Predator Free Te Kinga - Rerenga ki taonga o nga manu ki Kotuku Moana

Predator Free Te Kinga - Rerenga ki taonga o nga manu ki Kotuku Moana (Refuge of Treasured Birds belonging to Lake Brunner) is an ambitious transformational programme developed through a partnership with iwi, local and central government agencies, conservation groups, farming groups and the local community with the longer-term regional vision to create a Predator Free Te Tai Poutini (West Coast).

Our focus area is Mount Te Kinga, which is located near Lake Brunner within the Grey District. This iconic mountain contains a diverse range of rare ecosystems and habitats, including wetlands, podocarp/broadleaf forest, beech forest, braided river beds and tussock. It is also home to nationally threatened species and was documented in the early 1880’s for the richness of its bird life.  

Our work is anticipated to directly benefit a range of threatened or endangered species including kea, kaka, whio, fernbird, bittern, black billed gulls, kakariki, parakeet, rifleman, brown creeper and the recently confirmed presence of roara (great spotted kiwi)

Our aim is complete removal of possums from 3708 ha of Te Kinga, with predator control including possums, stoats, cats, rats, pigs, and mice on both the mountain and in the surrounding farmland.        

Our programme area takes advantage of previous pest control operations by OSPRI and DOC that have reduced possum, rat, and stoat numbers on Te Kinga and surrounding Hohonu and Alexander Ranges.  We will make best use of existing methodologies and natural barriers while exploring new techniques and technology. We will tailor our methodology throughout the programme to address specific information on the local predator population, our unique environment and respect the social and cultural wishes of the community to ensure the programme’s success, on-going support, and expansion.