Source: Auckland Council
Going predator free in the Kaipara has been given a boost following a Rodney Local Board decision to appoint a Rodney West co-ordinator last year.
Chair Phelan Pirrie says with environmental restoration a key priority for the community and local board, it makes sense to invest $75,000 to co-ordinate community-led initiatives and support landowners undertaking pest control in native bush.
“About a quarter of Rodney is native bush and that spans a huge area. It’s this scenario which has seen us forge partnerships with local volunteers dedicated to enhancing the area’s environment.
“Investing in a co-ordinator is paying dividends with the predator-free network and corridors expanding, more traps and trap lines being laid, new volunteer groups set up, and relationships developing with local business.
“With so much of the district bordering agricultural land, we want to support landowners to undertake pest animal control in native bush blocks, in collaboration with the council, iwi and community.”
The two part-time coordinators are working with volunteer groups in Helensville, Kumeū-Huapai, South Head, Waimauku and Muriwai.
