Since its inception in 2001, the Bream Head/Te Whara Conservation Trust (BHCT) has been dedicated to restoring Bream Head Scenic Reserve, bringing life back to this unique part of Northland. The Trust’s mission is simple but profound: to restore the ecology of the reserve, nurturing its forests and birdlife so that future generations can experience the biodiversity that the area offers. This dream is taking another important step forward with the launch of the BHCT Endowment Fund in March 2025.
The Trust’s work has been driven by passionate locals – from the 70 plus dedicated volunteers to the paid rangers, who work tirelessly to protect and restore the environment. Over the years, the team has brought about significant improvements, starting with removing pests from the peninsula and restoring native forests that once covered Bream Head Scenic Reserve.
While the Trust’s work has been incredibly successful, it requires an ongoing effort. The trust relies on direct, regular monthly and yearly donations, as well as grant-funding and conservation contracts, to maintain day-to-day work – such as forest restoration, predator control, and community education programmes with local schools. These funding streams enable the Trust to deliver its day-to-day operation, however these sources of income can be uncertain and variable. This is a challenge because conservation is a task that never ends and sustaining these efforts requires long-term investment. While the Trust’s success has been fuelled by the passion of the community, the need for a secure, sustainable funding stream is clear. The Endowment Fund is a key part of this long-term strategy.
Thanks to support from Northland Community Foundation (NCF), the Trust is now in a position to launch this fund, which will ensure the ongoing success of its conservation efforts.
“Our goal is to grow the Endowment Fund so that it contributes an increasing percentage of the Trust’s operating funding, providing a secure long-term funding stream that complements direct donations and grant funding. By leaving a donation or a gift in your will to the fund, you’re helping to create a lasting legacy that will support the ongoing restoration and preservation of Bream Head Scenic Reserve for generations to come.” said Annelies Struijcken, Trustee at the Bream Head Conservation Trust
Now, as well as making direct donations to the Trust, you also have the option to make donations to the Endowment Fund. The key difference with giving through the fund is that your principal is maintained in perpetuity, and the interest provides ongoing funding through time. You can leave a legacy today, or leave a gift in your will. When you donate through a gift in your will, you have the flexibility to leave a percentage of your estate or a specific sum in your will. If you’re inspired by the work of the Bream Head/Te Whara Conservation Trust and want to ensure that its mission continues to flourish, you can make a contribution to the fund here.
If you want to learn more about Bream Head/Te Whara Conservation Trust, check out their facebook page where they post regular updates about their work.
