High Degree of Protection
The dedicated conservation estate of Mataka is now over 860 acres (350ha) including substantial new planting by the developers and by subsequent owners. Large valleys within Mataka are covered by native manuka and kanuka trees providing a natural home for New Zealand’s rare kiwi, nectar for manuka and kanuka honey production, and a nursery for other species of native trees. Approximately 68 miles (110 kms) of fences divide the conservation areas from the farm, protecting the growing conservation estate.
The conservation estate at Mataka provides a high degree of diversity and a haven for kiwi – one of the most iconic New Zealand birds at risk of extinction. The kiwi population of Mataka is one of the most significant in New Zealand and Mataka is a significant part of the campaign to protect kiwi and regrow the kiwi population.
The two main measures used at Mataka to protect kiwis are the control of dogs and the use of a long term consistent predator program. Dogs are generally not permitted and tightly controlled and the predator program makes extensive use of bait stations, traps and shooting to eradicate the predators which kill kiwi.
