The Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust was established in 2003 to "promote and protect the natural, cultural and historical values of the Marlborough Sounds for future generations, including, but not limited to, landscape, productivity and biodiversity values".

The Trust has a proven track record of success in the Sounds, particularly in controlling wilding pines and feral deer and goats with the support of local communities.  Its flagship wilding pine control programme has been nationally recognised for its leadership and innovation.

In 2021, the Trust was named Supreme Winner at the Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards. The judges’ report stated:

“The Trust has made a huge impact on the Sounds landscape, with results so dramatic they can be seen from space. It is well on its way to achieving major suppression of pines and the restoration of native bush across a significant portion of the landscape ….  MSRT has set the standard for indigenous ecosystem restoration in the Marlborough Sounds”.

The Trust is incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 and is a registered charitable entity in terms of the Charities Act 2005. Information about the Trust is publicly available on the Charities Register.

The Trust is also considered a donee organisation for tax purposes, such that any gifts of money it receives from individuals and certain companies qualify for tax advantages.

The Department of Conservation's Operations Manager (Picton) and the Marlborough District Council's Environmental Science and Monitoring Manager are ex officio members of the Trust.

Our mission is to collaborate with those who share our vision, so that together we can take action to protect and restore the Marlborough Sounds.

Our vision is to see the enduring protection of natural character and biodiversity throughout the Marlborough Sounds.