MEDIA RELEASE
Kohimarama Forest Preservation Group is delighted with the decision by Melanesian Mission Trust Board today to defer the sale of the land and rights comprising Kohimarama Forest.
Instead, the Trust Board will work with the community groups who have supported Kohimarama Forest to develop a solution that meets the interests of Auckland as well as the charitable obligations of the Melanesian Mission Trust.
Welcoming the outcome as a spokesperson for Kohimarama Forest Preservation Group, John Blair said;
”This is great news and crucially gives us the time we asked for to work collaboratively with the relevant interested parties to preserve this amazing piece of very diverse native forest and wetland.”
Excellent work by volunteers over the past three years, supported by Eastern Bays Songbird Project, Auckland Council and the Ōrākei Local Board unearthed an ecological treasure in an urban environment. Efforts will now focus on establishing an appropriate structure for the long term ownership, governance and maintenance of Kohimarama Forest to preserve it for the wider community as a resource for research, education and recreation.
Kohimarama Forest Preservation Group welcomed the support of Councillor Desley Simpson who, on behalf of Auckland Council, has greatly assisted this outcome. Cr Simpson has agreed for the time being to be the key spokesperson for the Group and to help facilitate the necessary processes to bring this to a permanent solution for the long term benefit of all who live in Tamaki Makarau.
Cr Simpson has previously made clear her concern that the offer made by the Melanesian Mission Trust for Auckland Council to purchase the land was rejected without her knowledge. “This part of Auckland hosts mature trees more than 100 years old. With climate change and environmental impacts front of mind for so many, it’s absolutely imperative for Council to work with the community to look at all options to keep this important ecological corridor free from development".

Thank you everyone for signing and supporting the petition! Now lets help this forest reach its full potential