Recognition for Our Whole Community
We're delighted that Predator Free Tamahere has received a Waikato District Council Mayoral Award for Environment, recognising the contribution our community has made to restoring native biodiversity in Tamahere.
The award citation acknowledges the work that has been happening since Predator Free Tamahere began in 2022 – bringing together local residents to protect our unique gully network through predator control and practical community action.
While the award carries our name, it really belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey.
Whether you've shared your own catches on Trap.NZ, checked a trapline, hosted a trap on your property, supported a neighbour, attended a community event, sponsored equipment, donated your time or resources, shared your expertise, or simply encouraged what we're trying to achieve, you've helped make a difference.
Together, our community now has around 90 active trappers operating more than 570 traps across Tamahere. Thousands of introduced predators have been removed, helping create safer habitat for native birds, bats, lizards and other wildlife. Just as importantly, we've seen a growing number of households taking practical action to care for their own corner of Tamahere.
In presenting the award, Mayor Aksel Bech said Predator Free Tamahere demonstrates "what can be achieved when local people take ownership of local challenges."
That sentiment perfectly captures what this project has always been about.
Our Chair, Rod Berry, accepted the award on behalf of the Trust and said:
"The work we do to conserve our natural spaces and protect residential areas in Tamahere is only possible through the continued support of residents, landowners, schools and local organisations. This award belongs to every one of you."
One of the things we're most proud of isn't the number of traps or catches. It's the conversations that have started between neighbours, the willingness of landowners to work together across property boundaries, and the growing sense that caring for our local environment is something we can all contribute to in our own way.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Predator Free Tamahere over the past few years. This recognition belongs to our whole community, and we hope it encourages even more people to keep looking after the special place we all call home.
Image: L to R, William McGrory, Board Member; Rod Berry, Trust Chair; Alison Ewing, Board Member; Askel Bech, Waikato Mayor.
