As one of New Zealand’s six biodiversity hot spots, the Hauraki Coromandel is a safe haven for many threatened or at-risk species surviving in a broad range of habitats. Community conservation groups play a vital role in the preservation of the natural environment.
The Predator Free Hauraki Coromandel Community Trust was established in October 2017, to support and promote community conservation groups in the Hauraki Coromandel within a national Predator Free programme.
30,000 hectares is already under predator control, with 57 community conservation groups established and more than 600 volunteers engaged. The work endeavours to protect endangered species and habitat types, with 51 threatened or at risk species protected.
From Moehau at the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula to Te Aroha in the south, this vast conservation project has a goal of becoming predator free by 2030. Each year thousands of volunteer hours are spent suppressing predators, undertaking weed control, and planting native plants in areas of bush, wetlands, and coast.
Projects are initiated due to the presence of a rare or specially valued native species. Including at least:
20 bird species
8 frog & lizard species
5 freshwater species
4 freshwater invertebrate species
14 plant species.
90% of the land area with predator control protects kiwi, with 10 kiwi care groups covering 26,889 ha. This is the rarest taxon of the brown kiwi, and the population is estimated to be growing at 4.8% per year.
Whilst there is much to celebrate about the extent of conservation work already underway, a much greater capacity is required to expand resources. The number one challenge faced by groups is funding.
The Predator Free Hauraki Coromandel Community Trust is keen to bring the wider community into a conversation about predator control. They will continue to focus on growing the funding base, increasing volunteers, and offering practical assistance at a grassroots level to provide the much needed boost.
Keeping the Hauraki Rail Trail pest free is essential for the survival of our native plants and animals. Every fortnight Bill and Dennis bait traps with salmon or peanut oil and a mince paste. The trap line extends from Kopu to Waitakaruru with a total of 120 traps.
If you would like to find out more about the purpose and work of the Trust, or can offer support you can find more information here.
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