Forest & Bird Bird of the Year 2026
Please vote for Australasian bittern/matuku-hūrepo for NZ Bird of the Year 2026 and support the Shy Bird Party.
- Voting opens 04 September.
- Visit our Campaign Page for more information
Bittern Art Competition 2026Prize to be won!
- Open to: Children & Families
- Entries close: Thursday 17 September
- Bird of the Year voting: 4 – 20 September
- Enter: Take a photo or scan of your work and email to Helen@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz
Bittern Workshop
- 13 Sep (Sun) 10am
- Waioneke School
Meet NZ bittern expert Wendy Ambury and discover how you can help protect South Head’s precious matuku hūrepo. Join the Great Matuku Muster citizen science project and get behind the bittern’s campaign for New Zealand Bird of the Year 2026!
Kiwi Avoidance Training for Dogs
Our KAT trainer will guide you and your dog through 10-min session, using an e-collar to teach kiwi scent avoidance. 200 local dogs have now completed this training – join the list!
- 19 Sep (Sat) – Matakana Pony Club
- 11 Oct (Sun) – Ahuroa Fire Station
- 08 Nov (Sun) – Matakana Country Park
Protect, Enhance, Connect
At The Forest Bridge Trust, our vision is connected people and landscapes with healthy forests and flourishing indigenous wildlife — from the Kaipara Harbour to the Pacific Coast. Our mission is to inspire, support, and resource landowners, communities, and tāngata whenua to protect and enhance native ecosystems. We work together to control invasive species, fence, and protect native forest, restore waterways, and reconnect fragmented habitats. Growing network of backyard trappers throughout Aotearoa, we have the opportunity to reverse this trend and create a safer future for our taonga species.
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Our Key Conservation Services What We Do
- Pest Control
- Mustelid specialists, Celium trap network, and targeted predator control for kiwi, matuku hūrepo, pāteke, and tara iti.
Learn More - Fencing & Planting
- Protecting habitat with eco-sensitive fencing and large-scale native planting initiatives.
Learn More - Ecology
- Biodiversity monitoring, eDNA research, and habitat assessments.
Learn More - Education & Outreach
- Engaging communities, schools, and marae in conservation knowledge and action.
Learn More
Get Involved How You Can Help Build the Forest Bridge
- Partner with us to protect native species
- We offer targeted support with pest animal control, weed management, and trapping solutions to suit your land and goals. Learn more about our Pest Animal & Weed Control Services
- Fencing & Planting Support
- If your waterways flow into the Kaipara Harbour, you could be eligible for funding through the Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) programme. Our Field Advisors can guide you through the process, offering tailored support for fencing and native planting to reduce sediment and improve waterway health. See our Fencing & Planting Support
- Make a Donation
- Your support helps us expand pest control, restore wetlands, and protect Taonga species like kiwi and bitten/matuku hūrepo – Donate Now
- Business Sponsorships
- Partner with us for meaningful impact. Email us.
Kiwi Conservation Story Map Follow Our Kiwi Conservation Journey
Discover the Journey of Kiwi Conservation Across the Forest Bridge
Step into the story of Kiwi-nui / North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) and their fight for survival. Once thriving, these remarkable birds face challenges that have brought them to the brink of local extinction in the northern Auckland Region (Rodney District, New Zealand).
Through the dedication of The Forest Bridge Trust, and with the vital support of Save the Kiwi, local communities, conservation groups, and individuals, we’re working to protect kiwi-nui and restore their habitats. Together, we’re creating a thriving corridor where kiwi-nui can once again roam freely, bringing their calls back to our backyards.
Discover our Story Map and follow our journey to protect kiwi-nui across The Forest Bridge. Learn about the threats kiwi-nui face and how you can play a crucial role in re-establishing kiwi-nui populations in our region.
This Work is Made Possible Thanks to Our Funders and Partners
