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 has become a reality as Te Mātā locals are regularly hearing kiwi calling and there has been an increase in sightings over the past few years.
We now have around 250 kiwi in our recovery area!
This is an incredible achievement by our community, with essentially ten times the 2006 kiwi population now present locally.
LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS
TCKC has received funding to expand our pest control, from targeting predators of kiwi to begin controlling rats and possums to better protect the forest habitat in our area.![]()
![]()
TCKC is seeking a self-employed person to lead this pest control expansion project over 4 years. Follow the link to our TCKC website.
www.thamescoastkiwicare.org
Rat and Possum Pest Control Project Leader (Part Time) Position Description Thames Coast Kiwi Care is a community group protecting the kiwi population and their
It's breeding season for mustelids (stoats, weasels & ferrets)![]()
Stoats can have up to 12 kits and the females of the litter are impregnated by the males at just a few weeks old so the young kits leave their dens already pregnant! ![]()
The summer months are the prime time to catch young, naive stoats as they hunt together. ![]()
![]()
Taking a little time to make sure every trap is as inviting as it can be is crucial to catching more critters. ![]()
![]()
Cam Speedy gives some great trapping tips here:![]()
predatorfreenz.org/stories/your-doc200-trap/?fbclid=IwAR2sHsU11Ymrsek1O6zzPXHi-bi2N1unho--TX8-AOu...
Get the most out of your DOC 200 trap
predatorfreenz.org
Over the last couple decades, DOC200s have been put to the test up and down the country in harsh, rugged conditions.
Koru the kiwi's annual trip down from Moehau Environment Group to Steampunk the Thames with TCKC ⚙️ ![]()
Koru was as HOT 🥵 as ever this year!
A massive shout-out & thanks to HG Leach & Co. Ltd for donating & delivering this load of metal on behalf of TCKC to one of our major landowners. ![]()
![]()
The Bedford family has allowed TCKC trappers access through their farm to the central area of our project for many, many years. ![]()
![]()
It is due to the ongoing support of landowners like the Bedfords, Ropers next door, Mana Whenua, and many other landowners in the area that allows TCKC to continue our mahi & we are very grateful to all of them. ![]()
![]()
The Bedfords are super happy with this lovely big metal pile that will contribute to the upkeep of their road and our trappers are able to continue to access their traplines to help kiwi, so it's a win-win!![]()
![]()
Thanks again HG Leach & Co for this awesome community support.🙌
Photo wall
