Maungawhau has always been a popular place to visit. Today, under the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, it is well managed and in far better shape than when Friends of Maungawhau (FoM) began. Back then, there were plans and promises, but little action. Our focus through those early years was on promoting respect and appreciation of the maunga and halting its abuse – buses and cars driving to the summit, cattle causing erosion, invasive weeds and obliteration of cultural features.
FoM began weekly work sessions on the maunga in the early 2000s, gaining visibility, new volunteers, skills and knowledge. We advocated for better management of the maunga through submissions and the media, and by organising talks, displays, community planting days and other events.
Since the Tūpuna Maunga Authority took over in 2014, the vehicles have gone, grazing has ceased, tracks have been upgraded and weeds are under control. FoM’s role has diminished as our goals have been largely fulfilled. In 2021 we formally dissolved as an incorporated society. We now function as an informal volunteer group assisting the Authority.
Below you can read about some of the highlights of our campaigns and volunteer-led weeding and restoration work on Maungawhau.
Dr Susan Bulmer
The founder of FoM in the 1980s was renowned archaeologist, Dr Susan Bulmer…read more >
Batger Quarry restoration project
In the 19th century, at least five pits were worked on the flanks of Maungawhau, quarrying basalt and scoria. The last pit on the eastern slope, now rehabilitated as Eden Garden, operated until 1928. The old Batger Quarry, a collapsed scree slope supported by a concrete facing wall on the western slope, became a weed-infested eyesore. This was the challenging site that FoM volunteers took on in the late 1990s…read more >
Love Your Mountain Day
Our major event was Love Your Mountain Day, which we hosted annually for nine years 2006-2014 to promote greater respect and appreciation for the maunga…read more >
Auckland Grammar School planting project
FoM has built a network of relationships with neighbours, community groups, the Albert-Eden Local Board and other organisations. A good example is the Auckland Grammar School community planting project …read more >