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What once seemed like a pipedream for a predator-free peninsula is fast becoming a reality, thanks to the growing momentum of the Pest Free Mahurangi East (PFME) conservation initiative.
Not to mention the efforts of PFME community coordinator Michael Wheatcroft, who has been in the role for a year now.
He said it had been a remarkable journey of community action, innovation and environmental restoration.
“When I began, the challenge ahead felt overwhelming. Yet, when visions are shared, they become movements – and ours is gathering real momentum.”
He said he started by learning on the job, walking traplines alongside local volunteers and meeting “passionate people already at work”.
“Thanks to their efforts, what was once scattered activity is now a coordinated, peninsula-wide campaign to suppress predators and restore our ecosystems.”
Mahurangi East’s geography had a natural advantage – as a peninsula it allowed coast-to-coast buffer zones of traps that limited reinvasion, he said.
“By focusing on key entry points such as Snells Beach and Algies Bay, we’re establishing resilient areas that can remain predator-free with less effort.
“The goal isn’t total eradication but targeted suppression, giving native species the chance to thrive and return in greater numbers.”
One major milestone has been gaining Department of Conservation (DOC) approval to manage pests and weeds in the 27-hectare Lawries Scenic Reserve. The once quiet and largely unmanaged forest is now being ringed with traps and cared for by volunteers.
“We’re confident the sound of birdsong will return – not only to the reserve but also to nearby gardens and backyards.”
The initiative is also embracing innovation to improve results with battery-powered, self-resetting traps proving to be effective in remote areas, while trail cameras are offering new insights into pest behaviour.
“Sometimes the most useful insight is not how many predators we catch, but how many avoid capture,” he said.
Wheatcroft added that the team had also grown with Karen Ward having joined the project as community trapping and volunteer coordination.
“Karen brings deep conservation experience and valuable regional networks, strengthening our capacity to engage and support volunteers.”
Above all, community support remained central to the initiative’s progress, he said.
“Thank you to all residents who have allowed traps on their properties – your support is critical. One year on, this project is not just possible; it’s happening.”
If you’d like to be involved with PFME, whether by joining a local trapping group or making your backyard a haven for wildlife, contact:
PFME: michael@pfme.org.nz
Sandspit: doherty.greg@gmail.com
Snells Beach: info@pestfreesnells.org.nz
Algies Bay: predatorfreealgiesbay@gmail.com
Scotts Landing: merra.pests@gmail.com
Warkworth: traps@pestfreewarkworth.org.nz
