Research is underway to understand who is using the Whakarewarewa Forest.
The information will be available to everyone and will be a key input into future strategies for the district.
It will explore the demographics of the current users of the forest, and is being spearheaded by Toi Ohomai kaimahi (staff) Bronwyn Alton and Clare Crawshaw.
Toi Ohomai students have signed up to take part in data collection and the project is supported by RotoruaNZ and the Titokorangi and Whakarewarewa Forest Recreational Management Group.
Alton said the research data will be used to support stakeholders in understanding the demographic makeup of the users of the forest.