Starting your own community group
Want to see native wildlife return to your suburb? Start a community pest control group and be part of the change!
Urban parks, reserves, and backyard bush areas have huge potential to support native birds, insects, and plants—but many are overrun with weeds and pest animals, making it hard for our native species to thrive.
Tiakina Te Taitokerau supports several community groups in Whangārei and Kerikeri who are actively restoring urban reserves through pest plant and animal control—and they’re making a real impact.
Interested in doing something similar? Whether you’re starting out on your own or teaming up with others, we’re here to help with tools, advice, and resources to get your group off the ground.
Register your interest to learn more about how we can support you.
Together, we can grow a network of urban conservation champions and bring native species back into our towns and backyards.
Trapping in local reserves
Trapping in urban reserves is encouraged! From a conservation perspective, we believe this is where we’ll achieve the most biodiversity gains. Reserves offer important habitats for native species — but they’re also where some of the largest pest populations are found.
Before you can start trapping in a public reserve, you’ll need to get approval from the landowner, usually the local district council. The district council is generally supportive of community pest control, but they do require a plan that shows your project will be manageable, sustainable, and follow best practices.
We can help you:
- Confirm land ownership
- Create a pest control plan that maximises efficacy and resources
- Develop a health and safety plan
- Set you up with best-practice advice and initial support
- Provide appropriate training
- Assist with trapping hardware and equipment for weed control
Become a Community Lead
To help this project grow, we’re looking for more Community Leads to support trapping efforts in their neighbourhoods. Community Leads help distribute traps, offer advice, and act as a local contact for others keen to get involved.
It’s a great role for anyone who cares about native wildlife and doesn’t mind the odd chat over the fence. You don’t need special skills – just a bit of time and a willingness to connect with your community.
Got questions?
From choosing the right trap to what to do with pest catches, we’ve put together simple, practical answers to help you get started and keep going. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re always happy to help – just get in touch!
Latest volunteer stories
We’re excited to introduce Tiakina Kerikeri!
Swing by to say hello, chat with us about urban pest control, and—if you live within the Kerikeri urban area—pick up a free rat trap (while stocks last)!
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.