Mount Pirongia rises above the Waikato basin, its forests home to kōkako, long-tailed bats and ancient plants found in only a handful of places. Tainui hold a deep connection to this maunga.
Feral goats have been browsing its forests for generations, and since 1983 more than 20,000 have been removed. With modern tools and strong community support, finishing the job is now possible. Your donation helps remove the last of them, for good.
Rising above the Waikato basin, Mount Pirongia is one of the region’s most important natural strongholds. Its native forests shelter kōkako and long-tailed bats, along with ancient plants found in only a few other places. Tainui express a deep connection to the maunga and the life it holds. Feral goats put all of that under pressure, browsing the native vegetation, stopping the forest from regenerating and leaving fragile species exposed.
Since 1983, more than 20,000 goats have been removed from Pirongia and the surrounding land. That sustained effort has produced real gains. Forests are recovering, and biodiversity has had the chance to rebound. For the first time, with modern tools, proven methods and strong community backing, full eradication is within reach. This is one of those rare moments in conservation when the job can be finished completely.
Removing goats from Pirongia will:
Without action, the gains already made are at risk of being undone.
Photography by Chloe Riddell and Dino Borelli.
Ongoing pest suppression needs funding year after year. Eradication is permanent. Remove the goats once, and the forest begins to recover straight away, the mauri of the land returning with it.
Eradication takes sustained effort, close coordination with landowners and secure funding. DOC is seeking to raise $1.5 million to make it happen. Your support funds the on-ground control and the monitoring that confirms the goats are gone for good. Together we can restore Mount Pirongia, protecting its forests and honouring what the maunga means to those who hold it.
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This is a rare chance to remove a threat for good. Donate today and help make Pirongia goat-free.
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Every share helps more people discover the work being done to protect the maunga.
Share on LinkedInMount Pirongia goat eradication is led by the Department of Conservation as part of its nationally coordinated wild animal management programme. NZ Nature Fund manages charitable donations for this project. NZ Nature Fund holds donations in a dedicated charity account and disburses against project milestones. All gifts are tax-deductible in New Zealand. Registered Charity CC32894.
Photography by Chloe Riddell and Dino Borelli.
