Matakana Locals Step Up for Predator Control

There’s a new wave of energy running through Matakana — and it’s all about protecting our native wildlife.

What started as a small conversation has now blossomed into an inspiring community effort. Pest Free Matakana, a group that kicked off back in 2021, had been needing a few extra hands to help manage local traplines. But after Karen from The Forest Bridge Trust’s Community Liaison team and Lyn from Takatu Landcare, began chatting with the original group, things took off faster than anyone expected.

Karen and Lyn put out a call for local volunteers — and to their surprise and delight, 17 keen Matakana residents showed up on a Sunday morning (March 9th) at Matakana Coffee Roasters, ready to roll up their sleeves.

The community has since organised itself into several trapline teams:

Awanui Crescent / Jubilee Park: This line has been maintained by a few dedicated long-term volunteers, but now they’ve been joined by fresh recruits from Moya Drive, bringing extra energy to the line.
Tamahunga Drive Trappers: This new group has set up a line that runs the length of Tamahunga Drive and extends into the properties of residents who’ve joined the effort.
Tiaki Trappers: Based around Tiaki Lane, this team is working along the edges of the Auckland Council reserves. Thanks to support from Dan Marrow at Auckland Council, they’ve been provided with traps and resources — a great example of how Council can assist community groups looking after local parks across Rodney and the Hibiscus Coast.

Matakana was a gap in TFBT trapping network and acts as a Takatu Land Care buffer zone, meaning that collaboration has been mutually beneficial. Trap records for last 3 months on all traplines 41 Rats / 10 possums / 32 mice.

One of the best parts? Not everyone needs to be out on the ground trapping. It’s been fantastic to see people stepping into other essential roles — from managing the roster to handling data entry, making sure the trapping efforts stay consistent and well-organised.

To top it off, two of the new volunteers even attended The Forest Bridge Trust’s Train the Trainer workshop to deepen their knowledge and bring new skills back to the group.

This surge of local involvement is a reminder that when communities come together, incredible things can happen. With more hands, more ears, and more hearts in the mix, Matakana is strengthening its efforts to create a safer, thriving home for native species.

👉 Want to get involved or learn more? Email Karen at karen@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz — we’d love to help you connect with your local predator control group. Together, we can make a real difference!