What’s happening in the City?

It’s exciting times for Predator Free Dunedin with two newly appointed staff kicking off a brand new project to deliver predator control in the city!

They will join Halo Project and Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group staff in our brand new office on Moray Place soon after Christmas.

Thanks to Dunedin City Council, we have a central city hub with Predator Free Dunedin operational staff from our three delivery partners under one roof, easily accessible to the bulk of Dunedin’s residents, and making it easier for collaboration.

The historic brick verger’s cottage is located next to the Dunedin Town Hall at 164 Moray Place, on the corner of Harrop Street. Pop in weekdays.

The Halo Project has moved out of the Port Otago premises at Port Chalmers, although Port Otago continue to support the Halo Project by providing storage space for bulky trapping gear at Back Beach. Thanks also to all the volunteers who helped in the move.

Some of the Predator Free Dunedin team outside the new office. From left: Jonah, Kate, Rhys, Sanjay, Nathan and Liz.

Urban Linkage

Urban Linkage is a community outreach programme to engage Dunedin’s community in predator control. Managed by the Dunedin City Council, the programme will complement the continue predator control work of DCC’s Parks and Reserve staff.

We’re delighted to have two more great people in our operations team! (We’ll profile them in our next update.) They’ll be guided by the newly established Urban Linkage steering group and an implementation plan. Their job is to develop strong relationships with community leaders and community groups, so that an optimal level of pest control can be sustained across Dunedin’s urban areas. Ultimately, to re-establish thriving native wildlife in our beloved city… No pressure guys!

Kākā Response

Last month we were saddened and disappointed to learn that two female kākā had died, likely as a result of accessing toxin from bait stations installed for TBfree possum control by OSPRI.

OSPRI’s response was immediate, collaborative and collegial. They notified their partners and sought advice and assistance to prevent any further deaths. Reinforcements of contracted field staff were brought in to remove toxin from all bait stations in the Mt Cargill TB Management Area within two days.

Fearing that there could be more sick birds around Orokonui, OSPRI Southern South Island Programme Manager Eric Chagnon and his team front-footed the media and informed landowners in the area of the news. The Wildlife Hospital and DOC were prepared to handle more cases.

Deeply concerned for the well-being of the kākā, Elton Smith caught six birds within Orokonui Ecosanctuary and took them to the Wildlife Hospital for screen-testing for toxins. All six birds were clean. Subsequently, there have been no reports of sick birds, and staff recently sighted 34 healthy kākā at Orokonui.

OSPRI’s possum control operation has been on hold while they complete their investigation into how the unforeseen tragedy occurred, and to conduct a kākā risk assessment review. Again, staff are seeking input from stakeholders before implementing changes and resuming work in the area.

Upcoming Event

We’re planning to hold our annual gathering early in the new year to celebrate our successes and discuss our next steps. The event is also a nice way for members to reconnect over nibbles and a drink. All PFD member representatives are invited, and we send invitations by email.

Thank you!

This is our last update for 2019, so Rhys and the Project Team wish to say a big THANK YOU to all our members, supporters, volunteers, staff and trustees. We are very grateful for all the support we get, in any shape and size.