Pestival Out West, which recently took place at the Titirangi Ware Memorial Hall and Titirangi Community House, brought together 14 high profile speakers from as far afield as Christchurch, to talk about topics ranging from innovations, plant threats, a predator free West Auckland, and a species focus.
A group discussion at the start of the day considered whether the environmental volunteer groups of the Waitākere Ranges would like for the Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance to pursue a predator free project, and there was a clear mandate for the Alliance to do so. The western groups outside of the Waitākere Ranges were able to meet to discuss their interest in participating in such a project, and they too would like to work towards the vision of a predator free West Auckland and have determined that they will continue this conversation.
Te Kawerau ā Maki hosted a special lunch and cultural talk , which was followed by a panel discussion on the rahui and kauri dieback and a series of speakers covering topics such as plant viruses, exotic plants and weed biocontrol.
For those attending the innovations talks, the topics covered included a very interesting and entertaining talk on stoats and genomics, insights into the use of artificial intelligence with trail cameras and a look at some new product innovations.
The afternoon session honed in on specific species, covering wasps, feral cats and a special presentation on our lost taonga.
Thank you to all those that came along and contributed to a vibrant and exciting day full of opportunity and learning.
With special thanks to Auckland Council for their sponsorship of this event.