A huge shout out to Onerahi Orbit for sharing our vision of a Predator Free Onerahi in their July 2020 edition!! Here’s the article in case you missed it….
Onerahi has an exciting opportunity to be part of the national Predator Free movement, with a community vision to become predator free.
Onerahi has been identified as an ideal location because as a peninsula, it can be defended against reinvasion. There are also significant areas of forest around the suburb, meaning that the conservation outcomes for biodiversity would be very high, meaning more birds everywhere!
Most importantly, there is a great deal of work already happening in the area, supported by existing conservation groups such as Dragonfly Springs and Friends of Matakohe Limestone Island, as well as environmental initiatives that are underway in local schools, early childhood centres and kindergartens.
Dai Morgan is the Project Lead for Tiakina Whangārei, working to eradicate predators from urban Whangārei, and is excited to be supporting Onerahi on its mission to become predator free. Before the Covid-19 lockdown and informal hui with representatives from key Onerahi organisations and schools indicated that there was a public appetite for a project of this nature.
“Between the conservation projects already underway and enthusiasm from those new faces wanting to get involved, I believe this project has all the makings of success. We’re currently working on forming a steering group and would love to hear from community members keen to be involved.
“Predator eradication is a fantastic opportunity to connect communities and leads to awesome conservation, educational and social outcomes.”
Chair of Friends of Matakohe Limestone Island (FOMLI) Pam Stevens says any initiative that improves the environment is fantastic and by reducing animal and plant pests in the wider area, the project supports the work that FOMLI is already doing.
Teachers from both Onerahi and Raurimu primary are on board, with the teachers excited about the potential for lifelong learning outside the classroom, not just with environmental knowledge but also the social action that students can get involved in.
Success measures for the project include involvement from schools and businesses, greater community cohesion and spirit, backyard traps in most Onerahi homes and more native birds in Onerahi.
If you are keen to be involved in helping get this project up and running, please contact info@tiakinawhangarei.co.nz.
