astern Fish & Game

A workshop to be held in Rotorua later this month (Sunday 18th Sept) will focus on how to control some of New Zealand’s most destructive predators – possums, stoats and rats.

It is aimed at farmers, hunters, land care groups and other conservationists, says Coordinator, Eastern Region Fish & Game Officer John Meikle.

The workshop is aimed at various groups and individuals who are involved in trying to eradicate these predators, he says. “These predators all take their toll on valued introduced species, as well as native flora and fauna. So predator control is crucial for any form of wetland, riparian or other enhancement projects to be really successful.”

The workshop is being held – appropriately – as part of Conservation Week, in a joint initiative involving Bay of Plenty Wetland Forum partners – Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Fish & Game, and the newly formed Waterfowl Enhancement Trust.

“The workshop aims to educate people on the best, most up to date methods- traps and poison - and effective control strategies for killing these pests,” John says.

“We are taking a very practical approach – those who attend will receive hands on demonstrations of traps and techniques in real outdoors settings”.

We are fortunate to have Department of Conservation predator expert Darren Peters as our keynote presenter, with other agency experts assisting, John says. The regional council in particular has considerable experience in organising community groups which implement predator control programmes, he adds.

Wetland Forum member and Fish & Game Officer, John Meikle says it’s hoped that everyone who attends can take away useful information for tackling predators – including what sort of traps they should be using, how to set and maintain them, and the best baits for their particular situation. The workshop will also showcase the best lure baits available.

The workshop is being held at Fish & Game’s Ngongotaha hatchery grounds, (1130 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua) from 10am to 1pm. Light refreshments will be provided, along with the opportunity to obtain a free trap.

Some early publicity has sparked immediate interest, John says, which shows there are people keen to learn and contribute to environmental enhancement.

ENDS

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