Our Servicesā mātou mahi

Pest Control

Our focus is on catching mustelids (ferrets, stoats and weasels) which present the greatest risk to kiwi populations, and in some areas we also include control of feral cats, rats and possums which impact on other native flora and fauna.

Once areas have been identified we work with landowners to provide predator control plans, traps, and training. The Trust also works with existing community groups to establish trap and bait station networks in key locations which are then maintained by landowners and community volunteers.

Learn more about the services our Pest Control Team offer.

Ecology

The ecology team provides ecological underpinning to the long-term and landscape-wide strategy and implementation. Our area is blessed with unique biodiversity and several threatened and rare species, such as kiwi, matuku (bittern), Hochstetter’s frog, kākahi (freshwater mussel), pāteke (brown teal), dabchick, and long-tailed bats.

We need to know where kiwi and other taonga species are most likely to thrive, and how they move through the landscape, to ensure predator control will be in place wherever they need it most. We monitor key indicator species and ecological processes and encourage the involvement of landowners and community groups.

Fencing and Riparian Planting

The Trust assists to connect farmers and landowners with funding to fence off and plant up waterways, wetlands, and native bush in riparian zones. Three of The Forest Bridge Trust staff are approved Field Advisors for the Kaipara Moana Remediation Fund (KMR). KMR landowner grant schemes target the reduction of sediment entering the Kaipara Harbour through contributions to the fencing and planting of waterways.

For more information on the grants available, contact Fencing and Planting Support or visit the KMR website. If you are interested and if your waterways flow into the Kaipara Harbour get in touch with our team members: Katie, Angela or Hamish and we’ll help you get started.

Community Liaison

Community Liaison is often the first point of contact for landowners, farmers, iwi/hapū, and local groups interested in protecting and restoring native biodiversity across the region. Whether you're starting predator control, planning native planting, or looking for advice on restoring wetlands or forest remnants, Community Liaison takes the time to understand your goals and connect you with the right people, tools, and knowledge to support your mahi.

This service helps make conservation more accessible by providing guidance, introductions to experts, and ongoing support — all grounded in a deep commitment to kaitiakitanga and community-led action. Through this connection, we help grow a landscape where people and nature thrive together.

Training: Kiwi Avoidance for Dogs

The Forest Bridge Trust, in partnership with the Rodney Local Board, proudly offers free Kiwi Avoidance Training (KAT) to help protect the three precious kiwi populations in the Rodney and Kaipara regions. This training plays a vital role in reducing the risk dogs pose to kiwi by teaching avoidance behaviours that help keep both dogs and native wildlife safe.

Kiwi are highly vulnerable to dog attacks — even well-trained pets can unintentionally harm them — which makes this training essential for dog owners living near or visiting kiwi habitats. Kiwi Avoidance Training sessions are run throughout the year at various locations across our area of interest. They are open to pet owners, hunters, and anyone with working dogs.

Click here to register your interest and be notified when a training session is scheduled in your area. Upcoming events are also listed on our Events page and shared via our social media channels. Together, we can protect our taonga species and create a safer environment for kiwi to thrive.

Education & Community Workshops

Our Forest Bridge Defenders schools programme has developed an award-winning education module to help children to understand the threats to our precious natural places and wildlife while also learning important skills as they create scientific experiments and work with statistics to help improve their trapping.

Through our community workshops, we draw on the expertise of our specialists to empower landowners and local residents with practical skills and knowledge for protecting native wildlife and restoring healthy, thriving ecosystems.