1006 days ago

'Absolutely stoked': Rangers declare Shakespear Regional Park stoat free

Caroline Williams Reporter from Rodney Times

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.

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More messages from your neighbours
7 hours ago

Cash for your wrecked and water damaged car!

AAA Auto Parts

Hi neighbours,

Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!

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* Free quotes over the phone

We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.

Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
Find out more

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7 hours ago

Think You’re the Smartest on the Block? Prove It with This Riddle!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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3 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 5% Second half of November
    5% Complete
  • 44.7% 1st December
    44.7% Complete
  • 16.6% A week before Christmas
    16.6% Complete
  • 32.6% Whenever you wish
    32.6% Complete
  • 1.2% Other - I'll share below
    1.2% Complete
1563 votes