One man… two missions: forestry and kiwi conservation
Rob Schoonderwoerd is passionate about kiwi conservation and has spent more than 20 years protecting kiwi in his patch.
As Matariki Forests Bay of Plenty Forest Manager, Rob has worked tirelessly with Ōmataroa Kiwi Project to set up and manage a predator control programme in Ōmataroa Forest.
Kiwi live and thrive in plantation forests which provide high-quality habitat and foraging grounds. With careful operations management the kiwi population is nurtured and the impact is minimised.
Working alongside the Ōmataroa Rangitaiki No2 Trust and Save the Kiwi, Rob has seen huge gains in the kiwi population in Ōmataroa Forest.
We celebrate Rob’s passion and purpose. Read the full story in New Zealand Forest Owners Association Bulletin magazine (Autumn 2026). Republished with permission from NZFOA.