Credit: Craig Mckenzie
Welcome to the Central Auckland branch, we are passionate about nature and want to build the biodiversity within our City.
Our branch area encompasses the same boundaries as the old Auckland City Council pre-supercity.
Our goal is to increase the biodiversity within our city through our own projects, by supporting existing community projects, and through education.
The branch activity and projects are organised through the committee, a team of dedicated volunteers. We're always looking for more help, so get in touch if you feel you have time to give and skills to contribute.
Come along to one of our speaker events or working bees, we'd love to get to know you.
You can read our latest newsletter here.
Native Garden Design Competition 2020
Winners announced here.
Branch Projects
Our local projects involve promoting restoration, re-vegetation, weed and pest control and increasing backyard biodiversity.
Bullock Track Bush
Our newest bush restoration project, with our first weeding session taking place in November 2018.
This triangle of mostly native trees has been struggling against the morning glory and other weeds and we are taking on the challenge to make this area thrive. The patch of land contains older and younger trees and shrubs put in a few years ago which have survived because of those in the community who have been weeding around them. There are at least five Kahikatea planted by an independent volunteer 20 years ago which are flourishing.
We begin planting on this site in June 2019, and will continue to hold regular working bees. We need volunteers to help get this project fully established.
Balmoral Heights Butterfly Park
Reviving New Zealand native butterflies, our expert Rob Jones leads this project establishing natural habitat for the purpose of providing Red and Yellow Admiral, Copper, and Long tailed blue Butterflies with a place to nest and flourish within the city. This reserve is wonderful place to visit in the summer to catch a glimpse of these butterflies you might not otherwise see in Auckland.
We hold regular working bees in the reserve each year to maintain this habitat, planting, weeding, watering and pruning. We always need extra pairs help at these events and welcome all those that would like to help.
Selwyn Bush
Two groups are involved with mostly clearing and weeding to promote the growth of appropriate seedlings which are coming through. Separately, a group is involved with trapping: we have two trap lines that are operated at different times of the year and inspected twice a week. Over time we have seen the catch numbers of possums and rats decline with mice holding steady. Again separately, I carry out poison baiting on a single line in pulses throughout the year.
Taumanu Reserve
We work to protect our sea birds here on the Onehunga Foreshore tending the two trap lines on a weekly basis, catching many rats and mice.
Eastern Songbird Project
We are keen supporters of the Eastern Bays Songbird Project which aims to restore and regenerate the natural ecosystems of the Eastern Bays to create a sanctuary alive with birds, enhancing the lives of our residents and visitors. This project is mobilising the community to take action both on their properties and in local open spaces to provide environments in which populations of birds and invertebrates can flourish. This project works with local people and organisations already trapping pests and encourage and coordinate the local community to trap throughout the residential areas. This project will contribute significantly, and be integral, to Pest Free Auckland 2050 and Predator Free NZ 2050.
Kiwi Conservation Club
The Auckland branch has a very active kids club that organises trips & activities for young eco-warriors wanting to learn about the wildlife that calls NZ home.
We have regular KCC activities and trips you can join us on.
Get involved
We need more help to better establish projects within the city and ensure their longevity.
There are lots of ways you can get involved from attending our events and working bees, or becoming part of a project team, or the branch committee.
If you have regular time to give and some skills that could help, get in touch through the branch email centralauckland.branch@forestandbird.org.nz
Looking forward to meeting you.
Your Committee,
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Gowan Robertson |
Chair |
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Marguerite Pearson |
Deputy Chair KCC co-ordinator |
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Natasha Fairley |
Secretary |
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Debbie Tangney |
Treasurer |
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Sarah Lightbody |
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