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“Working together to restore biodiversity in South Titirangi”

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FAQS​

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1. Why are we doing this? 

Our expert-approved Predator Control Plan for South Titirangi is designed to regenerate our forest canopy, increase native birds, including Kākā and Ōi (grey-faced petrels), and even attract Kōkako. 

 

2. Has a project like this been successfully done before? 

There are a number of successful projects in residential areas around Aotearoa New Zealand like Wellington and Waiheke Island. Waiheke and Wellington are aiming at being predator free. STNN has just led a year long trial, our aim is to suppress (rather than eliminate) pests to a level where native species can make a comeback. When suburbs surrounding South Titirangi join in the predator eradication effort we can work towards being predator free like Wellington. 

 

3. Was the year-long trial a success?

Yes, it has been a great success! We completed our trial in October 2024.  78% of residents took part, we have reduced rats to 10% and possums to 0%, using our monitoring tools. From that success, we plan to work with the community, to steadily roll-out the urban forest sanctuary in South Titirangi. We are now in year two of the project and are proposing to sustain the existing trial area and expand north. This will double the size of the area to about 41 hectares (100 acres).

 

4. Where was the trial project area? 

The trial area was about 18HA and stretches south from Arama Avenue and Tamariki Reserve to the coastline. It includes Arapito Road and South Titirangi Road from 757 - 810. There are about 90 private properties and four public reserves in the area.

 

5. Who is managing this project? 

The South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network Charitable Trust (STNN) is a community group that was established in 2016 by South Titirangi locals to work towards a weed and pest-free South Titirangi Peninsula. Our roles include laying and maintenance of bait stations, communications with neighbours and tracking of successes. 

 

6. Will it cost me anything to be involved? 

Nothing at all, but as a charitable trust that is run  mostly by volunteers, donations are always welcomed.

South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network Charitable Trust

           38-9026-0152652-00

 

7. How can I be involved? 

There are lots of ways to get involved, including: 

● Have a trap in your backyard and share catch data on Trap NZ. We may be able to provide one for free, please email us. 

● Offer your skills to doorknock, check trap and/or monitoring lines or get rid of invasive weeds.

● Subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook 

● Set up a regular donation. 

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8. What methods are being used to suppress predators? 

We will keep the existing buffer line in Arama Avenue for 6 months or more and establish a new buffer on the northern end of the proposed extension (see map).  A buffer line is two lines of bait stations (25m x 25m apart) to reduce the incursion of pests into the project area. The rest of the trial area will have interior bait stations (100m x 100m apart), coastal bait stations (50m apart)  possum and stoat traps. We will use a ‘pulse’ method whereby bait stations are filled and serviced four times a year for one month each time. At the end of each pulse, all unused baits are removed. 

This is not a poison drop; bait will be carefully placed in locked bait stations managed by STNN. Alongside the bait stations, we will encourage people to have rat traps on their property that they check weekly. We will also have monitoring lines to collect data on native birds, geckos, pests and forest canopy. 

 

9. Are you targeting cats? 

No, we are only targeting mice, rats, possums and stoats. However, we encourage people to be responsible cat owners when living in native bush. A responsible cat owner feeds their cat regularly, has their cat wear a bell and/or cat ruffle during the day to reduce wildlife kill and keeps their cat in at night.

 

10. How safe are bait stations and traps for pets, children and wildlife? 

We use Protecta Ambush bait stations which are locked and designed to avoid non-target species and to be tamper resistant for pets and children. The bait used is Ditrac for three of the four pulses. For one of the four pulses, we use Contrac. The method we will use has been safely used in our trial and on the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington for over three years. Thousands of households, businesses and schools have had bait stations and traps without safety problems emerging for pets, children or non-target wildlife. In the very unlikely event that you think your pet may be ill, there is an effective antidote available using Vitamin K which a vet can administer. 

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11. Will bait stations and traps be on public or private land? 

Both public and private land - where the owner agrees to it. Placement and access arrangements can be made with the owner. 

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12. Will 1080 be used in the project? 

No - see question 10. This is not a poison drop; bait will be carefully placed in locked bait stations managed by STNN.

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13. How will the spread of Kauri dieback be prevented by those servicing the bait stations? 

The project area has been chosen to avoid concentrations of Kauri trees. STNN has consulted with Kauri Rescue and Auckland Council to develop a Kauri Dieback Prevention procedure. STNN has also minimised the numbers of contractors and will train those working on the lines to prevent any spread of the disease. 

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14. Will contractors be coming onto private land? If so, do households get advance warning? 

Yes, if you agree to have a bait station on your property. We will use a ‘pulse’ method whereby stations are filled and serviced four times a year for one month each time. During that month, the bait stations are visited by the contractor 5 times. At the end of each pulse, all unused baits are removed. So a contractor will come onto your property 5x each quarter, and you will be informed of pulse dates in advance through email or text. 

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Still got questions? Feel free to contact us any time.

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STNN 

October 2024

 

Get in touch: 

neighbours@southtitirangi.org.nz 

www.southtitirangi.org.nz

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