Wilding conifer plan draws industry criticism
Jun 2024
Nelson Mail
A plan to hold forestry companies to account for wilding conifers within 200 metres of planted forests has come under fire from the industry and has prompted councillors to seek legal advice.
Under a partial review of the Tasman Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan, the region’s councils are considering rule changes for pest and wilding conifers.
New Zealand Biosecurity Awards finalists keeping New Zealand safe from pests and diseases
Mar 2024
MPI Media Release
The New Zealand Biosecurity Awards finalists have been announced and highlight the inspiring and diverse biosecurity activities that are happening across New Zealand.
The awards celebrate the incredible people who are working hard to help ensure New Zealand is safe from unwanted pests and diseases.
Biodiversity group up for national award
Mar 2024
Motueka Guardian, Page 5
The Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust has been selected as one of the three finalists for the 2024 Ministry for Primary Industries BioHeritage Challenge Community Award. The BioHeritgae category is based on groups or individuals being recognised for their biosecurity work protecting our natural and physical resources from pests and diseases that can cause harm.“ Being selected as finalists in the awards is fabulous recognition and great publicity to encourage others to do similar things and why community Groups can be successful?”, says co-founder and project manager Charmaine Petereit.
Vulnerable Nelson Green Geckos found thriving on Takaka Hill
Jan 2024
Nelson Mail
The discovery of threatened Nelson Green Geckos on Tākaka Hill on Saturday evening has given hope for the species’ survival.
Charmaine and Norman Petereit of the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust made the discovery on private land bordering Kahurangi National Park, coming across three of the rarely seen species, suggesting there could be a thriving population in the location. The Nelson Green Gecko (Naultinus stellatus) is found only in the north-west corner of the South Island.
Rata Foundation Grant Supports Takaka Hill Biodiversity Work
Oct 2022
Motueka Guardian, Page 7
The Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust has received a $30,000 grant from the Rātā Foundation. The grant will support pest-plant and predator control programs and fund smaller projects like monitoring habitat protection for rare local fauna. The Trust uses acoustic bird recorders to monitor birdcalls as indicators of habitat health, providing valuable data on the impacts of predator control and habitat restoration efforts. This data will help the Trust identify areas that require more intensive intervention or a refocus of predator control efforts.
Community conservation projects to get extra support to back nature
Aug 2020
The Minister of Conservation, Eugenie Sage, announced that $5.44 million has been granted to 116 community conservation projects from the Department of Conservation’s Community Fund. The funding supports practical on-the-ground projects to help native plants and wildlife and encourage community involvement in conservation. Part of the funding will go towards six community conservation hubs to boost conservation efforts regionally. One of the funded projects is the Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust, receiving $97,699 for the Takaka Hill National Park Halo Predator Control Project. This project aims to install traps for predator control on private land in the Takaka Hill area, creating a safe corridor between Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park. Other projects receiving funding include initiatives to raise awareness about climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, ecological restoration projects, and pest control operations.
Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust Celebrates
Jul 2021
National Wilding Confier Control Programme
Extended funding means another step forward for Takaka Hill's Wilding Pines Community Partnership Project
The Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust has received extended funding for their Wilding Pines Community Partnership Project, allowing them to continue controlling wilding pines on Takaka Hill until 2023. The second grant of $250,000 will support the Trust's efforts to work with landowners in managing wilding pines, restoring native vegetation, and protecting the ecosystem. The project involves a multi-phase operation, including collaboration with the Department of Conservation and local landowners. The Trust's approach focuses on community-led planning and management, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to achieve biodiversity conservation goals.