Waitahurangi Wildlink Project launched

Students from Blockhouse Bay Intermediate’s Room 9, together with EcoMatters and local residents and businesses, are working to reduce pests along the Waitahurangi Stream.
 
Their collaboration is supported with funding from the Whāu Local Board, and was officially launched in late May, with a special celebration at the school, attended by students, neighbours and representatives from the organisations involved.
 
“The Waitahurangi Wildlink project is all about bringing the community together, to create a better green space for the neighbourhood,” says Melissa Ward, Nature Team Assistant from EcoMatters.
 
It aims to create a native wildlife corridor along the Waitahurangi Stream between Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School and Olympic Park in New Lynn, to provide a habitat where native birds, flora and fauna can flourish.

The aim is to create a native wildlife corridor where native birds, flora and fauna can flourish

Getting neighbours working together to help reduce predators along the stream is a vital part of achieving this goal.
 
Work on the project started late last year. Students researched rat trap designs and spent a day with EcoMatters’ Nature team, building traps using plywood cut by woodworkers at Paremoremo Prison.
 
“The students are learning and getting so much from being involved. There’s the environmental aspect, as well as being part of a community,” says teacher Sam Morrison.
 
Neighbours who live along the stream can get a rat trap for free, along with training in how to use it. All they have to do is check and clear their trap, and report how many rats are captured.
 
More traps are now being built so if you live along the Waitahurangi Stream and want to take part, email pamela@ecomatters.org.nz to register your interest. You can learn more about the Waitahurangi Wildlink here: www.ecomatters.org.nz/waitahurangi