Events

Blackberry clean up at Kew Bush - Saturday 14 September

Meet by the picnic bench, 10am Saturday 14th September. The aim is to clear out some of the blackberry in the open area in the centre of the site where a few sycamores have been killed over the last year. This will make it easier for natural regeneration and some planting later on.

Be prepared for a few thorns and whatever the weather throws for the day!

Contact [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] for more details.

Conservation Week 2024 Bluff Hill / Motupōhue Planting Event

To celebrate Conservation week this year, the Trust is holding a planting event and we would love to have you join us.
Individuals and groups most welcome, more information about location will be added closer to the time.
Dates: Friday 6th September and Saturday 7th September Time: 10am – 2pm
If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Leah on [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] for full details of the day.

Bird of the Year: closes 5pm Sunday 15th Sept

You do get 4 other choices too…….. here’s a few other locals who are contenders for your vote AFTER Pukunui for No.1:

• Kākā - as they have moved into Otatara recently.
• Hoiho / Yellow-eyed penguin - as they are on rapid decline to extinction.
• Tarāpunga / Red-billed gull - also in steep decline.
• Matuku-hurepo / Australasian bittern - join us for the Great Matuku Muster and let us know if you hear any on the remaining wetlands this spring.

Head to the Bird of the Year website to register your votes - and encourage your friends world-wide to do the same!

Real help comes from raising awareness and doing something practical - plenty of traps out there needing a check, volunteers needed for planting, recorders needed to note down wildlife they have seen…. there’s plenty to do!

Te Rere Planting Day

The Annual Te Rere Planting Day is organised by Southland Forest & Bird. As a remote coastal site the working days are long (setting off from Feldwick Gates Invercargill at 8.30am sharp, meeting others at Progress Valley Road, and getting back around 6pm). You will require a good level of fitness and warm clothing, wet weather gear and sturdy boots and gloves if you need them. We will undertake planting and plant maintenance. Some spades are provided but bring your own if you have one and all other personal equipment, first aid kit and food and water. We will also do a guided walk through the reserve and hopefully see penguins and the impressive Catlins coastline.

Bookings are essential. Email [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] to register. Free transport is available from Invercargill – but sorry if you haven’t booked you cant just come along.

See attached flyer here (PDF, 208.62 kB) for more information. Or check out the project at https://www.sern.org.nz/project-directory/te-rere-yellow-eyed-penguin-reserve-catlins/

Hui 24th August - Predator Free Southland workshop

Join us for a day of inspiration and information on the best tactics and key info for communities and volunteers looking to tackle predators and pests in their backyards and beyond!

On August 24 in Invercargill, Predator Free NZ, Predator Free Southland and Predator Free Rakiura are co-hosting a Predator Free Murihiku Regional Hui.
This free and catered event is aimed at inspiring and connecting community groups to each other, local strategy and big picture.

Whether you’re already a dab hand with baits and lures and know your way around an A220 (and wondering what’s next!), or looking for like-minded people to help you get the know-how to start, you don’t want to miss this day featuring expert speakers who will talk on key topics in predator control such as better cat management in New Zealand, Pest Free Ulva Island, conservation from a Te Ao Maori view, the latest tools and technologies, and looking at the big picture.

We’ll finish up the day with an open panel discussion where you can ask questions!

WHAT: Predator Free Murihiku Regional Hui

WHEN: 9am – 4.30pm, 24 August 2024

WHERE: Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill

Don’t miss out! Registrations are limited – and necessary!
Click on this link to find out about our guest speakers and to secure your spot: https://event-14203-00e5.lilregie.com/

We hope to see you there!

Predator Free Rakiura
Project Team

www.predatorfreerakiura.org.nz