21/05/2026
The Hikaroroa Mt Watkin Conservation Group is a non-profit that works with a coalition of farmers, councils, mana whenua and the Department of Conservation. It exists to protect and restore the regionally significant old growth remnant forests and nationally significant volcanic boulderfield ecosystems at Hikaroroa, just inland from Waikouaiti.
Last year, the group was awarded DOC community funding for its work, including investing in the equipment needed to do the job. You can see where this is going… Yes, a Port Otago community container to the rescue. 🤗
Project coordinator Jamie Hickling says the arrival of the container eight months ago was a game changer. “It arrived at the perfect time, as our project was getting established and scaling up. Having a dedicated field base has allowed us to operate far more efficiently and safely, while also giving our community teams a central place to meet, organise gear and debrief after long days working in the bush. For a growing community conservation group, infrastructure like this makes a huge difference.”
The project needs a lot of gear — traps, bait stations, monitoring equipment, tools, PPE, signage, first aid kits, batteries, maps, radios and more. Previously, equipment was stored in various sheds, garages and vehicles across several properties, which added layers of complication to organising field work and volunteer days.
It's a busy group, with trapping being a significant part of its work. You don’t want to be a possum anywhere in this neck of the woods. The group just passed the "1000 possums trapped” milestone. Outstanding work, team!
If you’re reading this and feeling sad about the possums, keep reading...
“People used to think that possums only ate plants, but in 1993 possums were filmed eating the eggs and chicks of endangered kōkako. They have since been filmed eating the eggs, chicks and even adults of many other native birds including kererū, kiwi, harrier hawk, fantail, muttonbird, and tūī. They also eat the nectar and berries that native birds like to eat so there is less food for the birds.”
And - if you’re still not convinced - you can keep reading on the Predator Free NZ website: https://predatorfreenz.org/toolkits/know-your-target-predators/possum-facts-and-control-tips/
