🌲 Meet Hemi Taparau: Guardian of Atuanui's Natural Legacy 🦉 скачать в хорошем качестве

🌲 Meet Hemi Taparau: Guardian of Atuanui's Natural Legacy 🦉

For many years, Hemi Taparau worked in construction, but his heart found its true home managing pests in the native forest at Atuanui/Mt Auckland. As a proud member of Ngati Whatua o Kaipara and the local Puatahi Marae, Hemi immersed himself in the 615-hectare former Department of Conservation reserve over the past 12 years. "There's nothing like being out in the bush," he shares, describing the full-day commitment that has become a labor of love. This century-old reserve, the largest regenerating native forest between Waipoua and the Waitakere Ranges, was transferred to Ngati Whatua o Kaipara as part of the Treaty of Waitangi settlement, ensuring continued public access. Supported by Auckland Council, the Glorit community, and the conservation pioneers Gill and Kevin Adshead from The Mataia Restorations Project, Hemi envisions a native wildlife haven. The Atuanui Restoration Project comprising of Iwi members, ecological and environmental specialists, is guided by a shared dream of rejuvenating the region's natural habitat. After a $150,000 possum eradication program by Auckland Council, the project committee secured a $130,000 DOC grant for an intensive pest and predator control program on the mountain. With Stuart Rogers, experienced from the Waitakere ranges' Ark in the Park, leading the setup, Hemi joined the effort, managing four trap circuits and 630 bait stations. His efforts have significantly reduced rat numbers, marking a transformative shift from the early days when every second trap yielded a pest animal. Hemi also trains others, extending his passion for conservation to properties on the 7.5-kilometer perimeter. His dedication, reflected in the reduced pest numbers, fuels hope for the eventual reintroduction of kiwi at Atuanui. For Hemi, it's about pride and Kaitiakianga. Enjoy his presentation on this inspiring journey to preserve and protect Atuanui's natural legacy. Please Like and subscribe to receive more inspiring videos from The Forest Bridge Trust. 🌿 #Atuanui #ConservationHero #NgatiWhatua #KiwiRestoration #PestControl #NativeWildlife #AtuanuiProject #Kaitiakianga #EnvironmentalStewardship #CommunityConservation