Rotokare trust marks win with trapping plan

Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust was one of the many organisations to receive an award at the Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards held in November.

The Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust was recognised for protecting, enhancing and increasing knowledge of biodiversity in the community in the Methanex Environmental Action in the community section of the awards.

Mike Weren, chairman of the trust, says while these projects aren't undertaken to win awards, "we are very grateful and humbled to be acknowledged for the work we do".

Mike says "the success of the trust is down to the volunteers and community support we receive". He adds that the trust is grateful to the public for support and suggestions. "It is really run by the whole community."

The trust was presented with the award due to its many successes over recent years including constructing a pest-proof fence and eradicating 12 pest species, developing the Kohanga Kiwi Creche project with the Taranaki Kiwi Trust, translocating and releasing tieke (saddleback) and popokatea (whitehead) within the reserve, and developing an educational facility and successful environmental education programme.

Looking to the future Mike says the trust is implementing a Halo Programme by setting pest traps on properties that neighbour the scenic reserve.

"Because we have released new bird species into the reserve that have been successfully breeding, there is a high chance that they will fly over the fence into the neighbouring land." He adds that by creating a "halo" of traps the birds will be free to roam and the neighbouring properties can be pest free too.

At the presentation Taranaki Regional Council chairman David MacLeod said "our winners tonight are people who walk the talk and actively demonstrate their commitment to Taranaki and the things that make it great". He added "make no mistake, one of the region's biggest assets is its good environment".

-Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust was one of 19 groups and organisations presented with awards at the Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards. Keep on eye on the Stratford Press for profiles of other local winners.