Ng Manu Trust

Our kaupapa is rooted in the Trusts goals to preserve and enhance native forests so that their inhabitants can flourish. Since inception Ng Manu has partnered with DOC and others in many breed-for-release programmes which seek to re-establish at risk species of birds and reptiles into the wild. This has seen us participate in breeding programmes fo... r kiwi, whio, pateke/brown teal, kka, orange-fronted, red-crowned, yellow-crowned and Antipodes Island parakeet, tuatara, and Whitakers skinks to name a few. In addition to these programmes Ng Manu has a long history of involvement in the treatment and rehabilitation of native bird species which are brought to us by the local community. Our aim is to release as many birds as possible back into the wild. We are also deeply committed to the health of the lowland swamp forest remnant which prompted the original Trustees to take an interest in the site. One way we do this is through our volunteer-led programme of pest control. This effort is increasingly important as Ng Manu becomes an isolated oasis in a changing landscape. We consider the most important first step of any successful conservation to be strengthening the connection between people and the natural world. The Reserve is a regular destination for school groups of all ages. Staff and volunteers introduce and/or guide our visitors into deeper connections with the natural world through regular tours and special presentations. We utilise our functions space Robins Nest as a classroom when needed. Over the years many researchers have based their studies at Ng Manu. These have involved both our captive holdings and aspects of the Reserve at large. We support the research through grants offered through Victoria University and Massey Palmerston North, as well as offering Theos Cottage as on-site accommodation to researchers. Peter McKenzie was 20 years old and working as a zoo keeper at Wellington Zoo in the early 1970s. A series of discussions with David Mudge and a number of colleagues evolved into the idea of ...Read More