The Trust acknowledges Te Atiawa as mana whenua iwi of the Takaka Hill rohe
The Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust community as recent kaitiakitanga aim to protect and restore natural resources within this rohe where the community lives and works.
We aim to protect and restore the unique Takaka Hill ecosystems home to endangered species in Significant Natural Areas on private and public conservation land, including areas of the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.
Our Goals
The Trust is committed to taking a whole ecosystem approach to address multiple threats and challenges that native species face simultaneously. Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, and climate change impact ecosystems. By managing these issues at the ecosystem level, we can implement comprehensive strategies that tackle multiple threats and promote the resilience of the entire ecosystem.
Restore and protect Takaka Hill ecosystems
Control predator and pest species
Achieve biodiversity gains over the next 30 years
Increase the population of Takaka Hill native species
Support Our Holistic Approach
Donating to the Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust supports our approach of considering the entire ecosystem in our restoration and protection work. This is because ecosystems are complex and interconnected, with various species and their environment interacting in a web of relationships. By focusing on the entire ecosystem, we recognise that the health and well-being of one species often rely on the health and well-being of other species in the same ecosystem. Therefore, to protect threatened native species effectively, we must consider the whole ecosystem.
Thank you for your support!
Nature knows no boundaries
Protecting endangered species requires safeguarding the entire interconnected ecosystems they depend on.
Our Goals
The Trust is committed to taking a whole ecosystem approach to address multiple threats and challenges that native species face simultaneously. Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, and climate change impact ecosystems. By managing these issues at the ecosystem level, we can implement comprehensive strategies that tackle multiple threats and promote the resilience of the entire ecosystem.
Our Whole Ecosystem Approach
Support Our Whole Ecosystem Approach
Donating to the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust supports our holistic approach of considering the entire ecosystem in our restoration and protection work. This is because ecosystems are complex and interconnected, with various species and their environment interacting in a web of relationships. By focusing on the entire ecosystem, we recognise that the health and well-being of one species often rely on the health and well-being of other species in the same ecosystem. Therefore, to protect threatened native species effectively, we must consider the whole ecosystem.
Thank you for your support!
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Welcome to the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust!
Join us on our journey as we work to restore and protect the unique biodiversity of Tākaka Hill. Our mission is to promote conservation efforts in this stunning sub alpine area, home to unique native plants and animals. By following our page, you'll gain access to updates on our initiatives, educational information, community events, and volunteer opportunities.
Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment! Connect with us to learn more, share our passion for Aotearoa, New Zealand and stay informed about how you can contribute to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of Takaka Hill. Let's make a difference together!
Follow us now and be part of our community.
Follow us on Facebook
Welcome to the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust!
Join us on our journey as we work to restore and protect the unique biodiversity of Tākaka Hill. Our mission is to promote conservation efforts in this stunning sub alpine area, home to unique native plants and animals. By following our page, you'll gain access to updates on our initiatives, educational information, community events, and volunteer opportunities.
Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment! Connect with us to learn more, share our passion for Aotearoa, New Zealand and stay informed about how you can contribute to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of Takaka Hill. Let's make a difference together!
Follow us now and be part of our community.
THBGT latest News and Media
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![Small green mushrooms growing among moss, twigs, and soil in a forest environment.]()
Observation of the Month: Fabulous Fungi
May-June 2025
May was a fantastic month for spotting fungi, focusing on looking down at the ground instead of up in the trees, thanks to plenty of rain and reasonably warm weather.
Fungi play a crucial role in the Tākaka Hill ecosystems, serving as essential decomposers that recycle nutrients in the environment. They break down organic matter, including dead plants and animals, transforming it into vital nutrients that enrich the soil.
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![Logo of The Breeze with a blue and green gradient background and white text.]()
Radio Interview: New Spider Discovery!
May 2025
Check out an interview with Charmaine Petereit, Project Manager of the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust, as she chats with Blair Kiddey from The Breeze about the exciting discovery of a new cave spider species on Takaka Hill. Learn how this finding highlights the region's incredible biodiversity and the importance of our conservation efforts.
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![A female caver in a red suit and orange helmet kneels inside a dark cave, examining a small container, with cave walls and rocks surrounding her.]()
‘Groundbreaking’ discoveries in Tākaka Hill caves
May 2025
Remarkable crustaceans, isopods and a new species of spider have been discovered in the Tākaka Hill caves.
The Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust recently undertook their 2025 Cave Fauna Survey, with a dedicated team venturing into 13 caves, navigating tough conditions to gather essential data for identification and genetic research.
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![Black bear walking on a trail near a wooden fence and wooded hillside.]()
Observation of the Month: Protecting Native Species from Cats
February-March 2025
A recently installed trail camera along one of our driveways has uncovered alarming evidence of unexpected foot traffic, specifically, an unfamiliar cat. As well as recording Weka, rabbits, possums, and hares, this new visitor is a cause for concern. We’ve confirmed that this cat isn’t owned by anyone locally.
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![A scuba diver wearing a red helmet with a mounted GoPro, black wetsuit, and blue gloves, smiling and holding a small object while standing in a foam-filled water inside a cave.]()
Tākaka Hill reveals cave secrets
January 2025
From shimmering rock pools to stunning chambers, the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust has successfully completed their Cave Fauna Survey for 2025.
Earlier this month, a dedicated team conducted comprehensive fauna sampling from 13 caves in the Tākaka Hill region and the surrounding Tākaka area.
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![Group of seven people standing outdoors on grass at sunset with open landscape and hills in background.]()
Biodiversity group up for national award
March 2024
The Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust has been selected as one of the three finalists for the 2024 Ministry of Primary Industries Bioheritage Challenge Community Award.
The Bioheritage category is based on groups or individuals being recognised for their biosecurity work protecting our natural and physical resources from pests and diseases that can cause harm.
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![A rural landscape with a grassy field, trees lining a pathway, and a fenced area in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Wilding conifer plan draws industry criticism
June 2024
A plan to hold forestry companies to account for wilding conifers within 200 metres of planted forests has come under fire from the industry and has prompted councillors to seek legal advice.
Under a partial review of the Tasman Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan, the region’s councils are considering rule changes for pest and wilding conifers.
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![Close-up of a young fern frond unfurling in front of a blurred green background, overlaid with text 'Ministry for Primary Industries, Manatū Ahu Matua'.]()
New Zealand Biosecurity Awards finalists keeping New Zealand safe from pests and diseases
March 2024
The New Zealand Biosecurity Awards finalists have been announced and highlight the inspiring and diverse biosecurity activities that are happening across New Zealand.
The awards celebrate the incredible people who are working hard to help ensure New Zealand is safe from…
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![A green and white lizard resting on a branch amidst dense green foliage and brown twigs.]()
Vulnerable Nelson Green Geckos found thriving on Tākaka Hill
January 2024
The discovery of threatened Nelson Green Geckos on Tākaka Hill on Saturday evening has given hope for the species’ survival.
Charmaine and Norman Petereit of the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust made the discovery on private land bordering Kahurangi National Park, coming across three of the rarely seen species, suggesting there could be a thriving population in the location.
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![Group of seven people celebrating indoors, holding glasses of wine or champagne, with a decorative art piece in the background.]()
Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust Celebrates
July 2021
Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust members were delighted in July 2021 to receive a second National Wilding Conifer Control Programme Community Partnership Project grant to continue and extend their work controlling wilding pines on Tākaka Hill. This time, the grant is for $250,000 - enough to fund the Trust’s Community Partnership Project through to 2023.
A first grant received in 2020 saw the first phase of the project off the ground, controlling 8,200 wilding pines by July 2021.
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![Group of eight people standing outdoors in front of a green hedge, posing for a photo.]()
Community conservation projects to get extra support to back nature
August 2020
Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage today announced that 116 community conservation projects have been granted $5.44 million from the Department of Conservation’s Community Fund/ Pūtea Tautiaki Hapori.
“The DOC Community Fund/Pūtea Tautiaki Hapori is designed to support practical on-the-ground projects that give our native plants and wildlife…
Partners in Collaboration
The Trust acknowledges Te Atiawa, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Tama as mana whenua iwi of the Tākaka Hill rohe
The Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust community, as recent kaitiakitanga, aims to protect and restore natural resources within this rohe where we live and work.
We aim to protect and restore the unique Tākaka Hill ecosystems, which are home to endangered species in Significant Natural Areas on both private and public conservation land, including areas of the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.
