Celebrating KEEP’s Recent Achievements - 2 years on

In 2022, KEEP received generous funding from Bay Trust, which enabled us to grow from a stakeholder forum into an operational organisation. 

During the past two years, this funding has enabled KEEP to achieve some pretty remarkable goals, with the aim of protecting and linking kōkako populations across the Bay of Plenty.

Our focus areas have been:

• Predator control, especially in tricky terrain

• Planting native trees for new habitat

• Enhancing ecological connectivity GIS planning

Let’s take a look…

Predator Control 

Predator control is a cornerstone of successful kōkako conservation. KEEP has been committed to supporting landowners who border existing kōkako populations in their efforts to protect these incredible birds. 

Through increased contractor support for busy landowners and boosting the number of bait stations across the landscape, we're ensuring that these efforts have an impact and help to create a safe habitat for kōkako to expand into.

One of the biggest hurdles for landowners in our priority area is the challenging terrain. The land is criss-crossed with steep gorges, which makes traditional predator control methods tricky—and, in some places, downright unsafe. 

To overcome this, we've turned to an innovative solution: a network of NZ Autotrap AT220s, which we can safely and efficiently move along the edges of the gorges. This adaptive approach allows us to maintain a level of control whilst navigating the landscape’s natural obstacles.

A newly installed AT220 Photo: Greg Coulter

Planting for New Habitat

Thanks to the incredible support from Trees that Count and Conservation Amplified, KEEP has secured 8,500 native trees for landowners to plant in our priority areas. In the coming years, these trees will form essential linkages and stepping stones, creating a safer and more connected landscape for kōkako and other native wildlife.

In addition, we’ve joined forces with Trees that Count, Tāne’s Tree Trust, Tapuika Iwi Authority, and local landowners to explore the potential of planting seed islands. These "islands" not only act as stepping stones across the landscape, but also serve as a valuable source of seeds to support natural regeneration.

One of the highlights of this collaboration took place in 2023, when around 300 saplings were planted by the whānau of Tapuika iwi at a historically significant site in Te Puke. As part of the ongoing project, we’ve been closely monitoring the health and success of the trees. 

And the results are encouraging. Since planting, the average height of the saplings has nearly tripled, from 44 cm to 126 cm, and the survival rate has been an impressive 95%.

This project is a true testament to the power of community collaboration and the lasting impact that thoughtful, targeted planting can have on our environment and wildlife.

Above: The newly planted seed island trial site at Rangiuru maunga, Bay of Plenty (July 2023). Photo Mike Bergin

Remeasurement of the seed island plots at Rangiuru maunga one year after planting by Wayne O’Keefe and  Levi Tewheoro Dinsdale of Tapuika Iwi Authority. Photo Mike Bergin

Joining the Dots - Ecological Connectivity

What is Connectivity and Why Does It Matter?

“Connectivity” refers to how easily plants, animals, and natural processes can move across the landscape. For our native species, it’s essential for survival. Given that kōkako are unable to cross large, open spaces, this makes connectivity all the more important.

That’s why, in collaboration with the Bay Conservation Alliance and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, KEEP has developed a comprehensive connectivity analysis spanning the area between Kaharoa and Ōtanewainuku.

This innovative, interactive GIS platform is open to the public. By incorporating data on kōkako’s preferred habitat, movement and dispersal habits, it highlights potential ecological linkages that can help preserve and strengthen the landscape’s connectivity.

We’re thrilled to use this tool not only for planning and decision-making but also as a powerful resource for advocacy. Explore the analysis and see how it can help shape the future of our environment.

A screenshot showing potential connectivity across the landscape.

As we celebrate the last two years of KEEP’s journey, we want to thank Bay Trust for their amazing support and all our incredible stakeholders and their volunteers, who have helped us achieve so much. 

From predator control to tree planting and environmental education, every effort brings us closer to a thriving future for kōkako and our native forests.