A new chapter of hope is unfolding for the endangered giant kōkopu, which stands to benefit from ongoing restoration efforts by the community.
A new chapter of hope is unfolding for the endangered giant kōkopu, which stands to benefit from ongoing restoration efforts by the community-led South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network (STNN), in collaboration with the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust - Whitebait Connection, and fueled by the passion of dedicated volunteers.
Since 2021, around 2000 native seedlings have been planted along the Paturoa Stream in South Titirangi, creating essential shade to regulate water temperature and provide a healthy habitat for this threatened Galaxiid species.
Weeding and predator control measures have also been underway through Atkinson Park, in conjunction with Auckland Council since 2019. According to STNN’s co-chair, Bruce Inwood, these efforts have significantly reduced the number of invasive species that threaten native fish, like the giant kōkopu, during spawning season. Over the last 12 months alone, 351 rats, mice, possums and hedgehogs have been removed from the Paturoa Stream area.
“Early indications are that our weeding, planting and pest control work is having a positive impact on the ecosystem across the South Titirangi peninsula. And that will improve catchment health for all sorts of species,” he says.
STNN has further work planned to continue habitat restoration, including more planting days, and ongoing pest control and fish monitoring to provide ideal conditions for giant kōkopu and all whitebait species to flourish. Bruce explains that giant kōkopu in particular play a major role in keeping the aquatic ecosystem healthy and balanced.
“They’re an incredibly important part of the food chain, feeding on aquatic and terrestrial insects, freshwater crayfish and spiders. And, they help redistribute nutrients to the water through their waste which helps aquatic plants and algae continue to grow. Plus, as Bruce points out, giant kōkopu follow a unique diadromous life cycle. “While adults live upstream, their larvae are washed into the ocean, later maturing into whitebait that seek out freshwater streams to return to—not necessarily the one they spawned from.” According to Bruce, there have been a handful of sightings of young giant kōkopu above the fish passage. “That’s a promising sign as it indicates there’s recruitment into the stream.” “Our dream is that eventually there are so many giant kōkopu that some have to find somewhere else to live and we have an impact on neighbouring streams,” says Bruce.
STNN’s work is part of a wider initiative to encourage community-led suppression of weeds and pests over the surrounding 350 ha throughout the peninsula.
How you can help giant kōkopu
● Set traps beside streams in your area to keep pesky predators like rats, hedgehogs and mice in check.
● Plant native vegetation along stream edges to create leafy shade which helps them thrive.
● Protect streamside vegetation by fencing it off from farm animals.
● Stop paint, sediment, chemicals, road run-off and rubbish from flowing into storm drains, as these can pollute streams.
● Report sightings to the Auckland Council biodiversity team at [email protected].
Get involved
Connect with groups in the Waitakere Ranges
Support the valuable work of our community groups by making a donation. We have made a difference in the ranges but there is much to do.
Donate via credit card by filling the form on this page.
Alternatively, you can email us for instructions on donating via bank transfer or cheque.