History & Purpose


This experiment began in 1995 when the founders of Te Mahoerangi, Steve and Bine, found themselves frequently sheltering in this picturesque corner of the Marlborough Sounds. Their catamaran Moana-nui was slowly sinking due to the accumulated collection of 9 years of occupation, so they decided to buy a piece of land on the foreshore of Nydia Bay. Soon after they moved into their new cottage, the Department of Conservation (DOC) signalled their intention to conduct an aerial drop of the rodenticide 1080. Walking into the affected bush with other concerned residents on the morning after the drop, Steve and Bine soon realised something was wrong. Silence. The bush, normally teeming with bird and insect song was silent. Wekas, formerly prolific in the Bay had disappeared, along with most of the native bird life. After they recovered from the initial shock of this destruction, they quickly made it their mission to learn as much as possible about 1080. Steve and Bine have since dedicated their lives to finding and presenting an alternative to the wholesale poisoning of our flora and fauna. These are the roots of Te Mahoerangi. We have come a long way since 1996. Highlights include the accolade of 'most effective anti-1080 action in the country', financing between 1 and 3 full time possum trappers in the bush, and assisting DOC to control possums without poisons and in a more humane manner.


M.E.E.T

Mahoerangi Environmental Education Trust


Our Trust has been formed with the sole purpose of creating, developing and operating commercial based projects that create profit from activities that are environmentally and socially considerate.
All profits derived from the operation of its varied and growing areas of operation are directed via the Trust to the Environment.
The Mahoerangi Environmental Education Trust (MEET) directs All Profits to the Environment (APE) via wages, training, education, equipment and facilities required for the Conservation, Preservation and Restoration (CPR) of our wonderful nation's natural environment.
The creations and results of the Trust are due to many years of commitment, dedication and efforts of the Mahoerangi team that have volunteered to become a part of this dream and its growing reality.
The Mahoerangi Environmental Education Trust will continue to grow and expand its ability to care for greater areas of our treasured environment.
How?
Through your involvement as a guest, volunteer, contributor, student or observer.
All Profits to the Environment. “APE”. A new concept involving people going APE.

Ape's don't work for the man
Ape's work for the lady.
Papatuanuku.


APE

All Profits to the Environment


Te Mahoerangi is our pilot APE enterprise created to take advantage of the ever increasing flow of tourists coming to our shores to experience our natural treasures, by offering them a welcoming place to rest, stay and enjoy the environment of the Nydia Track. The fully serviced rustic accommodation facilities create turnover by providing this needed service. The cost of the overheads removed creates the profit that is channelled via the Trust into wages, training, equipment, and facilities required by trappers working in the surrounding native forests and reserves controlling damaging introduced pests in an ever widening range.

This project is fledgling and yet successful, bearing the accolade of the most successful anti 1080 poison campaign in New Zealand. The trust aims have received recognition from E.O.Wilsons world sanctuaries.com and many others throughout the world. This is our collective gift to our environment. A gift made of the gifts of many. The journey of the creation of Te Mahoerangi has been difficult and long with many sacrifices along the way but it has grown and developed through all problems pitted against it. Many lessons learnt and understandings developed and enhanced. It is from this effort of many that the concept of all profits to the environment has been born. By creating on going sustainable businesses that contribute all their profits to the care of the environment in the manner discussed can accelerate the people’s ability to cure the wounds and hurts of our environment. This is business, strictly for Ecoprofit.



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