The ‘greenies' fought hard to preserve it and the ‘Jolly Green Giant' himself, world famous botanist David Bellamy, was at the forefront of that fight. This weekend they enjoy the fruits of their labours as the Whirinaki Rain Forest Park celebrates its 25th birthday.

David Bellamy. Photo supplied by RotoruaNZ.com

David Bellamy has made it over to join in the celebrations despite now being 76 years old, and he is addressing a gala dinner at the Novotel Hotel in Rotorua tonight.
Ngati Whare are the kaitiaki of the forest which is located about an hour south of Rotorua on SH38. They and the Department of Conservation have organised a programme of events this weekend to celebrate Whirinaki, which of course is much older than 25 years. The 25 years simply refers to the time since anti-logging protestors saved the forest from being felled to extinction and managed to convince the government of the day to preserve it for future generations. It has been dubbed the ‘Dinosaur Forest' because it contains many tall trees that are hundreds of years old and many unique species of flora and fauna that have developed over millions of years.
Following a powhiri this morning there is a chance for school children to learn about some of Whirinaki's wonders before the official opening of the redeveloped Mangamate camping ground. Over the remainder of the weekend there is a programme of guided walks through the forest and at 2pm on Sunday the Whirinaki's first wheelchair friendly track will be opened.