Maungawahu / Mt Eden is one of the most iconic of the 14 Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau. There are several groups working to care for this precious place - both on the maunga and in the surrounding public and private spaces. Whether you’re interested in conservation, community action or learning more about your local maunga, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
On the Maunga
Friends of Maungawhau
Friends of Maungawhau is a volunteer group that helps protect, preserve and enhance Maungawhau / Mt Eden. The group has been active in ecological restoration and advocacy for the Maunga since the 1980s.
They host regular working bees on the third Sunday of each month, activities include planting, weeding and working in the native plant nursery.
To get involved please contact [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] or visit their website
Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao
Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao is working alongside Friends of Maungawhau and the Tūpuna Maunga Authority to enhance restoration efforts on the maunga.
We support volunteer-led predator control and monitoring on the maunga throughout the year. We are also looking to establish monthly Five Minute Bird Counts and host regular weekday working bees focused on native plant nursery work, and weed control.
To get involved please contact [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] or fill out our survey.
Around the Maunga
Maungawhau Ecological Halo
Maungawhau Ecological Halo is a buffer zone around the maunga supported by Urban Ark and designed to protect and enhance the diversity of native bird and plant life.
We work with residents, businesses and schools to create a healthier environment for native birds, insects and plants by controlling predators, suppressing invasive weeds and encouraging native shrubs and trees to grow on their private properties.
If you live within the halo area and would like to join our collective effort you can collect a free rat trap and safety box, borrow a possum trap, or pick up an invasive weed ID brochure from our trap library at the Mt Eden Village Centre between 9 - 12am on week days.
Check out the rest of our website to find out how to trap rats and which weeds to control.
If you have any questions about getting involved contact Phil Simpson: [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] or 021 509 292.
The Maungawhau Ecological Halo encompasses patches of critically endangered lava rock forest centred on Withiel Thomas Reserve. This puriri-dominant forest is one of the last few remnants of a unique ecosystem that was once common across Tāmaki Makaurau’s lava field. Much of what remains is on private land northwest of the maunga, around Almorah Road, Gilgit Road, Withiel Drive and Mountain Road. If you live in this area, please get in touch and we’ll provide you with resources and support to preserve the ecology of this unique landscape.
