Since 1997 dedicated volunteers have worked to restore the native ecology of Ōtamahua 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.
We are getting ready for our 2023 planting, when we will plant another 3000 trees to bring the total number of trees planted over the past 26 years to over 106,000.
Thank you to our principal sponsor Formaggio's Italian restaurant.
We also thank our sponsors the Rata Foundation, Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Matariki Tu Rākau Fund, Christchurch City Council, Lyttelton Port Company, Black Cat Cruises, PGG Wrightson, Forest and Bird, Kiwicare and Rotary Sunrise.
