Management

Whatipu Lodge, Bach and Campground is privately managed by Peter and Ursel under licence from Auckland Council.

The Whatipu Sands area was classified as a Scientific Reserve in 2002 and is one of the most ecologically significant Reserves in Auckland. The landscape is constantly changing. The Scientific Reserve is owned by the Department of Conservation and managed on their behalf by Auckland Council. Auckland Council Rangers are the ‘go-to’ people for information about the Whatipu landscape. Phone Arataki Visitors Centre on 817 0089. Dogs are not permitted on Whatipu Beach.

Friends of Whatipu (FOW) is a group of volunteers formed in 2002 to protect, enhance and advocate for the Whatipu landscape. FOW hold annual activities such as restoration planting, seed collecting, beach clean-up, bird monitoring and an annual FOW weekend stay at Whatipu Lodge with guest speakers. New members are always welcome. Membership is $15 for individuals and $20 for families. In July 2013 FOW stated its aim to release kiwi at Whatipu in the future. Volunteers will be needed to manage predators for many years before kiwi can be released. To become member please see Friends of Whatipu on facebook. Lindy is the present Chairperson.

The iwi, Te Kawerau ā Maki are acknowledged as retaining the mana whenua of their ancestral domain in the Southern Waitākere Ranges.