Te Whakakaha Trust

Te Whakakaha Trust serve as the caretakers of the Otawa Sanctuary— a 400-hectare forest at the end of No 3 Road in Te Puke.

Established in 2015, our charitable trust is committed to the protection and restoration of the natural ecosystems within the sanctuary. Focusing on the conservation of the Otawa Hochstetters frog species (Leiopelma Hochstetteri Otawa), a precious native inhabitant of New Zealand, we work to ensure the longterm survival of this ancient and critically endangered species.

Through collaborative efforts, we are steadily transforming the land into a thriving sanctuary, nurturing the growth of native flora and fauna while actively involving the community in our mission.

Leiopelma frog varieties are found only in New Zealand. Of the seven different Leiopelma species recorded in New Zealand, three are already extinct. The Otawa Hochstetter’s frog is genetically distinct from the others and its only known habitat is in this former quarry site.

Adult female Otawa Hochstetter’s frog photographed under water, in secondary frog stream one month after the Auckland Anniversary storm. 

Credit: J Heaphy, Department of Conservation

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023

In 2023 sentinel traps were installed and regular servicing of them was established. This expansion into possum control should see a reduction in their population, resulting in benefits to bird numbers and the vegetation. We have on-boarded several new volunteers this year, adding to our regular group of people. Four possum lines are now being serviced by our volunteers, and we have a new pest line using DOC200’s and victors, expanding our overall control area.

In the sanctuary we now have: 131 x DOC200 traps, 145 x Victor traps, 220 x Sentinel traps and 783 x A24s. There are also 20 DOC200s in adjacent farmland. We now have between 18-20 people involved in trapping.

A severe flooding event in January 2023 left the Otawa Sanctuary with extensive slips and damage to the key Hochstetter frog habitat. DOC’s next frog survey will provide updates on numbers. Irreparable damage was caused to the culverts under the primary vehicle access within the sanctuary which has left it closed from the main entrance meaning there is no way for heavier vehicles or machinery to access the area.

Trappers Shed

Our new container which has been set up as a trappers and service hub..

We created a trapping hub by re-purposing a secondhand container, added a rainwater collection tank, long drop and solar powered freezer. This is now a comfortable and central base for our tools and gear as well as a place where we can record our data. Plans available on request.

GET INVOLVED!

Volunteer: Te Whakakaha Trust works in conjunction with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and an active volunteer network. Our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in various activities, including pest control, tree planting, fundraising initiatives and educational programmes.

We have plenty of work to do and we welcome anyone wanting to help out! By volunteering you become an integral part of our mission to safeguard our natural heritage for future generations. This will ensure that the Otawa Sanctuary remains a sanctuary of life, learning, and conservation.

Register your interest and check out the calendar on our website, to see our upcoming opportunities.

Finally, while visitors are welcome to explore the sanctuary, please don’t actively look for frogs. The frogs, and their habitats, are extremely sensitive to disturbance.