Kōkako receive boost from Heritage Fund
30 May 2019
Kōkako may sing a little brighter on Mt Pirongia this year with a successful application to Waipa District Council's Heritage Fund.
Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society was allocated $12,000 towards traps to assist with kōkako restoration. The 250 traps will be placed across Mt Pirongia to help remove predators to the kōkako population.
Chair of the Pirongia Restoration Society and local councillor, Clare St Pierre, said the group is excited about making a difference to the endangered species.
"The Society is stoked to have the support of Council with this grant. The funds will go towards the set up costs of traps to help us protect kōkako from ferrets, stoats and other pests on the maunga. This work complements other pest control we already do, and we really appreciate offers of help from Pirongia and Paterangi Schools to service the traps."
Museums and heritage director, Anne Blyth said the fund is designed to safeguard the district's rich and diverse heritage.
"Council is proud to support the Society's work growing the population of these wonderful songbirds. This is a great example of the Heritage Fund being used to protect our natural environment."
The Heritage Fund has $70,000 available each year to support projects that help preserve and enhance the district's unique heritage, and for the protection and restoration of built, natural, cultural and archaeological sites.
Fund criteria and application form is now available online at www.waipadc.govt.nz/heritagefund. The next round closes at 5pm, 30 June 2019.