The Rotoehu Ecological Trust (RET) originated as an idea in 2011, before officially gaining charitable trust status (CC49846) in 2013. Our efforts are focused within the Rotoehu Forest and Rotoehu Forest West blocks. Collaborating closely with the Department of Conservation, we oversee the management of this land, with special attention to the Premier Category One site—the habitat of the North Island Kōkako, a keystone species with a population of approximately 600 birds. The conservation of these kōkako is central to our mission, as we believe safeguarding this endangered species will yield benefits for the entire ecosystem, particularly through pest control measures.

In addition to our partnership with the local Department of Conservation office in Rotorua, RET has cultivated valuable connections with various local and national conservation organizations and entities. These include the Kōkako Specialist Group, Kaharoa Kōkako Trust, Otanewanuku Kiwi Trust, Manawahe Kōkako Trust, Kōkako Organic Coffee, Old Forest School, Little Miss Rose Photography, Kaingaroa Timberlands, Ngati Makino, Te Puke Forest and Bird, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Situated just a 30-minute drive from Rotorua and Tauranga along Rotoehu Road, the Rotoehu Forest is not only a sanctuary for the kōkako but also serves as a habitat for whiteheads, the New Zealand Bush Falcon, grey warblers, tomtits, geckos, and majestic native trees such as giant rewarewa, rimu, and pururi. To safeguard these precious native assets, the Trust diligently conducts weed and animal pest control operations targeting possums, rats, mice, mustelids, hedgehogs, wild/feral cats, wallabies, blackberry, pampas, and wilding pines.