Pest control
Predator Free: Stoats, Rats, Mice and Rabbits.
Pet Control: Dogs & Cats
The Coastal Custodians team are working in collaboration with DOC, Auckland Council and Te Korowai o Waiheke to deliver a pest eradication and an ongoing maintenance and control programme for the North Western Peninsular of Waiheke, all aligned with Predator Free NZ 2050 goals.
As an island, Waiheke is fortunate to have eradicated possums, and is well on the way to the eradication of stoats, and is now turning its attention to rats then rabbits. This page is to help inform and educate residents, stakeholders and our community so we may maximise our combined community efforts as we all work towards 100% pest eradication.
LINKS: Find out about pest plants and animals in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. You can search for a pest by name or use the filters to narrow down the selection: Pest Search Tool
Baiting & Trapping In Progress
Thanks to local residents support from the Coastal Custodians sub-group “Matiatia Estates Residents Group” (MERG) along with nearby neighbours, a major rat and mice eradication program is in progress on the northwest peninsula of Waiheke with contractor and environmental operator, Duncan MacKay of Integrated Environmental.
Our residents wish to extend a vote of thanks and appreciation for the guidance and support to Waiheke Marine Project, Te Korowai, Local Council and Iwi.
Baiting Program Operator: Duncan McKay Integrated Environmental. [email protected] Mobile: 0220106089
TrapNZ Project Site: (Volunteers & residents may request operational access) – Public link
Volunteer Educational Links: Trap clearing, baiting and maintenance instructions: Link to Youtube instructional videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0dN3BEhAJg58f7Mx4FiHF2IxiIu3FBZA
Rats
Ship and Norway rats and Kiore have a major impact as they are omnivores – eating birds, seeds, snails, lizards, fruit, weta, eggs, chicks, larvae and flowers. The varied diet of rats also makes them competitors with native wildlife for food sources.
Residents have adapted individual household baiting regimes adding to the baiting stations place throughout Matiatia Headland – see bait station map below.
LINKS: Rat Eradication (Te Korowai)
Image: DOC
Rabbits
Rabbits seriously threaten ecological values where they browse on vulnerable native plant communities, and where as year-round prey they support the mammalian predators which are contributing to the extinction of many New Zealand native birds and animals.
Phil Tarr is contracted to do regular evening shoots on resident’s properties.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 027 528 6351
Additionally, residents have a combination of baiting regimes and traps located on their properties
LINKS: Rat Control Resources (Te Korowai)
Image: DOC
Stoats
The first stage of the Te Korowai o Waiheke project is mustelid (stoats, weasels and ferrets) eradication island-wide including North Western Waiheke.
Stoats are a threat to the native birds and other wildlife on Waiheke Island. Ground-nesting birds like the dotterel, ōi (grey-faced petrel) and kororā (little blue penguin), and hole-nesting birds such as kākā are particularly vulnerable, as they have very limited means of escaping stoat predation, particularly when rearing young.
Mustelids are extremely nervous, aggressive and secretive.
If you see a stoat, ferret or weasel contact Te Korowai o Waiheke on 0800 BIRDSONG or email: [email protected]
Responsible Pet Ownership
Responsible pet ownership guidelines from Auckland Council can be found HERE. You can also take other steps to protect our natural environment:
- Keep dogs away from nesting shorebirds, kiwi and other vulnerable wildlife — if you live near native bush, consider enrolling your dog in kiwi aversion training.
- Put a bell on your cat’s collar. A bright scrunchy collar is even more effective than a bell at warning birds — collars should always have a safety release to keep your cat safe.
- Where and when can I walk my dog? Click HERE
Vermin Compete With Native Bird Life For Food
Insects are prime food for our feathered friends (e.g. kiwi, robin, tomtit, ruru) but also for vermin (e.g. hedgehogs, stoats, possums, mice, rats, cats).who eat insects including weta for their lunch!
LINK: Rat Control Resources
Stoat Location Heat Map
Thanks to the intrepid Te Korowai trappers and the Waiheke Collective Stoat Project Team we have an Island wide Stoat capture program on place. If you see a stoat pleas report it immediately and the team responds super fast.
LINK: Stoat Trap Heat Map