The Rapanui Grey-faced Petrel Trust 

Established in 2009 the trust works to conserve the special coastal ecosystem at Tongapōrutu in North Taranaki. 

The trust formed to focus on protecting the only remaining colony of grey-faced petrel breeding or Oi on the mainland of the North Island. The trust built a predator proof reserve which over 20 years has been highly successful. 

From only 6 burrows in 2003 to an estimated +250 burrows in 2024. Establishing it regionally as a significant Key Native Environment in terms of fragile bird burrowed soils.

Additional burrows appear yearly on the surrounding cliff line and the birds are spreading along the Taranaki coast. 

The trust members continue to undertake predator control work both inside the reserve and in the surrounding farmland. As well as maintaining the fence integrity in what is a very harsh environment, prone to corrosion and significant cliff erosion.

Visiting / Getting Involved

There is always a lot to do at the reserve but because of its fragile nature of the site access is restricted. 

However we really do need help and run a working bee roughly once a season. As well as volunteers doing regular predator control and fence checking and maintenance. 

If you are interested in getting involved get in touch at info@rapanui.nz

Rejuvenation, Protection and Translocation

With the return of the Oi or grey-faced petrel in numbers, the major focus now is to re-establish a balanced coastal ecosystem as a whole. From rare flora to the other endangered seabirds and reptiles that are just hanging on. The trust is also looking at translocating other rare species into the predator proof fenced area of the reserve.

The trust is working on the re-establishmening a colony of Fluttering Shearwaters or Pakahā which are known to be in low numbers in the area. There is also a focus on reptiles like the goldstripe gecko or  moko mangaeka and glossy brown skink both of which are present but under real pressure from rats & mice. As well as rare plants including Cooks Scurvy Grass and coastal herbfields