Aparima Pest Busters

The sun shone unexpectedly on the planting day April 16th, 100 native trees were added to the bare areas in the reserve by over 20 keen workers. Another planting day is planned for winter 2009- if you are interested phone the Centre and we will let you know when this is.

APARIMA PESTBUSTERS Making An Impact: The Aparima Pestbusters is a voluntary community organization set up by a group of Riverton residents.

The group has identified clearly defined goals to achieve its mission statement: ‘The Return of the Birds to the Riverton Peninsular’. Initially the Pestbusters’ conservation activities were focused on the capture and removal of Australian Magpies from the Riverton area, removing 6,000 birds over three years.

Over time and in consultation with the Southland District Council, Environment Southland, Department of Conservation, Iwi, the local Estuary Care Group, landowners and the Riverton / Aparima Community Board, the group expanded its activities to include the control of pest animals (possums, stoats and rats), plant pests and restoration of native trees within Mores Reserve.

Environment Southland has played a leading role in helping the group with ongoing technical advice, physical field assistance and guidance relating to funding sources and applications – ensuring a professional and co-ordinated approach to its activities.

Since their formation, the Aparima Pestbusters have received various awards recognising their achievements. The largest single grant has come from the Pacific Development Trust, enabling the group to expand pest animal control efforts in Mores reserve. Funding is a key component in the achievement of the group’s goals, not only for new projects but also for the maintenance of existing ones.

Pest animals threaten ecological values within New Zealand’s parks, reserves and forest remnants. Rats can have a severe impact on New Zealand’s native invertebrate, reptile and bird populations. Kiore, Ship and Norway rats are all present in Southland. Although Kiore present a threat to some of the New Zealand flora and fauna, only the more aggressive Ship and Norway rats are found in Mores Reserve.

OTHER PROJECTS: Pest Plants Out – Native Trees In

TARGET AREAS: Mores Reserve, Alexander Park, Marne Street Reserve, Howell Hills

MAGPIE CONTROL: Trapping programme throughout Western Southland and Oamaru.