Watch NZH Local Focus: Taranaki 1080 conservation compromise

Chris Wilkes is part of a conservation group that has just struck an unprecedented deal with the Department of Conservation, DOC.

If he and his supporters can keep pest numbers in the Kaitake Ranges down through trapping, the department has agreed to stop the use of 1080 poison in the region.

"In the next three years if we can get enough people involved, DOC won't do that 1080 drop in the Kaitake Ranges, which is fantastic," says Mr Wilkes, founder of the group.

The group, 100% Pure Taranaki, needs to achieve a 40% decline in rats and 18% decline in possums for the drop to be reconsidered.

"You can hear the abundance of bird life at the moment. But after the drop about a month after, I challenge you to come back. We won't be hearing these birds. It's just a reality," says Mr Wilkes

Numbers are measured by DOC using wax paper to record sets of prints or number of bites.

Tara Harvey has just got her trapping permit and wants others to do the same.

"It's great to be playing an active role. There is a lot of talk and a lot of stigma around the 1080 poison, and it's great to be part of a movement towards an alternative. With the right resources and support we can make this really successful," she says

The organisation has started a Givealittle page for help with trap maintenance. They also plan to tender for the contract to maintain the area. And they need more volunteers.

"Come and join us at 100% Pure Taranaki, there's a Facebook group you can join. You can also join our society. We offer free membership to anyone who gets involved with the trapping programme," says Mr Wilkes.

He says, to do the job properly, they'll need a hundred people to do the trapping.

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