Manawa Karioi Ecological Restoration Project

Manawa Karioi Ecological Restoration Project is one of Wellington's oldest reforestation projects and is on land that is part of Tapu Te Ranga Marae.

Kaumatua Bruce Stewart's vision was for a 'bird and bush reserve'.

Since 1990 we have brought major weed infestations under control, planted eco-sourced trees, created key biodiversity seed sources throughout the site, developed an excellent network of publicly accessible tracks, and hosted numerous school and volunteer groups.

Last year was our 30th anniversary - the first tree was planted by Island Bay MP Liz Tennet at a dawn ceremony in June 1991.

Change from one year to the next often appears very slow but the change after 30 years is amazing - parts of Manawa Karioi really feel like a native forest now.

Our goals for 2022 are to clear tracks of the slips that were brought down by the very heavy rain in mid-February, plant more trees, continue to monitor and eliminate invasive weeds, monitor and service the established traplines for rats and stoats, support Predator Free Wellington's Stage 2 western Barrier where it passes through Manawa Karioi and maintain the public access tracks.