Kaharoa Kōkako Trust shares its success and work at U3A forum

Kaharoa Kōkako Trust chairwoman Sue Williams talks about the trust's work at the U3A forum. Photo / Shauni James

The beautiful songs of the kōkako rang out at a talk where community members learnt more about the successes and work of the Kaharoa Kōkako Trust.

The trust's chairwoman Sue Williams gave a talk at this week's U3A forum, which was held at the Bridge Club Rooms at Neil Hunt Park.

The trust's main work is getting rid of predators, such as possums and rats.

It was formed in 1997 by a group of concerned residents who wanted to save the few kōkako which remained in the Kaharoa Conservation area.

The trust has been both busy and successful over the past few years, with kōkako in the Kaharoa Conservation area growing from 22 to 173 from 1991 to 2015.

There are currently 690 bait stations to help rid the area of these predators.

There is also the Kaharoa Corridor project which has been going for about a year and a half now.

The vision is to link isolated kōkako populations in the Bay of Plenty by creating and connecting corridors of suitable habitat for birds to travel through, starting at Kaharoa.

This is a long-term project which will take years to complete.

The trust also has monthly work days where they do track maintenance.

Sue says the trust is pleased with the successes and the growth of the kōkako population so far.