Autumn update from the CEO

Kia ora,

As we settle into 2025, our team at Project Tongariro is full steam ahead across a range of exciting projects - both on the ground and behind the scenes. But before diving into the action, I want to highlight one of our biggest priorities this year: securing sustainable Core Mission Support funding. This kind of funding is vital, it allows us to plan confidently, retain our talented team, and continue delivering meaningful conservation outcomes without constantly chasing short-term grants.

We’re grateful for ongoing support from funders like Bay Trust and the Len Reynolds Trust, whose commitment to long-term impact mirrors our own. At the same time, we’ve felt the pinch of shifting government priorities, particularly through the loss of Environment Hubs Aotearoa funding. This makes our mission to secure core support all the more urgent.

In response, we’re also launching a new Legacy and Gift Giving Campaign - designed to give people who love this whenua the opportunity to make a lasting impact, whether through bequests, one-off donations, or special gifts in memory of loved ones. We’ll share more soon, but for now, please reach out if you'd like to be part of shaping this kaupapa.

Meanwhile, out in the field, we’ve been hard at work. Willow control operations in the Te Mātāpuna wetland area were completed in March, supported by the DOC Community Fund and with contributions from our DOC partners. Our partnership with DOC Tongariro continues to thrive, with interpretive signage well underway (thanks to the Alan Rosoman Trust) and new panels set to go up across key visitor sites. We’re also upgrading the Whakapapa Visitor Centre Auditorium’s AV system to enhance visitor experience, another legacy project that will make a big difference.

Whether it's supporting our tamariki through Kiwi Forever and Kids Greening Taupō, restoring native habitats, or partnering with hapū and community groups, our team remains passionate, focused, and future-facing. Ngā mihi nui for your ongoing support, it really does take a village to protect this special place.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Kiri Te Wano
CEO - Project Tongariro

Special General Meeting

We would like to inform Project Tongariro members of an upcoming Special General Meeting to be held on Saturday 14 June 2025 at 1:00 pm. The purpose of this meeting is to seek member approval for changes to our Constitution in line with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. Members are invited to attend the meeting in person in Taupō or join us online via webinar. A draft Constitution, endorsed by the Executive Committee, will be circulated to members in the coming weeks for review.

National Rangers’ History Archive

Project Tongariro is proud to be supporting a unique and meaningful initiative: the National Rangers’ History Archive Project. This ranger-led kaupapa is being driven by a passionate team of retired Department of Conservation (DOC) rangers, many of whom dedicated their lives to protecting the natural and cultural heritage of Aotearoa.

Greening Taupō Day

Greening Taupō Day is back - and it’s shaping up to be even bigger and better than ever! Join us on Thursday, 5 June from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Tauhara Road (with a postponement date of Friday 6 June). This incredible community planting event has grown into a full-scale environmental education festival, with over 50 organisations, 30 schools and ECE centres, and around 2000 people taking part. It’s a vibrant celebration of conservation in action, so come along, experience the energy, and be part of the mahi and the magic!

Hands up if you want to make a difference!

Who Helps Make Us Tick

Project Tongariro Proudly Making Possible