What We Do
KEEP works at a regional scale to strengthen, connect and sustain kōkako populations across the Bay of Plenty.
Our work is guided by three core objectives.
Grow Awareness and Regional Support
We increase awareness of kōkako as indicators of forest health and strengthen active support for their protection across the Bay of Plenty.
We do this by:
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Supporting member groups to communicate their work
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Maintaining regional resources and best-practice guidance
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Hosting and contributing to regional and national hui
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Engaging with iwi, councils, landowners and forestry partners
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Building and maintaining a regional communications network
Strong regional backing is essential for long-term kōkako protection.
Connect and Strengthen Populations
Kōkako populations in the Bay of Plenty are geographically separated.
Improving resilience requires both sustained predator control and opportunities for movement between forests.
We support:
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Establishment of safe habitat connections through targeted planting
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Sustainable predator control networks within existing and emerging corridors
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Collaboration with landowners and agencies to optimise habitat enhancement
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Monitoring of habitat restoration progress
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Coordination across projects to strengthen landscape-scale outcomes
Our focus is functional connectivity - not just planting, but protected habitat that supports long-term movement and survival.
Build Capability and Consistency
Effective kōkako protection depends on shared knowledge and consistent practice.
We strengthen regional capability by:
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Supporting training in habitat assessment, vegetation monitoring and population monitoring
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Promoting census and breeding success monitoring aligned with Kōkako Recovery Group guidance
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Collating and sharing monitoring outcomes across projects
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Maintaining GIS mapping of kōkako populations in the Bay of Plenty
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Encouraging consistency in monitoring protocols and reporting
This ensures decisions are informed, outcomes are measurable, and progress is transparent.
The Outcomes We Are
Working Toward
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Increased community awareness and participation
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Functional habitat connections between key populations
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Strengthened genetic diversity and resilience
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Improved regional capability in monitoring and management
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A collaborative, sustainable framework for kōkako recovery