Update from our CEO Ana ChristmasSpring 2024
Kia ora koutou,
As we navigate through this year’s planting season, I am pleased to share the latest updates and accomplishments from The Forest Bridge Trust. Our mission to restore and protect the natural environment continues to thrive, thanks to the incredible efforts of our community and supporters.
Connectivity through the Bridge!!
One of our most significant achievements this year is the breakthrough in connectivity of mustelid trapping that we have collectively established across the bridge from the West Coast to the East Coast. Through dedicated efforts, we’ve brought a staggering 47,000 hectares under mustelid control, enhancing our conservation impact. This interconnected network is crucial for protecting our native wildlife and ensuring a thriving ecosystem, enabling future populations of kiwi to roam and connect between Mataia, Tāwharanui, and Tamahunga. Special thanks to all our volunteers, landowners, and partners who have made this possible.
Connecting through Kiwi
Recently, our team members Elena and Paula presented on volunteer trap lines within a community engagement strategy at the National Kiwi Hui in Queenstown. I had the honour of speaking about organisational change and resilience, emphasising the importance of flexibility and innovation during these times of change and challenge. A big thank you to the Save the Kiwi team, who hosted this engaging national hui filled with learning and opportunities to connect with other inspiring projects across the country.
Community Planting Days
Our recent planting days have been a testament to the power of community collaboration. Last month, volunteers gathered at Streamland Suffolks for the Araparera Catchment Group Planting Day. Despite navigating closed roads and detours, 43 people and 7 dogs joined forces to plant an impressive 2,500 trees on a steep, erodible hillside. This initiative, supported by farmers Karyn Maddren and Sue Meszaros, Kaipara Moana Remediation, and Wai Connection/Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, aims to retire marginal land back into native forests and protect adjacent waterways. The energy and dedication of everyone involved were truly inspiring. Find out more in the story below…
Dr Marie Doole’s Report on the Funding Landscape in Conservation
Funding is the word on many lips currently, and none more so than in the world of conservation. Understanding the funding landscape is crucial for the sustainability of our conservation efforts. Dr Marie Doole’s insightful report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current funding environment for conservation initiatives. The “Empowering Action” report reveals a critical need for more sustainable funding models to support our conservation efforts. While enthusiasm and on-the-groundwork are growing, financial constraints are a major hurdle. We’re committed to finding innovative ways to fund our crucial work and ensure a sustainable future for our biodiversity. Over the coming months, you’ll see and hear more from us on ways we plan to pivot through these times of change and challenge as we progress from our Jobs for Nature funding and look to diversify our funding streams.
Our Spring Donation Appeal: Help Us Protect Kiwi Habitat
As you are well aware, critically threatened and nationally declining native species in the area from Kaipara Harbour to the Pacific Coast need our help now more than ever. Thanks to the protected habitats we have collectively established, new kiwi populations and other native species are starting to thrive. Maintaining community support and an effective mustelid trapping network for ferrets, stoats, and weasels is crucial for the continued survival of kiwi and other native species.
The Forest Bridge Trust has been working closely with private landowners within kiwi buffer zones, but we need your help to cover trap maintenance costs in public spaces, shared areas, and for residents who can only partially contribute. Your donation can fill these gaps and ensure a continuous protection zone for our native taonga (treasures). Check out how to donate today to help us continue to protect our unique environment and create a lasting legacy of flourishing indigenous wildlife for future generations. Your support makes a real and lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, I am excited about the upcoming events and initiatives, including hosting a field trip for the Sustainable Business Network Symposium, championing the Bittern for the Bird of the Year campaign, the Puhoi Halo Spring Reboot, and the Wetlands Workshop. These events not only raise awareness but also provide opportunities for our community to engage and make a tangible impact.
We are grateful to our partners who enable and uplift our mission—Save the Kiwi, Kaipara Moana Remediation, Auckland Council, Foundation North, and all the community groups, community members, and volunteers that drive this kaupapa forward.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to protecting and enhancing our environment. Together, we are building bridges of understanding, protecting our precious environment, and fostering a culture of care for Te Taiao (the natural world).
Ngā mihi nui,
Ana Christmas
CEO, The Forest Bridge Trust