Positive news! - Giant Rātā Forest Saved

The Giant Rātā trees of Akatarawa will live to see another season.

Huge thanks to all of you that got behind protecting this living treasure.

The greater Wellington Regional Council has recognised the international importance of the Akatarawa as one of NZ's iconic forests with its giant rātā trees.

They have just completed a much needed aerial 1080 drop to get on top of invasive species like possums, rats and stoats. This work is vital as it provides much needed respite for our ancient trees and native birds to breed, and will allow the ecosystem to thrive.

Councillors Thomas Nash & Ros Connelly in front of a giant surviving rātā.


The forest is on its way to recovering. The future is looking bright, but this is not a drop and walk away situation.
Media article: stuff.co.nz/nation...

Here's what we can look forward too!

This is a rātā in full bloom Ōtari-Wilton's Bush, December 2020 (Image: WWC)

Sustained management and monitoring of rātā seedlings will ensure this forest thrives into the future. This is the focus from here on.

The Atakarawa forest ranks alongside the giant kauri of Waipoua, ancient kahikatea of Southwest land and the redwoods of California.

Northern Rata trees have the largest aerial root trunks in the world! Froth!

Thank you for your support to protect this living taonga.

If you wish to be kept in the loop about future projects chuck your email in the box above or get in touch hello@geoffreidnz.com (I'm working on a Save Our Sanctuary project for our iconic Waipoua and other rare Northland Kauri forests).

Many thanks

Geoff

R.I.P. to all the rātā that didn't receive predator control on time.


P.S. for more info on 1080 here is a we clip showing just how far the kererū bounce back!