“By continuing to set an example of adopting a high standard of conservation, restoration and ecotourism, our generation will serve the next well in protecting their heritage; imparting a message of inspiration to international visitors, whilst providing an additional ecological attraction”
Te Roroa & Oranga Whenua

What species of tree can I plant?

The following species have been identified as naturally occurring within the realms of Waipoua Forest. All specimens planted will have been grown from local seeds collected from trees endemic in the Waipoua Forest.

Kauri – Agathis Australis
Kahikatea – Dacrycarpus dacrydioides
Totara – Podocarpus totara
Rata – Metrosideros robusta
Rimu – Dacrydium cupressinum
Puriri – Vitex Lucens
Taraire – Beilschmiedia tarairi
Miro – Prumnopitys ferruginea
Titoki – Alectryon excelsus
Tane Kaha – Phllocladdus trichomanoides
Matai – Prumnopitys taxifolia
Kowhai – Sophora microphylla
Ti Kouka – Cordyline Australis
Harakeke – Phormium tenax

The kauri tree (Agathis Australis) produces both male (small long seeds) and female (large round ball)

Maori Proverb

He kakano ahau.
Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu.

I am a seed.
Despite being small I am of great value.

Leave a legacy to your future generations

Oranga Whenua Forest Regeneration

Oranga Whenua ‘sustaining the land’ is an ecological strategy to protect, share and restore traditional lands back to their original state following the commercial forest clearing of the last century

Waipoua Forest is recognised as a national treasure of outstanding international significance. Te Roroa (the local Maori/indigenous people of the Waipoua Forest) as the Manawhenua (recognised statutory body) has a respect for nature and cares about its commitment to protecting and restoring the forest. In conjunction with the Waipoua Forest Trust and the community, Te Roroa are working on this regeneration project.

Waipoua Forest is home to ancient and mighty kauri which have stood for thousands of years and are heralded as some of the world’s largest and oldest rainforest trees. In particular:

Tane Mahuta – ‘Lord of the Forest’ is the tallest known kauri in the world
Te Matua Ngahere – ‘Father of the Forest’ is the oldest and widest known kauri in the world

There could, therefore, be no better place for New Zealand’s first public forest conservation campaign and a birthplace for restoration initiatives.

What is being done?

The recovery of the forest involves the restoration of a balanced ecosystem that sadly has been degraded, altered or destroyed through commercial forestry activities. In essence it means starting from scratch to re-establish the flora, fauna and aquatic communities naturally found over 200 years ago. The control and protection against weeds, animal pests (and of course humans !) also plays a crucial role in the success of the regeneration programme. Key areas of land have been identified and are the focus of the programme and this is where visitors to the forest can help through the ‘Plant a Tree’ initiative.

Plant a tree, watch it grow and always find it again

When you plant your special tree the GPS co-ordinates of the site are recorded so by using Google Earth from anywhere in the world, you will be able to watch our progress and your contribution to the Waipoua Forest’s regeneration.

Your contribution of planting a tree will support Oranga Whenua and Te Roroa’s efforts to achieve the vision of restoration and ensure that we all leave a legacy for future generations to treasure.

To celebrate his birthday in August 2011, Waipoua Lodge’s owner and host Ian Farrant planted a kauri ricker (young tree) in the Waipoua Forest for his children, grandchildren and all future generations of the Farrant Family to visit and treasure.
Perhaps in a couple of thousand years there will be another giant kauri as a result of Ian’s respect and love of the environment. Also at the same time a second kauri ricker was planted in the grounds of Waipoua Lodge.