Re-opening of Rāta tū wao ki Tautane - A Significant Commitment to Conservation

We are proud to announce the reopening of “Rāta tū wao ki Tautane,” a monumental conservation project within our rohe.

Spanning 44 hectares (equivalent to 88 rugby fields) of precious titoki, tawa, and podocarp forest, this area is home to an 800-year-old Rāta tree and represents a rare and critically endangered ecosystem.

The establishment of the QEII covenant ensures the permanent protection of this unique environment for future generations. This remarkable achievement is the result of a successful collaboration between Ngāti Kahungunu, the Horizons Regional Council, and the QEII Trust.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ngā Manu Taiao team based at Te Taiwhenua o Tamaki nui a Rua, Dannevirke for their invaluable support. Their efforts in culling the deer in the block and providing the kai for the opening (including venison and kai moana from Tautāne Station) have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

Omata Fencing from Mangamaire in Pahiatua built the deer proof fence around the 44 hectare block (equivalent of 108.7 acres or 88 rugby fields).

The covenant allows Ngāti Kahungunu to remove seeds from the block for propagation around Aotearoa and to remove plants and fallen trees for cultural purposes.

Tautāne Station

• Purchased by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc in May 2013

• 3,700ha

• Sheep and beef costal property an hour east of Dannevirke and Waipukurau

• Summer dry, winter wet and very windy

• 12klm Pacific Ocean frontage including Cape Turnagain (This is the point that Captain Cook circumnavigated Aotearoa)

• 9ha of flat coastal land adjoins a sandybeach

• Landblock has Kahungunu and Rangitāne whakapapa

• Paua, crayfish and 200+ seal colony on the property

• 718sqm 10-stand woolshed