Native Forest
Aramiro native forest approx 900 ha
We are very fortunate to have such a significant historical, spiritual and ecological piece of whenua still within our possession. He taonga tuuturu!
Aramiro native nestled within the foothills of our sacred maunga Pirongia is home to many native bird species such as the kereru, tui, fantails and morepork and our ngahere cloaked with tawa, rimu, kahikatea, miro and fern. Old historical tracks used by our tupuna are still present today.
NZ Archive records show that our ngahere was extensively milled of Rimu, Kahikatea and tawa between 1950 – 1968. Regeneration of what was taken is a key focus for the trust.
The trusts objective is to protect, retain and enhance our indigenous ecosystems, species and habitats whilst exploring opportunities to revive and restore our traditional customs.
The trust has partnered with Tonkin and Taylor to undertake the below. The trust has also applied to Te Puni Kokiri to assist with funding our feasibility studies.
| Focus Areas | Desired Outcomes |
| Phase 1 - Ecology study of our native forest | Repository/inventory of what we have in our native, habitats, areas of significance or at risk |
| Phase 2 -Feasibility reports/studies - Sustainable options | Can we extract and regenerate without disrupting the Mauri of our taonga |
| Phase 2- Lidear mapping and historical recordings – Nga korero tuku iho | Aramiro Database collection of written texts, photos, korero and mappings.Our Land, Our People, Our Identity digitalised and preserved for the next generation |
| Phase 3 – Waananga/Whanau opportunities | Using the results from the feasibility and ecology studies our whanau can then make informed choices on the use of their taonga e.g.*Establishing a native nursery*Rongoa/Pani*Traditional kai gathering*Matauranga/educational pursuits*Eco pest management*Restoration and regeneration of native flora and fauna |
Aramiro Trust and the Department of Conservation
Pirongia Forest is administered by the Department of Conservation.
They are charged with the conservation of New Zealands natural and historical heritage and have responsibilities under many laws to protect and preserve our unique species and environment.
After much discussions and consultation the Aramiro Ahu Whenua Trust has come to an agreement regarding the 2020 Pest Management Programme and the use of 1080 on Pirongia and our surrounding native forest.
Points for our whanau to consider:
- There is no separation of Pirongia forest and Aramiro native forest
- There is irrefutable evidence in our ngahere on the damage that possums/pests are doing to our native species
- Possums carry and can spread TB tuberculosis this would be catastrophic to Aramiro livestock
- Looking ahead – What training programmes can we undertake in the next 1-4 years that would upskill Our People to manage Pest Control on Our Whenua without the use of toxins?