On the Thames Coast, around 20 years ago, vigilant locals knew that the local kiwi population was on the verge of collapse. Thames Coast Kiwi Care was formed in 2006 with the mission: “To protect and enhance kiwi populations on the Thames Coast”.
We wanted to ‘hear kiwi calling from backyards again’. This dream has become reality as Te Mātā and Tapu locals are reporting a significant increase in kiwi foot prints, calls and also sightings over the past few years.
We now have around 350 kiwi in our recovery area!
This is an incredible achievement by our community, with essentially ten times the 2006 kiwi population now present locally.
We’re thrilled to share a short trail camera compilation from the burrow of sires Taringamā and his family. It captures adorable moments from their lives but also worrying has some unwanted cameo appearances from you know who.
This hexmap represents real-time trapping data from our project area. The more red the colour, the higher the number of catches or density of traps.
You can mouse-over the hexagons for breakdowns on species catches. You can also use the top left red menu buttons to display subsets of data: by project, species or trap.
Massive thanks to the smart people at Groundtruth and Trap.NZ for this amazing resource!
Our scope has expanded from solely protecting kiwi to a “whole of habitat” approach. Our updated mission is:
To work with our community to restore the habitat so kiwi and other native species thrive.
Thanks to substantial funding provided by the Waikato Regional Council’s Natural Heritage Fund we have also been targeting rats and possums in the project area since 2023. These self-setting AT220 traps work continuously each night, extending the existing DOC200 trap lines that focus primarily on mustelid control and providing a buffer zone to public conservation land. Trap lines are checked and maintained each month by our Rat and Possum Project Leader, and also our dedicated team of volunteer trappers that undertake their fortnightly DOC200 checks.
The trap design and the servicing of the AT220 traps is leading to great successes. In early 2025 we have approximately 200 traps working and almost 4000 possums have been removed protecting our native flora and fauna. In the next year we plan to set another 90 self-setting traps
Running alongside the active pest trapping are bird surveys, to help gain an understanding of the existing biodiversity of NZ birds in our project area. We hope to collect data on how the control of rats and possums can help bring about an increase in both bird numbers and also the range of bird species recorded in the project area.
In early 2025 we installed three listening devices that all confirmed the presence of our precious pekapeka tou roa, native long tailed bats. They have the highest threat ranking of Nationally Critical and effective predator control is essential to their survival as well.
This is a new focus for us to raise awareness and add additional protection for New Zealand’s only native land mammal that is critically endangered.
Watch this space!
Want to know more about these fascinating creatures? Visit the great New Zealand Geographic for a brilliant article: ‘Bat Signals’ by Jonathan Carson. Photographed by Rob Suisted.
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Applications open till 19 August 2025: TCKC Predator Control Coordinator Contract.
Initial contract of up to 600 hours, September 2025, to June 30 2026. (approx. 62 hours monthly)
The primary contract duties are supporting and coordinating our large team of volunteer trappers.
The successful applicant will have;
-Experience working with volunteers.
-Strong relationship skills. TCKC is a community group that works on both private and public lands so the contractor needs to be able to communicate well with a range of people and work closely with the Possum and Rat Control Project Leader.
-Effective written communication including monthly reporting to trappers and the TCKC committee.
-A good level of fitness and 'bush skills',
-Have, or be able to get the required LUV/Quad Bike certification and current First Aid certificate.
-Excellent IT, monitoring and reporting skills. Includes reporting accurately and supporting trappers with Trap NZ data collection
Further information about the project is available at thamescoastkiwicare.org
Please email requests for the Contract Duties to admin@thamescoastkiwicare.org
Specific questions can be sent to finbuchanan01@gmail.com or chair@thamescoastkiwicare.org
Applications by 19 August to admin@thamescoastkiwicare.org
Shazza's feeling a bit discombobulated but continues to horizontally rock on! 🤘🏼
Photos from Forest & Bird's post
Eftpos Available Bogans! 😎
Eftpos Available Bogans! 😎
See you on Sunday for a fascinating talk on kiwi!
3rd August, 5pm.
A few new Highest bids from Saturday morning .. Wana get in on the action?
check out our online bidding form here:
forms.gle/MaF6caAav5qo6iC56
Bidding closes Saturday 2nd August @5:30pm.
🎯 Highest Bids So Far
🎵 Kiwi Biscuit Tin Ukulele –
🔧 Tool Package –
🏖️ Kapanga 2 Nights – $495
🌊 Pauanui 2 Nights + Whitianga Stay – $300
🎨 'Sea Shore' Painting –
🚲 Kaiaua Shore Ebike Hire –
🌿 Kauaeranga Valley 2 Nights –
🐾 AT220 Trap –
🐣 TCKC Kiwi Release Experience – $550
🦜 Maungatautari 90-min Sanctuary Tour – $150
🔥 Chris Mules – Raku Bowl –
🌳 Mike Tate – Rimu Breadboard –
🚂 Driving Creek Train Ride for 4 –
💎 Jenny McLeod – Glass Kina – $150
🥚 Viv Kernick – Set of Eggcups – $80
🛥️ Tiritiri Matangi Ferry (Family Pass) – $175
🖼️ Kanani Cowell Print – “AROHA” –
🌿 Ink-Making Kit + Puka Leaf –
👜 Sallie Clough – Handbag + Scarf Set – $300
