Northlanders have now trapped 966,739 animal pests over the last 12 years according to data collated by the Kiwi Coast Trust.
Each year, Kiwi Coast collates the trap catch data from its network of landowners, community groups and hapū-led projects across the region to highlight the significant work being undertaken to clear out pests and help Northland’s native wildlife thrive.
The 12-year tally includes 434,389 possums,372,746 rodents and 15,955 stoats.
In 2024 alone, 120,520 pests were trapped, giving an average trap catch of 2,300 pests per week. As this is just trap catch data, the true numbers of pests removed is understood to be far higher as it does not include pests controlled via toxins.
There are now 264 entities linked into the Kiwi Coast network, spanning 276,000ha of Northland. Predominantly the entities are locally based groups and projects led by communities and hapū, each looking after their area.
“New groups continue to join the effort, and some of the projects we support are now close to celebrating their 30th birthday” said Andy Mentor, Mid North Coordinator at Kiwi Coast.
“The results speak for themselves and reflect the growing momentum and commitment to conservation across Northland”
Each year the Kiwi Coast Trust holds a dedicated Pest Control Hui to bring the groups together with researchers, scientists, product suppliers and Northland projects keen to share their skills, innovations and results.
The 2025 workshop was held with Ngāti Hau at Akerama Marae on May 18th and attended by over 100 people.
“The hui is a chance for people from across the region to come together, share their skills and stories, and see the massive impact we’re all having when we work together,” said Andy Mentor.
A special prize was awarded to Takahue Pest Control, a community led group just south of Kaitaia which formed in 2024 and has already removed an impressive 1,796 from their area. The group received $500 of pest control products, generously donated by Trapinator.
The free event was made possible by funding from Foundation North, along with sponsorship from NZ Autotraps, Key Industries, Dead Rat Ltd and support from Northland Regional Council and QEII National Trust.
“The great attendance at the hui showed that there is ongoing interest in restoring Northland’s forests and protecting biodiversity,” Andy added. “It’s a celebration of the Kiwi Coast network, and the growing conservation movement across the region.”
Monitoring results collated by Kiwi Coast show the pest control efforts are having the desired impact. Populations of kiwi and pateke/brown teal – NZ’s rarest mainland dabbling duck – are now steadily increasing and naturally spreading into new sites year by year.
Kiwi Coast Coordinator Ngaire Sullivan said Kiwi Coast would carry out our it’s third five-yearly ‘Kiwi Listening Blitz’ across the region this year.
“Using acoustic monitors, we will listen in to see if kiwi have remained at known sites as well as investigate if they have naturally returned to sites that had previously fallen silent due to predation.”
“The sustained pest control and good dog control led by communities and hapū can also lead to special events such as the public kiwi release held by Tutukaka Landcare and Te Whānau a Rangiwhakaahu on April 29th. With technical support from Kiwi Coast and the Northland Regional Council, four kiwi were released into the area to add to the growing population.”
Charlie Mackie from Te Whānau a Rangiwhakaahu said: “We hope the kiwi population will recover, to how they used to be when as kids we could hear them calling just outside our house.”
To get involved in Kiwi Coast or find out how to get started with pest control or kiwi protection visit www.kiwicoast.org.nz or contact support@kiwicoast.org.nz
