Local group shares predator free vision

 

In July wide publicity was given to the announcement of a strategy for a Predator Free New Zealand by 2050.

The possibility of getting rid of all predators in New Zealand was proposed back in 2012 by Sir Paul Callaghan in a lecture shortly before his death.

He didn’t set a date but suggested that “getting rid of the lot” – the mustelids, rats, possums and other introduced creatures that destroy our native birds and forests – could be achievable.

Many individuals and environmental groups throughout the country have long been caring for their patch, including in the Mangawhai area, and their important contributions can now be viewed against this visionary goal.

The Friends of the Brynderwyns Society has invited Northland Regional Council’s Biosecurity Manager, Don McKenzie, to its AGM on September 25 to talk about the work being done by communities to eliminate predators in Northland and in and around the Brynderwyns, and the help available from Council.

“The Brynderwyns contain many threatened and regionally significant plant and animal species and are now home to Northland brown kiwi thanks to the work of Marunui Conservation,” says Society chair, Martina Tschirky. “Predator control is vital for kiwi protection and ferrets, stoats, weasels, feral cats, rats and possums are on the hit list.”

The presence of kiwi has given impetus to the formation of groups adjacent to the Brynderwyns and many are receiving help from the Regional Council in the form of advice, traps and baits.

Martina says with widespread community support a predator-free Brynderwyns might be attainable: “It’s certainly worth a shot.”

All are welcome to come and learn how. Friends of the Brynderwyns Society, Domain Hall, Moir St, Mangawhai, 2.30pm, September 25.

TARGET: Weasels, stoats, ferrets (pictured) feral cats, rats and possums are on the hit list.