Over the past 200 years, human habitation has changed the place we live in. Little thought was given to the effects of changing the coastline and harbours.

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As a result, nutrients and soil deposits has changed the habitat for flora and fauna. Historical accounts and photos show an almost clean and mangrove free, Whangamata Harbour and estuaries.

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Sand has been replaced by mud. If no maintenance was carried out, in these last 30 years, (such as mangrove seedling removal), our harbour, would be choked in 10 years.

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Predator control has resulted in dramatic changes to our bird population. The nesting birds, their eggs and young chicks have increased in numbers and have a greater change of becoming breeding adults when predator control is carried out.

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We target stoats, rats, possums and hedgehogs. Fifteen members of our group maintain a GPS plotted string of traps and bait stations, helping to reduce these predators.

 

The work is not without its challenges.  We are always looking for new volunteers. Can you help?