About the Trust
The Rotoehu Ecological Trust (RET) began as an inspired idea in 2011 and officially became a registered charitable trust (CC49846) in 2013. Our conservation efforts are centered in the Rotoehu Forest and Rotoehu Forest West blocks, where we work in partnership with the Department of Conservation to manage and protect these precious lands.
A key focus of our mission is the Premier Category One site, home to the endangered North Island Kōkako. With a population of around 600 birds, the kōkako is a keystone species whose survival reflects the health of the broader ecosystem. By prioritsing kōkako conservation through intensive pest control, we aim to ensure a thriving environment for all native flora and fauna.
Our Collaborative Efforts
RET thrives on strong partnerships with local and national conservation organizations, iwi, and stakeholders. Our collaborators include:
Discover Rotoehu Forest
Located just a short 30-minute drive from Rotorua and Tauranga along Rotoehu Road, this forest is a sanctuary for an array of native wildlife. Alongside the melodious kōkako, it is home to whiteheads, New Zealand Bush Falcons, grey warblers, tomtits, and geckos. The forest is also rich with towering rewarewa, rimu, and pūriri trees, creating a haven for biodiversity.
Protecting our Native Treasures
To preserve this unique ecosystem, RET undertakes rigorous pest and weed control measures. Our efforts target:
Animal pests: possums, rats, mice, mustelids, hedgehogs, feral cats, and wallabies
Invasive plants: blackberry, pampas, and wilding pines
Through these initiatives, we aim to protect and restore the delicate balance of this ecosystem, ensuring its vitality for generations to come.
The meaning of our colour scheme
The Rotoehu Ecological Trust’s color scheme is deeply symbolic, drawing inspiration from the iconic kokako, an emblem of Aotearoa’s unique biodiversity. The blue in the scheme represents the vivid blue wattles of adult kokako, a striking feature that signifies the vibrancy and life of these remarkable birds. It embodies the trust’s commitment to protecting the kokako and ensuring the survival of the species within the Rotoehu Forest and beyond.
The pink, meanwhile, symbolizes the future, a nod to the delicate pink wattles of juvenile kokako. This color choice reflects hope, growth, and the ongoing efforts to nurture the next generation of kokako and foster a thriving environment for them to flourish. Together, the blue and pink elements of the color scheme capture the Trust’s dedication to both the preservation of what is and the promise of what will be—a harmonious balance between conservation and a vision for a brighter future.
This thoughtfully chosen color palette is a constant reminder of the interconnectedness of the Trust’s work, celebrating both the kokako’s beauty and the broader mission of safeguarding Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.
By visiting Rotoehu Forest or supporting our work, you contribute to safeguarding New Zealand’s natural heritage and ensuring a brighter future for species like the North Island Kōkako. Together, we can make a difference.
