Conservation efforts in the Waitākere Ranges are no small feat, with organisations and their countless volunteers working towards the shared goal of reaching pest-free status.
A sweeping costal rainforest that frames the rugged black sand beaches of Tāmaki Makaurau’s west coast, the area is home to a fascinating array of local and national natural taonga (treasures), including many native and protected species.
As part of conservation efforts to make sure these taonga are around for generations to come, Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance (PFWRA) is shining a spotlight on these special species.
Each month, the campaign promotes a native species connected to a different area in the Waitākere Ranges region.
The PFWRA receives significant support from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, including $95,000 for the association coordinator in its latest environmental work programme.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland says that the PFWRA is a key board-supported organisation that works towards the protection and enhancement of local native biodiversity.
“Raising awareness around the importance of conservation is key to ensuring the protection of species in our area, and for the identity of the Waitākere Ranges as a whole,” Greg says.
“The special species spotlight initiative is a fun and engaging way to draw interest in our biodiversity and bring together all of our local communities to get involved.”
The project aims to raise awareness about protecting the unique biodiversity in the region and the importance of pest-free conservation efforts to protect native species and their habitats.
It also aims to raise funds to support ongoing conservation projects through givealittle campaigns and through a work of art by a local artist for each special species.
Each artwork will appear on merchandise, such t-shirts, tea towels and tote bags, available for purchase through the PFWRA website.
Kererū in flight. Credit: Greg Lokes
The kererū, July’s species for Oratia, highlights a group of local volunteers that are gaining ground on a significant restoration project on the Oratia Sunnyvale floodplain.
Waiatarua got the wētā in August, a nocturnal species that is hoping for a boost with the Waitākere Ranges Dark Sky Project. The initiative, designed to reduce light pollution and supported by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, could significantly increase wētā numbers.
The giant kokopu, a threatened native species of ray-finned fish, is featured as Titirangi’s species in September. It stands to benefit from ongoing restoration efforts by the community-led South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network (STNN), in collaboration with the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust - Whitebait Connection.
There are eleven more species to come in the spotlight series – keep an eye out to see if your favourite critter or creature is featured!
