Tomtits (miromiro), rifleman (tītipounamu), and the South Island robin (toutouwai) — all native birds — have begun returning to the 187 hectares of the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike and Walking Park, a promising sign that volunteer conservation efforts are paying off.
“We are very happy to report that several native bird species, previously absent from the park, are now starting to return,” says Greg Southcombe, chairperson of the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park Committee.
The return of these native birds is no coincidence. For the past decade, volunteers have been dedicated to trapping pests that threaten bird populations.
Recently, the team received a grant from Air New Zealand’s Every Corner Project, an initiative supporting community-led conservation. The donation was used to purchase 18 AT220 automatic, self-resetting traps — New Zealand’s first multi-species trap — which target possums, rats, stoats, and more, with minimal labour.
Valued at around $560 each, the traps are a major win for the park’s restoration efforts and the native wildlife they protect.
“We’re delighted to have received them,” says Jackie Scott, from Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve. “Air New Zealand’s donation has allowed us to trap more effectively.”
With 136 traps now operating across the park, the team is looking to expand its volunteer base.
“The traps are placed along easily accessible tracks, about a 30-minute walk from the park’s edge,” Greg explains. “You only need a moderate level of fitness.”
Lower Moutere local Rod Markam has been volunteering at the park since trapping efforts began in 2014. He initially got involved as a way to get out for a walk or bike ride, but over time his motivation shifted.
“When you’re biking, you don’t really hear the birds — but when you’re walking and checking traps, you do,” Rod says. “Bellbirds, tūī and pīwakawaka (fantails) often flutter around, but those species generally do well. What’s been exciting is that in the past six months I’ve started seeing more tomtits (miromiro), and robins (toutouwai)— a sign we’re doing something right.”
Rod notes that Kaiteriteri residents can also support the park by setting up backyard traps.
“Pests often feed off campers’ scraps in summer, then move into the bush once the holiday season ends,” he explains.
He believes a community-led backyard trapping initiative could have a real impact, and says he’d be happy to share information and support if a local resident was keen to take the lead.
Rod says his trap lines typically catch possums and around 30 rats each month, with few stoats over the years. He aims to check traps fortnightly, depending on the weather, and encourages others to get involved.
“When I started, I had no background — I just thought it was a good idea. I’m happy to take anyone along who wants to see what it involves.”
Anyone interested in learning more can email Rod at rodmarkham7@gmail.com
