From night vision technology to kauri protection protocols, Northland’s local communities were treated to good yarns and amazing wild kai all in the name of community engagement and activation.
The Wild Kai and Kōrero event was a chance to hear some inspirational words from well-known outdoor recreationists and conservation specialists.
Attendees were kept engaged and puku (stomachs) kept full with wild kai delicacies flowing throughout the night. Dishes such as horopito infused pork, and spicy goat bao buns were served to inspire local hunters to become the next MasterChef in their family.
Wild Kai and Kōrero attendees | Alannah Lett
Engaging communities
Threats to our ngāhere (forest) are growing and ever changing. They should challenge us to think differently about our behaviours in the bush.
The Wild Kai and Kōrero event highlighted the need for communities to work together, share local knowledge and values for collaborative conservation efforts to succeed. The event connected hunters, community groups and local hapū, to share important and valuable messages from trusted sources.
Sam “the Trap Man” Gibson opened the night, encouraging everyone to reconnect with the ngāhere, highlighting the damage wild pigs and wild goats cause to our forest ecosystems.
Our conservation experts shared crucial biosecurity insights including the latest information around kauri protection, bird flu and sea spurge.
Out in the bush and see a kauri tree? Attendees were encouraged to “Give Kauri Space” and clean your boots. Each attendee received a Tiakina Kauri pack, full of kauri hygiene gear, enabling all attendees to help protect kauri while out in the ngāhere.
Geoff “Woody” Woodhouse shared his journey from humble beginnings as a local goat hunter to international predator control expert. He showcased the latest in ZIP’s (Zero Invasive Predators Ltd) cutting-edge predator control technology utilising night vision drones and thermal monoculars.
With wild goats and wild pigs damaging forest understory vegetation across Northland, engaging and collaborating with local hunters to help manage pig and goat populations is a priority for the region.
Out pig hunting and see a goat? Hunters were encouraged to target goats and enter your goat’s tail into the National Wild Goat Hunt competition.
Wild kai delicacies
The event featured a mouth-watering wild kai buffet with dishes crafted by local far north Chef Josh Tatu, showcasing wild goat and wild pig delicacies.
Community Ranger Kylie McDowell and Chef Josh Tatu unveiled DOC’s Wild Kai recipe cards – inspiring attendees to control wild pig and wild goat numbers and then turn them into a delicious meal for your whānau. Download the Wild Kai recipe cards.
Chef Josh Tatu’s wild kai buffet delicacies | Alannah Lett
Community activation
Overall, Wild Kai and Kōrero created a unique opportunity to connect people and encourage Northland’s communities to make achievable behavioural changes to help protect and restore our local forest ecosystems.
So, the next time Northlanders are out in the bush and see wild goat, wild pig or a kauri tree – they will give kauri space, target the introduced species, and get them out of the bush and into their belly!
