The Pukenui/Western Hills Forest Charitable Trust is pleased to announce that it has received significant funding for the next three years through the 2026 Department of Conservation Community Fund (DOCCF).
The funding will support the Trust’s ongoing predator control programme within the Pukenui/Western Hills Forest. This important work helps protect the pekapeka (long tailed bats) and protect and enhance the forest’s other native flora and fauna, while providing significant benefits for the wider Whangārei community. We hope to see the day that Whangārei locals get to live alongside a thriving native wildlife and healthy taiao, with kākā, kiwi, bats, tūī, giant trees, etc, all flourishing in our backyard!
We also want to acknowledge the other organisations who were not successful. We know there are so many worthy projects and people doing important work. We value all the support we get, and funding is something we certainly don’t take for granted.
The Trust is grateful for the support provided through the DOC Community Fund, which will enable us to continue the mahi of protecting and restoring this special area of ngahere.
The success of this work is made possible through the combined efforts of our rangers, volunteers, trustees, supporters and partner organisations. Together, we are working to create a safer and healthier environment for our native species and future generations.
Further information
Details of the successful 2026 DOC Community Fund applications are available on the Department of Conservation website:
DOC Community Fund – Successful Applications 2026
The Government’s announcement about the 2026 community-led conservation funding can also be found here: