Our Story

In 1997, a handful of kōkako were discovered clinging to survival on private land in Manawahe, Eastern Bay of Plenty. Under the guidance of DOC kōkako expert Jeff Hudson, and with seed funding from Whakatāne Rotary, a group of passionate volunteers formed a trust to give the birds a future.

Over the next two decades, volunteers carried out intensive pest control, enabling kōkako numbers to more than triple within ten years. However, the population later declined, with infertility identified as a major barrier to recovery. To address this genetic bottleneck, the trust launched a translocation programme. With iwi and DOC approval, kōkako from Kaharoa and later Rotoehu were introduced to Manawahe between 2019 and 2021. These translocations – the first in the corridor – have been deeply moving milestones, giving new hope to this taonga species.

In 2023, the Manawahe Kokako Trust and the Manawahe Eco Trust formally merged as Manawahe Eco Trust, combining decades of kōkako protection with a broader vision for biodiversity across the Manawahe Ecological Corridor.

The kōkako of Manawahe carry a unique local dialect – a haunting, melodic song that is distinct to this place. Protecting the birds here also protects this rare cultural and ecological taonga, a voice of the forest that cannot be heard anywhere else.

The Corridor

The Manawahe Ecological Corridor is the only remaining forested corridor linking the Rotorua lakes to the coast. This 300m altitudinal range contains diverse habitats and is recognised as an outstanding regional ecological asset. The lower reaches protect just 1% of the ecosystem type that once covered the Rangitaiki Plains.

As well as kōkako, the ngahere is home to tūī, bellbirds, tomtits, grey warblers, kererū, fantails, cuckoos, and sightings of whitehead and robin. Invertebrate life is abundant and still being studied – from giant centipedes to forest geckos.

Our Mission

To protect and enhance the native ecology of the Manawahe Ecological Corridor – with a special focus on ensuring the survival of kōkako – while connecting people with the ngahere through education and community involvement.

Our Work

Pest control: Regular trapping and bait station operations

Species recovery: Kōkako nest monitoring and population surveys

Habitat restoration: Track maintenance, planting, and corridor care

Education: Curriculum-aligned programmes designed with teachers and conservation experts to connect tamariki with local ecology

Community: Working bees, open days, and recreational access

How You Can Help

Volunteers are vital to everything we do. From trap line checks to monitoring kōkako nests – or simply helping on the BBQ at open days – there’s a role for everyone.