People power saves people with donations

More than 100ha of the Wekaweka Valley is to become a protected reserve. Photo / Supplied

People power had once again driven a campaign to save a piece of New Zealand's natural heritage, Native Forest Restoration Trust manager Sandy Crichton said, after a last-minute flood of donations enabled the trust to buy 112ha of regenerating native forest in the South Hokianga's Wekaweka Valley.

The trust had turned to the public to raise the $185,000 needed to buy the property, and the public responded, exceeding the target.

The property was the last remaining fragment of its kind in its catchment area, Mr Crichton said, and was home to many native species, including the North Island brown kiwi.

"It was an ambitious target, but it's such an important piece of land for our native flora and fauna that we knew we had to protect it," he added.

"We're only a small charity, relatively speaking, but the support we received when we started talking to people about the property was mind-blowing. Not only have existing supporters been incredibly generous; we've also had amazing support from people we've never been in contact with before.

"The campaign has been shared hundreds of times. I think this shows how important it is to people that we protect these areas of natural heritage before it's too late.

"The property is really special, with lots of native species," he said.

"We plan to turn it into a protected reserve, which anyone can visit and enjoy, and the great thing is that the work we do will help ensure it grows and flourishes for many years to come."

The trust expects to take ownership of the property within the next couple of weeks.