Rangers Report Autumn 2026
Key points:
Track maintenance: Rangers and volunteers cleared and marked trap/toxin lines, preparing the Reserve for the 1080 operation.
Rodent numbers: Rat numbers increased ahead of the operation, providing suitable conditions for effective predator control.
1080 operation: The May operation went ahead successfully, with around 90% pre-feed uptake and early signs of strong rodent control.
Native species: Reduced predator numbers are expected to benefit flax snails, ōi/grey-faced petrels and toutouwai.
Ōi monitoring: Petrels returned to their burrows, with strong activity but concerning rat, mouse and stoat presence at some sites.
Pest plants: Drone imagery and geolocation are improving moth plant control, although new infestations are appearing in steep coastal areas.
Nursery & planting: The nursery had a successful growing season, supplying plants for community planting projects across Whangārei Heads.
Community conservation: Education programmes continued to grow, while Predator Free Whangārei achieved possum-free areas and moved towards more active detection methods.
