Opānuku is down thousands of pests, and up a new generation of mini-naturalists thanks to a hands-on pest monitoring and trapping initiative delivered to three schools at the foothills of the Waikākere Ranges by Birdsong Opānuku.
The award-winning CatchIT programme was developed by the University of Auckland in collaboration with The Forest Bridge Trust. And according to Birdsong Opānuku Trustee and CatchIT co-educator Clem Larsen, it’s giving local students the opportunity to become environmental decision-makers of the future while contributing to the ongoing biodiversity restoration efforts in the area.
Since 2019, Birdsong Opānuku has worked closely with Henderson Valley, Oratia and Waitākere primary, delivering the programme to 1000 year 5 and 6 students, with parents invited to take part.
“It teaches them to act like a scientist by experimenting and collecting data using conservation tools,” says Clem.
Students apply their learning by conducting pest control on their properties, using tracking tunnels and equipment provided at no cost.
Back at school, they upload and analyse their catch data using the CatchIT online system, developed by Auckland University.
“This hands-on approach helps them understand how to interpret statistics and make informed decisions, whether that’s about the best trap placement or what bait works most effectively,” Clem explains.
“These kids become mini naturalists, gaining a deeper understanding of their environment, what it takes to protect it and their sense of self and place in the world” he says.
“They bring this knowledge home and it spreads through the community, amplifying our efforts.
“And the support that comes from the community that surrounds all of this is huge. We wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”
Students across all three schools have so far caught 616 mice, rats and possums, reducing the pressure on native species like kōkako, miromiro, tui and piwakawaka, which Clem says are making a quite comeback in the area.
Former Henderson Valley School student and CatchIT graduate, 16-year-old Taipua Kipa went through the programme in 2019. He now helps manage a section of pest control near the Opānuku stream with friend Luke Doherty. Together, they maintain 31 rat bait stations and 5 Timms possum traps and help remove monkey apple trees which are an invading pest in the area.
Alongside his trap-building work, Taipua says he’s interested and involved in Māoritanga including the natural NZ environment.
“[CatchIT] really changed the way I see the environment…It basically planted a seed that’s been growing ever since, and now I’m proud to call myself a conservationist.”
The CatchIT programme is an NZ-wide programme and so far has been delivered to 70 classes since 2015.
About Birdsong Opānuku
Alongside the CatchIT work, Birdsong Opānuku undertakes pest control in Sharp Bush at the foot of the Waitākere Ranges, leads educational programmes and grows and distributes hundreds of native plants for the community each year, free of charge - all supported by the community.
Contact: Clem Larsen at [email protected].