Jobs For Nature Kaimahi
Our Jobs For Nature (JFN) kaimahi had a very productive year in 2024. This was the last year of the contract, and whereas the focus had been on the west of Franklin in previous years it shifted to the east.
In addition to assisting landowners with setting up trapping networks on their land, 4 areas of high biodiversity near the Hunuas were selected for intense predator control. The concept being to create safe areas for birds exiting the Hunuas, and to improve the halo of community trapping that protects the Hunuas.
Mustelid lines were also established along 8km of the Southern coastline of the Hauraki Gulf in places where none have existed. This is principally to protect our shoreline birds from predation but also provides a level of protection to Hauraki Gulf Islands.
Having the kaimahi available has made a significant difference to predator control in the whole of Franklin. We have been able to fill in many gaps and get continuous coverage of significant areas of biodiversity, increasing the effectiveness of the community program. It is clear that a combination of community efforts and the kaimahi is the optimal way forward.
Locals are noticing a rapid increase in the populations of birds like tui and piwakwaka. Kaka have been observed for the first time in years and in one area kaka fledged chicks, which was unheard of for many years. There is nothing more motivating to the community than hearing the screech of a kaka flying overhead, or watching them strip a tree of its seed. This makes all the work seem worthwhile.
A great deal of work has gone into making this effort sustainable past the end of JFN funding, and it looks to have succeeded. Auckland Council have been enormously helpful and we look forward to the permanent presence of the kaimahi working with the community to eventually make Franklin predator free.
