HMWCG Mission & Values

1. Protect the inherent values of the Hikaroroa area, which include:

   • Ecological - the nationally important boulder stream is ecologically vulnerable due to human actions. This is a rare ecosystem of national priority for protection. There are also rare and threatened moths in the Hikaroroa area. The New Zealand (Eastern) Falcon / Kārearea (2025 Bird of the Year) also make their home in the area. These endemic birds are threatened by stoats, cats, possums, hedgehogs and other introduced predators. Large tree forest habitats are also important for falcons, making the Reserve and surrounding forests particularly valuable for preservation of this species. The unlogged stands of podocarp-broadleaf forest at Hikaroroa (totara, matai, kahikatea) and the kōwhai-lacebark-ribbonwood broadleaf forest are the only remaining large forest tracks in Coastal Otago. These forest types would have been typical of the landscape prior to European settlement.

   • Cultural - Hikaroroa is more than a physical landmark; it serves as a cultural symbol for the local iwi and the wider community. Hikaroroa, the mauka tīpuna (ancestral mountain) for Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, holds profound spiritual and cultural significance. It is recognized as an enduring marker of identity and a key part of the cultural landscape of Te Tai o Araiteuru (the Otago coastal region). Hikaroroa and its surrounding ecosystems were historically integral to the provision of mahika kai / food and resource gathering. Hikaroroa remains a visible reminder of the relationship between people and the environment, reflecting the values of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga. The mountain represents the interplay between ecological health and cultural identity, embodying the spiritual connection that sustains both the people and the land. Hikaroroa's cultural significance is deeply intertwined with its ecological value. Conservation efforts must align with tikanga māori to honour the mountain’s role as both a spiritual guardian and a living ecosystem.

   • Recreational - The Hikaroroa area provides a high potential to act as a physical platform for cultural, outdoor education, community connection and recreation. The mountain is a site for learning about Mātauranga Māori, environmental stewardship, and the historical significance of the region. The Scenic Reserve has been used to offer contemporary mahika kai courses that inspire young people to learn about their heritage and take an active role in conservation efforts and community food resilience. The Dunedin City Council is working to provide more open access to the Reserve for the community, with plans for trails currently being discussed.

2. Collaboration & Community

   • Weave together the values of a diverse community to develop strategies that serve the community.

3. Empowering Community - Education and Professional Development

   • Sharing the importance of the area as well as the skills to protect it.

   • Increasing Otago’s capacity to protect ecological values on landscape scales.

Learn about our Biodiversity Goals here