'Absolutely stoked': Rangers declare Shakespear Regional Park stoat free
Shakespear Regional Park has reclaimed its pest-free status, after a stoat incursion spanning almost two years.
The sanctuary provides wildlife such as kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi), hihi (stitchbird) and tīeke (saddleback) with a safe and pest-free habitat.
However, that safety was compromised after a stoat was spotted in March 2020.
By summer, it was evident the stoat had given birth, as the DNA analysis of scat (poo) samples had identified the presence of nine individual stoats, Auckland Council senior ranger at the sanctuary Matt Maitland said.
In early August 2021, the eighth stoat was captured. No more have been caught since. It's possible the ninth male stoat, last seen on camera on August 22, may have left the sanctuary or had “had some other misadventure” befall it.
Cautious of declaring the stoat incursion over, due to the high stakes for wildlife, the team allowed the stoats a breeding cycle before celebrating the sanctuary as stoat free in late January.
Maitland said he was “absolutely stoked” to see the end of the stoat saga.
Click 'read more' for the full story on Stuff.
Prices slashed for the weekend
Epic books from a collectors collection, only $1 a book today and all weekend long, some great art books and books on NZ history, bestsellers, and lots more.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
52.1% Human-centred experience and communication
-
15.2% Critical thinking
-
30.1% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.6% Other - I will share below!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
