The Matakana Community Group is looking for volunteers for their new initiative, Pest Free Matakana.

The project is run by community group chair Rachel Demler, and member of the Takatu Landcare Trust Ngaire Wallen.

They plan to set up trap lines in the village after reports that stoats are particularly prevalent. They have been looking at sources of funding for the traps, but with the help of volunteers they will be able keep costs down.  

Trap lines have been drawn up by Ngaire, and the group is now looking to move forward with the project.

Pest Free Matakana is looking for volunteer help with this project to either build the boxes (simple woodworking skills required) or to lay and maintain the traps.  

The effect of stoats on New Zealand’s bird species cannot be underestimated. They are voracious and relentless hunters, preying on wrybills, the New Zealand dotterel, black-fronted terns and young kiwi among others. Birds that nest in holes in tree trunks such as mohua, kākā and yellow-crowned kākāriki are easy prey for stoats who can take out eggs, chicks and incubating adults in one attack.

If you would like to volunteer your services to help eradicate pests in Matakana, contact Rachel via [email protected], or get in touch through the Matakana Community Group Facebook page.