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Hurihia tō aroaro ki te rā tukuna tō ātārangi kia taka ki muri ia koe
Turn your face toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you
Tēnā koutou katoa, and welcome to our summer pānui. This season we've been busy with a range of mahi, from hands-on fieldwork, right across to valuable training sessions that have helped shape the way we approach what we do.
In this pānui, we’ll share some of the key highlights, lessons learned, and the exciting directions we’re heading as we continue to move forward.
But before we do that, we'd like acknowledge our whānau who participated in Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga, 2025. We recognise the time, dedication and sacrifices it takes to be present and part of this kaupapa.
To our kaimahi who participated and who continue to pursue excellence in everything that they do, nei rā te mihi ki a koutou mō tō mahi i runga i te wairua o te kotahitanga. No reira, tēnā koutou katoa.
Mauri ora!
First audit in intensively managed site scores highest result
We have had the privilege of having John Bissell from Back Blocks Environmental come in to support our kaimahi and ensure that our sites are operating at the highest standards. His expertise and guidance is invaluable in helping us fine tune our processes and ensure that every aspect of our work, from the smallest detail to the larger things, are done at an exceptional level.
With that being said our first IMS audit was conducted in Whangaparaoa and we achieved a whopping 96%, this is the highest achievement rate to date.
This result highlights the often overlooked aspects of the work - clearing tracks, understanding pest behaviours, and tackling a wide range of weed challenges. It’s the hard,
unglamorous work that truly drives the success of our efforts.
We are committed to not just meeting expectations but exceeding them, and having John on board reinforces our dedication to delivering work that is far from average. His support plays a key role in ensuring we are truly making a difference in everything we do.
"This is an outstanding result and the highest score seen to date in any audit, anywhere. This includes several high profile, well funded and supported, longer running projects. It should also be noted that a significant percentage of the Kaimahi had not been actively involved in predator trapping prior to starting with the Raukumara Pae Maunga Project one to three years earlier. The high percentage score demonstrates that well trained and supported people with the right mind set and a commitment to excellence can achieve great results in the field. It is clear that the teaching has been onboarded by the team and that they understand what is needed." - John Bissell.
5MBC Training
The 5 minute bird count method is an essential tool in bird monitoring which can play a key role in our data collection and pest management strategies.
We drew on our existing knowledge, monitoring techniques and what was being delivered to us to shape a learning experience that was inclusive and tailored to the uniqueness of our people and our ngahere.
The 5MBC method allows us to assess bird activity within a specific area, providing important information that helps guide and monitor our mahi. By monitoring bird populations over time, we can determine whether our pest control tactics are having an impact, or if adjustments need to be made. It’s a powerful tool, and we're committed to using all aligning tools to understand the health of our ngahere.
Health and safety day
Our team gathered in Ruatoria for an insightful health and safety day where we actively engaged in scenario-based workshops. We explored a variety of real world situations, diving into different types of hazards, incidents, and accidents.
This hands on approach not only allowed us to brainstorm practical solutions but also provided a valuable platform for everyone to contribute their knowledge and ideas. By working through these scenarios together, we strengthened our collective understanding of health and safety practices, while encouraging open dialogue and teamwork.
The event was a great opportunity for personal and professional growth, empowering our team to take a proactive role in ensuring a safer and more informed work environment.
Raukūmara Toa Taiao Rangers
We had the privilege of visiting Ōtūpōtehetehe with Koka Tina from Te Kura o Pōtaka. She shared some incredibly valuable history about the place, including the stories of our tipuna, Taikehu, whose legacy holds strong significance to this area.
Koka Tina’s kōrero really helped us understand the deep connection our people had with this whenua. We learned about the enduring science that our tipuna shared with the land and moana.
Our tipuna understood the interconnectedness of the environment, using the land and sea not just to survive, but to thrive in harmony with it. The way our tipuna lived was a true testament to their deep knowledge of the natural world.
Ōtūpōtehetehe is such a unique place. The bubbling mud pools and cracks in the earth release gas, if you picture Rotorua mud lakes, but without the heat, this is Ōtūpōtehetehe. The water level astonishingly rises and falls with the tide and leaves behind traces of shells.
Our rangathi enjoyed this experience hearing the stories of their tipuna and strengthening their connection to their whenua, their moana, and their maunga. This deepens their ability to step into their kaitiakitanga.
Operations and Monitoring
Our operations and monitoring team completed the SRI mission for Kahoka. This method measures the growth of different plant species and checks for any browsing evidence. We do this type of monitoring in different locations within Te Raukūmara ngahere.
At each survey plot, the team measured the height class of different plant species and assessed signs of deer or possum browse. It’s a technical process, but one that provides crucial insights into the health of the ngahere and helps inform our pest management tactics.
During the trip, the team had some incredible encounters. Kākā were heard squawking, Rūrū were seen hanging out on their perches, and Kererū were spotted feeding on tawa berries. There were also numerous kahukura fluttering through the bush, providing plenty of photo opportunities, though this nearly led to an accidental step into a patch of ongaonga (stinging nettle), its a reminder to our team to always stay alert and on their ‘A’ game, though the kahukura were exciting..
As expected, the steep terrain presented its challenges. Supplejack vines made progress difficult, and gear didn’t come away unscathed, with pants and boots taking some damage. Despite the obstacles, the mission was successful and the weather pulled through for our team.
One downside of the mission was the discovery of rubbish in the area, which our operations team removed before flying out. It’s always disappointing to see waste left behind in such pristine environments. So please, if you are in your Raukūmara - take your rubbish home with you.
Overall, it was a productive mission, with valuable data collected and meaningful time spent in the ngahere.
Heli familiarisation training
Helicopter familiarization and refresher with our local pilots, Steve and Luke is always a huge benefit to our team. It’s given us the chance to get hands on experience with the aircraft and really understand how they operate. Steve and Luke have a wealth of experience and provide practical guidance, which has helped us become more familiar with the aircraft’s capabilities and limitations. This kind of training is crucial, especially when it comes to knowing how to handle any unexpected situations that may arise during our operations.
Beyond just the technical aspects, the training is vital for supporting the health and safety of our team. Since we use helicopters frequently in our work, it’s important that everyone is up to speed on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and communication practices. Being well prepared means that we can handle emergencies quickly and efficiently.
Deer and Goat Ground Hunters
Our Deer and Goat ground hunters require not only skill, but immense dedication and resilience. Spending long stretches away from whānau, a typical deer and goat ground hunter schedule consists of a week deep in the ngahere, followed by a week back out.
The life of a ground hunter is far from easy, it’s a demanding, physically taxing role that calls for long hours, difficult terrain, and constant exposure to unpredictable weather conditions. From navigating steep ridges to working through thick, dense bush, our team face some of the most challenging landscapes our whenua has to offer.
Pictured here is Ivan Henry, Ivan came into the project after a long stint in the forestry industry and has since has become a pivotal member of our Deer and Goat management programme.
As a father of five, we understand the sacrifices it takes to be here, and we are immensely grateful for the support that our whānau contribute to this project. Without you all, it would be impossible to be here, present, doing this mahi for our Raukūmara.
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