Arboriculture ākonga at Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Since 2013, the arboriculture programme has been hard at work removing large pest tree species such as pine and eucalyptus from the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. This ongoing effort not only supports the sanctuary’s ecological restoration but also provides ākonga with invaluable hands-on tree felling training in a real world conservation setting.

This year, after completing their two-week intensive felling training, students were rewarded with a special experience. Ākonga had the privilege of observing a rare Haast tokoeka kiwi up close while it was fitted with a new transmitter, an incredible opportunity to witness native species conservation in action.

They also got to see tīeke (Saddleback), a species recently reintroduced to the sanctuary. Orokonui remains the only location in the South Island where tīeke can currently be found.

A big thank you to Elton and the dedicated team at Orokonui Ecosanctuary for making this experience possible and for their ongoing commitment to conservation and education.

Felling action