Vision

The Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust / Te Poari Koro Tui launched as a charitable trust in 2007 with the vision that the forests and beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park are once again filled with the birdsong that awakens and delights visitors.

By working in partnership with tourism operators, the Department of Conservation, Project Janszoon and the community we are protecting and enhancing the biodiversity in order to improve the experience of visitors to the Abel Tasman National Park.

We utilise enthusiastic volunteers to undertake extensive predator control along the coast, plant and maintain native trees and manage the population restoration of some of New Zealand’s precious native species such as the South Island Robin/Toutouwai and Saddleback/Tieke.

To restore and maintain the natural forest cover of the national park we have administered almost $1 million in grant money to remove wilding pines and control a large suite of weed species in the Abel Tasman. The dead standing trees on the skyline and in bush catchments symbolise the success of this highly visible work. Over time native trees will take their place and restore the integrity of the natural environment.

Our funding primarily comes from many generous commercial operators through the locally developed ’Birdsong Levy’. We also rely on donations through various sources to continue delivering our significant work.

Te Poari Koro Tui – Kia whakaoho te mauri o te Ata–hapara. Kia rongo, Kia Kite, Ki te reo koro tui o Te Tai tapu

Where do we undertake our conservation work?

We work within the Abel Tasman National Park. At 22,530 hectares, this is New Zealand’s smallest National Park. It is world famous for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, estuaries and native forests. But its native flora and fauna have suffered over the years, ravaged by fire, farming, logging, invasive weeds and predators. Without help, wildlife and habitat will continue to be lost. We are working hard to restore the ecosystem in this wonderful part of New Zealand.