Get involved

From backyards to reserves, Northland’s towns and cities are full of green spaces that offer potential for supporting native wildlife back into our urban spaces — but it won’t happen without us!

Tiakina Te Taitokerau is here to empower communities to lead local conservation efforts in our urban spaces. Whether you’re trapping pests in your backyard, restoring a neighbourhood reserve, or tackling invasive plants along a city stream, we’re here to support your mahi wherever we can.

If you’ve got an idea get in touch to find out what support Tiakina Te Taitokerau can offer you!

image of the Whangārei falls from its base in Tikipunga, Whangārei

Our urban projects

Launched in 2018 with funding from the Northland Regional Council and support from the Whangārei District Council, the Tiakina Whangārei urban project is a community-led initiative with agency backing. Since its beginning, the project has empowered hundreds of local volunteers to protect and restore native biodiversity across our city.

We can support you to:

Tackle backyard pests

Join an existing group

Start your own group

Latest stories

Tiakina Kerikeri Trap Library

Join Us at Proctor Library – Urban Pest Control Trap Library Launch! We’re excited to announce our monthly Trap Library event at Proctor Library, Kerikeri, starting Wednesday, 19th November!

The kiwi call that sparked action

When Scott Tipping heard a kiwi call near his home, it sparked a community trapping group and a deeper connection with nature.

Restoring the Waimahanga Track

Community-led effort to restore Onerahi’s Waimahanga Track, bringing native wildlife back through rodent control.

Latest resources

Removing pest plants

Invasive weeds are more than just garden pests—they pose a serious risk to our native plants and wildlife. That’s why Tiakina Te Taitokerau is working with urban communities to remove pest plants and restore our local environments.

Start backyard trapping

Learn how to set up your backyard rat trap, choose bait, and safely catch rodents while protecting birds and pets with a trap box.

Buy a backyard rat trap

Get a $10 rat trap in a sturdy box - available at selected markets or the NRC office. Limit 2 per household.