North Island Robin with insect in beak

In 1995 DOC started intensive pest control in Waipapa with the aim of improving forest health and increasing numbers of native wildlife. Bait stations are filled with poison bait between September and April each year, targeting possums and rats. Today the possums have all but gone and rat numbers are controlled every year.

Situated in Pureora Forest Park, Waipapa is home to a number of New Zealand's native bird species, and the intensive management has resulted in some spectacular increases in bird populations.

The area contains New Zealand’s largest kaka population with over 800 birds. Kereru also continue to be abundant, with 3500 being counted in one 1200 hectare study block, while robins continue to have a high nesting success (around 80%). There are 77 pairs of kokako in the managed forest; the second largest kokako population in New Zealand.

The success and abundance of North Island robins in the area has enabled the transfer and relocation of robins to other sites within the Waikato region. Possum control by DOC continues to be successful in reducing possum impacts on canopy tree species such as mahoe and kamahi and also on mistletoe.