The Trust

The Awahuri Forest / Kitchener Park has for some considerable time been regarded as of significant value to the evaluation of New Zealand’s natural history, despite this recognition of ecological value this last remnant has in the past been neglected and extremely poorly managed and protected.

To enable proper restorative management the Forest Park was placed in the care of the Manawatu District Council (MDC) who then recognised that the task of restoration and protection required a dedicated vehicle that had the capability   of managing and also had the ability to raise funds from a variety of charitable organisations.

The Trust is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) and was formed as a Charitable Trust by the MDC in July of 2014, with a total of five trustees. Formation of the Trust for “Charitable Purposes” means that term as defined by the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 and also means and includes every charitable purpose whether within New Zealand or any other part of the world.

In addition to identifying funding opportunities the Trust must protect, preserve, maintain and develop the forest for educational and research purposes and for all people to enjoy. The Trust must manage the ecological restoration and protect the parks biodiversity values. 

Trustees are all volunteers who deal with the governance of the charity. As positions become available they are advertised by the Manawatu District Council.