporates...

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World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day

2 February 2019

World Wetlands Day Special - Tautari Wetland Guided Tour This Saturday February 2nd is World Wetlands Day and the team at Sanctuary Mountain® Maungatautari are offering additional Wetland Tours at 50% off the normal retail price for this one day...

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Kokako population in Maungatautari is thriving

Kokako population in Maungatautari is thriving

7 December 2018

We are delighted to share with you the kokako census on Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari conducted by Ian Flux during September and October 2018.  According to the report: Nineteen (19) territorial pairs were confirmed. A further pair was...

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Finalist at 2018 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards

Finalist at 2018 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards

12 November 2018

Last 12 November 2018, Sanctuary Mountain Chief Executive Phil Lyons and Sanctuary Manager Geoff Churchill attended an awards gala evening for the Ministry for Primary Industries' New Zealand Biosecurity Awards. Sanctuary Mountain is a finalist...

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Great Kiwi Morning Tea

Great Kiwi Morning Tea

26 October 2018

  Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari invites you to join us for this year’s Great Kiwi Morning Tea on Friday 26th October!   Every biscuit baked and every slice of cake enjoyed to the last crumb will help us to protect kiwi. ...

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Tracking Card Workshop with Warren Agnew

Tracking Card Workshop with Warren Agnew

16 October 2018

 We are holding a tracking card reading workshop for all volunteers and staff involved with pest monitoring, and other interested volunteers. The purpose of this workshop is twofold; ·       to...

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School Holidays - Kids Go Free

School Holidays - Kids Go Free

29 September 2018

October is set to be a busy month at Manu Tiorori, with the first two weeks welcoming in the school holidays. We are running a Kids Go Free* promotion alongside great activities such as; Sanctuary Mountain activity sheets, mask making and Kiwi...

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Conservation Week 15 - 23 Sept 2018

Conservation Week 15 - 23 Sept 2018

15 September 2018

Join us at the for some exciting activities during Conservation Week. Kids go free for conservation week (Sanctuary Explorer Pass (self-guided) only and limited to 2 children free of charge with every...

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Community Trustee Vacancy

Community Trustee Vacancy

12 August 2018

MAUNGATAUTARI ECOLOGICAL ISLAND TRUST   COMMUNITY TRUSTEE VACANCY   Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust (MEIT) seeks expressions of interest from members of the community who have the appropriate skills and interest to become a...

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The Jungle Within - Opening Event

The Jungle Within - Opening Event

11 August 2018

We built a jungle and we would love you to come celebrate with us at our opening event from 1pm - 3pm! The Jungle Within is a participatory art installation and a community arts project that focuses on the things we would like to see growing within...

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Takahe Recovery Group Presentation

Takahe Recovery Group Presentation

7 August 2018

We welcome you all to attend a presentation by the Takahe Recovery Group It will be held on Tuesday 7th August, at 10:30am, in the Manu Tioriori Visitor centre, 99 Tari Road. Come along and learn how this taonga species is doing at Sanctuary...

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Kiwi Health Check

Kiwi Health Check

20 July 2018

This chance does not come up often. On Friday 20th July get up close and personal with a New Zealand icon during a kiwi health check here at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. During this special encounter, you will get to know all about the Western North...

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National Volunteer Week 2018

National Volunteer Week 2018

17 June 2018

This week we celebrate: National Volunteer Week 2018 (17 – 23 June 2018) A huge thank you goes out to ALL our wonderful volunteers (from individuals, families, local businesses and corporate teams) who give up their time on a daily basis to...

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Fieldays Promotion

Fieldays Promotion

12 June 2018

We have enticing deals during the influx of visitors to the Waikato region for Fieldays this year. Book any one of our regular guided day tours online and enter the promotion code Fieldays18 to receive a 10% discount, valid for tours booked from 12-17...

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Mother's Go Free Mother's Day Special

Mother's Go Free Mother's Day Special

13 May 2018

Mother's Go Free this Mother's Day. Treat your mum to a special day out with a walk through the southern enclosure at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Finish off with a complimentary tea or coffee for mothers at the . Make memories together...

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Green Prescription

Green Prescription

11 February 2018

Would you like tobe more active and get connected with nature? Sanctuary Mountain in conjunction with Sport Waikato are offering a discount for Green Prescription clients to access the southern enclosure. If this sounds like you, ask your GP or...

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World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day

9 January 2018

To celebrate World Wetlands Day we will be running additional discounted tours all weekend! Please click on the below link to...

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Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari recognised as sustainability leader

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari recognised as sustainability leader

14 November 2017

Waikato’s Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is leading the way in sustainable tourism, with the news that it has recently achieved a Qualmark Silver Award under the new Sustainable Tourism Business criteria.  A Qualmark award provides...

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Qualmark Silver Award Achieved

Qualmark Silver Award Achieved

29 October 2017

Sanctuary Mountain has achieved a Qualmark Silver Award for our tourism business under the new Sustainable Tourism Business criteria. Qualmark has broadened the scope of its evaluation criteria to recognise those businesses that are focused on protecting...

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Changes planned for Trust that governs Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Changes planned for Trust that governs Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

1 August 2017

Changes planned for Trust that governs Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari   Changes are afoot to help the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, which governs Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, to operate more efficiently and...

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Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari announced as national stronghold for western brown kiwi

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari announced as national stronghold for western brown kiwi

30 April 2017

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari announced as national stronghold for western brown kiwi   Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has been announced as the national stronghold for western brown kiwi, which will see up to 500 new kiwi introduced to...

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New radio mast to be installed on Maungatautari summit

New radio mast to be installed on Maungatautari summit

31 March 2017

New radio mast to be installed on Maungatautari summit   Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is installing a new radio mast at the mountain’s summit that is set to improve communication and health and safety for its workers and...

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