Rayonier Matariki Forests debuts at Fieldays
Rayonier Matariki Forests (RMF) was invited to showcase its work with kiwi conservation as part of the Save the kiwi exhibit at this year’s Fieldays at Mystery Creek.
For the last 15 years RMF has worked with Ōmataroa Rangitaiki No2 Trust in the Ōmataroa Kiwi Project, contributing critical expertise and resource to carry out conservation work within Ōmataroa Forest.
As part of a collaboration with Save the Kiwi and Forest Owners Association RMF joined the inaugural Forestry Hub exhibit to talk kiwi conservation and how the forestry industry – and landowners in general - can play an active role in creating more kiwi-safe habitat.
Kiwi live and thrive in plantation forests and forestry companies are working hard to protect kiwi habitat by reducing predator numbers in plantation forests.
Ross Halpin, Save the Kiwi’s Marketing and Sponsorship General Manager, says the display, which was set up to give visitors a ‘walk through a forest at night time, attracted a lot of people who were keen to know more.
“The success of Save the Kiwi’s Kōhanga Kiwi programme means more safe forests are needed for juvenile kiwi, particularly in the North Island and RMF provide a great example of how forestry companies can create this safe habitat.
“We hoped our display would people gain a good understanding of the plight of the kiwi and what everyday New Zealanders can do to help. With 1.7million hectares of plantation forest in New Zealand there is the capacity to provide homes for millions of kiwi!”
Rob Schoonderwoerd, RMF’s Bay of Plenty District Forester, was impressed with the good turnout and felt good gains had been made in educating people about what they can do to help protect kiwi.
“There was a lot of interest around dog aversion training which discourages dogs from chasing kiwi in the bush. This was a real positive with both rural residents and farmers with bush on their land through to urban people who wish to walk their dog in forests, keen to do the right thing," added Rob.
The Fieldays Forestry Hub was a collaboration between Fieldays and an advisory group comprising Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, Forest Growers Levy Trust, Scion, NZ Forest Owners Association, Red Stag, NZ Farm Forestry Association and Future Foresters.
Thirty-five exhibitors took part, providing engaging experiences in forestry growing, climate change, wood products, timber construction, biosecurity and biodiversity.