Whakatipu Reforestation Trust

About the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust

The Whakatipu Reforestation Trust's vision is to protect and restore the native biodiversity of the Whakatipu Basin through revegetation projects, collaboration, education and advocacy.

Since humans first set foot on New Zealand, the native forests have reduced by 70% while native bird species have been reduced by 30%. The Kowhai rich dry woodlands that used to be prolific in the Whakatipu Basin are now one of the most threatened ecosystems in New Zealand, and also one of the least protected.

The Whakatipu Reforestation Trust established their Jean Malpas Community Nursery - the heart of their operations - which each year propagates and grows approximately 10,000 native plants to support reforestation efforts at various planting sites.

Hosting multiple planting days each year, the local community are invited to help the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust grow and plant out native trees, including threatened species across the region. This outstanding operation creates wildlife corridors that will, in turn, attract native birds and insects back into the basin, significantly enhancing the biodiversity of our region.