Our Story

About Us – Ko Wai Mātou

Our mission is simple and powerful: to restore the life and vitality of our maunga (mountain) and ngāhere (forest), to bring back Kōkako and other treasured native species to Mt Pirongia, and to inspire our community to stand with us in making this vision real.

Volunteers are at the heart of our work. We love welcoming new people, getting outdoors together, and doing hands-on mahi (work) that helps our natural world heal. By reducing pests and creating safe habitats, we’re giving native species the chance to flourish again.

The Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society was formed in 2002, growing out of a Department of Conservation and community working group established in 1997 to address possum control issues.

Our name comes from the traditional name for Pirongia: Te Aroaro o Kahu, meaning “The scented presence of Kahu” (Kahu was the wife of a Tohunga, a traditional expert or specialist). This name reflects our hope that the maunga continues to uplift, inspire, and enrich the lives of all who look to it.

We are a registered charity with the Charities Commission, and donations to support our work are tax-deductible.
Charities registration number: CC22495

Mana Whenua

From the beginning, we have worked closely with local mana whenua (those with ancestral authority over the land) to support the shared vision of a thriving, living ecosystem on Mt Pirongia and Ōkahukura.

We maintain a strong relationship with Ngāti Apakura of Pūrekireki, the marae closest to the maunga. We also consult annually with Ngāti Hikairo and Ngāti Māhanga, who hold cultural interests and responsibilities connected to Pirongia. Their guidance strengthens the environmental and cultural integrity of everything we do.