‘It takes many hands to hold up Te Ahu Pātiki, so there are many ways for people to contribute their expertise, skills, and passion’, has been an oft stated sentiment applied to this project by Yvette Couch-Lewis, Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, who has supported this project from its inception.

The Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust took the bold step of signing an unconditional agreement to purchase the Te Ahu Pātiki block, at that point still a working farm in 2020. A long settlement period allowed time for fundraising. The advice of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke was sought, which evolved into a partnership with Te Rūnanga o Koukourarata. Orton Bradley Park also supported the project from the outset, backing the vision to see the mountain on their doorstep protected and made available for all to enjoy. A huge fundraising campaign was launched raising over $950,000 in donations, achieved with the assistance of Stuff (The Press) and thousands of public contributions.

The combined efforts of these four founding partners have enabled the protection of Te Ahu Patiki for all to enjoy.