Kohimarama Forest is a rare ancient fragment of Tāmaki Makaurau and is one of our last remaining inner-city forests. It is part of a complex ecological corridor that links predator-free islands with larger forests on the city fringes, thus providing an essential space for birdlife to safely stop and rest during their migration. These crucial resting sites are becoming increasingly sparse due to urban expansion, and without them, our urban native birdlife numbers will dwindle.

With mature native trees over 100 years old and each tree increasing the forest biodiversity tenfold, new and regenerating bush simply cannot support these intricate ecosystems. The forest is home to a variety of native insects, reptiles and birds — including Tūī, Pīwakawaka (fantail), Ruru (morepork), Rirorioro (grey warbler), Kōtare (sacred kingfisher), nesting Kererū (NZ wood pigeon) and more recently visiting Kākā, who are reliant on forests such as the Kohi Forest. 

Kohimarama Forest has recently been put up for sale by the Melanesian Mission Trust. Being described as a freehold site close to all amenities with favourable zoning, perfect for residential development. With no mention of its vital ecological significance for the area and Tāmaki Makaurau as a whole. At present, there is no protection from the council or the NZ government on this forest. Upon purchasing, the new owners will be free to fell, remove, and destroy this forest. But we believe harmony between development and our ancient natural world can exist. Sensitive planning can allow for increased urbanisation while retaining these crucial pockets of biodiversity. With the felling of the forest, we risk complete displacement of these species in our urban spaces — this will undoubtedly have a knock-on effect for generations to come.

We are calling on the NZ Government and the Auckland Council to reinstate the protection that this forest deserves — protection that has recently been stripped from forests across the country. Together we need to come together and save our Significant Ecological Areas like Kohimarama Forest while we still can! These mature forests are impossible to replace and it is our responsibility to restore and protect them. 

We owe it to them and our future generations to restore and protect them. 

Please sign and share this petition with your friends and family.

Thank you for your support.

( A big thanks to Grant, Kelly, Geoff and Yusuf and the Kohimarama Valley Forest Group for helping out on filming, recording, information sourcing and writing up of this petition )