A Mainland Island

Maungatautari is the ideal location for the establishment of a pest-free ‘mainland' island:

  • The mountain is almost completely bush-clad and the forest canopy is still largely intact, despite the attentions of introduced pests and some timber milling.
  • The forest is sufficiently large and diverse to sustain healthy natural populations of many New Zealand native bird, reptile and invertebrate species.
  • The mountain is surrounded by farmland which made the fence construction a practical option.
  • Local people hold a strong sense of ownership of, and responsibility for, the mountain and its ecology and a commitment to see it restored.
  • Its central location, close to State Highway 1 and Hamilton City, makes it accessible to all New Zealanders.

Sunrise over Maungatautari
Photo: Louise Dwan

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