1295 days ago

Tīeke population 'severely impacted' by stoats at pest-free Shakespear Regional Park

Caroline Williams Reporter from Rodney Times

Kia ora neighbours. Rangers fear stoats at Shakespear Regional Park may have had a severe impact on the pest-free sanctuary’s tīeke population.

The park, on Auckland’s Whangaparāoa Peninsula, is a sanctuary that provides wildlife, such as little spotted kiwi, robins, whiteheads, and hihi (stitchbird), with a safe and pest-free habitat.

However, a stoat was detected in the sanctuary at the end of 2020. It later gave birth, and two of its kits – a male and a female – were caught in traps.

Then, in January, thermal camera imaging suggested there were still stoats in the sanctuary, including the mother.

On Thursday, the council’s senior ranger at the sanctuary, Matt Maitland, said three more stoats had been captured, including two males and a female. It's believed one more stoat remains at large.

The sanctuary’s tīeke (North Island saddleback) population has been “severely impacted” by the stoat outbreak, Maitland said.

“This is the most significant excursion to date.”

Click 'read more' for the full story.

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More messages from your neighbours
21 hours ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 76.9% Yes
    76.9% Complete
  • 22.2% No
    22.2% Complete
  • 1% Other - I'll share below
    1% Complete
627 votes
17 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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20 hours ago

Music in Parks and Movies in Parks are returning in 2025!

The Team from Auckland Council

🎶🎬 Get ready, Tāmaki Makaurau! Music in Parks and Movies in Parks are returning in 2025! 🌟 Enjoy free concerts and movies this summer🙌☀️