Living in the Waitākere ranges, part 3

Part three in a series by the South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network, supported by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

If you’ve noticed an increase in native birdlife lately, it could be due to efforts of your local neighbours.

Neighbours connected with South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network use a technique called a Predator Pulse, which is all about everyone doing co-ordinated blitzes together, at the same time, to get rid of possums and rats.

Pulsing is well-known best practice, increasing the catch, preventing bait and trap shyness, and reducing wastage and the amount of toxin used. Pulsing lasts for 10-14 days and happens three-four times a year. The latest pulse started in South Titirangi on July 27 and will run to August 10. The next one is scheduled for October 26.

If you’d like to take part in the pulse, go to www.southtitirangi.org.nz, sign up for the newsletter, and connect with your closest neighbourhood co-ordinator.

Another great way to support native wildlife is to keep pets under control. Keeping your dog on a leash in natural areas where there are ground-based bird populations is the best way to ensure it is not inadvertently damaging or disturbing birdlife. And keeping your cat inside, particularly at night, is an efficient and effective step you can take to limit its ability to hunt native birds. Some cats don't like being contained: have a chat with your vet if you need assistance and advice about this.

Want to take part in a fun, free, family-friendly planting bee in your local community and help support native forest regeneration in the Waitākeres?

Everyone is welcome at the Konini School planting bees being held on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, September 13, 10am-12noon. Konini School has a very special setting, nestled at the end of Withers Road on 8.5 hectares of land, half of which is a native bush reserve which adjoins the foothills of the Waitākere Ranges. As well as beautiful bush, the area contains family-friendly biking and walking tracks, and even a hidden waterfall. Over the past decade the local community has worked hard to regenerate the land, encourage bird Abe and Jim Buckton life and biodiversity and establish pest control. The (and grandparents) at the reserve provides rich learning opportunities for kids 2019 planting bee. as kaitiaki (guardians) of their natural environment, and is an important resource not only for the school but the wider community.

Last year the school planted over 500 native trees and plants and hope to do even better this year. Grab your gumboots and gloves and support your local community.

The Waima to Laingholm Pest Free group are also involved in predator control using the pulsing technique.

The group has rat and possum traps which are easy to set and empty available for residents in their area to use. They are pet safe and National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) approved and can be mounted on a fence or tree to save your back. These can be purchased at the cost price online for free local pick up. Visit http://w2l.nz/Join-Us.

Pulsing strikes a good balance between effectiveness and volunteer fatigue. It must be timed to coincide across a large area, otherwise pests from the areas where the pulse wasn’t carried out will re-invade the areas where it was. This means pulsing is unlikely to be as effective in an isolated property.

Although W2L use continuous control on public land trap lines they are also guided by the same pulse dates as its neighbours, the South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network. These dates are based on when certain indicator species nest and also reference Lincoln University research into the effect of moon phases on rat activity under Maramataka – the traditional Māori lunar calendar used to guide planting, harvesting, fishing and hunting.

Anne Maree Gardens, Rest Home & Hospital

Respite & Day Care, Specialist Hospital Dementia Care and Young Persons Disability Care We believe that inclusiveness, enjoyment and fun, contribute to a resident’s holistic well-being.

Phone: Resina Rakai on (09) 828 3741 / 021 835 743 www.annemareeresthome.co.nz 24 Coronet Place, Avondale

The Klipsch Fives

The Most Versatile Powered Speakers on Earth.

Connect directly to your TV, Smartphone, Tablet, Turntable, CD player or PC $1799