Our objective is to attain zero density pests in the Upper Waitematā.  Attaining zero density pest is a collective effort and we are part of a wide network of groups and individuals working towards Predator Free 2050  The North West Wildlink initiative was established to connect nature across Tāmaki Makaurau and make sure that birds can safely travel between The Hauraki Gulf Islands and the Waitakere Ranges . Our local community groups all have predator control strategies in place.

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Why is animal pest control so important for our natives?

Possums, stoats, and rats are the main predators of our indigenous plants, and animals. Possums eat large quantities of indigenous vegetation and prey on invertebrates and birds. They are the major cause of loss of forest canopy health and can cause major changes in the species present in native forests.

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Rats and stoats prey on indigenous birds, reptiles and invertebrates. They have caused the decline or extinction of many of our native insects and lizards. Along with mice they affect the regeneration of some plants by eating seeds and seedlings.

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In freshwater systems, pest fish (eg, gambusia and koi carp) are a major threat to both native ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems. Most freshwater pest species are found only in a small number of waterbodies or small parts of the country.

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In 2024, Upper Harbour Local Board published their Pest Management Strategy and this guides our work.  You can find the link to this document here​