As 2023 draws to a close, Tiakina Whangārei is taking a moment to celebrate this year’s wins – from fostering community engagement in the predator-free movement to distributing over 300 traps to the Whangārei community.
With the support of community groups and volunteers, we’ve made significant strides in local conservation. We’ve also seen engagement in the predator-free movement across the Whangārei region increase. These accomplishments have been made possible through the collaborative efforts of our partners, supporters, volunteers, and Northland Regional Council.
Building Partnerships for a Predator-Free Future
Forging close partnerships is pivotal to the success of the Tiakina Whangārei project. We’re immensely proud of the collaborations with Predator Free Onerahi and Predator Free Kamo – the work these groups do is pivotal to achieving our mission to make Whangārei predator-free!
Predator Free Onerahi Progress
The ongoing expansion of Predator Free Onerahi is a cause for celebration. We’re pleased to share that the entire Waimahanga Track, (the 5km stretch between Onerahi foreshore and Waimahanga), is now under rodent management. This is thanks to the hard work put in by the Predator Free Onerahi volunteer group.
Winning the Battle Against Invasive Weeds
We’ve seen wins in our battles with invasive weeds in Onerahi, thanks to the hard mahi from Onerahi Weeds Group and Onerahi CoastLine Action Group. Tiakina Whangārei has been providing support, resulting in the reduction of invasive weed species like the moth plant and banana passionfruit vines throughout local areas such as the Waimahanga Track.
Pest Management with Pukenui Trust
Collaborating with the Pukenui Trust has led to increased pest management infrastructure across the Coronation Reserve area. A recent round of possum and rodent baiting underscores the commitment to preserving the local ecosystem.
Increasing Bait Station Network on Parihaka
Parihaka has seen a significant expansion of its bait station network, with an additional 90 hectares covered. The initiative, supported by funding from the Whangarei District Council, is contributing to the overall predator control efforts in the region and helps to support native bird populations.
Predator Free Kamo Emerges as a Key Player
A highlight for Tiakina Whangārei was helping to establish the Predator Free Kamo community group. The forest fragments at the top of Fairway Drive have a strong team doing pest animal and plant work and there is trapping underway in the reserve by Bush Haven.
Jo Skyrme, Tiakina Whanārei Project Lead, says it’s very rewarding to see how community groups have taken ownership of creating a predator-free haven in their suburb. “The growth of the community groups and the commitment from their members is a promising sign for 2024 and what we can achieve.”
Empowering the Whangārei Community with Traps
Distributing traps into the hands of the Whangārei community and their backyards remains a top priority for Tiakina Whangārei. In 2023, we distributed, donated, and sold a whopping 322 rat traps and boxes and 33 possum traps!
We’d like to share a friendly reminder to everyone with a trap to register your traps and record kills on TrapNZ. Your data is valuable to the national understanding of predator control and aids in strategic planning for different predator control initiatives across New Zealand.
What’s in store for 2024?
Tiakina Whangārei looks forward to another year of local conservation success working towards a predator-free Whangārei. With your support, we’re working towards setting up a rat trap in one in four Whangārei backyards!
We’re also focussing on combatting invasive plant species in 2024. Keep a look out on our Facebook page for ID tips and removal advice for invasive weed species, and how you can get involved by tackling weeds in your backyard!
Lastly, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the local conservationists and groups that have spent their precious time weeding and trapping around Whangārei in 2023. You are truly appreciated.
