Years of dedication and hard work by members of the Kaharoa Kokako Trust were recognised in Wellington on Thursday when they were presented with the supreme award at the Ministry for the Environment's Green Ribbon Awards.
The trust was formed in 1997 by a group of concerned residents who wanted to save the few kokako that remained in the Kaharoa Conservation Area, about 30km north-east of Rotorua.


The Kaharoa Kokako Trust received the Supreme Green Ribbon Award for their contribution to the national kokako recovery effort. Photo by CC Attribution

The core kokako population in Kaharoa is now home to one of the largest and most significant kokako populations in New Zealand and is viewed as a source for rebuilding kokako numbers in the Bay of Plenty and elsewhere in New Zealand.
Kaharoa Kokako Trust Chairperson Anne Managh says the award is a wonderful recognition of the hard work that so many volunteers have contributed over the years.
"There were some amazing projects that were highlighted at the awards ceremony, so to win the supreme award is not only a great honour, but a great validation that our contribution is a worthwhile one," says Anne.
"We're a committed volunteer group and this will help others to see the real value in the work we're doing and the difference we can make to our local environment."