QEII National Trust

24/09/2026

These stunning aerial shots showcase one of Andrew and Maddy McLean’s QEII covenants near Pōrangahau in Central Hawke’s Bay, a place where farming and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Andrew and Maddy expanded the farming operation established by Andrew's parents, Hamish and Janine McLean, who also protected several other areas of native biodiversity on the property. This covenant was the last one Hamish and Janine completed before leaving the farm.

Originally conventionally fenced in 2011, the covenant received a deer-proof fencing upgrade in 2023 through MfE / Porangahau Catchment Group funding, helping to further safeguard this valuable habitat.

Today, Andrew and Maddy are continuing that legacy with dedicated pest control and ongoing care of the land. Their efforts are helping support the recovery of the at-risk White Mistletoe (𝘛𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢), with some plants protected by cages to prevent possum damage. The positive changes visible in the photo points are a testament to the difference their hard work is making.

👏 Thank you, Andrew and Maddy, for your commitment to protecting biodiversity for future generations.

📸 Aerial photos: Ben Percival, Pōrangahau Catchment Group
📷 Photopoints: Troy Duncan, QEII Regional Rep for Hawke's Bay

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18/09/2026

WORK WITH US | We're seeking an experienced and motivated independent contractor to support our work across Te Anau and the Waiau Catchment areas. If you love working with landowners, building relationships and have a sound ecological understanding of our native flora and fauna and the threats they face, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. The contract is for 1,150 - 1,250 hours per year. Find out more and apply here https://bit.ly/4ciWj2x

15/09/2026

We're excited to announce that Minister of Conservation, Hon Tama Potaka has appointed a new Chair to our board: Susan O'Regan

A Waikato dairy farmer with experience working alongside iwi, and governance experience that includes a term as Mayor of Waipa District Council, Susan is in a strong position to lead the Board and engage with stakeholders. She is currently also a Crown appointee on the Waikato River Authority.

Susan's appointment as Chair follows the sad passing of previous Chair Alan Livingston in April this year. Although Alan has left big shoes to fill and is very missed amongst us, we're excited to welcome Susan to the QEII whānau.

Read the full announcement on the QEII website: https://bit.ly/3SHrG1e

24/08/2026

📣 QEII covenant owners | One week to go for this round of The Stephenson Fund

If you've been thinking about making an application, there's still time to get it done by Monday 31 August.

💬 Talk with your QEII regional rep about your project ideas
📄 Check you've read through the T&Cs
📝 Fill out the online application form, or download it and email or post it to us

You can find more information about the process on our website: https://bit.ly/4oS3rZl

18/08/2026

QEII covenant owners | The Stephenson Fund is open...need some project inspo? 💡

Controlling pests like possums and rats can be a huge undertaking for covenant owners. This landowner in Otago got a boost of motivation from receiving support with trapping efforts through The Stephenson Fund: https://qeiinationaltrust.org.nz/if-you-have-a-covenant-and-an-idea-go-for-it/

If you're thinking of applying to The Stephenson Fund, we recommend having a chat with your QEII regional rep first. Check out our website for more info on the contestable fund and how to apply: https://bit.ly/4oS3rZl

11/08/2026

QEII covenant owners | The Stephenson Fund is open...need some project inspo? 💡

The challenges facing QEII covenants and covenant owners can be all sorts of things - animal pests, plant pests, access for trapping to name a few. And sometimes a little support with materials or other resources can make a big difference. Read about some of the projects that have received funding from The Stephenson Fund in the past: https://qeiinationaltrust.org.nz/the-stephenson-fund-in-action/

If you're thinking of applying to The Stephenson Fund, we recommend having a chat with your QEII regional rep first. Check out our website for more info on the contestable fund and how to apply: https://bit.ly/4oS3rZl

Every year, The Stephenson Fund supports an array of projects that protect, restore and manage a covenant’s open space values. The projects supported with funding might involve planting, w**d control, pest control, track or access maintenance.

10/08/2026

Do you have a native plant conservation champion in your life? Do you know someone you think should be recognised?

Nominations are open for the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network Plant Conservation Awards until 31 August 2026. Find out more below ⬇️

🌿 Nominations are now open for the 2026 NZPCN Plant Conservation Awards! 🌿
Every day, people across Aotearoa are making a difference for our native flora. Some advance scientific knowledge through research and education, while others restore habitats, grow native plants, lead community initiatives, inspire the next generation, or quietly dedicate countless hours behind the scenes.
The NZPCN Plant Conservation Awards celebrate these individuals, organisations and communities whose passion and commitment are helping to protect, restore and better understand Aotearoa's unique flora.
Do you know someone deserving of recognition? Whether they're a researcher, volunteer, teacher, school, community group, council, plant nursery or young conservationist, we'd love to hear about them.
🌱 Nominating is quick and easy.
🌱 Anyone can submit a nomination – you don't need to be an NZPCN member.
📅 Nominations close 31 August 2026.
Award recipients will be announced at the 2026 NZPCN Conference in Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington.
Find out more and submit a nomination here:
https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/nzpcn/awards/nzpcn-awards/

06/08/2026

QEII covenant owners | The Stephenson Fund is open...need some project inspo? 💡

Some covenant owners in previous years have applied to The Stephenson Fund for support with w**d control projects, from wilding pines to creeping ivy 🌲🌿

Read about w**d control projects that have been funded in the past: https://qeiinationaltrust.org.nz/the-people-taking-on-the-w**ds/

If you're thinking of applying to The Stephenson Fund, we recommend having a chat with your QEII regional rep first. Check out our website for more info on the contestable fund and how to apply: https://bit.ly/4oS3rZl

31/07/2026

📣 Attention QEII covenant owners - it's that time of year again! The Stephenson Fund is now open for applications 📄

If you:
🧩 Own a registered QEII covenant
💭 Have a project in mind to enhance biodiversity and give the site some TLC
Then The Stephenson Fund might be for you.

Types of projects a grant may support include:
🌾 Pest plant control
🐀 Predator control
🌿 Revegetation
👣 Track and access maintenance

Find out more and how to apply on our website: https://bit.ly/4oS3rZl

29/07/2026

"The species list is growing all the time" - heartening words from Gen de Spa at Staveley Camp following amazing efforts to boost biodiversity 🤩

Taking on w**ds is no mean feat, so well done Gen and the Staveley Camp team 💚

Staveley Camp native forest restoration boosts biodiversity