Leaders in the field
of ecological restoration

Kaitiaki o Ngahere is the name given to us by Nelson iwi Ngati Kuia. 
Literally translated this means ‘guardian of the forest’.  However, the true meaning is more complex. 
The word 'tiaki' is the basis of the longer word kaitiakitanga.  Tiaki means to guard. 
It also means to preserve, foster, protect and shelter.  The prefix 'kai' means someone who carries out an action. 
A kaitiaki is a person, group or being that acts as a carer, guardian, protector and conserver. 
Kaitiakitanga means guardianship, protection, preservation or sheltering.
It is a way of managing the environment, based on the traditional Māori world view.  So, notions of care and protection are at the heart of kaitiakitanga, and give it its conservation ethic (more on this below).

Established in 2006

Kaitiaki o Ngahere has been based in the top of the South and bottom of the North Islands of New Zealand since 2006. ​Kaitiaki is made up of a team of fantastic staff, all of whom are committed to excellence in ecological restoration.  

The work we do

Pest plant control
Pest animal control
Ecological restoration plans
Consultancy and planning
GIS spatial data mapping
Biosecurity
Track construction and maintenance
Helicopter remote operations
Working with community groups

Our values

The things that we value help define us.  From the start, Kaitiaki o Ngahere was formed with these values in mind. 

• We have a Customer focus…
  • We want our clients to be successful in their roles due to the success of our projects
  • We are a responsive and dynamic organisation to do business with
• Teamwork is vital…
  • We recognise that it is impossible to achieve our goals on our own
  • We treat others how we would like to be treated
  • Networks with other organisations strengthen our business
• People count...
  • We support each other and back each other up
  • We want our people to achieve their potential
  • Our people will want their friends to come and work here
• We value good communication…
  • Good communication is part of good teamwork
  • Good communication with our clients is part of what makes us great to deal with
  • We take pride in the standard of our reporting
• We are Leaders...
  • We value the leaders among us
  • Those who stand up and take responsibility will do well in our organisation
  • We are the leaders in our chosen fields
• We are passionate about the environment...
  • Caring for the environment is what we do, whether we are building tracks or structures, or restoring the bush
  • We share a passion for the environment and enjoy getting out there
  • We are committed to best environmental practice
  • We are committed to a sustainable future for our planet. We reduce, recycle and reuse resources
• There is excellence in everything we do...
  • We take pride in our work
  • We know that everything we do represents the Kaitiaki o Ngahere brand
  • We keep up to date with industry and technological developments
• Innovation and creativity give us the edge...
  • Our innovations and creativity keep us ahead of the pack
  • We treasure our intellectual property and solutions... We develop them... We use them
  • We value creative thinking
• Attitude is everything…
  • Staff have positive dispositions... People like to be around positive people
  • We like to work hard and get the job done

What is ecological restoration?

The Society for Ecological Restoration defines it as an "intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the recovery of an ecosystem with respect to its health, integrity and sustainability."  The practice of ecological restoration includes a wide scope of projects including: erosion control, reforestation, removal of non-native species and weeds, revegetation of disturbed areas, reintroduction of native species, as well as habitat and range improvement for targeted species.

More about Kaitiakitanga

Kaitiakitanga is explained especially well in Tohunga – Hohepa Kereopa by Paul Moon (David Ling publishing).
“When one considers kaitiaki, you have to consider for what purpose it is being used.  If you have a pipi bed, for example, you cannot talk about kaitiaki until you know about all the concepts and life of the pipi.  So you need to know how to keep the pipi safe, but you keep it safe for the pipi’s benefit, and not for yours.  Because the job of kaitiaki is to keep the things of Creation safe.  The return from this is the relationship you get with the thing you are protecting, and the knowledge and learning that comes from that... So, for example, you don’t go and tell the pipi how to live, you allow it to have the opportunity to live the way it knows best, and that is what kaitiaki is.”

Working for Kaitiaki

​Working for Kaitiaki o Ngahere requires a passion for our natural environment and its protection.  We are people who are happy in the thickest bush and swampiest wetland, and can see the real forest behind a veil of weeds!  We work hard and conscientiously, always considering the health of the environment and ourselves when using herbicide. We work in a team, and are inspired by interaction with communities and other clients.

Health and safety

The management of Kaitiaki o Ngahere Ltd are committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for its employees, visitors, and all persons using the premises as a place of work.
​We use ThinkSafe www.thinksafe.co.nz and our staff undertake training in Health and Safety at all levels and use site specific hazard plans daily for each job.

Header photo: The Wellington fleet, following a day's Old Man's Beard control on behalf of Wellington City Council within Waipapa Loop, Te Kopahou Reserve.