Imported wasps fly business class to tackle NZ pests
In the late 1980s, planes flying from South America to New Zealand carried some unusual and precious travellers, tucked away in the business- class drinks cabinet, of all places.
It’s been five months since a possum was last detected across almost 1,000 hectares of Kaitake farmland in Taranaki.
That’s an exciting sign that work to remove predators is having an impact, says Towards Predator-Free Taranaki programme lead Sam Haultain.
Towards Predator-Free Taranaki, in conjunction with Taranaki Mounga, launched the Restore Kaitake project in 2018. Its goal is the complete eradication of possums from a 4,500 hectare area including the 2,300 hectares of the Kaitake Range, 2,000 hectares of Kaitake farmland and Oākura town.
Haultain says it’s been five months since a possum was caught or detected in the 990 hectare area from State Highway 45 to the coast, between Timaru Stream and the Oākura township.
There is a camera placed roughly every 30 hectares, while highly-trained detection dogs go out with their handlers regularly. None have detected any sign of a possum, she says.
“That’s exciting. Of course there’s always the chance one or two are laying low and avoiding detection, possums are tricky like that!
“But it’s a hugely positive sign that all the hard work put in over the last few years is paying off. And it brings us more confidence that eradication is possible – albeit a huge task.”
Haultain thanked the Oākura-Kaitake community, especially those who have reported possum sightings, are trapping predators on their own properties and everyone who volunteers on trapping and conservation projects in the region.
The task now is to keep the farmland area possum-free while expanding the possum-free zone outwards. Ongoing efforts will focus on the farmland between the state highway and the Kaitake Range and, in partnership with Taranaki Mounga, the Kaitake Range itself.
Haultain says the most helpful thing the community can do is report any possum sightings.
“Your challenge is to prove us wrong. If you see, hear or suspect a possum anywhere in Oākura-Kaitake we want to know. Please report it so we can head straight out and investigate most likely using the dogs.”
“Every possum and every introduced predator that is removed makes a difference to our native biodiversity.”
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.
After tasting 240 New Zealand made cheeses, judges have bestowed medals upon 199 of the entries.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…