The Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust was formed in 2002. The aim of the Trust is to involve the community in creating a pest-free forest, to raise funds to build the fence, and to develop a co-operative approach towards managing the sanctuary and re-introducing species.

They want to revive as much as possible of the original ecology for people to enjoy, children to learn and scientists to study.

The Trust is constituted to have up to 18 Trustees comprising:

• 5 local landowners
• 5 tangata whenua
• 5 community representatives

One each from Waipa District Council, the Department of Conservation, and the Waikato Conservation Board.

Greg Martin - Conservator Department of Conservation, Waikato Conservancy

Wallie Clark

David Wallace - Karapiro farmer

Bill Garland - farming on the flanks of Maungatautari

John Hewitt - Mayor of Waipa District Council

Gordon Stephenson - CNZM, Waotu farmer

"The vision to achieve long term sustainable management and to restore the natural and historic heritage of Maungatautari will ensure that its values are passed on undiminished to future generations."

Greg Martin, Conservator, Department of Conservation, Waikato Conservancy

Five community representatives:

• David Wallace (Chairman)
• Gordon Stephenson (Deputy Chair)
• Lance Hodgson
• Gordon Blake
• Fiona Judd

Five adjoining landowner representatives:

• Bruce Dean
• Selwyn Mackinder
• Albert Andree–Wiltens
• Mike Montgomerie
• Peter Holmes

Five iwi representatives:

• Gaylene Roberts
• Ted Tauroa
• Hinerangi Kara
• Carlson Wirihana
• Kataraina Hodge

Conservation Board representative:

• Arthur Hinds

Waipa District Council representative:

• Alan Livingston

• Jim Mylchreest