Since 1997 dedicated volunteers have worked to restore the native ecology of Otamahua or Quail Island. The Trust has eradicated most pests (except for mice) from the island and planted thousands of trees as part of an eco-restoration project in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Ngati Wheke of Rapaki.
Volunteer groups contribute more than 5,600 hours annually, weeding, planting and monitoring traps. As the plantings mature, the island is slowly being transformed. Native bird numbers have increased as trees mature and provide more nesting sites and a more varied food source.
The Trust needs to raise $100,000 annually for its on-going replanting and pest eradication programmes. Please help by becoming a member and making a donation via the links below.
The Covid-19 crisis has our work on hold at the moment, although we hope to be back working on the island and holding volunteer days soon. We are optimistic that our August 2020 planting will still go ahead with 3000 plants ordered for delivery in July. We will reach a milesone in late August we will celebrate the planting of the 100,000 tree.
Thank you to our sponsors - Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour, Tutto Bene and Formaggio's Italian restaurants, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Matariki Tu Rākau Fund, Christchurch City Council, Lyttelton Port Company, Trees that Count, Black Cat Cruises, PGG Wrightson, Terra Lana, Daltons, and Rotary Sunrise.
