Welcome to Predator Free Te Kamo
Te Kamo is the latest Whangārei suburb to join the Predator Free movement, with a community vision to remove introduced predators and invasive weeds – and help native biodiversity thrive in our backyards, reserves, and nearby forests.
This project got underway in mid-2023, supported by Tiakina Te Taitokerau and inspired by the success of other community-led initiatives across the region. It’s early days, but there’s already strong momentum building – thanks to the passionate locals who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.
Whether you’re keen to start trapping, help out with weed control, or support the project in other ways, we’d love to hear from you.
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Why Te Kamo?
Te Kamo was identified as a priority area because it borders Pukenui Forest – a vital habitat for many of our native species. The suburb is also home to several small forest pockets that act as stepping stones for wildlife moving between green spaces.
With effective predator control in Te Kamo, we can help protect the biodiversity of Pukenui Forest and strengthen the wider ecological network across the city.
Te Kamo is already home to a tight-knit community and many passionate environmentalists. This project builds on that existing mahi and brings people together to care for their local environment.
How you can help
1.
Maintain a trap in your backyard
2.
Record your catches on TrapNZ
3.
Volunteer at an existing project
4.
Become a Community Lead
5.
Start your own trapping project
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.
If that sounds like you (or someone you know), get in touch with us – we’d love to hear from you.
What success looks like
Here’s how we’ll know our mahi is making a difference:
- Local schools and businesses are getting involved
- There’s a strong sense of community spirit
- You’re getting more fruit off your trees (and possums aren’t!)
- Native plants are thriving
- Birdsong is louder and more frequent
- You and your neighbours have backyard traps
If every household has a trap and we work together on public spaces, Onerahi could become the first predator free suburb in Whangārei – and it all adds up. Keen to get started? Let us know!
Latest stories from Te Kamo
Meet Northland’s unique native species
From green geckos to Hochstetter’s frogs, discover Northland’s lesser-known native species and how to help protect them.
Pest Free Kamo takes root
Kamo locals are taking predator control into their own hands - trapping possums, protecting bush, and battling invasive weeds.
Pest Free Kamo success story
Learn how the Pest Free Kamo volunteer group is empowering locals to protect native wildlife through predator control and weed management.
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.