Aongatete Forest Project (AFP) manages 500 hectares of lowland native forest in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park between Tauranga and Katikati. The project is administered by the Aongatete Forest Restoration Trust and was set up in 2006 by Forest & Bird Tauranga and the Katikati Rotary Club. The project is supported by volunteers, Forest and Bird members, landowners and Ngai Tamawhariua who have the kaitiaki (guardianship) role over this forest.

Objectives
The aim of the project is to restore indigenous wildlife and plants, demonstrating the benefits of pest control. Ultimately, AFP would like to see widespread, contiguous pest control throughout the Kaimai ranges. The forest and soils of the ranges are a significant carbon sink and as they are often subject to very heavy rainfall, they provide substantial benefits to Western Bay of Plenty catchments by moderating waterflows. The Trust aims to provide a voice for this overlooked forest and is a founding member of Bay Conservation Alliance. AFP also works closely with its neighbour, Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre, helping many schools and other groups make use of the forest and facilities.

How to Help
Volunteers undertake extensive pest control which involves baiting and trapping, targeting rats, possums, mustelids and feral cats. Their hard work is paying off, with the numbers of insects, spiders and birds increasing and plant species regenerating.

Volunteers also help with activities such as fundraising, publicity, administration, biodiversity monitoring, planting, educational activities and leading bush walks.

Find Out More
To learn more about the Aongatete Forest Trust please see the links below.