A Catlins conservation group has finally purchased a section of the Papatowai estuary behind an iconic stand of rātā - a deal it's been working on for several years.
The Papatowai Forest Heritage Trust bought the 15 adjacent sections from the Findlater family, creating what will be called the Findlater Reserve.
The purchase is part of a wider effort to protect the Southern rātā which hang over the beach at Papatowai.
The land will be covenanted, joining other sections previously protected by the trust.
Kathryn speaks to the spokesperson of the Papatowai Forest Heritage Trust Fergus Sutherland who is over the moon about the sale.