THBGT in the Media
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Observation of the Month: Fabulous Fungi!
May-June 2025
May was a fantastic month for spotting fungi, focusing on looking down at the ground instead of up in the trees, thanks to plenty of rain and reasonably warm weather.
Fungi play a crucial role in the Tākaka Hill ecosystems, serving as essential decomposers that recycle nutrients in the environment. They break down organic matter, including dead plants and animals, transforming it into vital nutrients that enrich the soil. This process supports plant growth and promotes biodiversity, as healthier soils can sustain a wider variety of flora and fauna.
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'Groundbreaking' discoveries in Tākaka Hill caves
May 2025
Remarkable crustaceans, isopods and a new species of spider have been discovered in the Tākaka Hill caves.
The Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust recently undertook their 2025 Cave Fauna Survey, with a dedicated team venturing into 13 caves, navigating tough conditions to gather essential data for identification and genetic research.
Among the standout discoveries was a fascinating isopod, sampled with the help of the Nelson Speleological Group (NSG).
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Tākaka Hill reveals cave secrets
January 2025
From shimmering rock pools to stunning chambers, the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust has successfully completed their Cave Fauna Survey for 2025.
Earlier this month, a dedicated team conducted comprehensive fauna sampling from 13 caves in the Tākaka Hill region and the surrounding Tākaka area.
“The caving team navigated challenging conditions, including narrow passages and flowing underground streams, to collect samples for identification and DNA analysis”, a spokesperson from the trust says.
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Biodiversity group up for national award
March 2024
The Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust has been selected as one of the three finalists for the 2024 Ministry of Primary Industries Bioheritage Challenge Community Award.
The Bioheritage category is based on groups or individuals being recognised for their biosecurity work protecting our natural and physical resources from pests and diseases that can cause harm.
Those entering needed to clearly be able to describe the biosecurity mahi (work) they are doing and the effect they are having.
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Wilding conifer plan draws industry criticism
June 2024
A plan to hold forestry companies to account for wilding conifers within 200 metres of planted forests has come under fire from the industry and has prompted councillors to seek legal advice.
Under a partial review of the Tasman Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan, the region’s councils are considering rule changes for pest and wilding conifers.
Two conifer species, Douglas fir and Radiata pine, or “wilding conifers”, can result in “self seeded and unintentional spread”, a council report
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New Zealand Biosecurity Awards finalists keeping New Zealand safe from pests and diseases
March 2024
The New Zealand Biosecurity Awards finalists have been announced and highlight the inspiring and diverse biosecurity activities that are happening across New Zealand.
The awards celebrate the incredible people who are working hard to help ensure New Zealand is safe from unwanted pests and diseases.
"It’s the work of people and organisations like our finalists that help…
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Vulnerable Nelson Green Geckos found thriving on Tākaka Hill
January 2024
The discovery of threatened Nelson Green Geckos on Tākaka Hill on Saturday evening has given hope for the species’ survival.
Charmaine and Norman Petereit of the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust made the discovery on private land bordering Kahurangi National Park, coming across three of the rarely seen species, suggesting there could be a thriving population in the location. The Nelson Green Gecko (Naultinus stellatus) is found only in the north-west corner of the South Island.
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Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust Celebrates
July 2021
Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust members were delighted in July 2021 to receive a second National Wilding Conifer Control Programme Community Partnership Project grant to continue and extend their work controlling wilding pines on Tākaka Hill. This time, the grant is for $250,000 - enough to fund the Trust’s Community Partnership Project through to 2023.
A first grant received in 2020 saw the first phase of the project off the ground, controlling 8,200 wilding pines by July 2021.
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Community conservation projects to get extra support to back nature
August 2020
Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage today announced that 116 community conservation projects have been granted $5.44 million from the Department of Conservation’s Community Fund/ Pūtea Tautiaki Hapori.
“The DOC Community Fund/Pūtea Tautiaki Hapori is designed to support practical on-the-ground projects that give our native plants and wildlife a helping hand and encourage people to participate in conservation,” said Eugenie Sage.