Pōkākā Eco-Sanctuary: A Vision for Ecological and Cultural Restoration
Nestled on the western slopes of Tongariro National Park in Aotearoa New Zealand’s central North Island, the Pōkākā Eco-Sanctuary is a ground-breaking initiative by Uenuku iwi. Spanning 2,500 hectares, including the treasured Erua Wetlands, the sanctuary aims to restore native biodiversity, enhance cultural connections, and support local communities through sustainable development.
Origins and Leadership
For Uenuku iwi, the Pōkākā Eco-Sanctuary represents a profound act of kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Historically, the Waimarino region was a flourishing ecosystem of towering native forests and abundant wildlife. However, logging in the early 1900s devastated these landscapes. The eco-sanctuary is a response to this loss, envisioned as a means to restore the land and its biodiversity while reconnecting iwi and hapū to their ancestral whenua.
This ambitious project is driven by Uenuku iwi, in partnership with government agencies, regional councils, and conservation groups. It has garnered widespread support, including $1.92 million in funding from the Mahi mō te Taiao/Jobs for Nature programme, alongside contributions from Te Puni Kōkiri, Horizons Regional Council, Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui Trust, Ruapehu District Council, and Forest & Bird.
Key Features and Goals
The sanctuary’s design integrates advanced conservation practices with traditional knowledge, including:
Predator-Proof Core: A central 200-hectare area will be enclosed with a predator-proof fence, creating a safe habitat for taonga species.
Halo Zone: The surrounding 2,300 hectares will form a “halo” zone where intensive pest control supports ecological recovery.
Pest Management: Invasive species such as possums, stoats, feral cats, and wilding pines will be targeted in extensive pest control programmes to allow native species to thrive.
Pest Management and Restoration
Effective pest management is at the heart of the sanctuary’s operations. Initial efforts will focus on controlling species like rats, mustelids (stoats, ferrets, and weasels), rabbits, and invasive plants such as gorse and broom. This foundational work will establish a secure environment for the reintroduction of native species, including:
North Island brown kiwi
Pekapeka (native bat)
Yellow-crowned kākāriki
Kererū (native pigeon)
Kākā (forest parrot)
Endangered orchids
Tītī (seabirds such as shearwater)
Activities and Programmes
The sanctuary is a hub for ecological and cultural revitalization, with several activities and programmes planned:
Pest Control Training: Training programmes will equip 14 individuals with pest management skills, two of whom will advance to junior management roles.
Monitoring: A combination of environmental and cultural monitoring will evaluate the success of restoration efforts and ensure alignment with iwi values.
Tourism and Education: Plans are underway to develop visitor experiences that share the sanctuary’s story and showcase the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Management and Partners
The Pōkākā Eco-Sanctuary thrives on collaboration. Uenuku iwi leads the project as mana whenua, working alongside partners such as the Department of Conservation, Horizons Regional Council, and conservation organizations like Forest & Bird. Government ministers have expressed strong support, recognizing the sanctuary as a model for biodiversity restoration and sustainable development.
