Reviving The Brynderwyns - Piroa Conservation Trust
Nestled in the heart of Northland, the Piroa Conservation Trust (PCT) is making a lasting impact on the preservation of the region’s unique ecosystems.
Founded seven years ago from an informal collective of community groups, PCT has grown into a dynamic charitable trust dedicated to preserving and restoring the natural beauty of the Brynderwyns and its surroundings. The trust’s journey began with a simple yet profound mission: to harness the power of community-led conservation to protect and rejuvenate the land, sea, and all the life they support.
PCT’s work is as diverse as the ecosystems it aims to protect. From animal and plant pest control, and growing native plants in a community nursery, to youth education - the trust’s initiatives are comprehensive and impactful. A standout achievement has been the revival of the Northland brown kiwi and īnanga (whitebait), showcasing what can be achieved with dedicated conservation efforts. The trust’s activities span across the Brynderwyns High Value Area and the Bream Bay River catchment, involving over 250 volunteers, local businesses, iwi/hapū, and other conservation groups.
Exemplifying PCT’s vision is their current key project to reintroduce rare native species that once thrived in the Brynderwyns, such as robin, whitehead, and various lizards. This project aims to restore the natural balance and biodiversity of the region, creating a safe haven for these species to flourish once again. This ambitious project requires both expertise and funding to get off the ground and ensure its success.
At the heart of PCT’s conservation efforts is community involvement. The trust offers numerous opportunities for locals to get involved, from pest control and native planting to invasive weed management, guest speaker dinners, and the predator-free urban plan that will accelerate in 2025 in both Mangawhai and Waipu.
The establishment of a community native plant nursery, producing over 7,000 plants annually, is a testament to the impact of united efforts. Additionally, PCT’s school programme reaches more than eight schools throughout Mangawhai and Bream Bay, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards.
PCT is dedicated to shaping a landscape where both people and nature can thrive. The trust’s strategic goals for the next decade include expanding its schools programme, supporting landowners in accessing funding and resources, and taking an integrated landscape approach to pest, weed, and waterway management.
By partnering with local businesses, government agencies, and passionate individuals, PCT also aims to build a healthy environment, including self-sustaining populations of kiwi and other native species, and to embrace opportunities for climate resilience. The trust is ambitious, with a vision that is achievable with the right support.
More than just an organisation, Piroa Conservation Trust is a movement that embodies the spirit of community and the power of collective action. As part of its mission to reintroduce rare native species to the Brynderwyns, the trust is seeking experienced volunteers, sponsors, and donors passionate about community-led rewilding. Now is the time to get involved and play a crucial role in preserving Northland’s natural heritage for future generations.
“Together, we can ensure that the land, sea, and people of this remarkable region continue to thrive.”