Predator Free Whiriwhiri

Predator Free Whiriwhiri is the formalisation of individual efforts among landowners to restore the native bush valleys in the Whiriwhiri, Otaua and Maioro areas. Following Bovine TB eradication in the wider area in 2008, possum, rat and mustelid numbers were at a low.

For a brief period native bird life increased significantly with flocks of Kereru and Tui a common sight. Sadly this life line was short lived as unchecked predator numbers rebounded. Having witnessed the effect predator control brings, local landowners took action in 2017.

Within four years the tui and kereru numbers have quadrupled, and with an increased focus on mustelids and feral cats, the pheasant numbers have at least doubled.