Our Trust
Trust History
The Big Bay Awarua Conservation Trust was established in 2019 with the aim of actively protecting and enhancing native flora and fauna in harmony with cultural, social and recreational values at and around Te Hokiauau/Big Bay, South Westland. There is a particular focus around Waiuna Lagoon, a nationally significant and high ecological value wetland system which provides habitat to threatened species including kōtuku/white heron, matuku-hūrepo/bittern, and mātātā/fernbird. Other vulnerable species in the area that benefit from the Trust’s work include the endemic Big Bay skink, kākā, kākāriki, and plants such as fuchsia, rātā, and kamahi.
The Trust comprises 12 Trustees who all have a long association with the Big Bay area and share knowledge and passion for its restoration: Dave Inder (Chairman), Warrick Mitchell (Deputy Chairman), Debbie MacColl (Secretary/Treasurer), Ray Christie, Davida Mead, Stephen Dobson, Rob Johnstone, Roger Monk, Cliff King, Andrew Hall, Kahurangi Wilson-Mahuika, and Col Sutherland (Volunteer Coordinator). The Trust Managers are Natasha Yamamoto and Lindsay Wilson.
Trust Supporters
The Big Bay Awarua Conservation Trust project would not be possible without all of the support received from our funders, donors, partners, contractors, and volunteers. A big thank you to you all for your ongoing support and passion for our project.
Special thanks to Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio and the Department of Conservation for working alongside us.
A huge thanks to the following funders:
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DOC Jobs for Nature Fund
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New Zealand Lottery Fund
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DOC Community Fund
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Environment Southland
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Pub Charity
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Individual donors who have donated directly or via Givealittle
And thanks to all of the businesses we work with including:
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Southern Alps Air
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Milford Helicopters
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Fiordland Helicopters
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Aspiring Helicopters
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Findex
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Hollows Timber
