Source: Auckland Council
Hear from Shona Sangster, Chair of Stewart Island / Rakiura Community & Environment Trust (SIRCET).
The Trust is a non-profit organisation founded in 2003 to promote projects that benefit the Stewart Island / Rakiura community and its environment.
The focus is predominantly ecological restoration through control of pest animals and weeds.
SIRCET runs the Halfmoon Bay Habitat Restoration Project, initiated in 2002, it controls possums, rats, and feral cats on private and public land around Halfmoon Bay.
To date 210 hectares, comprising over 200 land titles, now have coordinated pest control.
Sustained control has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of native birds present around the township. In areas outside of the project’s protection, forest bird numbers have remained lower, a strong indication that SIRCET’s control is benefiting bird populations.
This is one of two ‘Pest Free Auckland in your Living Room – Autumn Webinars’, brought to you by Pest Free Auckland 2050. Thanks to the Aotea Pestival, also featuring these speakers, as part of their ANZAC Weekend event.
