Our Projects
Photo by Amanda Henderson - Abel Tasman National Park from Kairuru
The Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust delivers a coordinated programme of conservation projects across the Tākaka Hill landscape.
Our work integrates predator control, habitat restoration, ecological monitoring, and research to achieve measurable, long-term biodiversity gains.
Project Pikikurunga: Our Whole Ecosystem Approach
Pikikirunga: 'Climb Up High' encompasses the Trust's name and vision for its whole ecosystem approach to restoration and protection projects on Takaka Hill's private and neighbouring Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. The Pikikirunga Range dominates the Takaka Hill and Golden and Tasman Bays landscape.
Author of Rocks and Hard Places - The Takaka Hill, Cliff Turley, describes Takaka Hill, also known as The Marble Mountain, as "The chaotic landscape of marble protrusions, sinkholes, tomo and caves is the outstanding geological feature of the Takaka Hill, a source of fascination to all who pass over it."
The Pikikirunga Range was uplifted along the Pikikirunga fault line to form the steep western scarp rising above the Takaka Valley with a gentler dip to the Riwaka Valley. Takaka Hill's unique geology and location have seen the evolution of equally unique indigenous species that the Trust is working hard to restore and protect.
OUR WHOLE ECOSYSTEM APPROACH
A whole-ecosystem approach acknowledges the value of biodiversity beyond individual species. Ecosystems consist of a diverse array of species, each playing a unique role in maintaining ecosystem balance and function. By protecting and restoring entire ecosystems, we conserve biodiversity and support the long-term sustainability of native species.
OUR WHOLE ECOSYSTEM APPROACH
A whole ecosystem approach acknowledges the value of biodiversity beyond individual species. Ecosystems consist of a diverse array of species, each playing a unique role in maintaining the overall balance and functioning of the ecosystem. By protecting and restoring entire ecosystems, we help conserve biodiversity and promote the long-term sustainability of native species.
Tākaka Hill Karst Forest Sanctuary (Flagship Project)
Establishing a protected ecological stronghold within one of New Zealand’s most unique karst landscapes
The Tākaka Hill Karst Forest Sanctuary is our flagship project — a long-term initiative to restore and protect native biodiversity within a high-value ecological remnant.
Focus areas:
Predator and ungulate exclusion and control
Native vegetation protection and regeneration
Long-term biodiversity monitoring
Restoration planting and ecosystem recovery
Status: Active – establishment phase underway
Funding support: Ravensdown Ltd, Hāpai Hapori Lotteries Environment and Heritage
Partners: Te Papa Museum, Nelson Speleological Group
SH60 Slip Remediation & Restoration (Fulton Hogan)
Restoring stability and biodiversity on highly visible, high-risk landscapes.
In partnership with Fulton Hogan, the Trust is delivering ecological restoration on a major slip site along State Highway 60.
This project combines engineering and ecological restoration, demonstrating how infrastructure and biodiversity outcomes can be aligned.
Focus areas:
Steep-slope native planting
Erosion control and slope stabilisation
Species selection suited to harsh environments
Delivery using trained rope access teams
Status: Active – implementation underway
Predator & Ungulate Control Programme
Reducing key threats to native species across the landscape.
Our predator and ungulate control programme targets the primary drivers of biodiversity decline, including mustelids, rodents, and browsing pressure from goats.
Focus areas:
Deployment and maintenance of trap networks
Strategic expansion into priority areas
Support for landowner-led control efforts
Integration with monitoring data
Status: Active – ongoing landscape-scale programme
Hawkes Lookout Restoration & Protection
The Trust collaborates with DOC Motueka to lead restoration efforts at Hawkes Lookout. Offering a range of volunteer opportunities, the Trust organises working bees for planting, clearing around new vegetation, managing pest plants, and conducting predator control. In a notable 2022 achievement, the Trust and DOC Motueka installed a macrocarpa seat along the path to the Hawkes Lookout viewing platform for public enjoyment.
Status: Active - Ongoing
Biodiversity Monitoring & Research
Measuring outcomes to inform long-term conservation success.
We are establishing a robust ecological monitoring framework to track changes in biodiversity over time and guide adaptive management.
Focus areas:
Vegetation monitoring plots
Acoustic monitoring (birds and bats)
Data collection to support biodiversity credits
Long-term dataset development
Status: Active – expanding monitoring network
Cave Fauna Project
Revealing the hidden biodiversity of Tākaka Hill’s subterranean ecosystems.
Delivered in collaboration with the New Zealand Speleological Society, this project is the first systematic effort to document cave biodiversity in the Tākaka Hill area.
The work has already contributed to the identification of previously undescribed cave-adapted species.
Focus areas:
Cave biodiversity surveys
Species identification and documentation
Contribution to national scientific knowledge
Status: Active – ongoing research programme
Biodiversity Credits Pilot Project
Developing innovative funding models for long-term conservation.
The Trust is working with Ekos as part of their Accelerator Programme to develop a Biodiversity Credits project, the Tākaka Hill Karst Forest Sanctuary — our flagship restoration project.
This pilot aims to connect verified ecological gains within the Sanctuary to emerging biodiversity markets, creating a model for sustained investment in landscape-scale conservation.
Focus areas:
Establishing baseline ecological data within the Sanctuary
Developing monitoring and verification frameworks aligned with credit generation
Testing pathways to market through partnership with Ekos
Status: In development
Working Across the Landscape
Our projects are designed to work together — delivering cumulative impact at a landscape scale rather than isolated site-based outcomes.
By integrating restoration, protection, monitoring, and research, we are building a model for community-led, long-term biodiversity recovery on Tākaka Hill.