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Kaitorete

Kaitorete operations…

Kaitorete is the wide shingle spit (5,500 ha) that separates Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) from Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean). Extending 25 km from the foot of Horomaka/Te Pātaka-a-Rākaihautū (Banks Peninsula) at Wairewa in the north to Taumutu to the south.

To achieve our gains for biodiversity, our elimination objectives to 2026 are as follows:
Kaitorete(~5000 hectares): A multi-species elimination of hedgehogs, feral cats, mustelids (stoats, ferrets & weasels) and possums.

This is ambitious and a first on mainland Aotearoa / New Zealand where there is no predator proof fence. On Kaitorete the field team have set out a network of traps using a “rolling-front” approach. Two hundred and twenty-eight traps were set out in a grid of one trap per hectare. Trap technology includes remote reporting of live cage traps that provide notification online once the trap has been triggered. This enables staff to clear the trap quickly and humanely. It also allows staff to only visit the triggered traps, which creates real efficiencies. The traps are also fitted with motolures which allow for mayonnaise to be automatically dispensed twice a day.

Traps have camera monitoring to determine which traps are most effective for each of the six target species.
Once the traps stop triggering and catching target animals the trap is moved forward along Kaitorete.
In this way Kaitorete is gradually being cleared of pests.

Tim & Terry (the feral cat detection dog) on the beach at Birdlings Flat.

Active Fence on Kaitorete to stop predator reinvasion

If you’re out for a wee bike ride along the Little River Rail Trail, you’ll notice our cool new signs…we have installed an Active Fence along there. It is designed to stop pest animals (hedgehogs, possums, stoats, weasels and ferrets) entering Kaitorete, which is home to some of New Zealand’s most precious native bird, lizard and plant species. A recent study has found that toxin-based predator control on Banks Peninsula is having a positive impact on the presence of our endemic tree wētā.  

19 mm stainless mesh has been attached along three kms of the existing fence, from Prices Stream to Baileys Road. Two electrified wires will provide a further ‘not wanted’ jolt to any unwelcome visitors.  
 
Trail cameras will monitor the area, providing evidence of whether predators are deterred or not. There will also be trapping on the protected side of the fence to see if any intruders are able to navigate their way through or over the fence. Our detection dogs will also be used as the final wall of protection. 

Local landowners have supported the trial by allowing us to use the existing fence; this has ensured the trial is very cost effective. Signage has been installed to alert Rail Trail users, as well as information provided to the local community.  

Impact: The fence is designed to keep out pest animals (hedgehogs, possums, feral cats, stoats, weasels and ferrets) entering Kaitorete, which is home to some of New Zealand’s most precious native bird, lizard and plant species. 

For the last two-month period we have removed: 

137 hedgehogs (15 with the detection dogs) 
23 cats (1 with the dogs; 22 trapped) 
11 Weasels 
2 stoats.

PFBP’s Active Fence along the Little River Rail Trail, Kaitorete.