South Titirangi Predator Plan
Trial and proposed extension
STNN have run a pilot predator suppression trial with a network of rodent bait stations focusing on the Southern Titirangi Peninsula. Primarily a rat and possum control plan (with a bit of mouse control) the Trial aimed to suppress pest numbers to allow biodiversity to flourish.
Now that the Trial is complete, we are working on an extension of the area under extensive Predator control.
We welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing your views!
FOR MORE INFO SEE OUR LETTER TO RESIDENTS BELOW
SOUTH TITIRANGI NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
LETTER TO RESIDENTS November 2024
The South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network is dedicated to restoring biodiversity in Titirangi. Reducing predator numbers is a vital part of this work. One year ago we embarked on an ambitious plan.
STNN isolated a trial zone south of Arama Ave for intensive pest control using best practice and expertly planned techniques. The aim was to bring predator numbers in this area so low as to reestablish and sustain natural biodiversity. Long term, the aim is to prove efficacy and then roll out across the South Titirangi Peninsula, creating an urban forest sanctuary.
Financial sponsorship from Auckland Council and DIA (via Gecko Trust NZ) followed and our group hit the streets door knocking to obtain vital support from residents in the area. Of the people approached, an astonishing 78% of residents agreed to take part in the Trial!
A year on, the results are in, and it’s fair to say that the Trial has been an outstanding success!
All our work has been carefully logged and tabulated. Close monitoring has enabled us to plot the main predators in the area and show the decline in numbers. Graphs and charts show clearly where the original problem areas were, and how the numbers have declined, particularly after the quarterly pulses where bait is used as well as traps.
Where to from here? That’s where you come in!
Phase two of our roll out is planned. Having proved our system works, we now plan to double the area under Predator Control to an ambitious 100 acres of our South Titirangi.
A map is attached showing the proposed new extended area. Your house is in this proposed Year Two area. We are contacting you in the hope that you will join us in our work by agreeing to be part of this Year Two rollout.
You will have lots of questions, we are ready for that! Check out our FAQ section on our southtitirangi.org.nz. If you would like to get in touch, please email us at neighbours@southtitirangi.org.nz
Thank you most sincerely for your support, our greatest strength is our community.
Bruce Inwood, Clair Hobi and Dorthea Friebe
Co-Chairs STNN
SOUTH TITIRANGI NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK IS A NZ REGISTERED CHARITABLE TRUST
SOUTHTITIRANGI.ORG.NZ neighbours@southtitirangi.org.nz
Image below shows the number of predators removed as part of Year 1.
Te Kawerau ā Maki
We want to acknowledge Te Kawerau ā Maki as the manawhenua and kaitiaki of South Titirangi and the Waitākere ranges. We are pleased that this trial is a step towards their vision of a pest-free Waitākere and hope there is an opportunity to collaborate together in the future.