Background

A special place, a semi-swamp podocarp forest, a subtropical rain forest, a place where locals and visitors can experience this small remnant of New Zealand low land native forest. A place where rare native lichens and spiders are found and a place which is an ecological and educational showcase telling the story of the land and its connection to all people.

As early as 1923 studies and surveys were undertaken as to record this highly significant piece of New Zealand natural history with its rare lichens and spiders. To enable continual protection of this special place it was passed over to the Manawatu District Council (MDC) to protect, control, manage and develop. However the importance of this native remnant is of such value to New Zealand that during 2014 the MDC established the Awahuri Forest – Kitchener Park Trust with the sole responsibility to protect, preserve, maintain and develop this forest for educational purposes and for all people to enjoy.