Five hundred households trapping pests in Porirua

Date:  25 July 2017

Local boy Jonny Sutherland (6) with a trap box in his garden
Image: Dave Sutherland © 

Titahi Bay joins five other Porirua suburbs which have converted over five hundred residents to rat-killers over the past year, contributing to Predator Free New Zealand by 2050.

Dave Sutherland, a local teacher, decided to kick off the Titahi Bay trapping group after seeing the surrounding suburbs get onboard.

"People love Titahi Bay because it has both natural beauty and a great connection between neighbours. Pest Free Titahi Bay is an idea that can improve them both. By working together we can bring back the birds."

With support from local DOC and Porirua City Council staff, community organisers supply traps and advice to their neighbours to control pests in their backyards. Numbers of pests caught are recorded centrally and residents are rewarded by seeing declining numbers of rats around their properties.

Pest-Free Plimmerton organisers Heather Evans, Linda Kerkmeester and Lee McLauchlan started the city's first pest-free suburb a year ago. Linda says householders are also seeing more fantails, silvereyes and tui in their backyards.

"If we can protect the entire Porirua harbour edge from pests, we will see native birds and lizards returning to gardens, and being safe to spill-over from refuges like Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve.

"If anyone in Paremata, Whitby and Pauatahanui is keen to plug these gaps, get in touch so we can help get you started – pestfreeplim@gmail.com "

Attend the Pest-Free Titahi Bay launch

When: Saturday 29 July, 10am
Where: Titahi Bay Baptist Church (2 Waiuta Street, Titahi Bay, Porirua)

Up to 70 households will receive a free rat trap and box, with the option to make a $20 donation to cover costs. More information on the Pest Free Titahi Bay Facebook page.

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